As government continues to engage with stakeholders on the economic, social and political challenges of the country, the National Orientation Agency has urged the promoters of the proposed nationwide protests to pursue dialogue instead of its recourse to disorder.
In a statement by Paul Odenyi, the Deputy Director, Press, the NOA stated that its nationwide structure has successfully identified the sponsors of the proposed protest and likely flashpoints saying government will take measures to forestall any violent occurences in the identified locations.
Director General of the Agency, Mallam Lanre Issa Onilu who made it clear that the channels of communication to government and its various arms remain open to dialogue sais it will continue to respects citizens’ right to protest and associate freely in line with democratic principles.
Further the Director General said: “that the identities of many of the brains behind the protest have been known, along with their collaborators who are safely residing abroad and the government is taking necessary actions to stop their subversive plans.
“that the intentions of the elements behind the planned protest are not about governance or state of the economy but a decoy to destabilize the country, cause mayhem and carry out arson, killings, maiming of innocent citizens for narrow political reasons.
“that NOA is intensifying efforts in civil intelligence gathering and sensitization of community leaders, parents and youths across the 774 local governments on the need for vigilance and collective preventive actions.
“that the other objective of the protest is to project to the international community, a picture of an unstable country as part of the grand design to intimidate the government and seek patronage of the bigger sponsors of the planned protest”.
The House of Representatives on Thursday, July 18, resolved to investigate allegations that the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission and International Oil Companies operating in the country have colluded to deny Dangote Refinery crude oil supply thereby frustrating its operation.
The House also resolved to investigate the claim by the chairman of Dangote Refinery, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, alleging that Nigeria, through the NNPCL, own only 7 percent shares of the refinery instead of the 20 percent known to Nigerians.
This followed the adopting a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Minority Leader, Hon. Kingsley Chinda, on an alleged conspiracy by International Oil Companies to frustrate the operation and survival of the Dangote refinery and the actual percentage of holding of the federal government in the refinery.
The House asked the Minister of Petroleum Resources and the NUPRC to support Dangote refinery and ensure its success.
Hon. Chinda noted the successful completion and coming into full operations of Dangote oil Refinery and Petrochemicals which can reduce the importation of petroleum products.
He said even though Nigeria is a major oil-producing and exporting country, she has for several years continued to import refined petroleum products from other countries to the detriment of the economic well-being of the country.
He said Dangote Refinery, with a capacity of 650,000 barrels per day (bpd) is said to be Africa’s largest refinery, and the World’s 7% largest by capacity, and its construction was meant to alleviate the petroleum products needs and accompanying pains faced by Nigerians.
He recalled that recently, the management of Dangote Refinery accused International oil companies (IOCs) operating in the country of conspiracy, in an attempt to frustrate the smooth operations of the refinery.
He said further that the alleged conspiracy against the Dangote refinery relates to efforts by the IOCs to deliberately frustrate the refinery to buy local crude oil by manipulating and jerking up the premium price above the market price, thus forcing the refinery to reduce output, as well as import crude oil at very exorbitant cost from other countries, Such as the United States, and thereby increasing the cost of Production locally and increased product price.
He revealed that information from the management of Dangote Refinery indicated that whilst the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) was trying its best to allocate crude to Dangote Refinery, the 1OCs were deliberately frustrating Dangote Refinery’s effort to buy the local crude.
He said: “The management of Dangote Refinery alleged that the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) was still granting import licenses, indiscriminately, to marketers to import sub-standard refined petroleum products into the country.
“Whilst the IOCs are keen on exporting raw materials to their home countries and thus create wealth and employment for their countries, thereby adding to their GDP, Nigeria continues to be a dumping ground for refined products, thus making us dependent on imported petroleum products”.
The House of Representatives on Thursday resolved to support the Federal Government with N648 million for six months by cutting down their salaries by 50% to support food sufficiency across the country and to address the high cost of food.
This is also as the lawmakers begged Nigeria’s to exercise more patience with President Ahmed Tinubu’s led administration in addressing challenges and hardships faced by citizens.
The House further mandated it’s Committee on Appropriation, Humanitarian Affairs, Finance and Budget to ensure compliance.
The resolutions followed the adoption of a motion moved on the floor of the House by Hon. Ibrahim Isiaka (APC- Ogun State) during plenary in Abuja.
The Senate has proposed a bill for the establishment of the Local Government Independent Electoral Commission.
The bill, which was sponsored Senator representing Niger East, Sani Musa, was read during plenary on Thursday.
This was coming about a week after the Supreme Court ordered the federal government to stop paying allocations for local governments to state government from the federation account.
The federal government, through the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Egbeyemi (SAN), had filed a suit at the Supreme Court against governors of the 36 states.
The apex court also ordered the federal government to withhold allocations of local government under caretaker committees appointed by governors.
“An order that henceforth no state government should be paid monies standing to the credit of the local government councils.
An order for immediate enforcement and compliance with these orders by the state governments and successive governments henceforth,” the court had held.
The Naira yesterday depreciated to N1, 570 per dollar in the parallel market from N1,550 per dollar on Tuesday.
Similarly, the Naira depreciated to N1, 581.65 per dollar in the Nigerian Autonomous Foreign Exchange Market, (NAFEM). Data from FMDQ showed that the indicative exchange rate for NAFEM rose to N1,581.65 per dollar from N1,576.66 per dollar on Tuesday, indicating N4.99 depreciation for the naira.
The volume of dollars (turnover) traded on the window declined by 21.7 percent to $108.16 million from $138.17 million traded on Tuesday.
Consequently, the margin between the parallel market and NAFEM rates narrowed to N11.65 per dollar from N26.66 per dollar on Tuesday.
As the nation waits for a new National Minimum Wage, the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has threatened to shut down the country for a month over plans by the National Assembly to deregulate the Minimum Wage.
President of NLC, Joe Ajaero, who spoke on the sideline of the 67th Annual General Meeting, AGM, in Lagos, insisted that minimum wage is a national issue.
Ajaero warned that organised labour would not accept a situation where governors working with the members of the National Assembly would imposed slave wage and poverty on workers and Nigerian citizens.
According to the NLC President: As we are here, a Joint Committee of the Senate, the House of Representatives, and the Judiciary are meeting. They have decided to remove section 34 from the Exclusive legislative list to the concurrent list so that the state governors can determine what to pay you and so that there will be no minimum wage again. You cannot decide what you should earn.
“The very moment the House of Representatives and the Senate come up with such a law that will not benefit Nigerian workers, they will be their drivers and gatemen, and there will be no movement for one month.
“We cannot accept any situation where the governors and the National Assembly members will foist a slave wage on workers and force poverty on the citizens. Organised Labour will not accept it”, Ajaero stressed.
Nigerias Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative has said that the country lost $1.84 billion worth of petroleum products from refineries in nine years.
The Executive Secretary of NEITI, Ogbonnaya Orji, disclosed this on Monday at the opening ceremony of the 2024 NEITI board retreat/meeting in Lagos.
He explained that 4.2 billion liters of petroleum products were lost from the refineries as a result of oil theft between 2009 and 2018. This was estimated at 140,000 barrels per day.
Worried over the untamed rise of oil theft in Nigeria, Orji said, Figures contained in our 2009 to 2020 audits have put Nigerias losses to crude oil theft over 12 years at 619.7 million barrels valued at $46.16bn or N16.25tn.
Similarly, between 2009 and 2018, the country also lost 4.2 billion liters of petroleum products from refineries valued at $1.84 billion.
The development comes as the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited barely three weeks ago recorded 400 oil theft incidents in a week.
In June, the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries, OPEC said Nigerias crude oil production rose slightly to 1.276 million barrels per day amid the countrys 2,000,000 mbpd targets.
The Joint Admission Matriculation Board has disclosed that all the processes for the commencement of admission into tertiary institutions have been put in place.
In the boards weekly news bulletin published on X on Monday, JAMB also revealed that the 2024 edition of the annual policy meeting will be held on Thursday.
According to the bulletin, the Minister of Education, Tahir Mamman, will chair the 2024 policy meeting, slated for July 18, in Abuja.
The policy meeting will authorise the commencement of this years admission.
This years exercise will also feature the National Tertiary Admissions Performance-Merit Award, NATAP-M Awards, where the overall winner will receive N500 million, and other consolation winners will share N250 million collectively.
The policy meeting, usually attended by vice-chancellors of universities, rectors of polytechnics, mono-technics and innovation enterprise institutes, provosts of colleges of education, and other critical stakeholders, will consider and approve the guidelines for the 2024 admission exercise.
The meeting will review the performance of the 2023 admissions exercise and the 2024 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, UTME performance of candidates. The minimum admission scores, an aggregation of individual institutions submissions, will be approved at the meeting, the bulletin reads.
It added, This is not a cut-off mark, as often misconstrued, but a minimum score that no institution should go below. The decisions made at the meeting, chaired by the Minister of Education, form the guiding norms for admission and are a collective decision, not solely that of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB.
No institution is expected to commence the admission process until after the policy meeting, as the guidelines regulating the years admission exercise are determined at the meeting with the endorsement of the Minister of Education.
The meeting declares the commencement of the years admission exercise, setting the grand norms, and any institution that violates these collective norms will face sanctions.
Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria, HURIWA, has reminded President Bola Tinubu that the renewed hope he promised Nigerians is speedily turning to a forlorn hope.
The group made the observation more than a year after Tinubu promised Nigerians that the economic hardship that followed the sudden hike in the fuel pump price will soon give way to renewed hope.
HURIWA, in a statement signed by Emmanuel Onwubiko, its coordinator, noted that millions of Nigerians are now without food and are on the verge of imminent death from starvation.
HURIWA said The security of lives and property of the citizenry and ensuring their well-being and welfare are the essential components that constitutionally constitute the primary and basic duty of government even as the Rights group said the President must do everything under the sun to stop the coming mass deaths of Nigerians from persistent starvation created by poor economic policies of his administration and the heightened state of insecurity and instability in Nigeria.
It would be recalled that Tinubu had on Wednesday July 12th, 2023, in Abuja, assured Nigerians that the framework for palliatives to remedy the effects of fuel subsidy removal is being worked out, explaining that the decision to phase out the subsidy was taken in the best interest of the country.
He said the decision would guarantee future prosperity.
HURIWA recalled that the President had said that his government would ensure a full-proof social security structure that will not be compromised, especially in cash-transfer.
HURIWA bemoaned the fact that millions of Nigerians have become desperately poor, deprived and hungry even as the rights group said the government has failed to resolve the troubling trend of alleged corruption and alleged large scale diversion of public funds by some suspended officials of the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.
It alleged that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC) is plotting to sweep under the carpet the accusations against the suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation alongside other high profile officials.
Besides, HURIWA carpeted the governors and other high profile Federal Government officials for diverting and stealing the palliatives released by the President for the benefit of starving Nigerians.
It asked the President to direct the Department of State Services, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission to track and monitor the distribution of the 20 trailer loads of rice meant for each of the 36 states of the Federation and the FCT because, according to it, substantial percentages of previously released palliatives were stolen by top government officials and politicians.
The Kano government has filed a fresh charge against the former governor of the state, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje.
In the charge sheet with case No. K/143c/24, the state government accused Ganduje and erstwhile Commissioner for Justice, Musa Lawan, of criminal conspiracy and misappropriation contrary to Section 308 and punishable under Section 309 of the Penal Code (as amended) CAP 105, Vol. 2, the Laws of Kano State of Nigeria.
The offence, the state government said, is punishable under Sections 97 and 315.
The state government accused Ganduje and Lawan of abuse of office.
In the charge sheet, the state government said it intends to present four witnesses.
No date has been fixed for the arraignment.
Our correspondent reports that on April 4, the state government filed a suit against Ganduje, his wife, Hafsat Umar, and six others before a state high court.
The six others include Gandujes son, Umar Abdullahi Umar, Abubakar Bawuro, Jibrilla Muhammad, Lamash Properties Ltd., Safari Textiles Ltd., and Lesage General Enterprises.
The court entered a plea of not guilty on behalf of the defendants and reserved judgement on the preliminary objections filed by their counsel, Nuraini Jimoh, SAN, regarding the charge against his clients
When the case resumed for hearing, Justice Amina Aliyu expressed concern that the defendants had failed to appear in court despite being served with a substituted means of service.
The prosecution counsel, led by Adeola Adediyo, SAN, wanted the court to slam the bench warrant on Ganduje, his wife, and six others.
A High Court sitting at Asaba, the Delta State capital, has sentenced one Onuwa Ijie to death, and Nwanozie Uzor to 14 years imprisonment for murder and conspiracy to commit the murder of twin boys, Chidalu and Chigozie Agwunobi.
The court presided over by Justice Onome Marshal-Umukoro sentenced two convicts over the murder of the seven-year-old boys.
The prosecution conducted by a Deputy Director in the Ministry of Justice, Mrs Paula Akpoguma, in proof of the case called five witnesses.
The court held that the testimony of the five witnesses proved the case against the two defendants beyond reasonable doubt.
The prosecution stated that tragedy struck the family of Olise Agwunobi of Oko-Ogbele Community on March 5, 2020, when their seven-year-old twin boys were lured by the defendants to a bush and they proceeded to cut off their penis, eyes, tongues and hands which they hurriedly took to a native doctor at Aguleri in Anambra State.
One of the defendants had earlier gone to the school of the twin children to take them but was turned down by the school teacher, one Mrs Emelda Ezekwude, she said.
Delivering his judgment, Justice Marshal-Umukoro stated that after carefully evaluating the evidence presented before him, the prosecution had discharged the burden of proof as the first defendant from his confessional statement was the person who sowed the seed of committing human rituals in the mind of the second defendant by giving the phone number of one Chukwudi Edemuzor who was alleged to be searching for twins to kill for money
.The court maintained that the law is settled that the testimony of an investigating police officer was not hearsay evidence, and the court can rely on it.
Speaking with journalists after the judgment on Tuesday, the prosecuting counsel, Akpoguma thanked the court for upholding the cause of justice, reaffirming that the judicial system works.
Courts in Anambra State on Tuesday remained under lock owing to the strike action by members of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), Anambra State branch.
The strike crippled activities in all the courts in all parts of the state, leaving court premises deserted.
JUSUN had last weekend declared the indefinite strike, following the expiration of a 21-day ultimatum issued by the union.
In a strike notification letter signed by the Assistant Secretary of JUSUN in the state, Nwezi Ugochukwu, the union said the industrial action was due to the Anambra State governments refusal to pay the Consolidated Judiciary Salary Structure (CONJUSS).
When our correspondent visited the state Judiciary complex in Awka, the place was locked with no worker in sight.
Some stakeholders of the justice sector in the state decried the nonchalance of the governor in dealing with the workers.
A judiciary staff who pleaded anonymity said: Now that the courts have been paralyzed, maybe government will now be forced to negotiate with us.
This matter has lingered since 2011 when we had an agreement with government, and again in 2015, but all these have been ignored.
Even the 21-day ultimatum we handed government before embarking on this strike, they ignored it.
Enugu Electricity Distribution has said the Transmission Company of Nigeria has improved electricity network stability and service delivery in the Southeast region.
The Deputy Managing Director of EEDC, Dr Ernest Mupwaya, disclosed this at the second quarter interface meeting between Enugu Disco and TCN.
Mupwaya, who led the EEDC management said the interface meeting has been quite useful as it has helped tremendously in resolving operational challenges and enhancing the quality of supply to customers.
In his remarks, the Assistant General Manager, TCN Enugu Region, Charles Iwuamadi who represented the General Manager, Dr Thomas Inugonum emphasized the importance of interfacing and working together for the overall success of the sector.
Also, the Regional Operations Manager of TCN, Engr. Anthony Akinuli assured their teams commitment and passion to see EEDC succeed and called for enhanced communication between both parties to ensure seamless operations.
“If EEDC grows, part of the credit will come to TCN”, Akinuli said.
Enugu Disco and TCN management teams
The meeting comes amid Nigerias continued power sector challenges.
So far in 2024, the country has witnessed 5 national grid collapses which resulted in blackouts.
This is as Nigerians have continued to groan over the electricity tariff hikes in April and July 2024 for Band customers getting 20-24 hours of power supply.
The Legal Adviser of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Rivers State, Barrister Kingsley Chuku, has claimed that the controversial appeal filed at the Port Harcourt Division of the Appeal Court with respect to Suit No: PHC/2177/CS/2024 was authorized by the state chapter of the party.
It would be recalled that the national leadership of the party had disowned an appeal challenging the order of the Rivers State High Court which restrained the states Chief Judge and the Clerk of the State House of Assembly from receiving or acting on any resolutions from the Martins Amaewhule-led faction of the Assembly.
In a statement issued on Sunday by the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Mr Debo Ologunagba, PDP said no individual or organ in the party has the the competence to file or engage external solicitors to file or handle cases on behalf of the party.
Reacting, Chuku, in a statement on Tuesday, claimed that the appeal was authorized by the state chapter of the party. I reiterate that the Rivers State chapter of the party authorized the filing of the appeal, he said.
The lawyer cited a judgment of a Federal High Court in Abuja, which, according to him, authorized state legal advisers of the PDP to appoint legal representation for the party in relation to the activities of the party at the state level.
“We want to put it on record that the Federal High Court, Abuja Division, in the case of Ambassador Desmond Akawo v. Peoples Democratic Party & 2 ORS Suit No PHC/ABJ/CS/112/2023 delivered on the 20th day of September, 2023, had interpreted Article 46(1) of the Constitution of the Peoples Democratic Party and declared that the State Legal Adviser of the party is vested with the requisite powers and authority to appoint legal representation for the party in relation to the activities of the party at the State Level.
“It is pertinent to state that the Peoples Democratic Party did not appeal against the said judgment till date”, he added.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has issued a warning about the increasing number of yellow fever cases in the country, coinciding with the ongoing cholera outbreak that has affected nearly all states.
Dr Jide Idris, the Director-General of the NCDC, issued the warning at a press conference yesterday in Abuja.
Idris said that since June, the NCDC has been actively managing a cholera outbreak that has spread across 34 states and the Federal Capital Territory, impacting 187 Local Government Areas.
According to him, as of July 15, Nigeria has recorded 3,623 suspected cholera cases and 103 deaths, with a case fatality rate of 2.8 per cent.
He said that there was a slight decline in reported cases and fatalities in the past week, attributing the improvement to ongoing national and state-level efforts.
But he cautioned that the peak of the rainy season, which typically exacerbates cholera outbreaks, was still ahead.
Idris said there were concerns about underreporting cases due to inadequate resources for surveillance and political stigma associated with the disease.
He said that the agency had also observed a troubling rise in yellow fever cases, particularly with the onset of the rainy season.
“Three presumptive positive cases have been reported, two in Ekiti state and one in Bayelsa, along with one death.
“Yellow fever, a viral hemorrhagic disease transmitted by infected mosquitoes, presents symptoms such as fever, chills, headache, back pain, body aches, and jaundice”, he said.
Idris highlighted the importance of vaccination as the most effective prevention method against yellow fever, offering lifelong immunity.
He urged the public to ensure that they were vaccinated, use mosquito repellents, wear protective clothing, and eliminate stagnant water to reduce mosquito breeding sites.
According to him, heavy rainfall and flooding significantly impact the spread of waterborne diseases like cholera and yellow fever.
The Court of Appeal Abuja, has dismissed the appeal filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its governorship candidate, Samuel Anyawu, challenging the decision of the Imo State Tribunal, which affirmed the election of Hope Uzodimma as the authentic governor of the state.
The court held that the appeal lacked merit having resolved all issues formulated against the appellants in the suit.
In the same vein, the appellate court also dismissed the appeal by the Labour Party and its candidate, Achonu Nneji, and that of the Allied Peoples Movement for also lacking in merit.
The appellants who were dissatisfied with the Tribunal Judgment, had approached the Court of Appeal on grounds that the November 11, 2023 election, was invalid because of non-compliance with the provision of the Electoral Act.
The appellants also challenged Uzodimmas qualification with an allegation that his WAEC Certificate of Education result, was forged.
While delivering judgment, the Court of Appeal held that the appellants in their appeal, failed to prove the allegation of non-compliance as alleged.
The three-man panel led by Justice Bitrus Sanga also held that the appellants failed, to prove that the governor submitted a forged certificate.
The Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, on Tuesday said the Federal Government has no plans to sell universities to private investors.
Mamman made the clarification at the Second Quarterly Engagement of the ministry with heads of units and chief executive officers of parastatals and agencies under the ministry.
The Academic Staff Union of Universities had accused the Federal Government of plans to hand over federal universities to investors through public-private partnerships.
“There is no plan to sell off universities to investors, he said, noting that the policy of the government allowed for transnational education”.
According to him, transnational education is a policy on what this government is doing to open up tertiary education by taking people from the rest of the world to come and invest in our tertiary system.
“Some people are carrying information that the Federal Government is selling off to private investors its universities. This is an absolute lie and completely false.
“This government believes in our public institutions. However, as we all know this government has reforms that this country needs.
“The private sector will play a major role in the provision of tertiary education, as there are more private universities in Nigeria than public universities combined.
“What this government has done is to open up the tertiary education level, in particular the universities, for global competitiveness”, he said.
The minister stressed the need to allow those who operate universities at the international level to come into the country and set up institutions either for themselves or in collaboration with our local universities.
He said that this was in no way to sell its institutions, noting that guidelines on transnational education had been in place.
Mamman said the country must take a cue from what is obtainable in other countries to benefit from the advantage of transnational education.
In other parts of the world, like Asia, they have benefited immensely from having international institutions in those countries.
“They have taken standards to those countries and also for the exchange and bringing money to those countries”, he said.
He further said that the engagement with heads of agencies as parastatals was to review the progress, and challenges and reaffirm commitment toward the educational landscape of the country.
Top official of Binance Holdings Limited, Tigran Gambaryan
The detained top official of Binance Holdings Limited, Tigran Gambaryan, who is facing money laundering charge, on Tuesday, arrived the Federal High Court in Abuja on wheelchair.
Gambaryan was brought before the court from Kuje prison for the continuation of hearing on the five-count charge the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, preferred against him and crypto currency firm.
Cladded in a black T-shirt with blue jeans trousers, the defendant stood up from the wheelchair and walked slowly into the dock when his case was called up.
Top official of Binance Holdings Limited, Tigran Gambaryan
It will be recalled that the Binance official had on May 23, collapsed in the court room.
His lawyer, Mr. Mark Mordi, SAN, told trial Justice Emeka Nwite that the defendant fell ill inside the prison, adding that his health had continued to deteriorate.
Following an application by counsel to the defendant, the trial judge, on July 5, ordered the Nigerian Correctional Service to release his medical certificate before July 16.
Mordi, SAN, had prayed the court to summon the medical doctor at the health facility of Kuje Correctional Centre, to explain why he allegedly refused to furnish him with his clients medical report, despite an earlier order of the court.
The court had on May 17, declined to release the defendant on bail, pending the determination of the case against him.
Justice Nwite said he was not convinced that the defendant, who is facing money laundering and terrorism financing charge, would be available to face his trial once he is released on bail.
According to the court, the defendant failed to present sufficient materials to sway its discretion in his favour. The court held that based on affidavit evidence that was adduced by the EFCC, there was the likelihood that the defendant would jump bail.
It, however, ordered accelerated hearing of the matter.
The EFCC had on April 23, urged the court to allow the Binance official to remain in Kuje prison.
The anti-graft agency maintained that it got a reliable intelligence that plans were afoot for the defendant to escape from custody and flee the country like his colleague.
It told the court that the defendant had attempted to secure a brand new international passport from the embassy of the United States of America.
EFCC further alleged that the defendant is an Armenian citizen by birth, saying there was a clear danger that he would jump bail if released from custody.
The defendant had in an application he filed on April 4, relied on provisions of sections 157 and 162 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, to plead for bail.
He contended that the charge the EFCC preferred against him contained bailable offences, insisting that under the Constitution of Nigeria, 1999, as amended, he is presumed innocent of the allegations against him.
His lawyer argued that the prosecution failed to place any evidence before the court to establish that his client posed a flight risk.
The prosecution has not presented any credible evidence to establish why the defendant should not be granted bail, the defense lawyer submitted, adding that the claim that his client was planning to escape from the country was based hearsay, unreliable and inadmissible evidence.
My client is anxious and very desirous to prove his innocence. This whole thing is that they want to use the defendant as a leavrage to obtain information from his employer. That is basically what this case is all about.
This is purely a state sanctioned hostage taking, the defence counsel added.
He, therefore, prayed the court to grant the defendant bail and stipulate conditions that would ensure his attendance to his trial.
The Federal Capital Territory High Court has denied a request by former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, asking to travel out of the country for a medical check up.
The judge, Justice Hamza Muazu, in dismissing the request, said Emefiele did not provide enough justification for him to be allowed to travel out of the country for medical checks.
Our correspondent reports that the former CBN Governor, who is standing trial for alleged corruption and mismanagement of public office, had sought the permission of the court for his international passport to be released so he could travel to the United Kingdom for medical checks.
However, the legal team of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) opposed the request.
Ruling on the application on Tuesday, Justice Muazu said it is a fact that the defendant is presumed innocent pending the determination of his case. However, he added that Emefiele did not provide any letter from the UK hospital showing his medical conditions among other things.
“As it stands, I cannot exercise my discretion to allow the applicant travel outside Nigeria”, the judge held.
“The application fails and is hereby dismissed”, he added.
Emefiele was arraigned by the EFCC before Justice Hamza Muazu of the FCT High Court over the alleged illegal award of contracts.
The commission alleged that Emefiele allegedly approved multi-billion contracts to his wife, Margaret, brother-in-law and staff of the apex bank, Sa`adatu Ramallan Yaro.
Emefiele
Emefiele denied the allegations and subsequently applied to the court for leave to travel to the UK from July 28 and return on September 10, 2024 but his request has been denied.
The former CBN governor is facing criminal proceedings in two other trial courts in Lagos and Abuja.
A Federal Capital Territory High Court sitting in Maitama on Tuesday threatened to issue a bench warrant on an Abuja-based lawyer, Victor Giwa, in an alleged charge of unlawful eviction, criminal intimidation, and threat to the life of one Ms Asabe Waziri.
The defendants, in the suit, marked CR/222/2023, are facing a nine-count charge bordering on unlawful eviction, criminal intimidation, threat to life, and damage to property to the tune of N300 million.
When the matter was called upon for hearing at todays sitting, all three defendants as mentioned in the suit, Mr. Cecil Osakwe, Mr. Victor Giwa, and Ms. Edith Erhumwuuse were absent for their scheduled arraignment.
The plaintiffs counsel, M.A Una, had told the court that at the previous sitting in the matter, Victor Giwa, the 2nd defendant, had written to the court that he was sick but there was, however, evidence that he was before Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court Abuja as a counsel in another matter.
He, therefore, urged the court to grant a bench warrant for his arrest for arraignment.
Giwa’s counsel Deborah Nwoke, in her response, insisted that her client was sick and had a medical report to prove it but did not contest the fact that he was in court that day. The plaintiffs lawyer also told the court that the 1st defendant, Cecil Osakwe, is evading service and that several attempts to serve him failed.
He asked the court to grant an application for substituted service that can be pasted on his residence at No11, Aso Drive, Abuja.
In a short ruling, Justice Samira Bature granted the substituted service request to be pasted on the residence of the 1st defendant.
She also threatened to issue a bench warrant on the 2nd defendant should he fail to appear on the next adjourned date.
The judge held that the 2nd defendant is being pardoned only on the grace that he is a lawyer.
She urged him to appear in the next adjourned date or the application for a bench warrant would be granted.
Justice Bature adjourned to Wednesday, July 17 for further mention and subsequent arraignment.
The Federal Government has released the 2024 National Common Entrance Examination (NCEE) results for admissions into JSS1 of the Federal Unity Colleges.
The Minister of State for Education, Dr Yusuf Sununu, who announced the results at a news conference in Abuja on Tuesday, said one candidate scored the highest mark of 203 in the examination.
Sununu said that of the 71,291 candidates who registered for the exams, 66,931 sat for the examination, while 4,360 were absent.
“Out of the maximum obtainable score of 210, one candidate obtained the highest score of 203, while 13 candidates obtained the lowest score of one.
“This year, an unprecedented number of 52 candidates (two candidates from Lagos State and 50 candidates from Rivers State) were involved in examination malpractice.
“For the examination conducted for the Federal Government Academy (FGA), 2,649 candidates registered for the examination, 2,336 candidates sat for the examination, while 313 candidates were absent.
“The highest score for this examination is 180 while the lowest is five”, he said.
The minister said that the admission criteria for selection of qualified candidates into Federal Unity Colleges remained the same.
According to him, admission requirements are 60 per cent merit, 30 per cent equality of state and 10 per cent exigency.
He therefore charged the Senior Secondary Education Department in the ministry to ensure that all admission processes were concluded timely, and it should be done in line with the above criteria.
“As you are all aware, it is a common knowledge that our Federal Unity Colleges have become the first port of call for most parents in the country.
“I want to assure all Nigerian parents that government will continue to do her best to improve on infrastructural development, feeding and teacher quality for effective teaching and learning in our colleges”, he added.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the NCEE was conducted in Nigeria, Benin Republic and Togo on June 1, 2024.
The Federal Government has repatriated 190 stranded Nigerians from the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
This is contained in a statement signed by Mr Bashir Garga, the National Emergency Management Agencys (NEMA) zonal director in the North Central, on Tuesday in Abuja.
He said that the returnees were received at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Tuesday at 5:57 a.m.
He said the returnees were received by a combined team of government officials led by NEMA.
According to him, the returnees were profiled and documented by the relevant agencies and sensitised to behave with decorum and responsibility on their return to Nigeria.
The Federal Government urges all Nigerians, wherever they may be, to act as exemplary ambassadors of their country, by upholding the fundamental values of patriotism, rule of law, decency, and integrity, the statement says.
Aloy Ejimakor, lead counsel for the leader of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, has claimed that the IPOB leader is ill and is being denied medical attention.
Ejimakor disclosed this in a tweet on X.com yesterday.
According to him, Kanu was found unwell during a visit on Monday, exhibiting shortness of breath, low blood pressure, and general discomfort.
He added that a request for a doctors visit was submitted but reportedly denied by the Department of State Services, where Kanu is currently detained.
Ejimakor wrote, “Yesterday, during our visitation with Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, we found him ill, with shortness of breath, low BP, and general malaise.
“For this reason, he requested to see his doctor, and we submitted a letter in this regard. Today, the doctor arrived at the DSS but was denied access to #MNK.
It was reported in March that IPOB called on the Federal Government to release its leader, saying that his health is deteriorating in detention.
His family had also claimed that he needed a cardiologist and urged President Bola Tinubu not to allow him to die in DSS custody.
past Sole Administrator of Ahiazu Mbaise L.G.A, Hon (Chief) Tony Anakani
The immediate past Sole Administrator of Ahiazu Mbaise L.G.A, Hon (Chief) Tony Anakani has declared his intention to contest the forthcoming Local Government elections, as the Executive Chairman of Ahiazu Mbaise L.G.A.
Hon Anakani made the declaration while addressing the Expanded Exco of the L.G.A chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, at the Party Secretariat, Afor Oru. Hon Anakani told the party officers that he had earlier declared his ambition at his Ward, Ogbor/ Umueze.
The former SOLAD told the gathering of party officers that he had always served the party and the L.G.A with utmost diligence and dedication, adding that the reward for good work is more work. Hon Anakani reminded the August body that during his time as the immediate past Solad, he discharged his duties with high sense of responsibility and purpose, culminating in his being recognized as one of the best performing Sole Administrators in Imo state. The former SOLAD equally informed the party officers that his most important selling point is that he has acquired ample experience in sharing prosperity, having partnered with His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodinma in his Shared Prosperity programme under the 3R Philosophy, adding that he is, therefore, the aspirant best suited to manage the affairs of Ahiazu Mbaise as the next Executive Chairman of the Council.
In his remarks, the L.G.A Party Chairman, Chief Ethel Ugwu, thanked Hon Anakani for the respect he has shown the Party by his consultative visit, beginning from his ward, which stands him out as a loyal Party man and astute politician. Chief Ugwu also said that Hon Anakani has proven himself to be an experienced Administrator.
The Party Chairman also used the outing to admonish all aspirants to run a campaign of decency based on issues that are important to the Party in particular, and Ahiazu Mbaise in general.
Other individuals who spoke included the L.G.A Party vice- Chairman, Hon Law Kire who extolled the leadership qualities of Hon Tony Anakani, and the ward Chairman of Ogbor/Umueze, Hon Jude Azubuike who informed his colleagues that the former Solad has been a patriotic Party man and his readiness for the job is assured, considering the outstanding and unique experiences he has acquired over the years.
Vibrant youth leader and active stakeholder in the affairs of Ihitte/Uboma local government area of Imo state, Hon Jeremiah Okonkwo has bluntly, described the one-year-in-office service of the incumbent Speaker of Imo State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Chike Olemgbe as a period of harvest of political appointments for people of Ihitte-Uboma extraction.
Making the declaration in an interview with news men in Owerri, Jeremiah Okonkwo, a politician, business man and Chief Executive of ITE Eshirile Transport Company (Nig) Ltd, posited that the Hope Uzodimma 3-R mantra administration had been favourable to Ihitte-Uboma indigenes in the area of appointments.
The popular youth leader recalled that prior to the emergence of Chike Olemgbe as Speaker of Imo State House of Assembly on June 16, 2023, Ihitte/Uboma as a local government area, was favoured with two commissioner slots in the persons of Hon Simon Ebegbulem and Hon Dr. Okey Anukwem.
Speaking further, Hon Jeremiah Okonkwo explained thus, I want to highlight the fact that our son, Chike Olemgbe has so far, enjoyed unwavering support from the executive arm of government under the watch of His Excellency, Senator Hope Uzodimma.
During Rt Hon Chike Olemgbe’s first year in office, Ihitte/Uboma got three Commissioner slots as well as many SAs in both the legislative and executive arms of government. It is because the speaker, Chike Olemgbe plays his role well in that capacity that made the state chief executive look towards Ihitte/Uboma to choose talented professionals in different fields of human endeavour to assist him pilot the affairs of this state. This is the simple truth”.
Thanking Governor Uzodimma for extending hands of fellowship in governance to people of Ihitte/Uboma extraction, Hon Jeremiah Chukwudi Okonkwo gave kudos to the Speaker and member for Ihitte/Uboma state constituency in the legislative house, Rt Hon Chike Olemgbe for his steadfastness, courage and undiluted sense of responsibility in piloting the affairs of the state house of assembly.
On the forthcoming Imo state local government chairmanship and councillorship elections, Jeremiah Okonkwo, a staunch member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) posited, ” after due consultations, I decided to make myself available for service to Ihitte/Uboma stakeholders. The efforts of Speaker Chike Olemgbe to attract the much desired democracy dividends to our people right at the grassroots level should not be allowed to be scuttled by any one that lacks vision and competence in the management of human and material resources. Governor Uzodimmas interest and love for the people of Ihitte/Uboma must be appreciated by having someone poised to replicate the governor’s good governance down home in Ihitte/Uboma. As a highly enterprising business man, my greatest pleasure will be to inject new life in every individual and institution in Ihitte/Uboma. I bet anyone who cares, Ihitte/Uboma will fare much better under my watch”.
The Imo State Congress of America (ISCA) has concluded arrangements for its annual Women Committee Forum which holds July 27, 2024, in Oklahoma United States of America. The event will have in attendance dignitaries within and outside the city.
A press release signed by the PRO Mrs Evelyn Iwuamadi Childs, and the National Womens Committee Chairlady, High Chief Mrs. Agnes Obaji, disclosed that the Committee has much for the ISCA National women organization through initiatives that have empowered many internationally.
According to her the committees history, had many First Ladies, but in 2014, under the leadership of Lolo Nkemdi Onyirimba and her executive board, the organization moved ISCA to a new dimension, adding that they made numerous contributions to support their own in the US; emotionally and financially during ceremonies.
She availed that the association has also empowered widows, widowers, special children and the less privileged in Imo State, including supporting small scale businesses, as she hinted that they also initiated the building of bus stop shades in some road axis in Owerri capital city few years ago with a maintenance culture and hope to upgrade the dilapidated ones, while building new ones to capture other areas.
The press release added that the organization also encourage their women in USA to speak in their native Igbo language within their homes to maintain their roots. Adding that It is In accompaniment to tracing their roots.
The release further disclosed that the Congress holds an annual Ada Imo Beauty Pageant where young girls aged 18-25 showcase their knowledge and commitment to Imo beliefs and culture.
The ISCA boss however disclosed that this year, women are participating to ensure that this becomes the best convention they have ever had. Pointing out that their conferences theme is Essential Tips For Better Health Women empowering women, in line with the National Theme Imo Gadi, noted that they have outlined the activities to improve and strengthen the lives of less privilege women in the state from different backgrounds and localities.
The release disclosed that speakers at the event will include; Lady Franca Ibe, Lady Ugboaku Akwaugo Onuoha and Lolo Ezinne Ijeoma Nwanebu, while Hon. Amb. Dr. Stella Onuoha will moderate at the occasion.
The Court of Appeal Abuja, has dismissed the appeal filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its governorship candidate, Samuel Anyawu, challenging the decision of the Imo State Tribunal, which affirmed the election of Hope Uzodimma as the authentic governor of the state.
The court held that the appeal lacked merit having resolved all issues formulated against the appellants in the suit.
In the same vein, the appellate court also dismissed the appeal by the Labour Party and its candidate, Achonu Nneji, and that of the Allied Peoples Movement for also lacking in merit.
The appellants who were dissatisfied with the Tribunal Judgment, had approached the Court of Appeal on grounds that the November 11, 2023 election, was invalid because of non-compliance with the provision of the Electoral Act.
The appellants also challenged Uzodimmas qualification with an allegation that his WAEC Certificate of Education result, was forged.
While delivering judgment, the Court of Appeal held that the appellants in their appeal, failed to prove the allegation of non-compliance as alleged.
The three-man panel led by Justice Bitrus Sanga also held that the appellants failed, to prove that the governor submitted a forged certificate.
Minister for Works, David Umahi, emphasised that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is deeply committed to the development of the South East and urged the people to support his government for success.
Umahi made these remarks at the grand finale of the Local Government APC rally held at PA Ngene Oruta Township Stadium in Abakaliki over the weekend.
He also announced that the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road will include a route passing through Ebonyi, alongside ongoing infrastructure projects on other major roads in the region.
Umahi urged the governors and other party leaders in the Southeast to intensify efforts to bring every stakeholder on board, positioning the region rightfully in national politics. The Minister acknowledged facing challenges and criticisms for his decision to join the APC but expressed gratitude that the party has gained widespread acceptance in the state and the Southeast.
He extended appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for supporting him during legal challenges following his party switch and commended Senator Anyim for his support of the APC during the 2023 elections.
Umahi recounted, President Tinubu invited me to meet with a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, personally driving me to the meeting in his car.
The World Bank on Monday, July 15, said it would be investing $10 million in skills development to tackle youth unemployment in the country.
The Banks education specialist, Mistura Rufai, revealed this during the opening of a two-day Innovation Grant Facilities (IGF) Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)/Contract Signing and Implementation Workshop in Abuja on Monday.
According to the Bank, the workshop was organised by the Innovation Development and Effectiveness in the Acquisition of Skills (IDEAS) Project of the Federal Ministry of Education.
She stated that Nigeria needed youths to be empowered and trained in building its economic fortunes, adding that the current scheme had about 78 grantees to empower over 50,000 youths across the country.
Rufai said: This facility was designed to support complementing agencies that are promoting innovations in the training of digital skills.
“It aims at supporting critical intervention projects in the skills development ecosystem such that we develop digital skills across the country.
“The training is expected to have beginners, intermediate to advanced level. As we speak at the national level, we have about 10,000 youths currently being trained.
“We also have about 78 grantees and we hope that in about a year, we will have over 50,000 grantees being trained.
The national project coordinator, IDEAS, Blessing Ogwu, said the programme was created to give every Nigerian child the opportunity to learn and acquire skills.
She said that with the increasing number of out-of-school children in the country, there was a need to remove them from the street.
The national coordinator urged the grantees to be committed to the initiative to reduce the number of unemployed youths in the country.
She said: The essence of this project is focusing on the skill acquisition to reduce unemployment in Nigeria. We dont need anyone to tell us that we have so many youths who are unemployed.
“Most of our youths are unemployed and the only way is for the youth to acquire our skills. The IGF Consultant, Prof. Ndem Ayara, explained that the project, scheduled to be implemented within one year, was a Public/Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement.
Ayara said: In the partnership, the public sector will support the consortium to implement the project up to 80 percent, and the private sector partner will provide 20 percent.
“Of the 20 percent by the private sector, they will contribute 10 percent in kind and the other 10 percent in cash.
“It is the cash component of the private sector contribution that is expected to be the counterpart funding by the private sector.
The Joint Admission and Matriculation Board, JAMB, has announced that it has shelved the conduct of aptitude test for 2024 Direct Entry candidates.
The Board instead said that other placement criteria will be considered for Direct Entry admissions.
JAMB announced this on Monday in a post on its official X handle.
“Attention 2024 DE Candidates! This is to inform you that the Board has shelved the conduct of aptitude test for the year, other placement criteria shall be considered for your admission while adequate preparation goes into the exercise ahead of next year” JAMB said.
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has identified displacement of people and outbreak of waterborne diseases as potential impacts following heavy rainfall witnessed in some parts of the country.
The agency said there are chances of damage to roads and bridges and flooding. It also disclosed this in its impact-based weather forecast issued on Monday.
The forecast also indicated States that would witness heavy to low rainfall between Tuesday and Thursday this week.
The forecast reads: On Tuesday 16th July (0000-2359hrs), heavy rainfall is expected over parts of Bauchi, Niger, Kebbi, Cross River and Akwa Ibom states. Moderate to heavy rainfall is expected over parts of Bauchi, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Taraba, Adamawa, Zamfara, Nasarawa, the Federal Capital Territory, Plateau, Akwa Ibom and Cross River states. Low to moderate rainfall is expected over parts of Yobe, Katsina, Kano, Kaduna, Zamfara, Kebbi, Gombe, Niger, Kwara, Plateau, Nasarawa, the Federal Capital Territory, Oyo, Ondo, Edo, Delta, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Abia and Cross River States. For Wednesday, NiMet stated: Moderate to heavy rainfall is expected over parts of Niger, Kebbi, Akwa Ibom and Cross River States. Low to moderate rainfall is expected over parts of Bauchi, Kebbi, Taraba, Adamawa, Plateau, Niger, the Federal Capital Territory, Nasarawa, Kogi, Kwara, Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Ondo, Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Imo, Abia, Cross River and Akwa Ibom States.
On Thursday, the agency stated: Moderate to Heavy Rainfall is expected over parts of Kaduna, Nasarawa, Plateau, Akwa Ibom and Cross River. Low to moderate rainfall is expected over parts of Bauchi, Kaduna, Kebbi, Taraba, Nasarawa, Plateau, Kogi, Niger, Kwara, Ogun, Osun, Ondo, Edo, Delta, Rivers Imo, Abia, Ebonyi, Cross River and Akwa Ibom states.
On the likely impact of the rainfall, it stated: For moderate to heavy rainfall; displacement of people due to floods, outbreaks of waterborne diseases, and damages to infrastructures (roads, bridges,) are expected.)
Some of the hazards predicted during the rainfall include; flash flooding, riverine flooding, soil erosion, thunder, lightning, and strong winds.
Alhaji Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation says the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has lifted the Visa ban on Nigerians travelling to the country.
The Minister made the announcement while briefing State House Correspondents at the end of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting on Monday.
You are aware that Nigeria has been discussing with the United Arab Emirates on the issue of Visa for Nigerian passport holders going to the United Arab Emirates.
Today, an agreement has been reached on that, and effective from today July 15, Nigerian passport holders are able to obtain Visa to go to the United Arab Emirates.
I can tell you that the agreement has been reached and effective from today, Nigerian passport holders intending to travel to the UAE are able to do so, said Idris.
A member of the House of Representatives from Ideato North/South federal constituency, Hon Ikenga Ugochinyere has again been called upon to stop meddling in the political crisis in Rivers state where he allegedly makes huge financial fortune out of it.
A group known as G-23 on Monday at a press conference in Port Harcourt urged the lawmaker to refrain from stoking embers of disunity among Rivers people in the name of settling the crisis and rather concentrate on sponsoring a bill to end deadly gully erosion and terrorism rocking his native Imo state.
Speaking in his capacity as the leader of G-23, a political association that cuts across the 23 local government areas of Rivers state, Chief Tony Okocha condemned the role played by Hon Ugochinyere in the Rivers state crisis which turns to aggravate the problem rather than solving it.
“We have listened to some groups led by Ikenga Ugochinyere, a member of the House of Representatives who formed a group called G-60. We condemn in strong terms the activities of a man who has turned himself to a hireling.
“It beats our imagination that instead of the flood issues that is sweeping away some communities and villages in his area, he has said practically nothing. His village is the center of IPOB and the very brutal agitation. His house was burnt and immediately he played politics with it. The truth is that he ate money of the group and the boys wanted to get at him.
“Ugochinyere is not from Rivers state. He has seen Rivers state as a conduit pipe to siphon money from a government that is rudderless. It is Ugochinyere now that is speaking about issues in Rivers state. Nobody has heard one bill sponsored by Ugochinyere on the issues that are affecting his community”, he said.
Okocha who is also the Rivers state caretaker chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, said there have been several issues of killings and kidnappings by terrorists in Ugonchinere’s community, yet he has never sponsored any bill to condemn it.
Okocha who reeled out the political profile of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike said it was a misplaced calculation for Ugochinyere to attempt to equate himself politically with the former Governor who is by all means too big for the lawmaker to speak despicably against.
The G-23 Leader also condemn the statement attributed to the national chairman of the zenith labor party, ZLP, Chief Dan Nwanyanwu who warned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that Wike would likely contest the 2027 presidential election against him.
“Daniel Nwanyanwu is a serial political failure. What gives him the impetus or why should he imagine that Rivers state is a place for him to fall back! I am not aware that his Zenith Labor Party has an office in Rivers state. He was booted out of Zenith Party. He has left all the trappings of his political failure to become another hireling for the Rivers state government. It is unthinkable.
He condemned Nwanyanwu’
s position that the best person for the president to do business with was the Rivers state governor, Siminalayi Fubara.
Women and youths in Rivers State have drummed for more support for the governor of the state, Sir Siminialayi Fubara, adding that the governor was voted to deliver good governance to people of the state.
This was as youths and women of Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area embarked on a solidarity walk in appreciation for the governors impactful leadership in the 24 LGAs of the State.
The women further stated that their interest in the government of Fubara is that the governor is interested in human capital development, calling on the governor to create empowerment opportunities for women to pull some young ladies out from prostitution.
The women spoke during a rally at Omoku, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area organised by Enforcers of Good Governance, EGG, in which the group urged its leader, Kingsley Ogu, to contest for the Chairmanship position of ONELGA in the forthcoming local government area election in the state.
Speaking, Sarah Fyneboy, Women of EGG in ONELGA, stated women were being sidelined from the scheme of things in the LGA, adding that because of the development most women get involved in illicit acts.
She said: The women of ONELGA have decided to call on Comrade Kingsley Ogu to come and wipe our tears away. For many years, women have been sidelined from government here.
“Most of our women because of situations have gone into drugs, some have gone into prostitution due to condition. We dont want our women to go into prostitution any longer.
“The governor is there to give us jobs. In time past, job opportunities have not been there. But this governor has changed it. We know we will get thing from him. Women today have full confidence in him and we know he will”
Comrade Paul Akunta, LGA Coordinator of EGG, noted that the ONELGA has suffered in the past due to poor leadership, noting that Fubara has restored hope to the people, even as he said Kingsley Ogu has all it takes to transform ONELGA.
Akunta said: We are here in ONELGA in solidarity match, demanding that we need a young vibrant, Intelligent and smart leader in ONELGA.We are calling on Dr Kingsley Ogu to come and contest as our LGA chairman.
“What we are seeing in the state where our young and vibrant governor. We want to replicate same here and that is why we are compelling him to contest. The governor is youth friendly. The youths can attest the governor is generous and carrying the youths along. We seek more support for him”
The Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Martin Amaewhule, has shut down all expenditures of Governor Siminalayi Fubara until he presents his budget before the lawmakers.
The assembly made the move during plenary on Monday, following a seven-day ultimatum the lawmakers gave the governor to present his budget before the House.
The Leader of the House, Major Jack, raised the motion informing the House about the expiration of the seven-day ultimatum given to the governor to present the 2024 budget before the House.
After deliberation, the House voted to shut down the Rivers State Consolidated Revenue Account, thus preventing Fubaras administration from spending any money on behalf of the state.
Our correspondent reported that the Amaewhule-led Assembly had on July 8 given Fubara, a seven-day deadline to resubmit the 2024 budget and also accused him of breaching the provisions of the 1999 Constitution as amended.
In a letter dated July 8, 2024, signed by Amaewhule and sent to Fubara on Monday, the House highlighted the governors actions that breached the Constitution.
This order was issued during the first session of the pro-Wike House after a hiatus of several months.
Fubara had previously presented the budget to the faction, with his current Chief of Staff, Edison Ehie, presiding as Speaker.
Ehie and the pro-Fubara lawmakers passed the budget estimates, which the governor then signed into law.
The ongoing political crisis between the governors loyalists and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, is marked by repeated interventions to settle their differences.
Police on Monday arraigned one Eric Chisom in an Ikeja Magistrates Court for allegedly abducting a 22-year-old girl.
The defendant, 38, was alleged to have conspired to commit a felony to wit: abduction.
Insp John Iberedem, the Prosecutor, said the defendant on June 12, committed the offence at Olaoluwa Street, Ladilak, Bariga area of Lagos State.
He explained that the defendant abducted the girl by keeping her in his house without her parents knowledge.
The prosecutor said the offences contravened Sections 268 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015.
NAN reports that section 268 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015, stipulates seven years imprisonment for anyone found guilty of abduction of a female of any age to cause her to be married or to have sexual intercourse or detain her against her will.
The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Ruling on a bail application, the Magistrate, Mrs E. Kubeinje, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N100,000 with one reliable surety in like sum.
She said that the surety must be gainfully employed with proof of tax payment and a verifiable address.
Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State on Monday swore in 10 new judges in Imo State – seven for the High Courts and three for the Customary Courts of Appeal, with a charge that they should carry themselves with dignity and honour in the dispensation of justice to the people.
The Governor said because Judges, by virtue of their calling, are next to God in determining who lives or dies, it becomes imperative that they approach their responsibility with integrity, dignity and with the fear of God, resisting the temptation to do the unimaginable.
The 10 judges serving in the Imo State Judiciary had gone through the scrutiny of the National Judicial Council, found worthy for elevation, hence, they took the oath of office before Governor Uzodimma at the New Executive Chambers, in line with Nigeria’s Constitutional provisions that recognise the existence of the three arms of government – Executive, Legislature and Judiciary.
The High Court Judges are: Uchenna Mary Njoku, Cletus Ndubuisi Akowundu, Mathew Chinedu Ijezie, Chukwumaeze Ojiugo Chibuogwu, Adaego Peace Nnosiri, Ononogbo Chidi Linus and Emeka Uzoma Orafu.
Their three counterparts of the Customary Courts of Appeal include, Ofoha Sylvester Uchenna, GreenMan Ezenna Eleanya and Ibeh Rosemund Oluehi.
In his remarks, the Governor congratulated them on their appointment and described it as a remarkable lift in their legal career, hence, they have every reason to be grateful to God.
Governor Uzodimma emphasised the role of Judges in the dispensation of justice and which demands a lot of integrity. “As Judges at the temple of Justice and administration, you must uphold very high level of integrity and honour and dispense justice without fear or favour.”
He enjoined them to carry themselves with dignity and honour as their job demands seriousness for them to succeed.
“Be properly guided to avoid miscarriage of justice and note that after God, you carry with you the decision of life and death.”
Reminding the Judges that the Judiciary has of late come under serious scrutiny by the public, Governor Uzodimma urged them to be circumspect in the discharge of their duties, and conduct themselves in a manner that will not leave anybody in doubt about their pronouncements, advising them to remember that they are the last hope of the common man.
Governor Uzodimma said that the Executive arm of the government, which he represents in Imo State, has since he assumed office continued to prioritise the welfare of the judiciary, creating an enabling environment for the operators of the arm to function optimally.
He recalled that on assumption of office he took time to offset the mounting arrears of salaries owed judges and other judiciary officials by previous administrations.
The Leaders of thought from Nzerem/Ikpem political ward in Ehime Mbano Local Government Area have extolled the leadership qualities of the Secretary to the Government of lmo state, Chief Cosmas Iwu.
The Leaders, made up of men, women and youths led by Hon. Chukwukere Nnanna Uzoamaka disclosed this, when they paid a solidarity visit to the SGI at Cabinet office Owerri described Chief Iwu as a leader known for his impactful and inclusive leadership.
Speaking, the spokesman of the delegation, Hon. Iyke Anyanwu, said that they were on the visit to express their gratitude to Chief Iwu, whom he said has done a lot for the people of Nzerem/lkpem ward, especially by bring them to limelight, politically , noting that Nzerem/ Ikpem ward were before now nowhere, in the political scheme of the state.
Contributing in their separate speeches, Chief Hypolite Esiagu and Chief Hillary Onoh Ogueri, prayed to God for the elevation of Chief Iwu to higher political position in future.
Hon Chukwukere Nnanna Uzoamaka in his vote of thanks, on behalf of the delegation, highlighted different ways in which Chief Iwu has impacted positively in Nzerem/ Ikpem ward and appealed that the SGI should continue to carry them along in the scheme of things.
He pledged their unalloyed support to Governor Uzodimma’s administration, saying that they are optimistic that the waves of infrastructural developments in other parts of the state will get to the ward.
In his response, the Secretary to the Government of lmo State, Chief Cosmas Iwu, who expressed delight on their visit, also assured them to be patient, noting that the state government is aware of the poor state of road in Nzerem/ Ikpem ward, that one day, government will rehabilitate the road.
Chief Iwu urged them to continue to support the 3R administration of Governor Uzodimma and continue to live in peace, as he added that God will bless whom He will bless in life.
The member representing Ngor-Okpala State Constituency in the Imo State House of Assembly, Hon. Obinna Egu,
The member representing Ngor-Okpala State Constituency in the Imo State House of Assembly, Hon. Obinna Egu, (Ph.D), has paid in full for the enrollment of 200 Constituents into the Imo State Health Insurance Scheme.
During an interaction between the Umuohiagu, Ngor Okpala-born Lawmaker and the Executive Secretary/CEO of the Imo State Health Insurance Agency, (IMSHIA), Dr. Uche Ewelike, the Lawmaker stated that the essence of providing funding for his Constituents to enroll in the Health Insurance Program was to eradicate Healthcare Poverty and give back to the people.
He disclosed that his intentions is to make the sponsorship of Health Insurance an annual event run through his tenure in office, adding that the selection of beneficiaries will be carried out by the Traditional rulers, President generals, women, and youth leaders of the 28 autonomous communities in the area, while his political party, the APC, and stakeholders in the constituency will also nominate vulnerable persons who are the targeted beneficiaries.
Dr. Egu, who is the House Standing Committee Chairman on Science and Technology, lauded the State Governor, His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma, CON, for his vision to launch the Health Insurance Policy for Imo people, so that they get adequate and quality Healthcare Services at no cost. He assured that he will always support government policies that promote the well-being of the people.
However, in his remarks, Dr. Uche Ewelike thanked the Lawmaker for his empathy and kind gesture in providing the funds for the Health Insurance for his people.
He maintained that the exercise will provide great relief and enable people to gain access to quality Healthcare Services without worrying about financial instability, describing Egus kind gesture as worthy of emulation.
The Imo Health Insurance Scheme Helmsman explained that the cost for an individual’s enrollment in the initiative is N15,000, which will run simultaneously for one year and will cover the treatment of illnesses such as: Malaria, enteric fever, diarrhea diseases, pregnancy antenatal services, Delivery including; cesarean sections, abdominal surgeries, and other non-communicable diseases such as; diabetes, hypertension, etc.
The official flag-off for the enrollment exercise will commence immediately in Ngor Okpala LGA.
An Agric firm, Jet FarmsNG, weekend, urged President Bola Tinubu, to reverse policy on suspension of duties, tariffs, and taxes on essential food items for 150 days at the detriment of the efforts of local farmers who had spent millions of Naira on exorbitant prices of farm inputs.
In a chat with Our correspondent, the Chief Farmer of Africa and Chief Executive Officer, CEO, Jet FarmsNG, Jerry Tobi, argued that there is no need to hurriedly go into panic to open land and sea borders to import food items that farmers in the country are already on and ready to harvest soon.
Tobi pointed out that the intentions might be good, but the execution was uncalculated, hence, there is need for a critical look at the Federal Governments Duty-Free Import Policy on Essential Food Items.
“Why should we still be importing despite our large farmland mass and over 40 million farmers? Nigerias vast agricultural resources and a workforce of over 40 million farmers should ideally make the country self-sufficient in food production. However, the reliance on imports suggests systemic issues within the agricultural sector. The government needs to focus on enhancing local production capabilities, providing adequate support to farmers, and addressing barriers that hinder agricultural productivity.
“What strategic plans has the government implemented to ensure food security? Following the Presidents initial announcement of a State of Emergency on food security, it appears that subsequent actions have been inadequate. The government must provide a clear account of the strategic plans implemented to address food security and the outcomes of these initiatives.
“Transparency and accountability are crucial in assessing the effectiveness of these measures. Issues such as the land clearing of 500,000 hectares, deployment of concessionary capital/funding (like the NADF ginger fund of $1 billion for a value chain that produces over $4 billion), and the Central Banks role in funding the agricultural value chain need to be addressed.
“Will this policy negatively impact local farmers? The suspension of duties and tariffs might lead to an influx of cheaper imported food items, which could negatively impact local farmers who already struggle with high input costs. The government needs to address how it plans to support these farmers and mitigate any adverse effects on local agricultural production”
However, he (Tobi) expressed optimism that there is still opportunity for action on the reversal of the policy, Despite the current challenges, there remains a significant opportunity for proactive measures. As we are still within the planting season, there is potential to clear lands and cultivate crops such as maize, rice, cowpeas, and sesame seeds for export, all of which can be planted in July, August, and September.
“The government should strategically secure loans from the World Bank, other Multilateral Development Banks, MDBs, and International Financial Institutions, IFIs, to effectively boost local production and address the ongoing food insecurity. By investing these resources wisely, we can enhance agricultural output and move towards sustainable food security”
Meanwhile, he called for caution on the part of government making such sensitive policies that are very critical to the current high food prices, therefore, he maintained that importation can never be the solution because other countries are protecting their economies and farmers, then how comes Nigerian farmers are left in the cold.
“While the Federal Governments policy aims to provide immediate relief from food inflation, it risks undermining the local agricultural sector, particularly small and medium-scale industries that are thriving and on the verge of scaling up. This approach could inadvertently increase dependence on imports, thereby weakening the local economy.
“The government must exercise caution, avoiding hasty decisions that could harm the sector it intends to support. A more sustainable solution requires a well-consulted approach that addresses the root causes of food insecurity, supports local farmers, and invests in the agricultural sector. To mitigate potential negative impacts, it is advisable to reduce the duty-free period to 90 days and closely monitor the outcomes during this quarter.
“In conclusion, the government must ensure that its policies foster a robust framework for long-term food security without inadvertently harming the agricultural sector”, he added.
