Hon. Enemi Alabo George, a member of the Rivers State House of Assembly, did not mince his words when he called out Governor Sim Fubara for his reckless and violent actions. He boldly stated, “I dare you today, Sim Fubara.

”You may have had the guts to break the gates of the Rivers State House of Assembly quarters and force your way in, but let me tell you, you are nothing but a small man. Your threats and harassment, shooting and inducing fear into the wives and children of Assembly members are nothing but cowardly acts.”

George went on to remind Fubara of his past misdeeds, saying, “You burnt the hallowed chambers of the House of Assembly, attacked the residence of the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, and even demolished the Rivers State House of Assembly Complex. Despite all this, we did not answer you, we thought it was just the madness of a minute. But know this, you can never break me.”

He further emphasized, “I have respected our friendship for a long time, but now, I refuse to hold back any longer. You know where I live, you know my apartment, why didn’t you come? I worked hard for you to become Governor, I even mobilized professionals from all works and corners of life to support you. But now, I will never bow to baal. You are nothing but a small man, and I will not be intimidated by you.”

On Thursday, May 9th, the House of Representatives made a commendable move by ordering the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to suspend the enforcement of the cybercrime levy introduced by the apex bank. This decision was made to ensure that the principles outlined in section 44(2a) of the Cybercrime Act are adhered to, and that Nigerians are not confused or misled in any way by the circular issued by the CBN.

The House of Representatives expressed their concern about the potential misunderstanding that could arise from the circular issued by the CBN, and urged the bank to retract the previous circular promptly and release a new one that aligns with the provisions of the Act.

This action was taken in response to a pressing issue raised by Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda (PDP, Rivers) on behalf of all members. The House’s decision shows their commitment to promoting fairness, transparency, and accountability in Nigeria’s financial sector.

Hadi Sirika, a former Minister of Aviation, along with his daughter Fatima and Son-Inlaw Jalal Hammal have appeared at the Federal Capital Territory High Court for their arraignment by the EFCC regarding an alleged N2.7bn fraud case. 

The court approved bail for Sirika’s daughter, Fatima, and son-in-law, Jalal Hamma, each at the sum of N100 million, amounting to a total of N300 million. However, failing to meet the conditions set by the court will result in their detention at the Nigeria Correctional Service.

The charge in question states:

“That you HADI ABUBAKAR SIRIKA, while being the Minister of Aviation, between April, 2022 and March, 2023, in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did use your position to confer unfair advantage upon TIANAERO NIGERIA LIMITED whose alter ego, PROF. GABRIEL TILMANN is your Associate, by using your position to influence the award to them, the Consultancy contract for the Nigerian Air Start-up and extension of same for the sum of N1,326,731,470.97 (One Billion, Three Hundred and Twenty Six Million, Seven Hundred and Thirty One Thousand, Four Hundred and Seventy Naira, Ninety seven kobo Only) and you thereby committed an offence contrary to section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000 and punishable under the same section.”

“That you HADI ABUBAKAR SIRIKA, while being the Minister of Aviation, on or about 18 August, 2022, in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did use your position to confer unfair advantage upon AL BURAQ GLOBAL INVESTMENT LTD whose alter ego, FATIMA HADI SIRIKA and JALAL SULE HAMMA are your daughter and son-in-law respectively, by using your position to influence the award to them, the contract for the Apron Extension at Katsina Airport for the sum of N1,498,300,750.00 (One Billion, Four Hundred and Ninety-Eight Million, Three Hundred Thousand, Seven Hundred and Fifty Naira Only) and you thereby committed an offence contrary to section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act. 2000 and punishable under the same section.”

“That you HADI ABUBAKAR SIRIKA, while being the Minister of Aviation and in such capacity as a public officer on or about 18 August, 2022. in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court entrusted with certain property to wit the sum of N1,498,300,750.00 (One Billion, Four Hundred and Ninety-Eight Million, Three Hundred Thousand, Seven Hundred and Fifty Naira Only). committed criminal breach of trust in respect of the said property by being dishonestly connected with the illegal award of contract for the Apron Extension at Katsina Airport, to and for the benefit of AL BURAQ GLOBAL INVESTMENT LTD whose alter ego are FATIMA HADI SIRIKA and JALAL SULE HAΜΜΑ, your daughter and son-in-law respectively and you thereby committed an offence contrary to section 315 of the Penal Code Act. Cap. 532. Acts of the Federal Capital Territory and punishable under the same section.”