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Five die, 26 sustain injuries as building collapses in Anambra

Five persons died while 26 others were rescued after a building collapsed at Odu-Igbo Market in Ochanja, Anambra State.

The state governor, ChukwumaSoludo, who visited the scene on Tuesday, said that rescue operations are still in progress.

While speaking to the crowd gathered at the site, Soludo expressed deep sorrow over the incident, labeling it as “tragic” and emphasizing that it could have been prevented.

The governor announced that 26 individuals have been rescued and hospitalized, while five fatalities were recorded. He added that rescue efforts are ongoing to locate those still trapped under the rubbles.

Soludo reiterated his commitment to addressing the issue of illegal constructions and impunity in the state. He further revealed that the collapsed building was erected by a private developer without government approval.

“The contractor at his own cost will come and put down the illegal buildings he erected here. “They are all going to come down. My government did not approve this building. We will redesign this area and build it properly.

“All buildings constructed without proper approval will be brought down henceforth, including structures currently under construction at other markets.

“A comprehensive inventory of buildings in Anambra markets and public places will be conducted. “Markets will undergo integrity tests to identify and remove potentially unsafe structures and individuals found responsible for illegal construction will face legal consequences,” he added.

The governor stressed the importance of prioritizing public safety, vowing to eradicate “the impunity and lawlessness” surrounding unauthorized construction.

Police arrest suspected killers of Anambra community leader

Police in Anambra State, working in concert with community vigilante operatives, have apprehended four persons connected to the killing of a community leader in the state.

Mr Silas Onyima, the President General of Umuoji community in Idemili North Local Government Area of the state was last weekend killed in his home.

A press release by the spokesperson of the state police command, DSP TochukwuIkenga stated that four suspects have been arrested.

He said: “The handset and ATM Card of the deceased were recovered from them. In their confession, they named four other accomplices who are now being hunted for by the Police.”

He said the Commissioner of Police, CP Aderemi Adeoye commended the Police in Ogidi and Umuoji Vigilante for working together to apprehend the suspected perpetrators, and has directed the State Criminal Investigation Department to deploy its Forensic Team to take over the investigation.

The command assured Presidents-General across the State that their safety was of primary concern to the Police as they represent their people in governance by their town unions.

Man kills son for allegedly eating last portion of food in family’s pot

A man, identified as Marcel Udeh from Umunneochi LGA of Abia State has been nabbed by the Police, for allegedly killing his son.

His son’s offense, according to a community source, was that he returned home and ate the last portion of food in a pot inside the family’s kitchen.

According to the story, Mr Udeh was enraged that his late son could enter the kitchen to take food without getting permission from his father.

In anger, he was alleged to have dashed into his room, brought out a gun and fired at his son, leading to the victim’s death.

Mr Marcel Udeh was promptly apprehended by members of the community who tied his two hands and placed him on the lifeless body of his child.

Another account of the incident claimed that the suspect used a sharp object on his son, leading to his death.

Udeh, who was begging for mercy, blamed his actions on the devil, saying that he regretted what he did.

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of Abia State Command, ASP Maureen Chinaka confirmed that the incident was reported at the Umunneochi Division, adding that the suspect has been arrested.

Yes, we got a report at Umunneochi Division, the suspect has been arrested and the matter has currently been transferred to the SCID for discreet investigation and will be charged to Court afterwards”, said the PPRO.

Alleged sexual harassment: ICPC asks court to dismiss Ndifon’s no case submission

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has urged the Federal High Court, Abuja, to dismiss the no case submission filed by the suspended Dean of Faculty of Law, University of Calabar, Professor Cyril Ndifon and his lawyer, Barrister Sunny Anyanwu.

The ICPC is prosecuting Ndifon and Anyanwu before Justice James Omotosho over alleged sexual misconduct and attempt to perverse the cause of justice.

The alleged offenses are contrary to sections 8, 18 and 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000, and Section 182 of the Penal Code Cap. 532 Laws of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, 2006.

At the resumed hearing on Tuesday, counsel to the two defendants, Mr Joe Agi, SAN told the court that upon the receipt of ICPC’s reply to the written address on the no case submission application, the defence had resolved to rely on the same argument to the court to allow the no case submission.

He also argued that the position of the defendants was that in the originating process, “the court lacks jurisdiction to hear the case”.

Citing Section 26 subsection 2 of the ICPC Act, Agi said it is only the state or the FCT High Court that has jurisdiction to hear the case, adding that territorial jurisdiction also applies since the alleged offences took place in Calabar, Cross River State, hence it should be heard there and not in Abuja.

The counsel to the defendants also told the court that ICPC invaded the privacy of his clients as the Commission ‘failed’ to secure a court order before it subjected the phones of the first and second defendants to forensic examinations.

“You do not invade anyone’s privacy unless you come to court and ICPC did not answer that when the question was posed to it. Again, TKJ (the 2nd Prosecution witness) never complained to anyone about her affair with the first defendant but ICPC broke their privacy by sharing their private pictures. TKJ is an adult and once you are above 18, you are at liberty to do what you like”, he argued.

In his response, Counsel to ICPC, D rOsuobeni Ekoi Akponimisingha told the court that the prosecution had established a prima facie case against the defendants, hence the prayer for the dismissal of the no case submission filed by their counsel.

He added that the position of the prosecution was that the defendants’ argument on the court’s jurisdiction to hear the case lacked merit as all matters that has to do with cybercrime, as provided for in the Cybercrime Act are instituted in the Federal High Court.

On the allegation that ICPC invaded the privacy of the defendants by subjecting their phones to forensic investigations, Akponimisingha argued that the defendants were already under investigation and they also signed a consent form allowing access to their respective phones.

He cited Section 45 of the 1999 Constitution which says that nothing in Section 37 (of the same Constitution) that relates to privacy of citizens can invalidate any law on public morality, which the case is hinged on.

The trial judge, J. K. Omotosho thereafter adjourned the case to March 6, 2024 for ruling on the no case submission as well as the application for variation on bail granted to the first defendant.

We provided water, biscuits to strengthen protesters –Lagos CP

The Police Commissioner in Lagos State, Mr Adegoke Fayoade, said the command provided water and biscuits for protesters so as to avoid anyone collapsing on the way.

Fayoade spoke with newsmen in Lagos on the sidelines of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) nationwide protest carried out on Tuesday.

He said that the journey was a long distance for protesters to trek, coupled with the hot weather, hence the need for at least water and biscuits to give the participants strength for a successful protest.

“I provided water and biscuits because I didn’t want anyone to collapse on the way. We have to use water to strengthen everybody. That is the least we could do,” he said.

It was reported that many protesters were rushing for the refreshments being distributed from patrol vehicles by police personnel on the way.

Fayoade, who described the protest as peaceful, said no one was arrested for any violations during the protest. “The protest went on as agreed with the NLC leadership. We promised them protection, and we provided it from the beginning to the end.

“The same protection will be provided on Wednesday, and I will be part of the operation,” the CP said.

The police boss said that the command remained committed to the security of lives and properties in Lagos State.

He urged the residents to support the police and other security agencies by providing timely information on crimes.

NLC had slated protests for Tuesday and Wednesday across the country over the high cost of living. The body claims that the hardship in the land followed the hike in prices of goods and services consequent upon the removal of fuel subsidy and the free fall of the naira.

I, my team not responsible for Nigeria’s economic woes —Cardoso

The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Olayemi Cardoso, said he and his team are not responsible for Nigeria’s current economic woes.

Cardoso stated this while responding to a question about whether the CBN is responsible for the current economic challenges faced by Nigerians at the first Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting in Abuja yesterday.

The CBN boss, however, said the CBN is taking the necessary steps to get the country’s fiscal and monetary health back to normal. He said, “I laugh at that question but it’s not a laughing matter and I think it is very important for Nigerians to understand that the Central Bank Governor — I and my team — are not responsible for the woes that we have today; we are part of the solution.

“We are determined to ensure that we work hard to get out of the mess that Nigeria is in. We assumed responsibility in a time of crisis of confidence; there was a crisis of confidence and you may all want to go to bed and wish that crisis of confidence was not there but it was, and we can’t turn back the clock.

“All we can do is do the difficult things to make a bad situation better and I do believe that the efforts that we are making are beginning to bring back confidence because to be frank, without confidence in your business, you are not going to get far.”

Meanwhile, the CBN has raised its benchmark interest rate, the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR), to 22.75 percent.

This represents 400 basis points, up from the current 18.75 percent.

Cardoso disclosed this at the end of the Monetary Policy Committee, MPC meeting held in Abuja today.

It would be recalled that in 2023, Nigeria’s MPC implemented a strategy of gradually increasing the MPR over four consecutive meetings.

Other important indices, such as the Cash Reserves Ratio (CRR) and Liquidity Ratio, stayed constant throughout the time despite these aggressive efforts, with the CRR remaining at 32.5 percent and the Liquidity Ratio at 30.0 percent.

Protest: NLC urges FG to `urgently’ address hunger, economic hardship

NLC President

The Nigeria Labor Congress (NLC) has urged the Federal Government to immediately address hunger and economic hardship in the country.

Mr Joe Ajaero, NLC President said this when addressing workers during a peaceful protest from its headquarters to the National Assembly yesterday in Abuja.

The protesting workers carried placards with inscriptions such as :”End hunger and poverty’, “Reject IMF/World Bank policies’, ”End Naira devaluation, support local production”.

“Stop the profligacy in government, subsidise the poor’, “Fix local refineries, end subsidy’, ” Remove tax on drugs, our health matters, among others.

It would be recalled that on Feb. 16, NLC at the end of its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting had declared a two-day nationwide protest from Feb. 27 to Feb. 28, over the worsening economic hardship and insecurity in the country.

It would also be recalled that the Department of State Services (DSS) had warned the NLC not to embarked on the planned protest for the fear that it would be hijacked unscrupulous elements.

According to Ajaero, we are here for a peaceful protest. We are here to tell the Federal Government that Nigerians are hungry.

“The protest is to make Mr President to know how Nigerians feels, we know where it is pinching us.

NLC President

“We are also here to register our complaints before Nigerians, the level of suffering and hunger in the land.

“We are here to call on the federal government to immediately address the issue of hunger in the country.

“There is nobody that does not know that bag of rice is over N70, 000 or more, we can not even buy indomi, even bread is out of reach and with N30, 000 minimum wage, if you eat a loaf of bread everyday, you will be spending over N40,000,”he said.

He expressed worried over why the government keeps reneging on most of the palliatives it promised to provide to ameliorate the pain of workers, since the removal of fuel subsidy on May 29th, 2023.

Ajaero said that the primary purpose of governance had always been the welfare and security of the citizens.

He said government must rise up to its responsibility of implementing the welfare provisions as contained in Chapter Two of the Constitution of-the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

He added that, among the key welfare provisions is the generation of employment opportunities for citizens through massive investment in agriculture and value-added manufacturing.

The NLC president noted that to address issues of hunger government should immediately provide subsidies to farmers to boost agricultural production and food security. Ajaero however, urged the government to open all food storage silos and enforce equitable distribution across the country. He also said efforts must be geared towards fixing of abandoned factories and revival of our local production and patronage of Made-in-Nigeria goods and services.

He noted that the fixing of the four refineries have become germane and a matter of urgent national priority.

He added that electricity and water should be made available, affordable and accessible to all citizens, owing to the dire situation in the country.

According to Ajaero, we want government to invest massively in road-rail infrastructure and social housing.

“There is urgent need for deployment of cheap mass transportation, buses powered by CNG to ease the crisis of transportation for the poor people.

“Government must put an end to further privatisation and liberalization of the economy and take control of the commanding heights of the economy.in line with the Nigerian Constitution.

“Go after the oil subsidy cabal and other economic saboteurs instead of helpless Nigerians, put a stop to all dollarization of the Nigerian economy.

“They must also put a stop to wasteful spending and profligacy in government; proper and adequate funding of education and health care at all levels, among others of our demands,” he said.

It was reported that Ajaero presented a letter containing 17 point demands of the Congress.

Receiving the letter, Sen. Diket Plang, Chairman, Senate Committee on Employment, Labour and Productivity commended workers for the peaceful protest.

Plang also said that the NASS would do its best to ensure the quick passage of the minimum wage when implemented and the demands from the NLC would be looked into.

NSCDC arrests undergraduate for alleged kidnapping, collecting N50000 ransom

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ondo State Command, has arrested a 21-year-old undergraduate, Anthony Oscar, for allegedly kidnapping a 17-year-old girl.

Mr Oluyemi Ibiloye, NSCDC State Commandant, made this known while parading the suspects and two others yesterday in Akure.

The commandant explained that the suspect collected N50,000 as ransom from the parents of the victim.

He also said the suspect was arrested on Feb. 17 at his residence in Calabar, Cross River State, by the tactical team of the command.

According to him, Anthony, a resident of No. 31 Jordan St., IkotIshie, Calabar, Cross River, is a specialist in kidnapping of teenagers for ransom.

“On Jan. 30, 2024, a complaint of their missing 17-year-old daughter, Araba Joy Temitope, was reported at the NSCDC headquarters by Mr and Mrs Araba Alaba of number 24, Double Taiwo St., Ijoka, in Akure. “Temitope (victim) has been reported missing since January 24, 2024, while returning home from her school, Elibest College of Education, Oba-Ile, in Akure North Local Government Area of the state.

 

“On Jan. 30, the command issued a ‘Missing Person Statement’ to the press for whoever knows her whereabouts to contact the parents or the command at the contact numbers.

“On Feb. 6, seven days after the command’s press release, a phone number, which was later identified to be that of Oscar, notified the parents of the missing girl that their daughter was in his camp for rehabilitation.

“And he (suspect) demanded for N50,000 to be sent to Monie Point Microfinance bank account No. 8162041939 and that their daughter would be released,” he said.

Ibiloye, who said that the command initiated a sting operation and instructed the victim’s parents to pay the said amount, explained that the mobile number of the suspect was tracked, and he was arrested.

The commandant said that the suspect had confessed to the allegations and admitted receiving the N50,000 ransom, but has not revealed the whereabouts of the victim.

“From investigations, the suspect, who is a 400-level Mass Communication student of the University of Calabar, has various photographs of missing persons.

“He also has their family contacts on his phone, suggesting that he is into kidnapping for ransom, fraud, and cybercrime.

“Investigation is still ongoing to unravel the location of the missing girl and to arrest his accomplices,” he said.

Anthony, who spoke with newsmen, confirmed his involvement in the crime and said he only called the parents of the victim to dupe them.

“Actually, I was in my school in Calabar when I saw a post on my Facebook over a missing girl, and a phone number was attached to the post, in which I called the number to demand N50,000.

“And the N50,000 was sent to me, and I never called the number again because I have never set my eye on the girl (victim) before or known her from Adam.

“So, I was arrested because I didn’t hide my phone number when I called the parents for money. I have never come to Ondo State before until I was arrested on Saturday in my house in Calabar,” he said.

Bill to amend CBN Act scales second reading in Senate

The Senate at plenary yesterday passed for second reading, a bill for an act to amend the Central Bank of Nigeria(CBN)Act 2007.

The bill was sponsored by 41 members of the Committee on Banking, Insurance and other Financial Institutions.

Leading debate on the general principles of the bill, Chairman of the Committee, Sen. Adetokunbo Abiru, (APC-Lagos)said the bill was read the first time on Jan.30th.

He said the mandate of CBN was derived from the 1958 Act of Parliament as amended in 1991, 1993, 1997, 1998 and 2007.’

Abiru said the current act of 2007, which empowers the bank with the overall control and administration of the monetary and financial sector policies of the federal government, has not been amended for over 16 years, despite growing changes to the bank’s balance sheet.

He said there was also challenges in monetary policy implementation occasioned by fiscal dominance and the rapidly changing financial landscape.

Abiru said the proposed amendments were therefore aimed at strengthening the bank to discharge its primary mandate of maintaining monetary and price stability in support government’s economic growth objectives.

He said the amendment was designed to align its governance mechanisms with global best practices.

According to him, the current act made no provision for coordination of monetary and fiscal policies which accounted for the reason monetary policies of the bank often diverge from fiscal policies to the detriment of the economy.

He said the bill introduces for the purpose of co-ordination of the monetary, fiscal and trade policies, a Coordinating Committee for Monetary and Fiscal Policies.

He listed the functions of the committee to include:

“Setting internally consistent targets of monetary and fiscal policies that are conducive to controlling inflation and promoting financial conditions for sustainable economic growth.

“Applying caps to any fiscal deficit at a level that can be financed without having recourse to direct monetary financing from the Bank, that is Ways and Means.”

He said membership of the proposed committee shall consist of, Minister of Finance who shall be the Chairman, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Minister of Industry Trade and Investment, Minister of Agriculture, Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria.

Others, according to Abiru are the Chief Economic Adviser to the President, the Director General of the Securities and Exchange Commission.

The senator said the bill also proposes to amend the provision to provide a single non-renewal term of six years for the Governor and the Deputy Governors.

This, he said was the practice adopted by many independent Banks such as the United States Federal Reserve and the European Central Bank, where their Chief Executive Officers serve only one non-renewable term.

According to him, empirical evidence showed that a single term for the members of the executive and board members of central banks helps to reduce political influence on monetary policy decisions and the time inconsistency problem associated with non-independent central banks.

“The bill proposes that where a vacancy is created by the death or resignation of a CBN Governor or Deputy Governor, the President can appoint an acting Governor in the interim pending the appointment of a substantive Governor or Deputy Governor.

“Where a substantive appointment is made, such appointment will be for a fresh term rather than serving the tenure of the previous Governor or Deputy Governor.”

He said the bill proposes the establishment of the office of a Chief Compliance Officer for the Bank, of the rank of a Deputy Governor, who reports directly to the Board and may occasionally be summoned to appear before the relevant committee of the National Assembly.

This,he said was to help to strengthen the internal control systems put in place by the management of the Bank.

He said the primary role of Chief Compliance Officer was to ensure that the bank complies with all the public accountability and transparency requirements contained in extant laws under which the bank operates.

The bill was referred to Committee on Banking Insurance and other Financial Institutions for further legislative inputs and to revert back to plenary in two weeks by Deputy President of Senate Sen Barau Jibrin (APC-Kano).

Customs suspend rice sale after seven die in stampede

The Nigeria Customs Service, on Monday, announced the suspension of the sale of foodstuffs following a stampede that reportedly killed seven persons at the NCS Old Zonal Headquarters in the Yaba area of Lagos State on Friday.

The Chief Superintendent of Customs and National Public Relations Officer for Comptroller General of Customs, Abdullahi Maiwada, disclosed the suspension of the exercise in a statement on Monday.

Nigeria Customs had said it was selling seized food items at N10,000 per 25kg to alleviate the people’s suffering as a result of the current high cost of living and other economic hardships.

On Friday, a pregnant woman and six others reportedly died in a stampede after some suspected hoodlums attempted to force their way into the Yaba Customs office compound. Some Lagos residents who thronged the NCS office in Yaba expressed disappointment on Monday following the suspension of the initiative.

 

When our correspondent visited the Customs office at Yaba on Monday, a mass of people, including the elderly, queued up in front of the gate to buy the rice.

It was also observed that despite spirited efforts by officers to assure the people that the service was out of stock, the crowd continued to grow.

Speaking at the scene, one of the intending buyers, identified as Toyin Oke-Owo, urged President Bola Tinubu to find a lasting solution to the economic hardship in the country.

She said, “I have been here since 8 am. They said there would be no rice again. I have not eaten anything since this morning. Help us to tell the President that we are hungry.

“They said they wouldn’t sell it because some people died here. They have been chasing us away with a cane. I am hungry. This morning, I soaked cassava flour for my child to drink as breakfast.”

Another woman, who identified herself as Adesola Odefunso, said, “Please, help us to beg them that they should distribute what they have to those of us who have been here since morning.

“We are not as many as the people who came here on Friday. Help us to beg them to give us rice. We have been here since 5 am. We didn’t sleep throughout the night because of this rice.”

Meanwhile, in a statement on Monday evening, the NCS said the suspension became necessary considering “the recent unfortunate event.”

“We regrettably announce the suspension of this exercise until we establish what transpired on Friday, February 23, 2024,” the NCS spokesman said.

He explained that: “The disposal of the food items got off to a smooth start at about 0800hrs. We enjoyed the cooperation of the large crowd that obliged us, giving preferences to the elderly, people living with disabilities, pregnant women, and other vulnerable Nigerians who showed up for the exercise.

“This was the case up until about 1700hrs, as attested to by the over 5,000 beneficiaries and members of the press. However, unforeseen challenges arose when we ran out of stock and announced the continuation of the exercise the following day, leading to a regrettable outcome.

“The crowd became desperate and charged through our barricades in search of rice bags inside emptied containers. In the stampede that ensued, some fatalities and injuries were regrettably recorded.”

The Customs extended its “heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives during the unfortunate incident.”

The service said it was working with health authorities to establish contact and engage directly with the victims’ families on their next steps.

Economic hardship: Large turnout, as NLC two-day protest kicks off nationwide

The nationwide protest scheduled for February 27 and 28 by the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, over the high cost of living in the country has commenced in most parts of the country, including Abuja and Lagos

NLC had alerted its members across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, to protest against the hardship being faced by civil servants in Nigeria.

It would be recalled that the NLC and the Trade Union Congress had on February 8, issued a 14-day nationwide strike notice to the Federal Government, over the failure to implement the agreements reached on October 2, following the removal of fuel subsidy.

However, as Nigerians continue to grapple with economic hardship, the union decided to embark on a two-day nationwide protest, to press their demands.

Despite security advisory by the Department of State Services, DSS, the union kick-started the protest in many cities across the country.

Aggrieved Nigerians and workers were seen trooping into the Labour House with security operatives in the early hours of Tuesday.

CBN raises interest rate to 22.75% to tackle rising inflation

The Central Bank of Nigeria has raised the monetary policy rate, known as the interest rate, by 400 basis points to 22.75 per cent from 18.5 per cent.

The CBN Governor, Olayemi Cardoso disclosed this at the 293rd Meeting of the Monetary Policy Committee press briefing in Abuja.

He said the move was to ensure that the country’s soaring inflation rate, which stood at 29.90 per cent in January, was moderated.

The bank also raised the Cash Reserve Ratio to 45 per cent from 32.5 per cent.

“We expect that this will moderate in the short to medium term. We intend to work closely with other organs of government to take the fiscal side of the inflation, especially regarding insecurity”, he said.

“As far as CBN is concerned, we are moving to a very aggressive regulatory environment”, he added, speaking on the implementation of its policy.

He said the bank will continue to make the market more liquid, warning that operators who are not willing to abide by regulations will face the consequences.

The last time the MPC raised interest rates was in July.

It was reported that MPC held its first Meeting since its appointment in September with a move to tighten monetary policy measures.

It would be recalled that the Chief Executive Officer of the Financial Derivatives Company, Bismarck Rewane, said the Central Bank Monetary Policy Committee will have no option but to tighten interest rates amid soaring inflation and economic hardship.

OLUKOYODE, GIVE US MONEY

My eyes are on Olanipekun Olukoyode, Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission ( EFCC ). I am fed up with our politicians, in and out of power, over the management of the economy. While they bamboozle us with dogon turenci ( long grammar ), hunger has taken over from insecurity.

We all should be bothered that after some Nigerians cornered our commonwealth, government continues to go cap in hand begging international finance institutions for money. I do not come from a culture of beggars, it is shameful.

Olukoyode did not mean anything to me when his appointment was announced by President Bola Tinubu on October 12, 2023, two days to his 54th birthday. Some of those who eyed the job were disappointed and I am sure that was why the new man was welcomed into office with bullets of strictures.

Olukoyode

I thought the name was Olukayode, until February 14 when I cross checked. The 2024 Valentine Day was red, in the negative sense of it. Families and couples, lovers and toasters, all had no cash to buy ordinary red rose flowers.

With the Nigerian account painted red by gluttonous leaders, poverty trickled down the chain. The hitherto all red for love environment was enveloped with lamentation. Then, it occured to me that red is the dominant EFCC colour.

The first time I heard of Olukoyode, there were protests, from Jerusalem to Jericho. Some said he was not qualified to head the EFCC because of his non paramilitary background. Others alleged that he was once under scrutiny.

When the man appeared before the Senate, I became his fan. Olukoyode was quite unlike some of his predecessors, who would have harangued the audience with jackboot stories of wiping out corruption with thunderous precision.

Emissary

When he spoke, one saw the face of a dude ready to work with scientific accuracy. The forensic analysis of how in just three years, between 2018 and 2020, the country lost 2.9 trillion naira through contract and procurement fraud made my day.

He broke everything down, like a trained teacher. That stolen wealth would have given each of the 36 States a world class teaching hospital. It was enough to build 200 standard tertiary institutions in the Muhammadu Buhari years and construct kilometers of road.

The Fourth Republic has produced the worst criminals in our History. The day of reckoning will come. However, what happened between 2015 and 2023, must not be waved aside. Buhari was president, some of his workers presided over the looting of Nigeria.

Buhari

Olukoyode should not bother about Buhari. Stealing is not in his DNA. You cannot find him partying in Dubai and drinking choice wine with ladies of the night. I am not sure the former president cares about wonders on wheels and mansions.

Olukoyode should also leave out Tinubu. The president is not a poor man and with all in his fat account, does not need finance for anything personal. Having made money outside the Villa, the problems facing him are just enough to contend with.

Tinubu

Beyond the contract fraud, there are individuals and agencies that must answer their names. Former governors Jolly Nyame and Joshua Dariye were sent to jail. A deeper look will show that these men are saints. The jumbo criminals are walking free.

Dariye

Any governor accused of stealing more than 10 billion naira must face the law and make some refund. I say this because some of these governors were under pressure. There is demand from the party, from the family, from friends and even from enemies.

Many of them below the 10 billion mark used part of the money to maintain peace or balance terror. From the day he stepped down as governor, I doubt if Dariye could afford a first class ticket to Australia. Yet he was sent to prison.

The jumbo criminals are all over our space. Portfolio contractors, some uniformed men in paramilitary agencies, directors in ministries and departments, they have injured the economy more than inflation. All eyes are on governors, no. This mindset must change.

Some bank owners are part of the rot. Abstract Economics makes it difficult for people to understand why banks rise and fall without investors shying away from the industry. The EFCC should not run away from responsibility.

Talking about oil theft without looking at the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation ( NNPC ) will be a futile exercise. Oil business in Nigeria is so crude. What has been stolen is enough to buy Nigeria. And that is exactly what is happening. The country has been sold into poverty.

Olukoyode’s main job is to recover money to save the masses. All of us are now downtrodden. The only thing that can redeem the country is to get some of the stolen money and pump it back into the economy. When Tinubu removed subsidy on petroleum products, Nigeria collapsed.

Olukoyode can bring back all our stolen money. He has the capacity to stop the borrowing. I am with him in this aspect. He should not be afraid of death in the course of this job. As a pastor, Heaven will gladly welcome him and Nigerians will celebrate Olanipekun Olukoyode as an eternal hero.

Edo deputy gov, Shaibu alleged plot to impeach him

Philip Shaibu

The Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu, has expressed concern about a new scheme to remove him from office after being elected as a factional candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the upcoming governorship election on September 21.

He said: “Even as we speak, my team has been calling me that, ‘Look at what these people are doing. They are saying they are going to impeach you; that you have gotten too far.’ They are threatening to impeach me.

“And I said, well, if fighting for my rights and all of us collectively fighting for my rights as in the constitution that triggers impeachment, so be it, because fighting for my rights and saying I must contest the election is my constitutional rights and cannot be taken by anybody.

“So if constitutional right is why they will now trigger impeachment, the courts are there; they will interpret it.”

Uzodimma felicitates with Nlemigbo at 70

Marcon Nlemigbo

Governor of Imo State, Sen. Hope Uzodimma has congratulated the former Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the State, Chief Barr. Marcom Nlemigbo on his 70th birthday.

Nlemigbo, a consummate politician, entrepreneur and philanthropist hit the landmark 70 on February 26.

A statement by Oguwike Nwachuku, Chief Press Secretary and Media Adviser to the Governor said his principal is happy to identify with Chief Nlemigbo, not just on an occasion like his 70th birthday, but always.

Governor Uzodimma is particularly pleased with Chief Nlemigbo’s outstanding and unwavering commitment to the good of Imo State in particular and Nigeria in general.

The Governor is also happy that Chief Nlemigbo has remained a reference point for grassroot politics in Imo State, making available his many years wealth of experience in party administration and grass root mobilisation anytime he is called upon.

He therefore prayed God to grant Chief Nlemigbo many more years of fruitfulness in good health with sound mind so that he will continue to serve God and humanity with what God has graciously endowed him with.

P’Harcourt refinery must start production before end of March – TUC

The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria has urged the Federal Government to initiate the production of products from the Port Harcourt refinery by the end of Q1 2024.

The TUC President, Festus Osifo, made this known in Abuja Yesterday during a press briefing.

The press briefing is coming barely 24 hours before the start of a nationwide protest by the Nigeria Labour Congress over the high cost of living. “The congress visited the Port Harcourt Refinery about a week ago to inspect the state of the rehabilitation of both the old and new refineries.

“We are demanding that crude production from the old Port Harcourt refinery must commence before the end of first quarter of 2024.

“We further demand that the rehabilitation of the new Port Harcourt refinery, Warri refinery and Kaduna refinery must be expedited as we shall be closely monitoring progress and work completion as scheduled in the work breakdown structure,” he said.

He emphasised that the Port Harcourt refinery must start production before the end of March. “No matter how little, let’s start from somewhere,” he stated.

The congress also urged the Federal Government to start importing food within two weeks to address the increasing food prices nationwide.

The Federal Hovernment had recently expressed confidence in Nigeria’s ability to produce enough food to sustain itself and potentially become a food exporter.

President Bola Tinubu also said he would not set up a board to regulate the prices of food commodities in the country.

“What I will not do is to set a price control board. I will not also approve the importation of food,” Tinubu said.

Osifo has, however, advised the government to import food to address the economic hardship ravaging the country

“Nigerians must live to see tomorrow before we can understand how beautiful a government policy is. The national pride of striving to achieve food sufficiency locally should be temporarily relaxed.

“Governments at all levels should immediately purchase sufficient quantities of food items from different parts of the world and share them with vulnerable Nigerians.

“Importing food abroad at this point will assist to reduce the hyper-inflation of food in the country. FG should allow importation of food items for Nigerians consumption within the next two weeks,” Osifo stated.

Nigeria-Biafra: Show evidence of your project in Southeast – Omirhobo challenges Gowon

A human rights lawyer, Malcolm Omirhobo, has challenged former Military Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, retired, to show evidence of any Federal Government project his government established in the South-Eastern part of Nigeria after the Biafra civil war many years ago.

Omirhobo said this in a post via his X account on Sunday.

He was reacting to Gowon’s latest comment on the Biafran civil war.

“I am happy General Gowon is alive when I am making my assertions.

I challenge Gowon to show evidence of Federal Government repair, rehabilitation or replacement of any of the Hospitals, Markets, Schools, Buildings or Roads destroyed by the intentional bombing by the Nigeria Air Force and their Arab mercenaries after the Nigerian /Biafran war,” Omirhobo said.

“I challenge him to show any Federal Government project that his government established in the Eastern part of Nigeria after the war

I challenge Gowon to show the palliative or financial support that his government gave to the Easterners after the war.

“I need proof of his government’s effort for the Eastern children to catch up with the educational system after missing out for over three years.

I challenge him to show how many Easterners who lost their jobs because of the war were reabsorbed after the war.

“Take It from me, the war ended with Nigeria being the Victor and the Easterners the Vanquished. The (3 Rs) Reconciliation, Reconstruction and Rehabilitation policy of Gowon’s government was by mouth not deed.”

It would be recalled that the former head of state after a meeting with President Bola Tinubu, disclosed to journalists how he was accused of being unable to prosecute the Biafra civil war.

Gowon, who ruled Nigeria between 1966 and 1975, had said, “If I can remember, when I was fighting the war I was told I was too slow and that probably Nigeria cannot make it and that we should now seek for discussion. Well, did we do it or not? They probably do not know the problem underground so that is where we are.”

Tinubu Orders Full Implementation Of Oronsaye Report, Announces Scrapping, Merging Of Several Government Agencies

President Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu has ordered the full implementation of the 2012 Stephen Oronsaye report.⁣

Going by this implementation, it announced the merging, subsuming, scraping and relocation of several agencies of government. The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, revealed this to State House Correspondents after Yesterday Federal Executive Council meeting at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja. ⁣

“So in a very bold move today, this administration, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, consistent again with his courage to take very far-reaching decisions in the interest of Nigeria, has taken a decision to implement the so-called Oronsaye Report.⁣

“Now, what that means is that a number of agencies, commissions, and some departments have actually been scrapped. Some have been modified, and marked while others have been subsumed. Others, of course, have also been moved from some ministries to others where the government feels they will operate better,” said Idris. ⁣

“Consequently, the President constituted a committee to implement the mergers, scrapping and relocations within 12 weeks, said Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Policy Coordination, MrsHadizaBala-Usman. ⁣

Submitted in 2012, the Oronsaye report on public sector reforms revealed that there are 541 — statutory and non-statutory —Federal Government parastatals, commissions, and agencies.⁣

A year earlier, the then President Goodluck Jonathan had set up the Presidential Committee on Restructuring and Rationalisation of Federal Government Parastatals, Commissions and Agencies, under the leadership of former Head of Civil Service, Stephen Oronsaye.⁣⁣

The 800-page report recommended that 263 of the statutory agencies be slashed to 161; 38 agencies be scrapped; 52 be merged and 14 be reverted to departments in various ministries.⁣

The report also recommends that the law establishing the National Salaries and Wages Commission be repealed and its functions taken over by the Revenue Mobilisation and Fiscal Responsibility Commission.⁣

It advised the FG to merge the nation’s top three anti-corruption agencies—the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission and the Code of Conduct Bureau.⁣

Dangote, Innosson, Elumelu, 13 others listed as Members of Presidential Economic Advisers  

President Bola Tinubu has set up an economic advisory committee constituting members of the private sector players such as Aliko Dangote, Femi Otedola, Tony Elumelu, Innocent Chukwuma (Innoson), Abdul Samad Rabiu (BUA), among others.  

The tripartite committee comprises of 17 members from the Federal government, sub-nationals and private sector.

President Tinubu declared during the inauguration in Abuja with governors and business figures on Sunday that all potential strategies would be examined to address the socio-economic difficulties facing the nation.

Recommended reading: President Buhari appointed Doyin Salami as Chief Economic Adviser According to the President, the federal government is ready to collaborate closely with all stakeholders to identify enduring solutions to the country’s current situation.

”Let’s look at what we’re doing right and what we’re doing wrong to bring life back to the economy. Like I said, many times, the people of this country are only the people who we have to please.

”We are very much concerned from students to mothers and fathers, farmers, the traders and realising that everyone of us will have to fetch water from the same well.  

”We’re looking for additional efforts that might help the downtrodden Nigerians and we will provide that hope and reassurance that economic recovery is on its way.  

”We are not saying that we have all the answers. But we will not be blamed for not trying.

”We assure Nigerians that we will do our best to get our marshal plans in place and fashion out the best economic future for this country,” he said.

Also speaking at the meeting was the governor of Anambra State, Charles Soludo who said that the meeting allowed for cross fertilisation of ideas on the state of the economy and the way forward, adding that every Nigerian needs to contribute to its growth.

”We have all the potentials and we have all that it takes to make Nigeria ride through these turbulent times and put the economy back on a sustainable growth.

”I think there is unity of purpose, determination, the sense of patriotism and determination by all to make it happen and by the special grace of God, it’s now the execution, execution,” he said.

On his part, the governor of Ogun State, DapoAbiodun, said that all governors have resolved to join hands with the President to provide the necessary intervention to cushion the effect of the administration’s reforms.

Abiodun assured Nigerians that government at all tiers would not leave them alone in this trying period, adding that better times are in the offering shortly.

”In my state and in other states, we are bringing in rice, we’re bringing food items and we’re selling at rates that can be obtained before the downslide of the Naira,” he added.  

Also in attendance were   Wale Edun, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy;  AtikuBagudu,  Budget and National Planning minister, AbubakarKyari,  Agriculture and Food Security minister and  Mohammed Idris, Information and National Orientation.

Some of the private sector players at the meeting included Chairman of the Dangote Group, AlikoDangote; Chairman of BUA Group, Abdul SamadRabiu; Chairman of Heirs Holdings, Tony Elumelu; Group Chief Executive Officer of Pandora Plc, Wale Tinubu; Managing Director of Matrix Group, AbdullabirAliu; Chief Executive Officer of Financial Derivative Company, Bismarck Rewane; and  Director-General, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), SegunAjayi-Kadir.

Femi Otedola, however, was not physically present in the meeting.  

Recommended reading: President Tinubu appointed Ibrahim Gaga as new Executive Director of NEXIM Bank  

Prioritise national development over strike, NANS urges NLC

The National Association of Nigeria Students has urged the Nigeria Labour Congress to shelve its planned strike and focus on prioritising national development.

It appealed to the NLC to shun the path of strike action and explore alternative avenues to resolve disputes with the Federal Government.

The NLC President, Joe Ajaero, had insisted in a statement on Sunday that a protest would be held on Tuesday and Wednesday as planned over the current economic hardship in the country.

On February 16, the NLC announced the nationwide protest scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday over the alleged government’s failure to implement agreements reached between both parties on October 2, 2023, following the removal of the fuel subsidy.

The decision followed the conclusion of a 14-day ultimatum issued to the Federal Government to implement measures against economic hardship.

But the NANS Senate President, AkinteyeBabatunde in an address yesterday while acknowledging the legitimate grievances of the workers and the need for improved working conditions, expressed concerns about the potential repercussions of the protest on academic activities and the overall welfare of citizens.

“We are appealing to the NLC to reconsider their decision and prioritise collaboration with the government for the greater good of the nation.

“We believe that dialogue and constructive engagement are essential for addressing grievances and achieving meaningful progress in improving the welfare of workers and citizens alike.

“The looming threat of a strike poses a significant risk of further exacerbating the economic challenges facing the nation and disrupting the lives of ordinary citizens, including students,” he said.

NANS stated that the impact of the strike action on academic activities would be devastating, particularly for students, who are already grappling with various challenges within the educational system, adding that “disruptions to academic calendars, examinations, and other educational activities could derail the progress of students and exacerbate the already precarious situation in the education sector.”

Babatunde added that the apex student body was ready to support the NLC in its advocacy efforts in dialogue with the government to address challenges facing its workers.

“We appeal to the NLC to prioritise the national interest above all else and seek common ground with the government to ensure the well-being and prosperity of all Nigerians,” he stated.

Defence Headquarters debunks coup plot rumors

The Nigerian Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has vehemently denied claims circulating online alleging a potential coup plot and the subsequent high alert of the Presidential Guards Brigade.

In a statement released yesterday, February 26, 2024, and signed by acting Director Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, the DHQ condemned the “malicious and unfounded” article published by Sahara Reporters on February 25th.

The article, the DHQ claimed, made various unsubstantiated allegations, including the Guards Brigade being placed on high alert due to “suspicious movements,” leading to concerns of a coup, and prompting an emergency meeting involving President Bola Tinubu, the Chief of Staff, and the Brigade Commander.

The statement emphasized that the Guards Brigade, by law, is entrusted with safeguarding the seat of power, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and its surrounding areas.

Therefore, it “has always been on high alert” to fulfill its mandated responsibilities effectively.

Condemning the “unsubstantiated assertion” and labeling it a mere “figment of imagination,” the DHQ urged the public to disregard the information entirely.

Furthermore, the DHQ called on relevant security agencies to take appropriate action against Sahara Reporters for their “unpatriotic action.”

Additionally, the DHQ reserved the right to pursue legal redress against the publication for its actions deemed capable of inciting unnecessary national tension.

“The Increasingly Frequent Kidnappings in Nigeria are Extremely Concerning” – Pope Francis

Pope Francis

Pope Francis, the head of the catholic church in a post on X, yesterday, condemned the kidnappings and rising insecurity in Nigeria.

The Pope who took to his personal X account to bemoan the unfortunate security situation in Nigeria said that The increasingly frequent kidnappings in Nigeria are extremely concerning “I express my closeness in prayer to the Nigerian people, hoping that efforts will be made to contain the spread of these incidents as much as possible.”

The Pope has previously expressed concern about the insecurity and violence in Nigeria, particularly in the northern regions where attacks by extremist groups like Boko Haram and clashes between herders and farmers have caused significant suffering and loss of life. He has called for peace, dialogue, and reconciliation among different religious and ethnic groups in Nigeria.

Pope Francis’ messages regarding insecurity in Nigeria reaffirms his commitment to promoting peace, justice, and solidarity around the world.

Furthermore, the pope called for attention to the rising menace and assured that he was praying for the country and its citizens.

The security situation in Nigeria has deteriorated in the past months, with kidn@ppings and att@cks at the forefront.

Court to rule on Nnamdi Kanu’s bail application March 19

The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed March 19, 2024, to rule on the fresh bail application filed by the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, NnamdiKanu.

The court also scheduled March 20, for the commencement of the resumed trial.

Kanu had been standing trial on charges bordering on terrorism and treasonable felony since 2015.

He was earlier granted bail on health grounds on April 25, 2017, after spending 18 months in detention but he fled the country after an invasion of his residence by the military in September 2017.

His trial was put on hold after the Court of Appeal discharged and acquitted Kanu in October 2022.

The appellate court also declared illegal and unlawful, the rendition of Kanu from Kenya to Nigeria and quashed the entire terrorism charges brought against him by the Federal Government.

However, the FG appealed against the judgment at the apex court.

The Supreme Court in its judgement on December 15, 2023, ordered the continuation of Kanu’s trial.

The court held that there is no law in the country stopping a trial based on the violation of the rights of a suspect.

At Kanu’s resumed trial yesterday, both the defendant and the prosecution had new counsel. Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) took over from David Kawse for the prosecution, and Alloy Ejimakor replaced Mike Ozehkome for the defendant.

No explanation was provided in court for this change.

Awomolo told the court that the prosecution was ready for trial, urging the judge to be guided by the Supreme Court decision.

He said, “The Supreme Court affirmed your decision which preserved Counts 1,2, 3, 4, 5, 8, and 15 were observed by your ruling in which the defendant pleaded not guilty. We urge your lordship to continue the hearing of the case on merit.

We are ready to proceed with the matter and our witnesses are ready. We urge your lordship to be guided by the order of the Supreme Court.”

Ejimakor told the court he had filed an application for the bail of his client and a preliminary objection.

But Awomolo urged the court to give him more time to go through the further and better affidavit filed by the defendant.

He said, “I am opposing the bail. The further and better affidavit is voluminous. We need to attend to it but we can take the preliminary objection.”

The trial judge, Justice Binta Nyako lamented the actions of the counsel which according to her had led to proceedings being truncated in the past.

She said, “This is exactly the way this case has been going since 2015. I am talking to both sides. No one side is innocent of this. You have been truncating proceedings.

“I have written rulings nine times on Kanu’s bail applications in the past. An application for bail does not forestall a trial.”

Ejimakor insisted that the bail application be heard as the health condition of Kanu was deteriorating.

He also stated that Kanu’s continued detention by the DSS was a threat to his life.

Ejimakor said, “I urge my lord to grant the defendant bail. We want to emphasize that there are issues raised in the further and better affidavit, dated 22 February supported by 22 paragraph affidavit. Five exhibits were filed in addition to the initial four. I need to emphasize that the application is for bail and not reinstatement of bail.

“Section 161 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act raised conditions to be satisfied in the circumstances that the defendant has a health issue at the end of the day what triumphs is your discretion.

“The records speak for themselves, the defendant has a very serious health condition. He also has High Blood Pressure. The injury sustained in Kenya and they are before the record of this court is still there. Recently, he has had an illness relating to the heart.

“Our humble submission is that the conditions of the defendant speak for itself. The condition laid down in section 161 has been met. Life-threatening illnesses can’t be handled at the DSS facility. The DSS cell is not different from the police’s. They don’t have the facilities to treat him.

“To continue to detain him is a threat to his life. The adjournment was caused by their amendments. It is our right to file motions. The delay in trying him was not caused by us. Section 161 that other circumstances stated for the bail conditions are at the discretion of my lord.”

Ejimakor argued that the continued incarceration of Kanu would not enable him to put up a good defence in the matter.

He said, “If we want a fair hearing in the matter, he can’t conduct an effective defence by remaining in custody. The DSS seized a process we took to him. The DSS doesn’t allow us to take notes. They nearly naked my colleague Max Opera. They have secret listening devices in the room where we hold discussions.”

In his submission, Awolomo urged the court to dismiss the bail applicant and instead grant an accelerated hearing.

He said, “We urged your lordship to dismiss and order accelerated hearing. Section 161 which grants the court the discretion. The key words the applicants must prove there are no medical facilities to take care of to take care of him.

“They are taking care of him. He has been given drugs. He did not satisfy that condition. Nothing extraordinary, scientific, and medically provable to show that he is entitled to bail for the crime he is facing. Investigation and arraignment have been done long ago. We are ready for the trial. An order for accelerated hearing is the best.

“The issue of rendition has been determined at the Supreme Court and it can not be brought before this court. Also, other decisions of other courts are not binding on you and these judgments they are bragging about have been appealed.

“He was at a time granted bail but jumped bail that is the record of this court and until that it is set aside by your lordship. Also, in their affidavit, it is not on oath that he will not jump bail if granted one. It is in the interest of all that this matter is held on merit. We are ready and willing to go day to day on this matter so that there will be an end to this matter.”

On his preliminary objection dated February 19, Ejimakor requested the court to prevent the DSS from confiscating lawyers’ documents and prohibiting them from taking notes during discussions with Kanu at their facility.

He also urged the court to refrain from eavesdropping on conversations as well as violating Kanu’s rights.

“We also want an order that before the commencement of trial, a non-custodial centre be created for Kanu to engage with lawyers of his own choice.

“We have brought clothes to him so he could change but it has been rejected. Nothing has changed despite your earlier order. We had issues coming into court today. There is no way he can put up an effective defence in detention,” he added.

On his part, Awolomo said the preliminary objection is a complete abuse of the court process.

He noted that with the process, the defendant was dictating to the court what to do, describing it as an insult to the court.

Awolomo said, “This is a complete abuse of the court process. It is not founded in ACJA and is unknown to our law. It is dictating to the court what must be done by a defendant before a trial can be commenced, not even a counsel of any calibre should do that. This is an insult to the court.

“The application is meant to annoy and delay proceedings. There was agreement that only letters from the lead counsel were to be accepted. He was never prevented from changing his counsel as he has always done. The DSS must protect his life. Also, the attire brought is related to IPOB.”

The trial judge ordered that Kanu be allowed to wear any plain cloth given to him.

She said, “Any plain clothes they bring, he should be allowed to wear it. The beads are not allowed. Do not let me reiterate this. He can’t wear any traditional attire not even that of Hausa.”

Nyako adjourned the matter to March 19 for ruling on the bail application and 20 for the commencement of trial.

Court hears Nnamdi Kanu’s bail application, preliminary objection to his trial

Nnamdi Kanu

A Federal High Court, Abuja, yesterday, heard the bail application and preliminary objection to the trial commencement filed by Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

Upon resumed hearing of the matter, Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, who appeared for the Federal Government, told Justice Binta Nyako that the case was coming up for hearing after the decision of the Supreme Court on Dec. 15, 2023.

Awomolo said the apex court affirmed Nyako’s decision of April 8, 2022, by affirming the preservation of counts one, two, three, four, five, eight and 15 of the charge which Kanu pleaded not guilty of.

The senior lawyer said that the Supreme Court ordered the continuation of the hearing on the remaining seven counts out of the earlier 15 counts.

“So we are ready to proceed with the hearing of this matter and it is in the defendant’s interest and everybody’s interest in this country to see to the end of the hearing,” he said. Counsel to Kanu, Alloy Ejimakor, however, told the court that he had two motions; an application for bail and a preliminary objection.

He said though he agreed that the Supreme Court directed the continuation of the trial, they were not ready to continue the proceeding.

He urged the court to take the bail application and the preliminary objection and the prosecution did not object.

Hearing on the bail application and the preliminary objection is ongoing.

Group threatens to approach Assembly for Gov Soludo’s impeachment

Soludo

A group, Forum of Labour Party 2023 House of Assembly Candidates, has berated Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State over what it described as ‘dictatorial’ tendencies of his two-years administration.

The group, in a statement by its Spokesperson, Hon. Humphrey Iloh, advised the Soludo-led government to desist from further humiliating, intimidating, impoverishing and killing of people of the state.

It said the advice followed recent destruction of newspaper stands and beating of newspaper vendors in Awka as well as brutal killing of one Mr. Arinze Obuladike, a drug dealer at Ogbo-ogwu, Onitsha by Special Anambra State Anti-Touting Squad (SASA).

The group threatened to compel the House of Assembly to commence impeachment process on the Governor if the ugly trend continued.

“Also, on Friday, February 16, 2024 at Ogbo-ogwu in Onitsha; the brutal killing of one Mr. Arinze Obuladike, a drug dealer at Ogbo-ogwu, a resident of Iyiowa Odekpe, in Ogbaru LGA and indigene of Okija in Ihiala LGA, all in Anambra State; by Special Anambra State Anti-Touting Squad (SASA), a Government agency that does not have the legal authority to bear arms or engage in violent acts as seen in the circulating vidoes.

“We the members of the Forum Of Labour Party 2023 House of Assembly Candidates condemn in its entirety these double tragic and unfortunate acts by Prof. Soludo-led Government and other previous actions, which is a clear indication that Anambra State is now under a DICTATORIAL REGIME.

Uzodimma calls for comprehensive audit of power sector

By Jennifer John…

Imo State governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma has called for a comprehensive audit of the decisions taken in the Nigerian power sector in the past, to ascertain where the country got it right and where it didn’t get it right.

Uzodimma made this assertion at the Old Lodge Enugu, yesterday during the Light Up Nigeria programme flagged off by the Vice President, Kashim Shettima.

He noted that from 1999 to 2007, the Federal Government of Nigeria spent over $13bn from taxpayers’ money to develop the power sector, adding that presently in 2024, 78 percent of the homes and industries in the country have no access to electricity, concluding that something is definitely wrong.

He pointed out that 85 percent of industries in the South East has closed down, due to lack of power, a zone he enthused, is richly endowed by God with natural resources and whose citizens he described as enterprising, industrious and hardworking.

Uzodimma wondered how Nigerians expect President Bola Tinubu to solve the problem of power that has lingered for 45 years in seven months.

The Imo State Governor challenged the managers of the power sector in Nigeria to wake up and give Nigerians light, as according to him, a lot of money had been spent from taxpayers money for the sector.

He said: “Today a bag of cement is N13,000, if we have power in Nkalagu, Nigercem will be working, if we have power in Enugu, the Coal company will be working. Our Rail system is still working in the ancient manner, because of lack of power”.

Rivers police probe woman’s attempted sale of five-year-old boy

The Rivers State Police Command said it is investigating an alleged attempt by a woman to sell her five-year-old son in Port Harcourt.

It was gathered that the woman identified as Onyiye took the boy to a popular market in Bishop Okoye Street in the Mile 3 axis of Port Harcourt on Saturday.

Drama however ensued when some traders confronted the woman and realised her true intentions which she attributed to hardship.

The traders who doubted if the child was hers however took the woman to the police station to report the matter, leading to the latter’s arrest.

One of the traders who pleaded anonymity said, “The way I see the woman I don’t think she is woman normal because of how she was acting.”

When contacted on Monday, the spokesperson for the state Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko confirmed the incident, saying the matter is being investigated.She stated, “The woman was brought to the station by some persons who alleged she came to the market to sell her child.

“We are investigating the matter to ascertain the veracity of the eyewitness’ claims. Meanwhile, the woman is still with the police.”

Security Operatives Rescue 16 Abducted Passengers In Kogi

Security operatives have rescued 16 kidnapped victims from their abductors in Kogi State.

Spokesperson of the Kogi Police Command, SP Williams Ovye-Aya, described the rescue operation as “very swift and pragmatic.”

Eleven of the victims, he said, were passengers from Peace Mass Transit Bus, while five from Sienna Bus were reportedly abducted on Sunday, February 25, along Ette Enugu-Ezike Road and taken to the bush.

Ovye-Aya, who said no arrest had been made, vowed to apprehend the suspects and bring them to face justice.

According to him, security operatives were out there combing the bush to arrest the culprits in order to bring them to book. “We are leaving no stone unturned to ensure that kidnappers are arrested and prosecuted to serve as a deterrent to others.

As security operatives, we are out to arrest the menace of kidnapping and other criminal activities in Kogi and the country as a whole.

“Already, our Commissioner of Police in Kogi Command, Bethrand Onuoha, is happy with the rescue operation and has commended the Joint security team,” he said. Ovye-Aya appealed to the good people of the state for their continued collaboration with the Police and other security agencies in ensuring adequate security of lives and property in Kogi State.

IPOB faults Kanu’s continuous trial

The Indigenous People of Biafra has rejected further court trials of its leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, insisting that it stands by the judgment of the Appeal court, which ordered Kanu not to be tried anymore in any Nigerian court.

A Federal High Court in Abuja yesterday fixed March 19, 2024, to rule on the fresh bail application filed by the embattled IPOB leader.

The court also scheduled March 20, for the commencement of the resumed trial.

The trial judge, Justice Binta Nyanko adjourned after listening to the argument by counsel to parties in the matter.

Trial resumed on the matter on Monday after being suspended by the Court of Appeal which discharged and acquitted Kanu in October 2022.

The appellate court also declared illegal and unlawful, the rendition of Kanu from Kenya to Nigeria and quashed the entire terrorism charges brought against him by the Federal Government. But in a statement on Monday by the spokesman, Emma Powerful, the pro-Biafran group called on President Bola Tinubu to unconditionally release Kanu and other IPOB members in various detention facilities across the country.

The group said, “Recall that the Supreme Court justices on December 15, 2023, sent the case of Kanu back to the High Court. The same High Court fixed February 8, 2024, to commence hearing on the matter or matters. But on the said date the Federal Government refused to appear in court.

“Refusing to make an appearance on that day showed that the Federal Government has no cogent reason to either prosecute Kanu and should unconditionally release him.

“IPOB leadership has reviewed the actions of the Federal Government and the legal system and we totally stand on no further trial of our leader in the High Court or any other court.

“No matter what the Federal Government does today, we stand by the Appeal court ‘discharged and acquitted’ pronounced on our leader. They know very well that they have no case against him or the organisation that he leads.

“Our leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, was illegally abducted and detained for almost two years between 2015 and 2017. In 2021, our leader was again abducted, tortured, and extraordinarily renditioned to Nigeria. For three years since 2021, our leader has again been remanded to solitary confinement in the Nigeria DSS dungeon, which adds up to five years of persecution.

“Irrespective of all the judiciary rigmarole, eventually, some courageous honourable Justices in the Appeal Court in Abuja on October 13, 2022, delivered a landmark Judgment that history will never forget. The Court, in its ruling, discharged and acquitted Mazi Nnamdi Kanu of all the trumped-up charges based on the illegal abduction and extraordinary rendition by the Federal Government.

“Instead of the Federal Government to obey the ruling of the Court of Appeal, they decided to intimidate the honourable Justices by transferring them out of Abuja jurisdiction to different areas of the country.”

The group said in view of the above scenarios and other considerations, the IPOB family worldwide, therefore, firmly stands on “no more court trial of our leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu”.

“We call on President Bola Tinubu to unconditionally release our leader and other innocent IPOB members in various detention facilities across the country.”

Maritime workers to shut seaports for NLC protest

The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria said it will join the two-day nationwide protest being organisedby the Nigeria Labour Congress.

This was contained in a statement yesterday by the Head of Media, MWUN, KennedyIkemefuna.

Ikemefuna said the move was necessary following the directive of NLC that its affiliate members across the nation should strictly comply.

It was reported that on February 16, the NLC announced the nationwide protest scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday over the alleged government’s failure to implement agreements reached between both parties on October 2, 2023, following the removal of the fuel subsidy.

The decision followed the conclusion of a 14-day ultimatum issued to the Federal Government to implement measures against the widespread hardship.

Ikechukwu said, “The MWUN would join the Nigeria Labour Congress’s two-day nationwide protest holding on the 27-28th of February 2024, as directed by the congress after its NEC-in-session meeting held on Monday, in Abuja, directing all its affiliate members across the nation to strictly comply.”

He added that the protest is coming against the backdrop of the Federal Government’s refusal to honour the October 2023 agreement signed with the congress.

“The congress believes that if the agreement had been honoured and implemented, it would have gone a long way to ameliorate the sufferings and hardships of the ill-conceived and ill- ill-implemented policies have brought upon Nigerian Workers and the citizenry of the country,” Ikechukwu said.

He also added that the MWUN as an affiliate of the NLC would comply with the NLC directive.

Hardship: ‘Import food’ – TUC advises Tinubu

The Trade Union Congress, TUC, has offered solutions to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration on how to end Nigeria’s raging economic hardship.

TUC said the government must immediately import food from abroad to end the ongoing hunger crisis in Nigeria.

President of TUC, Festus Osifo, disclosed this during a press conference on the economic hardship ravaging the country yesterday in Abuja.

Osifo lamented that Nigerians have never witnessed this level of hardship before, even during military regimes, adding that the problems are not unconnected to the government’s poor patronage of locally made products and services and lack of capable hands at the helm of affairs.

“Nigerians must live to see tomorrow before we can understand how beautiful a government policy is. The national pride of striving to achieve food sufficiency locally should be temporarily relaxed. Governments at all levels should immediately purchase sufficient quantities of food items from around the world and share them with vulnerable Nigerians.

“Importing food abroad at this point will assist to reduce the hyper-inflation of food in the country. Federal Government should allow importation of food items for Nigerians consumption within the next two weeks, ”Osifo said.

The TUC president advised President Bola Tinubu to, as a matter of urgency, strengthen the economic management team of his administration and also look beyond party or tribal lines to headhunt the best Nigerians throughout the world who could sit down and develop homegrown solutions to the hardship menace.

It would be recalled that the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, had insisted on nationwide protests on February 27 and 28 over economic hardship.

Niger, Kogi, Lagos, and Oyo states had witnessed protests over the country’s economic challenges in recent times.

Niger Delta group backs Obasanjo’s position on rising oil theft

A Niger Delta group, the Movement for the Sustainable Development of the Niger Delta, MSDND, has thrown its weight behind the position put forward by former President Olusegun Obasanjo on the volume of crude oil allegedly stolen from the Niger Delta region. Obasanjo had attributed the poor state of Nigeria’s economy to the nation’s intentional poor record keeping on the production of crude oil.

He also noted that 80 per cent of crude oil produced in the country is stolen, thereby preventing the nation from attaining its OPEC quota.

The MSDND, through its Publicity Secretary, Kelvin Orughoe, pointed out that Obasanjo’s position was a clear statement based on intelligence and in-depth knowledge of the failed battles against crude oil theft in the country. He added, “It is time for President Bola Tinubu to borrow the cue and take the bull by the horn. “The people stealing our crude oil are not along the creeks and waterways of the Niger Delta region. The crude oil theft is being coordinated and carried out by cartels collaborating with both state and non-state actors.”

Orughoe said that investigations by the group revealed that senior government officials in the petroleum sector know what is going on and have lots of questions to answer.

“If President Tinubu is serious about combating crude oil theft and not just tough talk made for media propaganda, then he should immediately request to meet with these ex-militant leaders because they have the masterplan in their possession on how to resolve the menace of crude oil theft across the Niger Delta region within thirty (30) days at zero cost to the Federal Government.

“President Bola Tinubu had said that his administration is making efforts to raise at least $10 billion USD to increase FX liquidity to stabilise the Naira. This was the same story that the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited, NNPCL, used to justify its involvement in the controversial $3.3 billion crude oil pre-payment loan it signed with the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) in

August 2023 which did not work as planned, because we are all witness to the fact that the forex exchange rates has worsened,” he added.

Court remands artisan for defiling 11-year-old girl

Crying child after defilement

The Ogudu Magistrates’ Court in Lagos State yesterday remanded a 39-year-old man, Prosper Ebhoze, in a correctional centre for allegedly defiling an 11-year-old girl.

Mr Ebhoze, who resides at No 14, Oke-Owo, off Oka-Omo Street. Alapere- Ketu, Lagos, is charged with defilement.

The Chief magistrate, M.O Tanimola, who did not take Mr Ebhoze’s plea, adjourned the case until March 13 for legal advice from the office of the Lagos State Director of Public Prosecutions.

Earlier, the prosecuting counsel, Insp Donjour Perezi, told the court that Mr Ebhoze committed the offence at noon on Oja-Omo Street. Alapere, Ketu, Lagos. Mr Perezi said the girl was sent home from school to get some items.

He said the minor went to her father’s shop to inform her father; unfortunately, she didn’t find him in his workshop, but she saw the defendant, who is her father’s apprentice. “He took her to a corner, covered her mouth and defiled her. He also threatened to kill,” Mr Perezi said.

The prosecutor said the offence contravened section 137 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State.

Residents protest economic hardship in Lagos

Yesterday, hundreds of residents in Lagos State staged a protest over hunger and the rising cost of living in the country.

It was reported that the protesters, mostly youths, led by a human rights group, the “Take It Back Movement”, marched through Ojuelegba under the bridge area of Lagos, displaying placards.

However, there is a heavy presence of armed police officers to forestall any possible violence.

It would be recalled that the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Adegoke Fayoade, had warned on Sunday, that anyone found infringing on the rights of others would be dealt with lawfully.

The police boss advised against any action capable of grounding commercial activities and obstructing the free flow of traffic in Lagos State.

Fayoade assured residents of Lagos State that necessary security measures had been put in place to protect lives and property with or without any protest.

He said officers and men had been deployed to ensure the free flow of traffic and ensure a peaceful environment for the conduct of lawful engagements.

Aba makes history as Tinubu inaugurates Geometric Power plant today

Aba, the commercial hub of Abia State, will today make history, as President Bola Tinubu commissions Geometric power plant, the first integrated power plant in Nigeria, situated at Osisioma Industrial area of Aba.

In preparation for the commissioning of the Power plant, Turbine three was turned on at 3.39pm on Sunday, February 25, 2024, leading to massive rejoicing by Geometric Power engineers and their KS Energy counterparts.

The 181-megawatt Geometric Power plant was originally scheduled for inauguration on Saturday, February 24, by President Bola Tinubu.

Aba Power Limited Electric, the newest electricity distribution company (DISCO), in Nigeria, will take electricity from the new plant and supply to 9 of the 17 Local Government Areas of Abia State.

Described as the biggest investment in the South-East Zone of Nigeria, Geometric Power has spent about $800 million on its integrated power project, which includes building of 27-kilometre natural gas pipeline, from Owaza in Ukwa West LGA in Abia State, to the Osisioma Industrial Layout in Aba.

“We have, in addition, installed 150,000 kilometres of cables and wires and installed four new power substations, as well as refurbished three others inherited from the defunct Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN”, explained Ben Caven, managing director, Geometric Power Ltd.

The Geometric Power Group was founded by Bart Nnaji, a professor and former Minister of Power.

Nnaji, embarked on the integrated project after James Wolfensohn, a former World Bank President and then Nigeria’s Finance Minister Ngozi Okonjo-Iwea lavisted Aba, on March 17, 2004, and discovered that the greatest challenge facing both large-scale and medium-scale industrialists in Aba, reputed to be the centre of indigenous manufacturing in Nigeria, is epileptic power supply.

Both Wolfensohn and Okonjo-Iweala appealed to Nnaji to assist with a power plant dedicated to Aba, following the 22MW Abuja Emergency Power Plant he led a team of Nigerian engineers to build in Abuja, from 2000 to 2001 that supplied uninterrupted power to critical places, like the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Company, the Central Bank headquarters, the Aso Rock and the entire Central Business District of Abuja.

Patrick Umeh, a former executive with the Los Angeles Water and Light in the United States, who later served as Commissioner in-charge of Markets, Market Rates and Competition, at the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), described the tubular poles mounted by Geometric Power in Aba and the environs, as incomparable in Africa.

“Only in cities like Tokyo and San Francisco in California you have facilities of this quality and sizes.

“Much as they are tall, as all of us can see, the tubular poles here are actually about 10 meters deep.

“In other words, in the unlikely event of a natural disaster, like earthquake in Aba or the environs, Aba Power and the Geometric Group will still be able to supply electricity to its numerous customers”.

‘Electricity was rarely available in Aba and when it was available it was so poor that it couldn’t power your household appliances, let alone industrial machines,” Alphonsus Udeigbo, president general, Aba Landlords Protection and Development Association (ALPANDA) said.

For Andy Ubah Obasi, a former president, Aba Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ACCIMA), takeover of Aba, by Geometric Power Limited, will incite industrialisation in the entire South-East region and Nigeria at large.

According to him, “The feeling of the business community is that this is long overdue. Most people know how useful and beneficial power is to industrialisation. Geometric has always been there for the past 16 -years and the business community has being anxiously waiting for this and we are glad that it has finally arrived”.

The inauguartion of the Geometric Power plant, will mark a new dawn in the country, not just in Aba or Abia State, according to Alexander Maduakor, president, Association of Aba Industrialists. “We are proud of the support the Federal Government has of late been giving to the Geometric Power Limited, the only group in Nigeria that will generate and distribute its own power.

CJN swears in 11 new Supreme Court Justice …warns them against allowing their personal ambition to becloud their sense of judgement

The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola on Monday, swore in 11 new Justices to the bench of the Supreme Court, charging them not to allow their personal ambition to cloud their sense of judgement.

He said the interaction of the new Justices with people of unviable inclinations and pedigree, if any, must be halted forthwith and they should  allow their conscience to guide and filter every of the thought that tranvases their mind.

Speaking further at the swearing-in ceremony held at the main Courtroom of the Supreme Court, the CJN told the new Justices to be prepared of criticisms or verbal assaults by litigants who have lost cases as Justices of the final Court of the land, where appellants’ expectations are often very high and infectious.

“There is no way you can please human beings, especially litigants. The easiest way to fail in life is by trying to please everyone. The only deity you can fear, is the Almighty God”, he said and added that, “Once your judgement is in consonance with what God expects from you, and is also in accordance with the Constitution, you should consider yourself the happiest and freest person on earth”.

The CJN told the new Justices that their elevation to the Supreme Court Bench is in recognition of their astuteness and evident passion for hard work, which is the hallmark of judicial excellence

Justice Ariwoola said administering oath of office to the 11 new Justices was unprecedented in the annals of the Nigerian Supreme Court and recalled his speech last year, where he lamented that the inability of the Court to meet up the statutory full complement of 21 Justices had lingered on for too long and promised to break the jinx.

He told the new Justices that they are coming to join the Supreme Court Bench at a time when the rank had been grossly depleted to an all-time low of ten Justices for a number of reasons, mainly retirement and deaths.

He urged them to put in their best as seasoned judicial officers transiting from the Court of Appeal and had established remarkable acquitances with judicial oath and roles guiding the conduct of judicial officers.

“Your moral uprightness, integrity and respect for the constitution and other extant laws in operation, must be unwavering and unassailable”, he said and urged the new Justices to see themselves as the representatives of God on earth, because “any judgement given at this level can only be upturned in heaven”.

The newly sworn-in Supreme Court Justices are5Justice HarunaTsammani (Northeast), who chaired the Presidential Election Petition Court, Justice Moore Adumein (South-South), Justice JummaiSankey (North-central), Justice ChidiebereUwa (South-east); and Justice ChiomaNwosu-Iheme (South-east).

Others are Justice ObandeOgbuinya (South-East), Justice Stephen Adah (North-Central), Justice HabeebAbiru (South-West), Justice JamiluTukur (Northwest), Justice Abubakar Umar (Northwest) and Justice Mohammed Idris (North-Central).

Implement Argentina’s Reform To Tackle Economic Hardship – Atiku To Tinubu

Atiku, who attributed the hardship in Nigeria to President Tinubu, pointed out that, unlike his Argentine counterpart, the Nigerian President has refused to roll up his sleeves and do the work he signed up for.

The 2023 Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar has advised President Bola Tinubu to implement Argentina’s President, Javier Milei’s type of economic reform in tackling current economic crisis in the country.

In a statement titled “Argentina’s Javier Milei approach to reforms should serve as a lesson for Tinubu,” Atiku emphasised on Sunday; that Tinubu and Milei inherited a disoriented economy, but each applied different measures for recovery.

He said, “Both leaders inherited a disoriented economy, but both applied different measures to recovery. President Javier Milei of Argentina was sworn into office on 10 December 2023. He inherited a worse condition than Nigeria’s. But what he did to return his country to a place where investors are ‘starting to believe’ should serve as a lesson to Nigeria’s Bola Tinubu.”

Atiku, who attributed the hardship in Nigeria to President Tinubu, pointed out that, unlike his Argentine counterpart, the Nigerian President has refused to roll up his sleeves and do the work he signed up for.

The former vice president stated “Nigeria is where we are today simply because of what Tinubu has done or did not do. His shifting the blame on the opposition and, even ridiculously, his predecessor is needless and myopic. Market forces don’t play politics. They respond to your actions and inactions.

“President Milei’s major campaign promise was to reposition the Argentine economy after years of slow growth, high debt levels, triple-digit inflation (160 per cent when he took over the Presidency in December 2023), and a 40 per cent poverty rate. His first task was to begin implementing measures to achieve greater macroeconomic stability and promote higher global competitiveness.”

Atiku explained that President Milei entered office with a comprehensive stabilisation plan aimed at implementing far-reaching measures within the context of a market-oriented economy.

“He started off cutting government expenditure by cutting the size of government and wastages; blocked stealing of government funds, and attracted Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) through concessions, tax holidays, and improved ease of doing business, Atiku stated.

The statement read in part “Argentina’s Milei did not build the largest government like Tinubu did at a time when our economy was and still on its knees. The examples set by President Milei are the requirement of leadership in a time when the economy has begun to fail the expectations of the people.

“The reforms so far implemented by the Tinubu administration are ad hoc and hurriedly put together without proper review. Ours is unlike Argentina’s Milei, who is sequencing his reforms. President Milei anticipates the after-reform shocks and admits that things will be tough for the people. But he is fully prepared for the aftershocks and has in place mitigating pills. He walks the talk. He sacrifices himself by giving up the perks of office.

“Conversely, Tinubu in Nigeria increased the number of ministers and ministries and is spending enormous resources renovating houses for himself, his deputy, and the first lady. That is nothing short of Nero playing the fiddle while Rome is on fire!

“Worse still, Tinubu has refused to roll up his sleeves and do the work that he signed up for. Instead, he and his team are preoccupied with behaving like Napoleon and Squealer, characters in the satire book Animal Farm, who made it a state policy to scapegoat Snowball (the opposition) for their own failures arising from their ill-advised policies.

“I am attracted to the reforms in Argentina because Javier Milei’sstabilisation plan bears a similar emblem to my Recover Nigeria Plan. It is a plan that I am more than willing to disclose details of its workings with the current government in order to take Nigeria out of the depth of hunger and anger that we find ourselves in.

“Unless, and until there are clear-cut policies and pathways to economic rejuvenation predicated on a leadership-led sacrifice, there will be discontentment, especially among the youths, which may find expression in protests and for which it will be silly to continue to blame the opposition for.”

Soludo under fire over sack of vendors, destruction of newspapers

A group, Forum of Labour Party 2023 House of Assembly candidates, has berated Anambra Governor Chukwuma Soludo over what it described as dictatorial’ tendencies of his two-years administration.

The group, in a statement by its spokesperson, Humphrey Iloh, advised Soludo’s  administration to desist from further humiliating, intimidating, impoverishing and killing of people of the State.

It said the advice followed recent destruction of newspaper stands and beating of newspaper vendors in Awka, as well as alleged brutal killing of one Mr. Arinze Obuladike, at Ogbo-ogwu, Onitsha by Special Anambra State Anti-Touting Squad (SASA).

The group threatened to compel the House of Assembly to commence impeachment process on the Governor if the ugly trend continues.

The statement reads: “We the members of the Forum of Labour Party 2023 House of Assembly Candidates condemn in its entirety these double tragic and unfortunate acts by Prof. Soludo-led Government and other previous actions, which is a clear indication that Anambra State is now under a DICTATORIAL REGIME.

“The Anambra State of today was not the friendly and peaceful Anambra that the previous Governments left for Prof. ChukwumaSoludo.

“His current style of governance is totally against Section 14(2) (b) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, which declares that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of Government.

“We advise the Soludo-led Government to desist from further humiliating, Intimidating, Impoverishing and Killing of Ndi-Anambra.

“Otherwise, we would be left with no option than to approach the court and seek for an Order to compel the House of Assembly to commence impeachment process on the Governor, to rescue Ndi-Anambra from this Dictatorial regime.”

Reacting, spokesman for the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Tony Olisa, dismissed the allegations as fallacious and targeted at discrediting Soludo-led administration.

“The claims of the destruction of newspaper stands and beating of vendors in Awka on February 15, 2024, are entirely false. Our government upholds the freedom of the press and respects the rights of all individuals to conduct their businesses without fear of reprisal.

“The incident in Ogbo-ogwu, Onitsha, on February 16, 2024, involving the alleged killing of one MrArinzeObuladike by the Special Anambra State Anti-Touting Squad, is baseless. The SASA, which the Labour Party Forum acknowledged does not bear arms, couldn’t have shot a stray bullet killing the said drug dealer.

“SASA operates within the confines of the law and does not engage in extrajudicial activities. The Labour Party Forum should desist from politicising the incident. We condemn the spread of misinformation and the attempt to discredit our government with unfounded allegations,” he said.

Ex-Imo Deputy Gov Madumere loses mother

The Royal Family of Eze Henry Anoruo Madumere, of Achi, Ezi-Mbieri, Mbaitoli Local Government Area, Imo State has announced the passing on of their wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Ugoeze Marlinda Chikanele Ulunma Madumere,  at 83 years.

Ugoeze Madumere, the mother of the former Deputy Governor of Imo State, Eze Madumere, died on a visit to the hospital for her regular medical check up.

According to the palace release by its Secretary, Chief Vincent Oparaji on Sunday said she died “few days ago, on a visit to the hospital for her regular medical check up, she suffered a relapse and could not be revived.

“We humbly request you to kindly remember the Madumere Royal family in prayers for the peaceful repose of the soul of our dear mother .

“Ugoeze Marlinda Chikanele Ulunma was the Matriarch and Ugoeze of Eze Henry Anoruo Madumere the Traditional Ruler of Ezi-Mbieri Ancient Kingdom.”

He said the arrangements and details of her burial will be announced in due course.

SERAP sues govs, Wike over alleged missing N40tn LGA allocations

SERAP

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against Nigeria’s governors and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Mr NyesomWike “over their failure to account for the alleged missing N40 trillion federal allocations meant for local governments in the states and the FCT.”

The suit followed the damning revelations by former president MuhammaduBuhari who in December 2022 stated that, “If the money from the Federation Account to the State is about N100m, N50m will be sent to the chairman but he will sign that he received N100 million. The chairman will pocket the balance and share it.”

In the suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/231/2024 filed last Friday at the Federal High Court, Abuja, SERAP was asking the court to “direct and compel the governors to publish details of LGA allocations and actual disbursement of the allocations to local governments in their respective states from 1999 to date.

” SERAP is also asking the court to “compel and direct MrWike to publish details of federal allocations meant for the Area Councils in the FCT and the actual disbursement of the allocations to the Area Councils in the FCT from 1999 to date.

”In the suit, SERAP is arguing that, “The Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended], the Freedom of Information Act, and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights impose transparency obligations on the governors and MrWike to publish the details of LGA allocations and actual disbursement in their states and the FCT.”

SERAP is arguing that, “State governors and MrWike cannot hide under the excuse that the Freedom of Information Act is not applicable to their states and the FCT. The legal obligations to publish the information sought are also imposed by the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.”

According to SERAP, “It is in the public interest and the interest of justice to grant this application. Nigerians are entitled to their constitutionally and internationally recognized human right to information.”

SERAP is also arguing that, “Transparency in the actual disbursement and spending of federal allocations meant for local governments is fundamental to increase accountability, prevent corruption, and build trust in democratic institutions, and strengthen the rule of law.”

SERAP is also arguing that, “States and the FCT should be guided by transparency and accountability principles and proactively publish information pertaining to their actual disbursement and spending of federal allocations meant for local governments.”

The suit filed on behalf of SERAP by its lawyers Kolawole Oluwadare, Kehinde Oyewumi and Andrew Nwankwo, read in part: “Opacity in the amounts of federal allocations actually disbursed to local governments in the states and FCT has continued to have negative impacts on the fundamental interests of the citizens.

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