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Traditional Ruler, Stakeholders Reiterate Okpanam’s Status as Host Community of Obi Cubana Millennium City

By
Hill Nigeria
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…As Community Stages Peaceful Protest In Support Of Project

The Ugoani of Okpanam, Dr. Michael Mbenefo Ogbolu and other community leaders have reaffirmed that the land housing the Obi Cubana Millennium City rightly belong to Okpanam Community in Oshimili North Local Government Area, Delta State.

The royal father and others made the reaffirmation when elders and youths of the community, who were on a peaceful protest in support of Obi Cubana Millennium City project, visited his palace.

While throwing more light on the acquisition of the said land, the traditional ruler disclosed that a lot of consultations were made before the land was sold to Obi Cubana for the projects.

He said the project is a welcome development to the community and Delta State in general and placed curse on anybody trying to derail the project.

The monarch reassured Obi Cubana that the Okpanam community remained solidly behind him, praying God for the success of the project.

Also speaking at the project site, the President-General of Okpanam Youth Organization (OYO), Comrade Lucky Okolo, made it clear that the land belong to Okpanam Community and urged the Issele-Azagba Community in Aniocha North Local Government Area to abstain from land grabbing activities in Okpanam and desist henceforth from claiming ownership of  the land where Cubana Millennium City is situated.

Comrade Okolo implored Issele -Azagba community not to disrupt development activities by Obi Cubana on the project site as he duly acquired the land from the owners of the land which is Ogbeozoma Village in Okpanam.

He alleged that Issele -Azagba people were strangers in the area, stressing that their forefathers in demonstration of hospitality decided to accommodate them in the place where they are presently residing.

While saying that the peaceful demonstration was aimed at building mutual and cordial relationship for developers, particularly Obi Cubana, Comrade Okolo warned that Okpanam community will no longer tolerate any land grabbling activities.

He asked Obi Cubana to rewrite his signpost from Cubana Millennium City, Asaba to Cubana Millennium City, Okpanam, saying that the signpost should not in any way carry Asaba. Also speaking, the Ikejiani of Okpanam Kingdom, Chief Felix Okafor, explained that the peaceful demonstration was necessitated by a recent publication alleging that where Cubana Millennium City is sited belonged to Issele -Azagba Community.

Chief Okafor said that the publication was not only untrue and baseless but misleading, adding that the people of Okpanam Community only harboured Issele -Azagba Community, just as he stated that they should not take the gesture as foolishness. He called on the state government, under the leadership of Rt. (Hon.) Sheriff Oborevwori to intervene and establish their boundaries once and for all.

Also, the solicitor to the community, Chief (Sir) Ifeanyi Ejiofor, said that it was obvious that some Okpanam indigenes were conniving with the people of Issele -Azagba community to perpetuate land grabbing in the area, pointing out that Issele -Azagba community cannot act on their own knowing fully well that the land was not theirs.

In response to a video being circulated by the Iseele-Azagba Community, Chief Ejiofor said they cannot act following a purported consent judgment being circulated in the video.

He pointed out that the true position of the law and facts clearly show that the land belonged to Ogbeozoma Community of Okpanam.

In his words “the land presently being develop by Obi Cubana Group is free from encumbrances, lien, adverse claim or subsisting judgement. Any attempt to associate it  with unrelated litigation or disputed consent judgment is misleading, defamatory and calculated attempt generate confusion”

Likewise, the Diokpa-Isi of Ogbeozoma Community, Okpanam, Ogbueshi Joseph Aninye, said the land rightly belonged to his community in Okpanam, adding that Issele-Azagba people were tenants.  In their separate remarks, the Chairman of Obodogba Youths, Comrade Chukwuma Abumujor and a frontline aspirant for the position of Okpanam Youth President, Comrade Fidelis Ogochukwu Okonma, who is the immediate past Secretary of the organization described the peaceful demonstration as apt and needed to correct the erroneous impression by Issele -Azagba people claiming ownership of what does not belong to them.

Okonma commended Okpanam youths for their support to Okolo-led administration, assuring that he would consolidate on the achievements of Comrade Okolo if given the opportunity to lead Okpanam youths having been part and parcel of the administration as the Secretary before his resignation.

Oborevwori Charges DESAA, Delta Local Content Agency, To Drive Economic Growth, Institutional Reforms 

By
Hill Nigeria
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 Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Thursday charged Managing Director of the Delta State Structures for Signage and Advertisement Agency (DESAA) and Director-General of the Delta State Local Content Agency,  Mr. Sebastian Okoh and Chief Stanley Kakor, respectively to spearhead economic growth and institutional reforms in line with the strategic objectives of the MORE Agenda.

The Governor who gave the charge at Government House, Asaba, during the swearing-in of the duo, expressed confidence in their ability to justify the trust reposed in them through their appointments.

He described the swearing-in as another significant step in his administration’s determination to build a strong, diversified, and resilient economy for Delta State.

The Governor noted that DESAA, established by the Delta State Structures for Signage and Advertisement Agency Law, 2015, and the Delta State Local Content Agency, established in 2020, are critical institutions for the growth and expansion of the state’s economy.

According to him, DESAA is mandated to control, regulate, monitor, and inspect all outdoor structures and platforms used for signage and advertisement to ensure compliance with the law.

Given Delta State’s strategic location within the southern economic corridor, he said the state remains a major hub for outdoor advertising, making DESAA’s operations vital in curbing visual pollution caused by the indiscriminate erection of outdoor advertisements.

He expressed confidence that Mr. Okoh possesses the capacity and experience required to reposition the agency and ensure that it operates effectively in line with global best practices.

On the Delta State Local Content Agency, the Governor explained that it was established to empower the people economically, particularly those in oil-producing communities.

He said the law setting up the agency domesticates relevant provisions of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development and Monitoring Act to benefit Deltans, including stipulating 70 percent local content utilization in the extractive industries and mandating companies to patronize local contractors.

The agency, he added, is also expected to monitor and ensure compliance with Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs), Global Memoranda of Understanding (GMOUs), and other agreements executed between companies, host communities, and the state government. I

He emphasized that strict adherence to these agreements and corporate social responsibility commitments by companies would significantly reduce conflicts in host communities, while urging communities to also fulfill their obligations to foster mutual trust and sustainable partnerships.

The Governor charged the new appointees to ensure fairness, transparency, and accountability in the discharge of their duties, stressing that their activities must align with the strategic imperatives of the MORE Agenda.

He advised them to familiarize themselves thoroughly with the policy documents and enabling laws guiding their agencies to avoid actions that may contravene legal provisions.

Acknowledging the sensitive nature of their assignments, he urged them to liaise closely with relevant stakeholders, including Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), the organized private sector, and community leaders, to promote peace and synergy.

Responding on behalf of the appointees, Mr. Okoh expressed gratitude to God and to the Governor for the opportunity to serve the people of Delta State.

He pledged their utmost loyalty to the Governor and the state, assuring that they would discharge their duties without fear or favour and in full conformity with the laws of Delta State.

The ceremony was attended by top government officials, political appointees, and other dignitaries.

DSCTDA Begins Fresh Cleanup at Koka Bridge

By
Hill Nigeria
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The Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency (DSCTDA) has commenced an intervention cleanup exercise at the Koka Bridge in Asaba as part of efforts to maintain environmental cleanliness in the Delta State capital.

The exercise, which began today February 18, 2026, was carried out by the Environment Unit of the Agency and involved the clearing of indiscriminately dumped waste, littered faeces, and sand within the bridge axis.

The cleanup team was led by the Head of Environment of the Agency, Mr Isaac Nwosu, who supervised the operation to ensure effective removal of environmental nuisances and restoration of sanity in the area.

Speaking on the exercise, the Director-General of the Agency, Mr Patrick Ukah, stated that the intervention forms part of the Agency’s mandate to keep Asaba clean, orderly, and environmentally friendly.m

Mr Ukah noted that maintaining a clean capital territory remains a top priority of the Agency, adding that the cleanup exercise will continue tomorrow Thursday with the cleaning and evacuation of sand from the area.

He urged residents and road users to support the Agency’s efforts by refraining from indiscriminate dumping of waste and embracing proper sanitation practices.

The exercise is part of the Agency’s ongoing commitment to ensuring a cleaner and healthier environment for residents of the capital territory.

Omoyele Sowore Secures ₦30m Victory as Court Faults Police Over ‘Wanted’ Declaration

By
Hill Nigeria
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In a landmark judgment delivered in Lagos, the Federal High Court has ruled in favour of human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, declaring that his being branded “wanted” by the police in November 2025 was unconstitutional and unlawful.

Justice M. Kakaki, in a judgment that lasted nearly one hour and thirty minutes, held that the actions of the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Moshood Jimoh, and the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, violated constitutional provisions protecting citizens’ rights to free expression and lawful movement.

The suit, filed by Sowore, challenged his declaration as wanted on November 3, 2025, as well as an earlier warning allegedly issued on October 27, 2025, advising him to stay away from Lagos State. The court found both actions to be arbitrary, unconstitutional, and beyond the statutory powers of the police.

Justice Kakaki ruled that the police lack the authority to declare any citizen wanted without a valid court-issued warrant,  declaration of wanted status must be backed by lawful process, proper notice, and evidence that the individual is evading service or investigation, the October 27 pronouncement warning Sowore to stay away from Lagos was unconstitutional and ultra vires, the November 3 declaration branding him wanted amounted to a grave abuse of power.

The court further held that declaring a citizen wanted outside the bounds of judicial authorization constitutes oppression rather than lawful policing. It emphasized that no Nigerian can be criminalized for speaking out, protesting, or holding government accountable.

In its judgment, the court awarded ₦30 million in damages against the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, and the Inspector-General of Police, holding them accountable for the unlawful actions.

While the monetary award is significant, legal observers note that the broader implication of the ruling lies in its jurisprudential weight. The court traced the historical evolution of police powers concerning “wanted” declarations and reaffirmed that only a court of law can authorize such measures under due process.

Reacting to the judgment, Sowore’s counsel, Tope Temokun, described the ruling as a constitutional victory not just for his client but for all Nigerians who insist on their fundamental rights.

He stated that the decision sends a clear message that citizenship does not equate to obedience to unlawful authority and that questioning those in power is not a crime under Nigerian law.

The judgment is widely seen as a reaffirmation of constitutional governance, underscoring the principle that state power must always bow to the rule of law.

As Nigeria continues to grapple with debates over civil liberties and policing powers, the ruling stands as a strong judicial reminder that freedom of expression and lawful dissent remain protected rights under the Constitution.

ICC Unanimously Backs Orusi-Led Executive, Sets Up Electoral Committee For 2026

By
Hill Nigeria
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The Indigenous Correspondents’ Chapel (ICC), Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Delta State Council has overwhelmingly passed a resounding vote of confidence in the executive led by Comrade Kenneth Orusi, even as it inaugurated a three-member electoral committee to midwife its 2026 elections.

The decisive resolutions were reached during the Chapel’s February Congress held on Thursday, 19, 2026, at the Secretariat in Asaba, where members reaffirmed unwavering support for the current leadership while charting a clear course toward a credible and transparent electoral process.

At the well-attended Congress, the Chairman formally announced the constitution of the Credentials Committee to conduct the 2026 ICC election.

Elder Ben Ogbogo, an astute journalist and ‘Life Elder’ of the Chapel, was named Chairman of the committee, with Comrade Austin Oyibode serving as Secretary and Comrade Onos Agbamu as Member.

The motion to empower the committee to pilot the electoral affairs of the Chapel was moved by Comrade Godwin Udoh.

Elder Chukwudi Abiandu, however, advised that the Congress should first ratify the committee’s composition before the motion could proceed.

Acting on the advice, Comrade Udoh subsequently moved the motion for the formal confirmation of the three-member committee.

The motion, seconded by Comrade Dorathy Mbasen Uba, sailed through without dissent or counter-motion, as members unanimously endorsed the committee.

While moving the motion, Comrade Udoh showered commendations on the Chairman, describing his stewardship as exceptional despite the myriad challenges confronting the Chapel.

He portrayed Comrade Orusi as “a Chairman with a lion’s heart,” noting that his legacy of service and measurable achievements are evident to all discerning members.

Udoh further applauded the entire executive for what he described as a remarkable performance that is steadily repositioning the Indigenous Correspondents’ Chapel for greater relevance, cohesion, and institutional impact.

The motion, seconded by Comrade Uba, received thunderous unanimous approval, underscoring the broad-based confidence reposed in the current leadership.

Following the confirmation, Chairman Comrade Orusi administered the oath of office to the committee members, charging them to discharge their duties with utmost fairness, transparency, and open-mindedness in order to deliver a credible electoral outcome.

Responding to the confidence vote, Comrade Orusi expressed deep appreciation to members for their trust, solidarity, and steadfast support.

He attributed the administration’s recorded successes to teamwork and collective sacrifice.

He particularly acknowledged the contributions of Elder Spence Idighri, the Chapel’s Life Chairman and Comrade (Dcn) Patrick Ochei, the Chapel’s Life Leader, describing their unwavering support as pivotal to the milestones achieved under his leadership.

Orusi urged members to sustain the cooperation and unity of the Chapel to continue its upward trajectory.

In his acceptance remarks, Elder Ogbogo, speaking on behalf of the committee, pledged diligence, neutrality, and integrity in the discharge of their mandate.

He assured members that the Committee would work assiduously to deliver a free, fair, and credible electoral process.

The high point of the Congress was the emphatic motion declaring a vote of complete confidence in the Orusi-led administration.

The Congress ended on a hopeful and forward-looking note, with members expressing strong optimism that the newly inaugurated electoral committee will lay a solid foundation for a transparent 2026 election and further deepen the democratic culture within the Chapel.

Delta Police To Intensify Traffic Enforcement, Offenders To Face Mobile Courts

By
Hill Nigeria
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The Delta State Police Command has informed the public that it will intensify enforcement of traffic laws and other related revenue offences across the state, with immediate effect.

This follows official confirmation from the Delta State Judiciary, through the Office of the Chief Registrar of the High Court of Justice, Delta State, on behalf of the Hon. Chief Judge, Hon. Justice T.O. Diai, that designated Mobile Courts are operational across various jurisdictions in the State. These courts are empowered to summarily try traffic offenders and other violators in accordance with extant laws.

Consequently, the Command will strengthen surveillance, patrol, and enforcement operations across major roads and urban centres including Asaba, Warri, Effurun, Sapele, Ughelli, Agbor, and other locations within the State. Offences such as reckless driving, driving against traffic, use of unauthorized number plates, driving without registration numbers, unauthorized use of sirens and revolving lights, obstruction, and other traffic violations will attract immediate arrest and prosecution before the Mobile Courts.

The Command advised members of the public to desist from violating traffic regulations and other laws, as the Command will not tolerate impunity, adding that there will be zero tolerance for traffic indiscipline, obstruction of law enforcement officers, or attempts to evade lawful arrest.

The Command reiterates that the measures are not punitive but are aimed at restoring order, improving road safety, protecting lives and property, and ensuring compliance with the law.

Law-abiding residents have nothing to fear. However, violators should be prepared to face the full weight of the law.

The Delta State Police Command under the leadership of CP Aina Adesola remains resolute in its commitment to public safety and the rule of law.

Ignore Consent Judgment Claim Over Cubana Millennium City Land -Solicitor

By
Hill Nigeria
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The Ogbe-Ozoma Community of Okpanam, has strongly refuted claims that the land currently being developed by Cubana Group is subject to a consent judgment allegedly entered in favour of Issele-Azagba.

In a direct rebuttal statement signed by Chief (Sir) Ifeanyi Ejiofor, solicitor to the Ogbe-Ozoma Community, the community described as “mischievous and misleading” assertions made in a viral video by individuals claiming to be indigenes of Issele-Asagba.

The video reportedly featured Barrister Larry Oliseh, who is said to be acting as counsel to Issele-Asagba, alleging that the disputed land falls under a consent judgment. However, the Ogbe-Ozoma Community maintained that the claim lacks factual and legal basis.

According to the statement, the land under development forms part of the ancestral inheritance of the Ogbe-Ozoma Community and has been held by them from time immemorial. The community asserted that the property was lawfully and legitimately sold to Cubana Group, with title duly transferred in compliance with all applicable laws.

The solicitors further emphasized that Cubana Group fulfilled all statutory requirements under the Land Use Act and was granted a Certificate of Occupancy in respect of the property. They added that there was no pending legal action before, during, or after the acquisition of the land.

The development project, the statement noted, was publicly flagged off and widely covered by the media, underscoring what the community described as transparency in the transaction.

The community clarified that the land allegedly covered by the disputed consent judgment is entirely different from the parcel currently being developed. It explained that the property referenced in the alleged judgment is the subject of ongoing litigation in Suit No. HCI/23/2021 pending before the Onicha-Ugbo High Court, Issele-Uku Judicial Division.

The solicitors stated that they are counsel in the matter and confirmed that it concerns a separate and distinct parcel of land unrelated to the Cubana Group project.

The statement also raised serious allegations regarding the circumstances under which the purported consent judgment in Suit No. HCI/5/2012 was obtained. It alleged that Barrister n Larry Oliseh, who had previously acted as defence counsel for the Ogbe-Ozoma Community in that matter, connived with opposing counsel to file terms of settlement without the knowledge or authorization of the community.

According to the rejoinder, the purported settlement document allegedly contained forged signatures and was filed and pronounced as a consent judgment on the same day without the community’s participation.

Upon discovering the development, the community said it promptly initiated legal steps to challenge the judgment on grounds of fraud and procedural irregularities.

It further disclosed that a petition has been filed against the said counsel before the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) for investigation and possible disciplinary action.

The Ogbe-Ozoma Community concluded that the land currently being developed by Cubana Group is free from encumbrances and not subject to any valid adverse claim.

The solicitor urged members of the public to disregard what it described as defamatory and misleading statements intended to cause confusion, insisting that the facts surrounding the land ownership are clear, verifiable, and legally defensible.

Igbrude Sends Goodwill Message Christian, Muslim Faithful

By
Hill Nigeria
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Delta State Coordinator of the Tinubu Torchbearers Initiative (TTBI), Delta State Chapter, Dame Princess Minnie Igbrude PhD, has extended her heartfelt goodwill message to Christian and Muslim faithful across Delta State and the entire nation as they observe the sacred seasons of Lent and Ramadan.

Speaking through her media team, Dame Igbrude noted that Lent and Ramadan are deeply significant spiritual periods marked by fasting, prayer, sacrifice, and reflection. She emphasized that this unique convergence of devotion offers Nigerians a powerful opportunity to seek divine guidance, renew their faith, and recommit to values that strengthen national unity.

She called on all faithful in Nigeria to use this solemn period to fervently pray for peace, stability, and progress in the country. According to her, the spirit of love, tolerance, and mutual respect must envelop every citizen, irrespective of religious, ethnic, or political differences.

“As we prepare toward the 2027 general elections,” she stated, “we must resist the temptations of greed, envy, backbiting, and the pulling down of leaders for selfish interests. Politics should not divide us but unite us in pursuit of collective development and good governance.”

Dame Princess Minnie Igbrude further urged citizens to cultivate the habit of encouraging and praying for leaders at all levels, as well as for followers and supporters, stressing that everyone has a role to play in nation-building. She reminded Nigerians that in the eyes of Almighty God, every individual is important and accountable for promoting peace and righteousness.

She concluded by wishing all Christian and Muslim faithful a spiritually fulfilling Lenten and Ramadan season, praying that their sacrifices and supplications will yield divine blessings, renewed hope, and lasting unity for Delta State and Nigeria at large.

Delta State Governor Approves Appointment of DG, Local Content Agency and MD, Signage and Advertisement Agency

By
Hill Nigeria
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The Governor of Delta State, Rt Hon.(Elder) Sheriff F.O Oborevwori

has approved the appointment of Chief Kakor Stanley Ese as the Director-General,Delta State Local Content Agency and Mr Okoh Sabastine as Managing Director,Delta State Structure for Signage and Advertisement Agency.

According to a statement signed by the Secretary to the state Government (SSG), Dr. Kingsley Eze Emu the swearing-in of the appointees will take place on Thursday 19th February,2026 at Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba at 10am.

Accordingly, the appointees,their families and other guests are to be seated by 9.30 am.

Senator Nwoko, Other Lawmakers Demand Justification as Federal Ministry Budgets Come Under Scrutiny ‎

By
Hill Nigeria
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Senator Ned Nwoko has stated his active participation in a series of high-level budget defense sessions covering the Finance, Local Government, Sports, and Defense sectors, underscoring his continued involvement in legislative oversight and fiscal accountability processes within the National Assembly.
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According to the Senator, the multi-committee budget defense meetings served as a strategic platform for detailed examination of government spending plans and policy priorities ahead of the upcoming fiscal cycle.
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‎As a member of each of the relevant committees, Senator Nwoko said he engaged directly with ministry and agency representatives, contributing to deliberations and raising questions aimed at strengthening transparency and efficiency in public resource management.
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Budget defense sessions are core component of the legislative appropriation process, enabling lawmakers to review proposed expenditures, verify program justifications, and ensure that budgetary allocations align with national development goals.
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Through these sessions, committees evaluate funding requests, performance benchmarks, and implementation frameworks submitted by government departments and agencies.
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‎Senator Nwoko emphasized that the sessions provided what he described as a “critical opportunity” to interrogate proposals and test the assumptions behind projected spending.
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‎Discussions focused on resource allocation models, sectoral priorities, and policy direction, with committee members assessing whether proposed budgets adequately address operational needs while delivering measurable public value.
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‎In the Finance sector review, deliberations centered on revenue projections, fiscal discipline, and macroeconomic stability measures. Lawmakers examined funding structures and questioned underlying assumptions affecting budget sustainability.
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‎The local government session addressed grassroots development funding, administrative capacity, and mechanisms for improving service delivery at the subnational level.

The Sports budget defense included scrutiny of infrastructure development plans, athlete support programs, and international competitiveness strategies.
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‎ Meanwhile, the Defense sector session focused on security funding requirements, procurement frameworks, and operational readiness, with committee members weighing the balance between immediate security needs and long-term capability building.
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‎Observers noted that cross-committee participation by lawmakers could enhance coordination across sectors, especially where funding priorities and policy outcomes intersect.
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‎By taking part in multiple budget defense panels, Senator Nwoko contributed to cross-sectoral oversight and policy alignment discussions.
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‎The National Assembly’s budget defense phase is expected to continue with further reviews and adjustments before final appropriation decisions are reached.
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Lawmakers say the process remains essential to ensuring that public funds are allocated responsibly and in line with legislative and national priorities.

-Emerald News.

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