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Idara Jerome, Uyo The demand for an independent judicial inquiry into allegations involving the Director-General of the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council, Mr. Adeniyi Adeyemi, took centre stage on Monday as a civil society organisation, Vital Partners for Development (VipaD), warned that public confidence in the anti-corruption fight could be eroded if investigations are perceived as selective. The Uyo-based advocacy group said only a transparent and comprehensive judicial probe, backed by due process, would reassure Nigerians that justice is being pursued without political interference or preferential treatment. Addressing journalists in Uyo, the Executive Director of VipaD, Dr. Victor David, insisted that every individual linked to the allegations, including Adeyemi, should be subjected to the same investigative standards, stressing that the credibility of the process depends on openness and fairness. The organisation also urged the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to produce Adeyemi before the National Assembly investigative panel, saying the appearance of all relevant witnesses is critical to establishing the truth. According to Dr. David, the Constitution guarantees every Nigerian the right to fair hearing, while the National Assembly possesses the constitutional powers to summon persons whose evidence is required in the course of investigations. “No investigation can be regarded as complete, credible or impartial where a principal witness or key subject of inquiry is denied the opportunity to testify,” he said. The group argued that excluding any material witness from the investigative process could cast doubt on the outcome and weaken public trust in institutions charged with promoting accountability. “The Inspector-General of Police should produce Mr. Adeniyi Adeyemi before the National Assembly panel to give his testimony and respond to all issues raised during the investigation,” David stated. VipaD maintained that the outcome of any inquiry should be evidence-driven, noting that those found culpable should face prosecution regardless of political office, official position or social status, while individuals who make false or malicious allegations should equally be sanctioned in accordance with the law. “The fight against corruption cannot succeed where investigations are selective or perceived to shield certain individuals. Justice demands fairness to both the accuser and the accused,” the Executive Director declared. The organisation further appealed to the Presidency, National Assembly, Nigeria Police Force, anti-corruption agencies, the judiciary and civil society groups to ensure that constitutional procedures are strictly followed throughout the investigation. “Nigerians deserve the truth, and the truth can only emerge through an independent, transparent, comprehensive and constitutionally compliant investigation,” David added, urging all institutions involved to place justice above politics.

The Federal Government has directed Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) not to award contracts or enter into any financial commitments without first obtaining the required budgetary approval and cash backing. The directive, contained in a Federal Treasury Circular dated July 31, 2026, and made available to newsmen on Monday, was signed by the Accountant-General of the Federation, Dr. Shamseldeen Ogunjimi, and addressed to ministers, permanent secretaries, heads of extra-ministerial departments and agencies, accounting officers, and federal pay officers. Under the guidelines, no expenditure is to be incurred without the authority of a Warrant or Authority to Incur Expenditure (AIE). The circular also prohibits MDAs from issuing letters of award, signing contracts or entering into any financial commitments unless the corresponding Warrant or AIE covering the contract value has been released by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy to the Accountant-General of the Federation. “No expenditure shall be incurred except on the authority of a Warrant/AIE (including employee payables). Accordingly, no MDA shall issue letters of award, sign contracts, or enter into any financial obligations unless the corresponding Warrant/AIE covering the full or committed portion of the contract sum has been duly released by the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy to the Accountant-General of the Federation,” it stated. The circular further directed MDAs to attach copies of Warrants or AIEs generated through the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS) as evidence of fund availability before contracts are awarded or payments processed. It also stated that financial commitments, including purchase invoices and employee payables, must not exceed available warrant balances. In addition, the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) was also instructed to process only requests for “No Objection” certificates supported by valid Warrants or AIEs. According to the circular, the operational guidelines were introduced to strengthen the implementation of the Federal Government’s revised cash management policy following observed violations of the Public Procurement Act, 2007, and other financial regulations. “Further to the Treasury Circular… captioned ‘Revised Policy on Cash Management and Bottom-Up Cash Plan Operational Guidelines,’ it has become necessary to strengthen and deepen the implementation of the policy sequel to the observed non-compliance with the Public Procurement Act, 2007, and other extant laws and regulations,” the circular stated. The circular also reminded accounting officers that awarding or signing contracts without budgetary provision, approval and cash backing constitutes an offence under the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) Act 2000. “Accounting Officers are invited to note that it is an offence under the ICPC Act 2000 to award or sign any contract without budgetary provision, approval and cash backing,” it added. The circular urged accounting officers, directors of finance, internal auditors and other relevant officials to ensure full compliance with the guidelines to strengthen fiscal discipline and improving budget implementation.

Idara Jerome Chairman of the maiden Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Leadership Summit, Rt. Hon. Onofiok Luke has urged media leaders to shun the pursuit of personal glory and instead build institutions and future leaders, declaring that the true measure of leadership is not the fame it attracts but the generations it inspires. Addressing journalists and union leaders at the NUJ Press Centre, Uyo, during the summit marking the first anniversary of the administration of Akwa Ibom State NUJ Chairman, Comrade Nsibiet John, Luke said enduring leadership is rooted in values, empathy, integrity and sound judgment, not popularity or public applause. “Don’t be in a race to build a name. Work as if you’re building a generation. Today, there are places leaders built that are celebrated not because of their names are on buildings, but because of how they worked and how they made other people feel,” Luke said. He urged journalists to cultivate emotional intelligence and resist making decisions driven by emotion, ego, social pressure or resistance to change, stressing that effective leadership requires careful analysis, facts and principled judgment.

The family of Nigeria’s first military Head of State, Major General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi, has called on the Federal Government to issue a formal apology, pay compensation and pursue reconciliation over his assassination during the July 1966 counter-coup. Punch reports that the call was made by Imo Aguiyi-Ironsi, a nephew of the late military leader and head of the Aguiyi-Ironsi family, during an interview on Arise News on Thursday. “I think the family needs an apology. The family needs to be compensated. We need a sincere apology. We need sincere reconciliation,” he said. Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi became Nigeria’s first military Head of State on January 16, 1966, following the January 15 military coup that claimed the lives of several political leaders. He survived the coup and moved to restore order before assuming leadership. During his administration, he introduced Decree No. 34, which sought to replace Nigeria’s federal structure with a unitary system, a move that drew criticism and heightened political tensions. On July 29, 1966, Aguiyi-Ironsi was assassinated alongside his host, Lieutenant Colonel Adekunle Fajuyi, during the counter-coup carried out by northern soldiers, bringing his brief administration to an end. Speaking on his uncle’s legacy, Imo described Aguiyi-Ironsi as “a man of vision,” “a detribalised Nigerian” and “a good leader.” He said his uncle’s six-month tenure as Head of State ended not because of any wrongdoing on his part, but because he was not involved in the January 1966 coup. “He occupied the seat of Head of State for only six months, and he was taken away from us. “Not because of a sin committed, because he wasn’t part of the January 1966 coup,” he said. Imo maintained that Aguiyi-Ironsi’s death was the result of his position as the country’s most senior military officer rather than any wrongdoing on his part. “Only because of his position as the most senior military officer, he was told to take charge. And then that cost him his life. “Well, I hope there are people who are in positions to make this happen that are listening tonight,” he said. The family’s appeal comes nearly six decades after Aguiyi-Ironsi’s assassination as they continue to seek an official apology, compensation and reconciliation over what they describe as a long-standing historical injustice.

Idara Jerome, Uyo Concerned by the growing rejection of Nigerian agricultural produce in international markets, the Federal Government on Tuesday unveiled a fresh strategy aimed at helping farmers and exporters meet global standards and earn more from non-oil exports. To drive the initiative, the government inaugurated an Inter-ministerial Committee on the Nigerian Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS), saying the move would strengthen the country’s biosecurity system, improve the quality of agricultural exports and open wider access to regional and global markets. Representing the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, Permanent Secretary Dr Deborah Odoh said, “Nigeria can no longer afford the losses associated with the rejection of agricultural exports due to non-compliance with international standards.” Comptroller-General of NAQS, Dr Vincent Isegbe, said Nigeria’s vast agricultural potential can only be fully harnessed if institutions responsible for agriculture, trade, customs, transport, research and border security work in synergy. He noted that a stronger quarantine system would reduce export rejections, boost foreign exchange earnings and create greater opportunities for farmers, exporters and agribusinesses. “Strengthening the nation’s agricultural quarantine system will reduce the rejection of Nigerian agricultural exports, improve foreign exchange earnings and enhance Nigeria’s reputation as a reliable exporter of safe agricultural products,” he said. The committee, comprising representatives of key ministries, regulatory agencies, farmers’ associations and research institutions, is expected to recommend measures to strengthen the operational capacity of NAQS, improve laboratory and inspection facilities, develop sustainable funding mechanisms and ensure compliance with international sanitary and phytosanitary standards.

Idara Jerome, Uyo Parents and guardians in Akwa Ibom State have been advised to enrol their children and wards only in government-approved schools as the state government moves to clamp down on the proliferation of unapproved and unauthorised private schools. The Ministry of Education said the measure was aimed at protecting children from receiving education in substandard environments and ensuring compliance with approved standards across schools operating in the state. In a statement, the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ubong Essien Umoh, made available to newsmen in Uyo on Tuesday, the ministry urged parents to verify the approval status of schools before enrolling their children, noting that the list of authorised schools was available at the ministry for public reference. The commissioner disclosed that all schools operating without approval from the Ministry of Education had been given until August 31, 2026, to regularise their operations or face sanctions. He warned that from September 1, 2026, any unauthorised school that fails to comply with the directive would be closed down, sealed and prosecuted in line with relevant laws. Umoh said the development was part of Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE Agenda, which prioritises quality education and the creation of a safe and standard learning environment for children in the state. “All schools operating without approval from the Ministry of Education are given up to 31st August, 2026 to regularise their operations,” he stated. The ministry reaffirmed its commitment to sanitising the education sector and ensuring that only schools that meet required regulatory standards are allowed to operate in Akwa Ibom State.

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has signed 14 Executive Bills into law describing it as another major step towards strengthening governance, institutionalising reforms and expanding the gains of the ARISE Agenda. The Governor who assented to the Bills on Tuesday July 28, 2026 at the Executive Council Chambers, Government House, Uyo, said the laws will provide long-needed legal backing for strategic institutions, close policy gaps and ensure continuity of programmes designed to improve the welfare of the people. “These bills, fourteen in all, spanning all critical sectors, will help expand the gains of our ARISE Agenda, provide the legal backing to fill existing gaps with concrete actions and deepen our growth and development so we may spread more dividends of democracy across our society.” Among the new laws are those establishing the Akwa Ibom State Geographical Information Service (AKWA – GIS) to modernise land administration and simplify land verification, acquisition and transfer processes; the Senior Citizens Centre, to institutionalise welfare programmes for the elderly; the Hotels and Tourism Development Commission, to regulate standards and drive tourism development; and the Ibom Broadcasting Corporation, to strengthen public broadcasting and position the new station for commercial operations. Other legislations establish the Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance Systems Agency, the Public Procurement Regulatory Agency, the Betting and Lottery Regulatory Agency, the Fiscal Responsibility Board, the Internal Revenue Service, the Office of the Public Defender, the Water Users Association and the University of Education, Afaha Nsit. Governor Eno also assented to amendments to the Hospitals Management Board Law, decentralising hospital administration into zonal management boards and providing for district hospitals to improve efficiency in healthcare delivery. The Governor disclosed plans to redeploy medical doctors serving in administrative roles back into clinical practice, noting that prolonged absence from medical practice could adversely affect service delivery and patient safety. He explained that the law establishing the Public Procurement Regulatory Agency would consolidate transparency and accountability, stressing that adherence to procurement regulations had significantly contributed to the success of his administration. On the establishment of the Betting and Lottery Regulatory Agency, Governor Eno clarified that the legislation was intended to regulate operators, protect residents from fraudulent activities and ensure compliance with the law. “This is a regulatory agency. As a pastor, I believe in law and order. I do not encourage betting, but where it exists, it must be properly regulated.” The Governor further announced that an Environmental Sanitation Bill would soon be transmitted to the State House of Assembly to strengthen environmental enforcement. He said under the proposed legislation, government would be empowered to clean neglected premises, recover the cost from property owners and seal affected premises where necessary. He noted that Akwa Ibom people have long been recognised for cleanliness and expressed confidence that stronger legislation would help preserve the reputation while supporting the work of the Ministry of Environment and the Akwa Ibom State Environmental Protection and Waste Management Agency. Governor Eno also revealed that additional health sector reform bills would soon be forwarded to the Assembly as part of ongoing efforts to reposition healthcare delivery in the State. He commended the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong, members of the Assembly and the Special Adviser on Legislative Affairs, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Bassey, for what he described as exemplary cooperation between the executive and legislative arms of government. Earlier, Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong, described the package of legislation as one of the most significant in the history of the 8th Assembly, noting that never before had the House considered and passed such a large number of executive bills within a short period. He said the bills are people-oriented and would positively impact governance, healthcare, economic development and public service delivery across the state. The Speaker particularly applauded the amendment to the Hospitals Management Board Law, describing the creation of zonal hospital management boards as a landmark reform that would improve healthcare administration and ensure more efficient services for citizens. He reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to supporting the executive through timely consideration of bills that promote the development of Akwa Ibom State. “These are all people-oriented bills that will affect the lives, the growth and the development of Akwa Ibom State. We will continue to work with the Executive to move the state forward,” he said. The signing of the 14 executive bills marks one of the most comprehensive legislative reform packages under the current administration, with the new laws expected to strengthen public institutions, improve service delivery, enhance transparency and accelerate socio-economic development across Akwa Ibom State.

Idongesit Mishael, Uyo “Nightfall meant darkness, insecurity and a halt to meaningful economic and social life. Today, with the commissioning of this electrification project, that story begins to change.” With these words, Director of Maritime Research, Abuja, Rear Admiral Etop Ebe, captured the relief that has come the way of residents of Ikot Edeghe community in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, following the restoration of electricity after almost a decade of blackout. The community, which had endured years without power supply, regained access to electricity on Tuesday as the Nigerian Navy commissioned a rural electrification project aimed at improving the living conditions of the people. The intervention, executed under the Nigerian Navy’s Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) initiative, was approved by the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, and funded through the CNS Special Intervention Quick Impact Project Scheme. The project was facilitated in honour of Rear Admiral Ebe, an indigene of the community, who identified the electricity challenge as one of the critical needs requiring urgent attention. Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, Ebe expressed appreciation to the Chief of Naval Staff for approving the intervention, describing it as a practical response to the developmental challenges confronting rural communities across the country. He recalled that Ikot Edeghe had remained without electricity for almost 10 years, a situation that affected economic activities, heightened insecurity and limited meaningful social interaction among residents. According to him, the restoration of electricity would transform the community by boosting commercial activities, extending business hours for traders and artisans, improving security and creating a more conducive learning environment for children. Representing the Chief of Naval Staff at the event, the Chief of Naval Transformation and Innovation, Rear Admiral Chijioke Onyemaobi, said the project demonstrated the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to strengthening civil-military relations while improving the welfare of host communities through sustainable development initiatives. He explained that the intervention aligns with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which focuses on providing critical infrastructure and improving the quality of life of Nigerians. “The Nigerian Navy recognises that the security and prosperity of our nation are strengthened when communities are empowered through meaningful development. This understanding has continued to guide our Civil-Military Cooperation efforts,” he said. Describing the project as timely and impactful, Onyemaobi stressed that the Navy’s mandate goes beyond safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime domain to contributing to national development through people-oriented interventions. He urged members of the community to protect the facility against vandalism and theft, noting that their cooperation would ensure the sustainability of the project for future generations. The naval chief also commended Rear Admiral Ebe for identifying a pressing need in his community, noting that leadership is best measured by its positive impact on society. Representing Governor Umo Eno, the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Power, Hon. Iniobong Robson, applauded the Nigerian Navy for complementing government’s efforts towards improving infrastructure in rural communities. Robson said the CNS Special Intervention Quick Impact Project aligns with the state government’s ARISE Agenda, particularly its focus on expanding development to underserved communities and strengthening security across rural areas. “We appreciate the Chief of Naval Staff for these intervention projects aimed at addressing the socio-economic needs of our rural communities. This initiative complements the ARISE Agenda, which seeks to promote inclusive development and peaceful coexistence,” he said.

Idara Jerome, Uyo The Akwa Ibom State Government has forwarded a bill to establish a State University Teaching Hospital and eight other health sector reform bills to the State House of Assembly for legislative consideration. The proposed legislation to establish the teaching hospital forms part of the ongoing health sector reform package designed to strengthen specialist healthcare, medical education and research, while improving the overall quality of healthcare delivery across the state. The approval followed the consideration of the draft bills by the State Executive Council after a presentation by the Commissioner for Health, Dr Ekem John, who said the reforms would also bolster disease prevention and public health response, expand health insurance coverage, improve healthcare regulation and enhance the training of medical professionals. Among the proposed legislations are the Akwa Ibom State University Teaching Hospital Establishment Bill, 2026; Akwa Ibom State Public Health Security Bill, 2026; Healthcare Facilities and Service Standards, Monitoring and Accreditation Agency Bill, 2026; Health Insurance Agency (Amendment) Bill, 2026; College of Health Technology Establishment Bill; College of Nursing Sciences (Amendment) and Bill, 2026; Others include; Medical Residency Training Bill, 2026; Primary Healthcare Development Agency (Amendment) Bill, 2026; and the Drugs and Health Supplies Management Agency Bill, 2026. If passed into law, the bills are expected to strengthen health institutions, improve the regulation of hospitals and healthcare facilities, enhance the management of medicines and medical supplies, reinforce primary healthcare services and create more opportunities for the training of doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals. Describing the proposals as one of the state’s most ambitious health sector reform initiatives, John said the legislative package would provide the legal and institutional framework needed to modernise healthcare delivery. “Taken together, these Bills constitute one of the most comprehensive health sector legislative reform packages in the history of Akwa Ibom State,” he said. The commissioner explained that the reforms were designed to strengthen public health security, improve healthcare quality and regulation, expand universal health coverage through a stronger health insurance system, reinforce residency training and establish a University Teaching Hospital that would advance specialist healthcare, medical education and research. The Executive Council also approved operational funding for the commencement of services at the Mother and Child Hospital, Okoita, in Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area. Expressing confidence in the legislative process, John said: “I look forward to the consideration of these Bills by the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly and remain confident that their passage will provide a stronger legal and institutional foundation for a healthier, more prosperous and more resilient Akwa Ibom State.”

Former National Coordinator and Chief Executive Officer of the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA), Halima Shehu, has denied allegations that she diverted N44 billion, insisting that all the documents and facts she provided to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) exonerate her. Speaking during an interview on Arise Television on Monday, Shehu said she blew the whistle on alleged financial irregularities within the agency while she was still in office. Shehu was suspended in January 2024 after the Federal Government ordered an investigation into alleged financial irregularities at the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA). She alleged that funds were moved without her approval. “There were movements of funds, all without my authorisation, consent or approval,” she said. Shehu claimed that she formally petitioned the EFCC and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) over the alleged violations before she was suspended, adding that rather than being commended for blowing the whistle, she suffered a reprisal. “I was the first to register the complaint, but I got a reprisal instead of an honour,” she said. Denying allegations that she diverted N44 billion, Shehu said the EFCC never traced any funds to her or members of her family and that she never transferred N44 billion to any personal account. She said she fully cooperated with the EFCC’s investigation and provided documents and evidence to support her claims. “The EFCC has investigated me. I helped them to do their job while I was in office. I gave them documents and I gave them facts. In all this matter, what I’m trying to let Nigerians understand is that there are facts, and facts don’t lie,” she said. The EFCC has not publicly responded to Shehu’s latest claims made during the Arise Television interview.