The presiding judge in the trial of former governor of Nasarawa State, Alhaji Abdulahi Adamu, Justice Marcel Awokulehin, yesterday, voluntarily withdrew from presiding over the N15 billion fraud instituted against Adamu and 18 others by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, citing personal reasons and conformity with his conscience. Accordingly, Awokulehin said he would return the case file to the Chief Registrar of the Federal High Court who would re-assign the case to another judge.

ACTING President Goodluck Jonathan, Tuesday, swore-in two new ministers, bringing the number of ministers to 40. A fortnight ago, 38 ministers had been sworn-in.

The Acting President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan yesterday got the approval of the Senate to borrow the sum of $915 million (N138.165bn) from the World Bank, part of which would be used to finance the 2010 budget.

The South-South Northern Alliance has condemned the suspension of 19 senior members of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP alleged to have formed a rebel faction by demanding internal democracy.

SPEAKER of Edo State House Of Assembly, Mr. Bright Omokhodion, yesterday, in Benin denied newspapers’ publications that he was sent out of the Speakers’ Conference in Makurdi.