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馃嚦馃嚞Punch Nigeria路3 hours ago
Atiku Abubakar issues ultimatum to President Tinubu over Federal Audit Service Bill
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has given President Bola Tinubu a seven-day ultimatum to either sign the Federal Audit Service Bill into law or formally inform the National Assembly of his reasons for withholding assent. Atiku stated that failure to do so should lead to the President's resignation, accusing Tinubu of violating the 1999 Constitution by not acting on the bill within the legally prescribed period. He emphasized that continued inaction undermines democratic governance and public accountability. Atiku, through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, highlighted that the President's delay in assenting to or rejecting the bill, months after its transmission by the National Assembly, disregards the Constitution. Citing Section 584 of the 1999 Constitution, Atiku noted that the President is required to signify assent or withhold assent within 30 days of receiving a bill. The Federal Audit Service Bill aims to strengthen the independence of the Office of the Auditor-General, modernize Nigeria鈥檚 public audit system, and improve oversight of government spending. Atiku alleged that the President鈥檚 inaction reflects a broader pattern of constitutional disregard and warned that selective obedience to the law weakens institutional safeguards. The presidency had not responded to Atiku鈥檚 comments at the time of reporting.
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Must Read馃嚦馃嚞Punch Nigeria路10 hours ago
Nigerian officials, governors, and experts advocate for state police amidst security concerns; SDP rejects Gbajabiamila's role on panel
Senior Nigerian government officials, governors, lawmakers, security experts, and international stakeholders convened in Abuja to discuss a comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria鈥檚 policing architecture, advocating for a decentralized security system. This consensus emerged at the ARISE News and THISDAY Town Hall on State Police and National Security, where participants emphasized that the success of state policing depends on legal, financial, and institutional frameworks to prevent abuse and ensure accountability. The event followed President Bola Tinubu's inauguration of the Presidential Working Group on the National Policing Bill, tasked with drafting the legal framework for state police. The proposed constitutional amendment aims to move policing from the Exclusive Legislative List to the Concurrent Legislative List, allowing states to establish their own police services under a nationally regulated framework. Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa retd., highlighted that military force alone cannot guarantee lasting peace, stressing the need for kinetic and non-kinetic strategies, including dialogue, community engagement, and intelligence gathering. Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak supported Nigeria's push for state police, suggesting that a decentralized structure could improve internal security with strong legislation and federal oversight, while acknowledging concerns about potential abuse by governors. Senate Majority Leader Opeyemi Bamidele cautioned that
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馃嚦馃嚞Punch Nigeria路11 hours ago
Nigerian House of Representatives calls for strong diplomatic action against South Africa over xenophobic attacks as 282 Nigerians return
The Nigerian House of Representatives has urged the Federal Government to implement strong diplomatic measures against South Africa due to renewed xenophobic attacks, extrajudicial killings, and alleged systematic persecution of Nigerians and other African nationals. This call comes as 282 Nigerians, including 12 infants, arrived in Lagos from South Africa on the fourth evacuation flight operated by Air Peace. The resolution followed a motion by Yusuf Gagdi, who highlighted repeated attacks on Nigerian citizens despite diplomatic engagements. Gagdi noted that recent reports indicate an escalation of attacks targeting various African nationals and confirmed the killing of two Nigerian citizens. He recalled Nigeria's significant role in the anti-apartheid struggle, expressing disturbance that Nigerians now face persecution in a country whose freedom they helped secure. Lawmakers like Billy Osawaru, Moshood Akiolu, Ghali Tijjani, and Adebayo Adepoju also contributed to the debate, advocating for intensified diplomatic engagement, legal redress, and support for affected Nigerians. The House urged the Federal Government to summon the South African High Commissioner, demand an independent investigation into the deaths of victims, and engage international bodies like the African Union and United Nations. They also recommended reviewing bilateral relations with South Africa and strengthening consular services and reintegration support for returning Nigerians. An ad hoc committee will
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