Category Nigeria News

The Lagos State Government has faulted the move by the National Assembly to repeal the National Lottery Act and replace it with the proposed Central Gaming Bill, describing it as a direct violation of the Nigerian Constitution and a subsisting judgement of the Supreme Court.

Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro, SAN, warned at a press briefing in Lagos on Wednesday that the Bill, now before the Senate, after passage by the House of Representatives, amounts to legislative overreach and a potential trigger for constitutional crisis.

Pedro explained that the Bill, which seeks to regulate all forms of online and remote gaming across the country, directly contradicts a Supreme Court judgement delivered on October 13, 2024, in a suit filed by Lagos State and 22 other states against the Attorney-General of the Federation.

According to him, the apex court had ruled unequivocally that gaming, lotteries and betting are residual matters within the exclusive jurisdiction of state governments, except in the Federal Capital Territory.

READ ALSO: Sanwo-Olu Assents To Bill Regulating Lotteries, Online Gaming Services In Lagos

“As the Chief Law Officer of Lagos State, it is both my constitutional duty and responsibility to draw the nation’s attention to the voyage of unconstitutionality embarked upon by the National Assembly to enact Act to Regulate the Operation and Business of All Forms of Online and Remote Gaming Across the Geographical Boundaries of the Federating Units and Beyond the Borders of Nigeria.

“This Bill had earlier been passed by the House of Representatives and is now before the Senate for concurrence and on Wednesday, 8th October 2025, the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria held a concurring session on a proposed legislation titled:

“A Bill for an Act to Repeal the National Lottery Act No. 7 of 2005 and the National Lottery (Amendment) Act No. 6 of 2017, and to Enact the Central Gaming Bill to Regulate the Operation and Business of All Forms of Online and Remote Gaming Across the Geographical Boundaries of the Federating Units and Beyond the Borders of Nigeria, Provide for the Conduct of Gaming in the Federal Capital Territory, and Enhance Revenue Generation for the Federation and for Related Matters.”

“Nigerian would recall that on the 13th October 2024 the Supreme Court of Nigeria delivered a judgement in the case Suit No. SC/1/2008 – AG LAGOS & 22 ORS V. AG FED & 13 ORS in favour of Lagos State and 22 other State.

“In that landmark judgment, the Supreme Court held that:
“Lotteries, betting, gaming and any other games of chance are residual matters falling within the exclusive legislative competence of the States, except in the Federal Capital Territory”

“Perhaps the respected members of the National Assembly in particular in the House of Representatives that passed the Bill and some members of the Senate who are in support of the Bill may not have read the judgment of the Supreme Court on the subject”.

He added that the court also granted a perpetual injunction restraining the Federal Government and its agencies from enforcing the National Lottery Act or any similar legislation within the territory of any state.

Pedro warned that the proposed Bill, if passed, would not only defy this ruling but also undermine the foundation of Nigeria’s federal structure.

“Any attempt to legislate again on the same subject amounts to defiance of the Supreme Court, a violation of the Constitution and an invitation to constitutional chaos,” he said.

The Attorney-General also faulted claims by some lawmakers that online or remote gaming falls under federal jurisdiction because of its cross-border nature.

He said: “Online does not mean federal. If online activity automatically becomes federal, then the United Nations should regulate it globally. The use of technology does not alter the legal character of gaming, which remains a state matter whether done physically or virtually.”

Pedro further cautioned that the proposed Central Gaming Bill could open the floodgates of gambling activities even in states where cultural or religious values prohibit such practices.

“If the Bill becomes law, it will allow operators to set up gaming businesses across all states, including those where gambling is forbidden by religion or tradition. This could create social tension and conflict,” he warned.

He described the National Assembly’s move as inconsistent with its current nationwide consultation efforts aimed at devolving more powers to subnational governments.

“It will be a contradiction of spirit and purpose for the same National Assembly that is canvassing devolution of powers to now attempt to reclaim powers already affirmed by the Supreme Court to belong to the states,” he said.

Pedro reaffirmed Lagos State’s commitment, alongside 22 other states, to resist any legislative or executive action that undermines the integrity of the Supreme Court and the autonomy of state governments.

“This is not about Lagos State alone,” he said. “It is about Nigeria, about protecting the integrity of the Supreme Court and preserving the federal structure as guaranteed by the Constitution.”

He urged the National Assembly to withdraw the proposed Central Gaming Bill in the interest of constitutional order and national stability.

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has officially absorbed over 5,000 contract teachers into the state’s Ministry of Education as permanent staff members.

According to the statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Fred Itua, the teachers had been on contract with a “monthly stipend of ₦65,000 during the administration of Godwin Obaseki”.

READ ALSO: VIDEO: I Won’t Forgive Any Commissioner Not Wearing ‘Asiwaju’ Cap, Okpebholo Warns Appointees

They were formally handed appointment letters during a ceremony held at Government House on Wednesday.

Governor Okpebholo, who personally oversaw the distribution of the letters, emphasised the government’s commitment to valuing its educators.

“Teachers, I am happy to see you. I wanted it this way because I had asked several times if you had received your letters.

“The answer was no. So, I decided to supervise the process myself. As you collect your appointment letters today, you will also receive transport fare because I know many of you have travelled long distances,” the governor was quoted as saying.

Role Of Teachers

He further acknowledged the vital role teachers play in shaping the future of Edo State, underscoring the administration’s dedication to improving the welfare of educators.

“You are very important to us. Your reward is no longer in heaven; it is here, under our watch,” he added.

Addressing the teachers earlier, the Commissioner for Education, Paddy Iyamu, expressed deep appreciation for their perseverance over the past three years despite the challenges of being on contract.

“You have been suffering for years, yet you have stayed committed to educating our children, waking up at night to prepare lesson notes. Beautiful schools without teachers are useless.

“Today, an angel has come, a leader who thinks about your welfare day and night,” Iyamu was quoted as saying.

Construction Of 68 Schools

He also highlighted the achievements of Okpebholo’s administration within the education sector, noting the construction of over 68 schools within one year, aimed at benefiting children from all walks of life.

“He met Ambrose Alli University with a ₦41 million subvention and increased it to ₦500 million. Right now, a 1,500-capacity lecture theatre and a 600-capacity hostel are under construction,” he added.

The commissioner further disclosed that the EDU-Rescue Programme was launched to give children from poor backgrounds access to quality education.

The Senate has ordered a full-scale investigation into rising safety concerns within the aviation sector, following revelations from the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) about a runway overrun incident involving an Air Peace aircraft at Port Harcourt International Airport.

The resolution was passed on Wednesday after a motion was raised by Senator Abdulfatai Buhari (Oyo North) on the need to strengthen Aviation Safety following the NSIB report on the Air Peace runway incident.

The Senate directed its Committee on Aviation to engage all relevant stakeholders, including the NSIB, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and airline operators and to submit a comprehensive report within six weeks.

READ ALSO: Air Peace Plane Veers Off Runway In Port Harcourt

In a related resolution, the Senate also urged the Federal Government to construct an additional runway at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, citing the need to prevent operational bottlenecks and improve safety margins in the nation’s capital.

Lawmakers noted that the NSIB’s investigative report on the June 22, 2025 incident, involving a Boeing 737-500 operated by Air Peace exposed serious lapses in runway conditions, airfield lighting, pilot decision-making and regulatory oversight.

Federal lawmaker representing Bogoro/Dass/Tafawa Balewa Federal Constituency of Bauchi State, Honourable Leko Gambo, has explained the rationale behind his motion seeking the transparent and equitable allocation of forfeited estates linked to former Central Bank Governor, Godwin Emefiele, to vulnerable Nigerians.

Speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief programme on Wednesday, Gambo said his motion before the National Assembly was informed by the need for accountability and fairness in the distribution of the recovered properties, which were handed over to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development in May this year.

According to him, the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended under Sections 88 and 89, empowers the National Assembly to make laws and exercise oversight over persons, authorities, and Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) that handle public funds and assets.

He said, “Oversight is to ensure accountability, which is fundamental in all legislative oversight functions, and that is what informed me in bringing this motion. The motion basically talks about the need for transparent and equitable allocation of forfeited houses, which were handed over to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development in May this year.”

READ ALSO: Reps Want Forfeited Emefiele-Linked Estate Given To Low-Income Earners, IDPs

The lawmaker noted that nearly six months had passed since the properties were transferred to the ministry, adding that it was important to ensure that the assets do not end up in the hands of a privileged few.

“For me, from May to date is about six months, which is a very long time, and as a responsible representative, I came up at the National Assembly so the few elite will not take advantage of those houses,” he said.

He did a comparison with the Shehu Shagari administration’s low-cost housing programme for low-income earners, saying his motion similarly seeks to prioritise civil servants, internally displaced persons (IDPs) affected by natural disasters, and other vulnerable Nigerians.

“I was specific in my motion, I suggested that these houses should be prioritised and given to low-income earners, who we can find in the civil service. I also suggested that we should consider IDPs affected by natural disasters and vulnerable Nigerians,” Gambo explained.

He emphasised that the welfare of citizens, including access to shelter, remains a constitutional responsibility of government at all levels.

“What I am emphasising is basically INEC’s mention of a transparent and equitable process whereby it will be all-inclusive. The House emphasised that we agree with the suggestion they made, but we want the House to be fully aware of the process of selecting those individuals who are going to be beneficiaries,” he said.

US President Donald Trump hailed assassinated ally Charlie Kirk as a “martyr for truth and freedom” Tuesday as he posthumously awarded the right-wing activist America’s highest civilian honor.

Handing the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Kirk’s tearful widow, Trump compared the 31-year-old conservative to Socrates, Saint Peter, Abraham Lincoln, and Martin Luther King.

Trump, 79, also used the somber ceremony at the White House to vow to redouble his crackdown on what he calls radical left-wing groups that he launched following Kirk’s shooting.

“In the wake of Charlie’s assassination, our country must have absolutely no tolerance for this radical left violence, extremism, and terror,” Trump told an audience of the country’s conservative elite.

“We’re done with the angry mobs, and we’re not going to let our cities be unsafe.”

The US State Department on Tuesday said it had revoked visas of at least six foreign nationals who had “celebrated the heinous assassination” on social media.

In posts to X, the department shared offending posts allegedly by citizens of Argentina, South Africa, Mexico, Brazil, and Paraguay who had called Kirk “racist,” “xenophobic,” or other characterizations.

READ ALSO: Trump Threatens To End Cooking Oil Purchases From China

One German apparently lost their US visa for writing “When fascists die, democrats don’t complain,” according to the State Department.

The Trump administration has controversially cited political reasons in stripping others of their visas, including several hundred people involved in Gaza war protests on US university campuses.

Father-of-two Kirk was shot dead on a Utah college campus last month, sparking a wave of grief among conservatives and promises of a clampdown from Trump that has seen National Guard troops sent to several Democrat-run cities.

Guests at the ceremony included visiting Argentinian President Javier Milei, a libertarian firebrand, and a host of conservative US media personalities.

Kirk’s widow, Erika, thanked Trump for flying back from a Middle East peace trip for the medal ceremony, which fell on what would have been her late husband’s 32nd birthday.

“You have given him the best birthday gift he could ever have,” she said, dabbing away tears and occasionally pausing to collect herself.

She added that Kirk, who used huge audiences on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube to build support for conservative talking points, “would probably have run for president” if he had not been assassinated.

Tyler Robinson, 22, has been charged with Charlie Kirk’s murder. He faces the death penalty if convicted.

Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State has approved the immediate release of ₦5.8 billion for the settlement of all outstanding gratuity liabilities owed to retired state public officers.

READ ALSO: Gov Buni Approves CONUASS, CONTISS II Salary For Yobe Varsity Staff

“This significant milestone underscores the administration’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of its dedicated civil servants who have served the state meritoriously,” a statement by the Commissioner of Finance, Mohammed Geidam, partly read.

The statement added that the governor has further directed that, going forward, the payment of gratuities must be integrated into the state’s monthly financial schedule.

“This means that cleared gratuity payments will be made monthly, alongside the regular pension payments, ensuring that no future backlog of retirement benefits is allowed to accumulate,” the commissioner said.

Financial Relief

Geidam added that the approval of ₦5.8 billion is a “clear demonstration of Governor Buni’s compassionate leadership and his administration’s deep appreciation for the years of service rendered by Yobe’s retirees”.

“By clearing this substantial backlog and institutionalising a prompt, monthly payment system, the governor has provided much-needed financial relief and restored dignity to our senior citizens,” he added.

The statement emphasised that the Ministry of Finance and the office of the Head of Service are working collaboratively to ensure the seamless and transparent disbursement of these funds to all affected retirees immediately.