Trump Sentenced in Hush-Money Case Before Taking Office
Donald Trump, the first former US president sentenced for a crime, received an “unconditional discharge” for falsifying business records linked to hush-money payments. The sentencing occurred days before his inauguration, with no penalties imposed, allowing him to assume office without legal hindrance. Read more
Athena Commentary: Trump’s sentencing highlights unprecedented legal challenges for a president-elect. While the “unconditional discharge” spares him penalties, it raises questions about accountability for public officials. This outcome underscores the complex intersection of politics and justice, as Trump begins his presidency with a criminal conviction on record.
27 States Yet to Implement Electricity Act
Eighteen months after President Tinubu signed the Electricity Act into law, 27 states in Nigeria are yet to implement its provisions. The Act decentralises electricity generation and regulation, enabling states to create their own electricity markets, issue licences for mini-grids, and address local energy needs. While the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has established working groups and collaborated with states to guide implementation, progress remains slow. Read more
Athena Commentary: The delayed implementation of the Electricity Act by most states underscores systemic inertia in Nigeria’s governance structures. While the Act offers transformative potential by decentralising electricity markets, the inaction of 27 states raises concerns about political will and capacity to harness its benefits. This reform provides a rare opportunity to localise solutions for Nigeria’s crippling energy crisis, but states appear unprepared to legislate and regulate independently.
INEC Demands N126 Billion Budget for 2025
INEC has rejected the N40 billion allocated for its 2025 budget, demanding N126 billion to meet its operational needs. INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, argued before the National Assembly that the allocation is insufficient to cover elections, personnel costs, and other critical activities. Highlighting past funding challenges, he urged lawmakers to approve the full budget to ensure the commission fulfils its constitutional mandate effectively. Read more
Athena Commentary: INEC’s call for a tripling of its budget underscores the rising cost of conducting elections in Nigeria. The discrepancy between the proposed and allocated amounts reflects a lack of alignment between INEC’s needs and government priorities. Without sufficient funding, Nigeria risks compromising electoral integrity and the execution of off-cycle elections. Adequate financing is essential for sustaining democracy, and failure to act on INEC’s request could weaken public confidence in the electoral process.
Fire Service Saves N1.94 Trillion Worth of Assets in 2024
In 2024, over 100 lives were lost to fire outbreaks in Nigeria, with property damage estimated at N67.1 billion. However, the Federal Fire Service (FFS) saved assets worth N1.94 trillion and rescued 30,890 people. Controller-General Engr. Abdulganiyu Jaji highlighted plans to build new fire stations nationwide to improve response times. While proud of their achievements, Jaji called the fatalities a grim reminder of the importance of fire safety and prevention. Read more
Athena Commentary: The FFS’s efforts in 2024 highlight both commendable achievements and critical gaps. Saving N1.94 trillion in assets and thousands of lives demonstrates resilience, but the loss of over 100 lives underscores the need for intensified safety campaigns and better fire prevention strategies. Plans to expand fire stations are promising, yet addressing systemic issues, such as poor safety compliance in public spaces, is equally essential. Proactive investments in infrastructure and public awareness will be key to reducing future casualties and property losses.