Former Senate President Bukola Saraki recently shared his experience advocating for fiscal accountability during his tenure from 2015 to 2019. Speaking at the Global Strategic Advisory Group meeting in Lake Como, Italy, he reflected on the challenges he faced while pushing for open budget hearings, reforms in petroleum sector governance, and the recovery of unremitted government revenues.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Saraki highlighted several key points from his discussion:

• Opposition to Foreign Borrowing: Saraki stated that he faced significant political resistance when he challenged the executive branch to properly justify the purpose and impact of foreign loan requests. He noted that these loans were often treated as “free gifts,” despite the long-term burden of repayment.

• Economic Sovereignty: Warning against a permanent state of external dependency, he argued that Nigeria’s reliance on foreign aid and borrowing undermines the nation’s economic independence.

• Domestic Resource Mobilization: He pointed out that Nigeria’s tax-to-GDP ratio—approximately 6%—is among the lowest globally, especially when compared to the 15.6% average in Sub-Saharan Africa and the 34% average among OECD nations.

• Call for Reform: Saraki emphasized that low tax ratios are the result of deliberate political choices, suggesting that current leadership must prioritize building stronger institutions and improving domestic resource mobilization to move away from aid dependency.

On Tuesday, the Delta State House of Assembly declared the Udu Constituency seat vacant after lawmaker Collins Ogbetamah defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). The announcement followed Speaker Dennis Guwor’s reading of Ogbetamah’s resignation letter, which was dated June 19.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Following discussions, Majority Leader Emeka Nwaobi moved a motion to declare the seat vacant, citing relevant sections of the amended 1999 Constitution. The motion received unanimous support, and the Speaker subsequently requested that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) organize a by-election to fill the vacancy.

In other legislative developments:

• Property Protection Bill: The Assembly advanced the State Public and Private Properties Protection Amendment Bill to the second reading. This legislation aims to bolster property security, facilitate the recovery of public assets, and establish an enforcement task force to work alongside security agencies. Speaker Guwor assigned the bill to the Joint House Committees on Housing, Urban Renewal, Lands, and Survey, requesting a report by July 17.

• Financial Oversight: The House received the 2025 audited financial statements and reports for the state’s 25 local government areas from the Auditor-General for Local Government. Speaker Guwor has forwarded these documents to the House Committee on Public Accounts for review.

Welcome to July! To help you celebrate, we have compiled a variety of heartfelt messages and wishes that you can share with your spouse, friends, family, colleagues, and loved ones. The team at Naija News wishes you, your family, and your friends a wonderful and prosperous new month.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

As we step into a new month, it is customary to exchange kind words and prayers with those we hold dear, which is why we have put together this list of 100 messages:

• Prayers for Divine Favor & Success: May God grant you and your family special attention, blessings, and breakthrough success this month. You are destined to overcome every limitation, achieve your goals, and see your wealth and joy flourish permanently.

• Wishes for Peace & Protection: May you dwell under God’s protection and enjoy a season free from sadness, shame, or trouble. We pray that your home remains filled with peace, and that every spirit working against your destiny is overcome.

• Messages for Partners & Loved Ones: To my dearest, I pray this month brings you joy, fulfillment, and unique wisdom. May your dreams be realized, and may we continue to share in this happiness together as you soar to unimaginable heights.

• Declarations for Testimony & Growth: This is your month to lead, testify, and witness everything in your life turn around for good. May your efforts yield enviable results and your expectations be met with surprising miracles.

• General Well-Wishes: We wish you a month of prosperity, progress, and continuous greatness. May you be a channel of blessings to others, and may everything you touch this month be seasoned with favor and grace.