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Reps Felicitates With New NBA Executives

July 22, 2024

Afam Osigwe - NBA President — Afam Osigwe, NBA President.

By Ayodele Oni

The House of Representatives has extended a hand of fellowship with the new leadership of the Nigerian Bar Association, (NBA).

The Senate, in a statement, congratulated Mazi Afam Josiah Osigwe, SAN, on his election as the President of the NBA, and the nine other national officers of the association, Representatives to the General Council of the Bar for their respective zones, following their emergence in the NBA 2024 Election.

The statement, signed by the spokesman of the House, Akin Rotimi Jnr, stated that “With 25 years of distinguished service in the legal profession, including leadership roles as Chairman of the NBA Abuja Branch (Unity Bar) and General Secretary of the national body, Mr. Osigwe brings invaluable experience that will greatly benefit the legal community in Nigeria.

“His commitment to upholding the dignity of the association and the integrity of the legal profession is commendable.

“The NBA President-Elect’s pledge to lead an inclusive administration and contribute meaningfully to the advancement of Nigerian society resonates deeply with the House.

“We also appreciate his emphasis on vigilance, responsiveness, responsibility, constructive engagement, and forward-thinking, all of which are critical priorities for our nation at this time.

“In accordance with Agenda 3: Law Reform of the 10th Assembly’s Legislative Agenda, under the leadership of Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, the House eagerly anticipates collaborating with the incoming NBA administration to reform and strengthen our judicial and legal systems.

“Chairman of the House Committee on Judiciary, Rep. Mamudu Abdullahi (APC, Niger), remarked: ‘The House Committee on Judiciary applauds the success of the 2024 NBA Elections.

“We view the NBA as a crucial partner in our shared goal of ensuring swift justice delivery and enhancing the autonomy of the Judiciary, in line with the 10th Assembly’s Legislative Agenda.”

Similarly, Chairman of the House Committee on Justice, Rep. Olumide Osoba (APC, Ogun) applauds Mazi Osigwe’s emergence as President of the NBA.

“His extensive experience and avowed commitment to upholding legal integrity will be pivotal in advancing our legal landscape,” he stated.”

The House expressed gratitude to the outgoing President, Yakubu Maikyau (SAN), and his executives for their significant contributions to the justice sector and the Nigerian judiciary over the past two years.

Periodic Review Needed To Curtail Insecurity In North West – COAS

Ayodele Oni

July 22, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

The Chief of Army Staff, (COAS), Lt Gen Taoreed Lagbaja has assured that the Nigerian Army will continue to review its operations to be able to reinvigorate ongoing operations against non-state actors.

He was speaking at the opening of a three-day Retreat for Past and Present Commanders of Nigerian Army Operations in North West, on Monday in Abuja.

The retreat with the theme, “Reappraising the Nigerian Army’s Approach to Tackling Insecurity in the North West,” was held at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre (NARC) Abuja.

The COAS, represented by the Chief of Operations, Maj.-Gen. Benson Sinjen, pointed out that the security situation in the North West was made complex by activities of non-state actors who engage in banditry, kidnappings, cattle rustling, illegal mining and violent attacks on innocent citizens.

These activities, he said had led to destruction of lives, properties and means of livelihoods.

According to him, activities of these non-state actors have continued to impact the security environment across the country, in spite of unrelenting efforts to curb the trend by the army, sister services and other security agencies.

The COAS maintained that surmounting insecurity in the North West region needed periodic review of the situation with a view to truly understand the generality and specifics for seamless planning and executing of operations.

The threats, according to him, are always fluid and evolving, thus requiring them to quickly adapt to be at least a step ahead of the adversary.

Lagbaja assured that the retreat would provide opportunity for operational and tactical level commanders to be step away from their normal routines in the field and theatres of operations.

He added that the retreat would allow time for introspection, which will not only stimulate new perspectives and creative thinking, but also facilitate problem solving.

“It will also provide a veritable opportunity for reviewing our efforts at appropriate levels and boosting troops’ morale.

“The retreat will also give impetus to operational efficiency in the pursuit of the pillars of Nigerian Army Mission Statement and my Command Philosophy,” he said.

The Director General, NARC, retired Maj.-Gen. Garba Wahab, said that any operation that lasts beyond six months was subject to a review or after action review, adding that the North West operation had lasted for years.

Wahab pointed out that there was a need to bring both the past and present commanders of the operations to come together to proffer strong and profound solutions to the issue of operations, administration, logistics and intelligence collaboration.

NPF Disowns Divisive Social Media Message

Ayodele Oni

July 22, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

The Nigeria Police Force has disowned a message which could invite division, violence and destruction currently circulating alongside a picture of the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun on the social media.

Force Spokesman, Olumuyiwa Adejobi clarified in a statement that the message did not originate from the Police.

“The message, which poses several questions and opinions about protests, does not essentially represent the ideals or views of the Nigeria Police Force, urging everyone to disregard the message and other similar contents purportedly from the NPF as the Force makes all communications via its official channels.

He stated that the Force is committed to maintaining peace and order throughout the country.

“We do not endorse any message that could incite division, violence, or destruction. We encourage all Nigerians to engage in peaceful and constructive activities that would contribute to the progress and unity of our dear country.

“Additionally, the NPF expressly warns against the spread of misinformation, disinformation, and fake news, or mischievous recycled contents which are capable of causing a breakdown of law and order as such actions are criminal and punishable under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention) Act, 2024 and other extant laws in Nigeria.”

Media Group Loyal To Tinubu Asks PDP Governors To Justify Increased Allocation To States

Ayodele Oni

July 22, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Tinubu Media Group (TMSG) has advised governors elected on the ticket of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to focus on development in their respective states, rather than criticizing President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

TMSG described as hypocrisy on the part of the PDP governors to abandon governance in their states and advising the federal government.

The group made the remarks in Abuja following the governors’ comments on the Tinubu administration.

“In a twist of irony, the PDP governors who had feasted on the enormous allocations being generated by the Tinubu administration have turned to accuse the same government of non – performance.”

The TMSG, in a statement signed by its Chairman Emeka Nwankpa and Secretary Dapo Okubanjo, noted that the PDP governors statement was down to insincerity and smirks of being arrogantly sanctimonious.

“Non-performing governors like those of the PDP are a burden on the country.

“The governors elected on the platform of the PDP are in no position to advise President Bola Tinubu on governance or rate his performance in office because none of them has done anything worthwhile with the improved revenue they had been getting since Tinubu assumed office in the last one year.

“Going through the communique issued by PDP governors on sundry national issues at the end of their meeting in Enugu, we were not surprised that they took pot shots at President Bola Tinubu who has over the years been the nemesis of their party even before his assumption of office.

“But we find it shameful that state governors, with little or no real performance to their names in spite of a quantum leap in public funds allocated to them in over one year, are pointing fingers of blame at the President.

“We consider this as an act of hypocrisy, but we also recognize that they have to play the politics of opposition, which in Nigeria denotes abuse or canvassing false narratives.

“Just like President Tinubu, we acknowledge that the twin policies of fuel subsidy removal and unification of multiple exchange rates as well as high cost of living globally have exacerbated the high cost of living in the country.

“It has also led to improved allocations from the federation account to all tiers of government which these governors enjoy.

“Our question for this group of governors is,what have they been doing with the public funds at their disposal to the extent that they themselves have had to raise posers on the ability of subnationals to pay the new minimum wage.

“The Federal government has also been extending support to state governments, regardless of party affiliation, but there are no signs of massive infrastructure projects in many of the states that are commensurate with the funds the governors have been receiving.

“And lest we forget, some of these governors are presiding over oil-producing states which incidentally have the highest number of people living in multidimensional poverty even after years of receiving enormous allocations tied to resources.

“Yet these are governors who chose to ‘express dismay at the management of the economy’ rather than sit down and engage in a sincere peer review mechanism that will enhance performance in their respective States.”

Hunger: Gumi Calls For Postponement Of Protest To Avoid “Anarchy”

Tosin Olatokunbo

July 22, 2024

Controversial Islamic cleric Shiekh Ahmad Gumi, has called for the postponement of the nationwide protest by some groups in the country.

The protest scheduled by the organisers to hold on August 1-10 across the country is currently drawing support from many Nigerians, who said it’s required to call the government’s attention to their sufferings.

Not a few Nigerians have also called for restraint, saying the planned protest has the potential to destabilise the country.

Recall that Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President has named Peter Obi, the 2023 Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, LP, as the major sponsor of the protest.

The state security agencies, reports say have clamped down on some individuals, believed to be the sponsors of the planned protest.

For instance, a Kano-based TikToker, Junaidu ‘Abusalma’ Abdullahi, has been arrested by the State Security Service, DSS, which has kept him in their detention.

Amidst the arrest of those perceived to be the arrowheads of the planned protest, Obi, a former governor of Anambra state has denied the allegation.

Speaking on the consequence of the protest on the country, Gumi called on the “youth to postpone their intended protest this August to the first of January next year.”

According to him, the youth have the right to protest the current hardship in the country due to the insensitivity of the political class to the plight of the masses, but cautioned that the protest will not augur well for the country.

He urged the protesters to shift the protest to next year stressing that “any premature action by the youth is mostly likely to lead to anarchy and greater turmoil.”

Gumi said, “With due apology to the few honest Nigerians, as corruption has permeated the fabric of the society, leaving virtually no institution without blemish, the recent move by the youth to demonstrate against bad governance and poor leadership is a great precursor of a brighter future for this nation,” Mr Gumi said.

He added, “At a time, the executives are largely corrupt. So also the legislature, the academia, the judiciary, the armed forces, the labor unions, and even the affluent citizens, all watching as the nation is drifting slowly to hunger and lawlessness, every quarter is after its interest of amassing wealth, the youth suddenly have stood out as the last hope of this nation.

“On this note, I am calling on the youth to postpone their intended protest this August to the first of January next year. The reasons are: First and foremost, to give enough time to coordinate their various youth groups for better organization so that whatever demands they want, would be articulated well for the betterment of the nation. It is said if you don’t plan to succeed you are then planning to fail.”

Dangote Offers $20bn Refinery To NNPCL Amidst Monopoly Claim

Tosin Olatokunbo

July 22, 2024

Aliko Dangote, Africa’s Wealthiest Man has offered to sell his multibillion dollar petrochemical refinery in Lagos to the state owned NNPCL in response to allegations that he’s trying to create a monopoly.

The government controlled oil corporation has been trenchantly criticised for mismanaging the four refineries in Kaduna, Warri and Port Harcourt, raising doubts of its capacity to manage any refinery successfully.

Not a few Nigerians have called for the sack of the NNPCL management by the federal government, describing them incapable of making the refineries work.

The $20 billion worth Dangote refinery was commissioned last year by the immediate past President Muhammadu Buhari, but has been enmeshed in a serious controversy lately over operational issues, one of which is the allegation that Dangote is trying to block other players in the oil and gas business.

The businessman has denied the allegation amidst calls by the government regulators in the sector, on him not to expect any concession.

Recall also that the NNPLC has recently reduced its shares in the Dangote Refinery to 7. 2 percent from the earlier 20 percent deal it signed with Dangote, raising more posers on the whether the government has dumped its support for the local producer.

Reacting to NNPCL allegation that he’s trying to create a monopoly, Dangote said on Sunday that the oil corporation could buy him out in other to stop this from happening.

“They have labeled me a monopolist,” he said, but once NNPLC takes over the refinery, “the allegations of monopoly would no longer be valid.”

He explained that the reason why he ventured to build the refinery was to end Nigeria’s dependence on importation of petroleum products, and to create jobs for Nigerians saying some powerful people in the country appear not to be happy with him.

“We have been facing fuel crisis since the 70s. This refinery can help in resolving the problem but it does appear some people are uncomfortable that I am in the picture. So I am ready to let go, let the NNPC buy me out, run the refinery,” he told Premium Times.

He said he’s ready to give up the project if this will end the current attack against him.

He said, “As you probably know, I am 67 years old, in less than three years, I will be 70. I need very little to live the rest of my life. I can’t take the refinery or any other property or asset to my grave. Everything I do is in the interest of my country.

“This refinery can help in resolving the problem but it does appear some people are uncomfortable that I am in the picture. So I am ready to let go, let the NNPC buy me out, run the refinery. At least the country will have high-quality products and create jobs.”

Under the NNPCL, the country’s four refineries have become comatose despite the N12 trillion, experts claimed has been spent on Turn Around Maintenance, TAM for years.

Supreme Court Judgment: Ebonyi Declares APC Winners Of LG Elections

Tosin Olatokunbo

July 22, 2024

The Chairman of the Ebonyi Independent Electoral Commission, EBSIEC, Jossey Eze has announced the results of the local government election held in the state last weekend.

According to him, the ruling party in the state, the All progressives Congress, APC, won all the 13 chairmanship seats and 171 ward councillorship positions.

The News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reports that Eze claimed that other political parties which took part in the election and lost to the APC include APGA and the Labour Party.

Eze while announcing the results on Sunday, said the election results have now been certified by the commission, declaring the process to be peaceful and transparent.

He urged the winners of the election to be magnanimous in victory by taking those who lost along, in order for the “dividends of democracy” to be delivered to the people of the state.

He said, “I particularly thank the state government for not interfering in the conduct of the elections, as this helped in making it credible, free, and fair.

“The election has been won and lost, but the victory is for everybody who participated in the elections.

“The winners should carry everybody along and everyone should contribute to delivering democratic dividends to people at the grassroots, which the local government areas represent.

“This is the summary of the results as released by the returning officers in all the wards and local government areas: Ebere Nwogba for Abakaliki LGA, Timothy Agha for Afikpo.

“Edda Council, Chima Ekumamkama, and Chinedu Bernard for Ebonyi LGA. Ezza, Moses for Nome. Sunday Nwankwor for Ikwo and Ivo has Emmanuel Ajah, among others.’

The south east state is among the states in the country that have conducted local government election following the Supreme Court’s judgement which affirmed financial autonomy to the 774 local governments in the country.

Democratically elections at the local government levels, the apex bank said has become the basis for receiving financial allocation from the federal government.

FG Should Address Suffering Nigerians’ Concerns, Not Planning Clamp Down on Individuals – CNPP Warns

The Source

July 22, 2024

The Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) has urged the Federal Government to focus on addressing the genuine concerns of suffering Nigerians due to the increasing cost of living and loss of jobs and businesses, rather than planning to silence individuals and groups who are speaking out.

In a press release signed by its Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Comrade James Ezema, the umbrella body of all registered political parties and political associations in the Nigeria expressed alarm over the government’s antics of pointing accusing fingers at individuals and groups over the rumours of looming massive protests in the country by hungry and jobless citizens.

“It is unacceptable for the Federal government’s spokespersons suggest plans to silence individuals and groups who are simply voicing the concerns of the masses,” the CNPP said. “The recent warning by the government to individuals and groups not to go ahead with the planned protests is a clear indication of its desperation to cling to power at all costs irrespective of the well-being of citizens.”

The CNPP therefore warned that clamping down on individuals and groups could escalate the looming protests, as happened in Kenya recently. “The government should learn from history and address the root causes of the rumoured protests, rather than trying to suppress them,” the CNPP said.

According to the CNPP, the increasing cost of living and loss of jobs and businesses have brought untold hardship to Nigerians. “The government must concretely address these issues, rather than trying to intimidate and silence those who are speaking out,” the CNPP said.

The CNPP then called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take immediate action to address the concerns of the suffering Nigerians, saying that “The government must prioritize the welfare of the people, rather than trying to protect the interests of a few privileged individuals”.

“The CNPP also demands that the Nigerian governments at all levels take immediate steps to cut the cost of governance by ensuring that all arms of government, especially the Executive and legislative arms at the federal and state levels, slash their allowances and number of appointees by, at least, 60 percent.

“This is a critical step towards reducing the financial burden on Nigerians and freeing up resources to address the pressing needs of the ordinary people. And for emphasis, all levels of government must lead by example and show that it is committed to reducing waste, corruption, and extravagance.

“Specifically, we call on the government to reduce the number of ministers and other political appointees by 60%, even if it entails initiating necessary constitutional amendments to cut the allowances of all political office holders by 60% and reduce the number of special advisers and assistants by the same percentage.

“These steps will help to reduce the financial burden on Nigerians and ensure that the government is more efficient and effective in its delivery of services.

“We urge all Nigerians to join us in demanding that all levels of the government takes these steps to cut the cost of governance. Together, we can make a difference and ensure that Nigeria is a country where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.”

The CNPP vowed to continue monitoring the situation and will not hesitate to take constitutional actions if the government continues to ignore the concerns of Nigerians. “We will not stand astride and look while the government tries to suppress the voices of the burdened and hungry ordinary people on the streets,” the CNPP concluded.

Police Inspector, Three Civilians Confirmed Killed By Gunmen In Aba Again

Suleiman Anyalewechi

July 22, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Abia State Police Command has said that a Police Inspector, and three civilians were on Sunday July 21, 2024 killed in a gruelling gun battle between some gunmen and Police Operatives in Aba.

Two of the gunmen were, also, neutralized during the exchange of gun fire, while others were fled with bullet injuries.

In a statement issued by the Command’s spokesperson, Chilaka Maureen, ASP, the police authorities noted that the unknown gunmen ambushed and attacked Police Operatives on a routine patrol on Ngwa Road by Mosque street junction in the commercial hub of the State .

The gunmen operated in an ash-coloured Sienna vehicle.

“Today ,July 21 2024, at about 11.28 hrs, Police Operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad, RRS, Aba, Abia state, while on patrol along Ngwa Road by Mosque junction, Aba, were attacked by armed men in an ash-coloured Sienna vehicle.

“The armed men opened fire on the police personnel and the operatives repelled the attack, preventing what could have been a deadlier outcome.

“Bodies of the deceased have been deposited at the mortuary, while investigation is ongoing to arrest the fleeing hoodlums .

“The public is assured to go about their lawful activities without fear ,as officers have been deployed to strategic locations in the state to ensure the protection of lives and property.

“Abians are also urged to report any suspicious movements or individuals with bullet injuries to the nearest police Station” the police stated .

According to the police statement, one Inspector, Shehu Oyibo, was the Officer killed by the attackers.

The civilian casualties are Chika Godliveth,(m), Onyebuchi Jonah,(m) a 32 year old from Item Abia state,and Eniobong Godsgift Clement ( f) 18 years old from Akwa Ibom state.

The Source reports that Sunday’s attack came less than a month a similar incident claimed the lives of two police operatives at the Opobo junction in Ogbo-Hills area of the commercial city.

Local Council Autonomy: Kano Committed To Holding Free, Fair And Credible LG Polls – Gov Yusuf

Suleiman Anyalewechi

July 22, 2024

Abba Yusuf - Governor of Kano State — Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Kano State Government has expressed its readiness to conduct Local Council Polls to usher in elected officials.

This, it said, is in compliance with the Supreme Court ruling which affirmed the financial independence of the Third Tier of Government in the Country.

A statement issued on Sunday July 21 ,2024 ,in Kano by Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s Spokesperson, said the Governor made this known on Friday ,at a meeting with New Nigeria Party NNPP stakeholders held at the Africa House, Kano.

The Kano State Governor at the parley emphasised his Government’s unwavering commitment and respect for the rule of law, financial prudence, accountability and transparency in the conduct of Government affairs.

While promising that the NNPP led administration is poised to conduct free, fair and credible Local Government election, Governor Yusuf also assured opposition parties of a level playing ground .

” Our administration has allowed the previous Local Government Executive Councils in the 44 LGAs to finish their tenure despite pressure from within.This is out of the respect we have for the rule of law.

“So our respect for accountability, and in consideration of the recent Supreme Court judgment, triggered our readiness to conduct council election” he said

Governor Yusuf informed that the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission KANSIEC, has already commenced preparations, for the conduct of Local Council polls.

“We will soon invite you again for the selection of our party’s candidates that will run for the office of Chairmen ,Vice Chairmen, and Councilors of the 44 local councils.

“We shall run a peaceful campaign ,with the believe that majority of Kano people will vote for the NNPP”

The Source reports that the Apex Court in the land had on Thursday, June 20, 2024 ,in a suit filed by the Federal Government, ruled to affirm the financial independence of local Councils.

The Supreme court had also declared, as illegal, the continued use of undemocratically elected officials to run the affairs of the councils among others.

The Court equally ordered the withholding of the Federal Allocation of Councils operating with unelected officials.

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