General
Reps to Discuss Buhari’s Refusal to Sign Electoral Act in January
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila, has said when the parliament resumes next year, the presidential decline of assent to the Electoral Act (Repeal and Re-Enactment) Bill, 2021 would be discussed.
Mr Gbajabiamila said this on Tuesday when the lower chamber of the National Assembly held its last plenary for 2021.
President Muhammadu Buhari had refused to sign the electoral bill into law, citing the cost of conducting direct primary elections, security challenges and possible manipulation of electoral processes by political actors as reasons.
After reading a letter from Mr Buhari on why he refused to sign the act, the Speaker informed his colleagues that the short notice made it impossible to deliberate the issue before going for the Christmas and New Year break.
“As it is now, that bill has not received presidential assent, and it falls to parliament to decide the best way forward. When we return in the new year, we will resume our efforts to reform the electoral system in our country. And we will do it together.
“That is what the Nigerian people expect of us, and we will do our duty for God and country. As long as this one breathes, it will survive. When we return, we will address it,” Mr Gbajabiamila said.
The Speaker, who commended members for the efforts they made to ensure the passage of the bill, also recalled other reform initiatives by the House in 2021, including further interventions in the COVID-19 pandemic, proposals to tackle insecurity and enhancing the capacities of the Nigerian Customs Service and the Nigerian Security Civil Defence Corps to deliver on their mandate.
He said in 2022, the House would sustain its commitment to serve the nation, adding that unlike in the past, politics and preparations for the next elections would not distract members from their duty.
Mr Gbajabiamila reminded lawmakers of the Legislative Agenda of the 9th House, which he said must be followed through to its conclusion.
“In the past, election years have witnessed a decline in governance activities as political pursuits cloud the calendar. That will not be the case this time around.
“As you are aware, we have a legislative agenda in this 9th House of Representatives, which we tagged Our Contract with Nigerians. I expect that we will do everything within our power to keep the commitments we made in that document. So that when we appear before our various constituencies, we can stand tall in the knowledge that despite challenges and difficulties, we did what we promised to do, and given a chance again, will do even more,” he said.
Specifically, on COVID-19, Mr Gbajabiamila said vaccination was the way to go, else the country faced the risk of being denied access to participation in cross-national engagements in the in-coming year.
The Speaker recalled that evidently, the virus would not go away soon, a reason the House foresaw the future in 2020 by introducing the infectious diseases bill, which was later marred by controversies.
“At that time, our good faith efforts were wilfully mischaracterised by individuals who saw the moment as an opportunity to score cheap political points. Today, the whole world is grappling with the issues we sought to identify and address then.
“There are many lessons to be learned from that experience. Most paramount of them all, is that public policy is serious business and the welfare of the Nigerian people must never be surrendered on the altar of cheap populism or the pursuit of short term political advantage,” he said.
Mr Gbajabiamila disclosed the plan of the legislature to consider the merging of many Ministries, Departments and Agencies of the federal government with overlapping functions, to help address the increasing inadequacy of budgeting as well as scrapping the envelope system.
The Speaker paid glowing tributes to the personnel of Nigerian security agencies and other Nigerians working in very difficult situations to keep Nigeria safe and together at the risk of sacrificing their own lives.
“I honour their service and sacrifice, and I ask you to join me in doing the same. I also celebrate all Nigerians who, despite challenges, still believe in the promise of Nigeria. And who acting in that belief, continue investing in Nigeria and innovating here.
“I want to assure you that you have the gratitude of the 9th House, and more importantly, our support in every way required,” he said.
Before adjourning the plenary till 2022, the House of Representatives passed the 2022 budget of N17.126 trillion.
By Adedapo Adesanya
Nigeria-backed startup Terra Industries has launched drones and mine-clearing robots for the country’s military use to fight Islamic militants and reduce reliance on imported defence equipment.
The startup on Monday unveiled interceptor drones, mine-clearing unmanned vehicles and battlefield intelligence software that officials said could help troops confronting insurgents who have increasingly used roadside bombs and drones in recent attacks.
The launch shows a growing effort by Nigeria to reduce dependence on imported military hardware and build domestic defence manufacturing capacity, after years of buying aircraft, armoured vehicles and surveillance systems from countries including China, Turkey, Pakistan and the United States.
However, procurement delays, maintenance bottlenecks and rising foreign exchange costs have strengthened the case for local production, with Terra Industries among the first of such beneficiaries.
Terra Industries had previously focused on civilian drones and security technology before expanding into defence systems. In February, it signed a pact with Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) as part of efforts to boost the country’s defence industrial capacity and advance indigenous high-technology development.
“We are unveiling new defence systems such as our interceptor UAVs, our minesweepers, ground vehicles that can detect IEDs on the ground, and our battlefield intelligence software,” according to Mr Nathan Nwachukwu, the chief executive officer of the firm.
The need for security has risen in recent years, as groups such as Islamic State and al-Qaeda are gaining ground in Africa, converging along a swathe of territory that stretches from Mali to Nigeria, which is also battling with Boko Haram and other cells which remain active despite repeated military offensives.
Militants have stepped up attacks against army positions using improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and drones, forcing armies to invest in counter-drone systems, electronic warfare and autonomous ground equipment.
Major General Babatunde Alaya, head of the state-owned DICON, said collaboration with Terra Industries was necessary, given troop casualties caused by hidden explosives and roadside bombs.
DICON has long been central to Nigeria’s ambition to produce more of its own defence equipment, but progress has historically been slow. Partnerships with private firms are increasingly seen as a faster route to innovation and scale.
Terra Industries, which is valued at $100 million, has also announced plans to expand beyond Nigeria, including a manufacturing facility in Ghana, signalling ambitions to serve a wider African market and position itself in the region’s growing security technology industry.
By Adedapo Adesanya
President Bola Tinubu has charged Nigeria’s newly appointed ambassadors and high commissioners to help pursue foreign investments from their designated countries, charging them to strengthen strategic partnerships and reposition the country’s global image in line with evolving diplomatic realities.
This is contained in a statement by Mr Yomi Odunuga, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr George Akume.
According to Mr Odunuga, the President, represented by the SGF, gave the charge at the opening of an induction course for the envoys in Abuja.
The President said that the appointments of the envoys reflected the administration’s confidence in their capacity to advance Nigeria’s interests on the international stage.
He noted that the global system was undergoing rapid transformation driven by shifting geopolitical dynamics, economic uncertainties, technological disruptions, climate challenges and emerging security threats.
He added that the developments had made the role of diplomats more critical than ever.
”The international system is evolving rapidly. We must be prepared to meet these challenges by focusing on how best to protect and promote Nigeria’s national interest,” he said.
President Tinubu urged the envoys to adopt a modern, results-oriented approach to diplomacy by combining traditional methods with digital engagement, public diplomacy and strategic communication.
He underscored the importance of telling Nigeria’s story in a compelling and credible manner while projecting the achievements of his administration, also calling on them to be proactive and innovative in fostering partnerships, promoting trade and attracting foreign direct investment and technology to Nigeria.
According to him, safeguarding the welfare of Nigerians in the diaspora must remain a top priority.
He also announced a reordering of Nigeria’s foreign policy framework, known as the 4D Doctrine.
He said that the doctrine, originally anchored on Democracy, Development, Demography and Diaspora, had now been rearranged to Demography, Development, Diaspora and Democracy.
According to him, the adjustment places Nigerians at the centre of foreign policy and is aimed at ensuring that international engagements deliver tangible benefits to citizens.
The president further stressed the need for professionalism, integrity and patriotism in the conduct of diplomatic duties, reminding the envoys that they serve not only as government representatives, but also as custodians of the country’s image abroad.
He also emphasised accountability, urging missions to be result-driven, prudent in resource management and guided by clear, measurable goals that would contribute to economic growth and national development.
He encouraged the participants to fully engage in the induction programme, noting that it was designed to equip them with the knowledge and skills required for effective diplomatic service in a rapidly changing world.
He commended the National Assembly for the swift confirmation of the nominees and urged the envoys to justify the confidence reposed in them.” You have a special responsibility in helping to reposition Nigeria in global affairs. The world is watching,” he said.
By Adedapo Adesanya
Lagos-based socialite and chief executive of Oceangate Engineering Oil & Gas Ltd, Ms Aisha Achimugu, has denied reports that $13 million was discovered in her residence, describing the claim as inaccurate and misleading.
Ms Achimugu denied the claims during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today late on Monday, where she addressed allegations surrounding a raid on her home by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Addressing the widely circulated claim, Ms Achimugu insisted that no such sum was recovered from her residence.
“Let me also correct an impression that 13 million dollars was not found in my house when my house was raided. And let me also correct that what is published on the website of EFCC is a certain state. I want to believe that it is not Lagos state because the state was not clear.
“So, it’s what is out there. So I won’t also entertain that it’s a Lagos state because that hasn’t been thrown at me. My house was raided, yes, but only $50,000 and 13 million naira belonging to my mom were found in my house and then again, my personal belongings. I don’t know where Nigerians got the impression that I had 13 million dollars in my house. I’m not a bank, so I won’t keep 13 million dollars in my house,” she stated.
She, however, declined to comment extensively on the matter, citing ongoing legal proceedings, but explained that the foreign currency in her possession was kept for practical reasons, noting that her children study abroad.
“It is important to have some foreign currency available for emergencies,” she said.
Speaking on the source of her wealth, Ms Achimugu maintained that her financial success is rooted in legitimate business ventures.
She disclosed that her company participated in oil block bidding rounds between 2022 and 2024 and emerged successful through what she described as a transparent process. Achimugu also dismissed suggestions that her success is tied to political connections.
Recall that Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja affirmed the final forfeiture of $13 million linked to the Lagos socialite in March.
Justice Nwite had, on August 22, 2025, granted the anti-graft agency’s motion ex parte for an interim order forfeiting the sum of $13 million linked to Oceangate Ltd to the Federal Government over allegations that the fund was proceeds of unlawful activity.
The judge had then directed the commission to publish the order in a national daily for interested people to show cause within 14 days why the fund should not be permanently forfeited to the federal government.
In 2024, the businesswoman gained significant media attention for a seven-day birthday celebration in Grenada, which was attended by high-profile guests, reportedly including Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
The socialite also defended her widely publicised birthday celebration, noting that it had been “planned for 10 years” and was not funded with any money under investigation.
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