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“Execution of Four National Budgets Concurrently, Recipe For Frivolity” – Obi cries Out

By
The Source
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Peter Obi
Peter Obi

The Labour Party Presidential Candidate in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi has picked a hole with the implementation of four national budgets running concurrently and describes it as a recipe for chaos and frivolity.

 

Writing on his X handle on Saturday, the LP standards bearer said it’s a flagrant disregard for fiscal responsibility, transparency and accountability.

 

According to the former Anambra State Governor, “All available evidence has confirmed that the  Nigerian government is implementing four national budgets concurrently. This is in blatant disregard for fiscal responsibility, transparency, and accountability.

 

“It is also a recipe for chaos, confusion, and catastrophe.

 

“This intentionally  action will lead to frivolous items in the approved budgets competing with essential projects for limited resources, further exacerbating the suffering of the Nigerian people.

 

“It indicates that the Leaders are out of touch with reality and lack the competence to manage our nation’s finances effectively.

 

“Unfortunately, this deliberate act of fiscal recklessness is being undertaken by elected representatives of the people, thereby betraying one of the cardinal pillars of democracy. Leaders are elected to responsibly manage public resources in an organized

way.

 

“I respectfully appeal and in fact, demand that this situation be reversed immediately in preference for a more responsible and transparent approach to budgeting.

 

“We must prioritize the needs of the Nigerian people, not the selfish interests of a few.

 

“This is a call to action for all Leaders to desist from actions that will further drive the country into economic chaos.

 

“Neither the National Assembly nor the executive has any excuse to promote or condone such unconscionable behaviour.

 

“We seek and insist on a nation governed by leaders who are frugal and responsible in their handling of public resources.

 

“This is the only way we can build a great nation”.

NDLEA Partners ALGON To Tackle Drug Abuse In Local Communities

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Mohammed Buba Marwa

By Akinwale Kasali

In a bid to curtail the intake of drugs among youths in Local Communities, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, and the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, ALGON, have agreed to form a partnership to address the issues of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking in communities nationwide, and, mostly, among youths.

Mohammed Marwa, NDLEA’s Chairman, said the partnership is necessary, as drug abuse and trafficking are more prevalent in local communities.

In a statement by the NDLEA signed by its spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, the Agency’s Chairman urged Local Government Chairmen to ensure that people at the grassroots are well-sensitized about the dangers of abusing illicit drugs and also provide help for those already indulging in the unhealthy habit.

He was quoted as saying, “We are particularly happy that you’re here to identify with our work and partner with us because you are the closest tier of government to the people, especially the grassroots and our communities where the majority of Nigerians reside.

“This is more so because the drug scourge is in virtually all our communities, and no Community across the country is spared, as such, we need your partnership to cascade all our efforts in terms of drug demand reduction and even supply reduction, down to the remote communities.

“This partnership is also important coming at a time when we’re deploying our personnel to the local government areas to establish our physical presence in the rural communities so that we can support you to curb the scourge of drug abuse and illicit drug dealing, which fuel crimes and criminalities in those areas.”

Marwa encouraged the ALGON leaders to mobilise their members nationwide to set up Local Government Drug Control Committees and War Against Drug Abuse Committees.

He added that the Committees should comprise traditional rulers, religious leaders as well as market and women groups, among others at the community level.

He encouraged them to also take advocacy and drug tests as major components of their efforts when they return to their local governments to begin implementation of the various strategies discussed at the meeting.

He added that “to make drug tests easier, the Agency has mass-produced quality test kits easy to use at home, offices and others with the aim of early detection and providing treatment for those who test positive as well as engendering deterrence.”

ALGON National President, Aminu Maitafa, lamented the negative impact of drug abuse on the health, businesses and security of lives and property at the grassroots while expressing the commitment of the body to work with NDLEA to ensure that the ugly development is urgently reversed.

He said, “As the body of local governments in Nigeria, we appreciate the enormous work this Agency is doing under your leadership, and that is why we have come to partner with you so that we can collectively stamp out the drug abuse problem from our communities.”

He also assured that ALGON  as a body, will place necessary structures that will facilitate the deployment of NDLEA personnel to their council areas.

Amidst Speculations Of Deposition, Miyetti Allah Warns Against Undermining The Dignity, Respect Of  Sultanate Institution

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Abubakar Sa’ad III - Sultan of Sokoto
Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III: Sultan of Sokoto

By Suleiman Anyalewechi and Ayodele Oni

 

The last about the speculated plans by the Sokoto State Government to depose  or whittle down the authority of  the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad  Sa’ad Abubakar, a retired Brigadier-General, may not have been heard despite denials by the State authorities.

 

On Saturday June  29,2024 Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, MACBAN,  in Abuja,  warned that nothing should be done to diminish the status and dignity of the Sultanate in the country.

 

This is even as the Sokoto State Government on Friday June 28, insisted that the embattled Sokoto District Heads, appointed by the Sultan remain deposed.

 

National President of MACBAN, Baba Othman Ngelzarma, in a statement, emphasized the need to protect and preserve the sanctity and respect of the Sultan as the leader of the Muslim Ummah in the Country.

 

He, therefore, called on political actors to desist from toying with the Sultanate institution which he noted has been in place for several hundreds of years.

 

The Leader of the Miyetti Cattle breeders condemned the alleged subtle moves by the Sokoto State Government to emasculate the Sultan.

 

“We believe that protecting and preserving the institution of the Sultanate is a cardinal responsibility of every right thinking person in the country.

 

“We call upon the Sokoto state Government, especially the Legislature ,to thread softly and do all that is necessary to preserve and protect the institution that represents an all- important ideology that created it.

 

“Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association MACBAN is worried by Media reports alleging that the Sokoto State Government intends to whittle down the powers of the Sultan.”MACBAN noted.

 

The group, however, expressed its solidarity with the Sultan ,as well as support for his leadership qualities.

 

“This is evident in his efforts to propagate religious and ethnic tolerance in Nigeria among diverse groups.

 

“His background as a military man, his resoluteness to speak the truth and his standing for the poor and underprivileged despite being an aristocrat makes him a model for leaders to emulate.”

 

Nasiru Binji , the Sokoto State Commissioner for Justice, while fielding questions from the Media, noted that the Court order that hitherto  restrained the State Government from deposing the District Heads has elapsed.

 

“The duration of the order is 7 days . The order was given on the 13th of June, 2024, therefore, it elapsed on June 20” Binji insisted .

 

The Source reports that a Sokoto State High court had, on June 13 ,while ruling on an ex parte motion brought before it by some District Heads appointed by the Sultan, granted an interim injunction restraining the State Government from deposing them .

 

The State House of Assembly is currently perfecting a bill, that when operational,  will strip the Sultan of the powers to appoint District Heads and other related Traditional Rulers without the consent of the State Government.

 

This piece of legislation was at the root of the alarm raised last week by the Muslim Rights Council alleging plans to dethrone the Sultan.

 

But despite  repeatedly denying such a plan, fears still persist that the Sultanate institution may not be completely free from threat of disruption.

 

Vice President Kashim Shettima had, a couple of days ago, advised the Sokoto State Government to respect and, hold in reverence the Sultan of Sokoto because he is an institution. The State Government did not take kindly to that advice.

Nasarawa, NOA Move To Check Fake News

By
Ayodele Oni
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Ibrahim Angbolo

By Ayodele Oni

The Nasarawa State Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Mr Ibrahim Angbolo has sought synergy with the National Orientation Agency, (NOA) to curb fake News.

Angbolo stated this while receiving the NOA, Nasarawa State Director, Dr Priscilla Gondoaluor on a courtesy call in Lafia, the Nasarawa state Capital.

He was of the view that partnership between the NOA and the Nasarawa state Government, among other things, will enhance the dissemination of accurate information to the public toward combating fake news in the state.

The commissioner described fake news as a great threat to national security and Nigeria’s unity.

Angbolo assured that the state government would not relent in the fight against fake news, as it repositioned the Nasarawa Broadcasting Service (NBS) and upgraded the state’s printing press to enhance the quarterly magazine and newsletter publication.

The Commissioner urged the NOA and relevant stakeholders to collaborate with the Nasarawa State Government in the fight against misinformation and disinformation being perpetuated by some unscrupulous elements.

Angbolo assured the NOA of the Ministry’s readiness for the partnership to educate the people of the state to keep them abreast of the government programmes and policies so as not to be misinformed.

The commissioner, while appreciating the NOA’s efforts in educating the public about the policies and programmes of the governments, thanked the Agency for promoting the cultural heritage of the people through several reorientation programmes.

While calling on the people of Nasarawa state to sustain support for the administration of Governor Abdullahi Sule, the commissioner assured that the state government was committed to executing more projects that have a direct bearing on their lives.

Dr Priscilla Gondoaluor, Nasarawa State Director, NOA, said they were in the Ministry to seek a partnership to sensitize the public on the new National Anthem, as the agency did for the state anthem.

Dr Gondoaluor commended the Ministry’s effort in publishing quarterly magazines and newsletters, which have helped to inform the public about the government’s policies and programmes.

High Cost Of House Rent: Ekiti Partners FHA, Releases Land To Build Houses

By
Ayodele Oni
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Biodun Oyebanji - Ekiti State Governor

By Ayodele Oni

Ekiti State Government has approved for release 34 hectares of land for the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) to build affordable houses, following soaring cost of house rent in the State.

The State Government is also exploring  other interventions to improve housing conditions in the state to make it affordable for the residents.

In response to the growing concerns raised by residents of the State about exorbitant house rents and outrageous increase of rents by property owners in the State, Governor Biodun Oyebanji has taken decisive action to address the issue by initiating an engagement with Estate Agents in the State.

A Government delegation led by the Special Adviser on Mortgage and Housing, Dr. Gboyega Oloniyo, engaged with the leadership and members of the Estate, Rent, and Commission Agents Association of Nigeria (ERCAAN), Ekiti State chapter at their monthly meeting in Ado Ekiti to review their operations and activities.

Dr. Oloniyo expressed dissatisfaction with the high cost of living in the state, particularly the relentless hike in house rents.

According to him,“Many have attributed this to Estate Agents who acquire properties from landlords at low costs and lease them out at exorbitant rates. This deprives average citizens of access to decent housing.”

Oloniyo pointed out that agents and landlords have inflicted pains on their tenants unnecessarily noting that shelter is essential and must be available, accessible and affordable .

The Director-General of the Office of Community Communications, Mrs. Mary Oso-Omosotso, emphasized the need for guidelines and regulations to curb alleged extortion by the association, which they attributed to quacks infiltrating their ranks.

“Any business that does not solve problems is not a business,” she stressed, while urging the association to cooperate with the government to achieve the shared prosperity vision of Governor Oyebanji

The association members expressed their gratitude to the Governor for visiting them and giving them opportunity of engagement.

They acknowledged the validity of the public complaints and admitted that bad actors were operating within their ranks and would cooperate with government to flush them out.

They also pointed out that some landlords are part of the problem, as they build houses even in slums and lease them out at high prices similar to houses in more developed areas.

They expressed their readiness to work with the government to sanitize their operations and to apprehend errant members.

2027: “Sack Tinubu, Lose Nigeria” Shehu Sani Warns The North

By
Ayodele Oni
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Sani Shehu and Buhari and Tinubu

By Ayodele Oni

A former Senator, Shehu Sani, has warned Northern politicians that there will be no Nigeria if Tinubu is voted out of power by the North in the 2027 Presidential Election.

Even though 2027 is three years away, politicians are already meeting and planning ahead. And according to Senator Sani,

Northern politicians are seriously regrouping with a view to wrestling power from President Bola Tinubu in 2027.

He, however has a warning for them: Abandon the plans to evict President Tinubu from office in the 2027 Presidential elections.

Apparently, Shehu Sani’s view, which he had earlier made a few days ago in an X post,  may not be unconnected with recent series of meetings some top Northern political leaders have been having woth former President Muhammadu Buhari. The meetings have sparked speculations that their meetings were centred on the 2027 election.

Sani, in an interview with Arise TV, said the move to unseat Tinubu in the next election will negatively affect the unity of Nigeria.

The former Senator advised Northern leaders to plug into the policies and programmes of Tinubu’s administration that will benefit the Northern part of Nigeria, which has been grappling with insecurity and poverty, amongst other problems, instead of trying to gain more political power.

He said: “There is evidence of rallying of forces, regrouping of forces- political forces from the North- trying to use former President Buhari as a rallying point in order to evict the government of Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu.

“They hope to resurrect his political chance in the house of the masses and portray the government as one that has been undermining the North and one that has not been living up to its campaign promises to the region being that it has its highest votes from there. And I must warn that attempts to do that can create a serious problem for our country.

“Buhari has been in power for eight years and there has never been any serious Southerner that challenged his own government in terms of trying to remove him out of office.

“And secondly, we should know that before you think of power, we should think of the whole country. We should be thinking of a united country, a peaceful country. Nigeria is still a fragile nation.

“What will happen if Southern politicians decide to also form the idea of uniting themselves and making a position that this is their stand? There will be no Nigeria.”

Rivers Crisis: “Don’t Hold Unto Power Once Your Tenure Expires” – Mrs Goodluck-Jonathan

By
The Source
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Patience Jonathan and Fubara and Wike

By Charles Igbo

“…holding unto power after expiration of your tenure is an invitation to violence and anarchy” – Mrs Jonathan.

For the first time since the Rivers State political crisis began, former Nigeria’s First Lady, Dame Patience Goodluck-Jonathan, has weighed in with a solution.

The State has been engulfed in crisis for about nine months and counting following a serious disagreement between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now the Minister for the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.

Wike was instrumental to the occupation, by Fubara, of the Governor’s office. But the two fell out, allegedly, over Wike’s desire to completely control the Governor to the extent that Fubara had no right to appoint anybody into any office in the State.

Things have since got to a head between the two, and a once-caged Fubara, now free, has found his feet, and is stumping them gradually but steadily.

However, a relentless Wike who still has his imprint on every aspect of Governance in the State – House of Assembly, Local Government Council Members – is, allegedly, using his foot soldiers to oil the crisis.

For instance, to keep his influence at the LG level intact, Wike’s loyalists who are in the majority in the House of Assembly, decided,  unconstitutionally, to extend the three-year tenure of the Council Chairmen and Councillors by six months.

However, a Court had since declared it unconstitutional and Governor Fubara has appointed Caretaker Committee Members to run the LGAs until an election is held.

But the former Council Members refused to leave office. Flushed out by angry youths, the Police moved in,  occupied the Headquarters of the LGAs, thus, denying  the Caretaker Committee Members access to their offices. The result is the protests and counter protests in the State, sprinkled with a dose of violence in some areas. A couple of deaths, including two Policemen has been recorded, and this order day, there was a blast from an explosive in front of Hotel Presidential while a pro- Police occupation of LGA Headquarters protest was going on.

Weighing in on the situation which threatens to worsen, unless a decisive action is taken to stem the tide, Mrs Jonathan, a proud daughter of the State, has pleaded with both Governor Fubara and Minister Wike to sheat the swords and allow peace to reign. “It is time for governance”, she advised because “election is over”.

In what can be interpreted as a rebuke of Wike and the LGA Council Members, Mrs Jonathan said that continuing to stay in office after the expiration of one’s tenure is an invitation to “violence and anarchy.”

Said the former First Lady: “We, at this point plead that election has come and gone, and now is the time for governance.

“As a peace advocate, I will like to call on the warring parties in Rivers State to sheath their swords and give peace a chance knowing fully that no development can take place in an atmosphere of chaos.

“As a political office holder, remember that power is transient, and it will end someday.

“Therefore, holding unto power after expiration of your tenure is an invitation to violence and anarchy.”

For the records, as Nigeria’s First Lady, Mrs Jonathan was one of those who propelled Wike to the office of the Governor of Rivers State.

We Will Work Towards Rejigging NDPHC For  Sustainable Solutions To Power Challenges – Gov Radda Pledges

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Umar Dikko Radda - Governor of Katstina State

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Katsina State Governor, Umar Dikko  Radda, has expressed the optimism that his appointment to the Board of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company NDPHC alongside five other Governors will assist in repositioning the outfit and improve power supply situation in the country.

This is even as he lauded President Bola Tinubu for his foresight in making the appointments.

The President on Thursday June 27 ,appointed six State Governors to serve on the Board of the power generating giant to help in rejigging its fortunes.

Other Governors appointed to represent their various geo-political zones are Hope Uzodinma, Imo, Prof Babagana Zulum Borno, Biodun Oyebanji, Ekiti, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, Kwara, and Pastor Umo Eno Akwa Ibom State.

The appointments which were approved by the National Economic Council, NEC, at its meeting on Thursday, June 27, 2024, is part of a strategic move to strengthen the power company’s leadership and enhance its operational effectiveness, according to a statement issued by the Katsina State Governor’s spokesperson ,Ibrahim Kaula Mohemmed on Friday June 28.

Governor Radda pledged to bring his wealth of experience and understanding of the unique power needs of the Northwest region to bear on his new role.

While assuring of working towards sustainable solutions for Nigeria’s power sector, Governor Radda noted that the appointments underscore the Federal Government’s commitment to addressing the country’s power challenges,through a collaborative approach  leveraging expertise and regional insights of state Governors .

” I am deeply honoured by this appointment and the trust reposed in me by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu .This role presents an opportunity to contribute significantly to Nigeria’s power sector and,by extension ,our national development.

“I am committed to working diligently with my fellow Board Members to advance the objectives of the NDPHC and improve power supply across our nation .

“The inclusion of State Governors on the Board demonstrates the president’s commitment to collaborative governance and his recognition of the crucial roles states play in national development.

“I assure all Nigerians that we will work tirelessly to deliver on the Renewed Hope Mandate for our collective benefits.” the Katsina State Governor stated.

Family Of  Shuaibu, Allegedly, Tortured To Death At Airforce  Reference Hospital, Demands  N550 Million Compensation

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Yusuf Shuaibu

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The family  members of  Yusuf Shuaibu, allegedly  killed by a Nigerian Airforce, NAF, personnel have slammed a N550 million suit against his suspected killer and the NAF .

The Source reports that Shuaibu, 23, a casual employee of the Nigerian Airforce Reference Hospital Kano died on May 1, 2024 after he was, allegedly, severely  tortured by one Sergeant Aminu Ibrahim.

In an originating summon filed at the National Industrial Court, Kano Division, the deceased family is seeking a declaration by the Court that “the severe physical assault, battery and torture of Yusuf Shuaibu by Sergeant Ibrahim, in the course of of Shuaibu’s employment on May 1,  2024,  at 465 NAF Hospital Kano  by several punches ,head-butting and marching him to unconsciousness, actions  medically established to have caused traumatic blunt head injury ,cerebral oedemic and diffuse axonal injury, thereby leading to the deceased’s untimely death constitute a violation of the deceased’s fundamental rights to life as guaranteed under section  33 of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 ( as amended).”

In the originating summon filed by A. A. Hakima and Co. the deceased family is  also seeking a declaration that the Respondents’ act of forcefully subjecting the deceased to compulsory duty/work at the 465 NAF Hospital Kano after the deceased’s working hours amounted to forced labour outlawed by section 34 of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 ( as amended).

Respondents’ act of preventing the deceased from leaving and exiting the premises of the 465 NAF Hospital Kano ,after the deceased’s working hours amounted to a flagrant violation of the deceased’s right to freedom of movement protected by sections 35 and 40 of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 ( as amended).

Based on the above reasons, the deceased’s family is, therefore, seeking”  an order of the Court awarding it the sum of  N5 ,000,000( five hundred million ) payable by the Respondents jointly and severally as compensation and damages for the violation of the deceased’s rights as enshrined in sections 33,34,and 40 of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999( as amended).

“An order directing the Respondents jointly and severally to pay the sum of N50 million as exemplary damages to deter similar acts of violence and abuse of power in the future by the Respondents .

“An order directing the Nigerian Airforce (NAF) to subject the 1st Respondent to disciplinary action in strict accordance with the laws and regulations governing the 1st Respondent’s instant action.

“An order directing the Respondents to issue a public apology to the deceased’s family, and any further order as the Honourable Court may deem fit to grant in the interest of justice”.

Supreme Court Affirms Francis Atuche’s Conviction Over N29.5bn Fraud

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Francis Atuche

By Akinwale Kasali

After years of trial,  the Supreme Court has affirmed the conviction of former Managing Director of the defunct Bank PHB Plc, Francis Atuche, over a-N25.7 billion fraud.

In a unanimous decision, the Apex Court held that Atuche, the Appellant, failed to dislodge the finding of the trial Court which convicted him and the Court of Appeal which affirmed the conviction.

The verdict of the Supreme Court brings the criminal charge to finality after over a decade.

Justice M.A.A. Adumein, who gave the lead judgment stated that the Supreme Court relied on its previous decisions that where the judgment of a trial Court on the demeanour of a party or witness is supported by the documentary evidence tendered, an Appellate Court has no business in tampering with the decision of the Court.

In conclusion, the Court held that the Appellant did not give it any reason to tamper with the concurrent finding of the two lower courts.

Atuche, his wife, Elizabeth, and the bank’s former Chief Financial Officer, Ugo Anyanwu, were in 2011 arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) before Justice Okunnu of the High Court of Lagos State

They were prosecuted by EFCC prosecutor, Dr. Kemi Pinheiro (SAN) on a 27-count amended information for their involvement in a N25.7 billion fraud.

The fraudulent activities of Atuche and Bank PHB was exposed by former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, during the N25 Billion recapitalization of Banks in Nigeria.

This also led to the sack of Erastus Akingbola as MD of defunct Intercontinental Bank and Cecilia Ibru, MD of defunct Oceanic Bank.

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