Afrobeat superstar has made a heartfelt promise to his bride’s parents, assuring them that their daughter will be “protected, respected, and connected” for a lifetime.
In a touching moment captured on video, Davido prostrated before Chioma’s parents, expressing his commitment to their daughter’s well-being.
He said, “Your daughter will be protected, respected and connected.”
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said he needs more time to consult widely on the appropriate amount to be paid as new minimum wage for workers in the public sector.
The President gave the explanation at the Federal Executive Council meeting on Tuesday, when the matter was put forward for deliberations.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris revealed this on Tuesday, while briefing State House Correspondents.
He said the memo was stepped down because the Federal Government thought it wise to consult with other stakeholders, especially as the new wage proposals affects the local government areas, states and the Federal Government.
The minister said, “A lot of people have been asking me questions pertaining to whether the New Minimum Wage would come up for deliberations today at FEC, especially whether government was going to have a position on the new wage.
“Recall that there was a report from the tripartite committee, comprising the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress, the Organised Private Sector and the government representatives, these three make up the tripartite committee that discussed on the new minimum wage. They have forwarded a report to the President which he has gone through.
“But consistent with the way it should be done, I want to inform Nigerians that FEC deliberated on that because the new national minimum wage is not just the decision of the Federal government. “That memo was stepped down to enable Mr President consult further so that he can have an informed position on what to do. This decision was taken because it affects the States, LG and the Federal Government.”
The Police Service Commission has denied reports that it cancelled the recently concluded 2022 police constable recruitment.
The PSC and the Joint Congress of the Police Service Commission had been embroiled in verbal disputes following the police’s allegations that the recruitment exercise done by the commission was marred with irregularities.
The commission, in a statement on Tuesday by its Head, Press and Public Relations, Ikechukwu Ani, stressed that the final list of successful candidates from the recruitment would never be cancelled. He insisted that the exercise was done by relevant laws. Ani said, “The Police Service Commission has just concluded routine maintenance of its portal containing the list of successful candidates for the recently concluded recruitment into the constable cadre of the Nigeria Police Force.
The commission wishes to disown a statement circulating in social media alleging that it has succumbed to pressure and cancelled the final list of successful candidates.
“The commission has not and will not cancel the final list of successful candidates from the recruitment exercise which was conducted in clear adherence to relevant guidelines and provisions of the law. The commission is in control of the situation and has since restored the Recruitment portal with its original contents.”
He, therefore, urged successful candidates to disregard the reports.
Ani said, “Successful candidates are advised to ignore the deliberate antics of desperate groups bent on destroying the good work of the Commission in giving the nation a merit-based and inclusive recruitment exercise. It notes that it will continue to ensure that Federal character, gender sensitivity and merit are the bedrock of its recruitment process.” He warned those behind the report to desist, adding that anyone caught would be made to face the wrath of the law.
Ani said, ” The commission calls on these disgruntled elements to desist further from undermining the recruitment exercise as anyone caught will be dealt with.
“The Commission restates that the portal is now fully functional and accessible. Candidates can now log in and access all its features without any disruptions. The Commission regrets the hitches and assures that it has fully secured the platform.”
Doctors and other health workers in Abia State University Teaching Hospital, ABSUTH, Aba, Tuesday, staged a peaceful protest at the premises of the hospital to register their displeasure over the inability of the State Government to pay them their 21 months of salary arrears owed by the immediate-past administration.
The protesters who decried their plights over the prevailing economic hardship in the land, threatened to embark on indefinite strike if Government failed to clear the backlog of their unpaid wages.
Speaking during the protest, Chairman of the Medical and Health Workers Association Union, ABSUTH branch, Comrade Chukwuemeka Ariwodo, expressed dissatisfaction over the way the State Government is handling their matter despite their dedication to duty. He pleaded with the Governor to fulfill his promises to clear the accumulated salary arrears of ABSUTH staff.
Comrade Ariwodo said that life had become difficult for the staff following the 21-month wage arrears. He vowed that “if by the end of Tuesday, June 25th, 2024 they are not paid, the protest will continue indefinitely.” Continuing, he added: “We are still expecting our 21 months’ arrears. If by the end of today, the Government fails to pay us, this demonstration will continue until they pay us. We don’t know what’s delaying our payment.
Speaking also, Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, Abia State branch, Dr Isaiah Abali, expressed pain over the development, regretting that health workers would be neglected at this time despite their sacrifices.
The NMA boss, appealed to Gov. Alex Otti to do all within his powers to defray the arrears and give the staff a sense of belonging, stressing that a worker deserves his wages. He said: “The easiest thing you can do for a worker is to pay him his salary. That’s the most honest earning. Once you have done your work perfectly, there should be no story on why you should not be paid.
“Those of us who have little private enterprises don’t sleep once the month is ending until we pay our workers the little we owe them. We believe the government should follow suit.” The NMA boss told the Governor that “ABSUTH workers both big and small are hungry and are feeling the pains of non-payment of salaries.
“All of us are saying that the government should let the workers breathe. We’re calling on our amiable Governor, we’ve seen your giant strides on infrastructure, but we’re begging that those strides should be extended to ABSUTH Workers so that workers will not trek along the well-tarred road while coming to work.
“It does not make sense that workers will trek from Ogbor-Hill down to Abayi here because they don’t have money for transport. So, we’re appealing to the government that ABSUTH workers are very hungry.
“We’ve been trying to calm the workers down, but if you push people hard to the wall you cannot predict what will happen. That’s how revolution starts, but we don’t want revolution now. We want peace and we want the workers to get their pay.”
The NMA boss, further explained that the workers were not bothered about whatever payment method the State Government wants to adopt, but were only interested in their payment. “They should have been able to test whatever method they’re migrating to not to be delaying our salary with such excuses. If they’re having problems with the new method, let them pay us with the old one and when they have perfected the new method, they can migrate to it. “We therefore call on the Governor to come to our aid. The majority of our members watch their children chased out of school. Some cannot even recharge their prepaid meters for electricity. “What then is the essence? We’re begging now so that there will be no unnecessary bitterness. We’re not political. We’re only saying pay us our salary.” NMA had embarked on series of strike actions to protest nonpayment of salaries of medical and health workers in the hospital during the last administration but without success.
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has announced a 14-day extension for the student loan application process for state institutions, citing low data submissions.
The decision was made due to the failure of several state-owned institutions to upload required student data and fee information to the NELFUND Student Verification System.
According to a statement released in Abuja on Tuesday, only a limited number of state-owned institutions have successfully completed the data submission process.
Out of 48 state universities, only 20 have submitted data, while 12 out of 54 state colleges and 2 out of 49 state polytechnics have complied.
NELFUND said the application window, initially set to open on June 25, 2024, will now commence on July 10, 2024. The extension, the body says will provide additional time for state institutions to comply with the data submission requirements.
NELFUND also stressed the importance of complete and accurate information, including JAMB numbers, matriculation numbers, admission numbers, full names, level, faculties, departments, duration of program, fees, and gender of all eligible students.
The presidency has again appealled to Nigerian workers to exercise more patience with the Bola Tinubu administration over the new minimum wage.
Special adviser to the president on information and strategy, Bayo Onanuga, made the plea in a chat with journalists on Monday, June 24.
He urged Nigerians not to pile unnecessary pressure on President Tinubu.
Onanuga assured that Tinubu would transmit the proposed bill on the new minimum wage to the National Assembly in the coming days.
The assurance comes barely 24 hours after labour leaders urged President Tinubu to consider consulting and reaching an agreement with its leadership before transmitting the bill to the National Assembly.
The workers’ union admitted that their much anticipated meeting of the National Executive Committee, which will accommodate about 300 Labour leaders, is being stalled by Tinubu’s delay to transmit the wage bill.
The last time the NLC and the TUC held a joint extraordinary National Executive Council was on June 4. It was an emergency meeting to determine whether to continue its strike or shelve it following the agreement they reached with the government.
Reacting, Onanuga wondered what the rush for the transmission of the bill was all about. While admitting that he had no knowledge of the date for submission, the presidential aide pleaded for more time. “People should be patient,” Onanuga appealled.
Meanwhile, labour leaders have vowed to reject any offer below the N250,000 they are demanding.
Alcohol kills nearly three million people annually, the World Health Organization said on Tuesday, adding that while the death rate had dropped slightly in recent years it remained “unacceptably high”.
The United Nations health agency’s latest report on alcohol and health said alcohol causes nearly one in 20 deaths globally each year, through drunk driving, alcohol-induced violence and abuse, and a multitude of diseases and disorders.
The report said 2.6 million deaths were attributed to alcohol consumption in 2019 — the latest available statistics — accounting for 4.7 per cent of all deaths worldwide that year.
Nearly three-quarters of those deaths were in men, it said.
“Substance use severely harms individual health, increasing the risk of chronic diseases, mental health conditions, and tragically resulting in millions of preventable deaths every year,” WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said.
He pointed out that there had been “some reduction in alcohol consumption and related harm worldwide since 2010”.
“(But) the health and social burden due to alcohol use remains unacceptably high,” he continued, highlighting that younger people were disproportionately affected.
The highest proportion of alcohol-attributable deaths in 2019 — 13 per cent — were among people aged 20 to 39, the WHO said.
Drinking is linked to a slew of health conditions, including cirrhosis of the liver and some cancers. Of all the fatalities it caused in 2019, the report found that an estimated 1.6 million were from noncommunicable diseases.
Of these, 474,000 were from cardiovascular diseases, 401,000 from cancer and a huge 724,000 from injuries, including traffic accidents and self-harm.
Alcohol abuse also makes people more susceptible to infectious diseases such as tuberculosis, HIV and pneumonia, the report found.
An estimated 209 million people lived with alcohol dependence in 2019 — 3.7 per cent of the global population. Total per capita consumption worldwide decreased slightly to 5.5 litres of alcohol in 2019 from 5.7 litres nine years earlier, the report found.
However, alcohol consumption overall is unevenly distributed around the globe.
Well, over half of the world’s population over the age of 15 abstains completely.
Europe accounted by far for the highest levels of per capita drinking, at 9.2 litres, followed by the Americas at 7.5 litres. The lowest consumption was in predominantly Muslim countries in Northern Africa, the Middle East and Asia, the report said.
Among people who drank alcohol in 2019, the report determined they consumed 27 grammes of pure alcohol per day on average.
That is roughly equivalent to two glasses of wine, two small bottles of beer or two shots of spirits. “This level and frequency of drinking is associated with increased risks of numerous health conditions and associated mortality and disability,” the WHO warned.
In 2019, a full 38 per cent of current drinkers acknowledged having engaged in heavy episodic drinking, defined as consuming at least 60 grammes of pure alcohol on one or more occasions in the preceding month.
Globally, 23.5 per cent of 15- to 19-year-olds were considered current drinkers.
That jumped to more than 45 per cent for people in this age group living in Europe, and to nearly 44 per cent in the Americas.
The WHO said it was essential to improve access to quality treatment for substance use disorders.
In 2019, the proportion of people contacting such treatment services ranged from below one per cent to 35 per cent in countries providing this data.
“Stigma, discrimination and misconceptions about the efficacy of treatment contribute to these critical gaps in treatment provision,” Vladimir Poznyak, head of WHO’s unit for alcohol, drugs and addictive behaviours, told reporters.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday presided over the Federal Executive Council, FEC, meeting at the Aso Villa Council Chamber in Abuja.
The meeting follows last month’s extensive two-day session, which resulted in the development of approximately 20 policies and projects.
Present at the meeting were key figures including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, and the Head of Service, Dr Folashade Yemi Esan, with a significant presence of ministers in attendance.
It would be recalled that President Tinubu shifted the Federal Executive Council, FEC, meetings from Wednesdays to Mondays when he inaugurated the council on August 28, 2023.
The Information Minister, Mohammed Idris, clarified on October 16, 2023, that the council would convene only when there are matters to address.
He mentioned, “The President has approved that the Federal Executive Council meeting will now be happening on Mondays as against the traditional Wednesdays that we are used to.” Despite this adjustment, the ongoing FEC meeting being held on a Tuesday has not been explained.
A tragic incident unfolded at the National Assembly when a senior officer from the Nigeria Customs Service collapsed and died during a session with the Public Account Committee of the House of Representatives on Tuesday, June 25, 2024.
The distressing event occurred around 1:00 pm while the officer was actively engaging with the committee. He suddenly developed health complications that quickly escalated, leading to his collapse during the proceedings.
Immediate efforts to assist the officer were made by first responders present at the scene. He was quickly transferred to the National Assembly Clinic, where medical personnel undertook urgent intervention attempts.
Despite their diligent efforts, the officer was unfortunately declared deceased.
The House spokesperson, Akin Rotimi, addressing the incident, chose not to disclose the name of the deceased officer out of respect for his family’s privacy during this difficult time.
The spokesperson emphasized the sensitivity of the situation and the need to handle it with the utmost respect and care.
The statement read, “It is with deep sadness and regret that we confirm the passing of an esteemed official of the Nigeria Customs Service who was at the National Assembly for an engagement with a House Committee. “Out of respect for the family, the official’s name will not be disclosed at this time. “The House of Representatives extends its heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the deceased during this difficult time. We recognize the significant contributions he made to the Nigeria Customs Service and our nation. ‘The House of Representatives stands ready to support efforts to understand the circumstances surrounding the incident and is cooperating fully with all relevant authorities to ensure all necessary protocols are followed.
“The Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD., expressed his condolences, stating, “We are deeply saddened by the sudden loss of a dedicated public servant. Our hearts go out to his family during this difficult time.”
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu has warned individuals and groups against taking advantage of Nnamdi Kanu’s incarceration for selfish economic gain.
Kalu gave this warning while throwing his weight behind the recent call by a group of 50 members of the House of Representatives for a political solution to the continued detention of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB.
He emphasized that the IPOB leader should not be used as a political tool for any political capital.
The deputy speaker also applauded the spread of the lawmakers who wrote to the President appealing for the release of Kanu by invoking Section 174 of the 1999 Constitution (As Amended) and section 107(1) of the administration of the Criminal Justice Act, 2015.
A statement yesterday by his chief press secretary, Levinus Nwabughiogu, expressed the optimism that the South East caucus would also rise in unison soon to support the effort.
He recalled the impact of the Peace in South East Project (PISE-P), a social advocacy group he founded that promotes the idea of a non-kinetic approach to resolving the security challenges and other sociological issues in the southeast geopolitical zone of Nigeria, Kalu said that the release of the IPoB leader was very crucial to the restoration of peace in the zone.
Kalu said that a milestone has been recorded in his private engagements with the authorities on achieving a political solution in Kanu’s case.
The deputy speaker, however, stated that such high-profile security issues are not products of advertisement in the media hence the need to keep them confidential in order not to jeopardize the gains so far made.
He also revealed that he has personally met with Nnamdi Kanu a couple of times in the Department of State Service (DSS) detention facility and expressed the hope that the IPoB leader will soon regain his freedom.
He said that during his last visit before the court appearance, he discussed and obtained a firm assurance on the side of the IPoB leader on the need for sustainable peace in the region, adding that the agreement has since been communicated to the delight of the authorities and Kanu’s younger brother as his family representative.
While thanking the lawmakers for their support, Kalu appealed to Ndi Igbo to remain calm and hopeful and avoid provocative comments on this issue in the light of the truism that the government of the day cannot be compelled either covertly or overtly.
The deputy speaker re-emphasised that the present APC administration under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has prioritized the South East for a facelift, assuring the people that the South East Development Commission (SEDC) bill which has been transmitted to the president for his assent is one of the obvious ways of rebuilding the region severely ravaged by the civil war.
“I want to sincerely express my profound appreciation to my colleagues from all parts of the country and different political parties who made up the 50 lawmakers that recently lent their voices to the appeal for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.”
A Federal Capital Terrritory, FCT, High Court in Abuja yesterday adjourned until October 22, the trial of the suspended governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Godwin Emefiele over alleged procurement fraud.
Emefiele is charged with an alleged 20-count amended charge, preferred against him by the Economic and financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
He was alleged to have engaged in criminal breach of trust, forgery, conspiracy to obtain by false pretence and obtaining money by false pretence, when he served as the apex bank’s boss.
Specifically, the EFCC alleged that the former CBN boss forged a document titled: Re: Presidential Directive on Foreign Election Observer Missions dated January 26, 2023 with Ref No. SGF.43/L.01/201 and purportedly to have emanated from the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, AGF.
Besides he is also accused of using his office as CBN governor to confer unfair and corrupt advantage on two companies; April 1616 Nigeria Ltd and Architekon Nigeria Ltd.
Emefiele in the amended charge was alleged to have, on Feb. 8, 2023 knowingly obtained, by false pretence, 6.2 million dollars by falsely representing the Secretary to the Government of the Federation via a letter dated January 26, 2023 with Ref No. SGF 43/L.01/201 requested the CBN to provide a contingent logistic advance in the sum of $6,230,000 “in line with Presidential directive.”
Justice Hamza Muazu adjourned until October 21 after hearing from the testimony of the 9th prosecution witness (PW9).
He further adjourned until July 8 for hearing of Emefiele ‘s application seeking for the release of his passport to enable him to attend to medical appointments.
Earlier, the EFCC counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, brought two witnesses PW8 and PW9.
Umar Tilde the 8th prosecution witness (PW8) works with Zenith Bank as the Compliance Office.
He told the court that EFCC, requested for account opening documents, statement of account, and certificate of identification for the account of Emefiele.
On whether Emefiele had only one account with the bank, he said the letter from the EFCC had different account numbers.
The prosecution’s 9th witness is Mrs Abibia Ockiya-Ogeleye , a lawyer Principal Partner A & A Legal Consociate.
She handled the incorporation matters at the CAC for Architkun Nigeria Ltd.
According to the witness, prior to 2021, the company had two directors.
The witness added that all she did was given to her by Esther Oyeladun.
After her testimony, Matthew Burkaa, SAN, Emefiele’s counsel told the court that his client applied for the release of his passport to travel for a medical appointment.
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has stepped down the memo on the new minimum wage. Our correspondent learnt that the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, revealed the latest development while speaking to State House Correspondents on Tuesday. Idris said 39 items were on the agenda, and all were taken except the minimum wage.
According to the Minister, there was a report by the Tripartite committee, which comprises local government, States, NLC/ TUC and the federal government.
He said the Tripartite Committee submitted its report, and there was a memo to that effect. Idris noted that the Council could not decide on the minimum because it involves Local Government, states, FG, Organized Private Sector and Labour unions.
On why the memo on the new minimum wage was stepped down, Idris said the action was taken to enable President Bola Tinubu to consult widely before a final submission to the National Assembly. Meanwhile, Organised Labour, on Monday, charged President Bola Tinubu to prove his love for Nigerian workers and approve its demand of ₦250,000 minimum wage to reflect the present inflationary trend in the country.
A member of the organised labour negotiating team in the Tripartite Committee of the New National Minimum Wage and President-General of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), Adewale Adeyanju, in an interview withnewsmen, accused state governors of stalling efforts at achieving a reasonable wage for public workers.
He said, “If you are an employer of labour and you do not have the love of your workers in your heart, how do you call yourself an employer of labour? We have problems with OPS and the state governors that believe they cannot afford to pay ₦30, 000 talk less of the figure that labour is demanding.
“We started having that issue at the negotiating table where they were dragging from N30, 000 to ₦48, 000 and to ₦60, 000. They were pricing as if it were tomatoes and onions before they now finally came out and said ₦62,000.”
The Managing Director, ExxonMobil Nigeria, Shane Harris, has declared that the oil major is not leaving Nigeria as claimed in some quarters, particularly after the oil firm’s proposed divestment of a 100 per cent interest in Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited to Seplat Energy Offshore Limited.
Harris, who disclosed this at a meeting with the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, in Abuja, stated that ExxonMobil is currently carrying out new investments in the oil and gas sector in Nigeria.
The Special Assistant on Media and Communications to the petroleum minister, Nneamaka Okafor, disclosed this in a statement issued in Abuja on Monday.
“During the meeting, Mr Harris hinted at significant new investments that ExxonMobil is injecting into Nigeria’s energy sector.
“He expressed confidence in the renewed relationship between ExxonMobil and the Nigerian government, assuring the government that the oil giant is not planning to leave Nigeria,” the statement read.
It further quoted the ExxonMobil boss as saying, “We are excited about the prospects these new investments bring. Our partnership with the Nigerian government is crucial for sustainable growth, and we look forward to continuing our collaboration as we have no plan to leave.”
On his part, Lokpobiri reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to enhancing production and fostering a conducive environment for investors in the energy sector.
He highlighted the ministry’s focus on creating collaborations and sharing innovative ideas with international oil companies, stating that “we are dedicated to ramping up production and ensuring a supportive environment for all investors by doing everything possible to maintain investor confidence in our country.”
Lokpobiri commended the ExxonMobil team for their commitment in the Nigerian oil and gas sector, noting that it aligned perfectly with the nation’s objectives.
“ExxonMobil’s planned investments are commendable and greatly appreciated. This renewed relationship is a testament to the mutual goals we share for the future of our energy sector,” the minister stated.
The statement added that the discussions by both parties also touched on the ministry’s support for international and independent oil operators.
Lokpobiri assured Harris of the government’s support, emphasising the importance of creating a thriving environment for all stakeholders.
“We fully support ExxonMobil and other lOCs, just as we do with independent operators. Our collaborative efforts are key to the sustainable growth of our energy sector,” he stated.
On May 31, 2024, The PUNCH reported that Nigeria might add 480,000 barrels to its daily crude oil output as the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited and ExxonMobil took a step towards resolving the disagreement surrounding the sale of the latter’s asset to Seplat Energy.
The report stated that NNPC confirmed it had signed a settlement agreement with ExxonMobil companies in Nigeria over the proposed divestment of a 100 per cent interest in Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited to Seplat Energy Offshore Limited.
This was after President Bola Tinubu announced his intervention in the debacle between NNPC and ExxonMobil hindering the sale of the assets to Seplat.
Lokpobiri said recently that Nigeria had lost about $30bn in the past two and a half years as a result of the unsuccessful divestment.
The minister expressed concerns that Nigeria was losing about 480,000 barrels of crude oil per day due to the Seplat/ExxonMobil crisis.
He said the asset was producing about 600,000bpd until the crisis began in 2022, saying the nation was losing millions of dollars daily.
Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria has denied importing dirty fuel into Nigeria, saying the diesel from the Dangote refinery contains more sulphur than imported one.
The association is reacting to claims by the management of the Dangote oil refinery that the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority had been granting licenses indiscriminately to marketers to import what they described as dirty refined products into the country.
In a statement made available to our correspondent by the DAPPMAN Secretary, Olufemi Adewole, the management of the association stated “emphatically that no member of the association and indeed, no private fuels depot has imported into the country any fuel with specification that is outside of the regulation other than what is currently approved by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Regulatory Authority and would wish to state that the information from the Dangote Refinery Management is laced with Inaccuracies”.
DAPPMAN noted that the downstream regulatory authority has recently objected to offtakes by its daughter vessels from import mother vessels, via ship-to-ship operations which usually take place offshore Lome, a move it said was vehemently protested and resisted by downstream operators until it was rescinded.
“DAPPMAN recalls that between February and May 2024, the NMDPRA had allowed AGO imports with a maximum sulphur content of 200/ppm, however, this was followed by another move, by the regulator, to fast forward the country’s target date of the implementation of the 50/ppm sulphur limitation on PMS and AGO imports, from 31st December 2024 to 1st June 2024, thereby limiting all marketers and depots’ AGO source to Dangote Refinery even though the latter was yet to install its desulphurization equipment as the sulphur in its blends of AGO presently exceed 50/ppm.
“This again was resisted by DAPPMAN in its letter to the NMDPRA which was dated 10th June 2024 to warn and alert the regulator not to ‘inadvertently promote and introduce a monopoly into the sector,” the statement read partly.
The depot owners association said further that, “With stiff resistance at every attempt at introducing a Dangote Refinery monopoly into the downstream, and the fact that the latter, despite its most recent production of AGO with sulphur contents reported at 1200/ppm, it is baffling to us that the Management of Dangote Industries (including the Dangote Refinery), who are very much aware of these facts, could claim that the NMDPRA has been granting licenses indiscriminately to marketers to import dirty refined products into the country.
“Their current blend of AGO, with reported sulphur contents of 1200/ppm is technically classified as ‘dirty fuel’ and grossly above the 200/ppm imported by any marketer or depot owner,” DAPPMAN stated.
While acknowledging that the Dangote refinery is a business entity that is free to adopt any model that suits its management, DAPPMAN, however, stressed that “its current practice of cheaper bulk sales prices to international buyers at the detriment of Nigerian buyers calls to question their patriotism to the country”.
It added, “Several Nigerian marketers had in recent past been offered Dangote refinery cargoes by international trading firms at rates that are very much lower than what they were directly offered by Dangote Refinery, and this will not be in the interest of the Nigerian fuel end-user.”
The statement concluded, “There is no doubt that the success of the Dangote refinery will be a thing of pride to the nation, but all downstream operators and their activities must be in tandem with the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act 2021 which abhors ‘monopoly’ of any sort.
“DAPPMAN will continue to work with all stakeholders, including the Dangote refinery willingly to provide safe and healthy fuels to all Nigerians competitively giving them great and affordable fueling options for their daily activities.
The State Commissioner for Internal Security, Prince Etta Uka Ude has reiterated the commitment of the state government to partner with the Nigerian Army for effective Security Service delivery.
Ude stated this on Monday, during a courtesy visit to him by the newly posted Nigerian Army Commanding Officer (SWOB) of Nkwagu Cantonment in Abakaliki.
The commissioner appreciated him for the visit, saying that it was very necessary for the Ministry and the army to have synergy in line with other security agencies to ensure that security issues in the State are tackled.
He noted that Ebonyi State has very remarkable achievements in the area of Security as a result of the team spirit that exists between the Ministry and other security agencies in the State.
He appealed to the new Commanding Officer to give the Ministry the same hand of fellowship which his predecessor gave to the Ministry which made them work as a team for more effective and efficient delivery of security services in the State.
A judge of the Borno State High Court, Justice Haruna Mshelia, was, on Monday, abducted at Jiba town, along Biu-Maiduguri road in Borno State.
The judge, working at the Borno State High Court in Maiduguri, was abducted alongside his wife, driver and orderly.
They were together in the same vehicle when the incident reportedly occurred.
Reports confirmed that the vehicle was stopped by a team of insurgents on the road, which took them hostage and whisked them into the Sambisa Forest.
The state police command, speaking through its spokesman, Nahum Daso, confirmed the abduction to newsmen on Monday night.
“We received a report today from one Sani Audu, through the Divisional Officer of Biu that on 24th of June, 2024, at about 9 am, the Honourable Justice, his wife, orderly and driver were kidnapped along Biu-Maiduguri Road, specifically at Jiba town,” he said.
The police spokesman said the investigation had commenced to track the terrorists and ensure the safe release of the judge and other hostages.
“There has not been any contact with the terrorists, but the police have put all security measures to see that the victims are rescued.
“The police command, through the Borno State Police Commissioner, has delegated a special investigation team which comprises the State Intelligence Department and other tactical squads, in collaboration with other security forces and the DSS to see how they can get forensic evidence to enable them to track and retrieve the victims,” Daso said.
The Nigerian Army has raided illegal refineries and arrested thirteen suspects in Obuaku Community, Ukwa West Local Government Area of Abia State.
This comes barely four days after six suspected oil bunkerers were arrested and 14 boats, some laden with crude oil, were recovered when the Army also raided the neighbouring Isimini Waterside.
Leading both operations, the General Officer Commanding, GOC, 82 Division Enugu, Major Gen. Hassan Dada, vowed never to allow oil bunkerers and economic saboteurs any breeding ground in any state within the Division.
Speaking to newsmen right inside the creek recently, the GOC said about 1.5 million barrels of crude oil had been siphoned by oil bunkerers, stressing that additional two boats were recovered from them during the latest raid.
The GOC who lamented both the economic and environmental impacts of the activities of oil bunkerers said the Army under Operation UDOKA, would not rest on its oars until all bunkerers and other economic saboteurs were flushed out of the area.
“Illegal refineries cannot be allowed so that our economy will improve”, he said.
According to him, the suspects would be handed over to the appropriate agencies for prosecution, adding that those found culpable would be made to bear the consequences of their actions.
Meanwhile, one of the female suspects, told newsmen during an interview, that she was selling polythene to people at the camp, and came to recover her debt when she was arrested.
Meanwhile, the suspect who was sobbing profusely, denied any involvement in the illegality.
Women from the Ipo community in Rivers State yesterday, blocked the entrance of the Port Harcourt International Airport, in Omagwa, leaving several passengers stranded.
The women, who stormed the airport as early as 7.30 in the morning, blocked the gate at the airport roundabout, waving placards, singing, wailing, and even cooking at the gate.
Some of the inscriptions seen on the placards and banners with them include ‘We Demand Our Citizens Rights’, ‘Ipo Women Peaceful Protest’, among others.
It was gathered that the women are protesting lack of electricity in their community.
The action of the protesters has also resulted in traffic build-up on the roads close to the airport. The report had it that Tuesday’s protest is the second of such happening within a space of 6 months.
It took the intervention of the former Chairman of the Rivers Traditional Rulers Council, Sergeant Awuse, to pacify the women during the previous protest, which occurred on the 27th of March this year
The newly deployed Commissioner for Transport, Mr. Chika Abazu has assumed office, welcomed by the permanent secretary, management and staff of the Ministry, while he commended the Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma for finding him worthy to serve in his Administration.
Addressing the Joyful workers, Mr. Abazu eulogized the Governor’s 3 R Mantra of Recovery, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction, and emphasized that he would transform the State Ministry of Transport within the shortest possible time in office.
He reiterated that his administration has zero tolerance on absenteeism, nonchalant attitude, loitering, truancy, and urged the staff to redouble their efforts in the discharge of their duties.
Mr. Abazu who was the former Commissioner for Trade, Commerce and Investment, assured the Staff of super working relationship, team work, all inclusive leadership, and harped on synergy to move the Ministry forward.
Meanwhile, earlier in his speech, the permanent secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Bimbola Ogunsonya assured the Commissioner of the staff total loyalty at all times, commitment to duty, pointing out that he has the confidence that the Staff will not disappoint him and assured him of their maximum support to enable him achieve his set goals.
The highlight of the occasion was singing of praises, choruses, overwhelming joy and happiness by the Staff who said they were given brand new Commissioner.
They prayed to God to enable him succeed in his assignment.
By Ezinne Ude…
The Imo State government is seeking the support of the Federal Government in the fight against human trafficking, availing that the issue is a national problem that is affecting the entire strata of the society.
Speaking at the High- level Advocacy and Sensitization visit to the State on the best interest procedures (BIP) Guidelines and Standard Operation Procedures (SOP) on family tracing, organized by the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs in partnership with International Organization for Migration,(IOM), held at the conference hall Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Imo State.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Godson Okeoma, who represented the Commissioner, hinted that the State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma is desirous in the fight against human trafficking, stating that recently the State government applied all methods in rescuing Imolites (girls) who were trafficked to Ghana.
“Human trafficking is destroying our society, all hands must be on deck in ensuring that we end this ugly menace and restore the future of our children”. He stated
While thanking the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs for the prompt response in organizing the event which will see to the end of child trafficking, which involves ways of rescuing victims, Mr. Okeoma solicited for FG’s support towards the fight.
Earlier in her address the Minister of Women Affairs, Hon. Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, explained that IOM and partners which includes state and non-state actors have been encountering situations where decisions involving individual children and adults (unaccompanied and separated children and adults who as a consequence resulting from their mental or physical or physiological health condition are not able to make decisions for themselves, were not guided by the Best Interest Determination (BID) and harmonized principle as provided for in various human rights Conventions which Nigeria and other States of the Federation, including Benue and Imo, have ratified.
The Honourable Minister who was represented by her aide Engr. Adaji Usman, stated, “in line with meeting the obligations of various human rights Conventions and Treaties signed and ratified by the Nigerian Government, the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs (FMWA) signed an MOU with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to institute sustainable measures that would effectively protect the rights of the vulnerable and returning migrants, especially women and children in Nigeria”.
She added that the collaboration is aimed at strengthening protection systems through the development and implementation of needs based policies and guidelines, that a major outcome of the collaboration between the two organizations is the development and validation of two National Policy documents on Best Interest Procedure (BIP) Guidelines and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) on Family Tracing and Reunification (FTR) for Vulnerable Migrants.
Sarah Shimsou, IOM National Project Officer Protection, stressed that the meeting with State actors is to ensure collaboration and partnership at the State level to the implementation of the two policy documents.
By Ezinne Ude
In an effort to cut down the prices of gas and petroleum products, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas Development say it will soon engage with NNPC and Depots to ensure that the state is not shortchanged but that Dealers in the State get more gas and petroleum products from the Depots and sell to the public at very reasonable prices to assuage the suffering of the people of the state.
The Commissioner for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Development, Barr. Emeka Mgbudem who disclosed this while addressing members of the association of Petroleum Marketers and dealers Imo State Chapter, during their General Meeting in Owerri, warned against diverting the products to other states, adding that the state government will aggregate its resources to ensure that the interest of the state is protected.
He assured them that the Ministry will not close their businesses or create an environment that will make it difficult for them to operate, pointing out that if they succeed they will pay their taxes to boost the state economy, which will in turn enable government to provide more infrastructure as government is an instrument for common good and any responsible government takes actions for the greater good of its people.
Barr. Mgbudem requested that 60% of their fees should be paid to TSA under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas Development revenue sub-head, pointing out that they cannot pay signage, sanitation, OCDA and other fees, leaving the Ministry which supervises them behind even as he assured them that he had started responding to their demands.
He thanked them for their understanding and demonstration of commitment to the good of the people of the state, while promising that outstanding issues will be attended to.
Earlier, the Chairman of the association, Sir. Chidiebere Okoroafor highlighted some of their challenges and areas they want government to assist them, which include; getting more diesel, kerosene, LPFO and NAPHTA from Walter Smith, LPG from ANOH Gas Plant, as well as to lift PMS at good prices.
He pleaded that government should fix bad portions of the Port Harcourt road which had caused some accidents that resulted in their tankers falling, adding that they are ready to partner with the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas Development, adding that their association does not encourage members to sell adulterated products.
In an effort to boost Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and combat illegal financial activities, the Imo state government has initiated a crackdown on motor park touts and unauthorized revenue collectors.
The operation, led by Hon. Pastor Frank Onwumere, Special Adviser to Governor Hope Uzodimma on Motor Parks Supervision and Illegal Parks, led to the arrest of the notorious tout, Mr. Tapey and his associates.
He said: “We are executing all actions as directed by His Excellency, Governor Hope Uzodimma. Imo people should, henceforth, begin to pay their levies into the Imo Government’s approved Treasury Single Account (TSA). No one should be providing personal account details for revenue collection.”
He said the crackdown was to shut down illegal motor parks operating in the state and ensure that all revenue collections are channeled into the government’s approved TSA.
“The IGR of the government should be allowed to grow,” Hon. Onwumere emphasized.
“The administration of Governor Hope Uzodimma is dedicated to making Imo better. Those parading their personal accounts for revenue collection will be arrested and face the law.”
He also confirmed the arrest of a notorious gangster and his associates.
“We have arrested Mr. Tapey and his associates, and they will face the full wrath of the law,”
According to Onwumere, the arrest was executed through the diligent efforts of his team, supported by the police and the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID), and the Anti-Kidnapping unit, known as Tiger Base.
A Tinubu support group, the Disciples of Jagaban, DOJ, has said that the recent visit of former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar to former presidents, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida and Muhammadu Buhari, which was speculated to be part of his 2027 moves, is an exercise in futility.
The group described Atikus latest romance with the former presidents as a vain pursuit of the surreal, an unrealistic endeavour, and another fruitless journey that would certainly end in disappointment.
This is contained in a statement by its national coordinator, Abdulhakeem Adegoke Alawuje, adding that Atiku needs to be told that all other major opposition politicians are fully aware that the return of Tinubu in 2027 is not negotiable.
Obviously, Atiku and his handlers have forgotten that power comes only from God and not through the manipulative tendencies of individuals even as they try to mislead the citizens.
Though the details of his meetings with former Presidents remain sketchy, feelers are that the visit may not be unconnected with the 2027 presidential election. If this is indeed true, then Atiku Abubakar must be told in clear terms that 2027 is not negotiable as far as President Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu is concerned.
Tinubu is a staunch democratic who intentionally refused to disclose all the accumulated crisis of over three decades, he met in the office, but he said, I am fully aware of what I am coming to clear, before I ask Nigerian to vote for me, being a straight forward leader, made some Nigerian sifting all the blame of the present situation on him.
It is in this regard that, Disciples of Jagaban is calling on Nigerians to start sympathizing with the former Vice President as Nigerians collectively send him on a political hiatus. His latest moves only show the level of desperation in him.
Nigerians need not to waste their time and resources in listening to the former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar because he has nothing more to offer. Being a former vice president, he deserves some respect and regard from us. So, the best we can offer him at the moment is to banish him permanently from the political scene.
His latest permutations to unseat Tinubu in 2027: and the list of the ex-presidents he had visited within a week is getting seriously alarming. Even if he decides to visit either Satan or Pharaoh, nothing can change Almighty Gods decision on Tinubu.
We will always remind the former Vice President on his debate at Arewa House before the 2023 general election, where he publicly said the Northerners dont need either Yoruba or Ibos to produce a president.
This was not the vice president we used to know. His behaviour of late has shown that he is ready to set the country on the part of anarchy to achieve his ambition, Alawuje stated.
Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, has accused former President Muhammadu Buharis administration of lavishing the initial $100 million of a $500 milion World Bank loan for women empowerment.
Ohanenye said Buharis government lavished the $100 million on meetings, advocacy and consultancy.
The minister made this known in an interview with Arise News on Monday.
DAILY POST recalls that the World Bank on June 27, 2023 approved a fresh $500 million loan for Nigeria to help improve the livelihood of women in Nigeria.
Ohanenye commended President Bola Tinubu for his proactive involvement in the project, particularly his scrutiny of the initial $100 million expenditure.
She clarified that the funds were a loan, not a grant, and stressed the importance of proper management to ensure repayment.
About the Nigeria for Women Project, let me first tell Nigerian women to clap for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who came in after the first $100 million had been expended. That was when he came in and when he came in, he looked at it with me and we were not satisfied with how the $100 million was used.
Let me make it clear. This is not a grant, it is a loan and when some monies are loans, they must have to be managed well so that the loans can be paid back. If you dont manage it well, how do we pay back the loan?
And when money is a loan, we expect whoever you are giving loan to be allowed to utilise that loan properly in a way that it can yield back the money to be paid, so that Nigeria will not continue owing.
The first 100 million, when I came in,
I was not satisfied. It didnt augur well with the vision of the new Presidents Renewed Hope Agenda.
It was mainly used for advocacy, meetings, consultancies and that was it. They shared it among the states.
President Bola Tinubu has said that the nations security forces are winning the war against insecurity in the Northwest.
The President made this statement at the Northwest Peace and Security Summit organized by the North-West Governors Forum in Katsina, the capital of Katsina State on Monday.
Tinubu, who was represented by his vice, Kashim Shettima, assured Nigerians that the progress made so far is just the beginning as the government is making more effort to provide a better secure environment for all citizens.
Our military forces, through various operations such as Operation Hadin Kai and Operation Safe Haven, have made true their promise to the nation by targeting like Boko Haram and bandits who have held for too long.
Through enhanced border security and intelligence capabilities, we have disrupted and dismantled criminal networks. Each of you here is aware of the high-profile figureheads of these groups neutralized by our forces, and I am here to share with you that this is just the beginning, he said.
The President, who dismissed insinuations that insecurity in the Northwest is a sectional agenda, argued that whatever affects any part of the nation destabilizes the other, stressing that the administrations promise of securing Nigeria remains its priority since assuming office over a year ago.
According to him, the strategies employed by the government in fighting insecurity in the region have begun to provide redemption, adding that there will be no slowdown until the aim of totally dismantling insurgents is achieved.
Tinubu disclosed that the government is making huge efforts to strengthen collaboration among security agencies to ensure a unified approach in the fight against insurgency.
He also said that guidelines, such as standard operating procedures and rules of engagement, are being adhered to in all the approaches in the battle against insurgents.
The President added that the government is coordinating joint training exercises, inter-agency cooperation, communication, and information sharing among security agencies.
The FCT Police Command has arrested four suspects over the killing of Army Brigadier General Uwem Udukwere in Abuja Sunshine Estate.
The FCT Commissioner of Police, Benneth Igweh, said two of the robbers, now at large, went away with the pistol of the retired general
He declared the robbers wanted and vowed to get them.
According to the Police, At Kabusa and Pigbakasa Apo in FCT, Abuja Utako Division operatives led by CCP Victor Godfrey arrested four suspects who robbed and murdered a retired Brigadier General, Gen. Uwen Harold (Retd) N/5575 15th Regular course at house, No. 9 Sanga Street, Sunshine Homes, by Kabusa Junction Lokogoma, FCT, Abuja.
One of the suspects, the Police added, is Ibrahim Rabiu, aged 33, from Dala Local Government Area of Kano state. But he was a resident of Rasha Apo Roundabout.
Another, Nafiu Jamil, 33, from Tofa council in Kano, resided at Apo Pantekar.
The third and fourth are Aliyu Abdullahi, 47, from Shinkafi Local Government of Zamfara state, but resident at Apo Roundabout Abuja, and Mohammed Nuhu, 28, from Kumbotso, Kano, but resident at Apo primary school.
The Local Government Area Chairmen in Rivers State who are contesting tenure elongation and their loyalists have stormed their various council secretariats in protest to back the police occupation of the 23 local government council secretariats in the state.
The peaceful protest largely was to support the police and urging them to sustain the ongoing barricade of the secretariats pending the decision of the Court of Appeal on Speaker Martins Amaewhule-led House of Assembly, to avoid breakdown of law and order in the state.
The protest held across the 21 local government areas of the state in spite of earlier police order stopping all forms of protests in the state.
In Ikwerre LGA, Dr. Samuel Nwanosike, who led the protestes to the police barricade in front of the council at Isiokpo said he is the duly elected chairman of the council, telling the Police Area Commander of Ikwerre LGA, who is leading the police occupation that the supports would not disobey the police.
Nwanosike said they decided to embark on the peaceful demonstration following information that some labour leaders had mobilised to harass the police out of the council.
He claimed that the failure of the governor of the state to conduct LGA elections prompted the Martins Amaewhule-led House of Assembly to amend the law granting six-month tenure elongation to the elected chairmen.
He said: I am still serving this council. Today I have five months and 25 days remaining in office by the laws made by Martins Amaewhule-led House of Assembly.
We got credible information that those, who are members of the caretaker committees in the name of civil servants and who want to be judges in their own matters, had gone to connive with hoodlums to come and intimidate and harass the police to leave the council.
Nothing on earth will make us break the laws of Nigeria and nothing on earth will make us disobey your orders. We have been patient with the Nigerian police even when it hurts us we still understand that the Constitution is the grund norm and the judiciary is the last hope of the common man.
If the judiciary had said all parties should maintain the status quo, we dont think it will be reasonable for NULGE to come and disobey the order of the Inspector-General of Police and the state Commissioner of Police.
We are not here to forment trouble, but if they want to take their luck too far, we are here to state that we own this council. Our Governor refused to conduct elections as provided by law and you know in governance there is no vacuum. We are here to state that as long as those miscreants dont come here we will continue to stand by the side eat and drink.
In Obio-Akpor, Barr. George Ariolu, who also insisted that he remained the authentic chairman of the LGA, pending the judgement of court on tenure elongation, led residents of the council to the police barricades.
Ariolus said: We are democrats and we must defend this democracy. The beauty of democracy is the rule of law. That is what we stand to defend. We are not going to relent from doing this.
The police are here to maintain law and order. Their constitutional duty is to protect lives and properties, so when we heard that some people wanted to come and cause mayhem, we decided to say we wont stand, fold our arms and see it happen.
The matters are already in court. Why the desperation? Why not wait until the court of competent jurisdiction takes its position? Why are you taking actions that will likely destroy lives and properties?
We are saying no to that. We are in support of the police. This is why we are patiently waiting for the outcome of the decision of the appeal court. If we had not raised the alarm, the labour leaders would have carried out their planned actions today.
In Asari-Toru LGA, Onengiyeofori George, who continued to lay claims to tenure elongation, alongside his supporters marched through the streets Buguma Town singing songs of solidarity with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike.
At Port Harcourt City LGA secretariat, the hundreds of protesters, men and women commended the police for remaining neutral in discharging their duties.
Speaking, Kingsley Owhondah one of the coordinators said: We are Rivers people and as you can see this is a harmless and an armless protest. The police have asked everybody to steer clear of the council premises. We got information that there are people who are trying to protest and ask the police to leave the gate, but we are saying no.
The matter before the court is going to be decided soon. When that matter is decided, whoever is supposed to be in the council, should go to the council. So what we are saying is that the police should remain and maintain peace and order. As you can see, we are peaceful and law abiding. What we are doing is to ensure that democracy survives in Rivers.
Owhondah, however, enjoined the police to keep to their words and ensure no one gained access to the council premises pending the decision of the court.
Mrs Rose Wori said: We are here to make peace and order, we want peace in our state, we want peace in our LGAs. We the women of Rivers State have come to tell the police to stay until court decides what happens next.
Businessman and socialite, Pascal Okechukwu, popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest, has appreciated afrobeats star, Davido, for not “discarding” his soon-to-be wife, Chioma Rowland.
The Imo-born businessman said Davido has made the state proud by choosing to marry from there.
Chief Priest stated this in a clip from Davido’s recent visit to his house.
In the video, he could be heard saying: “Thank you for not discarding my sister [Chioma]. You are a good man. God will not stop blessing you.”
In the Instagram caption, the socialite wrote, “My inlaw Davido oga adiri gi na mma. You have made my Imo proud by not letting our daughter down.
“Imo and Osun have become one. Maka ogo mmadu bukwa nwanne ya. Ogechi kacha ma. The richest, thanks for stopping by. [Hash tag] Chivido2024.”
the reports had it that Davido confirmed a few days ago that he and Chioma would have their wedding on June 25 in Lagos.
On Sunday evening, the afrobeats star threw social media into a frenzy with the release of his pre-wedding photos with Chioma.
The Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun on Monday received twelve Southern governors at the state’s presidential lodge in Abeokuta.
The governors are Godwin Obaseki of Edo State, Seyi Makinde, Oyo, Alex Otii of Abia State, Babajide Sanw-Olu of Lagos State, Ademola Adeleke of Osun and Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State.
Others include Ekiti State’s Biodun Oyebanji, Cross River’s Bassey Otu, Imo State Deputy Governor, Chinyere Ekomaru, Delta State Deputy Governor, Monday Onyeme, and Ondo State Deputy Governor, Olayide Adelami,
The governors at about 1:18 pm entered the Marque hall to have a closed meeting.
According to a banner announcing the visit, the 17 governors were supposed to be in attendance.
The Kano State Police Command has deployed heavily armed operatives to guard and protect the reinstated Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II.
This was made known on Monday by the outgoing Commissioner of Police, AIG Usaini Gumel, in a chat with newsmen in the state.
According to Gumel, additional security has also been provided to the Nasarawa Palace, where the 15th Emir, Aminu Ado Bayero, is currently occupying.
The commissioner noted that the command has reinforced its personnel deployment plans to ensure adequate security and peaceful coexistence of the people, following a recent upsurge in thug infighting that threatened the peace of the state.
“Armed personnel have been deployed to provide security at the Kofar Kudu Palace, the residence of Emir Malam Muhammadu Sanusi, and the Nasarawa Mimi Palace, the residence of Emir Aminu Bayero,” he added.
Gumel appealed to the general public to support the police in the discharge of their duties, urging residents to provide information that could aid in maintaining peace, progress, and political stability of the ancient city.
Meanwhile, a former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme, Usman Yusuf, has warned the Federal Government and security agencies against meddling in the Kano State emirate tussle.
Naija News reports that Yusuf, in an interview with ARISE TV, said the ongoing crisis is between ‘blood brothers’, and anyone who gets involved will be hurt.
Yusuf noted that the timing of the scuttle is suspect as it is a huge distraction from the real issues occurring around Nigeria, adding that many citizens of Kano are unconcerned about the issue and are not getting involved in violence.
A Shoprite Mall located in the Wuse area of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja has announced its decision to close operations beginning from June 30, 2024.
This was contained in a circular issued by the Chief Executive Officer, Dr Folakemi Fadahunsi, on behalf of the retail supermarket.
The organization said that the decision was made after a thorough evaluation of the “store’s financial situation and the business climate”, birthed by the current economic situation of the country.
The popular mall notified vendors that their services would no longer be needed at the store as from June 30, 2024.
The circular reads in part, “We regret to inform you that as of June 30, 2024, Retail Supermarkets Nigeria Limited will be closing its Wuse Store located in Novare Wuse Central Mall, Abuja.
“This decision has been made after a thorough evaluation of the store’s financial situation and the current business climate. We believe this is the best course of action for our organization’s long-term growth.
“Effective June 30, 2024, our company will no longer operate in Wuse, Abuja, and we will no longer require your services for the Novare Wuse Central Mall Store. Please note that all existing service contracts will also terminate for the store.”
A Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has discountenanced a petitioned filed against the court by Martins Amaewhule to the Chief Judge of the High Court, seeking to stall the hearing of a case seeking to declare his seat and those of 24 others vacant at the high in Port Harcourt.
BOOT Party and others as plaintiffs in suit number FHC/PHC/269/2024 are praying the Federal High Court holden in Port Harcourt to declare the seats of Amaechwule and 24 others vacant for decamping from the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, to the All Progressives Congress, APC.
The suit which was instituted sometime in December has continued with lots of legal firepower with the PDP and the APC seeking to be joined as parties in the suit.
When the court resumed yesterday for hearing, the court was confronted with a petition signed by Martin Amaewhule addressed to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Hon. Justice John Tsoho, seeking the case to be reassigned to another court.
The Presiding Judge, Justice Steven Dalyop Pam, who read the petition in the open court, noted that the petitioner, Amaewhule, was praying the CJ of the High Court, to stop the hearing process and reassign same matter to another court.
Pam noted that the petitioner claimed in the petition that the court has refused to allow other interested parties to the suit to join.
When the petition was read, Counsel for the plaintiff, BOOT Party, Mr. Reuben Wanogho,
told the court that the petition was aimed at arresting the ongoing case and urged the court to discountenance it.
Wanogho argued that the petition that was not served on the parties was an impudence saying: “I urge your Lordship to totally discountenance the petition as it is targeted to arrest the proceeding.
“If your Lordship bows to this letter, then you have allowed the litigants to determine pending applications before the court even before they are heard.
“It is not part of our jurisprudence that the determination of motions for joinder will form the bases for the transfer of cases. The application is a slap to the temple of justice and all of us who are workers in that temple.”
Also, the National Legal Adviser of the PDP, Adeyemi Ajibade, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, had insisted that there was no intention by the court to shut out anyone from joining in the suit, adding that the petition is ill intended.
However, Counsel for the 1st to 25th Defendants in the suit, Ferdinand Orbi, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, denied knowledge of the petition by his client, but prayed the court to adhere to the petition and stop further proceeding if the letters was addressed to the CJ of the court.
Orbi said: “I know nothing about the petition, even though it was written by the 15th defendant. Be that as it may my lord, if the letter is addressed to your Lordship, then there may be grounds to consider the submissions.
“If it is not addressed to you, then you have no grounds to discountenance it. It will be wise to await the decision, of the Honourable Chief Judge, of the Federal High Court of whom the letter was addressed. We don’t know if the CJ will ask you to go on or stop the hearing.”
In response to the Judge’s, Pam’s stand that the defense has not filled counter affidavits to the originating summon Orbi, noted that he was yet to file affidavits on the suit, adding that none of the motions for joinder has been served on him.
Orbi said: “We haven’t filed our counter affidavit to the originating summons. However, there is a reason for that my Lord. Because at the point of filing the counter affidavit, the application for joinder came in. I am not within time to file the counter affidavit. We are not within time to file.”
However, the presiding judge, Pam, noted that in the first instance the petitioner (Amaewhule) has no motion, counter affidavit before him and that he is not yet known in the case.
Pam in his ruling noted that the petitioner has not copied his petition on the plaintiffs, noting the court would have no other option than discountenance the petition and move on with hearing of motions for joinder.
The Judge who discountenanced the petition on the said grounds, further adjourned till Friday, 28th June, for hearing of pending motions.
Seven passengers on Monday died in a fatal accident along Aba-Ikot Ekpene road in Abia State.
The accident involved a Toyota Sienna bus belonging to an Akwa Ibom-based transport company and a red coloured tipper conveying wet sand.
The accident which happened at Ukpakiri junction along the Federal road, saw the two vehicles colliding.
It was gathered that most of the victims were passengers traveling inside the Sienna Bus.
As at the time of this report, no official statement had been made about the cause of the accident or the actual number of victims.
But some residents and transporters along the road blamed over speeding on the part of the Toyota Sienna driver for the accident.
However, some residents claimed that a break failure suffered by the tipper led to the accident.
A former Military Administrator of Benue State and former Minister of Youth and Sports, Air Vice Marshal Bayo Lawal (rtd) is dead. AVM Lawal, NAF/156, died in his sleep in the early hours of Sunday, June 23, at his home.
Air Commodore Sani Zakari (rtd), the Sergeant At Arms at the National Assembly who confirmed the death to newsmen, stated that the daughter of the former minister, Mrs. Yinka Enahoro confirmed it, noting that his funeral will be on Monday, June 2024.
“AVM Frank Ajobena (rtd) further informed us that AVM Bayo Lawal passed on in his sleep in the early hours of Sunday, 23 Jun 24”.
AVM Adebayo Hamed Lawal was born on 14 September 1941, in Offa, Kwara State. He attended Government College, Ibadan (1955–1962).
He joined the NAF in 1963 among the pioneers. He was trained as a Military Pilot in West Germany, graduating in 1964.
His postings included Commander, NAF Port Harcourt (1969–1970), Commander, Enugu Air Force Base, 1970-72;
Commander NAF Kano twice; (1972–1973) and (1975–1977) and Air Officer Commanding HQ Tactical Air Command NAF Makurdi. (1977–1978). He was a very active and vibrant fighter pilot.
He was Commander, Nigerian Air Force Base, Makurdi, 1977-78, and later appointed Military Governor of Benue State in July 1978, holding the position until October 1979. At one time, he was Director of Air Faculty Command and Staff College Jaji. He was later appointed Federal Minister of Youth and Sports.
AVM Bayo Lawal was a devoted Muslim. After retirement, he went into business and faith-based philanthropy. He is survived by his wife, children and grandchildren.
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has implored President Bola Tinubu to, without further hesitation, tackle the lingering problems of the Nigerian workforce, particularly the new minimum wage.
The union also implored the President to deal with the unresolved matter concerning the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) before it escalates into a larger crisis.
In a 17-paragraph statement released at the conclusion of its quarterly gathering in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, the NUJ stressed the importance of the government considering the organized labour’s suggestion regarding the new minimum wage issue.
Chris Isiguzo, the President of NUJ, who spoke to journalists, mentioned that the Federal Government’s approval of a N62,000 minimum wage did not align with the current economic conditions in Nigeria.
The National Executive Committee (NEC), as per Isiguzo, is urging the Federal Government to promptly resolve the issues with ASUU.
The NUJ stressed that the country cannot afford for ASUU to go on another prolonged strike, considering its impact on students.
He cautioned security personnel and politicians against further aggression towards union members across the country.
Isiguzo declared that the union would no longer put up with the continuous harassment of its members, whether by security forces or politicians.
He highlighted the necessity for robust protection for journalists as the country prepares for the gubernatorial elections in Edo and Ondo States.
NUJ further expressed its concern over the spate of insecurity in the South East, North East and North Western regions of the country.
The communique reads: “NEC frowns at the lingering insecurity across the nation, especially kidnapping and violent crimes in the South East, Insurgency in the North East, Banditry in North West and rising militancy in the South-South as well kidnapping in the South West and cattle rustling and attack on farmlands in the North Central by herders.
“NEC calls on the heads of the nation’s security apparatus to rise to the occasion and address the situation.
“NEC expresses dismay at the increasing cost of living conditions, particularly the prices of essential commodities which are becoming unbearable to Nigerians, and called on the Federal Government to come up with immediate measures to ameliorate the sufferings being faced by Nigerians.
“On this, NEC expressed concerns at the delay in production at the Dangote Refinery, which would have eased the present economic hardship in the country
“NEC frowns at the incessant vandalization of power installations supplying electricity to some States of the North East and other parts of the country, and therefore calls on the Transmission Company of Nigeria and Ministry of Power to immediately restore electricity supply to the affected states.”
The Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party LP) in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, has raised alarm over the growing number of Multinationals exiting the country due to unfavourable business environment.
Obi explained that the reasons being adduced by these departing firms after many years of operations in Nigeria are similar and largely governance related problems that require urgent attention to stem the tide
The former Anambra State Governor, expressed these views in a series of tweets on his X handle on Monday.
He said, “I am compelled to address the alarming exodus of multinational companies from Nigeria, which has cost our nation a staggering N95 trillion in the past five years. According to The New Telegraph, in the last year alone, over ten multinational giants such as GlaxoSmithKline, Equinor, Sanofi-Aventis, Bolt Food, Procter & Gamble, Jumia Food, PZ Cussons, Kimberly-Clark, Diageo and others, have exited Nigeria, citing eerily consistent reasons.
“According to The Punch, “Multinational firms exit Nigeria over harsh business climate.” The Guardian reports, “Insecurity, high energy costs force companies to leave Nigeria.”
“The Nation states, “Poor business environment, inconsistent policies drive companies out of Nigeria.”
“These companies have highlighted the same problems across the board. These issues are not coincidental but symptomatic of a larger governance problem.
“Why are we not facing and solving these problems head-on? The responsibility lies with our leadership, those we put in charge to urgently address these challenges.
“Tackling these issues requires creating a business-friendly environment that fosters investment, innovation, and growth.
“This includes prioritizing security, stabilizing our policies, and reducing energy costs. We must also cultivate a culture of transparency, accountability, and good governance.
“We can build an economy that benefits all Nigerians, not just a privileged few. Let us unite to transform Nigeria into a nation conducive to business, attractive to investment, safe and prosperous for all citizens.
“ Together, we can make Nigeria a beacon of hope and progress in Africa and the world. A new Nigeria is possible.”
An FCT High Court sitting in Apo has discharged Senator Benson Friday Konbowei (PDP-Bayelsa Central) charged with certificate forgery.
Konbowei was arraigned before the court on March 26 on a three-count charge, in which he was among others, accused of forging an exemption certificate of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC.
Justice Christopher Oba on Monday discharged Konbowei and struck out the charge shortly after prosecuting lawyer Reuben Egwuaba applied to discontinue the prosecution.
Egwuaba told the court at the mention of the case on Monday that the Attorney General of the Federation, AGF, and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, who earlier issued him a fiat to prosecute the case, has withdrawn the fiat and directed him to withdraw the charge.
Egwuaba consequently applied to withdraw the charge.
Defence lawyer, Chris Uche, SAN, who led his junior brother, Gordy Uche, SAN, and others for the Senator, did not oppose the withdrawal.
Justice Oba, who elected to strike out the charge, however, rejected Uche’s application that the charge be dismissed.
The Director General of the World Trade Organization, WTO, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has alleged a plot to use her name to fight political battles.
Okonjo-Iweala cautioned those behind the act to desist from misusing her name for their political ends.
She was reacting to a remark that Nigeria’s debt profile hit N24 trillion in two months for the first time in the country’s history.
A Facebook post had quoted Okonjo-Iweala as saying: “Nigeria debt for the first time in history has risen to 24 trillion in just 2 months even after removing subsidy is something unbelievable.
“I call several time to help and advise but the current administration and cabals refuse to let me come in. How can you remove fuel subsidy with a debt of 24 trillion in 2 months.” [sic].
Reacting, the former Nigerian Minister of Finance described the remark as false.
Posting on X, she wrote: “THIS IS IMPORTANT- It appears that there are people in Nigeria trying to use my name and image on social media to fight battles on different sides of the political divide, putting words in my mouth that I never said.
“Therefore, I want to alert everyone that the message below is FAKE. This is a stern warning to all those trying to misuse my name for their political ends that I will continue to rebut any attempts to use my name and image falsely!”
The Lagos State Police Command has arrested one Collins Ikwebe, a 20-year-old man for purportedly faking his own kidnap and demanding ransom from his father.
Collins, alongside a male friend and four female collaborators, whose identities were not revealed, were taken into custody for allegedly planning the scheme.
The Police Public Relations Officer for Lagos State Police Command, Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the arrest of the suspects and refuted an allegation of unlawful detention made by one of them.
The reports said that the statement from Hundeyin followed a widely circulated post by an X.com user, @Flacko TG, who asserted that he was being held at the Ikeja Police Division without cause and sought to inform the public of his situation.
“Guys, I’m locked up in the Ikeja police station. I don’t have enough time, and I don’t know what to do. So, this is my only alternative, so, y’all know what happened to me.
“Someone faked his kidnapping and requested (a) ransom from his dad. His dad reported the case to SARS, and they tracked his phone.
“I genuinely knew nothing about it until I reached the station. His dad came to the station and requested his release, but they insisted on trying the case in court, which could take up to three years to resolve. Other people who were in the apartment with him were locked up as well,” the netizen noted.
In response to the assertion made by the X user in the comment section, the spokesperson for the command clarified that the detained suspects had, indeed, demanded a ransom from Collin’s father, after carrying out their plan.
Hundeyin disclosed that the 20-year-old had fabricated his own abduction, while residing with the other suspects in a temporary apartment in the Lekki region of Lagos, prior to their apprehension.
He stated, “Following a report from his family, our investigation established that 20-year-old Collins Oluchukwu Ikwebe faked his own kidnapping. His dad received several calls from Collins’ number but with different voices, giving instructions on what amount of money to be paid and methods of payment.
“At different times, spanning two weeks, different sums —$500,000, $200,000, N2,000,000, N50,000, and N30,000— were requested from Collins’ dad.
“On Thursday, June 20, 2024, detectives of the Lagos State Police Command eventually busted a short-let four-bedroom apartment in Lekki, where Collins and five of his schoolmates (one male, four females) had been staying for the past ten days.”
Hundeyin further noted that none of the suspects had been exonerated yet, noting that “investigation is being concluded to establish the extent of culpability of the other five occupants of the apartment.”
The Peter Obi Media Reach, POMR, has thanked President Bola Tinubu for, according to them, harkening to Peter Obis call on wealthy Nigerians to join him in ensuring the provision of boreholes for the downtrodden across the country.
It was reported that Obi had embarked on borehole projects, especially in some communities in northern part of the country which are experiencing acute water shortage.
At the special anniversary of the death of his mother, Alhaji Abibatu Mogaji, in Abuja at the weekend, the President announced a plan to construct 400 boreholes across the country, as part of a charity initiative.
The POMR, in a statement signed by Dr Yunusa Tanko, commended the President for this spirit of charity as its in line with our principals desire to attend to the poor in our midst.
The group further advised that this new line of thinking from the President should be reflected in the government projects which, according to it, are not addressing the yearnings of the poor.
“It remains shameful that in a nation where millions have no access to clean drinking water, millions of children are out of school and have no access to decent healthcare with millions of youths out of jobs, yet the government is placing priority on bogus projects like coastal highway, mansions, flyovers and buying of jets etc as a priority. The Presidents new spirit of charity if it continues will help in pulling many Nigerians out of poverty if its diversified”
