As Nigeria near the March 11 deadline for its removal from the global body of Financial Intelligence Units (Egmont Group) if it fails to establish an independent FIU, president of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, has assured that the bill setting up new Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) as an autonomous body, will be passed this week.

Using his official Twitter handle on Sunday, the Senate President said he will meet with the Conference Committee on NFIU Bill to ensure quick passage of the bill.

The Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC), has announced results of the Saturday local government council elections, in which the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC), won in all 18 Local Government areas.

Chairman of the commission Professor Stanley Orobator, described the exercise as rancour-free noting that there were no cases of violence across the state.

According to the results announced by EDSIEC, Mr, Victor Emuanhagbon Victor of the APC was elected as the chairman of Esan South-East local government council with 34, 765 votes while ADP got 120, NCP 52 and LP 78.

Wike Accuses FG Of Neglecting Rivers State

Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State has taken a swipe at the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal Government for what he has described as ‘neglect” of the state for three years since assuming office.

Wike also took a swipe at the state chapter of the APC for failing to attract any developmental projects.

Some retired military officers are among a string of power brokers leading talks on strengthening the Social Democratic Party (SDP) so as to put the party on a good stead ahead the 2019.

According to the Sunday Tribune, at least two frontline members of the groups that have coalesced into the party disclosed on Saturday night, that one of the ex-generals was in serious discussions with other stakeholders.

The sources spoke of an imminent exodus of members of the National Assembly elected on the tickets of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from the parties to the SDP this month.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has congratulated former President Olusegun Obasanjo as he celebrates his 81st birthday.

The party in a statement on Sunday described Obasanjo as an outstanding nationalist; a courageous and dedicated leader, who has made immeasurable, sacrifices towards the development, stability and growth of the nation.

The former president clocked 81, Monday, March 5.

PDP Boycotts Edo’s Council Polls

Local government elections were held peacefully on Saturday in Edo state with the main opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP), abstaining.

Governor Godwin Obaseki voted in polling unit 19 in Ward 4, Oredo at 12.35, and expressed satisfaction for the peaceful conduct.

He commended Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIC) for putting in place adequate logistics for the exercise.