The Nigerian Senate has approved a 15% allocation from the Consolidated Revenue Fund to finance the newly established zonal development commissions, amidst a divided opinion on the funding model.

On Thursday, the Nigerian Senate approved a 15% allocation from the Consolidated Revenue Fund to fund the newly created zonal development commissions established by member states.

This decision came after the Senate Committee on Special Duties presented its report on the relevant bills.

Also read: Senate didn’t approve new presidential jets, says Akpabio

During the discussions, a division emerged among lawmakers regarding the source of funding for these commissions, particularly while considering the South-South Development Commission Establishment Bill 2024, which serves as the structural template for the other zonal commissions.

Key lawmakers, including Yahaya Abdullahi (PDP, Kebbi North) and Seriake Dickson (PDP, Bayelsa West), expressed concerns about the potential for legal disputes arising from the proposed funding model, which recommended that 15% of statutory allocations from member states be directed towards these commissions.

Abdullahi cautioned that such a provision could provoke lawsuits from state governments resistant to reductions in their statutory allocations.

In response to these concerns, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin clarified that the funding model would not involve direct deductions from state allocations.

He explained that the 15% would be calculated by the Federal Government from the Consolidated Revenue Fund, rather than being taken directly from the states’ funds.

“Mr. President, distinguished colleagues, the 15% of statutory allocation of member states… will be calculated by the Federal Government and removed from the Consolidated Revenue Fund for funding of their development commission,” he stated.

Despite Barau’s assurances, several senators remained skeptical and wished to contribute further to the debate. Senate President Godswill Akpabio intervened, asserting the constitutional validity of the funding provision.

He cited Section 162(4) of the 1999 Constitution, which empowers the National Assembly to appropriate funds from either the Consolidated Revenue Fund or the Federation Account.

Following Akpabio’s statement, a voice vote was conducted, resulting in majority support for the funding model.

In his closing remarks, Akpabio thanked the senators for their efforts in finalising the zonal development commissions and emphasised the foundational role these commissions would play for the newly established Ministry of Regional Development.

The bills that passed included the South-South Development Commission Establishment Bill 2024, the North West Development Commission Act (Amendment) Bill 2024, and the South-East Development Commission Act (Amendment) Bill 2024.

Earlier, the South West Development Commission Establishment Bill 2024 and North Central Development Commission Establishment Bill 2024 had already been approved.

The PDP Governors’ Forum has dismissed claims that Chairman Bala Mohammed filed a lawsuit against the party’s NEC meeting, calling it malicious.

The Peoples Democratic Party Governors’ Forum (PDP-GF) has vehemently rejected allegations that its Chairman, Governor Bala Mohammed, filed a lawsuit against the party’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting.

The Forum labelled these claims as “dubious, malicious, and an attempt to smear the character of Mohammed.”

Also read: Yayari Mohammed aims to restore hope,unity as acting national chairman of PDP

This clarification came in a statement issued by Dr Emmanuel Agbo, the Director-General of PDP-GF, in Abuja on Wednesday.

The controversy arose after an online publication reported that Governor Mohammed had approached the Federal High Court, Gusau Judicial Division, seeking an ex parte order to compel the convening of the NEC meeting.

In his statement, Agbo strongly denied the allegations, asserting, “This is to emphatically state that the Chairman of the PDP-GF and governor of Bauchi State does not in any way, either by proxy or himself, have anything to do with the said suit.”

He urged supporters and the public to disregard the unfounded claims regarding any legal actions instigated by the Chairman or any members of the Forum.

The PDP had postponed its NEC meeting, originally scheduled for 24 October, to 28 November. Governor Mohammed explained that the decision to reschedule was reached during a consultative meeting involving various party organs.

This delay aims to ensure that the PDP enters the upcoming Ondo gubernatorial elections, set for 16 November, with the unity and strength necessary to unseat the All Progressives Congress (APC) government in the state.

Emphasising the importance of unity, Mohammed urged party members to avoid divisive remarks that could weaken ongoing efforts to strengthen the PDP as Nigeria’s main opposition party.

He called for collective focus on the goal of reclaiming power in the 2027 elections.

The consultative meeting saw the attendance of various key figures, including members of the PDP-GF, the Board of Trustees, the National Working Committee (NWC), the National Assembly leadership of the PDP Caucus, and the Forum of Former Governors of the party.

Abia State Governor Alex Otti encourages Nigerian youths to join politics, emphasising that it is key to influencing decisions about their future.

Abia State Governor Alex Otti has issued a clarion call to Nigerian youths, urging them to become actively involved in politics to shape the future of their country.

Speaking during a service at The Transforming Church (TTC) in Abuja on Sunday, Otti emphasised that political participation is essential for young people to make impactful decisions that will determine the course of their lives and that of future generations.

Also read: Abure, Otti on collision course over LP NWC tenure

The governor highlighted the potential for transformative change if youths embrace political power, stating, “Every society needs the leadership it deserves.

If you sit back and say politics is for politicians, the politicians will decide everything for you.” He further challenged the young people in attendance, adding, “Don’t shy away from politics. That is where decisions about your future are made.”

Quoting Psalms 62:11, Otti reminded the congregation that power belongs to God and urged youths not to shy away from seeking positions of influence.

He said, “You can make a lot of changes if you have power, and that is what politics will give you to create the changes you want to see in the lives of your people.”

Reflecting on his own journey, the governor shared how he transitioned from the banking sector into politics in 2014 to make a meaningful difference.

“As the governor of Abia, I can affect the entire population of the state by just one action,” Otti remarked, highlighting the profound impact that holding political office can have.

Otti also called on Christians to complement their prayers with hard work, stressing that dreams and aspirations can only be realised through dedicated effort. “Prayer alone is not enough; hard work is necessary for success,” he advised.

During the sermon, the lead pastor of the church, Rev. Sam Oye, spoke about the goodness of God and encouraged Nigerians to keep their faith strong despite the challenges they face.

Quoting Psalm 119:68, Oye reminded the congregation of the importance of being good to others and maintaining hope.

He also expressed gratitude to Governor Otti for his visit, reaffirming the church’s commitment to praying for those in leadership positions.

Otti’s message resonated with many, especially in a time when Nigerian youths are increasingly seeking avenues for greater political engagement.

His call for active participation is seen as a push towards a more inclusive political landscape in the country.