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Nigeria Closes Borders With Niger Republic

By
Ayodele Oni
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Bashir Adewale

By Ayodele Oni

As Countries in the continent are contemplating  possible sanctions on Niger Republic as a result of recent mutiny, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced the closure of all land borders linking Nigeria with the country.

The NCS’s Acting Controller General (CG), Mr Bashir Adewale, disclosed this on Friday during a visit to the Jibia border in Katsina.

The Customs boss, also, explained during a visit to another border community that the border closure did not signify that Nigeria is at war with Niger Republic.

According to him, the decision for the total blockage of the borders was to comply with the Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS) directive to suspend the movement of cargos until further notice.

He added that as part of measures to ensure 100 per cent compliance, they will sensitize the border communities.

The Acting Controller General pointed out that the decision was taken for the interest of peace and stability between the two countries.

According to Adewale, he had visited the Deputy Governor of Katsina State regarding the issue of sensitisation.

Other sanctions as stipulated by ECOWAS are the suspension of trade, diplomacy, and financial services to the country; while a no-fly zone has also been declared over Niger and its military hierarchy.

While  addressing Illela border community of Sokoto State also on Friday, the custom boss clarified that what is happening in Nigeria is also happening in other states of West Africa that shares same border with Niger Republic.

Adeniyi, while inspecting Illela border community in Sokoto State, stated that “My mission here is to restate the directives of President Bola Tinubu, being not only the Commander in Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria but also Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

“As we are aware one of the Chairman’s responsibility is to promote trade between members of ECOWAS. But we all know that trade cannot happen in an environment where there is no peace.

“So the intention of government is to ensure that we leverage perfectly on the nexus between trade and security.

Elevator Accident: LAHA To Wield Big Stick, As  Lawmakers Begin Probe On Doctor’s Death

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Diaso Vwaere

By Akinwale Kasali

The circumstances surrounding the tragic death  of Vwaere Diaso, a Medical Doctor at General Hospital, Odan, Lagos Island, has been described as unfortunate and pathetic.

The Nigeria Medical Association, NMA, has condemned the Lagos State Government and the Hospital for negligence.

This has prompted the Lagos State House of Assembly to order an immediate probe of the elevator accident that led to the death of Diaso. LAHA promised to ensure justice for the deceased.

Mourning the demise of the Doctor, the Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa led the 10th Assembly to hold a one-minute silence in honour of the deceased and sympathised with the family and friends of the late doctor as well as the Nigerian Medical Association, NMA.

The Speaker also set up a committee to investigate the accident, and a proper probe of the incident and stressed that it needed to ensure proper management and safety of lives.

An eight-man Committee has been set up, headed by the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Mojisola Meranda, include: Hon. David Setonji, Hon. Lara Oyekan, Olayinka Ajomale, Hon. Shabi Adekola, Omolara Olumegbon, Hon. Oluwa Akanbi and Hon. Olarenwaju Afinni.

They have a mandate to report their findings to the House in two weeks.

Obasa approved that the  Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, the Chief Medical Director of the hospital and staff who had roles in the incident be summoned.

He also asked the Committee to invite the NMA branch in Lagos Island.

The Speaker said it was unimaginable the pain that the loss of the medical doctor would bring to her immediate family.

“It is saddening to lose such a young promising daughter and there is no convincing explanation we can give to the parents and her colleagues; no amount of explanation can suffice,” he said.

The Speaker also appealed to the NMA to resume work, saying government would look into their demands.

Earlier, raising the issue on the floor of the House, Hon. Olarenwaju Afinni representing Lagos Island Constituency 2, urged his colleagues to help look into the crisis.

In his own contribution, Hon. Gbolahan Yishawu representing Eti-Osa 2, said the NMA had the right to express its grievances over the death of its colleague, but appealed to its members to call off the indefinite strike in order to avert more death.

“This incident saddens my heart and we sympathise with the family and NMA. We have seen their demands and we are appealing that they should resume work to prevent patients from dying,” he said.

Meanwhile, the House has ordered the State Environmental and Special Offences Enforcement Unit to stop demolition of houses in the Kosofe Local Government Area of Lagos with immediate effect.

The decision of the House followed a ‘matter of urgent public importance’ raised by Hon. Sanni Okanlawon, who told his colleagues that some policemen stormed the area and demolished buildings.

He said the demolition squad had claimed that only shanties would be affected. He lamented that the team had gone beyond the shanties and have demolished a lot of other buildings.

According to him, over 300 people have lost buildings, property and sources of livelihood and that his finding showed that the Ministry of the Environment and the Police Taskforce headed by one CSA Jejeloye were behind the action.

Speaker Obasa, thereafter, directed the Clerk, Barrister Olalekan Onafeko, to write a letter to CSA Jejeloye and the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of the Environment to stop the demolition.

He also set up a five-man ad-hoc committee including Hon. Nureni Akinsanya, Hon. Adewale Temitope, Hon. Sanni Okanlawon, Hon. Femi Saheed and Hon. Aro Moshood to investigate the matter.

Why We Suspended Airport Taxi Services At Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja –  FAAN  Suspended

By
The Source
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Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria wishes to inform the general public that the airport car hire service at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja has been suspended with immediate effect.

This is as a result of the unresolved factional dispute amongst the car hire operators which has been affecting airport car hire service operations.

Consequent upon this suspension, FAAN Management advises the general public and all airport users, particularly our esteemed passengers to use secured alternative means of transportation or E-hailing services in and out of the airport.

The Management of FAAN regrets any inconvenience this necessary suspension may cause our esteemed passengers, airport users and the general public. Normal Car Hire Services resumes as soon as their differences are resolved.

CNPP Kick Against War Option In Resolving Niger Crisis, Says Labour Unions Have Vindicated Us

By
The Source
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0

…Faults FG’s Promise To Revive Port Harcourt Refinery By December

Conference Of Nigeria Political Parties, CNPP, has called on Nigeria to quit the ego trip by rescinding the decision to lead ECOWAS to war against the military junta in Niger Republic, saying that the country cannot afford to fund such expensive adventure while her citizens are suffering.

The umbrella association of all registered political parties and political associations in the country, in a statement signed by its Deputy National Publicity Secretary, James Ezema, also faulted “calling off the jamboree tagged nationwide protests by the Nigeria labour unions after the first day without any concrete roadmap on how the government intends to ameliorate the hardships faced by Nigerians following the petrol subsidy removal.”

The CNPP noted that “the actions and inactions of the labour leaders have vindicated our position that Nigerians should not trust the labour movement to negotiate with the Federal Government on their behalf.

According to the CNPP, “It will be difficult for President Bola Tinubu administration to revive the petroleum refinery in Port Harcourt by December 2023.

“The current management of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) are not reliable hands, having failed to get a single local refinery working in the last eight years of the Muhammadu Buhari administration.

“NNPCL has been rehabilitating one refinery forever in the said contract between the company and Italian firm, Maire Tecnimont SpA.

“The CNPP advises President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately Initiative a contract for a new refinery instead of wasting scarce resources on outdated refinery in a digital age”, the CNPP said.

On the planned use of force to restore constitutional order in Republic of Niger, the CNPP said, “In view of the economic realities in the country, Nigeria cannot afford to fund the war as many West African countries are opting out of the war option.

“ECOWAS should negotiate with the military junta in Niger and find a middle ground. No sacrifice too much in a bid to save lives and very limited resources”, the CNPP stated.

Advising the President to concentrate on cutting down the cost of government, the CNPP noted that “37 Ministers are more than enough to run a government and deliver on dividends of democracy.

“Nigeria is in deep economic crisis, with heavy debt burden and cutting down on the cost of running the Federal Government should be a priority of the President Tinubu administration”, the CNPP noted.

Jonathan Mourns Bayelsa Ex-Chief Judge, Abiri

By
The Source
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0

Former President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan has expressed sadness over the death of the immediate past Chief judge of Bayelsa State, Hon. Justice Kate Abiri, describing her as a dedicated servant in the temple of justice.

In a condolence message to the family of the deceased and the Government of Bayelsa State, the former President noted that she left an enviable track record of honesty and integrity, adding that the jurist would be sorely missed.

In the message the President stated: “I condole with the Abiri and Waritimi families and the Government of Bayelsa State on the demise of the immediate past Chief Judge of Bayelsa State, Hon. Justice Kate Abiri who died on Thursday August 3, 2023.

“Justice Abiri was a jurist with an enviable track record of honesty, integrity and steadfastness in the pursuit of truth and justice.  She was an incorruptible judge, a symbol of courage, hope and inspiration to many across the country.”

The former President also described her as a dedicated servant renowned  for her piety and total commitment to upholding the rule of law.

He stated further: “Her death is a big loss to  her family, Bayelsa and members of the legal profession. I  urge them to find  solace in her notable strides and the fulfilling life that she lived.  She will be missed by many Nigerians across the country. I pray that God grants all the bereaved the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.”

Niger Coup: Prominent Nigerians, Groups Warn Against Military Invasion

By
James Orji
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Arewa Consultative Forum, ACF, has joined prominent Nigerians and groups opposed to a military invasion of the Niger Republic following the military coup that deposed President Mohammed Bazoum.

The apex northern body’s warning comes on the back of a request by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the Nigerian Senate to approve the use of force to reinstate Bazoum.

ACF also made its position known after Defence Headquarters, DHQ, on Thursday denied reports that it has received orders from the Presidency to prepare to force out the coupists.

The Economic Community of West Africa, ECOWAS earlier in the week, in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital passed a resolution for the use of force if the soldiers failed to hand over power in seven days.

Tinubu is the Chairman of the 15-nation economic block.

Senate President, Godswill Akpabio read the president’s letter on the floor of the Senate on today.

A renowned diplomat Prof. Bola Akinterinwa, Femi Falana, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, are among prominent Nigerians who have kicked against the use of force to flush out the coupists led by Gen. Abdourahmane Tchiani who took over power last week, saying such could lead to a full-blown war with Nigeria at the losing end.

Tension has been further heightened in the region after Burkina Faso, Mali and Guinea military juntas warned that they will fight on the side of Niger coupists in the case of military invasion by ECOWAS.

The regional bloc has imposed economic sanctions on the junta which includes, land, sea, and air blockades apart from freezing the assets belonging to the coup leaders.

ACF in a statement on Friday, said military intervention in the restive West African nation will have grave consequences for the country, citing the fact that Niger is Nigeria’s close neighbour.

The warning is contained in a statement issued by its General Secretary, Murtala Aliyu, who called on all the parties involved to dialogue to promote peace and stability in other for democratic rule to be sustained in the subregion.

The statement reads in part: “ACF, however, views with concern the unfolding events in Nigeria’s immediate neighbour, the Republic of Niger, and the potential impact on the region.

“The measures being contemplated should have taken into consideration the historical antecedents and mutual interests of the two countries and weighed the consequences of the use of military force.

“While the ACF recognises the ECOWAS position to bring pressure to bear on the perpetrators, nevertheless the military option shouldn’t be a prerequisite for Nigeria’s and the Community’s continuing efforts to enthrone democracy in the region in the 21st century.

“To this end, ACF notes that while it supports the position to restore democratic rule in Niger, it calls on the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government under the able Chairmanship of President Bola Tinubu, that it should toe the path of dialogue and diplomacy and certainly not force, in resolving the current impasse in Niger in the interest of peaceful coexistence with our brotherly neighbour and stability of the ECOWAS region.”

Meanwhile, an ECOWAS mediation team led by Gen Abdusalam Abubakar (rtd.), Nigeria’s former military head of state, has met with the country’s military junta, as tension of an imminent war mounts.

LAHA Set For Face Off With Governor Sanwo Olu, As Screening Of Commissioner-nominees Begins

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0

By Akinwale Kasali

The Lagos State House of Assembly is set for a face- off with Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo Olu over his Commissioner-nominees. The Assembly is accusing the Governor of  exempting Party Loyalists and some Local Government officials from the list.

Frowning at the nomination of some individuals by Governor Sanwo-Olu   without consulting the Assembly the Lawmakers  set up a Committee to screen the nominees and also challenge the Governor for taking such decisions.

At the Plenary, the Speaker of the House, Obasa, pleaded with his colleagues who expressed dissatisfaction with the list.

The lawmakers had lamented the exclusion of some parts of the State. While some urged the House to take another look at the list, others urged that the nominees’ Local Government Areas should be attached to the list.

The Assembly also set up a Committee chaired by the Chief Whip, Hon. Fatai Mojeed, to screen the nominees and report back.

Speaking at plenary, Obasa asked the lawmakers to understand that all Local Government Areas the State cannot produce a Commissioner.

Before directing the Clerk of the House, Barrister Olalekan Onafeko, to write the Governor requesting for the nominees’ Local Government Areas, Obasa reminded his colleagues that Governor Sanwo-Olu has the prerogative to nominate those to work with him, while it is the duty of the lawmakers to screen the nominees and confirm them if they meet needed requirements.

In a ‘Matter of Urgent Public Importance’ earlier, Hon. Aro Moshood Abiodun (Ikorodu II) told his colleagues that despite contributing to the success of the All Progressives Congress, APC,  in the last election, Ikorodu got one slot in the list.

Deputy Majority Leader of the House, Hon. Ademola Richard Kasunmu, lamented the absence of any nominee from Ikeja.

His colleague, Hon. Nureni Akinsanya from Mushin, noted that the list did not come with the local government areas of the nominees. He also argued that the APC has technocrats who were not considered.

His position was supported by Hon. Kehinde Joseph (Alimosho II) and Hon. Temitope Adewale, who both urged the Governor to reconsider the nominations.

Reacting to the matter, Hon. Femi Saheed said as a former secretary of the APC in Lagos, he was aware that the party has technocrats who could be nominated.

While the Deputy Chief Whip, Hon. David Setonji, lamented that Badagry was not represented enough, Hon. Ladi Ajomale observed that the list was heavily one-sided in term of religious consideration.

Following this development, there are insinuations that there is a brewing crisis between the Governor and the State House of Assembly.

Tinubu Forwards Keyamo’s Name To The Senate As Ministerial Nominee

By
Ayodele Oni
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Festus Keyamo

By Ayodele Oni

President Bola Tinubu, on Friday, forwarded another letter to the Senate which added the name of Festus Keyamo to the supplementary list of Minister-nominees, which was submitted to the Senate on Wednesday.

Nineteen nominees were in the supplementary list that the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, submitted to the Senate during screening of those on the first batch.

Keyamo, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria from Delta State, served as Minister of State for Labour and Employment in the immediate past administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.

He also served as the official spokesperson of the All Progressives Congress, (APC) Presidential Campaign Organization that worked for the emergence of the party’s presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu.

He is in the Senate with the nineteen others to be screened by the upper legislative chamber preparatory to confirmation.

Keyamo, at the end of his tenure in the immediate past administration had criticized the position of a Minister of State, saying there was no constitutional provisions to back it up.

FG Raises N800bn Sukuk Bond For Infrastructure

By
James Orji
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0

The Debt Management Office, DMO, on Thursday listed N130 billion sovereign Sukuk on the Nigerian Exchange, NGX, and the FMDQ Securities Exchange.

Sukuk fund has been used by the Nigerian government to provide critical infrastructure, including roads, bridges, dams, etc across the country.

The recent issue has now raised the total bonds from Sukuk to close to N800 billion in five years.

In February this year, the federal government revealed that it has invested over N612.557 billion raised through Sovereign Sukuk issued between 2017 and 2021 for the construction and rehabilitation of key economic road projects in the six geo-political zones and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.

The funds, according to the details were used to construct and rehabilitate sections of 71 road projects covering 2,808.06 km and four bridges by the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing and sections of six road projects covering 99km and 19 bridges by the Federal Capital Territory Administration.

According to a statement released yesterday by the DMO, the Sukuk bond was initially offered at N100 billion in November 2022 but received overwhelming interest from investors, resulting in an over-subscription of N165.25 billion.

To accommodate the needs of this diverse group of investors, N130 billion was allocated. The balance of N35.25 billion will be returned to those subscribers whose offers could not be accommodated after the N130 billion has been listed.

The statement said “the listing on the NGX and FMDQ Securities Exchange will not only expand the range of financial offerings available to investors in the capital market but also provide liquidity and promote price discovery through the opportunity to buy and sell the sovereign Sukuk”.

Life & Style: In Loving Memory of Senator Annie Okonkwo

By
James Orji
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0

By Uche Nworah

Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCON), a federal government agency that oversees the multidimensional engagements of Nigerians in the Diaspora, with the objective to protect their interest and also harness their potentials to ensure meaningful contributions to the development of the nation.

But what they may not likely know is that the initiative that birthed this increasingly impactful commission, headed by Hon. Abike Dabiri, came out from the fertile mind and foresight of the late Senator Annie Okonkwo, who represented Anambra Central Senatorial District in the senate between 2007 and 2011.

As a business mogul and an experienced legislator, Senator Okonkwo had identified the socio-economic benefits of evolving a strategic policy thrust that would engender more productive synergy between the Nigerian government and Nigerians in the diaspora.

And in order to give life to this idea, Senator Okonkwo, sponsored a Bill entitled “Establishment of the Nigerians Citizens in Diaspora Commission”, which later came into existence as NiDCON.

His time at the senate was evidently very eventful, as he served on different Senate Committees, such as Upstream Petroleum Resources, Police Affairs, Environment ( as vice-chairman) and Agriculture. He later contested for the governorship of Anambra state in February 2010, but lost to the then incumbent, Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the last general elections.

But apparently, either in victory or in defeat, Senator Okonkwo had always exhibited a remarkable sense of sportsmanship and commendable philosophical worldview that do not give oxygen to politics of acrimony or calumny, which some people may associate with happenings in some sections of the Anambra state political ecosystem.

Since his recent home calling, by his creator, those that had engaged him in the past, in political pugilism in his home state, Anambra, either in senatorial or governorship elections, have continued to underscore his positive  lifestyle, rooted in decency, love for family and community, sense of propriety, humaneness and unblemished character, that’s not tainted by vagaries of business or politics.

For instance, a chieftain of the All Progressive Congress (APC’s), Senator Chris Ngige, former Minister of Labour and Employment, who is one of Senator Okonkwo’s former political opponents, in his condolence message, hailed his political sportsmanship, as a man who detested politics of bitterness and showed good character in his conduct and utterances, in and outside public office.

Ngige described him as a strong and dogged politician with whom he fought many political battles and fierce contests, the most memorable being the three-dimensional fight for the Anambra Central Senate seat between himself, the late Senator and late Prof Dora Akunyili in 2011. And even though Ngige won the election, Senator Okonkwo didn’t hesitate to call to congratulate him in the spirit of laudable sportsmanship.

Also the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the last presidential election, Mr. Peter Obi, who also contested Anambra state governorship election with Okonkwo in 2010, gave further insight into Okonkwo’s positive politics as he disclosed how the late Senator supported and contributed to his campaign before the presidential election, in spite of the fact that he wasn’t a member the of Labour Party.

According to Obi, “Distinguished Sen. Annie Okonkwo was a veteran of Nigerian politics. Despite not being a member of the Labour Party, he was one of the strongest pillars of support in our journey to a New Nigeria. He provided very invaluable advice and immeasurable support during our vigorous campaigns around the nation.

“He persuaded his son, Hon. Uchenna Okonkwo, who was in another party then, to join the Labour Party, where he contested and eventually won a seat at the House of Representatives. After the elections and the subsequent declarations, which we are challenging in court today.

“Sen. Annie Okonkwo did not relent but remained steadfast in his efforts and commitment towards a New Nigeria. When I heard that he was sick, I travelled to the United States to visit and spent time with him.” Obi disclosed.

The All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) leader and Governor of Anambra state, Charles Soludo, has also eulogised him as a prominent son of Anambra who has paid his dues serving the state with dignity.

Remarkably, the renowned philanthropy of the Ojoto, Idemili Local Government Area born business tycoon, Senator Okonkwo, deservedly earned him the traditional titles of ‘Okaka Ojoto’, and ‘Agunaechemba Idemili’ (strong man of Ojoto and the Lion that defends the land of Idemili, respectively).

If there is any minute regret the late Senator may be taking to his grave, it would likely be not living long enough to symbolically handover the baton of representative leadership to his son, Uchenna, who was recently inaugurated to represent Idemili North and South Federal Constituency of Anambra state in the House of Representatives.

But Uchenna would be consoled by the fact that his dear father had the grace to shepherd him into that leadership path to continue the legacy of service to his people, through a well deserved electoral victory in the last National Assembly election.

Hon. Okonkwo described his late father as a leader with tireless efforts and passion for creating positive change, who would forever be remembered and cherished by those who had the privilege of working alongside him.

“His kindness and generosity touched the lives of many, leaving an indelible mark on our community.

“His legacy will live on through the countless lives he impacted and the causes he fervently championed,” he said.

He said further that his father dedicated his life to public service, championing the rights of the people he represented with unwavering commitment and integrity.

According to him, Sen. Okonkwo was an accomplished politician, a loving husband, father, and a grandfather who left a legacy of service, leadership, and love.

Late Senator Okonkwo, who bestrode Nigeria’s business and political circles like a colossus, was a loving husband to his wife, Chief Mrs Chinyelu Okonkwo (Ugoagu) and caring father to his children.

From a small family business in Aba, in the old Imo state, trading in cosmetics and other items, he built a conglomerate, that employed over 7,000 people. His firms include, Reliance Telecomm, Clemco Industries, Modern Communications (satellite TV Network), MacClemm Marketing Communications, Sunflower Nigeria and Pentagon Oil.

The amiable Agunechemba would be laid to rest in August 30, in his country home in Ojoto.

Nworah, PhD, is the Chairman, Editorial Board of Daily Times Nigeria

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