A former Governor of Rivers State and immediate-past Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, says he will not support either Governor Siminalaya Fubara or the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike amid the current political crisis in the State.
Amaechi had remained silent since the beginning of the political impasse between Fubara and the FCT Minister.
But speaking on Friday, during his visit to a leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Okorinama West, at his private residence in Port Harcourt, he said the popularity Governor Fubara appears to enjoy in Rivers State is the result of his public backlash against Wike.
“I can’t stand and join either Sim or Wike. I will not join Sim; I will not join Wike. But don’t forget that the two are not big without you people, I hope you know that.
“What Sim thinks is popular today, is because he is anti-Wike. That’s his popularity, not that Sim is the best man on earth. It’s because he is anti-Wike and because the state is tired of Wike”, he said.
Amaechi, who encouraged young supporters to take an active role in shaping the leadership of the State, lamented that some politicians, who were his supporters, had switched allegiance due to personal interests.
About ten Nigerian teenage girls, between the ages of 15 and 16, have been rescued by the Nigerian authorities from human trafficking and prostitution.
The girls were forced into prostitution after being reportedly lured to Ghana with promises of a better life.
Three of the victims are from the same parents, while the suspect, a Nigerian man, has been arrested and is currently in police custody.
Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Chairman of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, explained that the girls were rescued after a tip-off by NIDO, the umbrella body of Nigerians living in Ghana.
According to him, the victims were said to have revealed that they were beaten, molested, and forced into prostitution without pay, saying that their phones were reportedly seized, and they were unable to contact their parents.
According to one of the girls, “They give us out to men, and they don’t give us money; they collect everything.”
Chief Callistus Elozieuwa, the Chairman of NIDO, appealed for support to ensure the girls’ safe return to Nigeria.
Dabiri-Erewa called on the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons to take decisive action, describing the situation as “very, very heartbreaking.”
Members of the House of Representatives on Wednesday tasked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and all employers of labour on the need to accelerate the ongoing process for the payment of ‘living wage’ for Nigerian Workers across the country.
The lawmakers also urged the Federal Government to further consider the downward review of electricity tariffs, with a view to reducing the suffering of Nigerians.
The resolutions were passed sequel to the adoption of a motion on urgent public importance sponsored by Hon. Isa Ali Jesse, titled: ‘Urgent need to consider the imperativeness of fixing a living wage for Nigerian Workers in order to ameliorate current economic hardship’.
In his lead debate, Hon. Isa affirmed that the global economic outlook as well as the recent socio-economic policies of government have resulted in inflation, increase in electricity tariff, currency devaluation and other diverse economic consequences, especially for Nigerian workers.
“The House equally cognizant that government has been locked in negotiations with labour unions towards the upward review of the Minimum Wage for some time, without any agreement, leading to a recent interruption in the negotiations,” he noted.
He disclosed that the National Assembly has in 2019 repealed and enacted N30,000 as the National Minimum Wage Act 2019 even when the Executive arm had suggested N27,000 at the time and also wage award by the former President.
“The House is also aware that in line with Section 3(4) of the Act, the extant minimum wage which commenced on April 18, 2019, has expired after five years on April 18, 2024, thereby calling for a further review of the existing Act.
“The House notes that the implication of payment of N35,000 wage award by the Federal Government to public servants as one of the ways of cushioning the effects of current economic hardship, including the May 1st pronouncement of percentage increases in salaries of civil servants has or the time being, increased the total amount received by civil servants to 77,000 monthly.
“The House also notes that the Labour, Employment and Productivity unions have since demanded a living wage as against the minimum wage to meet today’s economic realities.”
The American Military Veterans of Igbo extraction have demanded the immediate release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, (IPOB).
The group expressed dismay over the continuous incarceration of Kanu, despite being freed by a court of competent jurisdiction.
This comes after a delegation from American Military Veterans of Igbo Descent visited the U.S. State Department on Friday, stating that the Nigerian judiciary has ignored rulings from competent courts, international courts, and United Nations opinions supporting Kanu’s release.
Aloy Ejimakor, the legal adviser to Kanu, said the visit has shown solidarity with the Igbo community and a call to action for the State Department to intervene in Kanu’s case.
The veterans’ advocacy efforts aim to raise awareness about Kanu’s plight and push for his freedom, citing human rights concerns and the need for justice.
The Naira on Friday recorded loss at the official market, trading at N1,483.99 to the dollar.
Data from the official trading platform of the FMDQ Exchange, a platform that oversees the Nigerian Autonomous Foreign Exchange Market (NAFEM), revealed that the Naira lost N2.50.
This represents a 0.16 per cent loss when compared to the previous trading date on Thursday, trading at N1,481.49 to the dollar.
However, the volume of currency traded increased to $269.27 million on Friday up from $213.31 million recorded on Thursday.
Meanwhile, at the Investor’s and Exporter’s (I&E) window, the Naira traded between N1,507.00 and N1,399.00 against the dollar.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention says the number of confirmed Lassa Fever cases have increased significantly resulting in a cumulative 162 deaths in 2024.
The agency also urged the public to adhere to recommended safety protocols and to report any symptoms to local health authorities promptly.
The NCDC said on Saturday via its official website that the country registered 10 cases of Lassa fever cases across four states in one week, spanning 20 to 26 May.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Lassa Fever is an acute viral hemorrhagic (excessive bleeding) illness.
It is transmitted to humans through contact with food or household items contaminated by infected rodents or contaminated persons.
Its symptoms include fever, headache, sore throat, general body weakness, cough, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, muscle pains, and chest pain.
In severe cases, it manifests in unexplainable bleeding from ears, eyes, nose, mouth, and other body openings.
The Centre said the number of confirmed Lassa Fever cases rose from four in week 20 to ten in the current reporting week 21.
It said that in addition to the rise in confirmed cases, there was an increase in the number of suspected cases compared to the same period in 2023.
Cumulatively, it said that the country has recorded 897 confirmed cases and 162 deaths in 2024 with a case fatality rate of 18.1 per cent, which is higher than the CFR for the same period in 2023 (17.1 per cent).
According to it, 28 states have confirmed, at least, one case across 125 local government areas in 2024.
It noted that 65 per cent of the confirmed cases were recorded from four states: Ondo, Bauchi, Edo and Plateau, while 35 per cent were reported from 25 states.
Of the 65 per cent, it said that Ondo State accounted for 25 per cent, Edo, 22 per cent, and Bauchi, 18 per cent.
The NCDC said that people between the ages of 31 and 40 were predominantly affected by the disease, stressing that no health worker was infected in the reporting week.
It said that the surge highlighted the growing concern and the need for heightened surveillance and preventive measures across the country.
The NCDC said it was also intensifying its efforts to trace contacts and implement control measures to curb the spread of the disease.
The agency said it would continue to monitor the situation closely and was working with state health authorities to ensure a coordinated response.
“The National Lassa Fever Multi-partner, Multi-sectoral Technical Working Group continues coordinating the response at all levels”, it said.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, said on Saturday that President Bola Tinubu has never interfered with his work since he assumed office.
The former Governor of Rivers State stated this during the commissioning of the Guzape Lot II Infrastructure Project in Abuja, the nation’s capital.
Wike said, “Since I assumed office on August 21, 2023, you have never one day interfered in my work,” Wike said to the applause of the gathering.
“Never one day have you called me that this is what you want, you have never. Sometimes, I pretend I will come to you and say, ‘Are there people complaining?’ You will tell me, ‘Have I ever called you one day? So don’t bother yourself, go and do your job.’
“I must say I and the Minister of State, we are sincerely happy that you gave us the free hand to work and this is what we are seeing today.”
Wike promised that the FCT Administration was committed to completing the projects in the diplomatic area of Abuja.
He assured the President that the projects would be completed by next year, describing the area as a preferred residential for most Nigerians.
In his remarks, the President commended Wike for delivering on the infrastructure renewal promises of the Federal Government to the people of the FCT.
Eleven suspected illegal miners have been arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ilorin Zonal Command, for illegal mining activities in Kwara State.
The Command also impounded eight truckloads of assorted minerals.
The suspects are Ibrahim Gambo, Hakeem Saka, Ahmad Muktar, Sulaiman Ibrahim, Ibrahim Muhammad, Jamiu Mustapha, Rabiu Musa, Aisha Muham, Abdulwasiu Hannafi, Qudus Olalere and Babatunde Hakeem.
They were arrested on Wednesday, May 5, 2024, upon credible intelligence at different locations in Ogbomosho, Oyo State while conveying assorted solid minerals suspected to be marble stone, white powder, lithium, lepidolite to undisclosed destinations without lawful authority.
The suspects will be arraigned in court upon conclusion of ongoing investigations, according to the Head, Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, in a statement in Ilorin on Friday.
Operatives of the Lagos Rapid Response Squad on Friday arrested a suspected vandal, Mubarak Abdullahi (18), around 10am for removing LED road stud lights on the newly-renovated Third Mainland Bridge.
This was made known in a statement shared on X.com on Friday.
According to the statement, the suspect, a resident of Makoko, had already removed 10 of the lights when he was caught red-handed by the operatives on patrol.
The statement read, “Operatives of Lagos Rapid Response Squad (RRS) around 10am on Friday arrested a suspected vandal removing LED road stud light on the newly renovated Third Mainland Bridge.
“The suspect, Mubarak Abdullahi (18), living in Makoko had, at the time of his arrest, removed 10 of the LED road stud light screwed to the road to enhance the visibility of road users.
“The suspect was caught red-handed by the operatives on patrol of the bridge around 10:00 a.m today.”
The Federal High Court sitting in Kano is set to deliver judgment in the case of deposed former Emir, Aminu Ado Bayero, who is alleging the abuse of his fundamental human rights for being removed without his consent and the subsequent move to arrest him by the Kano State Government.
The Court, in relying on Bayero’s motion of protection of fundamental human rights, ordered the eviction of the reinstated Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II from Kofar Kudu Palace, after hearing an order to that effect filed by the Counsel to the deposed Bayero, two weeks ago.
When the case resumed hearing, Friday, the Judge, S. A. Amobeda said he would grant an accelerated hearing to the matter, so that judgment would be delivered without wasting everyone’s time.
He said before the court is a notice of preliminary objections coming under order 29 for the Court to take all the orders together, adding that he needs not to be circumvented in the matters.
Justice Amobeda, said, “The Court is known for starting with preliminary objections before taking any other issues. The Court is that of equity and justice, no need for interruptions in the submission of learned Counsels,” he added.
Meanwhile, Justice S. A. Amobeda who gave the exparte order on Tuesday stated that the order is made in the interest of justice and maintenance of peace in Kano State.
The orders were an order of interim injunction restraining the respondents either by themselves, their agents, servants, privies or any other person or authority from inviting, arresting, detaining, threatening, intimidating, harassing the Applicant, raiding, tempering with or visiting the Applicant’s to arrest or infringe on his right or in any other way infringe or attempt to infringe the Applicant’s rights pending the hearing and determination of the Originating Motion.
“An order restraining the 3″, 4* and 5th Respondents and all other Respondents from denying the applicant to use his official residence and palace at the Emir’s Palace, Kofar Kudu as well as enjoyment of all rights and privileges accrued to him by virtue of being Emir of Kano State and to evicting anything, anybody residing within the palace illegally pending the hearing and the determination of the originating summons”
Operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police command have arrested a 35-year-old suspected ex-convict, Eddiong Anthony Matthew, who had been parading himself as a soldier in the rank of a warrant officer.
A statement by the command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Timfon John, on Thursday in Uyo said that the suspect was arrested on Wednesday at about 2pm in a half-dressed military camouflage.
John stated that a preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect who hails from Mkpat-Enin Local Government Area of the state had been perpetrating a series of crimes in the state in military uniform.
According to her, one walkie-talkie and phones suspected to have been stolen from his victims, a brown coverall dress, and RCC ID card were recovered from the suspect.
The statement said, “The Akwa Ibom State Police Command in its intensified effort to rid the state of criminal elements has arrested an ex-convict.
“On 05/06/2024 at about 14:00hrs, Police operatives of the command on crime prevention patrol arrested one Eddiong Anthony Matthew, a 35-year-old indigene of Ikot Ekong Village in Mkpat Enin LGA in a half-dress military camouflage.
“Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect is an ex-convict who had been perpetrating a series of crimes in the state in military uniform with a warrant officer rank.
“One walkie-talkie, phones suspected to have been stolen from his victims, a brown coverall dress, and a RCC ID Card were recovered.”
The police spokesperson said the Commissioner of Police, Waheed Ayilara, had reaffirmed the command’s unwavering commitment and dedication to crime prevention in the state, adding that the suspect would be charged in court on completion of the investigation.
The parents of a 22-year-old female nurse, Ginika Judith Okoro, who died in the house of her boyfriend, Charles Ndukwu, in Ezeogba, Awaka, Owerri North Local Government Area of Imo State, have called on the Nigeria Police and state government to unravel the cause of the mysterious death of their only daughter.
Speaking to newsmen on Thursday, the mother of the late nurse, Mrs. Caroline Nneji, said, “My only daughter died last Sunday when she visited a young man called Charles. My only daughter who was 22 years old was raised by us. She has a Chemist shop where she treats patients and you know as a nurse she goes to patients’ houses sometimes to treat them. This fateful Sunday, she visited a young man and died in his house.
“My only eye has gone. What sin did I commit that cannot be forgiven,” she wept.
On how she was informed of the death of her daughter, she said, “Around 9 pm on Sunday, the said young man by name Charles Ndukwu came to our house and told us that our daughter was unconscious and he took her to the hospital where the doctor confirmed her dead.”
According to the nurse’s stepfather, Mr. Nneji, “The suspect, Charles Ndukwu, told us that he went and bought pepper soup for our daughter, but she became unconscious after taking the pepper soup, and he rushed her to Edochie Clinic, Awaka in Owerri North where she was confirmed dead by the presiding doctor.”
Our correspondent gathered that Ndukwu had been arrested and remanded by the police for an investigation.
The parents of the deceased who could not hide their sorrow, called on the police and state government to thoroughly investigate the matter with the view of unravelling the truth behind the mysterious death and serve justice to them.
“All we seek from the police and the state government is a proper investigation for the unravelling of the facts behind our daughter’s mysterious death. It is the truth only that we are seeking for, after all our daughter cannot come back to life again,” they said to our correspondent.
When the state Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Henry Okoye, was contacted by, he confirmed the incident, saying, “The police are investigating the matter.
The police are assuring members of the public and the family that they will do everything possible to unravel the cause of the mysterious death of the young girl.”
Some properties have been destroyed in a fire outbreak that occurred at a one-storey building situated at Atani Road by Uga Junction, Okpoko in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The cause of the inferno has yet to be ascertained but it was gathered that the fire started in the early hours of Friday.
An eyewitness in the area said the fire started from a section at the top floor and started burning before the arrival of the men of the state fire service, who battled to control it and prevented it from escalating to other structures around the premises.
Confirming the incident in a statement, the state Fire Service Chief, Chukwudi Chiketa, said firefighters were deployed immediately to the scene of the incident and they battled to contain the fire.
Chiketa said, “A distress call was received by the Anambra State Fire Service at 05:17 hours of today, Friday, June 7, 2024. The fire incident occurred on the top floor of a one-storey building inside GMO Company, situated at Atani road by Uga junction, Okpoko.
“The Anambra State gallant firefighters were deployed immediately, with a fire truck to the scene of the fire, they fought and contained it. Though the top floor of the one-storey building was affected there were many savings, including other structures and properties inside the company’s premises. The Firemen were able to control the fire from escalating beyond the top floor.
“The cause of the fire is not yet ascertained. While the firemen departed the scene of the fire at 11:57 hours of today.”
He advised residents to always ensure timely contact with the Fire Service in any fire-related situation so as to reduce the extent of damage before the arrival of the Firefighters.
“Once you notice any fire outbreak at that little stage, do well to contact the Fire Service immediately. Do this to help the Fire Service respond and serve us better. Be safety conscious because fire kills but can be prevented,” he added.
Abi State Governor, Alex Otti has increased the N25 million bounty placed on the killers of five soldiers at Obikabia junction in Aba to N30 million.
Otti announced this on Friday when the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshall Hasan Abubakar, paid him a visit in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area of the state.
This is coming barely a week after the governor vowed to give ₦25m to anyone who can provide information leading to the arrest of the perpetrators.
On May 30, five soldiers were killed at Obikabia junction in Aba.
The attack was reportedly carried out by suspected members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra in a bid to enforce sit-at-home.
The governor said that the increase in the bounty was necessary by an addition of N5 million by an indigene of the state based in the U.S.A.
“Interestingly, the government has placed a bounty of N25 million and just yesterday, an Abia son, who also comes from Obingwa and lives in the United States, sent us N5 million to upgrade the bounty to N30 million.
“So I am happy to announce that the bounty has just been upgraded to N30 million, to encourage anyone that will have useful information that will lead to the apprehension of the criminals,” he said.
Otti added that the state government had also started working with the security agencies to ensure that such incidents do not happen again in the state.
He said that the government had been working round the clock to ensure that the state remained safe and secure.
The governor said, “We also want to thank the intelligence service of the DSS, as they dispatched quite some people here to help us to unravel this case.
“We are very single-minded about it. We must fish them out and ensure that they get the message that this place is a no-go area for terrorists, killers, kidnappers and other criminals.”
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Sen. George Akume, has urged Nigerians to remain calm despite the current economic challenges.
“Nigerians must remain calm. President Bola Tinubu is working to improve the economy,” Akume said in Abuja on Thursday, while addressing the National Executive Council of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).
He said that the current administration took over power when the economy was in a turbulent state, noting, however, that massive reforms were being undertaken.
“One of them, which appears to be a little bit tough for people to understand, is the removal of subsidy on fuel. People should stop shouting; they need to know the actual truth,” Akume stated.
He said that the government had taken several measures to address current hardships, including swift actions in implementing palliatives to cushion the effects of the reforms.
“We are all aware of the N35,000 wage award for workers, which means a N30,000 minimum wage with 35,000 on top of that.
“Additionally, 100 billion naira for CNG fuel buses will help reduce transportation costs and food prices,” he added.
He said that the government also took some measures to support various sectors.
“These include the allocation of N125 billion in conditional grants and financial inclusion for medium and small enterprises and 150 billion naira in palliative loans to states to mitigate the impact of fuel subsidy removal.
“We are providing 200 billion naira to support the cultivation of hectares of land, which is even more now,” Akume said.
He added that there were buses ready to be distributed soon, while rice and other essentials would also be made available.
On the recent industrial strike by labour union leaders, Akume condemned the shutdown of the national grid, describing it as a “treasonable offence.”
He said that there was nowhere in the world where labour ever interrupted the national grid and advised labour against actions that could jeopardise government efforts.
“It is treason! Treasonable felony is economic sabotage; you don’t do that.
“We are trying to rebuild the economy. The nation is picking up, and they want to destroy it. Of what use is that to all of us? That is not the way,” he said.
Akume said that the federal government was not only committed to paying new minimum wage, stressing that it was also focusing on productivity and economic stability.
“Our people must rise up and have something in their pockets. It is not about demanding N100,000 without productivity.
“We are looking at controlling inflation and ensuring a balanced economy,” he asserted.
Akume urged religious institutions to provide essential services.
“The Church must collaborate with the government in providing facilities for people, whether it is in education, health, or agriculture.
“We don’t separate; we combine. There is a symbiotic relationship that can never be destroyed,” he said. (NAN)
The Domestic Airports Cargo Agents Association (DACAA) says Nigeria lost about N7 billion within the two days the organised labour embarked on nationwide industrial strike.
Recall that labour leaders in the country had announced an indefinite strike action over the failure of the federal government to implement the new national minimum wage.
Subsequently, airlines suspended operations indefinitely across the country as a result of the strike action by the Nigerian workers under the directives of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) on Monday and Tuesday.
Addressing journalists in Lagos on Friday, chairman, Board of Trustees of the DACAA, Ikpe Nkanang, said the strike action led to huge revenue loses for the country.
Nkanang said that about 30 tonnes of cargo were lifted across the country’s domestic airports daily, noting that the volume of cargoes dumped during the two-day strike could only be imagined.
“For those two days the airlines were not working, and once the airlines are not working, cargo cannot move, and it is a great loss to all of us,” Nkanang said.
“You needed to see the volume of cargoes that were dumped over those two days; of course, you know we gathered cargoes during the weekend, hoping that by Monday and Tuesday we would be able to send them out.
“It was a colossal loss to us in the cargo world, it affected our income and, of course, the economy of the country.
“For those few hours of the strike, the country lost about N7 billion across all local airports,” he added.
The Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal on Friday fined Multichoice Nigeria, the owners of DSTV and GoTv services, the sum of N150 million for disobeying its orders, which restrained the pay-TV company from increasing its monthly subscription pending the determination of the suit brought before it.
The tribunal also ordered the pay-TV company to provide its Nigerian customers with a one-month free subscription to its DStv and GOtv packages.
Recall that the tribunal had previously ordered Multichoice not to increase its subscription fees without proper notice, following a lawsuit filed by an Abuja-based lawyer, Festus Onifade, who said the 8-day notice given for the price increase was inadequate.
Onifade then proceeded to file contempt charges against Multichoice after it disobeyed court orders and proceeded with its price hike as announced via email to its customers.
The contempt charges which were filed on May 7 were instituted against the Manager of the Abuja branch of Multi-Choice Nigeria Ltd, Mr Mohammed Sani.
The contempt was hinged on the company’s disobedience to the court order and Onifade, sought an order of the tribunal, directing MultiChoice to pay the sum of N1 billion “or any amount the tribunal deemed fit appropriate in this circumstance for the company’s deliberate actions in disobeying, contravening, and failing to comply with the interim order” granted on April 29.
“Take notice that unless you obey the under-listed order of the Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal, Abuja, given on the 29th day of April 2024, thus: “An order restraining the 1st defendant/respondent either by itself, agents, representatives, officers or privies, howsoever described from carrying out the impending increase in tariffs and cost of its products and services intended to take effect from 1st May 2024, until the hearing and determination of the motion on notice already filed before this tribunal”.
Multichoice, on its part, argued that previous rulings had settled price regulation issues.
Onifade insisted the length of notice was inadequate and more pressing than the price hike itself, prompting the tribunal to affirm its jurisdiction and ruling against Multichoice.
The court fixed July 3 for a hearing of the substantive suit of the plaintiff.
President Bola Tinubu has commended the completion of the Vice President’s official residence.
Tinubu who lamented that the previous administration abandoned the project, said abandoning projects after “substantial expenditures” was wasteful.
The President, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, made the statement during his address at the inauguration of the completed residence on Thursday, where he noted that the completion of abandoned projects was a cardinal objective of his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He stated that the project had faced numerous challenges, noting however that his administration chose rather to complete the project than dwell on the shortcomings of the past
“As we commission this state-of-the-art edifice as the official residence of the Vice President, we are fulfilling a longstanding commitment and reaffirming our unwavering dedication to accountability, transparency, and the efficient utilisation of resources for the betterment of our nation.
“I hold a very strong opinion that abandoning projects after substantial expenditures have been incurred is inherently wasteful, and it is in the best interest of the government and the public to see them through to completion. It is no secret that this project has faced numerous challenges over the years, including delays and abandonment by previous administrations.
“However, rather than dwell on past shortcomings, we have chosen to seize this opportunity to demonstrate our resolve to face challenges head-on and deliver on the promises made to the Nigerian people, in line with our Renewed Hope Agenda, which has the completion of inherited projects as one of its cardinal objectives,” he said.
He further stated that the completion of the project symbolised respect for the office of the President and the individual who occupied the office, adding that the project was also about laying a foundation for more efficient and effective government.
“The provision of a suitable residence for the Vice President is not merely a matter of convenience, it is a symbol of respect for the office and the individual who occupies it. The completion of this project is a testimony of the respect that the President has for the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“As we celebrate this achievement today, let us also reflect on the broader significance of our efforts. The completion of the Vice President’s residence is not just about building a physical structure, it is about laying a foundation for a more efficient and effective government. It is also about creating an environment where our leaders can focus on the important work of governance without distraction or inconvenience,” he added.
The FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike disclosed that the project was awarded in 2010 at the cost of N7bn but was abandoned in 2015.
Wike said the project was, however, reviewed in January 2024 for N21bn and was completed to provide the VP with a befitting experiment to carry out his duties.
He threatened not to give contracts from the FCT to Setraco Nigeria Limited anymore, for putting off the streetlights on the recently inaugurated Bola Ahmed Tinubu Way, stating that he would not accept it.
“This morning, I was going around the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Way. ES go and tell Setraco that they put off the streetlights that way. Tell them that it is unacceptable to us. If that happens again, they won’t get any job as far as FCT is concerned,” he said.
A Nigerian man, Uchenna Nlemchi, has been sentenced to 51 months in prison for his role in a romance scam and business email compromise scheme.
He was also ordered to pay $524,000 in restitution and a money judgment of $868,295.
Nlemchi was extradited from Hungary to the United States of America last year.
U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement in a statement shared on their website on Thursday.
According to court documents, the scheme began in 2015, with a co-conspirator posing as “Sean Bartlett” and convincing a widow in New Mexico to send money for supposed business expenses.
Nlemchi opened bank accounts in his name and the name of a non-existent business, “Jay Auto & Machine Parts,” and received over $375,000 from the victim.
Additionally, a German citizen was defrauded of over $200,000, which was wired to Nlemchi’s accounts. Nlemchi rapidly withdrew and transferred the funds, abandoning the accounts in February 2016.
The statement said in part, “On September 13, 2015, Uchenna Nlemchi opened a personal bank account at Amegy Bank in his own name. Sixteen days later, Nlemchi opened a fraudulent business bank account at the same bank in the name of the non-existent “Jay Auto & Machine Parts,” listing himself as the sole owner.
“Following the co-conspirator’s instructions over the next few months, the victim made several transfers into accounts controlled by Nlemchi totalling over $375,000 from her retirement savings and a home equity loan.
“This included wiring $45,000 on October 7th to another person’s account, before sending $35,000 directly to the “Jay Auto & Machine Parts” account on October 9th, the same day the other person wired $44,000 into that account.
“On October 22nd, the victim transferred $125,346 from her and her late husband’s IRA accounts into Nlemchi’s “Jay Auto & Machine Parts” bank account. Then on December 7th, she took out a $170,000 home equity loan and immediately transferred the full amount to that account.
“Nlemchi rapidly withdrew and transferred globally over $868,000 that was deposited into the “Jay Auto & Machine Parts” account from the New Mexico victim and other fraud proceeds. Nlemchi abandoned the fraudulent accounts on February 29, 2016, as bank investigators closed in.
“At the time, Nlemchi was in the United States on a student visa and attended Texas Southern University. He was arrested in Houston, Texas in 2017 and released on electronic monitoring in the third-party custody of his wife and ordered to surrender his passport.”
The statement added that “Nlemchi escaped from his monitoring system and fled to Mexico, then to Brazil, then back to his home in Nigeria. Nlemchi was an international fugitive for more than five years until his arrest in Hungary in 2023.
Nlemchi pleaded guilty in federal court to one count each of wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering in February 2024.
After serving his sentence, Nlemchi will face deportation proceedings and 3 years of supervised release.
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) said it has partnered strategically with the National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) to train 30 million Nigerians on digital skills.
The Agency announced this on Friday after a meeting between the Director-General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, and NYSC Director-General, Brig Gen Y.D. Ahmed, in Abuja.
According to the NITDA DG, the partnership aligns with the Agency’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0), aimed at fostering digital literacy and cultivating talent, through the Digital Literacy for All (DL4ALL) Initiative.
The Agency added that the partnership was facilitated by the Minister of State for Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, who expressed strong support for the collaboration’s success.
Increasing participation in the digital economy, NITDA in a statement announcing the partnership said the training is geared towards empowering more Nigerians to participate in the digital economy and enhance their employability.
“The partnership aims to train 30 million Nigerians, particularly youth, in digital skills, enabling them to access essential digital services, participate in the digital economy, compete for jobs, and enhance their employability.
“This initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to reform the economy and deliver sustained inclusive growth by leveraging digital literacy and cultivating a pool of tech talent,” NITDA stated.
The date of commencement of the training and mode of participation by Nigerians are not disclosed in the statement.
However, NITDA stated that the NYSC DG pledged to establish a Community Development Service (CDS) to support this initiative.
The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, recently declared that all training programs of the administration are geared towards ensuring that 90% of Nigerians are digitally literate by 2030.
According to him, part of the initiatives is the ongoing 3 Million Technical Skills (3MTT) through which the government plans to train 3 million Nigerians in digital skills over the next three years.
Tijani clarified that being digitally literate does not mean that 90% of Nigerians will become tech talents but they would be given the foundation to be able to choose to participate in the digital economy.
In that regard, NITDA said its Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0.) also has digital literacy as number one out of the eight pillars.
NITDA DG noted that the target of fostering digital literacy and cultivating talent will be achieved through the implementation of the National Digital Literacy Framework.
The Federal Government has formally introduced Nigeria’s first scientific-based audience measurement system, marking a significant advancement in the nation’s media landscape.
The launch event, held on Thursday in Abuja, was graced by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris.
Idris hailed the new system as a groundbreaking achievement, stressing that ”it aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision for a technologically advanced and prosperous Nigeria.”
He emphasized that the sophisticated audience measurement system would provide reliable data and comprehensive insights into media consumption patterns across various demographics.
“This system will serve as a cornerstone for reliable data, providing accurate and comprehensive insights into media consumption patterns across various demography,” he said.
According to him, the new system replaces the outdated Diary Method (pen and paper) of collecting data on TV viewership and radio listenership, which failed to reflect the true picture of media consumption in Nigeria.
Idris noted that this outdated method had stunted the growth of the entertainment and media ecosystem in Nigeria by not motivating content producers and broadcasters to create better content.
“It is disheartening to note that in spite of having more than three times the eyeballs in South Africa, Nigeria’s television advertising market revenue is low compared to that of South Africa and Kenya.
“It is therefore incumbent on us to reverse the trend and adopt the system that will ensure that the advertising spend in Nigeria grows exponentially in the next couple of years,” he added.
The Federal Government had inaugurated a Ministerial Task Team on Audience Measurement, comprising relevant industry stakeholders.
The National Broadcasting Commission and the Advertising Regulatory Commission of Nigeria also appointed First Media and Entertainment Integrated (Nigeria) Limited, a marketing research company based in Lagos, to deliver scientifically-based audience measurement services.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has forecasted that Nigeria’s economy will reach $1.85 trillion by 2029 in terms of Purchasing Power Parity (PPP).
The prediction suggests a significant growth trajectory for Nigeria over the next five years.
According to IMF data, Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in PPP terms has shown a steady increase, growing from $1.36 trillion in 2023 to an anticipated $1.85 trillion by 2029.
GDP is widely recognized as the most comprehensive measure of a country’s economic activity, while PPP adjusts for differences in price levels between countries, allowing for more accurate international comparisons.
The data indicates a consistent growth trend, with a notable 5.5 per cent increase expected in 2029.
Additionally, the IMF projects that Nigeria’s share of global GDP based on PPP will reach 0.78 per cent by 2029, up from 0.77 per cent in 2023. This demonstrates a steady, albeit slow, expansion of Nigeria’s economy.
Despite facing significant challenges, including a recession in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and declining oil prices, Nigeria has made efforts to diversify its economy, invest in infrastructure, and attract foreign investment.
The efforts are reflected in the positive economic outlook provided by the IMF.
Economist Shadrach Israel commented on the report, stating, “The IMF reports indicated that the government’s reforms and initiatives have contributed to the country’s economic growth.”
He further noted that the steady growth trend of Nigeria’s GDP in PPP terms over recent years indicates a recovery and ongoing development.
From 2024 to 2028, Nigeria’s GDP in PPP terms is expected to grow as follows:
$1.44 trillion in 2024; $1.51 trillion in 2025; $1.587 trillion in 2026
$1.67 trillion in 2027; $1.759 trillion in 2028.
“The IMF’s prediction of Nigeria’s economic growth is a positive sign for the country’s future, indicating a potential for increased economic prosperity and development,” Israel concluded.
Recall that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) recently recommended to the Federal Government of Nigeria the complete phase-out of electricity subsidies in the country, aligning with its earlier call for the removal of fuel subsidies in May 2023.
The advice comes in the wake of economic challenges faced by Nigerians since the elimination of fuel subsidies.
In its ‘Post Financing Assessment (PFA)’ report, the IMF acknowledged the hardship experienced by Nigerians and suggested that the government’s move to restore macroeconomic stability should include the removal of both fuel and electricity subsidies.
The Governor of Abia state, Dr Alex Otti says all his government is doing is to make the environment conducive for new investments as well as to bring back investments that left the state in the past.
Governor Otti stated this while receiving in audience a delegation of investors from USA, China and Brazil led by the CEO of Comfort Stevens, Dr John Nwankwo who came to introduce to the Governor, their large scale industrial footwear project which is slated to be commissioned in Owerrinta in Isialangwa south by December.
The Governor who assured that his government will support the company in realizing its objectives of completing its footwear production company in Owerrinta, said he will always allign with projects geared towards meeting his agenda of providing job opportunities for the teaming unemployed Abia populace.
“I want to congratulate you for not giving up and I’m happy that you have gotten to this level that you are hopeful of commissioning by December”
“If there’s anything that we can do to support you to make that December a reality, please don’t hesitate to ask”
The Governor while underscoring the importance of local manufacturing, noted that no country has ever developed on the back of consumption of imported products without production.
The Abia state Chief Executive disclosed that one of the major things his government was doing was to attract new investors through favourable policies ,adding that supporting the Geometric power company to come on stream and the dualization of the Imo River-Umuikaa-Umuene road were all geared towards industrialization of the state.
The Governor expressed joy that one of the company’s plans was to train and up-skill existing local shoe manufacturers in Aba and promised the readiness of the
Government to partner the company in that regard.
“The major problem a lot of them have is finishing. Alot of them are impatient a lot of them don’t have the right tools, alot of them don’t have the right skills so it would be interesting you have Comfort Stevens double as not just products but also as a training and finishing school for our young ones because there are alot of them”
“Go to shoe plaza and see what the young men and women are doing there with bare hands you’ll understand that if you introduce them to technology, they will give much more” Otti said.
Earlier in his presentation, the leader of the delegation and Chief Executive Officer of Comfort Stevens, Dr John Nwankwo who said they are setting up a fifteen thousand daily footwear production capacity factory in Owerrinta, announced that the factory will be ready for commissiong December this year.
He said that the mission of the company with its partners from US,China and Brazil is to produce quality footwears that can compete favourably in the global market, adding that machines for the production of quality footwears and its components have arrived it’s site in Owerrinta for installation by next month.
Dr Nwankwo congratulated Governor Alex Otti for his impactful one year in office and the unimaginable progress that has taken place under his watch which is an eloquent testimony of the Governor’s sincerity of purpose and passion towards the industrialization of the state.
The visit of the team was facilitated by the Speaker Abia House of Assembly Rt Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa while the Commissioner for Trade, Commerce and industry Dr Chimezie Ukaegbu , Special Adviser to the Governor on Trade, Commerce and industry Chief Nwaka Inem among other government functionaries were present during the visit.
People of Imo State, especially the farmers are to smile soon as Imo government is perfecting plan to address food insecurity and high price of food stuffs in the markets.
It has also been disclosed, that Governor Hope Uzodimma has taken proactive steps to reduce the challenges being faced by farmers in Imo and guarantee the availability of food in the markets for the people to eat.
The Imo State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Chief Cosmas Madugba disclosed this while speaking with the media in Owerri on Friday.
He said when food items are available in the markets, their prices would definitely come down irrespective of the removal of the fuel subsidy which he noted, might have polarized the economy, including Agriculture as part of the issues at stake.
“We are concerned as citizens and as leaders. We have met with some groups of farmers in the State and ready to provide certain materials they require in order to achieve bigger yields in their produce”.
He disclosed that Governor Uzodimma, through the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, has procured over Fifteen Thousand (15,000) bags of maize, free of charge, for Imo workers which the Commissioner said would cost #1 Billion naira, adding that the distribution has been ongoing for the past two weeks.
“Imo State is also providing bags of fertilizer, insecticides, herbicides and other farm implements that would reduce their pains and encourage them to take farming seriously.
He continued, “We know their predicaments and government is not taking it lightly. We are ready to support them”, he assured.
The Agriculture and Food Security Commissioner further noted that the present administration has taken Agriculture as as business, advising those in the sector to be proud of themselves and that government was willing to provide their needs.
He used the opportunity to disclose plan to have a comprehensive meetings with members of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria, (AFAN), Imo State Chapter, wherein, he will have an interface with the commodity Heads of Rice, Cassava, Maize, Yam and others and that he is also set to give them an idea of what government has in mind.
“There are lots of things the government is doing. Through the “Imo-Cares”, our Ministry has constructed roads in the rural areas, gave out agro inputs to farmers, built toilets and bathrooms in markets and others”.
Madugba also enjoined Imo farmers to be honest and make sure they make judicious use of the implements made available to them by the State government. The two-time Agriculture Commissioner further used the medium to express joy over Governor Uzodimma’s victory at the Court, attributing the outcome to Sen. Uzodimma’s good work and therefore urged those who could not make it now to wait for other time.
“I’m happy that the Court has confirmed what His Excellency, Distinguished Sen. Hope Uzodimma worked hard to achieve. He won outrightly in all the 27 LGAs”.
He advised the aggrieved ones to wait for another opportunity while urging them to stop distracting the Governor whom he said has done well in the areas of Agriculture, Health, Works, Youths Empowerment, Roads rehabilitation, Human- capacity and Infrastructural developments.
The correspondents Chapel of Nigeria Union of Journalists, Abia state Council has appeal to the Abia commissioner of Police, Kenechukwu Onwuemelie to appeal to his officers who are in the habit of harassing and manhandling journalists while on duty to stop the maltreatment.
The Chairman of the Chapel, Sam Obinna Ibe stated this when he led his executive and some members of the chapel on a courtesy visit to the Commissioner of Police.
He disclosed that a journalist in the state recently was beaten up in one of the banks while interviewing customers on the effect of the NLC strike on them.
The Correspondents Chairman noted that the journalist was only carrying out his duty and ought to be protected by police, instead of being beaten up with his camera taken away from him.
He used the occasion to commend the Police Commissioner for his proactiveness in ensuring the reduction of insecurity in the state, adding that Abians now sleep with their two eyes closed.
“Your coming to Abia is not just strategic, but divine, you have shown commitment, security has drastically improved and we are no longer witnessing violent crimes as it used to be before your coming”.
He maintained that the situation is a boost to the administration of Governor Alex Otti and at a time the governor was wooing investors into the state.
He further commended the massive renovation taking place at the police command adding that the police needs a conducive atmosphere to operate.
Ibe revealed that it was on record that any Commissioner of Police that comes to Abia has always been lucky as they leave the state with a higher rank wishing the commissioner same privilege.
The Chapel Chairman appealed to the commissioner to always carry the Chapel along in his activities, adding that it was not good when some journalists are invited for their events and parade of criminals while other journalists will not be invited who will later hear about it and still struggle to write the report because of the importance attached to Police report.
He said, “Correspondents have an office, identity, are trained, and are not faceless’.
He added that some of the online reporters are not trained but became an emergency reporter with their Android phone as he regreted that most members of the public do not know the difference and regard and treat all as a journalists.
Responding, the Commissioner of Police, Kenechukwu Onwuemelie said he was aware of how tasking the journalist job is and assured that he will at all times partner with the Chapel.
The Imo State House of Assembly has summoned the Publisher of Watchdog Newspaper, a Local tabloid over alleged defamatory publication against the member representing Orlu state Constituency, Hon Ikenna Ihezuo.
The House issued the summons during its plenary session on Thursday, following a complaint brought to the House by the affected legislator.
Hon Ihezuo said that the chairman of the Orlu chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Mr Stanley Nwosu, alleged in a story published in the June 4 edition of the paper that he prevented the Lawmaker from diverting 65 bags of rice meant for subsidy palliative for Orlu constituents.
He stressed that the report was false, adding that the party chairman was collaborating with the Publisher Mr. Precious Nwadike who contested for Orlu seat at the Assembly and lost.
He described the report as an orchestrated attempt to tarnish his image by defaming his character and reducing his estimation before people who know him
The Lawmaker stated that if the matter was not properly handled, the entire legislative arm will be negatively affected.
He therefore called on the House to summon the author of the report, the Editor and the Publisher of the paper to appear before the House with evidence to support their publication.
Reacting to the complaint, the member representing Obowo state Constituency, Hon. Kennedy Ibeh stated that the publication was derogatory, demeaning and an affront to the entire legislative arm.
He also urged the House to invite all involved parties to an interface with the House to ascertain the reason for the publication.
Following other contributions, the Speaker of the House Rt. Hon. Chike Olemgbe directed the clerk to invite the author of the report, the editor and the publisher of the paper to an interface with the House on June 11 2024.
The Commissioner for Finance and Coordinating Economy, Mr Chuck Chuckemeka has paid a working visit to some establishments of government under the supervision of his ministry.
Establishments visited include, Imo State Micro Finance Bank Limited, Development Finance and Investment Company Limited (DFIC) and FINANCO Brokers.
Speaking on the aim of the visits, the Commissioner stated that it was to have a firsthand information concerning their operations, their achievements, prospects and challenges.
He further stated that such information will help in incorporating the agencies in his ministry’s strategic working plan with a view to making them more viable, productive and beneficial as revenue earners.
At Imo State Micro Finance Bank Limited, Mr Chuckemeka reiterated the resolve of government to make the bank more viable through branch expansion to some sub urban centres, revitalization of Mbaise branch and sophistication of their capital base to make them better qualified to do business with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Agricultural Development Bank, Bank of Industry among others.
He however challenged the staff and management of the bank to be sincere, transparent, dedicated and resourceful in their dealings, because it is their input and results that will convince and spur government to carry out most of the stated actions.
The Managing Director of the bank, Lady Blessing Ify Nwoba thanked the Commissioner and his team for the visit.
she requested for mobility aid for easy access to rural areas and for more direct government patronage by way of sales and purchase of some government forms and services through the bank.
At the Development Finance and Investment Company Limited (DFIC) and FINANCO Brokers, the stories were not different. The Commissioner reiterated the readiness of government to revive the companies as revenue earners but however challenged their staff and management to do their own part.
He directed the Chief Executives of both companies to bring up a document on what they do, their achievements, prospects and challenges.
Barr. C. N Ijeoma, CEO of DFIC and Mr Eva Nwachukwu of FINANCO Brokers appreciated the Commissioner for the first hand accessment visit. They stated that with adequate patronage and support of government they will do better.
The Commissioner was accompanied on the visits by the Acting Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mrs Blessing Egbuka and some heads of department.
The Senate, on Thursday, passed a bill seeking to prohibit Nigerian athletes from consuming performance-enhancing substances during or after sporting competitions.
President Bola Tinubu had sent a request to the Senate to enact in May through a letter read on the floor by the Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, who presided over the plenary.
He urged the Senate to review and approve a bill aimed at prohibiting athletes from using substances that enhance their performance.
Tinubu had stated that the bill would establish a legal framework for the formation of the National Anti-Doping Organisation.
The bill was titled “National Anti-Doping Bill 2024.”
According to the President, the Bill was meant to domesticate and enforce in Nigeria, the international convention against doping in sports ahead of the 2024 Olympic Games in France.
The passage of the bill followed the consideration and approval of the report of the Senate committee on judiciary, human rights, and legal matters during plenary.
The chairman of the committee, Senator Mohammed Monguno, presented the report.
Senators adopted the recommendations of the committee and approved that the Bill be read for a third time when it was put to a voice vote by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, who presided over the plenary.
A technocrat, Mmeri Okoro, says Barr. Prada Uzodimma, is a role model who he mentioned believes that the energy, creativity and potential of young people are incredible forces that can drive progress and change in the society.
In his epistle which he made available to the media on Thursday in Owerri, Mmeri Okoro reflected that “in a world filled with opportunities and challenges, motivating the youth to strive for excellence, is a vital mission. Barr. Prada Uzodimma, believes that the energy, creativity and potential of young people are incredible forces that can drive progress and change”.
Mmeri Okoro observed that” the youth are future leaders, innovators and problem solvers of our society. Their actions and decisions, if well empowered, will shape the world we live in for years to come. Therefore it is essential to motivate and empower them to reach their full potential through the branch of the scholarship grant.
He added that, “through this medium, potentials are harnessed, confidence is built in the youth to pursue excellence, believing in their abilities which had motivated them to rise to the challenge”.
According to him, “Barr. Prada Uzodimma, continues to provide opportunities for learning, opportunities for exploration and growth which has given access to educational programs, workshops and mentors. She continues to serve as a positive role model, which demonstrates her value for handwork, resilience and excellence.
The Nigeria Police Force yesterday denied allegations that they were out to witch-hunt journalists and suppress press freedom through the application of the amended CyberCrime Act of 2024.
Recently, the country has seen a series of crackdowns on journalists due to the implementation of the act by the police.
The former editor of First News, Segun Olatunji; Daniel Ojukwu, a journalist with the Foundation for Investigative Journalism; Dayo Aiyetan, Executive Director of the International Centre for Investigative Reporting; and Nurudeen Akewushola, an investigative journalist with the platform, were among the latest victims of the contentious act.
However, while speaking at a joint briefing by Security, Defence and Response agencies organised by the Strategic Communications Interagency Policy Committee in Abuja, the Force Spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, stated that the police were not preventing journalists from performing their duties.
He said, “It’s not that we are applying cyber crime act to witch-hunt or oppress you or to subvert press freedom in Nigeria. I am not saying you should not be a whistleblower but if you want to be one, you must get your facts right.”
He noted that the police operate under numerous laws and could prosecute journalists guilty of publishing defamatory reports using any of these laws.
Adejobi said, “Defamation of character is a law defined under the cybercrime act and the criminal acts of this country define defamation as an offence. If somebody has published something wrong against you, as a Nigerian you have the right to take it up.
“As a trained police officer I may decide not to use the cybercrime act to prosecute you. As a trained policeman I must be able to lay my hands on many laws to nail you if I want to. Forget the fact that the NSA has called for the full implementation of the act, the police can lay their hands on any law to prosecute anybody.”
The Force spokesperson added that journalists do not enjoy immunity, noting that a journalist is “criminally liable” once accused of a crime.
He said, “Mind you, the fact that somebody is a journalist does not grant him immunity over certain things. You are criminally liable once an offence has been laid against you and the police have the duty to take it up.”
He urged journalists invited by the force to honour the invitations and inform his office.
Adejobi said, “Let me put it on record that if a petition has been written against you as a certified journalist is to honour the invitation and get across to the office of the Force spokesperson. Some of them you claimed have been victimized have not contacted me. Everybody is a journalist, we practice citizen journalism in Nigeria. ”
Adejobi further stated that the police have not yet arrested any journalists from mainstream media.
He said, “The fact is the police have not arrested anyone from the mainstream media. Most of these bloggers are always running foul of the law because they want to break the law. You can’t break the news without confirmation from the parties involved. You need to balance your report. Once you are invited to come and clarify a report, don’t run away. We are human beings like you.”
Adejobi criticised media houses for using the term “abduction” to describe the arrest of journalists.
He stressed that the police do not abduct, rather they arrest.
He said, “We don’t abduct, we arrest. If the arrest is wrong, you tell us why the arrest is wrong and we will tell you why it is right. We face challenges because many of you don’t understand the legal framework.”
Adejobi, however, said when a journalist get arrested, his colleagues cannot stand surety for him.
He maintained that the police would not release such a journalist unless a “substantive surety” is provided.
Adejobi said, “Once you have been arrested, your statement is taken under caution. Under the law, you are to be granted bail to a substantive surety and that is another problem. Don’t tell me your colleague in your office will stand surety for you. No. If you are not a substantive surety the police will not release anybody to you.”
Adejobi stated that the force is not mandated to extend an invitation to a suspect during the investigation, describing such a gesture as an honour.
He said, “I want to clarify that we are not obliged to send an invitation to a suspect in the first instance. It is just out of respect. No law says you must invite somebody before you carry out your investigation, we can only honour you by extending an invitation to you. Where you don’t honour the investigation, we go to court to get a warrant. With that warrant, we can even declare you wanted and arrest you anywhere. “
Senators from the northern region have objected to a bill to ban open grazing and stop the movement of herders and their cows.
The bill, which also seeks to establish ranching at the various herders’ states of origin, passed a second reading on the floor of the Senate on Wednesday.
The bill was titled, ‘A Bill to Establish a National Animal Husbandry and Ranches Commission for the Regulation, Management, Preservation and Control of Ranches Throughout Nigeria; and for Connected Purposes, 2024’.
The bill was sponsored by Titus Zam, a member representing Benue North-West senatorial district, on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Although claiming to support the proposed bill, Danjuma Goje of APC described the controversial clause seeking to restrict herders to a particular geographical location as discriminatory.
“There are many angles to this issue of farmers and herders. We have to tackle the problem holistically. These Fulanis are Nigerians,” Mr Goje said.
Adamu Aliero, representing Kebbi Central, cited Section 41 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees the freedom of movement for all Nigerians with their property.
According to Mr Aliero, any bill proposing such restriction is unconstitutional, adding that the bill’s sponsor was wrong to propose the establishment of ranches in the state of origin of herders alone.
Also against the provision in the proposed bill was the cap chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports, Suleiman Abdulrahman-Kawu, representing Kano South of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), who said the bill would contravene the herders’ constitutional rights and worsen the crises.
“The bill is totally against the constitution of Nigeria. The bill will even compound the problem of the herders and the farmers. You can’t propose a law to attend to a particular group or section of the country only. This bill is not holistic, and we will fight it till the end,” Mr Kawu vowed.
“This bill is against provisions of the constitution and, in fact, will compound the crisis of herders/farmers in Nigeria if allowed to become law,” he added.
Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, representing Kano North for the APC, tried to stop the bill’s passage. Mr Barau said he had already asked the sponsor to step it down due to the controversial provision.
The senator representing Abia South, Eyinnaya Abaribe, said that if properly managed, the bill would prevent clashes between farmers and herders.
Recommending the amendment of the Land Use Act to simplify the management of lands in states, Mr Abaribe stated that although some herders were peaceful and engaged in legitimate animal business, some criminal elements were amongst them and were being sponsored to destabilise communities.
Other senators who backed the bill are Sunday Karimi (APC Kogi West), Garba Musa Maidoki (PDP Kebbi South), and Abba Moro (PDP Benue South).
“We must hold a public hearing and bring all the stakeholders to have a say, including cattle rearers and the state governments,” said Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Mr Akpabio assured that a consensus would be reached on the bill, including amending the Land Use Act where necessary and adding that offensive clauses found not to be in line with the constitution would be expunged at a public hearing and national summit on security.
Therefore, when Mr Akpabio put the bill to voice votes, it scaled to a second reading. After the sponsor refused to step down, the bill was thereafter forwarded to the Senate Committees on Agriculture, Trade and Investment, Judiciary, and Legal Matters for more legislative input within the next four weeks.
The legal team of detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, have submitted nine judgements on the matter to the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation.
The leader of the team, Barrister Nnaemeka Ejiofor, told journalists yesterday that the judgements were from both domestic and international courts directing the release of Kanu.
He said the decision to forward all the pronouncements was in response to the statement credited to the AGF, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), that he was not aware of the Kanu’s case and that his fate would be resolved by the court.
“It seems obvious that some persons who ought to have brought your good attention to these judicial developments may have deliberately hidden them from you as to prevent you from seeing to the enforcement of the judgment as well prevent Mr. President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu from taking a positive step in the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu,” he said.
The judgements include: the African Union African Commission On Human and People’s Right Communication 680/17; the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights of 1st October, 2020 with Reference AL NGA 5/2020 (Proscription of IPOB); United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights of 26th August, 2021 with Reference UA NGA 5/2021 (Enforced disappearance and Torture of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu);
Others are the judgment of the High Court of Abia State Umuahia Division of 19 January 2022, HIN/FR.14/2021; the United Nations Human Rights Council working Group on Arbitrary Detention opinion of 30th March – 8th April 2022 opinion no 25/2022; the judgment of the Federal High Court Umuahia Division of 26th October, 2022, FHC/UM/CS/30/2022; the judgment of the High Court of Enugu State of 26 October, 2023, E/20/2023; the judgment of the court of appeal of 13th October, 2022 with Appeal No CA/ABJ/CR/625/2022 and the judgment of the Supreme Court of 15th December, 2023 with Appeal No SC/CR/1361/2022.
Kanu had been detained since his repartriation from Kenya in June 2021 and rearraigned on allegations bordering on terrorism.
At the last hearing at the Federal High Court in Abuja on May 20, Kanu had protested his continued trial on terrorism charges, arguing that it was against the international treaties entered into by Nigeria.
However, while answering questions at the sectoral ministerial briefing to mark the one year anniversary of the Tinubu administration, Fagbemi said Kanu’s case was difficult, adding that only a competent court can resolve the matter.
The All Progressives Congress, (APC), has extended the tenure of the party’s Caretaker Committee in Rivers State.
This was the resolution of the National Working Committee, (NWC), of the APC at its 151st meeting held on Wednesday, 5th June 2024 at the National Secretariat in Abuja.
In a statement signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, the party resolved to extend the tenure of the seven-man Caretaker Committee for another six months.
The statement said, “The membership of the Caretaker Committee remains as originally constituted: Chief Tony C. Okocha – Chairman, Chief Eric Nwibani – Secretary, Hon. Chibuike Ikenga, Prince Stephen Abolo, Hon. Silvester Vidin, Senibo Karibi Dan-Jumbo, and Miss Darling Amadi.”
Governor Alex Otti has hailed the new Abia State business environment, stressing that his administration is working very hard to clean up the business environment and make it conducive for new investments.
Otti who said this when he received a group of investors, led by Dr John Nwankwo, Chief Executive Officer of Comfort Stevens, a footwear manufacturing company located in Owerrinta, Isiala-Ngwa South Local Government Area (LGA) said that he is working hard to bring back old ones that had left the state in the past due to unhealthy government policies.
Otti said that capital, by way of investment, is devoid of emotion and sentiment and only goes to places where the environment is conducive for it to thrive and flourish which is why his administration must work hard to ensure investments come to Abia.
According to Otti, “You may choose to relocate abroad in search of capital, but foreign capital will not come until you have created the conditions to attract it.
“No matter how much preaching you do, no matter how much of platitudes, capital has its own sense, it doesn’t have emotion, and it’s not sentimental, it just moves to where the environment has been prepared because the reward for capital is profit.”
Otti who assured the investors that his government would support them in realising their dream of official operation of their factory located in Owerrinta, said he would always align with projects geared towards meeting his agenda of providing job opportunities for the teeming unemployed Abia youth.
“I want to congratulate you for not giving up and I’m happy that you have gotten to this level that you are hopeful of commissioning by December.
“If there’s anything that we can do to support you to make that December a reality, please don’t hesitate to ask,” Otti assured.
Otti underscored the importance of local manufacturing and noted that no country has ever developed on the back of consumption of imported products without production, disclosing that his government is working very hard to support existing businesses and also attract new investors through favourable policies.
Otti added that supporting the Geometric Power company to come on stream and the various infrastructural upgrades going on in the State, including the dualisation of the Imo River-Umuikaa-Umuene road in Isiala-Ngwa South LGA, are all geared towards industrialisation of Abia.
Governor Otti expressed joy that one of the company’s plans is to train and upskill existing local shoe manufacturers in Aba and promised that his Government would partner with the company in that regard.
Dr John Nwankwo, who led the team of visiting investors from the United States of America, China, and Brazil recounted the ugly experience he and his team had gone through under the previous administration in trying to realise their dream of establishing a world-class shoe factory in Abia.
Nwankwo told Otti that, Comfort Stevens, in the last year of the new government has made tremendous progress that they decided on the visit to formally introduce to the Governor their large-scale industrial footwear project, which will be commissioned by December 2024, and thereafter start production.
Nwankwo, who presented different samples of high-quality shoes to the Governor, said that the fifteen thousand daily footwear production capacity factory will not only produce complete shoes but also shoe components such as gum, soles, insoles, and strings, among others.
He said that the mission of the company with its partners from the US, China and Brazil is to produce quality footwear that can compete favourably in the global market, adding that machines for the production of high-quality footwears and its components have arrived its facility in Owerrinta for installation before the end of June.
A Kano Federal High Court hearing the case against the reinstatement of Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II by the Kano State Government, has fixed 13th June, 2024, to decide whether it has the jurisdiction to continue with the matter.
Aminu Babba Dan Agundi, one of the deposed Kano Emirate senior councillors, had taken the Kano State Government to court for removing him unilaterally without his consent.
Barrister M. A Waziri, counsel to the plaintiff, argued that the court has full jurisdiction to hear the case.
He noted that his client was not given fair hearing before Emir Aminu Ado Bayero was deposed, leading to his removal as senior councillor, and as such, his rights were abused.
He also claimed that the processes leading to Sanusi’s reinstatement were illegal, and as a result, null and void.
But counsel to Sanusi, Barrister Muhamud A. Magaji, urged the court to decline the temptation of accepting the plaintiff’s narrative that it has jurisdiction to continue with the case.
He argued that it was indisputable that the State House of Assembly has powers to amend, repeal, or even create a law that suits the state.
He said the House of Assembly needs not consult the plaintiff when making or repealing laws.
The presiding judge, Justice Abdullahi Muhammad Liman, said two applications were before the court – that of jurisdiction and a motion to set aside the order stopping the reinstatement of Sanusi.
The Police Command in Kaduna State has confirmed a failed kidnap attempt by gunmen on Wednesday night on Alhaji Umar Musa, the Paramount Ruler of Ninzo Chiefdom in Sanga Local Government Area.
ASP Mansir Hassan, spokesperson of the command, however, told our correspondent that the whereabouts of the chief’s wife was still unknown.
Mansir said that security operatives have since been deployed to the forests around Sanga in search of the wife.
The Ninzo Development Association, in a statement signed by its President and Secretary, Prof. Moses Audi and Silas Anche, respectively, condemned the planned kidnap of their traditional ruler that led to the disappearance of his wife.
The statement however called for calm with a view to allowing the government to live up to its responsibility.
He thereafter adjourned to 13th June for ruling on whether the court has Jurisdiction to continue with the case.
The House of Representatives on Thursday, June 6, called on the Federal Ministry of Communications to develop measures to limit social media usage for children below 16 years in Nigeria.
The House said the rise of social media has exposed young children to unsupervised orientation, leading to misplaced priorities and neglect of school work.
It urged the federal government to adequately fund the educational sector in the country.
The House also urged the Federal Ministry of Education to review and apply stringent policies to the standards of education in Nigeria at all levels.
It further urged the Federal Ministry of Education and the Universal Basic Education Commission to work with the Teachers’ Education Council of Nigeria (TRCN) and other relevant bodies to monitor the accreditation and strictly regulate the Continued Professional Development (CPD) of teachers in Nigeria.
The Committees on Basic Education and Services and Communications were mandated to ensure implementation.
These resolutions followed the adoption of a motion titled, “Need to Tackle the Dropping Standards of Education in Nigeria” sponsored by Hon. Ayodeji Alao Akala.
The House noted that the introduction of Western education changed the education landscape in Nigeria and placed educated Nigerians on a level playing field globally.
The House also noted that Nigerians have demonstrated educational prowess and capability globally, earning admirable seats in positions that only education provided.
It observed that the Nigerian educational sector is facing a continuous decline in standards due to poor funding, inadequate facilities, insufficient teachers, corruption, insecurity, poor supervision, poor policy implementation, and poor attitudes towards schoolwork.
The House said meanwhile the rise of social media has exposed young children to unsupervised orientation, leading to misplaced priorities and neglect of school work.
The House worried that the Nigerian school system is plagued with numerous social vices such as examination malpractices, cultism, hooliganism, and corruption.
It was alarming that despite the constant reduction in cut-off marks, secondary school students struggle to meet average marks, highlighting the importance of education in societal development, industries, and moral regeneration.
The House believed that Education is considered the foundation of societal development, moral regeneration, and people’s revival, serving as the lifeline of society;
The House said the government must take practical steps to address identified problems in the educational sector and foster the development of youth.
No fewer than 14 miners remain trapped under the rubble of a collapsed mining pit in Galkogo community, Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, according to the Niger State Police Command.
Recall that the mining site, operated by African Minerals and Logistics Limited, caved in following a heavy downpour, trapping about 50 workers.
The incident, which occurred on Sunday evening, resulted in the death of one miner and left six others seriously injured.
Six miners managed to escape unharmed. Rescue operations are ongoing, with police and government officials actively involved.
Commissioner of Police Shawulu Danmamman, alongside the Commissioner of Homeland Security Bello Mohammed and Commissioner of Minerals Resources Garba Yahaya, visited the site to oversee the rescue efforts.
The police command reported that 20 individuals were initially trapped but six have since been rescued, leaving 14 still unaccounted for.
Wasiu Abiodun, the spokesman for the Niger State Police Command, provided details of the ongoing rescue operation. He said, “The Commissioner of Police visited the mining site incident, alongside the Commissioner of Homeland Security and the Commissioner of minerals resources.
“They arrived at the scene at about 1200hrs and the engineer in the site confirmed that 20 persons were trapped under the rock but 6 persons were rescued out of the 20 persons. 14 persons are still trapped under the rock. Efforts are still ongoing by the site engineers and rescue team to rescue the rest of the victims.”
Abiodun said the district Head of the area, Mallam Aliyu Umar, who was also present, corroborated the number of those trapped and expressed gratitude for the bravery shown by the police and local authorities since the incident.
He said the commissioner of Minerals Resources conveyed the government’s condolences to the affected community, expressing the state’s dismay over the incident.
”The CP also reminded them that mining activities have been banned by the Government in the state but people still go about the activities of mining. He warned the community to desist from such acts,” Abiodun added.
Residents of Ebonyi state have lamented the failure of the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) to restore electricity supply to the state, 48 hours after the organized labour called off its industrial actions on Tuesday.
Some of the residents who spoke to our correspondent in Abakaliki, the state capital, lamented that states like Enugu, Imo, and other parts of Nigeria had their light restored on Tuesday, shortly after the strike was called off.
They wondered why the electricity Distribution Company was yet to restore light in the entire Ebonyi state.
The residents expressed sadness that between Monday 2nd June 2024 when the supply was cut off, and today Thursday 26th June 2024, they have lost billions of Naira and called on the relevant authorities to ensure that light is restored to the State as soon as possible.
A resident and business owner at the Abakaliki Timber Market, Mr. Chidi Ifejioba wondered why other southeast states have since gotten power supply while Ebonyi have been left out.
He said: “I don’t know if Ebonyi is not part of the States in the country, why people would always look down on us? Organized Labour called off the industrial actions on Tuesday and that same Tuesday, EEDC restored light to Enugu same day, there is Light in Imo State and other States of the country but today is Thursday, and there is no sign of light anywhere in Ebonyi state.
“Are we in Ebonyi not part of the electricity consumers? We spent thousands of naira to run the generator to remain in business and many of us who can’t cope had to shut down waiting for EEDC to restore light.
“The strike is becoming more harm than good to residents and I believe that those handling electricity supply should not join in the strike action again”
Another resident and a printer, Emeka Obiora called on the Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru to urgently intervene and ensure that EEDC restores light to the State.
“I am a printer, there are many jobs there to print and I have already collected advance payment from my customers. We had already concluded on the price believing that I would run the machine on public power supply, but now am constrained. How much fuel am I going to use to run the machine for 5 days?
“Everybody in the State is now affected. Millions are lost each day the electricity Distribution company cuts off the light, now think of cutting off the supply for 4 days. It’s so disheartening.
“The unfortunate thing is that only Ebonyi State is affected. The management of the company is not even giving us any hope or explanations.
Imo govt can’t interfere in a matter that is at Supreme Court –Govt official
Police are not involved in land matters, it’s a civil matter -PPRO
Umuokanumee village in Ugbele community, Mgbidi in Oru West local government of Imo state is tension-soaked. The tension can only be doused by timely intervention of stakeholders, community leaders, traditional rulers and security agencies especially, the Nigeria Police, as represented in Imo state by Commissioner of Police Danjuma Aboki.
The intervention of the police has become necessary as one of their men, Inspector Augustine Odidika is allegedly involved in the community land tussle.
Findings revealed that the bone of contention is land dispute, which dates back to 1944. According to documents, the dispute over the land, known as ‘Ala Isi nkwu Okanumee’ was between Umuokanumee village and Umuochie, both in Ugbele Community.
“The legal tussle raged on till 24 of June 2014, when Justice K.A Orjiaku of the then Mgbidi High Court gave judgement in favour of Umuokanumee village in the suit as plaintiffs are as follows: Elder Sunday Mgbeajuru from a kindred called Umuihedoro, Augustine Ikegwuoha from Ozurumba kindred, paulinus Akukwe who was then the village chairman, from Umuihedoro kindred, Sylvanus Ireozor from Umunwasiri kindred, Edwin Nwowu from Umueluoka kindred and Peter Onyenamereibeya from Umuozurumba kindred, the four kindreds that make up Umuokanumee village were ably represented as plaintiffs,” the document made available to the reporter said.
Dissatisfied with the judgment which favoured Umuokanumee Umuochie appealed the judgement at the Court of appeal holden at Owerri on the 18th of August 2018. But the Appeal Court upheld the judgment of Mgbidi High Court, the chairman of the community said when they thought the legal battle was over and about to parcellate the land, they were served notice of Appeal at Supreme Court by Umuochie village.
According to him, at that point, Umuokanumee had exhausted her financial strength, as it became difficult to pay their lawyer.
“In order to raise the needed money, a resolution was passed by Umuokanumee Village Assembly that all married men who are entitled to share of the community land shall pay the sum of Hundred thousand Naira only, it was also agreed that those who promptly paid the said sum of N100,000 shall be given first, according to order of payments”
He explained that when it later dawn on them that the matter is still pending at the Supreme Court, they advised everyone to maintain status quo, pending Supreme court’s decision.
According to the Village Head, Dr. Alloysius Ikegwuoha, one of them, Inspector Augustine Odidika defied the order, allegedly using his position as a police officer to intimidate and harass members of the community. Inspector Augustine Odidika was also alleged to have forcibly entered into portion of the said land, claiming it belongs to his father, Odidika. Dr Ikegwuoha said: “He started erecting and defacing the land, the community tried to call him to order through his elder brother and the Head of his family, he insulted him and threatened to declared war against Umuokanumee community and true to his words, he has serially insulted, arrested, harassed, threatened and intimidated the critical stakeholders in the community, just to scare them away from the community so that he would have a field day in achieving his inordinate ambition against the community, which is already dead on arrival.
He revealed how Umuokanumee community had written petition to the Imo State Police Commissioner Danjuma Aboki and the Police Service Commission (PSC).
In the petition to the PSC dated 18th April 2024, with the headline; “Petition over the unprofessional activities of one Inspector Augustine Odidika serving under the Imo State Police Command”, the community, through their lawyers from G.C Nwowu& Associates, reported what it called, “Unprofessional activities of Inspector Augustine Odidika attached to the Imo State Police Command, Owerri”.
The petition to Imo PSC also alleged how Inspector Augustine Odidika, on the 4th of April, 2024, took some youths from Umuokanumee community and engaged youths from Umuochie community in free-for-all fight, where dangerous weapons were freely used.
“He uses teargas at random, to harass and chased away people who have come to farm in their lands. On the 6th of April, 2024, he masterminded another fight which almost resulted in the death of one Mr. Chukwudi Mgbeajuru, he narrowly missed death, and however, he lost one of his fingers to that unrest.”
The petition continued: “The youths of the other community are using the unprofessional conduct of Inspector Augustine Odidika to attack the youths of our client’s community”.
“Our clients fear that the way things are going between the said Inspector Augustine Odidika and the youths of the community, it may occasion loss of lives, hence, the urgent need for redeployement of the said Inspector Augustine Odidika to a reasonable distance place out of South East, so that the youths, who are influenced by him will cease all hostilities in the community at his absence, he has really become a native influence in the community”.
The petition concluded by appealing to the Chairman, Police Service Commission to use his good offices to invoke the power of his exalted office to bear on the matter before it is too late.
IGP of Police
In the petition addressed to Imo police Commissioner Danjuma Aboki, with the headline; “Threat to life, forcible entry and acts capable of breaching public peace”, the community, through their lawyer, N.C. Ogbenna Esq narrated the activities of Inspector Augustine Odidika over the land, in connivance with some youths and the detractors of Umuokanumee community to foment trouble.
The petition by Umuokanumee village said further: “Rather than use his office as a security agent, he is now using it against his own people, intimidating members of his own community. We have it on good record, all the voice notes wherein he reeled out his threats against our clients and their family members; at the appropriate time, we shall submit same to the appropriate authority”.
In conclusion, the petition to Imo CP, which was dated 6th April 2024, said: “But the truth remains that there is a limit to human endurance. Our clients cannot perpertually hold the youths from fighting for their rights, hence, this petition. We, therefore, most humbly beseech you, Sir, to invoke the powers of your exalted office to bear on this matter before it is too late.”
It was gathered that on the 10th of May, 2024, police officers from Zone 9 came to effect the arrest of Augustine Odidika Azubuike Ireozor and Jude Odidika, but they resisted arrest, thereby, creating scene. “They went about circulating false information, using online publishers to claim that Imo state government has given them the land, which matter is still at the Supreme Court.
The false publication has given them the impetus to go about jubilating and telling unsuspecting members of the public that the Governor has given them the land that is still subject of litigation at the Apex Court of the land.
“The youths of the two communities that are contesting the land the Supreme Court are alarmed and agitated by the false news, hence, the need to counter same before it gets out of hand,” Dr. Alloysius Ikegwuoha said.
Investigation by the reporter revealed that there was no time Imo State government is supporting any party in the land matter that is at the Supreme Court. It was also gathered that a particular group is dropping the name of Imo state government for selfish goal, as Imo state government cannot do the job of Supreme Court.
“It is a lie, the government knows the law and cannot go against it. The youths of Umuokanumee should leave the government out of this and allow the law to run its full course. That publication is false,” a source who pleaded anonymity said.
When the reporter visited the Imo State Police Command severally, to seek the reaction of the Commissioner of police, DanjumaAboki, he was not on seat but the Command’s PPRO, Henry Okoye, an Assistant Superintendent of Police(ASP) said the police are not involved in land matters as it is a civil matter.
He said Police could only be involved, if such land tussle poses a threat to peace and security of the community. He, however, warned the affected villages and youths, to desist from actions or activities that could threaten peace in the community.
