The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has initiated legal proceedings against 37-year-old Sulaiman Danwawu, a suspected high-profile drug trafficker, by filing an eight-count indictment at the Federal High Court in Kano State. Danwawu’s arrest took place on May 10, 2025, in a coordinated operation executed by the Kano State Police Command. Following his apprehension, he was transferred to the NDLEA for in-depth investigation and eventual prosecution. Legal documents from the court indicate that Danwawu is being prosecuted for the unlawful possession of several restricted pharmaceutical and recreational substances. These include Tramadol, Rohypnol, Cannabis Sativa, Pregabalin, and Codeine-based cough syrup—all of which are recognized as narcotic drugs under Nigeria’s current legislation. The alleged violations occurred at Cairo Street in the Tudun Yola area of Gwale Local Government Area (LGA) within Kano State on multiple dates during May 2025. The NDLEA asserts that Danwawu held these controlled substances without any legal permit or medical justification, which constitutes a breach of Section 19 of the NDLEA Act, Cap N30, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004. Should Danwawu be found guilty, he will face significant punitive measures, as Nigeria continues to intensify efforts to combat the spread and impact of narcotics trafficking and abuse, especially in the northern region.
A total of over 1,300 civil servants who were retrenched in Zamfara State have reportedly failed to present themselves before the state’s verification committee, which was recently set up by Governor Dauda Lawal. According to LMSINT MEDIA, the committee recorded appearances from fewer than 800 public servants during the verification process. Governor Lawal initiated the formation of the committee following pressure from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC), who raised concerns over alleged wrongful terminations linked to the implementation of the new ₦70,000 minimum wage policy. During a media briefing, the State Head of Service, Yakubu Sani Haidara, acknowledged the low turnout and revealed that the Governor had extended the deadline by ten days, ending on Tuesday, May 20, 2025. Despite the extension, the number of attendees remained unsatisfactory. Haidara emphasized that the civil service operates under strict guidelines, and any affected employees who failed to attend the reverification exercise would be labeled as ghost workers. He also disclosed that 209 civil servants from the State Ministry of Education deserted their workstations without obtaining any official clearance. “When an employee deserts their workplace for several weeks or months without authorization, it implies that they have effectively dismissed themselves,” Haidara said. However, after appeals from key stakeholders, Governor Lawal gave the directive for the 209 absentees to submit formal apology letters for documentation, which led to their reengagement. Despite being reinstated, these individuals will not receive salaries or allowances for the months during which they were absent. Additionally, 51 staff members from the State Ministry of Finance were reported to have abandoned their duties. Out of these, 39 have been reinstated, while 11 are still in the process of pleading for reconsideration. Haidara assured that the current administration has no intention of laying off workers unjustly. Instead, the primary objective is to restructure and enhance the efficiency of the Zamfara State civil service. He concluded by affirming that every government worker must be able to account for their monthly earnings through active service.
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Nigerian movie star Ekene Umenwa has opened up about a troubling experience she faced during her early days in Nollywood. The actress shared that she was urged by some unnamed influential individuals in the industry to renounce her Christian faith in exchange for fame and success. She made this bold revelation in a heartfelt Instagram post on Wednesday, where she reflected on her unwavering decision to stand by her beliefs despite the pressure. In her post, Umenwa described how these individuals advised her to abandon her devotion to Jesus and Mary, insisting that success in the film industry required her to “go with the flow.” She recalled their words:“Ekene, this industry no be Jesus Jesus matter oo.” In response to the pressure, she said: “I was shocked and said, ‘Chimo, is that so?’ Never. I ran back to my Father. Jesus told me to move forward and never look back.” To further express her gratitude and spiritual conviction, the actress posted a video of herself enjoying the gospel track ‘No Turning Back’, highlighting how staying true to her faith brought her peace and success. Umenwa added: “I thank God today that many people have joined me to proclaim Jesus in Nollywood.” Ekene Umenwa gained nationwide recognition for her performance in the 2013 film Black Choir. Since then, she has starred in over 100 Nollywood movies, solidifying her presence in the Nigerian film scene. ? Watch Ekene Umenwa’s Instagram Video Here
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American R&B star Chris Brown has been granted bail by a UK court after facing serious assault charges. The Grammy Award-winning singer, aged 36, was released on the condition that he pays a £5 million bail bond, allowing him to continue his upcoming international concert tour. Under the terms set by the court, Brown is allowed to resume his tour schedule, beginning June 8 in Amsterdam. However, the presiding judge made it clear that the bail condition requires him to return to the UK for a set of concert performances scheduled to start from June 15. Failure to return will result in forfeiting the entire bail amount. According to LMSINT MEDIA, Brown was not physically present at the bail hearing held in Southwark Crown Court, London. Despite the ongoing legal matter, he is slated to perform at venues across Europe, including France, and in the United States in 2025. Brown faces charges of “grievous bodily harm with intent” related to an incident that allegedly occurred on February 19, 2023, at a nightclub in Hanover Square, London. The victim reportedly endured multiple strikes with a bottle, followed by being chased, punched, and kicked during the attack. Law enforcement detained the artist in the early morning of May 13, shortly after he arrived in Manchester via a private jet. Authorities took him into custody at a luxury five-star hotel in the city’s northwest region. Judge Tony Baumgartner, who presided over the case, emphasized that Brown must remain at a specific residence registered with the court. If not actively touring, the singer must also surrender his passport. Additionally, he has been banned from contacting the alleged victim, identified as Abraham Diah, and is prohibited from visiting the nightclub where the alleged incident took place. Brown and his co-defendant, identified as Omololu Akinlolu, a US national, face similar charges. Both are expected to return to Southwark Crown Court for a subsequent hearing scheduled for June 20.
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Former Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Petit has voiced his disappointment with the team’s performance this season, expressing frustration over the club’s inability to secure a trophy under manager Mikel Arteta. Petit, known for his strong presence in midfield during his playing days at Highbury, made it clear that Arsenal’s recent failures—particularly their Champions League exit to Paris Saint-Germain—have worn down the patience of supporters, himself included. Following Arsenal’s elimination from the UEFA Champions League by French giants PSG, Petit didn’t mince words in an interview shared by Casinozonderlimiet (via GOAL), stating: “After we lost against Paris Saint-Germain, the fans were mocking Arsenal because of that. It’s the same in England. Arsenal are a good team, a good club, but everyone says that they are not one of the top clubs in Europe in terms of history.” The former French international emphasized that Arsenal’s long-standing struggle to clinch major silverware on the European stage has become an ongoing concern. “That is because they have failed and I am tired of it. This team needs to change the situation and win something. They need to compete until the end and not just at the start,” Petit added. As the 2024/2025 football season draws to a close without silverware for the Gunners, their ambitions for lifting a major trophy are once again deferred to the following season. Petit’s message points directly to the need for a revamped squad during the summer transfer window if Arsenal hopes to challenge for honors both domestically and in Europe.
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Tottenham Hotspur have emerged victorious in this season’s UEFA Europa League after securing a narrow 1-0 victory over Manchester United on Wednesday night. Both Premier League sides approached the final in Bilbao with determination, eager to end a lackluster campaign on a high note. Securing the Europa League title was not only a chance at silverware but also offered an automatic spot in next season’s UEFA Champions League. The decisive moment came during the first half when Brennan Johnson capitalized on a defensive lapse in United’s box. The forward reacted quickly to a loose ball and calmly slotted it past goalkeeper Andre Onana to give Spurs the lead. Manchester United, under the guidance of Ruben Amorim, responded strongly after the interval. Bruno Fernandes delivered a perfectly weighted free-kick that found Leny Yoro, but his attempt was denied by a brilliant save from Guglielmo Vicario. Spurs’ defense was further tested when Rasmus Hojlund’s header looked destined for the net, only to be cleared dramatically off the line by Micky van de Ven. Despite United’s attacking pressure in the second half, Tottenham remained resilient and managed to preserve their lead until the final whistle. This win marks a historic milestone for Tottenham Hotspur. It is their first European title in four decades, ending a 40-year drought. Additionally, it represents their first piece of silverware in over 17 years and 86 days, a significant achievement for the North London club and their supporters.
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Canadian pop icon Justin Bieber recently opened up about a past conflict he had with his wife, Hailey Bieber, involving her aspirations to grace the cover of Vogue Magazine. The globally renowned couple, who now share the spotlight on the cover of the latest Vogue Magazine issue, are celebrating their appearance with heartfelt posts on social media. In a touching Instagram caption, Justin Bieber reflected on a moment of emotional tension during their relationship when he doubted Hailey’s potential to appear in the prestigious fashion publication. Recounting the incident, the singer shared that during a particularly intense argument, he told Hailey she would never be featured on Vogue Magazine’s cover. However, now faced with the reality of their joint Vogue appearance, Justin humbly acknowledged his mistake. In his post, he stated: “This reminds me when [we] got into a huge fight, I told [her] that she would never be on the cover of Vogue. Yikes, I know. […] Baby u already know but forgive me for saying u wouldn’t cuz clearly I was sadly mistaken.” This candid confession offers a glimpse into the personal growth and deeper understanding between the couple. It also underscores the importance of support, humility, and reflection in relationships, especially under the pressures of global fame.
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Afrobeats sensation Small Doctor has voiced strong disapproval regarding the alarming surge of drug abuse among Nigerian youth. The artist, who hails from Agege, Lagos, shared his personal encounter that left him emotionally disturbed and deeply concerned about the future of young Nigerians. During a recent visit to the neighbourhood where he grew up, Small Doctor observed an unsettling sight. He revealed that he came across some of his childhood friends—young men once full of potential—who were in such a drug-induced state that they were literally sleeping while standing. This disturbing experience, according to him, was both shocking and saddening. He used the opportunity to advocate for greater awareness and intervention against drug misuse, calling for more voices to rise in support of the campaign. The artist also referenced a piece of advice he received from Fuji music legend Wasiu Ayinde (K1 De Ultimate) six years ago. According to Small Doctor, Ayinde had encouraged him to establish a drug rehabilitation centre, foreseeing that the demand for such facilities would become increasingly vital. He described the advice as prophetic, stating that Ayinde “saw the future.” Taking to his verified X (formerly Twitter) account, Small Doctor wrote: “There’s one guy that consistently speaks out against drug use on social media—I think his name is David-something, though I can’t recall fully. We need his voice now more than ever. I walked through a few neighbourhoods this past Sunday and what I saw broke my heart. The rate at which young people are indulging in substance use today is beyond alarming. Wasiu Ayinde advised me six years ago to set up a rehab centre, calling it the new oil. That man had vision. What pained me most was returning to my old neighbourhood and seeing guys I grew up with literally asleep while standing. Some were even stuck in awkward and strange postures while sleeping. It’s truly devastating.”
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A 27-year-old man identified as Musa Lamidi has been remanded in a correctional center following accusations of murdering his father, Rufai Lamidi, in Eruwa, Oyo State. The Iyaganku Magistrates’ Court in Ibadan issued the remand order on Wednesday. The accused, who reportedly has no fixed residential address, is facing a murder charge. Presiding Magistrate Olaolu Olanipekun declined to entertain Lamidi’s plea, citing the court’s lack of jurisdiction over the matter. He instructed that the police transfer the case file to the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) for further legal review and advice. The matter was subsequently adjourned until July 10 for mention. Earlier, the Prosecuting Officer, ASP Musbau Lawal, informed the court that the incident occurred at around 11 p.m. on May 11 in Eruwa. He alleged that Lamidi struck his father on the forehead with a stick, an action that allegedly led to the elder Lamidi’s death. The prosecutor noted that the crime violates Section 319 of the Criminal Code Law of Oyo State (2000), which pertains to homicide.
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So, you want to start an online business in Nigeria—but you don’t have a dime. Maybe you’re tired of job hunting or just looking for a way to build something real that earns while you sleep. The good news? You don’t need to be rich to launch a profitable business online. You just need the right strategy, tools, and hustle. This guide shows you step-by-step how to build an online business in Nigeria from scratch without spending a kobo upfront. It’s not about cutting corners. It’s about using what’s already available for free—then turning it into income. No gimmicks, no sugarcoating. Before we dive in, let’s clarify what this is not: This is real talk about real strategies that thousands of Nigerians are already using to earn online—without any startup capital. If you’re ready, here’s exactly how to make it happen. 1. Choose a Profitable Online Business Model (No Capital Required) You can’t succeed without the right foundation. Here are four online business models you can start in Nigeria with zero capital: a. Freelancing Offer skills like writing, graphic design, video editing, or digital marketing on platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or Toptal. Even if you’re not an expert yet, you can learn a high-demand skill for free on YouTube or Coursera. Why it works: You’re exchanging your time and talent—not your money. Nigerian freelancers like Michael Oladipo earn six figures in dollars doing this. [Read our guide on how to become a successful freelancer in Nigeria.] b. Content Creation (YouTube, TikTok, Blogging) If you have something to say or show, you can start a channel or blog. Both platforms are free to launch. YouTube Tip: Use your smartphone. You don’t need fancy cameras. Consistency and valuable content win. Blogging Tip: Start a free blog on Medium or WordPress.com, and use SEO to rank. Monetization: AdSense, affiliate marketing, sponsored posts, and brand partnerships. c. Affiliate Marketing You promote other people’s products and earn a commission on every sale. Join Nigerian affiliate programs like: You don’t need inventory or delivery logistics. Just traffic and trust. d. Social Media Management or Virtual Assistant Small businesses in Nigeria are desperate for digital help. You can offer to manage social media accounts, reply to DMs, or handle admin tasks. Tools like Canva, ChatGPT, and Buffer are free and make you look like a pro. 2. Learn the Skills You Need—for Free Lack of money is not your problem—lack of skill is. Here’s where to learn without spending a kobo: Focus on: Start learning one, not all at once. You don’t need 10 skills. You need one skill you master. 3. Use Free Tools to Run Like a Pro Here are powerful tools that won’t cost you anything: Pro Tip: Build your brand even if you’re broke. A decent logo from Canva, a bio, and a simple free site can make you look credible. 4. Build an Audience with Content (Not Ads) You can’t sell if no one knows you. Paid ads are great—but you don’t need them at the start. Instead, use organic growth: [Check our content marketing roadmap for beginners in Nigeria.] 5. Monetize Without Spending a Kobo Once you have attention or skill, here’s how to monetize it: You don’t need 100k followers. You need trust + consistency. 6. Register Your Online Business (Optional but Smart) You can operate informally at first. But to access bank payments, partnerships, and trust, it helps to register your business name. Visit: CAC Portal — ₦12,000 or less. You can do this later, once your side hustle starts bringing in steady income. Final Thoughts: Start Small. Stay Loud. Stay Consistent. The biggest lie in the game is “you need money to make money.” In Nigeria today, all you really need is a smartphone, internet connection, and resourcefulness. You won’t become a millionaire overnight. But if you start today and stick to it for six months, you’ll be way ahead of those waiting for the “perfect time.” Share this post with someone who needs to read it. Quick Recap:
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Pastor Chris Oyakhilome DSc DSc DD Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed (1 Corinthians 15:51). Many misinterpret Hebrews 9:27, which says, “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.” They conclude from this verse that every person must die once. But the actual rendering is that because it was appointed for men to die once, Christ died once for all humanity. His death was the fulfilment of that appointment, not a statement that every individual is doomed to die physically. The Gospel of Jesus Christ abolishes mortality. 2 Timothy 1:10 says, Christ Jesus abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the Gospel. This is a present reality for those in Christ. You’ve been brought into immortality—deathlessness. Immortality means you don’t die. Some argue that men like Enoch and Elijah who were taken by God without dying must return to earth to experience physical death. This is also absurd, as it undermines the essence of the Gospel and the victory of Christ over death. The Lord Jesus declared, “…I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die…” (John 11:25-26). The revelation of eternal life is vital. John wrote, “These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life…” (1 John 5:13). Eternal life is the nature of God imparted to the human spirit at the New Birth, and you must live daily with the consciousness that you have passed from death to life. Life works in you now that you’re born again. This knowledge and revelation is necessary for you to walk in the fullness of God’s plan for your life. Mortality has been defeated, and you’ve been called to walk in the realms and reality of immortality. The generation of the Church that hears and acts on this message is the generation of the Rapture, and we’re that generation. PRAYERDear Father, I thank you for the gift of eternal life, which I possess in Christ Jesus. I declare that death has no dominion over me, for I walk in the reality of immortality, as unveiled in the Gospel. I live in the consciousness of this life, upward and forward only, in Jesus’ Name. Amen. FURTHER STUDY1 John 5:11-12And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 He that hath the Son hath life; [and] he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. 1 Corinthians 15:53-57For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal [must] put on immortality. 54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. 55 O death, where [is] thy sting? O grave, where [is] thy victory? 56 The sting of death [is] sin; and the strength of sin [is] the law. 57 But thanks [be] to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. || Romans 8:10-11And if Christ [be] in you, the body [is] dead because of sin; but the Spirit [is] life because of righteousness. 11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. DAILY SCRIPTURE READING1-Year Bible Reading PlanJohn 10:1-21 & 2 Kings 6-7 2-Year Bible Reading PlanMark 12:1-12 & Numbers 24 Extract From Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional DAILY AFFIRMATIONS: I live above the limitations of the human body and the physical realm through the ability of God’s Spirit. Health, peace, joy, and the glorious life are my present-hour inheritance. I am a king and a priest unto God and my words are full of power and authority; therefore I live a life of victory, success, divine health, abundance, excellence, and glory. I can never be small, the Spirit of God is magnifying my voice and influence around the nations of the world. The anointing of God’s Spirit has set me apart for greatness, causing me to spread and make progress on every side. In my business, job, career, finances, academics, family, and in all that concerns me. Christ lives in me! I’m the expression of His reality, His grace, glory, kingdom, power and personality! I’m the expression of His fullness; He is my completeness. It makes no difference what challenges I face in life; there’s a force – an empowerment – at work in me to blaze through the barriers. I live in health, prosperity, and excellence. I have no lack in this life because all my needs are met in Christ Jesus. I’m strong in Him and in the power of His might! I am not moved by the prevalent circumstances anywhere in the world. Every day of my life is full of God’s glory, beauty, excellence, and grace. My life is for the glory of God and I experience His goodness and mercies today. My life is a life of honour, excellence, praise, glory and thanksgiving to the Lord at all times. I live my days in health and prosperity. I do not suffer from headaches, colds, fevers, diabetes, stomach pain, or any such thing. I refuse arthritis, diabetes, cancer, tumors, paralysis, kidney failure, heart failure, and lung failure in any place in my body. I have received an overflowing of God’s grace. I enjoy promotions, unending success, and an extraordinary life of excellence, victory, and dominion. I am loaded with good things. I am exalted with Christ in glory; I know who I am. I am chosen, royal, and peculiar! I have the supernatural grace to
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President Donald Trump has unveiled the conceptual framework for the “Golden Dome,” a proposed $175 billion missile defense initiative that, for the first time, would deploy U.S. weapons in space. Announced from the Oval Office, Trump expressed confidence that the system would be “fully operational before the end of my term,” concluding in 2029, with capabilities to intercept missiles “even if they are launched from space.” A U.S. official familiar with the program indicated that while full operational capability by that date is ambitious, initial functionalities might be achievable. Seated beside a poster depicting the continental U.S. in gold with artistic missile interception illustrations, Trump also named Gen. Michael Guetlein, current vice chief of space operations, to oversee the Golden Dome’s development. The envisioned system comprises both ground and space-based components designed to detect and neutralize missiles across all four primary stages of a potential attack: pre-launch detection and destruction, early flight interception, midcourse engagement, and terminal phase neutralization as missiles approach their targets. Pentagon planners have been evaluating options categorized as medium, high, and “extra high” based on cost, all incorporating space-based interceptors. The primary distinction among these versions lies in the quantity of satellites, sensors, and, notably, space-based interceptors to be procured. The Congressional Budget Office recently estimated that the space-based elements alone could incur costs up to $542 billion over the next two decades. Trump has proposed an initial $25 billion allocation for the program within his tax break bill currently progressing through Congress. The Pentagon has long cautioned about the advanced missile capabilities developed by China and Russia, necessitating updated countermeasures. Golden Dome’s additional satellites and interceptors, which constitute the bulk of the program’s expenses, aim to intercept these sophisticated missiles during their early or mid-flight phases. Gen. Chance Saltzman, head of the U.S. Space Force, informed lawmakers that the space-based weapons proposed for Golden Dome represent unprecedented missions for military space organizations. China and Russia have deployed offensive space weapons, including satellites capable of disabling critical U.S. satellites, increasing U.S. vulnerability. Last year, the U.S. reported that Russia was developing a space-based nuclear weapon capable of lingering in orbit and emitting bursts to destroy nearby satellites. Trump mentioned that he had not yet discussed the Golden Dome program with Russian President Vladimir Putin but intends to do so at an appropriate time.
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A significant dispute has emerged between Nigeria’s National Assembly and the civic organization BudgIT regarding the 2025 federal budget. BudgIT alleges that lawmakers have inserted 11,122 projects totaling N6.93 trillion into the budget, projects which purportedly do not align with the Medium-Term National Development Plan (2021–2025) or other national priorities. In response, both chambers of the National Assembly—the Senate and the House of Representatives—have denied these allegations, asserting their constitutional authority to amend the budget. BudgIT, an organization dedicated to promoting transparency in public finance, contends that these insertions represent a deepening culture of exploitation within the budget process. They highlight that 238 projects, each valued above N5 billion and totaling N2.29 trillion, were added without sufficient justification. Additionally, 984 projects worth N1.71 trillion and 1,119 projects ranging from N500 million to N1 billion, totaling N641.38 billion, were indiscriminately included, raising concerns about their relevance to national priorities. Further analysis by BudgIT reveals that 3,573 projects worth N653.19 billion are designated for federal constituencies, while 1,972 projects worth N444.04 billion are allocated to senatorial districts. Notable anomalies include 1,477 street light projects valued at N393.29 billion, 538 boreholes totaling N114.53 billion, 2,122 ICT projects worth N505.79 billion, and N6.74 billion earmarked for the empowerment of traditional rulers. A particularly concerning aspect is that 39% of all insertions, amounting to 4,371 projects worth N1.72 trillion, were added to the Ministry of Agriculture’s budget, inflating its capital allocation from N242.5 billion to N1.95 trillion. Similarly, the Ministries of Science and Technology, and Budget and Economic Planning saw their allocations increase by N994.98 billion and N1.1 trillion, respectively, due to these insertions. BudgIT also points to the misuse of agencies like the Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute (Lagos) and the Federal Cooperative College, Oji River, which have been assigned projects beyond their technical capacities. For instance, the Federal Cooperative College, primarily a training institution, has been allocated N3 billion for utility vehicles to support farmers and distribution agents, N1.5 billion for rural electrification in Rivers State, and N1 billion for solar street lights in Enugu State. Despite these findings, the Presidency has remained silent. BudgIT had previously launched the “The Budget is a Mess” campaign in late 2024 to highlight such issues and submitted formal letters to the Presidency, the Budget Office, and the National Assembly. However, no responses have been received, and no institution has taken responsibility for the anomalies. Gabriel Okeowo, BudgIT’s Country Director, emphasizes the urgent need to restore integrity to Nigeria’s budgeting process. He criticizes the unchecked project insertions by the National Assembly, stating that they derail national planning, weaken public trust, and divert resources from critical development priorities. Okeowo calls on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to exercise stronger executive leadership and reform the budgeting process to ensure alignment with national development plans. He also urges the Attorney-General to seek a constitutional interpretation from the Supreme Court regarding the National Assembly’s appropriation powers and calls on anti-corruption agencies like the EFCC and ICPC to track these projects to ensure value for money. In defense, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, asserts that the 2025 Appropriation Bill was presented by the executive, thoroughly reviewed, and passed based on the exact amount presented. He dismisses the allegations as falsehoods aimed at stirring public disaffection against the National Assembly. Similarly, Clement Jimbo, Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on National Planning and Economic Development, refutes the claims of budget padding, describing them as completely false and rooted in ignorance of the legislature’s constitutional responsibilities. He emphasizes that the National Assembly has the authority to review, amend, and approve the national budget, ensuring it reflects the aspirations of Nigerians. Jimbo explains that the budget undergoes scrutiny by nearly 200 specialized committees in the House of Representatives, each interfacing with corresponding government ministries, departments, and agencies. He clarifies that individual lawmakers cannot unilaterally divert funds to favored regions or interests, and any such claims are misleading and factually incorrect. The lawmaker concludes by reiterating that the recent reports alleging budget padding by the National Assembly are false and calls for greater public understanding of the legislative process.
