The House of Representatives Committee on Basic Examination Bodies has queried the West African Examination Council, WAEC, Nigeria over a N5 billion loan it obtained in 2022 for the purchase of a customised calculator.

Chairman of the Committee, OforjiOboku, during an investigative hearing with the Registrar of the examination body on Tuesday demanded that relevant documents in respect to the loan be made available at the next sitting.

The Register was represented by Dr Amos Josiah Dangut, Head of National Office, WAEC Nigeria.

Other WAEC officials at the hearing were Angus Okeleze, Senior Deputy Registrar; Victor Odu, Acting Director of Finance; and SegunJerumeh, Deputy Director of Finance, WAEC.

Dangut had earlier in his presentation to the Committee posited that WAEC was not an agency of government, hence not accountable as other agencies.

However, the lawmakers insisted that WAEC Nigeria was a creation of an Act of the National Assembly and hence must account for all their activities to them.

They pointed out that the National Assembly makes appropriations for WAEC.

The lawmakers also pointed out that WAECs convention dictates that they must submit to the legislation of any of its member countries.

The Committee Chairman said they must bring the audited statement of accounts of the examinations body from 2018 till date.

The Chairman said WAEC cannot operate outside the supervision of the National Assembly.

You are not different from any other agency, saying you are not an agency of the government. We are not here to witch-hunt you. WAEC is subject to Nigerias laws. We have reviewed the position and we have all the powers to oversee you. You cannot come here and say WAEC is not an agency of government, he said.

He said WAEC would be invited at a later date.

He insisted the WAEC officials bring the requested documents, else there would be sanctions.

Nigerias former First Lady, Hajia Mariam Sani Abacha and her son, Mohammed Sani Abacha, have dragged the President, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and two others before the Court of Appeal in Abuja seeking recovery of an alleged unlawfully revoked property of former Head of State, Late General Sani Abacha.

The property located in the Maitama District of Abuja was said to have been revoked by the Federal Government and sold to a private company, Salamed Ventures Limited, without the knowledge of the Abacha family.

The Abacha family is praying the Court of Appeal to void and set aside the judgment of Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, which on May 19, 2024, dismissed their suit on the property.

Listed as 1st to 4th respondents in the appeal are the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (MFCT), Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), President, Federal Republic of Nigeria and Salamed Ventures Limited.

Mrs Abacha and her son, on behalf of the family, are also praying the Appellate Court to invoke Section 15 of the Court of Appeal Act to take over their legal battle as a court of first instance and do justice to the matter.

In their notice of appeal against the judgment of the High Court, the Abacha family held that Justice Lifu erred in law and miscarried justice in his findings and conclusions in their case on the property.

The notice of appeal filed by Reuben Atabo, SAN, on their behalf was predicated on 11 grounds and two major reliefs.

Among others, they claimed that Justice Lifu erred in law when he held that their claim at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in suit No: FCT/HC/CV/317/2006 and that of the Court of Appeal in Appeal No: CA/A/197/2010 were dismissed whereas they were struck out for lack of jurisdiction.

The appellants said that the judge erred in law when he relied on Section 39 of the Land Use Act to hold that the Federal High Court has no jurisdiction under Land Use Act to recover land contrary to the decision of the Court of Appeal which held that the proper court to handle such case is the Federal High Court.

Other grounds are that Justice Lifu erred in law when he suomotu held that they have no locus standi to file the suit on behalf of the Estate of late General SaniAbacha and decided the case without calling on parties to address the court, contrary to the principles of fair hearing as enshrined in Section 36 of the 1999.

According to them, Mohammed Sani Abacha, the 1st Appellant, disclosed his status as the eldest surviving son of late General Sani Abacha while the 2nd Appellant, Mariam Sani Abacha, also disclosed her capacity in the suit as the Widow of Late General Sani

Abacha.

They claimed that they are sufficiently clothed with the capacity to institute the action either with or without letters of Administration to the property of the late Army General.

Similarly, the Abacha family said that the judge erred in law when he held that their case was statute barred at the expense of the exceptions to the applicability of Public Officers Protection Act.

According to them, the originating summons leading to this instant appeal was filed at the Federal High Court on May 25, 2015 after the Court of Appeal decision of May 18, 2015 adding that the judge failed to disclose in his judgment where their cause of action lapsed.

They also faulted the Judge for erring in law when he recognisedSalamed Ventures limited as 4th respondent who derived title to their property in dispute during the pendency of their case between the FCT Minister and the Federal Capital Development Administration.

According to them, a party to a proceeding cannot transfer title to a 3rd party during the pendency of an action adding that the 1st 3rd Respondents purportedly sold the property in dispute to the 4th Respondent during the proceedings of their suit which commenced on March 1, 2006.

The abducted corps members from Ondo State who were released by the kidnappers on Monday said the family of each of the victims paid a sum of N1m before they were set free.

The five victims who include four corps members and one artisan were kidnapped by the bandits at about 11pm last Thursday at Omi Alafa Village in Ifon, Ose LGA and dragged into a nearby forest.

The corps members were said to be going back home after the three-week National Youth Service Corps Orientation camp in Enugu and Abia states. It was gathered that the driver and one passenger sitting in front of the vehicle were shot dead by the bandits.

Narrating their ordeal to our correspondent on Tuesday, one of the corps members, Patience Andrew, said the bandits contacted their families and demanded the sum of N30m each for ransom but after much negotiation, they agreed to collect N1m each.

She described the four-day experience in the den of the bandits as horrible and hellish, saying they were beaten black and blue by the kidnappers while they were given garri and dirty water to drink once a day.

Andrew said, “We boarded a bus from Abia State to Onitsha, Anambra State, but our driver was not fast enough. One of the park drivers took us to where we boarded another bus going to Akure.

“We arrived around 2pm but the driver did not take off immediately, so we left Onitsha Park around 5pm with nine passengers in a Sienna bus. We got to Ondo State around 10pm which was where the incident happened. The bandits flashed a torchlight on the driver and he said, “Oga, I no see you”

“They immediately fired at him twice the moment he made that statement. He and the woman sitting next to him were immediately killed. One guy too was stabbed. Two other people died but we don’t know about the guy who was stabbed because he ran away. Then, they brought us out of the vehicle and took us inside the bush. We trekked from past 10pm till around 7am the following day in the bush. The kidnappers were five in number and their age range should be around 25 years. They were speaking Hausa/Fulani language and they had one interpreter.

“They tortured us and we were only given garri and water once a day. At first, they asked for N30m per person but as the negotiation was going, they brought it down to N3m. So, they now asked us to bring N1m each. We slept inside the bush throughout the day, we heard the bark of a dog and the sound of a cow in the bush and we also passed through farmland when we were coming out, and we didnt meet anybody on the road then our brothers came with the N1m.

According to her, some of the items demanded by the bandits and were taken to them included three packs of Hollandia yoghurt, two loaves of bread, one carton of Peak milk, one pack of malt, bottles of Fearless drink, one pack of cigarette and 10 packs of cooked rice and chicken and N1m each, totalling N5m.

The Ondo State Police Public Relations Officer, Mrs. Funmilayo Odunlami, in a statement, said the victims were abandoned before the police picked them up and took them to the Police Medical Services Owo briefly before reuniting them with their families.

She said, The command this day, July 22, has found victims of the Ose/Ifon area kidnap which occurred July 18, 2024.

The victims were abandoned by their assailants after the police mounted pressure on them.

Policemen drawn from the tactical squad led by the Area Commander of Owo, ACP Olufemi Awoyales continuous combing of the bush with sustained technical support frustrated the assailants and they were forced to abandon the victims at the Oyinbo/ Sanusi Camp.

The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Pathfinder has uncovered and seized a private residence converted to an illegal refinery in the Okwuzi community in the Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni local government area of Rivers state.

The Commander, NNS Pathfinder, Commodore Desmond Igbo, led a military team to tour the illegal refining site on Wednesday.

He said over 200,000 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), commonly known as diesel was confiscated and that two suspects were arrested during the operation.

Igbo said the discovery was in line with the mandate of the Chief of Naval Staff to combat crude oil theft and other related vices in the Niger Delta region.

He said: My men at the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Pathfinder, through credible intelligence, were able to discover this place. The whole of this compound is being used as an illegal refining site.You will recall that the Nigerian Navy, a few weeks ago relaunched the third phase of Operation Delta Sanity which is aimed at halting crude oil theft in the Niger Delta and sanitizing the region from the menace of illegal oil bunkering and other related activities.

“This illegally refined product here is massive, some are bagged in sacks, some in drums, and over 62 tanks are filled up, we have over 200,000 litres of illegal products refined from crude oil siphoned or stolen from the pipelines.This is too bad, it is not good enough for our economy. This is pure economic sabotage.

Igbo said the prime suspect and owner of the compound had been arrested alongside one of his boys.

He said: We have made the arrest, the owner of this compound, being the person doing this illicit business has been arrested with one of his boys, efforts are still on to arrest everyone who is involved in this criminal act.The Nigerian Navy Ship Pathfinder is determined to apprehend them wherever they are, both in the water and on the land. The Nigerian Navy under the able leadership of Vice-Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, has given us the mandate to end crude oil theft in our areas of operations.We are poised and determined to achieve that so that Nigerias oil output will increase and meet the OPEC quota of at least 2.5 barrels per day.

He said that the suspects would be handed over to prosecuting agencies, while the compound would be sealed till further notice.

Igbo advised youths in the region not to allow themselves to be used as a tool to sabotage the nations economy.

• Tells FG, states to listen to cries of Nigerians
• Warns against use of brute force on protesters

The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has debunked the report that it has pulled out of the planned national protest over hunger and high cost of living in the country, saying that it cannot withdraw from a protest that it did not organise.

The NLC has also advised the federal government and the sub-national governments to listen to the cries of the hungry Nigerian people and do the needful.

A statement on Wednesday, signed by the NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, further reiterated the earlier call by the labour movement that government should dialogue with the organisers of the protest and warned that any resort to the use of brute force would be counterproductive.

The statement entitled The Nigeria Labour Congress cannot withdraw from a protest that it did not organise, partly read:

A news report of the withdrawal of the Nigeria Labour Congress from the widely discussed national protest has been brought to our attention. The Nigeria Labour Congress debunks such story as patently false.

The truth is that the Nigeria Labour Congress cannot withdraw from a protest that it did not organise. It is only the organisers of the speculated national protest that can decide to pull out or continue with the protest.

The Nigeria Labour Congress has internal trade union mechanisms especially leadership decision-making processes that its industrial actions such as protests pass through before such activities are undertaken.

Yet, the fact that the Nigeria Labour Congress is not the body organising the protest does not mean that Organised Labour is oblivious of the dire living conditions Nigerians have been subjected to by the harsh economic policies of government.

The Nigeria Labour Congress stands in solidarity with the Nigerian people in this very trying and excruciating times.

Pursuant to proactive engagement with the issues canvassed by the protest organisers, we have called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to invite the leaders of the protest movement to dialogue on their demands.

We have advised that it would be counter-productive for government to meet the widespread anger in the land with brute force.

Once again, we implore the Federal Government and the sub-national governments to listen to the cries of the Nigerian people and do the needful. After all, it is said that the voice of the people is the voice of God.

The presidential candidate of Labour Party in the 2023 election, Peter Obi and President of African Development Bank, AfDB, Adewunmi Adesina, expressed concern over the feud between the Dangote Group and federal regulators over the Dangote Refinery.

While Obi in a series of tweets on his X handle, urged the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited and other government agencies to tread with caution in handling whatever dispute they had with Dangote because of the far reaching implications of their actions on the economy, Adesina described the issue as shocking and creating bad waves for Nigeria globally.

Their reactions came on a day the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Mele Kyari, said he didnt own a blending plant outside Nigeria, in apparent response to allegation by the Dangote Group.

Obi, who argued that the Refinery deserved full support to operate and not vilification, wrote:

“The recent conflicts between Dangote Industries and some government agencies are deeply troubling.

“This issue transcends political affiliations and personal grievances. It is fundamentally about Nigerias economy, future, and the well-being of its citizens. Given Alhaji Dangotes significant contributions to Nigeria, these disputes must be resolved swiftly.

“Government agencies should be directed to offer the necessary support for the seamless launch and operation of the Dangote Refinery and its associated enterprises.

“The refinery has the potential to generate approximately $21 billion in annual revenue and create over 100,000 jobs, with numerous additional positive impacts on the economy.

“Its strategic importance in addressing Nigerias fuel crisis, boosting foreign exchange earnings, and fostering economic growth cannot be overstated.

The refinery is too vital to fail and must not be hindered, considering its crucial role in our national welfare.

The Federal Government and its agencies need to recognize the significance of Dangotes contributions. Alhaji Dangote is not just a businessman; he is a national and African brand symbolizing patriotism, commitment, and impactful entrepreneurship.

Despite operating in a challenging business environment, he has established a remarkable industrial hub in Nigeria, encompassing over 15 sectors, including cement, sugar, salt, fertilizer, infrastructure, tomatoes, automotive, energy, petrochemicals, rice, poly sacks, real estate, mining, logistics, and maritime.

Alhaji Dangotes unwavering dedication to Nigerias industrialization, job creation, and economic growth, despite adversities, warrants full support and protection.

With economic indicators like unemployment, inflation, forex scarcity, and debt worsening, every sensible and patriotic government should regard enterprises like Dangote Industries as national treasures, meriting robust support and protection.

In the interest of Nigeria and its citizens, as well as Africans at large, I urge the federal government and its agencies to provide Dangote Industries, especially the refinery, with all necessary support.

On his part, Adesina, said the disparaging of Dangote was uncalled for, saying it is self-defeating and very bad for Nigeria.

Who will want to come and invest in a country that disparages and undermines its own largest investor?

Adesina said investing was tough, but noted that pettiness was easy, adding that what was happening was sending a signal that the price for sacrificing for Nigeria was to get sacrificed.

The AfDB boss said: Competition is good for everyone but is Dangote refineries anti-competitive? What is the evidence?

He said monopoly often existed where there were high barriers to entry or high capital costs.

How many individuals or companies can do railways? How many can do refineries of the scale of Dangote Refineries? He queried.

Adesina said in a nation that had been importing refined petroleum products for several decades, the abnormal simply became very normal.

No smart investor would make a $19.5 billion investment and want it to be undermined by importers.

To manufacture is extremely expensive and risky. This is even more so in Nigeria, given the very challenging business and economic environment, fraught with policy uncertainties and policy reversals, and where the self-defeating default mode of simply import it is always so easily rationalized and chorused to solve any problem, he said.

He added that Dangote refinery was more than simply delivering the cheapest product to the market, stressing that it is about domestic supply security, driving (and yes, protecting) globally competitive industries, maximizing forward and backward linkages in the local economy, job creation, reducing forex expenses and shoring up the Naira.

He queried further: Has Dangote refinery prevented any other company from setting up refineries? Why have others not done so? How come they have not done so for several decades? Was it Dangote that held them back?

Adesina said Dangote refinery surely could not be asked to compete with importers of petroleum products.

That is not competition. Let the importers set up local refineries and compete by refining in Nigeria. That is fair and justified competition. We cannot and must not undermine, disparage or kill local industries, let alone one that is of this scale a jewel of industrialisation in Nigeria, he said.

Femi Otedola, billionaire businessman, weighing in too, said in a post on his X handle yesterday afternoon said, Aliko Dangote is also the largest private sector employer of labour in the country, and his companies are among the largest taxpayers.

In fact, the Dangote Group often pays more in taxes than the top banks combined. If not for him, we would still be importing cement. His contributions extend beyond industrial facilities to critical infrastructure, having built major roads such as the Apapa Oshodi-Owonrosoki Express Road, Wharf Road, and the Obajana-Kabba Road.

Otedola, who is also chairman of Geregu Power Plc, gave examples of countries where a few individuals laid the foundation for national development and were supported by their governments.

Countries in the nascent stages of industrialization require visionary leaders. This is why its no surprise that the United States was built by the vision and tenacity of a few remarkable individualsCornelius Vanderbilt, John D. Rockefeller, Andrew Carnegie, J.P. Morgan, and Henry FordThe Men Who Built Americas industrial landscape. These men left the world without these assets but left behind a legacy that has kept their country thriving generation after generation.

Their contributions were immortalized not in the material wealth they amassed but in the enduring institutions and industries they established. These visionaries were also supported by their government, which recognized the importance of fostering local champions.

Similarly, todays tech giants like Microsoft and Tesla received substantial support from the US government. For example, in January 2010, the Department of Energy issued a $465 million loan to Tesla Motors to produce specially designed, all-electric plug-in vehicles and to develop a manufacturing facility in Fremont, California to produce battery packs, electric motors, and other power train components for powering these innovative vehicles.

This initiative is part of broader efforts, such as the federal EV-charging programme supported by the infrastructure law known as the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure programme, or NEVI. In India, the government has been instrumental in supporting business titans like Gautam Adani and Mukesh Ambani.

Their companies have received significant backing to grow and expand, contributing substantially to Indias economic growth and global business footprint. There are also records of emerging market countries like Vietnam, South Africa, Brazil, and China where their governments have supported local businesses to jump-start industrialization.

In Vietnam, the government has provided various incentives to tech companies, fostering a rapidly growing technology sector. In South Africa, government support for the mining industry has been crucial in maintaining its global competitiveness. Brazil has seen substantial government investment in its agricultural sector, transforming it into one of the worlds leading food exporters. In China, government backing for companies like Huawei and Alibaba has propelled them to global leadership in technology and e-commerce, Otedola noted.

Otedola said Dangote has broken every boundary in worldwide business and industry.

In Nigeria, we have our own titans, and it is imperative that we recognize and support them. His contributions are not just a testament to his brilliance but a beacon of what is possible when vision meets opportunity. Supporting local champions like Dangote is crucial for our national development and economic independence. Let us continue to foster and support these visionaries who drive our nations progress, he wrote.

Meanwhile, the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Mele Kyari, has said he does not own a blending plant outside Nigeria.

Kyari stated this yesterday, in reaction to claims by President of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, that some officials of the NNPC had blending plants in Malta.

• Ironic those stifling rights to protest in 2024 were leading protesters in 2012 Atiku
• Planned protests against hardship likely to be hijacked, UN warns

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and the United Nations, UN, disagreed over the planned protest against the economic hardship in the country.

While the former vice president asked the Federal Government to allow Nigerians to exercise their constitutional rights to organise a peaceful protest, the UN United Nations Department of Safety and Security warned that the planned protests might be hijacked by groups with ulterior motives.

In a post on his X, Atiku said it was ironic that those stifling rights of Nigerians to protest in 2024 were leading protesters in 2012.

He slammed President Bola Tinubu’s administration for attempting to suppress the protesters, describing it as an exercise in futility.

The former vice-president said the governments incompetence has caused widespread suffering, affecting citizens, including supporters of the ruling party and those of the president.

He added that any attempt to suppress the rights of Nigerians to protest was not only unconstitutional but a direct affront on democracy.

Atiku wrote: For the avoidance of doubt, the rights of citizens to protest are enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution and affirmed by our courts. Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution (as altered) unequivocally guarantees the right to peaceful assembly and association.

“Chasing shadows and contriving purported persons behind the planned protests is an exercise in futility when it is obvious that Nigerians, including supporters of Tinubu and the ruling APC, are caught up in the hunger, anger, and hopelessness brought about by the incompetence and cluelessness of this government.

“It is deeply ironic that those who now seek to stifle these rights were themselves leading protests in 2012. A responsible government must ensure a safe and secure environment for citizens to exercise their constitutionally guaranteed rights to peaceful protest.

“Any attempt to suppress these rights is not only unconstitutional but a direct affront to our democracy.

On July 20, Bayo Onanuga, special adviser on information and strategy to the president, alleged that supporters of Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 elections, were behind the proposed nationwide protest.

The presidential aide alleged that the organisers were the same individuals who hijacked the #EndSARS protest of 2020. He said those instigating the protest are calling for a civilian coup.

Planned protests against economic hardship in Nigeria likely to be hijacked, UN warns

Meanwhile, the United Nations (UN) department of safety and security has warned that the planned protests in Nigeria might be hijacked by groups with ulterior motives.

In a threat and risk assessment finding dated July 19, the UN expressed concerns about the possibility of violence, citing past instances where similar protests in Nigeria escalated.

The threat and risk assessment read: Recall that in the February 13-16, 2023 interval, tensions generated by the paucity of new naira currency (financial crisis) reached high levels among the civilian population, which materialized in violent protests in the South-East and South-South regions of Nigeria, in the states of Akwa Ibom, Delta, Edo, Imo, Kwara, Lagos, Ondo, Ogun, Oyo, and Rivers.

During the civil unrest in the different states, several bank branches and ATM points were vandalized, and major roads were blocked.

As the turnout for the 10 days of rage protest is expected to be high, large-scale disruptions to normal economic and social activities cannot be discounted.

The threat assessment also showed that confrontations between groups supporting the government and those disagreeing with its policies could not be ruled out from the end of July towards August 10-15.

The Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to dialogue with planned protesters to address their concerns.

Speaking with reporters after a meeting in Abuja, Chairman of the Caucus, Rep Kingsley Chinda, however, discouraged the planned protest, especially amid insecurity in some parts of the country.

He said We also appealed to the government to dialogue with the planned protesters and also look at some of the messages they are raising, the critical areas that need government intervention. The government should intervene and ensure that issues are resolved amicably.

“We are not going to encourage any protesters because in the past we have observed in most cases that even peaceful protests have been overtaken by hoodlums and with the insecurity situation in some parts of the country, you may not have control of the gathering of people. So some unscrupulous people may use the opportunity to create chaos.

“So we are discouraging any protest but we appeal to the government to dialogue and also look at critical areas that are necessary and address them amicably”, he said.

He called on the government to adopt the carrot-and-stick method in addressing the problem of insecurity in the country.

“We acknowledge and observe the insecurity situation in the country and we call on the government to use carrot and stick by ensuring that let the result be seen. Let all the security chiefs do what is right to ensure that Nigerians are protected”, he said.

The Caucus also called on the government to create means to ensure citizens are self-reliant in a bid to tackle the economic downturn in the country.

“We also acknowledged in our discussion that there is hunger in the land and we appeal to the government not only to be giving palliatives but to create ways and means whereby people can be self-reliant”, he said.

He said the dinner was organised to thank all the members for their support.

“Basically the main purpose of our gathering was just end-of-year dinner. We feel it is important to organise a dinner and thank all our members for giving us the necessary support, all the minority parties in the House:, he said.

Retired Brig-Gen. Buba Marwa, the Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA ) has cautioned youths against illicit drug consumption and trafficking.

Marwa, advised the inauguration of the agencys new Zonal Office in Ayingba, Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi on Tuesday.

Marwa, who was represented by the Zonal Commander Zone C, Mr Hassan Sakaba, said that the establishment of the zonal office at Ayingba was to help the agency in its activities to checkmate the prevalent drug abuses and trafficking in Kogi and North Central.

He called on the residents of Kogi to join the agency in its fight against illicit drug consumption and trafficking to save the youths from destruction.

“As patriots and concerned citizens of our dear country, we should rise to the occasion to ensure that we fight against the menace to keep our youths safe and sound.

“Illicit drugs are cutting short lives of our children, very promising children, who are our future leaders. We must therefore not allow that to happen”, he said.

The NDLEA boss commended Gov. Usman Ododo for his unalloyed support to the agency in the state.

Inaugurating the Office, the EJE of Dekina, Alhaji Usman Obaje, commended NDLEA for its resilience at fighting the illicit drug war in Kogi and the entire nation.

The traditional ruler said: the quantum of seizures and arrests of drug traffickers in recent times speaks volume of the enormous works your agency is doing to protect the citizens from destruction.

Earlier, in his welcome address, the NDLEA Kogi Commander, Alhaji Umar Yahuza, said that the opening of the zonal office was to ease the activities of the agency in tackling drug abuse and trafficking in the state.

He urged the people of Ayingba and environs to we endeavor to report any suspicious moves by drug peddlers for immediate action.

The five corps members who were abducted by gunmen last Thursday in Ifon axis of the Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State have regained their freedom after paying N1 million each to their abductors.

The victims, identified as Oluwaseun Adewole, Feranmi Oluwadara, Patience Andrew, Taiwo Oribamise, and Lekan Ajayi, were released by the kidnappers on Monday evening.

Recall that the driver of the vehicle which the victims attacked before the abduction was killed as well as a lady who sat in front of the vehicle.

The victims were on their way to Akure from Onitsha after completing the mandatory orientation camp of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) when they were abducted.

While confirming the release of the victims, the Police spokesperson in the state, Funmilayo, however, stated that the victims were abandoned by the abductors after a hot chase by the police.

The command has found victims of the Ose/Ifon area kidnapping that occurred on July 18, 2024. The victims were abandoned by their assailants after the police mounted pressure on the kidnappers.

Policemen drawn from the tactical squad led by the Area Commander of Owo, ACP Olufemi Awoyale, continuous combing of the bush with sustained technical support frustrated the assailants and were forced to abandon the victims at Oyinbo/Sanusi Camp.

The victims are currently being attended to at the Police Medical Services Owo and will be handed over to their family members after being debriefed.

The Police Command in Akwa Ibom has said it rescued 10 pregnant women from a baby factory operated by a 56- years-old suspect, Eunice Eze.

The Commissioner of Police, Waheed Ayilara, disclosed this while briefing newsmen at the Police Headquarters, Ikot Akpanabia in Uyo on Tuesday.

Ayilara said that the suspect, who specialises in running a baby factory at World Bank estate in Owerri was arrested on July 15, at 4:30pm through actionable intelligence.

On July 15 at about 4:30pm, based on actionable intelligence, Mrs Eunice Eze f age 56yrs was arrested for running a baby factory at World Bank Estate in Owerri.

The suspect specialises in stealing babies and pregnant women from Akwa Ibom through her agent, Ability Tom, Ayilara said.

The commissioner said that the police also arrested a wanted kidnapper in the state.

He said that the kidnapper and his group had been responsible for kidnapping and killing of several persons in the state. Ayilara said that the police recovered two AK-47 Rifles, two G3 Rifles, one double barrel Rifle, five magazines and seven live ammunition. He added that the firearms used by the kidnapper and his syndicate were recovered at a private mortuary, being used as the armoury at Ekeya in Okobo Local Government Area of the state.

The Monetary Policy Committee of the Central Bank of Nigeria has increased the benchmark lending rate to 26.75 per cent.

The hike in the Monetary Policy Rate was disclosed by the Governor of the CBN, Olayemi Cardoso, at the end of the 296th MPC meeting in Abuja on Tuesday.

The MPC had maintained a hawkish stance to tame inflation since it resumed meeting this year and thus far, it has hiked rate by more than 500 points.

The rate was raised to 26.25 per cent in May.

However, with inflation moving to 34.19 per cent in June, according to the National Bureau of Statistics, the headline inflation increased by 0.24 per cent relative to the May 2024 headline inflation rate which was 33.95 per cent.

On a year-on-year basis, the headline inflation rate was 11.40 per cent points higher than that of June 2023 (22.79 per cent).

Also, on a month-on-month basis, the headline inflation rate in June 2024 was 2.31 per cent, which was 0.17 per cent higher than the rate recorded in May 2024 (2.14 per cent) meaning that the rate of increase in the average price level was higher in June than in May.

Repeatedly, the CBN governor has maintained that the MPC members were committed to price stability and were willing to keep tightening until inflation is tamed.

Multiple reports from investment houses had projected that the MPR would be hiked,

Cowry Asset Management, in its weekly report, projected a 25bps to 50bps hike in interest rates, while the Meristem report anticipates a 100 basis point increase in the monetary policy rate to 27.25 per cent while likely keeping other parameters unchanged. Overall, we anticipate that the committee will prioritize inflation control and capital inflow sustainability, crucial for maintaining a stable exchange rate system, and accordingly, implement a rate hike to achieve these objectives.

The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics, ASUP, has suspended its plan to embark on strike to protest the new scheme of service approved by the National Board for Technical Education, NBTE.

Chairman of the union, Federal Poly, Offa chapter, in Kwara State, Dr Atilola Moses Idowu, disclosed this to newsmen in Ilorin on Tuesday.

He said the institution is in full session following the suspension of the strike action on Monday.

The decision to suspend the strike action was taken at the unions NEC emergency meeting on July 22, 2024, to review its position on the controversial new scheme of service approved by the NBTE.

The NEC resolved to suspend the earlier scheduled industrial action in recognition of the fact that the demands of the union have been met substantially, a statement by the National President of the union, Shammah Kpanja, stated.

The statement appreciated the productive intervention of the Federal Minister of Education and the receptive disposition of the Executive Secretary of the NBTE in arriving at the decision as well as the media for being worthy partners.

Our correspondent reports that the two weeks ultimatum which was to expire on Monday, July 22, 2024, involved vexed issues in the new scheme of service for polytechnics as released by the NBTE on June 19, 2024.

The union has reviewed the document and identified several positions that fundamentally altered the tertiary education system of polytechnics in the country, and deepened the condemnable and age long discrimination against holders of the Higher National Diploma certificates.

The new scheme of service, according to the union, distorted employee relativity in the Nigeria polytechnic system and unnecessarily expanded the overheads of the institutions, among others misgivings.

The union, therefore, demanded a suspension of the implementation of the contentious provisions and the commencement of a thorough review through a stakeholders engagement process.

The 15-day ultimatum was to provide the government ample time to address the grievances of the union or face diverse forms of industrial action by the aggrieved members.

Our correspondnt gathered that the unions leadership, was invited to a tripartite meeting with the leadership of the NBTE and Federal Ministry of Education on July 19, 2024, where it was resolved that the implementation of the flawed document on the new scheme of service be suspended and a review process be initiated in line with the demands of the union.

The Hon. Commissioner for Transport Imo State Hon. Dr Chika Benson Abazu in an effort to reposition the Ministry and align it with key Federal Government programmes and Initiatives paid a working visit to the Hon. Minister of Transport at the Transport Ministry’s Headquarters in Abuja. Discussions during the visit centred on potential areas of collaboration, including but not limited to:- Capacity building and training for staff of the Ministry, Infrastructure development and projects financing opportunities, Technology transfer and innovation in transportation, Policy harmonization and regulatory framework

The Hon. Commissioner who used the opportunity of the meeting to intimate the Hon. Minister of the activities of the Ministry under leadership of His Excellency the Executive Governor of Imo State Dist. Senator Hope Uzodimma in line with the 3R mantra of the administration invited the Minister and Management of the Ministry to strengthen the capacity of the the State Ministry through technical assistance, capacity building and projects/program financing and inclusiveness.

The Hon. Commissioner opined that this is the only way the Sub-national governments can leverage on the vantage position the Federal Ministry to execute projects and initiatives that will drive economic growth.

The Hon. Minister in his welcome statement thanked the Hon. Commissioner for the visit and pledged to work with Imo State in the execution projects. He extoled the good relationship he has with the Governor of Imo State Dist. Senator Hope Uzodimma whom he described as an achiever.

The Ag. Permanent Secretary Ministry of Transport Mr. Pius Imoistikhe thanked the Hon. Commissioner for the visit and requested that the Hon. Commissioner furnish the Federal Ministry of Transport with proposed projects and programs of Imo State Ministry of Transport for the Ministry to see to their execution.

The Hon. Commissioner promised to furnish the Minister with a detailed proposal of the Imo State Ministry of Transport’s projects and programs. The meeting ended in a convivial note with a group photograph.

Engineer Bismarck Lumanze has been overwhelmely endorsed for chairmanship position for Owerri North local Government Area in the forthcoming LG election.

This was contained is a statement issued in Owerri yesterday, by the office of the Director- General Bismarck Emmanuel Campaign Organisation (BECO).

The endorsement was expressed on Friday, 19th July 2024, as members of his community, friends, associates and members of his political party queued behind to pick his Expression of Interest and Nomination forms.

His excited supporters who trooped out in their numbers were seen clapping and singing solidarity songs, as he picked his nomination form.

“They were thrilled and delighted to hear that their esteemed son, friend and associate had gone to pick up the nomination form for Owerri North local government Chairmanship election

“This was a momentous occasion for our community, and I am proud of Engr. Bismarck for taking this bold step towards leadership. His dedication, passion, and commitment to our community’s development are truly inspiring”, an elder statesman in the LGA said.

He continued: “I have no doubt that Engr. Bismarck will bring positive change, progress, and prosperity to our local government. His leadership will be a beacon of hope and a shining example of what can be achieved through hard work, determination, and genuine love for Owerri North.”

“Let us all rally round Engr. Bismarck and support his candidacy with enthusiasm and dedication. Together, we can make a difference and create a brighter future for ourselves and generations to come.”

The Nigerian Senate has passed the Police Act Amendment Bill 2024, seeking to amend the Police Act of 2020. The Bill was sent to the upper chamber yesterday by President Bola Tinubu.

It was reported that the Police Act Amendment Bill proposes changes to the tenure of the Inspector General of Police, IGP.

The bill sought to increase the retirement age of police officers from 60 to 65 years and their tenure of service from 35 to 40 years.

The new Police Act Amendment bill will enable an appointed Inspector General of Police remain in office for four years.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday sent an Executive Bill to the House of Representatives seeking to amend the Nigeria Police Act in accordance with Section 58 of the 1999 Constitution as amended.

The amendment, as it was learnt, seeks to alter the Police Act in relation to the appointment and tenure of the Inspector General of Police, IGP.

The bill sought to amend the Nigeria Police Act, 2020 (Principal Act) to enable the person appointed as IGP to remain in office until the end of term stipulated in the letter of appointment.

The bill seeks that Section 18 of the Principal Act is amended by adding a new subsection (8A) (8A) Notwithstanding the provisions of sub-section (8) of this section, any person appointed to the office of Inspector-General of Police shall remain in office until the end of the term stipulated in the letter of appointment in line with the provisions of Section 7(6) of this Act.

Here is another executive bill. The message reads as follows:

“Transmission of Nigeria Police Act Amended Bill 2024, the House Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, said while reading the correspondence at plenary. Tinubu’s letter read, Function to Section 58 sub section 2 of the Federal Constitution of Nigeria as amended I forward here the above bill for consideration and passage by the House of Representatives.

“The Nigeria Police Amended bill 2024 seeks to amend the Nigeria Police Act 2020 with respect to appointment and tenure of the Inspector General of Police and related matters. While hoping that the House of Representatives will consider this submission in its usual expeditious manner, please accept, RT Honorable Speaker, the assurances of my highest consideration”

The bill has been passed for a second reading and sent to the Committee on the Whole.

Currently, the Act said that an officer considered for the position of Inspector General of Police must have at least four years in service.

However, the President did not take that into consideration in the appointment of Kayode Egbetokun, the current IGP.

Egbetokun is said to be due for retirement in a few months.

Senate President, Godswill Akpabio has apologized to the Chairman of Senate Committee on Local Content, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, for rebuking her.

Last week Thursday, Akpabio had cautioned Akpoti-Uduaghan on the floor of the Senate, saying she was not in the night club.

The Senate was in session when Akpabio said those in favour of the second reading of a bill to say Aye, while those against should say Nay.

The Nay response came the loudest and as the Senate President contemplated his next action, Akpoti-Uduaghan rose to explain why she and some others were against the second reading of the proposal.

“Mr President, we dont want it to be killed. We just want a bit of modification. We don’t want the bill killed but there should be slight modification”

Responding to her, Akpabio said, “You see Senator Natasha, in the chamber, you have to be recognized before you speak. We’re not in a nightclub”

However, Akpabio has said his night club remark was reported out of context.

Speaking on the floor of the Senate yesterday, the Senate President said: “We are still learning, even those of us who have been in the Senate for 16 years, we are still learning”

“But in the cause of speaking with one of my distinguished sisters on not speaking when not recognized, I made reference to the fact that we are not in a night club where people have to shout above the noise of the music”

The social media went agog, my wife called me that they published her number and she received around 2,000 to 3,000 calls per day.

“I’m happy with the interest generated by Nigerian’s with what goes on in this chambers because we are here for their interest.

“The communication was totally misunderstood, instead of making meaning with what we said, they went into private abuses; I don’t want to say what they did to me.

“I will not intentionally denigrate any woman, I have a wife and four daughters and I always pray that God will lift a girl to the highest zenith in Nigeria politically and in business. So Senator Natasha I want to apologize to you if you felt offended.

“There is nothing I will say that would not be misrepresented, I felt I should tender a public apology to you”, the Senate President concluded.

The 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi has voiced his support for the Dangote Refinery, urging the Nigerian government to resolve ongoing conflicts and provide necessary assistance for the project’s success.

In a statement yesterday via X, Obi emphasised the critical importance of the refinery to Nigeria’s economic future. The recent conflicts between Dangote Industries and some government agencies are deeply troubling, Obi stated.

He stressed that the issue transcends political affiliations and personal grievances and is fundamentally about Nigeria’s economy and the well-being of its citizens.

Highlighting the refinerys potential impact, Obi said, The refinery has the potential to generate approximately $21 billion in annual revenue and create over 100,000 jobs, with numerous additional positive impacts on the economy.

He underscored its strategic importance in addressing Nigeria’s fuel crisis and boosting foreign exchange earnings.

He said, “The refinery is too vital to fail and must not be hindered, considering its crucial role in our national welfare”

Obi praised Aliko Dangote’s contributions to Nigeria’s industrial landscape, describing him as a national and African brand symbolising patriotism, commitment, and impactful entrepreneurship. He pointed out Dangote’s diverse industrial portfolio, which spans over 15 sectors including cement, sugar, fertiliser, and petrochemicals.

Alhaji Dangote’s unwavering dedication to Nigerias industrialization, job creation, and economic growth, despite adversities, warrants full support and protection, Obi said.

He argued that given Nigeria’s current economic challenges, enterprises like Dangote Industries should be regarded as national treasures, meriting robust support and protection.

The former Anambra State governor called on the Federal Government to recognise the significance of Dangote’s contributions and provide all necessary support, particularly for the refinery.

“The success of Dangote is intrinsically linked to the success of Nigeria and Africa”, Obi said, warning that its failure would be a significant setback for both the country and the continent.

The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, stated yesterday that the proposed nationwide protest was ill-advised, urging the citizens to abandon the plan.

His comment was in response to social media campaigns mobilising for a nationwide protest slated for August 1 due to the economic hardship in the country.

Speaking during a meeting with commissioners of police in Abuja, Egbetokun noted that the country has its fair share of violent protests with dastardly consequences.

The IG added that the last #EndSARS protest aggravated crime rates and insecurity in several parts

He said, Before concluding this address, “it is important I address an issue of urgent national importance which appears to have gained some momentum, particularly on social media, in the past few weeks. Some groups of people, self-appointed crusaders and influencers, have been strategising and mobilizing potential protesters to unleash terror in the land under the guise of replicating the recent Kenya protests.

“While the force acknowledges the right to peaceful protest as enshrined in our constitution, we must ensure that these protests do not snowball into violence or disorder. As a nation, we have had more than our fair share of violent protests, with rather dastardly consequences. The last #EndSars protest led to one-tenth destruction of public assets, including police stations, courts, and transport infrastructure, and the loss of several lives.

“Tales of sorrow, tears, and blood followed what was supposedly intended to be a well-intentioned exercise. Rather than lead to any positive outcome, EndSars merely aggravated crime rates and insecurity in several parts of the country. Indeed, we are yet to fully recover from the huge economic losses and deep-seated psychological and emotional trauma inflicted upon our people by these protests”, IGP added.

He, urged the citizens to jettison the proposed protest, adding that the police have the responsibility to protect citizens and their properties.

Egbetokun said, “Hence, our position is that the proposed violent protests are ill-advised and should be jettisoned fortuitously. We have the responsibility to protect properties and everyone, irrespective of their race, colour, ethnicity, or tribe, who are lawfully embarking on their daily activities. We will therefore not sit back and fold our arms to watch violent activities unleash violence on our peaceful communities or destroy any of our national critical infrastructure and assets again”

Egbetokun stated that measures are in place to ensure that any hoodlums attempting to disguise themselves as protesters will be apprehended.

He said, “We have mapped out plans to ensure that no individual or group succeeds in fostering a reign of terror and anarchy on other law-abiding and dissolving Nigerians. Consequently, I want to seize this opportunity to sound the note of serious warning to hoodlums who may want to take laws into their own hands in the name of protests. Do not worry”