NEWS
Senate Assures Adequate Funding of Fiscal Responsibility Commission

By Eze Okechukwu, Abuja
The Senate has vowed to allocate adequate funds to the Fiscal Reserve Commission and other agencies of the government which play watchdog roles, stressing that those agencies cannot continue to be weakened by underfunding, given their strategic and critical roles in compelling revenue generating agencies to comply with financial regulations.
Senate Committee Chairman on Finance, Senator Mohammed Sani Musa stated this during the 2025 budget defence of the Fiscal Responsibility Commission on Monday in Abuja, when the Chairman of the Commission, Victor Muruako appeared before him. Sani lamented the underfunding of the Fiscal Responsibility Commission, noting that the principle of budget envelope which makes it mandatory for the Budget Office to make proposals for them was hampering their activities as adequate funds have never been allocated since its establishment in 2007.The Fiscal Responsibility Commission was established in 2007 under the Presidency by the Act of Parliament to “promote a transparent and accountable government financial management framework for Nigeria.”The lawmaker explained that the parliament will look into FRC’s 2025 budget with a view to reconsidering it.He said: “One major area that we looked at is funding. You are not funded very well. And you are just like the watchdog of all those agencies that generate revenue. You are more like the office of the Auditor General. But yours is different because you mainly look at revenue and remittances. What they’ve done has outweighed you. And honestly, Mr. Chairman, I will commend you because you’ve been up and doing all this.”“And we will do our best to see how the authorities can reconsider your budget starting from 2025. Thank you, the commissioners, and this is the first time I’m having a full picture of your agency.“Just as I said, the Committee honestly will not go into looking at what is here, but more is to concentrate on how we can get that request approved. Because that will be the basis of which you will be comfortable that you have your working budget. And then secondly about the issue of the amendment to the act.“That was that one. And I recall vividly, this is a kind of disability act that was passed in front of the first piece of legislation, just at the beginning of this year. And we did it then with a view in bringing transparency and accountability. And when I look at the budget, it’s just the story of this great country, a very sad story.“I have written a letter to the Senate President which is still with me and I would like to discuss with him personally concerning the abysmal funding of the Commission before I submit it to him which I know will be passed to the Appropriation Committee.In his budget performance report, the Chairman of the Commission, Victor Muruako said, they were doing their best, but inadequate funding has posed a major challenge to enforcing remittances in the Consolidated Revenue Fund, CRF.According to him, the 2025 budget of N1.6 billion for the Commission was grossly inadequate for the extensive work the agency was into, while he expressed the hope that lawmakers will reconsider funding of the agency.A member of the Committee, Senator Abdul Ningi representing Bauchi Central Senatorial District and other members supported the reconsideration of the FRC budget.They also aligned with the Commission Chairman’s request for amendment of the Act to strengthen compliance by Government Owned Enterprises and improve transparency and accountability in public finance management.NEWS
Police Officer Commits Suicide in Ogun

The Police Command in Ogun State has confirmed a police officer, Insp Ajele Oloyede, allegedly shot himself in the Igbesa area of the state.
The command’s spokesperson, CSP Omolola Odutola, confirmed this in a statement issued to journalists in Ota, Ogun state, on Sunday.He said before who the tragic incident at about 1:20 p.
m. on Friday, the deceased officer was on special duty at Goodwill Ceramic Company,“According to preliminary reports, Tolorunloju Stephen, an officer attached to the Force Headquarters Annex, Lagos,who was also on special duty at the company.
“He had just returned from Ikeja when he entered the security office.
“He found Oloyede resting his head on a table.
After exchanging pleasantries and briefly inquiring about his well-being, Oloyede responded positively.“Shortly after, Stephen proceeded to the restroom but moments later heard a gunshot.
“Rushing back, he found Inspector Oloyede lying in a pool of blood.”
Odutola said that with the assistance of private security personnel, the injured officer was immediately rushed to Ota General Hospital, where he was confirmed dead by the attending doctor.
She added that the firearm used in the incident had been recovered, and the officer’s body had been deposited at the hospital for an autopsy.
“The Ogun state police command has launched an investigation into the tragic death of Inspector Oloyede, who was reported to have shot himself while on special duty at Goodwill Ceramic Company, Igbesa,” Odutola said.
She noted that the Commissioner of Police had ordered a full-scale investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident, including the possibility of foul play or mental health concerns.
Odutola assured that the police swiftly contacted the deceased officer’s family.
According to her, the case will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Eleweran, for a thorough investigation.
She extended the Nigeria Police Force’s deepest condolences to the officer’s family, colleagues, and loved ones.
“The command remains committed to the well-being of its officers and will ensure all necessary support is provided during this difficult time,” she added.
NEWS
We Didn’t Borrow to Accomplish Achievements in 3 Years – Gov Soludo

Gov. Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has said that his administration achieved significant progress in infrastructure and human capital development in three years without borrowing money.
Soludo made the disclosure on Sunday during a thanksgiving Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Awka, ahead of the celebrations marking his third anniversary in office on March 17.
He said: “I express my gratitude to the Almighty God because it is a journey ordained by God.
Tomorrow, March 17, we will be three years in office.“Three years ago, we applied for this job and you employed us based on trust. Looking back on the promises we made, it is fair to say so far, so good.
“We have commissioned over 750 kilometers of roads, with more than 400km already completed. Additionally, we have recruited over 8,000 teachers and rehabilitated public schools to enhance the education sector.
“We achieved remarkable progress in youth empowerment, agriculture, security, and the health sector. Today, Anambra is leading in health in Nigeria.
“We have done all these without borrowing one kobo in three years.
The governor said his goal was to transform the state into the Dubai, Taiwan, and Silicon Valley of Africa, leveraging its abundant resources and exceptional human capital.
“We still have one more year left in this tenure, and I want to assure you that we will continue working diligently every single day to fulfill the promises we made to you.
“So far, we are on track to laying the foundations for realising the Anambra of our dreams,” he said.
Soludo thanked residents for their support and prayers.
Earlier in his sermon, Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Bishop Matthew Kukah, said that serving as a governor, senator, or bishop is a sacred contract with both God and the electorate.
According to him, it is a form of stewardship, where one is entrusted with duties that demand accountability to the people and adherence to personal principles.
Kukah praised Gov. Soludo for his accomplishments over the past three years and for his expression of gratitude to God.
“I’m from Kaduna State, but I must admit I’m jealous of the progress in Anambra. You have consistently had governors who leave their unique mark in terms of good governance.
“Anambra is a state with great men and women like Cardinal Francis Arinze, late Chinua Achebe, Chimamanda Adichie, late Dr Alex Ekwueme and many others. And I’m happy that Gov. Soludo is consolidating on the gains.
“I have seen some of the projects by Gov. Soludo and I commend him. These are projects that will improve the quality of life of the people.
“I pray that your agenda for securing the people, for education, health, women and youth empowerment will be achieved by God’s Grace for the betterment of the people,” Kukah said.(NAN)
NEWS
6 Die as Truck Rams Into Vehicles, Pedestrians in Onitsha

The Police Command in Anambra has confirmed that six people died in a multiple-vehicle accident on Saturday at Upper Iweka axis of Onitsha, the commercial hub of the state.
The command’s Public Relations Officer(CPRO), SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said in a statement on Sunday that the police had taken over the accident scene to maintain order and facilitate investigations.
“According to eyewitness accounts, the accident occurred due to the loss of control of a truck, which rammed into pedestrians, two tricycles, and a commercial bus loaded with passengers,” he said
Ikenga noted that the crash claimed six lives, while several others sustained injuries and were currently receiving treatment at the hospital.
He added that the bodies of the deceased had been deposited in the morgue.
He added that some relatives of the victims had been contacted and informed about the incident.
Ikenga said that the command extended its condolences to the families and friends of the deceased and wished the injured a swift recovery.
He urged drivers to conduct necessary safety checks before plying the roads to prevent such tragic incidents.
The CPRO assured the public that further updates would be provided as investigations progressed (NAN)