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Governor Alex Otti Proposes ₦750 Billion Budget for 2025 Fiscal Year.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

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Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has submitted a proposed budget of ₦750 billion for the 2025 fiscal year to the state House of Assembly for review and approval. This budget reflects a notable increase of approximately 30% from the previous year’s budget of ₦523 billion.

In his presentation, titled “Budget of Sustained Momentum,” Otti allocated ₦611.7 billion, or 82% of the total budget, for capital expenditures, while ₦138.6 billion, representing 18%, is earmarked for recurrent expenditures. The governor acknowledged the significant economic challenges facing the state, including inflation and fluctuating exchange rates, which have impacted fiscal strategies.

Otti highlighted several key initiatives within the proposed budget. Notably, ₦13 billion is designated for the establishment of agro-industrial processing zones in the local government areas of Bende, Ukwa, and Umunneochi. Additionally, ₦55 billion is allocated for ongoing and new road projects, with plans to construct 170 kilometers of rural roads across all 17 local government areas. Furthermore, ₦4 billion is set aside for the refurbishment and reticulation of a 47-kilometer pipeline for the Umuahia Regional Water Scheme.

The health and education sectors are prioritized, with a combined total of 35% of the budget allocated—15% for health and 20% for education. Otti emphasized that the budget was developed with significant input from the citizens of Abia State, who participated in various engagement sessions.

In terms of revenue projections, the governor anticipates a 213% increase in the state’s internally generated revenue (IGR), alongside substantial rises in statutory allocations, grants, and Value Added Tax (VAT). To finance the remaining ₦364.1 billion, which constitutes about 51% of the budget, the administration plans to utilize borrowing from domestic and multilateral channels, ensuring that all borrowing is strictly for project execution.

Governor Otti reassured the assembly that no funds had been borrowed to date and that his administration remains committed to fiscal discipline. He reiterated that borrowing would only occur when necessary and exclusively for projects that would generate returns.

In response, the Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa, commended the governor’s budget proposal, affirming the House’s support in achieving the outlined goals for the 2025 fiscal year. The proposed budget signifies a strategic approach to addressing the developmental needs of Abia State while ensuring financial prudence.

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Wike says the labour union’s strike in Abuja is politically motivated.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

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Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has described the indefinite strike declared by the FCT chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress as politically motivated.

The strike followed the expiration of a seven-day ultimatum issued to the FCT Administration over unresolved concerns about teachers’ promotions, including the requirement for vacant positions before promotions can be granted. The labour council directed workers in schools, hospitals, government offices and other establishments to withdraw their services.

Wike, however, maintained that the issues raised by labour had already been addressed and were being implemented. He also claimed that the Trade Union Congress and the Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools had distanced themselves from the action.

The minister warned that the government would enforce its “no work, no pay” policy against participating workers. He further alleged that the FCT NLC chairman was pursuing a political agenda linked to the African Democratic Congress.

The dispute has therefore extended beyond the immediate questions surrounding teachers’ promotions, with both sides maintaining sharply different positions on the status of the negotiations.

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Court Issues Arrest Warrant for Former Imo Governor Okorocha and Araraume Over Alleged Forgery.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

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A Senior Magistrate Court sitting in Jiwa, Abuja, has issued bench warrants for the arrest of former Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha, Senator Ifeanyi Araraume and two others over allegations of criminal conspiracy, forgery and the presentation of false documents.

The court also ordered the arrest of Timothy Ama Chuks and Amen Okorocha, who are accused of conspiring with Okorocha to produce and submit allegedly fabricated All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial primary results.

The warrants, issued on September 9, 2026, authorise police officers nationwide to arrest the four suspects and produce them before Senior Magistrate Court 3 in Jiwa, Abuja. The case was brought by the Inspector-General of Police.

The development follows a complaint by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which asked the police and the Department of State Services to investigate Okorocha over his alleged circulation of fake primary election results.

INEC said the authentic results submitted by the APC showed that Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma won the Imo West Senatorial District primary. The commission added that the party subsequently submitted Uzodimma’s name as its candidate.

In a letter dated October 8, 2026, INEC described the document allegedly presented by Okorocha as “fraudulent and fictitious.” It urged security agencies to investigate the matter, warning that the alleged conduct could threaten law and order in Imo State.

The accused persons have yet to appear before the court to respond to the allegations.

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Alleged Sexual Offense: Poco Lee Returns to Social Media Following Arrest in the UK.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

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Nigerian dancer and influencer Poco Lee has returned to social media following his arrest in the United Kingdom over alleged sexual offenses.

According to reports, Poco Lee was arrested and remanded in August 2026 after reportedly facing five charges, including two counts of assault by penetration, one count of attempted rape, and two counts of rape. He was released on bail in September 2026.

Since his release, the dancer had largely stayed out of the public eye. However, he recently shared new photographs on Instagram with the caption, “ODINAKA,” while asking fans to forgive his absence from social media.

In the background music, he reportedly said in Yoruba, “E ma binu pe mi si ni online oo,” meaning, “Please forgive me for not being online.”

Several celebrities, including Zlatan, Israel DMW, Phyno, Yhemo Lee, Cubana Chief Priest, Cute Abiola, Destiny Etiko, Kiekie, and others, welcomed his return in the comment section.

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