How the Decaying Remains of Justice Azuka, a Missing Lawmaker From Anambra, Were Discovered

Nearly two months following his abduction, the remains of Hon. Justice Azuka, who served as the representative for Onitsha North constituency 1 in the Anambra State House of Assembly, have been discovered in a state of decomposition. The body was located on Thursday morning at the 2nd Niger Bridge by a joint security team. Azuka was kidnapped by armed assailants on December 24, 2024, while he was making his way home along Ugwunaobankpa Road in Inland Town, Onitsha. After several weeks of investigation, security personnel from Abuja apprehended the suspects on the evening of Wednesday, February 5, 2025. The detained individuals subsequently guided authorities to the site where they had disposed of the lawmaker's remains.

Regarding Land Policy, Trump Threatens to Cut off U.S. Aid to South Africa.

U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a warning regarding the potential cessation of all aid to South Africa, while also condemning the nation’s land expropriation policies. Trump asserts that this contentious policy has allowed South Africa to seize land in an "unjust" manner and to mistreat specific groups "severely." This statement follows President Cyril Ramaphosa's enactment of the Expropriation Bill in January, which facilitates state-led land expropriation and ensures fair compensation. Nevertheless, Ramaphosa has indicated a willingness to discuss bilateral matters of shared interest and concern with Trump.

Why the NLC Called off a Planned Nationwide Demonstration Over the Hike in Telecom Tariffs

The Nigeria Labour Congress has reversed its decision regarding the planned nationwide protest against the Federal Government's approval of a 50 per cent increase in telecom tariffs. Initially, the NLC, under the leadership of its national president, Joe Ajaero, had set Tuesday, February 4, as the date for the protest. However, this action has been rescinded following discussions with government officials at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation in Abuja on Monday. The Nigerian Communications Commission, the regulatory body for the telecom sector, justified the 50 per cent tariff increase by pointing to rising operational costs attributed to inflation, fluctuations in foreign exchange rates, and increased energy expenses. In contrast, the NLC firmly opposed the tariff hike, stating: “After thorough discussions, the following resolutions were reached: NAC-in-session categorically rejects the 50 per cent increase in telecom tariffs, deeming it excessively burdensome for citizens. Consequently, it strongly denounces the Nigerian Communications Commission’s decision to endorse this increase.” “This decision is callous, unjustifiable, and constitutes a direct assault on Nigerian workers and the general public, who are already grappling with escalating economic difficulties exacerbated by government policies beyond their control.” Conversely, Gbenga Adebayo, Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria, remarked: “This increase is essential for our survival. Anything less would be akin to providing someone in dire need of 100 litres of oxygen with only a small fraction—barely sufficient to sustain life but inadequate for long-term viability.” Regarding the cancellation of the protest, Ajaero informed journalists that: “We stressed that the NLC is the largest organization in Africa, and no stakeholder consultation can be deemed valid without our involvement. Based on this premise, they consented to establish a broader committee to ensure a fair and inclusive agreement that will comprehensively review the entire tariff structure to develop a realistic and all-encompassing arrangement.” The committee will consist of five representatives from each side, with the expectation of reaching a conclusion within two weeks. This outcome will guide the subsequent course of action and the engagement process. The planned symbolic act of submitting the letters will be postponed until the committee's findings are available. The results of this committee will dictate our future actions regarding protests, boycotts, and potential service withdrawals, which are the three primary concerns we have raised. Additionally, it was noted that there is significant dissatisfaction regarding the elevated electricity tariffs and the oppressive tax system, which adversely affects workers. These issues remain unresolved and require urgent attention. Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, remarked that a study conducted by the NCC has already justified the 50 percent increase. Discussions are ongoing with Labour. Labour has consented to review this study, and a small committee has been established to reassess it and provide a final resolution for both government and Labour's consideration within two weeks. In summary, the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Federal Government delegation have formed a committee, each comprising five members. They will convene continuously over the next two weeks, culminating in a recommendation for the government and organised Labour to consider. Both the organised Labour, particularly the NLC, and government representatives have reached an agreement on this approach. Consequently, there will be no protests by the Nigeria Labour Congress tomorrow, and a report will be generated in approximately two weeks to evaluate the study and other relevant factors from both parties.

A 73-year-old Man in Ogun Was Assaulted by a Monarch Captured on Camera.

A monarch, the Olorile of Orile-Ifo, Oba Abdulsemiu Ogunjobi, has come under scrutiny following an incident involving the assault of a 73-year-old man, Areola Abraham, in Ogun State. In a widely circulated video, Oba Ogunjobi and his associates were observed slapping and striking Abraham, compelling him to kneel and prostrate before them. During the altercation, Ogunjobi was heard asserting his supposed authority over the Nigeria Police Force. The victim recounted his experience, stating, "I inquired about my alleged offense, but he refused to listen; his sole intention was to humiliate me. He often boasts that he will showcase the video to others, claiming he made me beg for mercy." "He threatened that he controls the police and that he could kill me without consequence. I implore the Nigerian government to protect me from him, as I now live in fear for my life." In response to the incident, the Committee for Defence of Human Rights submitted a petition to the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, on Monday, urging for the arrest and prosecution of Oba Ogunjobi for the assault on Abraham. Speaking to reporters in Abeokuta, Mr. Yinka Folarin, the National Vice President of CDHR, asserted that Oba Ogunjobi exploits his past affiliation with the police to engage in various unlawful activities. "The egregious actions of Oba Ogunjobi, as depicted in the viral video, include the recent assault on Elder Areola Abraham Love JP, a 73-year-old resident of Ifo, which occurred on January 21, 2025." "Elder Areola Abraham Love JP was violently attacked by Oba Semiu Adewale Ogunjobi and members of his alleged killer squad. The elderly victim, who suffers from a medical condition, recounted that he was on his way to procure food when the Olorile of Ifo summoned him." "He approached respectfully, only to be met with aggression from the Oba, who struck him multiple times and commanded his entourage to assault him. Despite the old man's pleas, they fell on deaf ears, as the Oba is well-known for his violent behavior and public assaults," Folarin remarked. In response to recent events, the Ogun State Government has suspended the Olorile of Orile-Ifo, Oba Abdulsemiu Ogunjobi, for a period of six months due to his inappropriate behavior, which is deemed unworthy of his royal position. This decision was announced in a statement by Kayode Akinmade, the Special Adviser to Governor Dapo Abiodun on Communication and Strategy, on Monday. It followed an invitation extended by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ganiyu Hamzat, to both Oba Ogunjobi and his alleged victim, 73-year-old Areola Abraham, for questioning. Akinmade remarked, “The necessity for this action arose from the irresponsible statements and public behavior exhibited by the Kabiyesi, which have been widely circulated on social media and discussed in public forums. “Following the investigation into the matter, the Kabiyesi has been suspended and deprived of the symbols of the Olorile-Ifo title while awaiting the outcome of the inquiry regarding his alleged misconduct. “This decision was made collaboratively by the ministry and the Egba Traditional Council, in accordance with Section 52(1) of the Obas and Chiefs’ Law of Ogun State 2021.” Additionally, the Nigeria Police Force has confirmed that they have summoned and questioned the Oba concerning the incident. The NPF stated on Twitter on Monday: “OGUN STATE PUBLIC ASSAULT: The Monarch has been summoned to the State Police Command today for questioning. It is crucial to emphasize that no individual possesses authority over the Nigeria Police Force. An investigation is currently in progress, and justice will be pursued.” WATCH THE VIDEO: https://twitter.com/i/status/1886501705795428750

How a Five-Year-Old in Kwara Set a Duplex Building on Fire

A five-year-old boy reportedly ignited a fire in a duplex building on Monday while playing with matchsticks in Ilorin, the capital of Kwara State. The incident occurred on Abiodun Adebiyi Close, located off Yidi Road in the Irewole area of Ilorin, within the Ilorin West Local Government Area. An eyewitness, who spoke to Punch Online, indicated that one of the rooms in the duplex was entirely consumed by flames, resulting in significant property damage before the state fire service arrived to mitigate further destruction. The witness, identified as Lanre Abdulrazaq, mentioned that he was engaged in a menial job nearby. He recounted, “We noticed thick smoke emanating from the building and raised the alarm to alert those in the vicinity for a rescue effort. Initially, we were unaware of the fire's origin, but later, the fire service arrived and managed to control the situation.” Hassan Adekunle, the spokesperson for the state fire service, confirmed the incident, attributing it to the actions of the five-year-old boy who accidentally dropped a lit matchstick onto a flammable material, which intensified the fire. Adekunle, who serves as a principal fire officer and head of Media and Publicity for the state fire service, issued a statement on Monday night stating, “Preliminary investigations indicated that the fire was initiated by a five-year-old boy playing with matches, who inadvertently dropped a lit stick onto combustible material, igniting the flames.” “On Monday, February 3, 2025, at approximately 17:32 hours, the Kwara State Fire Service received an emergency call regarding a fire outbreak at Abiodun Adebiyi Close, off Yidi Road, in the Irewole area of Ilorin. Our dedicated firefighters responded promptly, arriving at the scene to find one room in a five-bedroom duplex fully engulfed in flames. “Through their expertise and technical skill, the team worked diligently to contain the fire, preventing it from spreading to other rooms or adjacent buildings. Thanks to their exceptional coordination and proficiency, only one room sustained damage.” The Director of the Kwara State Fire Service, Prince Falade John, praised the firefighters for their prompt and strategic actions. He encouraged the community to emphasize fire safety and advised parents to store matches out of reach of children, highlighting that even one matchstick has the potential to devastate an entire structure. Adekunle stated that the State Fire Service is unwavering in its dedication to safeguarding lives and property through professionalism and swift emergency response.

Important Road Projects Included in the Presidential Infrastructure Development Fund (PIDF) Have Been Approved by the Federal Executive Council.

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved several significant road projects as of Monday. An allocation of N470.9 billion has been designated for the access road in Delta State, while N148 billion is set aside for the access road leading to the Second Niger Bridge in Anambra State. For the reconstruction of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway (Phase 2, Section 1), an approval of N195 billion has been granted under the Presidential Infrastructure Development Fund (PIDF). The reconstruction of three segments of the Lokoja-Benin road will be carried out entirely with concrete, with a total budget of N305 billion. This includes N64 billion for the section from Obajana to Benin (Section I), N110 billion for the Auchi to Edo segment (Section II), and N131 billion for the area surrounding Benin Airport (Section III). A contract worth N3.571 billion has been approved for a thorough structural assessment of the Third Mainland Bridge and Carter Bridge in Lagos. Additionally, the FEC has sanctioned the Ado-Ekiti–Igede Road Project with a budget of N5.4 billion, along with a N22 billion contract for the Onitsha-Owerri expressway. The Wusasa-Jos route in Kaduna State has been allocated N18 billion. For a joint road project in Abia and Enugu states, a total of N12.75 billion has been allocated to address critical areas within budgetary limits. Furthermore, the FEC has approved N252 billion for the Abuja-Kano highway, which has been divided into two main segments. During a press briefing after the FEC meeting in Abuja, David Umahi, the Minister of Works, indicated that the first section extends from the boundary of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to Niger State, including an additional 5.71 kilometers. The second section covers areas within Kano State, featuring a 17-kilometer extension. Umahi emphasized that most forthcoming infrastructure projects, including the Lokoja-Benin and Abuja-Kano highways, will employ reinforced concrete pavement instead of traditional asphalt. He stated that concrete roads offer greater durability and are more cost-effective over time. In fact, the expenses associated with these concrete projects are considerably lower than those of previous asphalt-based contracts that were declined by certain contractors. "We will not tolerate excuses, such as high temperatures, for road failures. The sections that have been affected are being reconstructed with appropriate supervision."

Tinubu's Ten Accomplishments in January 2025 are Listed by the Presidency.

1. Approved establishment of Federal University in Kaduna South. 2. The FG and WIOCC sealed a $10m deal to connect 3 million Nigerian homes with broadband fiber connectivity. 3. The FG launched the National Health Fellows Program to onboard young Nigerians across774LGAs as part of efforts to reform the health sector. 4. FG Flagged off 5 mini LNG plants to boost industrial gas supply. 5. FG unveiled NEXTGEN RESCO program to empower youths in renewable energy. 6. Established 36 additional CNG refueling stations to support Energy transition. 7. Launched Youth farmers portal to tackle unemployment and food security. 8. Approved the release of N32.7bn for the implementation of the National Social Investment Program (NSIP). 9. Distributed N1.424 trillion to FG, states and LGs for December 2024. 10. Released N22bn for payment of outstanding pension benefits. @PBATMedia Centre