President Tinubu’s Tenure As ECOWAS Chairman Ends

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July 7, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

President Bola Tinubu’s tenure as the Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, has finally come to an end. He is expected to pass the baton to another person at the 65th Ordinary Session of the Authority is holding at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

Tinubu was unanimously endorsed as Chairman in July 2024 at the 63rd Ordinary Session of the Authority in Bissau, Guinea-Bissau.

Since then, the Nigerian leader has dealt with challenges particularly military coups in member- states.

The President initially took a strong stance against unconstitutional changes of government in Niger Republic, Burkina Faso, Mali and Guinea, overseeing the imposition of sanctions on them.

However, the sanctions were later lifted as the sub-regional body opted for a more peaceful and diplomatic approach to resolve the issues.

The President played a critical role in ensuring the success of the 2024 Senegalese election by facilitating dialogue between stakeholders.

The Economic Council of West African States is an economic association established in 1975 which members are Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo.

“Judiciary, Now For Big Shots” – AGF

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Ayodele Oni

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July 7, 2024

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Lateef Fagbemi - AGF — Prince Lateef Fagbemi, AGF

By Ayodele Oni

Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, has said that the less privileged persons no longer have access to justice in the country.

He maintained that judiciary was fast losing its appellation of the being the last ‘hope of the common man’ to that of the big shots in the society.

Fagbemi, who stated this at the ground breaking ceremony of the N37 billion Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal Complex, stressed that the judiciary has become the foe of the common man and now the friend and hope of the politicians and other influential people in the country.

The Attorney General, however, expressed the hope that the Appeal Court complex would be used for the truth and the protection of people’s rights.

In the words of Fagbemi, “Gone were those days when the judiciary was regarded as the last hope of the common man. I take objection to it. It is the big people now who patronize the judiciary, not even the common man.

“If you have any doubt, the election is approaching, come and see the way, with all due respect, some people behave like rain-beaten chickens. Forgive me, I don’t mean to be rude.

“So, the judiciary is no longer the last hope of the common man alone, it is also, or majorly now, the last hope of the big shots.

Earlier, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, said that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved N30 billion of the N37 billion in the 2024 budget for the structure, adding that the project would be delivered by September 2025.

NNPP Re-Echos Stand On Kwankwaso, Galadima, Gov Yusuf

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Ayodele Oni

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July 7, 2024

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By Ayodele Oni

New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has extended the suspension of Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State until December.

The Party, also, announced that its Presidential Candidate in the 2023 election, Rabiu Kwankwaso, Buba Galadima, and the entire former National Working Committee led by Dr. Ahmed Ajuji remain expelled from the NNPP.

This information was conveyed in a statement by the Party’s National Secretary, Mr. Oginni Olaposi Sunday, in Abuja.

According to the statement, the Party will hold a strategic stakeholders meeting in Abuja later this month to address pressing internal matters affecting the NNPP. All party leaders and elders nationwide are expected to attend.

Sunday elaborated that critical issues affecting the 23-year-old political party will be discussed, and decisive actions will be taken to reinforce the expulsion of its Presidential Candidate in the 2023 general election, Rabiu Kwankwaso; Elder Buba Galadima; and the entire national working committee led by Dr. Ahmed Ajuji.

He further emphasized the importance of the stakeholders meeting for the leadership of NNPP, aiming to advance democracy and develop the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“The personal commitment of all stakeholders and elders in terms of capacity and participation will greatly contribute to the success of the meeting.

“All members, especially those holding sensitive positions of great responsibility, are required to attend this upcoming meeting.

“All elected members on the NNPP platform should understand the consequences of anti-party activities ahead of the 2027 general election if they choose to boycott the meeting.

“For the record, Kwankwaso, Galadima, and the entire former National Working Committee led by Dr. Ahmed Ajuji remain expelled from the NNPP.

“Additionally, the Governor of Kano State, Abba Yusuf, remains suspended until December.”

According to the National Secretary, the NNPP’s constitution is supreme for all members, without prejudice to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“We hope that INEC will take responsibility to respect the essence of internal democracy and the inherent objectives for the growth and sustenance of democracy in Nigeria.”

AFCON 2025 Qualifiers: Rohr Boasts, Says Benin Republic Will Upset Super Eagles Again, As Nigeria Draws Libya, Rwanda

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Akinwale Kasali

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July 7, 2024

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By Akinwale Kasali

Gernot Rohr, Head Coach of the Squirrels of Benin Republic, has stated his team’s preparedness to upset the Super Eagles of Nigeria again, after securing a historic 2-1 victory against the Nigerian National side in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.

Rohr was in the saddle for over Five Years as the Coach of the Super Eagles before his sacking by the Nigerian Football Federation, NFF, in 2021.

When the Confederation of African Football, CAF, held the AFCON 2025 Qualification series draw over the weekend, the three-time African Cup of Nations, AFCON, winner, was pitched against West African neighbour, Benin Republic, the Amavubis of Rwanda and the Mediterranean Knights of Libya.

Though the Super Eagles, Benin Republic and Rwanda are in the same qualifying Group for the 2026 World Cup, many are of the opinion that this is an opportunity for the Super Eagles to avenge its defeat by the Beninoise, and also prove its mettle as a force to be reckoned with in modern day Football.

At the moment, the Super Eagles do not have a Coach, but the Ibrahim Gusau-led NFF had promised to get a new handler for the team, as it is presently shopping for a new gaffer.

The six-match qualifying series have been spread over the FIFA windows in September, October and November, with two matches in each seven-day window.

GROUP A: Tunisia, Madagascar, Comoros, The Gambia

GROUP B: Morocco, Gabon, Central African Republic, Lesotho

GROUP C: Egypt, Cape Verde, Mauritania, Botswana

GROUP D: Nigeria, Benin Republic, Libya, Rwanda

GROUP E: Algeria, Equatorial Guinea, Togo, Liberia

GROUP F: Ghana, Angola, Sudan, Niger Republic

GROUP G: Cote d’Ivoire, Zambia, Sierra Leone, Chad

GROUP H: DR Congo, Guinea, Tanzania, Ethiopia

GROUP I: Mali, Mozambique, Guinea Bissau, Eswatini

GROUP J: Cameroon, Namibia, Kenya, Zimbabwe

GROUP K: South Africa, Uganda, Congo, South Sudan

GROUP L: Senegal, Burkina Faso, Malawi, Burundi.

Kaduna Journalists Abduction: NUJ Kicks, Demands Swift Action By Security Agents

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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July 7, 2024

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Kaduna State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, has condemned in very strong terms, the abduction of two of its members and their families.

Messers Abdul’Gafar Alabelewe and Abdulraham Aodu of the Nation and Blue Print Newspapers respectively, their wives and children were, on Saturday night kidnapped at their Millennium City homes in the Danhonu area of Chukun Local Council of Kaduna State by gunmen.

Police said rescue efforts are ongoing.

In a statement jointly issued by Asmau Halilu and Gambo Sanga, Chairman and Secretary respectively, the Kaduna NUJ Council, described the attack and subsequent abduction as brazen and barbaric.

“The attack resulted in the abduction of the Kaduna State Correspondents of The Nation Newspaper and the Blue Print Newspaper along side their families last night at their residences in Danhonu area of a Kaduna suburb in Chukun LGA

“We strongly condemn the ugly incident and appeal to the Security Agencies in the State to swing into action with a view to rescuing the journalists from the kidnappers’ den.

“We implore the Government at all levels to intensify efforts towards guaranteeing the security of lives and property of the citizenry at all times .

“The ugly phenomenon of kidnappings in Kaduna and environs is now resurfacing and must be checked to avert the experiences of the recent past.”

The Kaduna State Council of the NUJ, however, enjoined all practicing journalists in the State to be vigilant in their daily activities while also praying for the safe return of their abducted colleagues and their families.

IMHA Deputy Minority Leader Commends Uzodimma On Execution Of Signature Projects

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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July 7, 2024

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By Ikenna Samuelson Iwuoha

“Today, quality infrastructural development in the State, reminiscent of the Dee Sam Mbakwe Government, has come back” – Hon. Amadi

The Deputy Minority Leader of the Imo State House Of Assembly and Member Representing Owerri Municipal State Constituency, Hon Clinton Amadi, has expressed profound appreciation to the Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma, for what he termed “the effective and efficient management of State resources in the execution of signature and people oriented projects in the State, particularly the State Capital, Owerri.

Hon. Amadi made the commendation on Friday, 5th, July, 2024, when he paid an observatory visit to the flyover construction project site at Assumpta Cathedral roundabout Owerri, to see the level of work so far done.

The Deputy Minority Leader, in his capacity as the Member Representing Owerri Municipal State Constituency, visited the site to evaluate the level of work done and, if any, identify challenges confronting the execution of the signature project, with a view towards how he could use his office and constituents to assist in the construction, so that the project would be completed on record time.

Addressing the Chief Site Engineer, Mr Seba El Nemer, and his workers on site, Amadi praised them for using high quality construction materials in the execution of the flyover project, describing it as an honest, sincere and patriotic approach to construction, unlike what was obtainable in previous administrations where contractors were reportedly allowed to use inferior materials for the execution of major projects, and those projects have all collapsed before the very eyes of Imo citizens, thereby wasting, most irresponsibly, the little resources of the State.

Amadi who is the House Committee Chairman on Digital Economy and E-Govenment said: “In terms of quality infrastructure, the Imo State Government is not doing badly. This is a departure from what Imo citizens, particularly, Owerri people, experienced on poorly executed projects, from previous administrations. Today, quality infrastructural development in the State, reminiscent of the Dee Sam Mbakwe Government, have come back. All the entry roads into the State Capital, Owerri Municipal, which I am representing in the Imo State House Of Assembly, are wearing good and quality looks. The shabbily constructed inland bridges by previous Government, have been reconstructed. The collapsed Imo International Conference Center, IICC, is being reconstructed. I therefore commend Governor Hope Uzodimma for his dedication, sincerity and hard work”.

Earlier in his remarks, the Chief Site Engineer of the construction company, Craneburg, handling the flyover project, Mr Seba El Nemer, while welcoming Hon Clinton Amadi and his entourage, explained that his company is known for quality and durable work, assuring that the flyover project, when completed would stand the test of time, like the ones they constructed in other states of the country. He also pledged to deliver on record time.

Amadi, also, visited the Okigwe Road/IMSU junction, to see the possibility of government extending another flyover project in the area, which would assist in easing traffic jam. He promised to raise a Motion on the floor of the House to that effect.

Those in his entourage were the Vice Chairman, House Committee On Digital Economy And E-Government, and Member Representing Isu State Constituency, Hon Barrister Emeka Ozurumba and former Deputy Speaker of IMHA, 2011–2015, Rt Honourable Donatus Ozoemelam.

How Two Journalists, Their Wives, Children Were Abducted By Bandits In Kaduna

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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July 7, 2024

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi.

Two Kaduna based working journalists- Abdul’Gafar Alabelewe ( the Nation), Abdul’Raham Aodu(Blue Print ), their wives and children,were among others abducted at about 10.30pm on Saturday, July 6, 2024 by suspected bandits in Kaduna State.

They were kidnapped from their homes at the Millennium City in Danhonu area of Chikun local Council of the State.

An eye witness ,who is also a family member of one the abducted Journalists, Taofeed Olayemi, said the suspected bandits who invaded the estate in their numbers scaled the fence,and gained entry into the homes of the victims ,after breaking the doors and windows of their apartments.

The abductors were also said to have shot indiscriminately into the air, upon storming the area ,with intent to scare neighbours from any possible intervention.

According to Olayemi, the bandits in the end made away with the Nation Newspapers reporter, Alabelewe, his wife, and two his children.

They took away Alhaji Aodu of the Blue Print Newspapers, and his wife but left their sick daughter behind.

“Initially, they picked Alabalewe, his wife and three of his children and a girl living with them. Later, they (the abductors) asked the girl to go back with one of the children .They left with Alabelewe, his wife and two of their children.

Olayemi further informed that the criminal elements came at about 10 .30 pm. They shattered their (victims) doors, windows and removed the burglary proofs after scaling the fence.

“They first forced Aodu’s door open and picked him and his wife and left their sick daughter behind.

“Then they entered Adebelewe’s apartment through the fence after, also, forcing the doors open. They went straight into his bedroom and picked him, his wife, and two of their children and left immediately.

After a while, some personnel of the local vigilante group arrived and started to shot into the air,” Olayemi narrated.

In reaction, Kaduna State Police Command on Sunday June 7, said it has deployed its operatives to rescue the kidnapped Journalists ,as well as fish out the abductors.

Speaking on the development, the Command’s Spokesperson, Mansir Hassan, noted that all efforts are being made by Police Operatives to locate and free the victims unhurt

“We have deployed our operatives into the bush where the kidnappers are believed to be holding out”, Hassan said

Similarly, the Kaduna State Government had not issued any official statement.

The Source reports that this is the first time in recent times that journalists, have fallen victims to the criminal activities of bandits operating in some parts of the Northern region.

For the records, The Nation is owned by President Bola Tinubu while Blueprint is owned by the Minister for Information & National Orientation, Mohammad Idris.

“Return N30,000 Workers Sallah Palliatives You Diverted Or Face Dare Consequences”, Sokoto Gov. Warns Officials

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The Source

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July 7, 2024

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Miffed by the reported diversion of N30,000 Sallah palliative approved by the State Government for workers in Sokoto State, Governor Ahmed Aliyu has ordered the officials, particularly, at the Local Councils, fingered in the heist, to return the money to Government coffers immediately.

This is just as he expressed disgust over the despicable conducts of the officials.

Governor Aliyu issued the marching order at a briefing to mark the successful completion of this year’s Hajji operation, at the weekend.

He regretted that some Finance officials ,at the Local Council level could divert funds meant to ameliorate the plights of workers during the last Sallah celebrations.

“I am appalled by the actions of those who denied our workers the stipends we provided for their welfare during the Sallah Celebrations.

“Those responsible for diverting these funds must return them without delay or they will face severe consequences.” the Governor noted .

Further speaking, Governor Aliyu reiterated his administration’s dedication to the enthronement of a regime of accountability and transparency in the management of public funds.

He warned of dare consequences for those found to be engaged in acts of financial mismanagement and misappropriation of public funds and properties

The Sokoto State Government under his watch, he said, will not condone corrupt activities insisting that public office holders should always justify the confidence and trust reposed in them by the people.

“This administration stands firm against corruption in all its ramifications. Anyone attempting to embezzle public funds will face the full wrath of the law .

“We are dedicated to serving the people with honesty and integrity ” he emphasised .

Not withstanding, Governor Aliyu,appealed to the people of Sokoto State to continue to support and cooperate with his administration in its efforts to take the state to the next level.

Arms And Ammunition Importation: Customs Places Officers On Alert

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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July 7, 2024

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Amidst increased cases of importation of arms, ammunitions, hard substances and other unwholesome and prohibited items into the country, the Comptroller, Port Terminal Multi Services Limited, PTML, Command of the Nigerian Customs Service, NCS, Tenny Daniyan, has urged officers and men of the Service to always be on red alert.

This is even as he announced a revenue collection of over N152 billion for the period between January and June 2024.

Comptroller Daniyan called on Examination and Releasing Officials to always apply due diligence, responsibility and higher level of security consciousness in the discharge and handling of any import or export cargo passing through the Command

In a statement issued on Sunday, July 7, 2024 by the Command Spokesperson, Yakubu Muhammad, CSC, Comptroller Daniyan charged officers and men under the Command to, at all times, shun any forms of compromise in the discharge of their duties .

He emphasised the need for the protection of national interests and security to be the over-riding consideration in the course of discharging their tasks.

He noted that it will amount to a great disservice to the interests of the country to allow arms and ammunitions in the hands of non-state actors .

“Arms and ammunition in the hands of non-state actors puts the country in danger and illicit drugs have been globally noted as a fuelling factor for many unlawful behaviours” Daniyan noted

The Comptroller warned that any PTML Command personnel found to be involved in aiding and abating illegal activities will not be spared .

” I want to urge all Customs officers in PTML to always insist on cargo examination like we have always done. You are hereby placed on red alert to keep doing the right thing as importers of arms, ammunition and illicit drugs have shown more desperation in recent times .

“Let us continue to make PTML a no-go-area for perpetrators of such illegalities and be ready to make seizures of such items including effecting arrests of persons suspected to be involved in such activities” the Comptroller enjoined.

According to Daniyan, the N150 billion realized in the first half of 2024 is about N50 billion higher than the figure during the corresponding period last year .

He expressed the optimism that the Command is poised to generate more revenue in the second half of the year.

” I strongly believe that we will do more with revenue collection and trade facilitation in the second half of 2024 as we continually improve on our level of service delivery and diligent implementation of all Government directives.

He, however, promised that the protection of National Interests and Security ,will not be sacrificed on the alter of improved revenue generation.

Bandits Abduct Former NLC President From Home

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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July 7, 2024

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Takai Shamang, a former Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, President has been abducted from his home in Kaduna State.

His daughter, Mrs Grace Abbin disclosed on Sunday that her father was whisked away at about 8 pm. on Friday July 5 2024 at his home town Biniki in Kaura Local Council of Kaduna State by some unknown persons. He is 78 years old.

Shamang who was, also, a former President of the National Union of Electricity and Gas Workers Union between 1982 and 1989 is the founder and promoter of a non governmental organization, Gantys Aid For Widows Orphans and Needy Foundation based in Kaduna.

His whereabouts remain unknown and no contact has been made with the family by the abductors.