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Must Read🇳🇬Punch Nigeria·9 mins ago
Borno opposition demands probe into ₦4bn rail project error in 2025 budget report
Opposition parties, including the Nigeria Democratic Congress and Africa Democratic Congress, along with residents in Borno State, are calling for an external investigation into the inclusion of a non-existent four billion naira railway project in the state's 2025 budget implementation report. The Borno State government admitted that the project, marked as 100 percent complete, was an administrative error. Usman Tar, the state Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, stated that an internal review confirmed no rail project was awarded, funded, or executed by the state government in the Maiduguri Metropolitan Council and Jere Local Government Area during the 2025 fiscal year. The Publicity Secretary of the Nigeria Democratic Party, Aliyu Balarabe, urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Commission to conduct a fair and transparent investigation, questioning the accountability and transparency of the government. Baba Mustapha, Spokesperson of the African Democratic Party, described the government's action as unfortunate and called for a thorough investigation into the public funds. Residents also expressed disbelief, with Hassan Aminu of Maiduguri demanding a re-evaluation of the total government expenditure given the erroneous figure.
3 min read
🇳🇬Punch Nigeria·9 mins ago
Kebbi South Senator Garba Maidoki defects from APC to ADC over internal party disputes
Senator Garba Maidoki, representing Kebbi South, has announced his defection from the All Progressives Congress APC to the African Democratic Congress ADC. The senator, who chairs the Senate Committee on Legislative Compliance and is Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Information and National Orientation, cited unresolved internal disputes stemming from the APC's recent primaries in Kebbi State as his reason. He conveyed his decision in a letter to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, which was read during Tuesday's plenary. Maidoki stated that his decision followed extensive consultations with his constituents, believing the ADC aligns better with his district's interests. Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau appealed to Maidoki to reconsider, suggesting that the issues within the Kebbi APC could be resolved through reconciliation. However, Maidoki declined the appeal, affirming his decision to leave the ruling party. This defection follows Maidoki's resignation from the APC in May 2026, ahead of the party's senatorial primary election, and is part of a trend of politicians leaving the APC for the ADC in anticipation of the 2027 general elections, often due to dissatisfaction with party primaries and internal conflicts.
1 min read
Must Read🇳🇬Punch Nigeria·29 mins ago
Iran and Oman to study Strait of Hormuz maritime service fees
Iran and Oman announced on Tuesday that they will study the costs for services provided in administering the Strait of Hormuz. Both nations emphasized their sovereign rights over their territorial waters. Iran has previously stated its intention to charge maritime service fees for passage through the strait, a plan opposed by the United States. A joint working group between the foreign ministries of Iran and Oman will maintain dialogue to reach an agreement on the future administration of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, including services and associated costs, in accordance with international standards. Oman's Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi stated on X that both sides are committed to "toll-free safe passage." This development follows meetings in Muscat between top officials from both countries, including Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, who met with Oman's Sultan Haitham bin Tariq and Foreign Minister Albusaidi. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical waterway for global crude oil and liquified natural gas transit.
2 min read