Nigeria News (Standard)
Fubara Submits 2026–2028 Fiscal Framework as Rivers Assembly Reconvenes After Months
Lawmakers resume plenary in Port Harcourt, receiving multi-year budget proposal amid ongoing political tension in Rivers State
Lawmakers resume plenary in Port Harcourt, receiving multi-year budget proposal amid ongoing political tension in Rivers State
Governor Siminalayi Fubara has presented the 2026–2028 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework to the Rivers State House of Assembly, marking the first plenary session held by the lawmakers in several months. The assembly reconvened on Thursday in Port Harcourt, South-South Nigeria, where members received the fiscal strategy document from the executive arm.
The development comes after a prolonged period of inactivity in the state legislature, which had been dogged by political disagreements and leadership disputes. At Thursday’s sitting, Speaker and other principal officers were present as the assembly formally acknowledged receipt of Governor Fubara’s proposed spending plan for the next three financial years.
The Medium-Term Expenditure Framework is a statutory requirement that outlines projected government revenue and expenditure, providing a basis for annual budgets. Its submission signals preparations for next year’s appropriation bill and is seen as a step towards restoring normal legislative business in Rivers State, following recent tensions between factions aligned to different political interests.
While details of Fubara’s spending priorities were not immediately disclosed at plenary, observers say the resumption of legislative activities may help douse anxieties among stakeholders about governance stability in the oil-rich state. Attempts to reach opposition lawmakers for comment were not successful as at press time.
The assembly is expected to deliberate on the framework in coming weeks before its adoption, paving way for formal budget presentation later this year. Political analysts note that sustained engagement between the executive and legislature will be key to unlocking delayed development projects and addressing constituents’ concerns across Rivers State.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Access Holdings Executive Director Retires from Board, Company Announces Leadership Transition
Retirement marks significant change in Lagos-based financial institution’s board composition as company initiates succession planning
Retirement marks significant change in Lagos-based financial institution’s board composition as company initiates succession planning
Access Holdings Plc has announced the retirement of one of its executive directors from the company’s board, signalling a major leadership change within the Lagos-based financial group. The announcement was made public on Thursday, 25 June 2026, by the firm’s management.
According to information released by Access Holdings, the retirement of the executive director takes effect immediately and is part of an ongoing process to strengthen corporate governance and reposition the board for future growth. The company did not disclose the name of the outgoing executive director or provide details regarding their years of service at press time.
The move comes as Nigeria’s banking sector continues to undergo significant regulatory and market-driven changes, with increased focus on transparency and board renewal among listed companies. Access Holdings, which is one of Nigeria’s largest financial services groups with subsidiaries in banking, insurance and asset management, has consistently emphasised adherence to best practices in board appointments and retirements.
The company stated that it is already implementing a succession plan to ensure continuity and maintain investor confidence. While no official statement has been issued by shareholders or industry analysts regarding this development, Access Holdings noted that further information about the successor and any interim arrangements will be communicated in due course.
Industry watchers say such leadership transitions are not uncommon in Nigeria’s competitive financial sector, especially as institutions seek to align with Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) guidelines on board tenure and governance. The retirement is expected to pave way for new perspectives at Access Holdings as it continues to expand its footprint across Africa.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Ex-Minister Uche Nnaji Appeals Court Order for Arrest over Alleged Forgery in Enugu
Legal move comes after initial denial, as court had earlier directed police to detain former minister on forgery allegations
Legal move comes after initial denial, as court had earlier directed police to detain former minister on forgery allegations
Former Minister Uche Nnaji has filed an appeal challenging a recent court ruling that ordered his arrest over alleged forgery in Enugu State. The development follows the court’s decision earlier this week mandating the Nigeria Police to detain Nnaji, who previously served as a federal minister, for purportedly presenting forged documents.
The sequence began when a High Court sitting in Enugu issued an arrest warrant against Nnaji after considering evidence presented in a case involving claims of document falsification. Sources familiar with the proceedings said the court found sufficient grounds to direct law enforcement to act immediately. Nnaji, who had initially denied any wrongdoing, responded by lodging an appeal seeking to overturn the order.
The case has drawn significant attention within political circles in Enugu and beyond, as observers note its potential impact on ongoing debates about integrity and accountability among public office holders. Legal analysts say such cases often serve as precedents for how similar allegations are handled, especially when they involve former top officials.
While the details of Nnaji’s appeal are yet to be made public, his legal team insists that due process must be followed and maintains their client’s innocence. As at press time, police authorities have not commented on whether they have executed the court order or are awaiting further instructions pending the outcome of the appeal.
The next steps in the case will depend on how swiftly the appellate court addresses Nnaji’s challenge. Political watchers in Enugu say the legal tussle could influence perceptions about anti-corruption efforts and judicial independence ahead of future elections.
Nigeria News (Standard)
FIDE Launches African Qualifier for World Schools Team Chess Championship in Cape Town
Winning school team from African stage to secure direct spot in December Grand Final under new continental format
Winning school team from African stage to secure direct spot in December Grand Final under new continental format
The International Chess Federation (FIDE) has announced the introduction of an African qualifier for the World Schools Team Championship, with the event scheduled to hold in Cape Town, South Africa, from July 6 to 11, 2026. The championship, which is now adopting a continental qualification structure, will see school teams from across Africa compete for a direct place in the Grand Final set for December.
The African stage follows the successful completion of the Asian Continental Stage held between April 7 and 10, 2026. According to FIDE, national chess federations across Africa are expected to select and enter their best school teams for this new phase. The winning team at the Cape Town event will automatically progress to represent Africa at the Grand Final.
This development marks a significant shift from previous years where international tournaments operated separately. The redesigned format now links regional qualifiers—such as those in Asia and Africa—to a unified global final. FIDE and the International School Chess Federation (ISCF) jointly organise the championship under this new system, with support from private partners like Freedom Holding Corp.
FIDE said that by involving national federations directly in the selection process and hosting qualifiers on the continent, it aims to strengthen chess infrastructure and development at grassroots level throughout Africa. The federation also stated that private sector involvement would help drive investment into chess education and facilities.
With preparations underway for the July tournament in Cape Town, stakeholders are optimistic that this approach will boost participation rates and raise the competitive standard of African school teams on the international scene. The Grand Final in December is expected to bring together top teams from different continents under one roof.
Source: https://guardian.ng/sport/wstc-expands-its-continental-model-with-an-african-qualifier/
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