Kogi: Tinubu Absent At APC Gov Campaign; Not Sure of Imo, Bayelsa

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October 9, 2023

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was conspicuously absent at the flag-off of the All Progressives Congress, APC, governorship campaign on Monday in Lokoja, the state capital.

The ruling party had last week said the president would lead the campaign flag off alongside other chieftains of the party, including Umar Ganduje, APC National Chairman, and Yahaya Bello, the governor of the state.

Kingsley Fanwo, a spokesman for the APC said in a statement that Tinubu would be present during the event.

The statement said, “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as well as the National Leader of the party, His Excellency Alhaji Dr Umar Ganduje, the National Chairman of our great party; Prince Dapo Abiodun, Governor of Ogun State and Chairman, APC National Campaign Council for Kogi Governorship Election, shall be leading other leaders of the party, esteemed members of our party and the general public to the epoch-making event to start our journey to victory on November 11, 2023.

“The ultra-modern Mohammadu Buhari Square, Lokoja, one of the aesthetic beauties of the GYB administration, will play host to the event, starting from 10 am.

“The Kogi State APC Governorship Campaign Council has put modalities in place to ensure a hitch-free Flagoff Rally.

“On Sunday, the 8th of October, 2023, our party will make a big statement ahead of the election as Kogi remains APC and APC is Kogi State.”

The president was however absent today, as the campaign was flagged off by Vice President Kassim Shettima in Lokoja, the state capital.

Speaking, Shettima who represented the president at the event urged the people of the state to vote for the party’s governorship candidate, Usman Ododo, saying this will ensure the continuity of the development the outgoing governor, Bellp, brought to the state within eight years of his administration.

Political pundits however said the president may have chosen not to attend the event due to rigour which could affect his health.

Apart from Kogi, the party is also expected to flag off its campaign for the Imo and Bayelsa states governorship elections in a few days.

It’s not yet clear whether the president, who has scarcely been seen at events since his national broadcast to mark Nigeria’s 63rd independence on October 1, will attend his political party campaigns in both states.

Welfare Of Judicial Officers In Osun Is Worrisome, NBA Writes Governor Adeleke

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Ayodele Oni

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October 9, 2023

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By Ayodele Oni

The Nigeria Bar Association, (NBA) has written to Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, demanding an improved welfare for judicial officers in the State.

The NBA specifically drew the attention of the governor to the plight of Magistrates and Presidents of Customary Courts in Osun State.

It said there is urgent need for the State Government to review the welfare of Judiciary officers for the sake of efficient service delivery.

In a letter to the Governor, the NBA lamented the poor conditions of service of the Judicial personnel, ranging from poor emoluments, infrastructure deficit and serviceable cars among others.

In the letter, signed by the Chairman and the Secretary of the Osogbo Branch of the NBA, Yemi Abiona and Ibrahim Hassan respectively, the Union stated that “Many states in the federation, including some of our neighbouring states like Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Ondo and Ekiti with which we share common heritage have taken giant and commendable stride to guarantee enviable condition of service for their magistrates.

“This is as a result of the delicate nature of their jobs and particularly the need to insulate them from any kind of immoral or corrupt inducement and distraction.”

According to the NBA, most of the buildings housing the courts were old and almost dilapidating structures, leaking when it rained, while the crevices in their walls are safe haven for snakes and other reptiles.

“Some of the officials had not been given official cars since appointment over ten years ago, while those who were allocated official cars got theirs twelve years ago or thereabouts.”

The NBA maintained that its concern for the judiciary as Lawyers was borne out of the pride of place which the judiciary occupies in a democracy and which the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria had entrusted on the institution.

“As legal professionals within the State united under the Nigerian Bar Association with a mission to promote the Rule of Law, we feel obliged morally and ethically to inform Your Excellency about any development that is capable of hindering the smooth and efficient administration of Justice.”

LAHA To Council Chairmen: Policy Of One Project Every Quarter Now Compulsory

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Akinwale Kasali

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October 9, 2023

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By Akinwale Kasali

The Lagos State House Of Assembly has issued a stern warning to Council Chairmen in Lagos State over their poor performance and lackadaisical approach to governance in their respective Local Government Areas and Local Council Development Areas in the State.

Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa said that the Lawmakers have decided that henceforth, the 57 Council Chairmen will face strict monitoring to make them meet the yearnings and aspirations of their people.

Obasa stressed that reports available to the House have shown that some of the Council Chairmen have not met the expectations of their people, and warned them that it will no longer be business as usual in the councils as the Assembly will now ensure strict compliance to serving the interests of the people.

At a meeting with the Council Chairmen, Vice Chairmen, Councillors and senior staff of the councils in Lagos, the Speaker frowned at the aloofness that these set of public office holders have exhibited at that level of government to the detriment of the expectations of Lagosians.

He noted that the Council officials in Lagos were the only ones with four-year terms in Nigeria, and added that it is disheartening how some of these chairmen personalise monthly allocations while their communities are crying for infrastructure and other forms of developmental initiatives.

“I wonder how you sleep with your eyes closed while your council cannot even build and equip a good maternity centre. You can’t justify the fact that in six months, there is no meaningful project done by you in your community.

“Some councils have no single project for over two years, you treat the vice chairmen and councillors like they must be subservient even when you are going astray. Some of your councillors have not received official vehicles up till now.

“Some of your councils do not have legislative chambers, meaning that the councillors have not been holding sittings. How then do you get approvals for the money you spend?

“We are aware of how some of these councils go ahead to borrow money up to nine-digit figures without approvals or due process and how they lease council property without caution. We won’t allow these to happen again.

“It is now strictly going to be true governance at the grassroots level. If you don’t develop your communities, where would you fall back to when you leave office? How would the people see you?” The Speaker asked while urging the councillors to up their effectiveness.

Obasa maintained that having a well-equipped maternity centre in every ward of the local governments for residents to easily access healthcare is not impossible. He also enjoined the chairmen to embark on creation of parks and gardens in their local government councils and areas for the well-being of the people.

He added that each council chairman must adopt “a policy that every quarter, there must be something to show that you are truly in office. Let there be something to commission.

“If you’re to construct a road, it shouldn’t be one that would last for a month or a year. It should be something that would make people pray for you each time they pass through it. Let’s truly serve our people.”

He warned the chairmen, the council managers and treasurers against constituting themselves into a power bloc that runs the councils without inputs from vice chairmen and councillors, who are supposed to issue approvals for spending and projects.

“We are here today to talk to each other. This is no witch-hunt. But I want you to always ask yourselves if you have been doing well for the people who voted you into office. How well have you been treating your vice chairmen, councillors and staff too?

“Some of you were vice chairmen before and you bitterly complained about your chairmen. Now that you are chairmen, what have you done to change what you complained about? How have you bettered those working with you? How have you changed the lives of your councillors?

“You need to have the fear of God and treat the people around you right. We (my colleagues and I) seriously made efforts, passed through a lot to amend the law for your benefits and to make you stay in office for four years. You need to think about the public and how to touch them.

“The best way to handle your office is to touch lives and do things that would make people speak well of you later in life. We have not asked you for money. All we are saying is that you do things for the progress of our state.

“The governor of our state cannot do it all alone. You are, therefore, supposed to be the nearest to the grassroots and help him with your own efforts.

“We must try to move with the moment. The world is moving and we can’t continue to do things like we live in the past,” he said while advising the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy to always guide the chairmen and other officials to deliver democratic dividends to their people.

In his comment, the chairman of Conference57, Kolade Alabi David, commended the Speaker for his advice and promised that there would be changes in the way the chairmen ran the affairs of their council areas.

LASG Reopens Ile Epo, Ladipo, Oyingbo Markets, Warn That Future Violation Will Attract Stiffer Penalties

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Akinwale Kasali

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October 9, 2023

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By Akinwale Kasali

The Lagos State Government has ordered the reopening of Ile Epo, Ladipo, Oyingbo, Alamutu and Ologede Markets that were recently sealed for filth and gross environmental abuse.

The markets were sealed by the Lagos Waste Management Authority, LAWMA, weeks back, but after meeting certain criteria of the the LASG, LAWMA announced the reopening of the markets, warning occupants of stiffer penalties on future violation.

Muyiwa Gbadegesin, Managing Director/CEO of LAWMA, emphasised the importance of stringent compliance measures in safeguarding public health and shielding residents against future health crises.

He stated that the reopening followed full compliance with requisite conditions, which must be duly met by occupants of these Markets.

He said, “Following extensive renovations and compliance measures including, the implementation of stringent conditions and a written mandatory undertaking for reopening, Ladipo Market, Oyingbo Market, Alamutu Ologede Market, and Ile-Epo Oke Odo Market, have been reopened today for business transactions.”

He stated that the reopened markets had to comply with a set of mandatory conditions listed for them prior to resuming operations.

These conditions include providing a designated waste point; installation of block work fence and platforms for the placement of double dino bins; procurement of double dino bins for waste containerisation; commitment to putting in place sustainable market waste policing to guarantee constant cleanliness of the market environment and enforce proper waste disposal regulations; engagement of bin keepers; collaboration with accredited psp operators for timely evacuation; prompt payment of waste bills, as well as, dislodging Street traders from road medians and setbacks, preventing unauthorised vending.

“A filthy market is a breeding ground for terrible diseases like cholera, typhoid, Lassa fever, ebola, malaria and others. We cannot stand by and watch some markets expose the people of Lagos State to such conditions which are clearly avoidable if they do the right things”, he stressed.

Speaking further, he said, “We want to make it abundantly clear, that any future violations will attract stiffer sanctions, including the permanent closure of the offending market”.

Gbadegesin implored the executive members of markets in the state, to live up to their responsibilities, urging traders to be public-minded by being hygienic in their trading activities, as that would be usually beneficial to them, their customers and added that, local government authorities would be entrusted with the responsibility of monitoring market operations’ adherence to set conditions, urging members of the public to play a pivotal role in this process by promptly reporting any observed lapses in sanitation to LAWMA.

He reminded markets around the state that LAWMA’s zero tolerance policy for reckless waste dumping in markets was still on course, warning that defaulting markets risked a closure and hefty fine.

Foreign: “We’ll Destroy Hamas- Israel Ambassador To Nigeria

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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October 9, 2023

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The State of Israel Ambassador to Nigeria, Micheal Freeman says his government will ensure the ‘total’ destruction of militant Hamas.

The Israeli diplomat stated this on Monday while speaking on Channels Television programme, Sunshine Daily.

Freeman spoke amidst the clash between Hamas and Israeli forces, which has led to many death on both sides since the violence started on Friday.

Over 1100 people have been killed on both sides as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to crush the attacks.

The Palestinian Liberation Organisation, PLO, blamed the constant attack on Palestinians by Israeli security forces, particularly the desecration of the Al aqsa mosque for the attack by Hamas.

The international community has demanded the cessation of hostilities from both sides, calling on the PLO government and Israeli government to negotiate a peaceful resolution.

On its part, the Nigerian government on Saturday called on both sides to negotiate, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

In the statement, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, said the escalation between both countries would result in an unending cycle of pain and suffering for the civilian population.

He urged the two sides to pursue peace in the interest of their people.

The statement said, “The Federal Government of Nigeria, therefore, calls on both sides to exercise restraint, prioritise the safety of civilians and give room for humanitarian considerations. We are therefore calling for a peaceful resolution of the conflict through dialogue,” the statement read.

“The Federal Government of Nigeria is deeply concerned about the outbreak of hostilities between Israel and Hamas in the early hours of Saturday and calls for de-escalation and ceasefire.

“The cycle of violence and retaliation that the current escalation has assumed only serves to perpetuate an unending cycle of pain and suffering for the civilian population that bears the brunt of every conflict.”

Meanwhile, the United States president, Joe Biden has promised to support Israel to be able to “defend” itself, while Iran, Hamas biggest backer has congratulated Hamas for its victory in the war.

The US, the major ally of the state of Israel has also sent an assault group, including an aircraft carrier to the Middle East, even as international diplomatic analysts warn of further escalation.

FG Ramps Up Electricity Generation To 14,000mgws; Power Grid Collapsed Twice Last Month

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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October 9, 2023

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The Federal Government has raised the total electricity generation capacity in the country to 14,000 megawatts, according to Dr Joy Ogaji, Executive Secretary, Association of Power Generation Companies, APGC.

Dr Ogaji disclosed this when speaking during the annual International Strategic Conference by the Association of Energy Correspondents of Nigeria held last week.

He spoke barely a few days after the federal government said it’s targeting 350 gigawatts of electricity-generating capacity by 2043.

The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Bagudu, said this when top management staff of the Nigerian Electricity Management Service Agency visited him at the ministry in Abuja.

Amidst the constant power outages in the country, energy experts insist that what is currently required is 30, 000 megawatts of electricity to power homes, industries, and other uses across the country.

Last month, the national grid collapsed twice raising serious questions among Nigerians on whether the huge investments in the sector have really paid off.

Meanwhile, Dr Ogaji explained that the increase in capacity generation to 14,000 was a result of the addition of a $1.3bn Niger state-based 700MW Zungeru hydroelectric plant which came on stream in the second quarter of the year.

She said, “The national grid now has an installed power generation capacity of about 14, 000 megawatts, and this was made possible due to the Zungeru plant that came on stream this year.”

Minister of Power Bagudu said the power sector is a major priority of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration as Part of its National Integrated Infrastructure Master Plan.

Nov. 11: Fear in Kogi, Imo, Bayelsa; INEC Sues For Peace

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James Orji

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October 9, 2023

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The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, says it’s in talks with political parties in the country to ensure that the governorship elections in Kogi, Bayelsa, and Imo states are hitch-free without violence.

The electoral umpire has fixed the off-season governorship election in the three states for November 11, 2023, amidst concerns among some Nigerians that the elections will be trailed by thuggery and killings.

Ahead of the election in the three states, leaders have sued for peace, appealing to politicians to ensure that INEC conducts the election in a peaceful atmosphere.

For instance, the Ijaw Youth Council, IYC, recently warned that politicians will be held responsible for any act of violence during the upcoming election in Bayelsa state.

The warning was contained in a communique signed by IYC President, Dr. Alayi Theophilus, who urged politicians to shun acts that are capable of creating tension in the state, even as the election draws closer.

The communiqué reads, “It is our firm belief that the lives and safety of Ijaw citizens should always supersede political considerations and electoral processes. We shall hold politicians responsible if any Ijaw life is lost during and after the election.

“The IYC shall not fold her arms to see that the existing peace we enjoy in the state is damaged. We advise all politicians to shun hate speeches and focus on telling us their manifestos. Our lives are worth more than any political ambition.”

In Imo state, not a few Nigerians are concerned that the election would be violent considering recent happenings in the Governor Hope Uzodinma-led state.

For instance, on Tuesday, September 19, 2023, the state was awoken by the attack on security operatives comprising soldiers, police, and Civil Defence Corps in the Umualumaku community, Ehime Mbano Council, by gunmen who laid siege in the area.

The Biafran Revolution Army, which claimed responsibility for the attack, later vowed in a viral video to undertake more attacks, and ensure no election is held in Imo State on November 11 or any other part of “Biafra land.”

The situation is not different in Kogi state where political parties are trading words over an alleged plot to disrupt the election.

Last week, the Social Democratic Party, SDP, accused the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC. of importing thugs from Jigawa and Nasarawa states to unleash violence in the state ahead of the election.

The APC however denied the allegation.

The Prof. Mahmood Yakubu-led INEC has however called on political parties to ensure that the elections are without violence.

According to a statement by INEC National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, the electoral umpire appealed to participating political parties to shun actions and utterances capable of disrupting the elections, he said INEC is “concerned about the spate of insecurity and violence” in the three states few weeks to the election.

INEC said “The commission is concerned about the spate of insecurity and violence, including clashes among supporters of political parties and candidates in the forthcoming elections.

“In our engagement with political parties, the commission has constantly called on parties to rein in their supporters from actions capable of jeopardising the peaceful conduct of elections in Nigeria.

“INEC earnestly appeals to all political parties and candidates to avoid utterances and acts that may heat up the polity. The commission will continue to closely monitor the situation and sustain its engagement with security agencies and stakeholders to ensure peaceful conduct of elections in the three states.”

Zamfara: CAN Backs Gov, Rejects Negotiation With Terrorists

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James Orji

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October 9, 2023

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Dauda Lawal - Zamfra State Governor — Governor Dauda Lawal

The Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, has backed the Governor of Zamfara state, Dauda Lawal’s decision not to negotiate with terrorists.

CAN made this known to The Punch, saying the government should seek external help rather than resorting to negotiation with the criminals.

Amidst the upsurge in the activities of bandits, Governor Lawal has insisted that his government will not negotiate with bandits and terrorists.

The state helmsman also recently criticized the federal government for allegedly going behind the state to negotiate with some bandits on how to release some members of the NYSC who were abducted on August 17 by bandits on their way to the Orientation camp.

In a statement signed by Governor Lawal’s spokesman, Sulaiman Idris on September 30, the state accused the Federal Government of sabotaging the ongoing fight against banditry in the state by negotiating with bandits behind the state government.

The umbrella body of Christians in the country, however, said it’s concerned over the perceived helplessness of security agencies in the country to contain the activities of terrorists in some parts of the country, particularly in northern Nigeria.

Sunday Oibe, one of the leaders of CAN in the Northwest described the alleged negotiation with terrorists as “shameful and disgusting” by the Nigerian state, adding that banditry is an organized crime that must be crushed totally.

According to Him, “It’s shameful and disgusting for the Nigerian state to keep doing this to us as a people. We have been hearing the expression, ‘unknown gunmen’ did this and that over and over again. Suddenly, the unknown gunmen are now known to the point that the federal might is even allowing some of its officials to enter into negotiation with the bandits.

“As long as we keep living in denial, this problem shall remain unsolved. There’s nothing like bandits or unknown gunmen. This is an organised crime against the rest of us that are helpless. The successive governments know them, hire them, empower them and are using them against the rest of us.

“Are we saying that the Nigerian state is so helpless to win the war against these enemies of the state? If we as a nation have become so helpless, let us stomach our pride by seeking help elsewhere. This war must stop and the time is now. Personally, I don’t subscribe to the idea of negotiating with criminals and the enemies of the state. The government knows what to do and should stop playing games.”

He stressed that “negotiation is not the answer.”

“Rather, demonstration of political will to root out these criminals from the very root is the solution,” the CAN scribe said.

Arase Proffers Scientific Approach By Law Enforcement Agencies To Tackle Crime

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Ayodele Oni

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October 8, 2023

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By Ayodele Oni

Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC) Solomon Arase has bemoaned challenges confronting the Nigeria Police on carrying out its constitutional duties, saying scientific approach is best option.

Arase who played host to a delegation from the Chartered Institute of Forensics and Certified Fraud Investigators of Nigeria, in Abuja noted that crime has evolved to become highly scientific on a global scale, necessitating a scientific approach from law enforcement agencies.

Head of Press and Public Relations, Ikechukwu Ani quoted Arase in a statement on Sunday that oversight responsibilities have become vast and challenging.

“The PSC Chairman mentioned cyberbullying, criminal financial/banking attacks, and other complex crimes threatening various sectors of the nation’s fledgling democracy.”

According to him, crime across the world has become highly scientific, requiring those involved in combating it, the police, to adopt a scientific approach.

He noted that addressing these challenges requires proper equipment and training.

He added that both the Police and the Commission need to quickly step up to contain these emerging challenges, adding that these two government agencies should also be properly equipped and trained to successfully carry out their constitutional mandates.

He insisted that policing should be more visible at the local level, especially at the Divisional centers that have unfortunately been abandoned, creating a lot of ungoverned spaces where non-state actors have taken over.

He emphasized the need for continuous recruitment of policemen to populate the communities and regain control over the ungoverned spaces to restore security of lives and properties across the nation.

Arase said the commission would partner with the Institute to combat the menace of the emerging financial and other crimes in the country.

He promised that officials of the Institute would be used as resource persons at Police Colleges, exposing trainees to cybercrime and other complex crime prevention at that level.

Atiku Accuses Presidency Of Attempting To Gag Media

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Ayodele Oni

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October 8, 2023

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By Ayodele Oni

As onslaught against President Bola Tinubu over his educational qualifications continues, former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar has raised another alarm, accusing the presidency of attempting to sneeze the media.

Atiku, Candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) during last election, alleged that there is “perfected, elaborate and sinister plot to gag the media ahead of the release of the records containing his criminal investigations by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).”

Atiku in a statement on Sunday, by his Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, said that this was based on the fact that the Tinubu-led administration has become frustrated with the Chicago State University scandal and was planning a massive offensive in the coming days.

He noted that threat by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to sanction Arise Television News was only a tip of the iceberg, stressing that the same NBC has been watching as Tinubu’s media platforms like Television Continental (TVC) constantly attacks Atiku and has refused to even air opposition views.

According to him; “Back in February, the NBC tried to show a bit of fairness and fined TVC for unprofessional broadcasts including the airing of the Joint media Directorate of the APC Presidential Campaign Council press briefing where Festus Keyamo said Obasanjo and Atiku ran a criminal enterprise, and an empire of fraud in Abuja.

“However, since Tinubu became president on May 29, the NBC has become more partisan than ever. The NBC boss, Balarabe Ilelah, is obviously seeking to retain his appointment and is now dancing to the tune of the APC and their master at the Presidential Villa.

“The NBC has now been co-opted into a grand plot to gag the media over Tinubu’s certificate scandal. Having lost the battle in the court of public opinion, they are now trying to use the powers of the state to browbeat the media into silence. This is indeed shameful for a man who claimed to be a hero of the June 12 struggle.

“But this is not the time for the Nigerian media to show any weakness. The trove of documents that the FBI is set to release this month will expose details of the investigation that tied Bola Tinubu to heroin trafficking.

“The dissemination of this information must not be left to social media alone. The media must rise up to its role as the watchdog of society as enshrined in Section 22 of the 1999 constitution.”

Shaibu said the hypocrisy of the Tinubu government and the APC-led Senate was legendary, saying that a ministerial nominee from Delta State, Stella Okotete, a director at NEXIM Bank, was denied ministerial confirmation over alleged certificate forgery even though the lady in question had tried so much to defend herself.

He therefore wondered why the standard for the President of Nigeria was lower than that of a ministerial nominee and the youngster, Mmesoma Ejikeme, who forged her JAMB results from a third party vendor.

“Okotete claimed to have graduated from Benson Idahosa University in 2007 with a second class lower grade in International Studies and Diplomacy and completed the compulsory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) from Kebbi State in 2009.

“However, amid allegations of certificate forgery, the Senate refused to confirm her while the authorities continued to investigate her.

“However, in the case of Tinubu, who holds the highest office in the land, they want Nigerians to overlook it. They are asking Nigerians to focus on governance instead.

“Isn’t it ironic that the bar has been lowered for the office of the President? Is it not mind-boggling that people who would not employ even third glass graduates in their private companies are the same ones now defending certificate forgery? The hypocrisy is indeed disturbing.”