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Senate at War over Development Commission Funding Source

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By Eze Okechukwu, Abuja

The Senate was at war yesterday resulting in heated arguments over the source of funding for the various Zonal Development Commissions created earlier by both chambers of the National Assembly. This was even as it struck out some provisions of section 23 of their establishment bills, which granted operational immunity to both the Board and Executives of the Commissions.

The imbroglio, occasioned by lack of agreement for a common approval ground for the source of funding for the Commissions by the Senators arose during clause by clause consideration of the South – South Development Commission Establishment bill 2024 in plenary which was used as operational and structural template for the other Commissions.

The Senate Committee on Special Duties, chaired by Kaka Shehu (APC, Borno Central) had earlier in its report recommended 15% of Statutory allocations of member states in a commission should be used to fund the Commission by the Federal Government; a move Senators like Yahaya Abdullahi (PDP, Kebbi North), Wasiu Eshinlokun (APC, Lagos East), Seriake Dickson (PDP, Bayelsa West) among others objected to.

In his disapproval speech, Senator Yahaya Abdullahi said that the provision would lead to litigation against the Federal Government by the State Governments as no state would like its statutory allocation to be tampered with in the process of funding a zonal development commission.

“Mr President, Distinguished colleagues, the 15% of statutory allocations of member States recommended for funding of their zonal development commissions would be litigated against by some state governments”, he said.

In a bid to quickly correct the meaning read into the 15% statutory allocation of the State by Senator Yahaya Abdullahi and many other Senators who indicated interest to comment, the Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin, quickly rose to correct their impression.

Senator Barau in his explanation told the Senate that the 15% Statutory allocation of member states for funding of their zonal development commission would not entail any deduction from their statutory allocation.

“Mr President, Distinguished colleagues, the 15% of Statutory allocation of member states as recommended for funding of Zonal Development Commissions by the Federal Government is not about deduction at all.

“What is recommended as contained in the report presented to us by the Committee on Special Duties and being considered by the Senate now is that 15% of statutory allocation of member states in a zonal development commission would by way of calculation come from the Consolidated Revenue Fund.

“Each state has monthly statutory allocation, 15 % of which as contained in this report being considered will be calculated by the federal government and removed from the consolidated Revenue Fund for funding of their Development Commission.

Despite Barau’s explanation, many of the Senators still not convinced, indicated their interest to speak but were prevented from doing so by the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio who pointed out that the provision was in order as constitutionally supported.

“We don’t need to be debating on whether 15% statutory allocation of member states in a commission would be deducted or not in view of provisions of section 162 ( subsection 4) of 1999 constitution which empowers the National Assembly to appropriate from either the Consolidated Revenue Fund or Federation Account .

“15 % of statutory allocation of member states has been recommended by the Senate and by extension , National Assembly , for funding of their zonal development commission by the federal government, anybody who wants to go to court over that may do so “, he said .

He consequently put the question on adoption of the provision for voice votes to Senators and ruled that the ayes have it.

In his remarks after the passage of the consolidated bills, Akpabio thanked the Senators for spending several hours on final consideration and amendment of the Zonal Development Commission which, according to him, would serve as bedrock for the newly created Ministry of Regional Development.

The bills considered and passed were the South – South Development Commission Establishment Bill 2024, North West Development Commission Act (Amendment) Bill 2024, South East Development Commission Act (Amendment) Bill 2024 apart from the South West Development Commission Establishment Bill 2024 and North Central Development Commission Establishment Bill 2024 earlier passed.

NEWS

NYSC Doctor Donates 155 Menstrual Cups to Policewomen in Jos

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From Jude Dangwam, Jos

A National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member Dr. Hope Adeyi serving at Police College Cottage Hospital in Jos, Plateau State, has donated 155 menstrual cups to policewomen, wives of police officers alongside civilian staff.

The donation was made during the “Affordable and Hygienic Menstruation for Every Woman” outreach held at the Nigeria Police Staff College on Tuesday in Jos the Plateau State capital.

According to Adeyi, “The cost of sanitary pads has risen sharply nationwide, and for many families, it has become increasingly unaffordable.

“As a result, some women are now forced to use unsafe alternatives such as old rags, tissue paper, or improvised materials.

Unfortunately, these practices significantly increase the risk of reproductive tract infections, urinary tract infections, bad odour, discomfort, and reduced confidence,” she stated

The Doctor Copper highlighted the benefits of menstrual cups, saying, “Menstrual cups offer several benefits; they are safe, reusable, and environmentally friendly. A single cup can last up to 10 years when properly cared for. They only require regular washing with clean water, which is readily available in our community.

“They greatly reduce the financial burden of buying monthly disposable pads and help prevent infections by promoting cleaner and safer menstrual practices,” she explained.

She emphasized that providing the cups is more than a donation: “By providing menstrual cups to our women today, we are not just giving a product, we are offering long‑term relief, health protection, and empowerment. This project ensures that no woman in our community has to choose between her health and affordability,” she maintained.

The initiative she said was made possible by generous sponsors, whose contributions Dr. Adeyi thanked. “Your contributions go beyond financial support—they demonstrate a deep commitment to the dignity and health of women in this community. We thank you sincerely,” she said.

The NYSC doctor urged the women present to prioritize their health and dignity noting that, “Your health matters. Your comfort matters. Your dignity matters. Today’s outreach is a step toward ensuring that every woman in this community is supported, protected, and empowered,” she emphasised.

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NEWS

Mutfwang Congratulates Gen. Danjuma on 88th Birthday, Lauds His Philanthropy

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From Jude Dangwam, Jos

Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has extended his warm congratulations to Lt. Gen. Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma on his 88th birthday.

In a statement signed by his Director of Press and Public Affiars Gyang Bere and made available to Newsmen on Tuesday described Gen.

Danjuma as “a symbol of excellence, an exemplary philanthropist, and a symbol of hope whose life has been wholly devoted to the defence, progress, and upliftment of humanity”.

Mutfwang praised Gen. Danjuma’s outstanding contributions to national life, citing his courageous military service, visionary business leadership, and transformative philanthropic work.

“You remain a priceless national asset and an extraordinary achiever who has enjoyed uncommon grace from God to lead, to serve, and to excel in diverse spheres of human endeavour,” he stated.

The Governor also highlighted Gen. Danjuma’s commitment to improving the lives of vulnerable Nigerians through the TY Danjuma Foundation, which has become a lifeline to underserved communities nationwide.

Mutfwang on behalf of his family, the government, and the people of Plateau State wished Gen. Danjuma long life, sound health, renewed strength, and divine wisdom as he continues to offer wise counsel and mentor younger generations.

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CRIME

Enugu Police Arrest 25-Year-old Man over Alleged Kidnapping, Armed Robbery

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From Sylvia Udegbunam, Enugu

Operatives of the Enugu State Police Command attached to the New Haven Division and the Distress Response Squad (DRS), on 6th December 2025 at about 6 a.m., swiftly responded to a distress call and arrested one Orlu Chukwuemeka (male, 25).

Investigations revealed that the suspect and his accomplice, who is currently at large, disguised as commercial operators of an unregistered white mini bus and abducted their female passenger in a one-chance-styled operation at Fourth Dimension, along Chime Avenue, Enugu.

During the incident, the suspects stabbed the victim, pushed her out of the moving vehicle along the same Chime Avenue, and escaped, after robbing her of an Android phone and ATM card.

Police operatives immediately trailed and intercepted them within Independence Layout, Enugu, leading to the arrest of Orlu, while the other suspect fled.

Ina press statement sent by the Police public relations officer Enugu State Command, Daniel Ndukwe stated that the victim was promptly taken to the hospital for medical attention, where she regained stability and was able to positively identify the arrested suspect as part of the criminal gang.

The suspect has since been arraigned in court and remanded in custody, while intensive efforts are ongoing to track down the fleeing accomplice and ensure every person involved is brought to justice.

The Commissioner of Police, Mamman Bitrus Giwa, appreciates the timely support from public-spirited citizens that aided the swift arrest. He reiterates the Command’s unwavering resolve to combating violent crimes across Enugu State this festive season and beyond, urging residents to continue providing credible and timely security information.

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