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LP Lawmaker who supported N160Million SUV For Lawmakers, Says Nigeria Needs To Reduce Cost Of Governance

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9 months ago

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Mr Benedict Etanabene, a member of the Labour Party (LP) in the House of Representatives, has said there is a need for Nigeria to reduce the cost of governance to move the country forward.

The lawmaker said this when he appeared as a guest on a live programme aired by Arise News TV, stating that corruption and reckless spending of public funds by political officeholders are to be blamed for the country’s lack of growth.

He said, “I have said it severally and we all agreed that the way we are running the government is too expensive. We must adjust everywhere.

Let me give one clear example: governments shout every day that they are doing bunkering, who are those that do bunkering? The same big men in government in Abuja here. People sell crude more than what the Nigerian government is selling.

We are not even meeting our quota in OPEC. So if we cut down (governance) and corruption, we will gain a lot of money.”

Meanwhile, Benedict was among the lawmakers who lost their voices when the leadership of the 10th National Assembly bought luxurious SUVs valued at about N160 million each for over 460 lawmakers in 2023.

The purchase of these vehicles was a subject of public condemnation, yet none of the lawmakers publicly objected to it as the National Assembly went ahead with the extravagant spending.

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project filed a lawsuit against the purchase of the vehicles by the lawmakers

The civil group filed the action on the heels of the statement by Senate President Mr Godswill Akpabio that the Clerk of the National Assembly had sent “holiday allowances” into the “various bank accounts of senators” while the current government had pushed about millions of Nigerians into abject poverty.

In suit numbered FHC/L/CS/1606/2023 filed at the Federal High Court in Lagos, SERAP seeks: “an order of mandamus to direct and compel Mr Akpabio and Mr Abbas to review and reduce the N40 billion budgeted to buy 465 Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) and bulletproof cars for members and principal officials.

An order restraining Mr Akpabio and Mr Abbas from demanding or receiving the N40 billion to buy 465 SUVs and bulletproof cars for members and principal officials until an assessment of the socio-economic impact of the spending on the 137 million poor Nigerians is carried out in the public interest.

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Politics

Arewa leader in Lagos dumps NNPP for APC, forms new political group

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March 13, 2025

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A prominent leader of the Arewa community in Lagos, Alhaji Abdullahi Dan Fulani, has officially defected from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), bringing along his supporters.

He made this announcement during a meeting with the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, at the National Assembly in Abuja.

As part of his political realignment, Dan Fulani also declared the formation of a new political movement, Arewa Community for Barau Jibrin Maliya, aimed at consolidating northern support for the senator.

“In politics, you don’t wait for opportunities; you create them. Leadership is about direction, not just position,” Dan Fulani stated while explaining his decision to switch parties.

He emphasized that his move to APC was strategic and aligned with the interests of the Arewa community in Lagos.

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Ex Abacha aide, Hamza Al-Mustapha officially defects to SDP

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10 hours ago

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March 13, 2025

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Major Dr. Hamza Al-Mustapha has officially joined the Social Democratic Party (SDP), marking a new phase in his political journey aimed at national development.

Accompanied by his team, Al-Mustapha arrived at the SDP headquarters in Abuja, where he was warmly received by party leaders and supporters.

He said his move to the party signals his commitment to leadership based on justice, security, and progress.

His defection comes days after former Kaduna governor, Nasir El-Rufa’i moved to the SDP.

El-Rufa’i has said that they would move against the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration during the 2027 polls.

Hamza Al-Mustapha was the Chief Security Officer to former military ruler General Sani Abacha during his administration from 1993 to 1998.

He was known as one of Abacha’s closest associates during the military regime.

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Tinubu support group names Yahaya Bello as Star Associate

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11 hours ago

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March 13, 2025

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A pro-Tinubu group, Nationwide Tinubu Connect Associates, NTCA, has appointed former Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State as a Star Associate.

The NTCA is a registered group of like-minded Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora,who are committed to the promotion of the laudable efforts and programmes of President Tinubu administration to reposition Nigeria for political and economic growth.

Those who presented the appointment award to Bello included the group’s National Coordinator, Hon. Henry Nwabueze, and Chief Contact and Head of Mobilisation, Dr Haruna Madisca.

NTCA, in a statement, said: “A Kogi State leader, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, better known as The White Lion, has been appointed as distinguished Star Associate of President Tinubu by the NTCA.

This great movement is making Nigeria safe and great again by trying to connect all the 36 States and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Now, Kogi is connected. In 2027, it will be 4+4 because there is no vacancy in Aso Rock.”

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