News
Lagos To File Contempt Charge Against National Assembly For Defying Supreme Court Ruling
Lagos State Government has approached Nigeria’s apex court, the Supreme Court, seeking leave to commence contempt proceedings against the National Assembly.
Daily Voice reports that Lagos accused the legislature of continued move to pass the Central Gaming Bill, despite a subsisting judgment of the apex court declaring such legislation unconstitutional.
In a motion filed on behalf of the Attorney-General of Lagos State by Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Bode Olanipekun, the state is seeking the Supreme Court’s leave to initiate judgment enforcement proceedings through the issuance of Form 48—a legal step that precedes the commencement of committal or contempt proceedings.
Under Nigerian law, the issuance of Form 48 serves as a formal warning to any person or body in contempt of court, and failure to purge the contempt after its issuance may result in committal to prison.
According to the affidavit filed in support of the motion, Lagos State contended that the National Assembly’s ongoing work on the Central Gaming Bill directly contravenes the Supreme Court’s judgment in SC.1/2008 – Attorney-General of Lagos State & Ors. v. Attorney-General of the Federation & Ors., delivered on November 22, 2024.
The state argued that clauses 7 and 21–64 of the proposed Bill relate entirely to lottery and gaming — subjects which the Supreme Court had already ruled fall outside the legislative competence of the National Assembly.
It noted that these provisions effectively replicate those contained in the now-nullified National Lottery Act, which was struck down by the Supreme Court in the same 2024 judgment.
Lagos State further submitted that both the nullified National Lottery Act and the Central Gaming Bill define “lottery” and “online gaming” in identical terms — as any game, scheme, arrangement, system, plan, or promotional competition based on chance, skill and chance, or sporting outcomes, which requires a licence to operate.
The affidavit stressed that despite the apex court’s 2024 ruling invalidating the National Lottery Act, Clause 62 of the Central Gaming Bill introduces “savings provisions” intended to revalidate actions taken under the voided law, thereby amounting to a direct defiance of the Supreme Court’s authority.
Lagos also pointed out that since the Supreme Court delivered its judgment, neither the Exclusive nor Concurrent Legislative Lists under the Second Schedule to the 1999 Constitution (as amended) have been altered to include lottery or gaming — further confirming that the National Assembly has no power to legislate on the matter.
Daily Voice understands that the 2024 Supreme Court judgment had categorically held that lottery and gaming cannot be regulated by any Act of the National Assembly, as these subjects are not listed under the constitutional Legislative Lists.
The apex court rejected the National Assembly’s argument that its power derived from Item 62 of the Exclusive Legislative List, which covers “trade and commerce,” or that the electronic and interstate character of gaming brought it within federal jurisdiction.
News
Tinubu Makes 2 Fresh Appointments, Senate Takes Action
President Bola Tinubu has announced the appointment of Amina Gamawa, representing Bauchi, and Abdullahi Muktar, representing Kaduna, as Commissioners to the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC).
The announcement was made by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during plenary, adding that the president forwarded the names of the nominees to the National Assembly for screening and confirmation.
The president’s letter reads in part: “Confirmation of appointment of commissioners for Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission.
In accordance with the provisions of Section 154(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended, I am pleased to forward for confirmation by the Senate the appointment of the two underlisted nominees as commissioners in the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission.
“Amina Gamawa, as commissioner representing Bauchi State, and Abdullahi Muktar, commissioner representing Kaduna State.
While I hope that the Senate will consider and confirm the nominees in the usual expeditious manner, please accept, distinguished Senate President, distinguished Senators, the assurances of my highest consideration.”
Akpabio further referred the letter to the Committee on National Planning and Economic Affairs. He said that the committee should report back to the Senate within the next week.
The appointment was one of the numerous appointments that President Tinubu will be making since the commencement of his administration.
Tinubu’s appointment has been criticised, and many issues raised have been addressed.
Nigerians have started reacting to the announcement by the Senate president during Tuesday’s plenary.
Below are some of their reactions:
Adetunji Adewolu called for fairness in the sharing formula: “New names at the revenue table. Nigerians will be watching closely to see if the slices of the national cake get any fairer. #OmoOlofaIna.”
Dan_Baba criticised the administration of President Bola Tinubu: “Every day, we keep seeing appointments without a positive impact on the masses. We will continue praying while we patiently wait for 2027.”
Pepperito congratulated the appointee, describing her as a loyal party member: “Once again, to our party lover, stalwart and servant, @gamawa_amina, congratulations. This is one appointment that thoroughly sweetened my belle.”
Idris Garba explained what should be the focus of the government: “The focus should be how revenue will be better managed for the benefit of citizens.”
Oma Ann criticised the administration of President Tinubu: “Positions filled every day, but no real economic relief. Wetin dey happen.”
News
BREAKING: Tinubu Issues Nationwide Message to Nigerians , “We Will Never Surrender”
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured Nigerians that the country will never yield to forces seeking to destabilise its peace, unity, and sovereignty.
The President spoke while hosting religious and traditional leaders for an interfaith breaking of the fast at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
A statement shared via X, by Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu acknowledged the critical role of religious and traditional figures in fostering peace and moral guidance across communities.
“Yes, we are challenged; the terrorists are very desperate now because they are getting barraged and defeated, they leave trails of blood in their wake.
But I assure you of one thing: Nigeria will never surrender. We are not discouraged. We are going to win and win well,” he said.
The President emphasised that the government remains committed to protecting citizens and securing the nation from insurgents and other threats to stability.
President Tinubu also reflected on the economic progress since assuming office, highlighting measures to stabilise public finances and support pensioners.
“I am just grateful, one person among millions, that I have been given the opportunity to serve. And all I can do is promise that I will continue to be faithful in discharging my duty. I can report that the economy has turned the corner. It is getting better. Pensioners are getting their relief gradually. We have saved Nigeria from bankruptcy,” he stated.
He added that his administration has ensured that no governor struggles to pay salaries and is focused on long-term development in sectors such as agriculture and education to leave a lasting legacy.
In his remarks, Etsu Nupe, Yahaya Abubakar, praised President Tinubu for bringing together leaders of Nigeria’s major religions, describing the occasion as a symbol of national unity.
He prayed for guidance, protection, peaceful coexistence, and the President’s success. Representing the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) and the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar, the Etsu Nupe underscored the importance of faith leaders in promoting harmony.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), through Archbishop Daniel Okoh, assured President Tinubu of the church’s continued support for his government’s efforts to transform the economy and strengthen security.
Traditional rulers and religious leaders from all six geopolitical zones attended the event, reinforcing the administration’s message of national unity, peace, and resilience.
News
SO SAD: Top APC Chieftain Collapses, Dies In Abuja; Party Reacts
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has expressed that it is “shocked and deeply saddened” by the death of “a highly respected” party chieftain, Chamberlain Dunkwu.
Dunkwu, president of the Nigeria Aquatics Federation, tragically passed away after collapsing at his residence on Saturday morning, March 7, 2026. His sudden death came just hours before he was scheduled to attend the “Swim to the Future” programme, a key talent discovery event he had helped organise at the National Stadium Swimming Pool (Package B) in Abuja.
According to Leadership, sources close to the family confirmed that efforts to revive Dunkwu were unsuccessful.
Apart from leading the Nigeria Aquatics Federation, Dunkwu also served as deputy chief of staff (legislative) to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas. Previously, he was a special adviser on members’ affairs to the Speaker of the 9th House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila.
In its condolence message, signed by national spokesperson Felix Morka, the APC described Dunkwu as “an energetic, selfless, and loyal party man who contributed enormously to building and strengthening the party in his native Ika federal constituency, Delta State, and beyond.”
The APC’s statement reads on X: “Dr. Dunkwu lived a vibrant life of service and philanthropy that touched many within and beyond his homeland. His exit has created a yawning void that will be difficult to fill. Our Party prays God to grant his immediate family the fortitude to bear this huge loss. And may He comfort all members of the APC family in Ika Federal Constituency, Delta State and around the country at this difficult time.”
It added: “Amazing Grace! Amazing Grace! May His Grace lead you home, and may it be true for you as proclaimed in the old hymnal: “To that old rugged cross I will ever be true, its shame and reproach gladly bear; then he’ll call me someday to my home far away, where his glory forever I’ll share.” Fare thee well, dear compatriot!”
ABUJA, FCT
MARCH 8, 2026
PRESS STATEMENT
APC MOURNS DR. CHAMBERLAIN DUNKWU
The All Progressives Congress (APC) is shocked and deeply saddened by the death of a highly respected Party Chieftain, Dr. Chamberlain Dunkwu, at 54.
The late Dr. Dunkwu was an energetic, selfless… pic.twitter.com/dA8I3XiEAc
— APC Nigeria (@OfficialAPCNg) March 8, 2026
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