GTCO Intensifies Autism Campaign, “We Must Talk About It”

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July 12, 2024

The Guaranty Trust Holding Company, GTCO, has expressed its continued support for individuals suffering from Autism Spectrum Disorders, as the company promised to take the campaign across the Continent.

The financial behemoth made the commitment during an interaction with journalists in Lagos on Thursday, to herald the 14th annual autism conference, themed; A Spectrum of Possibilities scheduled to hold from July 15 to 16 in Lagos.

Speaking, Charles Eremi, the bank’s Group Corporate Communication, said the company has provided support for those living with the condition for many years, adding that the essence of this is to ensure that these individuals are provided the opportunities to thrive in whatever they have chosen to do.

Eremi said, “Each year, we like to bring people here to talk more about this condition. We have grown it from awareness to advocacy and now we are at a point where we are building around autism and those in the spectrum.

He added that this edition would offer the opportunity for free consultation and access to professionals from the medical sectors, adding that the advocacy program would be held in other African countries, including the one in Ghana, commencing on July 23 to 27.

Also speaking, a behavioral analyst, Osezusi Bolodeoku bemoaned the lack of awareness, acceptance and accommodation of those living with ASD urging societal attitudinal change towards them.

Bolodeoku, a mother of an 11-year-old child, stated that early intervention helped her nurture and bring out the best from the child, urging parents with ASD children to allow them to express themselves.

Over the years, the GTCO Autism initiative has provided opportunities for those living with the condition to thrive in their choosing endevours.

“We’ll Defeat Terrorists,” Military Says, After Uncovering Plot To Bomb Key Infrastructure

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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July 12, 2024

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The Nigerian Armed forces has vowed to defeat Boko Haram and Islamic State of West Africa Province, ISWAP, no matter what it takes.

The AF made this declaration on Thursday after it warned Nigerians of plan by the two terror organisations to attack critical infrastructure in the country.

The Director Defence Media Operations. Maj Gen Edward Buba, made the revelation in a statement on Thursday, affirming the readiness of the military to totally defeat the insurgents.

He explained that the AF forces have “emplaced” measures to counter the planned attack against the country by the blood thirsty Islamic groups, adding that all the security agencies in the country have been placed on high alert, saying the insurgents must be defeated on the street and “battle field.”

According to Buba, “These terrorists are the enemy that must be fought and defeated. They are responsible for keeping the nation in an almost constant state of counter terrorism and counter insurgency.

“in this fight, citizens must understand that, we must never compromise on security, otherwise everyone’s security will be compromised. This is a situation that cannot be over emphasised for us to live in safety and security.

“We recognise and have included this as part of our strategy to win the war. Overall, we have no choice but to fight for the safety and security of our citizens. We also fight to safeguard our nation and preserve our way of life as a people. For us as a force, Defence is the essence of what we do as an armed forces.

“Accordingly, we would defeat the terrorists on the battlefield and help our nation flourish again.”

USAID Signs MOU With Ministry of Power For Electricity Reforms And Clean Energy Transition

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The Source

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July 11, 2024

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Abuja, Nigeria – On July 10, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Federal Ministry of Power of Nigeria signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to support electricity sector reforms, market transparency, and expanded access to sustainable, reliable, and affordable power for Nigerians. USAID/Nigeria Mission Director Melissa A. Jones and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Power Mahmuda Mamman signed the MOU. This agreement will facilitate the implementation of a ₦115.2 billion (approximately $75 million) U.S. government grant-funded technical assistance program for power sector development and reforms in Nigeria.

Currently, over 85 million Nigerians lack access to grid power, while many others face unreliable supply. These challenges force many Nigerian families and businesses to rely on expensive, emission-intensive gasoline and diesel backup generators.

Director Jones emphasized the U.S. government’s commitment to advancing electrification in Nigeria, stating, “Today’s goal is to strengthen collaboration between USAID and the Federal Government of Nigeria and provide a framework for partnerships with other key actors, including state and local governments, electricity generation and distribution sectors, and the off-grid sector.”

Power Africa Coordinator Richard Nelson, attending the signing ceremony during his first official visit to Nigeria, noted, “Nigeria is at the core of Power Africa’s strategy. I look forward to elevating our partnership to advance Nigeria’s progress towards our shared goal of ensuring access to reliable, sustainable, affordable power for all.”

Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu expressed gratitude for USAID’s support, emphasizing the partnership’s potential to transform Nigeria’s power sector. He stated, “This collaboration with USAID is a significant milestone towards achieving sustainable and reliable electricity supply for all Nigerians. Together, we will address longstanding challenges, ensure transparency, enhance market liquidity, and accelerate our transition to clean energy solutions.”

USAID addresses these challenges through the Power Africa Initiative, a U.S. government-led partnership that leverages public and private sector resources to double electricity access in sub-Saharan Africa. Through this initiative, over 33 million Nigerians have been connected to power, approximately $4.5 billion has been mobilized for on-grid and off-grid power projects in Nigeria, and over 200 private companies in the off-grid sector have received assistance.

This new initiative aims to strengthen policy frameworks, enhance regulatory capacities, and encourage private sector participation, driving Nigeria towards its clean energy and net-zero carbon emissions targets. The Ministry is committed to ensuring these interventions deliver tangible benefits to all Nigerians, promoting economic growth and sustainable development.

CNPP Hails Supreme Court Ruling on Local Government Autonomy, Demands Prosecution of Erring Governors

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The Source

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July 11, 2024

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The Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) warmly commends the Supreme Court of Nigeria for its landmark judgment barring state governors from withholding funds meant for local government administrations. This ruling is a resounding victory for democracy, national development, and the long-suffering people of Nigeria.

A statement signed by the CNPP’s Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Comrade James Ezema, notes that for far too long, governors have usurped the powers and resources of local governments, stifling grassroots development and perpetuating poverty. This judgment marks a new dawn for local government autonomy and a significant blow to the impunity and recklessness of state governors in the last two decades.

The CNPP sees this ruling as a significant step towards decentralizing power, promoting grassroots development, and enhancing the overall quality of life for Nigerians. We believe that this judgment will go a long way in addressing the issues of poverty, inequality, and social injustice that have plagued our nation for decades.

We urge all stakeholders to respect and implement this judgment, and we demand that governors who violate this ruling be prosecuted after leaving office. It is time to hold our leaders accountable for their actions and ensure that the rule of law is upheld.

The CNPP calls on the Federal Government to ensure the immediate release of funds due to local governments directly to their respective accounts and to monitor their utilization to prevent further abuse. We also urge civil society organizations and the media to join us in holding governors accountable for their actions.

This judgment is a testament to the power of the judiciary in upholding the constitution and protecting the rights of the people. We commend the Supreme Court for its courage and commitment to justice.

The CNPP calls on governors who are yet to conduct local government elections to end the unconstitutional practice of appointing caretaker committees and immediately allow for the conduct of free, fair, and credible local government polls in their states or forfeit the local government allocations until a democratically elected local government system is in place.

Signed,

Comrade James Ezema
Deputy National Publicity Secretary
Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP)

“There Will Be Mayhem In Kano If I Issue Bench Warrant Against Ganduje, I Will Try Them In Absentia” – Kano Judge

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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July 11, 2024

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

As reported by The Source on Wednesday July 10, the National Chairman of the All Progressive Congress APC, Dr Abdullahi Umar Gandunje, his wife, and six others, including corporate entities on Thursday July 11, shunned proceedings at a Kano State High Court where they have been charged for corruption charges .

The Kano State Government had, in May 2024, filed corruption charges against the immediate past Governor of the state ,some members of his family and six others, in a move seen by not a few as “smacking of witch hunt and vendetta.”

The charges were also filed despite an earlier Federal Court ruling which dismissed the matter on the grounds that it borders on issues only the Federal Government and its agencies like the EFCC ,ICPC and the office of the Attorney General and Miniter of Justice can legally handle.

But rather than appeal the judgement at the Appeallet Court ,the Kano State authorities approached the same Court of equal jurisdiction.

For this, Justice Simon Amobeda of a Federal High Court Kano, on Thursday June 28, in his ruling on same case chided the Kano State Government, and described its attitude as a flagrant abuse of Court process.

While dismissing the case ,Justice Amobeda ,once again, drew the attention of the Kano State Government to the earlier ruling by the Court.

He wondered why the State Government, instead of approaching the Court of Appeal decided to bring the issue before a Court of equal jurisdiction..

At the resumed hearing of same matter at a Kano sta3te High Court presided over by Justice Amina Adamu Aliyu, the Court ruled that the Respondents ( Dr Ganduje and others) will be tried in absentia.

Justice Aliyu said the Respondents, whom she is aware were served Court papers through substituted means, but who refused to appear before the Court, could be tried in absentia.

The Source reports that the trial judge had, on June 5, following the non- appearance of the Respondents at the co3urt ordered that they be served with all relevant Court papers through substituted means.

The applicant’s lawyers had, earlier, complained about the difficulties in serving the Respondents personally.

However, Justice Aliyu dismissed a prayer by the applicant’s legal team led by Adeola Adedayo, SAN, for an issuance of a bench warrant on Dr Ganduje and others for shunning the Court.

According to her, issuing a bench warrant on the Respondents ,could be capitalized upon by some individuals to unsettle the peace in the already charged atmosphere in Kano.

Edo APC Accuses SSG Of Abuse Office, Asks Him To Resign

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Ayodele Oni

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July 11, 2024

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By Ayodele Oni

The All Progressives Congress (APC), in Edo State, has told Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Osaridion Ogie to resign his appointment.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Chairman of APC in the state, Jarrett Tenebe.

The party stated that “it seriously frowns at the continuation of Mr. Osarodion Ogie as Secretary to the Edo State Government, while at the same time posing as the running mate to the purported governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr Asue Ighodalo, in the forthcoming Gubernatorial Election in the state.

“The action of Mr. Ogie is patently unacceptable and an affront to the good people of Edo State. As an unelected public officer, Mr Ogie is given an ultimatum to resign from government forthwith as his continuing stay in office is a clear violation of all known rules of decency and ethics.

“By remaining in office, while posing as running mate in the gubernatorial election, Mr. Ogie is also in violation of the public service rules which prohibit a public servant from using public resources to fund private purpose.

“Mr Ogie is currently earning salary and other official benefits as Secretary to the State Government, even while pursuing a private ambition to become deputy governor.

“He’s using official vehicles and other government logistics to service his electioneering campaign. This is totally unacceptable and a waste of taxpayers’ money.

“This is the very definition of corruption. No unelected public servant should be allowed to do this. It’s patently wrong and a deservice to the state and the long suffering people of Edo State.

“The APC, Edo State therefore issues an ultimatum to Mr. Osarodion Ogie to resign as the Secretary to Edo State Government forthwith, failing which serious civil and criminal actions will be taken against him for dissipating and misusing the lean resources of Edo State, for his private election campaign.”

LG Caretaker Committee: Ondo Gov Aiyedatiwa Is Not Contemptuous Of Any Court Decision – Attorney General

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Ayodele Oni

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July 11, 2024

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By Ayodele Oni

The Attorney General of Ondo State, Olukayode Ajulo, SAN, has maintained that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa did not breach any section of the Constitution, or Contemptuous of any Court decision in setting up Caretaker Committees for Local Governments.

Reacting to comments by opposition members and their parties on the issue, the Law officer of the State said that “the appointment of Transition Committees is a lawful exercise of the Governor’s constitutional powers.

“The Committees are intended to ensure seamless transition and continuity of government business in the affected areas.

“The judgment of Hon Justice A.O Adebusuoye on 20th June, 2024, only declared the Local Government Creation Law 2023 unconstitutional, but did not invalidate the executive and administrative powers of the Governor of Ondo State to take steps that will ensure effective and good governance of any part of the State.

“The legality of the LCDAs is currently the subject of ongoing legal proceedings, which are presently under appeal.

“The court has taken notice of this appeal. Therefore, the Governor’s appointment of Transition Committees is not in contempt of the court’s judgment, but rather a prudent action to ensure that the business of government continues uninterrupted in the affected areas.

“I urge the PDP to respect the rule of law and allow the legal process to run its full course, rather than resorting to inflammatory rhetoric.

“The Ondo State Government remains committed to upholding the laws of the land and ensuring good governance for all citizens.”

Why Labour Leaders Met President Tinubu – Ajaero

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Ayodele Oni

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July 11, 2024

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By Ayodele Oni

President of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, has clarified that the leadership of the Labour Union met President Bola Tinubu for discussions and not to negotiate down the new minimum wage.

He told State House Correspondents after the meeting that the status quo on N250,000 as minimum wage still stands.

The Federal Government and Organized private sector had agreed on N62,000, while Labour is insisting on N250,000.

President Bola Tinubu had said he needed time to consult with other stakeholders before sending the bill for the new minimum wage to National Assembly.

Ajaero declared that “Labour Leaders went for discussion, not negotiation.” He said the meeting would continue next week.

After discussing for over an hour, Labour Leaders came out of the meeting with the President and told State House Correspondents that they would go back to the people and return to the Presidential villa.

Trade Union Congress (TUC) President, Festus Osifo, said they discussed, and after explaining their position, the President also made his remarks. He did not disclose details of the discussions of the meeting.

Edo: Four Months To Exit, Governor Obaseki Constitutes 20-Member Transition Committee

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Ayodele Oni

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July 11, 2024

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By Ayodele Oni

Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, is preparing for his exit from Government after eight years. He has inaugurated a 20-member Transition Committee to ensure a seamless transfer of power to the next administration.

The Committee, chaired by former Finance Commissioner Joseph Eboigbe, will document the administration’s achievements and policy decisions over the past eight years.

Obaseki stated that the Committee will create a digital data room, chronicling all documents related to government activities, contracts, and policy papers. The team will also compile reports on each area of government intervention, including recommendations for the next administration.

He said, “Today is the 11th of July, 2024 and it will mark exactly four months to the day I will hand over government to the next elected Governor of Edo State.

“As it’s global best practice, I am putting together a transition team that would have the responsibility to document the achievement of this administration in the last eight years.

“The team will look and retrieve all documents and all other materials relating to policy decisions that have been taken by this administration in every area of government and governance over the last seven years and put the same in a structured order in a data room. I believe that most of these materials have almost been digitized.

“You will all put together reports on each area and aspect of government we have intervened in and recommendations for the next administration.

“This document and resources should serve to smoothly transfer power and knowledge from this administration to the next.

“We would have both the physical and digital repository of all the information and decisions taken during the life of this administration as these documents will be relevant both for internal and external consumption and research and possibly policy development.”

The report is slated to be completed before the 30th of October 2024.

“This document will form part of what will be handed over during the transition period on November 11th, 2024”, the Governor stated.

President Tinubu Says Supreme Court Judgement Will Correct LG’s Ineffective Administration In Nigeria

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Ayodele Oni

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July 11, 2024

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By Ayodele Oni

President Bola Tinubu said ineffective Local Government administration in Nigeria has been one of the banes of governance.

Reacting to the Supreme Court verdict on Local Government autonomy, Tinubu welcomed the decision which affirmed the spirit, intent, and purpose of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on the statutory rights of Local Governments.

According to a statement by Presidential Spokesman, Ajuri Ngalele, the President stated that a fundamental challenge to the nation’s advancement over the years has been ineffective Local Government administration, as governance at the critical cellular level of socio-political configuration is nearly absent.

He emphasized that the onus is now on local council leaders to ensure that the broad spectrum of Nigerians living at that level are satisfied that they are benefitting from people-oriented service delivery.

“The Renewed Hope Agenda is about the people of this country, at all levels, irrespective of faith, tribe, gender, political affiliation, or any other artificial line they say exists between us.

“This country belongs to all of us. By virtue of this judgement, our people – especially the poor – will be able to hold their local leaders to account for their actions and inactions.

“What is sent to local government accounts will be known, and services must now be provided without excuses.

“My administration instituted this suit because of our unwavering belief that our people must have relief and today’s judgement will ensure that it will be only those local officials elected by the people that will control the resources of the people.

“This judgement stands as a resounding affirmation that we can use legitimate means of redress to restructure our country and restructure our economy to make Nigeria a better place to live in and a fairer society for all of our people.”

President Tinubu noted that the provision of some essential amenities and public goods, such as the construction and maintenance of certain roads, streets, street lighting, drains, parks, gardens, open spaces, and other residual responsibilities, including community security, has tottered owing to the emasculation of local governments.

The President affirmed that the decision of the Supreme Court to uphold the constitutional rights and ideals of Local Governments as regards financial autonomy, and other salient principles, is of historic significance and further reinforces the effort to enhance Nigeria’s true federal fabric for the development of the entire nation.

Tinubu commended the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) for his diligence and patriotic effort on this important assignment.

The President pointed out that his administration remains committed to protecting the principles of the charter governing citizens, institutions of government, arms, and tiers of government in furtherance of building an efficient and performance-driven governance system that works for every Nigerian.