The father of an Nnewi, Anambra State-based legal practitioner, Jude Oguejiofor, Principal Partner in Oguejiofor & Co Chamber, has slumped and died, after hearing abductors had killed his son.
The corpse of the late father was buried in his hometown Last Saturday amidst tears and fear.
It was recalled that Oguejiofor and his brother, a medical doctor, were ambushed and abducted on their way to see their parents on Sunday. It was gathered that the medical doctor was released later. However, while family members were making efforts to bargain for his release, the kidnappers contacted them and informed them of the lawyer’s demise.
It was learnt that the gunmen expressed dismay that the lawyer was in the habit of reporting their activities to the government.
A source, who pleaded anonymity, said: “I normally followed Jude home to visit his parents. He has never had any issue with gunmen in the community. Infact, whenever I accompanied him home, they would search me but would not search Jude.
“When he went home with his brother who just bought a new Lexus Jeep, he didn’t have an issue with anybody until we heard that the two of them had been abducted.
“The gunmen later released his brother but held onto him, alleging he had been writing petitions to the Anambra State government on their activities.
“They promised he would be released as soon as they complete their investigations. However, they later contacted the family and told them to forget about the legal practitioner, adding that he had been killed.”
When contacted, the spokesperson for Anambra State Police Command, Tochukwu Ikenga, said: “There’s no such report before me.”
In a reaction, the Eastern Bar Forum (EBF) said it was deeply saddened and outraged by the assassination of one of its members.
It described Oguejiofor as a beacon of integrity and a pillar of the legal community in the Eastern region.
Condemning the act, EBF called on law enforcement agencies to swiftly investigate the crime and bring the perpetrators to book.
The State Coordinator, Institute for Crisis Resolution, Peace Building And Conciliation (ICRPC), Rev. Dr Austin Uchegbu, has commended the state governor, Sen Hope Uzodimma for his commitment to peace and security in the state.
Rev. Dr Uchegbu made the commendation during the Imo PeaceBuilding And Conflict Resolution, 2024 Conference, jointly organised by ICRPC and UFP, Imo State, with the theme: Mediation, Negotiation Skills, Conflict Resolution And PeaceBuilding, at Rockview Hotel, Owerri.
Dr Uchegbu who is also the Coordinator United for Peace Imo State, congratulated the governor, for the peaceful and successful election and inauguration of his second tenure in office, wishing him more peaceful and progressive next four years of regime.
“ As we thank His Excellency for his tireless efforts in tackling the security challenges in the state, this conference has come at a critical period to compliment his efforts in our contribution to a peaceful tenure of his second term, geared towards sustainable development” he said.
The ICRPC Coordinator said the mission of ICRPC was to build, strengthen and improve the crisis resolution and Peace Building capacities of practitioners, scholars and stakeholders, through professional development and certification, in addition to promoting best practices to foster crisis resolution management and Peace Building in Africa and beyond.
In his opening remarks, the Chairman of the occasion, Amb. Engr Peter C. Ohagwa, Director Bureau for Peace and Conflict Resolution/ Comdr Imo Peace Corps, stated that the country is passing through a major humanitarian crisis that has resulted in more than seven million person displaced by insurgency in the North East since 2010 and maintained that something must be done differently to effectively address Nigeria current threats to peace and security before things fall apart.
Engr Ohagwa stressed that in order to curb the excess of insecurity in the major cities and communities, government at all levels should upgrade, train, equip Forestry Officers with arms and deploy them into forest to forestall continuous occupation of the forest by Bandits and Kidnappers.
The State Commissioner for Police, CP Aboki Danjuma in his Paper Titled “ The role of Community Policing in Conflict Resolution and PeaceBuilding,” said that Community Policing involves collaboration between the Police and community that identifies and solves community problems with the police no longer the sole guardians of Law and Order, all members of the community become active allies in the efforts to enhance safety of the neighborhood.
He revealed that Community Policing was officially launched in 2004 as a strategy to help deal with emerging trends of conflicts.
Speaking on the Topic “ Peace Building And Non Violent Approach to Conflict Resolution – A General Appraisal”, HRH Eze Dr Goodluck Obi of Ofo Dim Ubulu Ihejiofo, Owerri West, in sustenance of peace in Nigeria, Imo State in particular, all should cultivate the spirit of non violent approach to conflict resolution which he said is adjudged by friends and foes alike as the best way to sustenance of peace where justice will flow like water and righteousness alike an unending stream.
On the topic “ The power of Mediation in conflict process” by Dr Solomon Ochepa Oduma Aboh of Kaduna State University and the topic “Conflict Transformation, Peace Building And National Development in Nigeria” by Dr Emmanuel Achus Jah of Nigerian Army University Biu Borno State, where the lecturers said that peace building encompasses efforts to build positive peace, in which underlying structural, relational, cultural, Political and economic drivers of conflict are addressed and transformed.
The highlights of the occasion were, induction of new members and Award ceremony.
A high court in Borno State on Monday convicted and jailed the trio of Aisha Wakil popularly known as Mama Boko Haram, Tahiru Daura and Lawal Soyade for 10 years.
This was disclosed in a statement posted on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission X account.
According to the statement, Justice Umaru Fadawu, who gave the ruling, found the defendants guilty on a two-count charge bordering on conspiracy and obtaining N40 million by false pretence.
According to the charges, the EFCC accused the defendants of crime which contravenes Section (1) 1(b) of the Advance Fee Fraud and other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006 and punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act.”
The defendants pleaded not guilty when the charges were read to them.
Counsel for the prosecution counsel, A.I Arogha presented four witnesses and tendered 17 exhibits before the court.
Consequently, Justice Fadawu, convicted and sentenced them to 10 years imprisonment for the offence of conspiracy.
The court further sentenced the defendants to 10 years imprisonment for the offence of obtaining by false pretence and ordered them to jointly pay the sum of N40m to Bashir Muhammad.
“The prison term shall run concurrently on the expiration of all prison terms imposed on the convicts by any court”, the Judge said.
The convicts’ journey to the correctional centre began when a petitioner alleged that they swindled him of N40 million through a purported contract for the supply of five X-ray Machines 1900 with solar energy to a non-governmental organisation, Complete Care and Aid Foundation.
They neither supplied the machines nor returned the contract sum to the petitioner.
The two-count charge read, “That you Aisha Alkali Wakil, Tahiru Alhaji Saidu Daura and Prince Lawal Shoyade whilst being the Chief Executive Officer, Programme Manager and Country Director respectively of Complete Care and Aid Foundation, (a Non-Governmental Organisation) and Saidu Mukhtar (At large) sometime in Maiduguri, Borno State, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court did with intent to defraud obtained the sum of Forty Million Naira (N40,000,000.00) from one Bashir Abubakar, the Chief Executive Officer of Duty Free Shop Ltd under the false pretence of executing a purported contract for the supply of Five (5) X-ray machines 1900 with solar energy which you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section (1) 1(b) of the Advance Fee Fraud and other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006 and punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act.”
The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Board of Trustees, BoT, has charged President Bola Tinubu to address the economic hardship in the country.
It noted that the hardship occasioned by food scarcity in the country has led to restiveness and frustration across the country.
This was contained in a communiqué issued yesterday after its meeting in Abuja.
According to the communique: “The BoT expresses deep concerns over the biting economic hardship, high cost of essential life-enhancing commodities and alarming food scarcity in the country occasioned by the ill-implemented policies of the APC administration and which are already causing restiveness and agitation in various parts of the country.“The BoT is appalled by the monumental corruption and unbridled treasury-looting in the APC administration, especially the looting of billions of Naira meant for palliatives for poor and vulnerable Nigerians.
“Mr President should immediately address the issues of corruption in his administration, worsening insecurity in the country, a continuous fall in the value of the naira, high fuel price, unbearable food scarcity and unemployment in the country.”
The immediate former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha yesterday told the Federal High Court in Abuja that neither he nor former President Muhammadu Buhari approved the disbursement of $6,230,000 to international election observers.
At the resumed trial of the former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele at the FCT High Court on Monday, Onyeka Ogbu, a prosecution witness told the court that he was aware of a $6.2million payment request for international election observers.
He said Emefiele approved the payment of $6,230,000 (Six Million, Two Hundred and Thirty Thousand Dollars) in cash for international election observers in the last 2023 general election.
Ogbu made the revelation while testifying at the ongoing trial of Emefiele.
The former CBN boss is standing trial before Justice Muazu on 20-count amended charges bordering on corrupt advantages, conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, forgery and obtaining by false pretences to the tune of $6,230,000.00 (Six Million, Two Hundred and Thirty Thousand United States Dollar).
At the resumed trial on Monday, Michael, a former branch controller of the CBN, Abuja branch, led in evidence by the prosecution counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, identified the documents presented to him by the prosecution, adding that he worked on the documents.
According to him, on January 8, 2023, a request for $6,230,000 payment came to his office and documents for the disbursement of the money were approved by the then-CBN boss in cash for international election observers
Boss Mustapha appeared at the FCT High Court in Abuja as Prosecution Witness 2. The former SGF in his testimony said he knew nothing about the transaction up till the time he left office after serving for five years and seven months.
According to him, the document did not come from the office of the President.
Mustapha also said he never heard of any “Special Appropriation Provision,” saying he was only familiar with “appropriation” and “supplementary.” Mustapha said Buhari never concluded any of the correspondence he received from him with “Please accept with my highest regard”.
He said Buhari’s signature was forged, noting that the Nigerian Government has no business paying foreign election observers.
Oba Abdulkabir Adeyemi, Olota of Ota, Ogun, has appealed to National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to reverse its ban on alcoholic beverages in sachet and PET bottles below 200ml.
Adeyemi made the appeal while addressing factory workers protesting the ban of the products on Tuesday at his palace in Ota.
He said the government should reconsider the ban based on the several benefits of the products to the manufacturers and contribution to the economy.
It was learnt that workers under the Distillery Unions continued their protests around Ota where majority of their factories are located in Ogun on Tuesday.
The protesters marched through major roads in Ota, drawing the attention of passersby and those that patronised the products.
Adeyemi said there was need for NAFDAC to revisit its ban on alcoholic beverages below 200ml and PET bottles as the benefits outweighed the disadvantages.
He said the products could be exported to other countries to generate revenue and employment for the teeming youth.
“I think NAFDAC should have a rethink as these sachets and PET bottles could be exported to West African countries and European countries, which in return would earn revenue for the country.
“The regulator can make other laws to protect the health of Nigerians but not to impose a total ban on the products as this would increase the crime rate in Ogun and the country at large,” he said.
Adeyemi assured the people that he would inform the government about their grievances and plead for a review of the ban.
It was reported that the Enforcement Department of NAFDAC, Lagos, had on Feb. 2 carried out a two-day enforcement exercise in Ota, after the five-year directive to stop the production of alcoholic beverages in sachet and PET bottles below 200ml expired on Jan. 31.
A Deputy Director in the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Michael Onyeka Ogbu, has explained why the apex bank released $6,230,000 as payment to some international election observers prior to last year’s general election.
Ogbu, who is currently a Deputy Director and Head of the Service Delivery Division at the CBN, said the funds were released because the request documents contained evidence of approvals by the then President Muhammadu Buhari and erstwhile CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele.
The deputy director said this while testifying yesterday as a prosecution witness in the trial of the former CBN governor.
Emefiele is facing a 20-count amended charge filed by the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) in which he is, among others, accused of engaging in criminal breach of trust, forgery, conspiracy to obtain by false pretence and obtaining money by false pretence.
He is, in the amended charge, accused of forging a document, titled: Re: Presidential Directive on Foreign Election Observer Missions, dated: January 26, 2023 with reference number SGF.43/L.01/201 and purported same to have emanated from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) to the governor of the CBN.
Emefiele is alleged to have, on February 8, 2023, knowingly obtained by false pretence $6,230,000.00 by falsely representing that the SGF vide a letter, dated: January 26, 2023, with reference number SGF 43/L.01/201 requested the CBN to provide a contingent logistic advance in the sum of $6,230,000 “in line with Mr. President’s directive”. Ogbu, who was led in evidence by RotimiOyedepo (SAN), said he served as the Branch Controller until he was redeployed last September.
He recalled that on February 8, last year, there was a request for payment addressed to the Branch Controller.
Ogbu said after going through the documents and was satisfied, he minuted on it to the Head of Business Services Unit for processing and payment.
On whether the money was eventually released, the witness said: “Payment was eventually made. The $6,230,000 was paid on September 8, 2023. The payment was in cash.” At that point, Oyedepo handed the witness a bundle of documents, which Ogbu identified as the documents he referred to.
Identifying each of the documents one at a time, the witness said the first page “is the payment slip, which was issued at the point of payment from my bank to the person nominated to receive the payment”.
He added: “The second page is the memo from the Banking Services Department authorising the branch to make the payment of $6,230,000.“The third page is the request of the Director of Banking Services Department for approval of the Governor for the payment.”
The witness explained what pages four to six contained.
Ogbu told the court that the presidential approval was addressed to the then SGF, Mr. Boss Mustapha.
Oyedepo was about tendering the documents when he noticed that some of them were not properly certified.
The laywer prayed the court to be allowed to tender them as they were with a promise to replace them later with properly certified copies, a request the defence lawyer, Matthew Burkaa (SAN), rejected.
He also urged the court to grant him a stand-down of about 30 minutes to get the documents certified, which Burkaa also rejected.
Burkaa argued that it was impossible for the prosecution to have the documents certified within the 30 minutes Oyedepo requested for.
He urged the court to instead grant an adjournment to allow the prosecution sufficient time to put its house in order, an option the judge, Justice HamzaMuazu, felt comfortable with.
With the agreement of lawyers to parties in the case, Justice Muazu adjourned till February 13 for continuation of trial.
Access Holdings Plc has announced the appointment of Ms. Bolaji Agbede as the Acting Group Chief Executive Officer.
This followed the death of its former Group Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Herbert Wigwe in a helicopter crash alongside his wife, son, and a former chairman of the Nigeria Exchange Group, Abimboloa Ogunbanjo on Friday in California, United States.
Wigwe
A statement made by the company’s Board of Directors and dated February 12, 2024, stated that the appointment was subject to the approval of the Central Bank of Nigeria.
“Further to its announcement dated February 11, 2024, the Board of Directors of Access Holdings Plc (‘the Company’) has today announced the appointment of Ms Bolaji Agbede as the Acting Group Chief Executive Officer of the Company following the unfortunate demise of its former Group Chief Executive Officer, Dr Herbert Wigwe, on February 9, 2024.
“The appointment is subject to the approval of the Central Bank of Nigeria,” the statement signed by the Group Company Secretary, Sunday Ekwochi, read in part.
Until her recent appointment, Ms Agbede was the company’s most senior founding Executive Director in charge of business support.
She has nearly three decades of professional experience cutting across banking and business consultancy services. She commenced her professional career in 1992 at Guaranty Trust Bank and served in various capacities within the commercial banking and operations functions rising to the position of manager in 2001.
Agbede joined Access Bank in 2003 as an assistant general manager and was responsible for managing the Bank’s portfolio of chemical trading companies.
She became the head of human resources for the Access Bank Group in 2010, overseeing the human capital development of the Group. She held the position until June 2022 when she was appointed the executive director of Access Holdings after the bank transitioned to a holding company.
The University of Lagos alumnus began her professional career at Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB), where she rose from executive trainee in 1992 to a managerial position in 2001. She was once GTB’s relationship manager and vault custodian.
Ms. Agbede subsequently served as the Chief Executive Officer of JKG Limited, a business consulting outfit, in 2003.
President Bola Tinubu has awarded the members of the Super Eagles national team and their officials with the prestigious national honour of Member of the Order of the Niger (MON) for their impressive performance at the just-concluded 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament held in Cote d’Ivoire.
In further recognition of their achievement, the federal government, represented by the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, has also granted each member of the team a plot of land.
They are to also receive a block of flat with location yet to be announced.
President Tinubu, who received the National Football Team, expressed pride in the team, acknowledging their role in fostering unity within the country through their remarkable performance.Despite finishing second, he encouraged them to hold their heads high and maintain their team spirit.
William Troost-Ekong, the team’s vice-captain and most valuable player, expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for his support, expressing a desire to present a trophy rather than silver medal.
It was reported that Nigeria emerged Silver medalist in the biggest continental soccer showpiece on Sunday night, losing the trophy to the hosts Cote d’Ivoire.
The Nigerian team was received at the State House in Abuja yesterday, where they were conferred with the national honour awards and other gifts following their return to the country in the wee hours of Tuesday.
The Association of Master Bakers and Caterers of Nigeria has said it would withdraw its service nationwide from February 27, seems the Federal government refuse to implement the agreement it entered into with the association in 2020.
It called for the immediate implementation of financial support palliatives for bakers as promised by the Federal Government as post COVID-19 support programmes for Small and Medium Enterprises for bakers who have lost over 40 per cent of their membership and still counting. It further called for the suspension of all forms of taxation on the bakery industry for now at the federal, state and local government levels.
A statement from the National President of AMBCON, Alhaji Mansur Umar, read on his behalf by the Kogi State Chairman of the association, Chief Gabriel Adeniyi, yesterday, noted that the decision to withdraw its services was due to the “multifarious increase in the prices of baking materials such as flour, sugar, yeast, vegetable oil, petrol, diesel all occasioned by subsidy removal and forex deregulation.”
The association said, “Multiple taxations from several federal, state, local government agencies fees and levies, hike in business activities in Nigeria are also some of the reasons for the impending strike action.”
The statement partly read, “The Association of Master Bakers and Caterers of Nigeria have critically accessed the state of our business operation, consequently demand the liberalisation of flour and sugar importation, reduction or total removal of import duties on major baking materials such as flour, sugar, butter, yeast etc as applicable to other commodities as have recently been done by the federal government and Provision of concessionary forex exchange to flour millers and other stakeholders as well as reduction of tariff on imported wheat and sugar.”
Other demands outlined by the association included the development of cultivation and processing of wheat and sugar cane in Nigeria, and the removal of multiple taxations at all government levels.
The association also called for the setting up of a price control and monitoring committee as allowed by the constitution as amended and other conditions that will enhance the ease of doing business in the country.
Gunmen have killed a former House of Representatives candidate from Anambra State, Jude Oguejiofor.
Mr Oguejiofor hailed from Orsumoghu in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra but lived in Nnewi in Nnewi North Local Government Area of the state.
Mr Oguejiofor, also a lawyer, contested for the Ihiala Federal Constituency House of Representatives seat in the 2023 general elections under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party.
Sources told our reporter that the politician was abducted around 1 a.m. last week, alongside his brother by some gunmen.
The incident happened in the Orsumoghu community where they had gone to see their aged parents.
But the gunmen later released his brother unhurt.
The brother is a medical doctor who recently came back from a foreign country.
A source close to the family, who asked not to be named, told our correspondent that the gunmen accused Mr Oguejiofor of writing petitions against them and their activities in the community.
“They said he had been writing petitions against them to the Anambra State Government,” the source said.
Meanwhile, the source said Mr Oguejiofor’s father fainted and died on Thursday last week when the gunmen contacted the family and informed them that they had killed the politician.
A lawyer, Chidi Ibekaeme, in his reaction, said that the lawyer could have avoided his community, given that he had been vocal about the rising attacks by gunmen in the area.
Mr Ibekaeme hails from Orsu-Ihiteukwa, a community in Orsu Local Government Area of Imo State which shares a boundary with the politician’s community.
“His (Oguejiofor’s) community is very volatile. The community is virtually run down and taken over by these criminals who say they are agitating for freedom,” he said.
When contacted yesterday, the police spokesperson in Anambra State he said he had no information on the incident.
Foremost philanthropist and businessman, Sir Emeka Offor, at the weekend donated 40,000 bags of 50 kilogramme rice to widows and indigent people in 179 communities of Anambra State.
He also presented books in various disciplines to 200 primary, secondary and tertiary institutions in Nigeria, as a gesture to mark his 65th birthday.
Offor, who is also the founder of Sir Emeka Offor Foundation (SEOF), said his resolve to donate to mankind in various sector is to put smiles on the faces of the people.
While addressing those in attendant at the elaborate birthday celebration, Offor said: “I’m overwhelmed by the show of love from you all on my 65th birthday. I’m happy that the foundation I nurtured has grown and is providing shade for many.
“My donation of food stuff to indigents is to ensure that those who do not have should share what those who have can afford.“We’re also distributing books because it is the foundation of knowledge, and we will sustain this intervention. You do not need to have too much to put smiles on the faces of the people. The little that you have can be shared with other people.”
Earlier, Anambra State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, who was in attendance at the ceremony, extolled the virtues of Offor, describing him as the highest donor for the eradication of polio in Africa.
Soludo said: “We are here to celebrate a man and his ideas. You turned 65 today, and we use this opportunity to say congratulations. Your life has been a life of impact.
“No one is celebrated for the money he or she has in their accounts, but it is the impact you make in the lives of others with that money that matters. Sir E is rich. He can decide to spend his birthday in any island, anywhere in the world, but he choose to come here and spend it with widows.
“Nigeria is going through huge challenges at the moment. Cost of living is rising everyday, but here is a man who has dedicated himself to taking care of widows and the indigent folks. “We invite all other citizens of Anambra State that this is the time to share with the poor what you have. If you can’t provide for your community, you can provide for your kindred, or people close to you. That is our call today.
The Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, has rejected plans by Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, to establish a cattle ranch in the Nimbo area of the state.
Emma Powerful, the spokesman of IPOB, said the group would never allow the establishment of cattle ranch in Enugu State and any other part of the Southeast.
Powerful recalled raising an alarm over Mbah’s alleged move to sell some community lands to Fulani herdsmen establish RUGA in November 2023.
In a statement he issued on Monday, Powerful said: “Subsequent to the plans by the Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah to establish cattle ranch at Nimbo in Uzouwani community of Enugu State, we, the global family and movement of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) ably led by the great and indefatigable leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, hereby advises the governor to stop his plans.
“The Enugu State government, in connivance with some community leaders, has mapped out some communities land to be sold to Fulanis. The names of the community leaders involved in such connivance will be made public soon.
“Enugu State citizens must know about the arrangements of Dr. Peter Mbah in giving away their ancestral lands for his political interests and compensation.
“IPOB is monitoring Governor Peter Mbah and his collaborators. They should understand that IPOB will not allow the establishment of any cattle ranch anywhere in Enugu State.
“If Governor Peter Mbah is genuinely interested in establishing a cattle ranch in Enugu State, such ranch must be managed privately by an Igbo businessman. Only Ndigbo are allowed to own cattle ranches anywhere in Igbo land. We don’t want to have Fulanis operating any cattle ranch in Alaigbo.
“ESN must be on an alert and wait for an order from the IPOB leadership to move into Nimbo Community in Uzouwani. We call on the community youths, community groups, and Enugu citizens to provide IPOB/ESN with any information of any proposed site for Fulani camp or ranch anywhere around Uzouwani. ESN will stop at nothing to ensure that Peter Mbah and his government don’t establish RUGA in any part of Enugu State.
“We are also informing South East Governors to shun any idea of establishing cattle ranch in any state in the South East Region. IPOB and ESN operatives won’t allow any establishment of Fulani camp in the name of cattle ranch in any state in the Biafra territory.”
The National Industrial Court has upheld the elections of the Performing Musicians Employers Association of Nigeria (PMAN) which was held on October 24, 2023, and saw the reemergence of Pretty Okafor as the President.
In a recent ruling, the National Industrial Court sitting in Lagos affirmed the legitimacy of Okafor’s leadership.
In his ruling, Justice M.N Esowe stated that any defiance of the outstanding ruling constituted contempt of the court of competent jurisdiction.
The PMAN, in a statement, expressed its gratitude to the National Industrial Court for upholding justice and preserving the democratic process within the association.
“The court’s intervention serves as a resolute stand against illegitimate actions that could compromise the integrity of the performing musicians’ community. Pretty Okafor remains committed to advancing the interests of performing musicians in Nigeria, and this ruling further reinforces the association’s dedication to upholding the rule of law,” the statement read in part.
The Association of Table Water Producers (ATWAP) in Enugu State has announced a temporary shutdown of water-producing factories due to the high cost of production.
The decision was made following an emergency meeting on February 8, 2024, where the challenges confronting the association’s members were extensively discussed.
Starting from February 12 to February 15, 2024, all Table Water Producers in Enugu State, including those producing sachets and pet bottles, are required to suspend production.
The move is aimed at providing an opportunity for the association to seek viable solutions to the numerous challenges faced by its members, particularly in light of the harsh economic situation in the country.
The statement issued by ATWAP highlighted the following:
“The current harsh economic situation in the country, especially as it affects materials and other logistics for the production of sachet water in the state, was critically reviewed.
“After hours of deliberations on the overwhelming challenges being encountered by ATWAP members, especially the over 500 per cent increase in the prices of raw materials and other factors of production, we have to come to this decision.
“Following the 500% increase in the prices of raw materials, which included, nylon, parking bags, purifying materials, procurement of water from boreholes located outside the city, diesel, high electricity tariff, haulage/transportation and other maintenance and staff costs, we had to close shop.
“Also, the upward review of various fees charged by both agencies of the state and local governments within our areas of operations is also a factor,” it said.
What you should know. In response to the crisis, ATWAP Enugu State Chapter has resolved that starting from February 16, 2024, a bag of sachet water (20 sachets) will be sold at N300.
This pricing adjustment is aimed at enabling producers to sustain their operations and rescue their businesses from total collapse. The resolution was unanimously endorsed by all members, with strict enforcement measures in place. Any defaulter or violator of this pricing resolution may face a fine of N200,000 per truck/driver caught by the ATWAP Task Force.
During the factory shutdown, members are advised to mobilize their staff for equipment cleanup, and the Task Force will conduct inspections to ensure compliance with standard operating procedures.
While acknowledging the challenges, the statement appealed to the cooperation of dealers and consumers, soliciting understanding during this period to enable producers to remain in business.
Nigeria’s economic landscape is grappling with the persistent challenge of inflation, reaching a double-digit high of 24.5% in 2023, marking a substantial increase from the 18.8% recorded in the previous year.
Despite the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) adopting a hawkish stance on monetary policy, maintaining the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) at 18.75% and the Cash Reserve Ratio at 32.5%, inflationary pressures have refused to unwind.
Contrary to expectations, the inflationary surge appears to be rooted more in limitations within the productivity sphere rather than being solely driven by monetary factors.
This distinction poses a significant hurdle for the CBN’s monetary interventions aimed at curbing inflation. The central bank’s efforts to tighten monetary policy through a higher MPR and increased Cash Reserve Ratio have not been as effective in quelling the inflationary tide.
This in turn has led to the crippling of over 2 million small and medium-sized enterprises in the country.
In a new twist, the Labour Party, LP, is embroiled in turmoil as the party’s National Treasurer, MrsOluchiOparah, has called on the National Chairman, Julius Abure, to provide a detailed account of party funds amounting to over N3.5bn. This sum is derived from the proceeds of form sales and various fundraisers for the upcoming 2023 general elections.
Oparah voiced her demand during a press conference held in Abuja on Monday.
The treasurer has alleged that Abure obstructed her from fulfilling her constitutionally assigned duties to manage the party’s finances.
Furthermore, Oparah has asserted that the chairman has disregarded all efforts to allow scrutiny of the party’s financial records subsequent to the closure of the expression of interest and nomination forms for the 2023 general elections.
The federal government has declared wanted and placed a two million Naira bounty on Mrs Adachukwu Kukelu Okafor who burnt the private parts and body of her 10-years-old maid. The incident which occurred in Anambra state went viral on social media with a video of the naked little girl with burns all over her body including her buttocks, private area, body, and face.
Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye made the declaration at a press conference yesterday, February 12, in Abuja.
Kennedy-Ohanenye stated that the suspect, believed to be a lawyer, has been evading authorities since the incident.
According to her, she has changed her contact information but continues to post on social media, asserting that no action will be taken against her. The Minister said: “I decided the keep quiet on the issue of Mrs Adachukwu Kukelu Okafor who burnt the private parts and body of her 10years old househelp with a hot knife and hot iron in Anambra state. I kept quiet because I thought it would have been solved by now but since it hasn’t, I have decided to wage into the issue.
“Some people wonder why the Women’s Affairs ministry always wages into issues but it is within my purview to get involved in anything that concerns women and children across the nation. So I will not listen anymore but would wage into any issue that concerns women and children across the country.
“With the President, we have right now, it’s time for Nigerians to fight for their rights and it can only happen with a President that listens and I don’t want Nigerians to miss out. So I am declaring Adachukwu Kukelu Okafor wanted.
“Please Nigerians, go out there, search for this woman, bring her out and hand her over to any police station. The Women’s Affairs Ministry is offering Two Million naira (N2 million) to anyone who finds her, hands her over to the police, helps the police in her capture or provides the information to the Women’s Affairs Ministry.
“We need the woman urgently because the girl is in pain and in the hospital, it could be your child or relative tomorrow so let’s not fold our hands.
“In a couple of days, this ministry would make a pronouncement on taking househelp that are less than 18 years, we are going to put a stop to it and need whistleblowers to give us information. Nigeria already has a law against taking underage maids, so we intend to implement it. “Nigerians can also come to us and report such cases or cases of people who withhold other people’s wages or money and you would see immediate action.”
Gunmen have reportedly murdered Victor Onwubiko, a legal practitioner based in Imo state and resident of Uturu in Abia state.
The incident reportedly occurred on Saturday night while the lawyer was returning to Abia State University, Uturu, where he resides.
According to a source, the tragic event occurred along the Okigwe/Uturu road between 8 and 9 pm on Saturday, February 10, during a notable kidnapping incident.
He said: “A lawyer who was later identified as Barr. Victor Onwubiko was killed by gunmen along Okigwe Road. He is based in Okigwe town in Imo state but is a resident of Abia State University Uturu.
“He was returning to Abia State where he also resides when he was ambushed by gunmen and killed along Okigwe/Uturu road.
“There have been series of kidnappings and killings along the road irrespective of the heavy security agents in the area.”
The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Henry Okoye, who confirmed the incident yesterday, said: “We are on top of the situation, I am going to issue a press statement on it.”
Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF), including prominent groups like Afenifere and Ohanaeze, have jointly appealed to President Bola Tinubu, asserting that the release of Nnamdi Kanu is in the best interest of Nigeria.
In a communique issued after their meeting in Abuja, the leaders expressed concern over the potential repercussions of Kanu’s continued incarceration on peace and security in the Southeast region.
Part of the communique read: “The SMBLF condemns the continued incarceration of NnamdiKanu and its implication on peace and security in the South East.
“The SMBFL therefore calls on President Tinubu to ensure that rule of law is allowed to prevail on this matter and all court rulings on this matter are obeyed.
“The release of Nnamdi Kanu is in the interest of the entire country as the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo has promised that they will work with him to restore peace in the region.”
The leaders, led by Chief Edwin Clark, condemned the establishment of an ethnic militia by Miyetti Allah KautalHore in Nasarawa State, warning against condoning such actions and emphasizing the need for maintaining the rule of law.
In addition to the call for Kanu’s release, the leaders expressed deep concern about the escalating insecurity across the country.
They highlighted dangerous conditions in Plateau, Ekiti, Kwara, Kogi, Benue states, and the Federal Capital Territory (Abuja).
The leaders called for a comprehensive review of the national security architecture and urged increased federal government support for state and community policing efforts.
Prominent leaders in attendance at the meeting included the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu; Chief Ayo Adebanjo of Afenifere; National President of Middle Belt Forum (MBF), Dr Pogu Bitrus, and National Chairman of Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Senator Emmanuel Ibok Essien.
The communique noted the presence of several elder statesmen, former governors, former members of the National Assembly, former ministers, and other leaders from the respective regions.
The Executive Chairman of Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Hon. Nasara Rabo, has rewarded a Divisional Police Officer, Idris Ibrahim, with the sum of N 1 million for rejecting an amount of money offered by a suspected kidnapper to help truncate his investigation.
Ibrahim served as the DPO of Tafa in Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Rabo who stated this in a letter of recommendation issued yesterday disclosed that the DPO made an arrest of a kidnapper on 22nd January 2024, who attempted to bribe him with huge amounts so that the investigation could be truncated or distorted the investigation process, but the police officer rejected the bribe and vow to allow the law to take it’s full course due to his patriotic principle and firm steadfast for justice.
“This singular effort you made has not only made the Nigeria Police Force proud but it had also made the good people of Kagarko Local Government Area, the good people of Kaduna State, and Nigeria at large, adding this is a testimony that with the calibre of officers like you in service insecurity and other criminality that bedeviled our society today will become history.
“Under the foregoing, my council and the management staff of Kagarko LGA hereby serve you with a formal letter of commendation and also present you with a token gift of one million naira as a morale booster to make you put more patriotic effort in dealing with criminality in the LGA and the country at large,” the chairman added.
Nasara urged all police personnel in the state to always uphold the ethics of the professional by refusing to be compromised in the discharge of their duties.
He further prayed to Almighty God to continue to encourage him to put in his best in the protection of the lives and properties of the good people of Nigeria.
In January, the Federal Capital Territory Police Command revealed details of how the Al-Kadriyar sisters and other abducted victims were rescued from the bandits’ den in Kajuru forest in Kaduna State by a joint team of policemen and soldiers of the Nigerian Army on Saturday night.
About 23 persons were abducted on January 2, 2024, in the Zuma 1 area of Kawu, in the Bwari Area Council of Abuja.
The police on Sunday confirmed that all the victims, including five sisters whose abduction had raised nationwide concerns, were rescued at about 11 pm on Saturday, and had since been reunited with their families.
Gunmen suspected to be bandits on Sunday evening reportedly killed nine traders along Jibia/Batsari Road on Katsina State.
Residents reported that the traders were returning to their community from a local market in Jibia when they ran into the gunmen around 6pm.
It was learnt that the traders were being conveyed in two vehicles which the gunmen also burnt.
A resident who spoke on condition of anonymity said, “The traders left the market early enough after their trading on Sunday only for them to run into the gunmen between 5pm and 6pm along Jibia/ Batsari Road.”
Residents said the gunmen shot into the two vehicles conveying the traders, killing one of the drivers and the traders on the spot.
The gunmen also reportedly burnt down the two vehicles the traders were travelling in.
Residents further disclosed that sympathisers later deposited the corpses of the victims at the Jibia General Hospital, where their relatives picked them up yesterday morning.
The numbers of traders wounded in the accident and those abducted could not be ascertained as at the time of this report.
The state Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasiru Muazu, is yet to react to the incident.
The spokesman for the state police command, ASP Abubakar Aliyu, was also said to be at a meeting and he had yet to respond to the SMS sent to him on the incident.
Meanwhile, Governor Dikko Radda, however, maintained that there was relative peace in the state, attributing it to the efforts of the Nigerian Army and other security agencies in the state. He made the remarks at the annual West African Social Activities organised by the 17 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Katsina. The governor, who was the special guest of honour at the occasion, was represented by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs. He declared, “Your efforts are highly commendable. I urge you to maintain the laudable standard.
The historical role of ‘WASA’ serves as an avenue that fosters good relationship between the Nigerian Army personnel and host communities which has been serving its purpose in the state over the years.”
The UK Foreign Secretary said the remarks made by the Republican presidential frontrunner on Saturday were “not a sensible approach”, adding the Northern Atlantic military alliance was “more essential than ever” in a “very dangerous and uncertain world”.
European leaders on Monday decried Trump’s suggestion at a South Carolina rally at the weekend he would “encourage” Russia to attack any NATO country that does not contribute 2 per cent of its GDP to the alliance’s coffers.
Article 5 requires each of the military alliance’s 31 countries to come to the aid of any member who becomes a victim of an armed attack. It has been invoked only once, in the wake of the September 11 terrorist attack on the US.Speaking to reporters as he visited East Kilbride, Scotland, Cameron said he was a “very strong” supporter of NATO, adding it was only getting stronger after the addition of Sweden and Finland this year.
“It is what helps to keep us safe and that is so essential in this world where we have seen Putin’s terrible illegal invasion of Ukraine,” Cameron said.
He said Britain wanted all countries to spend 2 per cent (of GDP) but added it was not “responsible or sensible to say some of the things that have been said”.
Downing Street was more reserved in its response towards Trump, saying the UK remained fully committed to standing with its allies to combat Russian aggression.
Asked if Prime Minister Rishi Sunak was confident that the US would remain a dependable partner regardless of who wins the vote expected in November, his official spokesman said: “We’ve always worked with the US and we’ve worked with the US through a number of administrations and will continue to do so in the future.”
Trump on Saturday recalled to the rally how as president he told an unidentified NATO member that he would “encourage” Russia to do as it wishes in cases of allies who are “delinquent”.
“You didn’t pay? You’re delinquent?” Trump recounted saying. “No, I would not protect you. In fact, I would encourage them to do whatever the hell they want. You gottapay. You gotta pay your bills.”
The comments earned a rebuke from NATO secretary general Jens Stoltenberg, who said any suggestion that allies will not defend each other “undermines all of our security”.
During his time in office, Trump repeatedly criticised European NATO members for too heavily relying on US military protection while failing to meet the agreed level of investment in their armed forces.
His outbursts were often directed at Germany and other major European economies, including France, who are still below NATO’s 2 per cent target. However, following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine almost two years ago both are expected to meet the goal in the coming years, with Germany expected to pass the level this year for the first time since 1991.
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier said Trump’s comments were “irresponsible”, telling reporters on Monday that Trump’s remarks “even play into Russia’s hands”.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, whose country spends more than any NATO ally with 4.3 per cent of GDP on defence, said on a visit to Paris that there was “no alternative” to European security.
“Europe must become a safe continent,” he said, citing the slogan from the French novel The Three Musketeers — “all for one, one for all”.
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The Rivers State caucus in the House of Representatives has called on the United States Government and its relevant agencies to thoroughly investigate the cause of the helicopter crash, that killed the Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings, Herbert Wigwe, his wife and son.
Also, they called on the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and relevant agencies in the country to join in the investigation.
Wigwe, alongside his wife and son died in a helicopter crash in California near the Nevada border, US.
Leader of the caucus, Dunamenne Dekor, made the call in a statement he made available to journalists in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital yesterday.
The statement read, “Our hearts are heavy with sorrow as we extend our deepest condolences to the Wigwe family and loved ones during this distressing time.
“Dr Herbert Wigwe played a prominent role in the financial banking community, education and welfare.
“His leadership at Access Holdings Plc has left an indelible mark on the industry.
“As we mourn the loss of our son; a nationalist, lover of Rivers State, and visionary and compassionate leader, we take solace in the very remarkable impact he made in the financial sector, education, and particularly his philanthropic lifestyle and belief that the well-being of a people is the only thing that has intrinsic value.
“The Caucus is calling on the United States of America and its relevant agencies, the Nigerian Minister of Foreign Affairs, and all relevant institutions and agencies of government to thoroughly investigate the cause of this ill-fated helicopter crash in California and make public its findings.
“We fervently hope that the authorities will successfully locate and provide the necessary support to the families of the victims of this devastating incident.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Wigwe family and all those who have been impacted by this tragic event.”
President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, said with the rising inflation and high cost of living in the country, organised labour may end up demanding for N1 million as minimum wage from the federal government.
Ajaero who stated this during an interview session on Arise Television on Sunday, said the worsening economic hardship Nigerians were being made to go through due to unfavourable government policies has made the proposed N35,000 minimum wage by government unrealistic.
According to the NLC President, any minimum wage must reflect the country’s economic conditions, noting that as long as the dollar keeps rising against the naira, the demands for a higher minimum wage will be inevitable.
He added that even the initial N200,000 minimum wage proposed by labour is no longer tenable due to soaring price of food items and inflationary pressure in the economy.
“We may end up demanding for N1m as the new minimum wage if the naira continues to depreciate against the dollar,” Ajaero said.
“This N1 million may be relevant if the value of the Naira continues to depreciate; if the inflation continues to depreciate. The demand for labour is equally dependent on what is happening in society.
“You will remember that by the time we contemplated N200,000, the exchange rate was about N900. Today, the exchange rate is about N1,400 or even more.
“Those are the issues that determine the demand, and they are equally affecting the cost of living, and we have always said that our demand will be based on the cost of living index.
“You’ll agree that a bag of rice is about N60,000 to N70,000. Foodstuff is getting out of reach. Now, will we get a minimum wage that is insufficient for transportation, even for one week? “You have to factor in these issues and that will determine the federal government’s commitment to this negotiation. It is not just that they want to give us a minimum wage.“The old minimum wage will be expiring by April and ordinarily, the federal government ought to have set up a committee six months before that time so that negotiation would have commenced but the federal government didn’t do that until (recently when) they inaugurated a committee and the committee has not sat.
“It appears we are going to work within one month or two to agree on a figure and I doubt how those ones are going to, especially when you look at the people that the federal government assembled as members of the committee.
“They looked at some of the governors that are not paying even the existing minimum wage and even they have a minister of budget who didn’t implement his minimum wage as a governor. “If you have these people in the government team on the issue of minimum wage, some of us have not seen a bright future in the work of this new minimum wage committee,” Ajaero said.
The Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Bayero, has called on the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, to press her husband, President Bola Tinubu, to address urgent issues like hunger, starvation, and insecurity plaguing the country.
The emir made the plea when Tinubu’s wife visited him in Kano on Monday
“Although we have several means of communicating to the government on our needs and requests, your way and means is the surest way to tell the President the actual happenings in the country,” Bayero, who spoke through an interpreter, told the First Lady. The monarch said the hunger crisis “has become more alarming and needs urgent attention.”
He also urged Tinubu’s wife to push the president to tackle escalating insecurity.
“The issue of insecurity is another serious problem we are facing. I know your government inherited it, but something more serious should be done to take care of the threats,” Bayero stated.
The emir also voiced concerns over the Federal Government’s plan to relocate offices of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria and Central Bank of Nigeria from Abuja to Lagos.“We should be made to actually understand the reasons behind the relocation. I for one cannot tell the actual intentions of the government,” Bayero said.
He called on the government to “come out clean” and clearly explain the rationale behind the relocations.
The Emir also advised the First Lady to push forward her Renewed Hope Initiative Pet Programme, which aims to empower underprivileged Nigerians.
On February 6, Tinubu condemned a weekend attack in Zamfara and Kano states, where bandits went on the rampage.
A divisional police officer, an inspector, and a vigilante were reportedly killed during the attack in Maru Local Government of Zamfara State.
Similarly, in Kano State, unknown gunmen broke into the residence of a village head and killed him in cold blood.
The EFCC has begun its case against the suspended Central Bank Governor, Godwin Emefiele, in an FCT High Court in Abuja. The charges included criminal conspiracy, conferring undue advantage, and breach of trust, among others, to which Emefiele pleaded not guilty.
Onyeka Ogbu, a Deputy Director in CBN branch operations, testified as the EFCC’s First Witness, stating that 6.2 million dollars was set aside for international election observers. He mentioned a request for payment of 6.2 million dollars and confirmed that it was processed and disbursed according to the documents.
The defense lawyer, Matthew Burkaa, disagreed with the prosecution’s request for more time and advocated for an adjournment for the prosecution to obtain Certified True Copies and for the witness to undergo cross-examination.
The amended charges alleged that Emefiele forged a document and conspired to obtain $6.2m from the CBN. The EFCC also accused him of awarding a contract for the renovation of the CBN Governor’s lodge to a company in which he and another individual are directors and majority shareholders.
The case is set to continue on the next trial date.
Former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor, Mohammed Sanusi, has said rather than blaming President Bola Tinubu for the present hardship in the country, accusatory fingers should be pointed at his immediate predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari, over the way he handled the economy.
The former emir of Kano, who spoke virtually on Sunday at a religious event in Abuja, maintained that the immediate past administration failed to properly manage its economic policies.
According to him, Buhari turned a deaf ear to reasonable advice on how to take Nigeria out of its economic woes. He said he would, therefore, not be able to meet the expectations of a section of Nigerians who wanted him to criticize President Tinubu over the current economic difficulties in the country.
The former royal father stated: “I have been, over the years, talking about the pending crisis ahead of the current economic
hardship. Any economist who has studied monetary policy in the last eight years knows that Nigerians will fall into this difficult situation.
“The difficult situation Nigerians are facing is just the beginning (if the right decision is not put in place) because Nigeria is not exceptional; such situations happened in Germany, Zimbabwe, Uganda, and Venezuela.
“The previous administration turned adamant about our appeal for corrective measures (on the economic policy). I have said in the presence of the now sitting president in Kaduna state, any politician who tells you that things will be easy, don’t vote for him because he is lying. People merely dismissed my advisory as a political statement.
“If I am to be fair and just to President Bola Tinubu, he is not to blame for the current hardship; for eight years, we were living a fake lifestyle with huge debt from foreign and domestic debts. The Central Bank of Nigeria owes over N30 trillion, which resulted in debt service surpassing 100 per cent.
“I can’t join other Nigerians criticising Tinubu on the current economic hardship, and I am not saying he is a saint free from wrongdoing, but in this current economic situation, President Tinubu is not to be blamed. I will also speak if I see any wrong economic policy of the Tinubu administration in the future.
“It’s injustice for anyone to blame the Tinubu administration for the current economic hardship because there is no other alternative than the removal of the fuel subsidy. After all, Nigeria cannot even afford to pay the subsidy. In the last eight years, the Central Bank continued to print more money, and the Naira continued to depreciate. There is too much naira in circulation because the CBN is printing the currency without restraint.
“The economy was poorly managed, and they are not willing to take advice; in the last eight years, apart from sycophancy, nothing has been done; those sycophants are those buying the dollar at the rate of N400 and selling it at the rate of N600 to N700.
“A boy who has no record of service has a private jet and owns houses in Dubai and England just because he is buying dollars at so a rate and selling them.
“I can only plead with the people to endure the hardship, and those who have the means to help the downtrodden should do so.
“I am also pleading with commoners to live according to their earnings; we must not peg our lives above our earnings in this difficult situation where people are looking for what to eat.”
The recent passing of Access Bank’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Herbert Wigwe, and his family members in a chopper crash has plunged the working environment at the bank’s branches in Abia State into mourning.
Employees were seen in groups grieving the tragedy and reflecting on the untimely loss of their leader and his loved ones. The solemn atmosphere was as result of the aviation mishap claiming Wigwe, his wife, son, and two other pilots in the United States of America.
Access Bank PLC and aviation authorities in the US have confirmed this devastating news. As a mark of respect for the departed individuals, Access Bank has lowered its corporate flags at all branches in Abia State to half-mast. Notably, the Abia State government house location, Umuahia, Isi Gate, and Library Avenue branches, as well as the Timber Shed branch in Umuahia and Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike branch in Ikwuano LGA, all displayed the lowered flags. The entire workforce in these branches showed a unified sign of mourning by wearing black attire.
In addition to mourning the loss, employees were engaged in discussions about the future of the bank without Wigwe at the helm.
Meanwhile, Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, expressed his deep sorrow over the tragic incident, stating that it was a significant blow and one of the saddest moments in his life.
The Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development has approved the request of Air Peace and authorised the carrier to operate commercial international flights into and out of John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York, United States of America.
Air Peace had in a letter dated January 12, 2024, written to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, requested approval to operate to New York.
In a letter dated February 9, 2024, with reference number FMA/ATMD/0186/S.5/X/696 and titled, ‘Conveyance of approval to Messrs Air Peace Limited to operate commercial international flight operations into and out of New York,” the Ministry stated that granting of the request is in line with the subsisting ‘Open Skies’ agreement between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the government of the United States of America.
The letter, which was signed by Director, Air Transport Management, H.T. Ejibunu, reads in part, “I am directed to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated January 12, 2024, on the above subject and convey the Honourable Minister’s approval for the designation of Air Peace Limited to operate commercial international flights into and out of John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York, United States of America.
“This is in line with the subsisting ‘Open Skies’ agreement between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the government of the United States of America.
“Consequently, your airline is being advised to liaise with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) of the United States of America for documentation before commencement of scheduled flight operations. However, the airline is required to comply with the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (CARs) 2023 part 18.5.11 by taking further necessary steps to liaise with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) on the requirements. Kindly note that the approval has been communicated to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for its further necessary action.”
Air Peace Limited is a private Nigerian airline founded in 2013 with its head office in Ikeja, Lagos State, Nigeria. The flag carrier is the largest airline in Nigeria and West Africa.
As governor of Imo State, Dee Sam Mbakwe wept for his people to be treated with all decency due citizens of a nation. In death, the tears continued to roll until the gods of the land visited Government House Owerri to say hello to incumbent governor, Hope Uzodinma.
Something terrible has been going on for 40 years in Imo State. We talk of Abandoned Property in Port Harcourt and demolitions in Lagos. Lucifer took a permanent seat in Owerri. Land owners, with relevant documents, were denied their property and exploited by insiders in government.
Uzodinma, woke up, sometime late in 2023 and said enough was enough. He descended heavily on those in charge of Lands in Imo State and has come to prove that as governor, he is the Chief Landlord. When I say Mbakwe smiled in his grave, believe me.
As a lawyer, Dee Sam took it upon himself to fight for Ndigbo whose investments in Port Harcourt, were declared Abandoned Property after the Civil War. It did not happen in the North. Not in the South – West but in our own Pitakwa, full of cousins, of Ikwerre extraction.
Mbakwe’s role in fighting for the oppressed sent him to the Imo State Government House in 1979. Unfortunately, land allocations he made before the Muhammadu Buhari coup in 1983, which were duly paid for, have been denied the owners ever since.
I speak authoritatively. With Certificates of Occupancy ( C of O ) obtained so many decades ago, the land owners have been through hell in the hands of Imo State government officials. They have been paying money to subsequent governments till date without seeing results.
Land was mapped out in the New Owerri Area by Mbakwe to create a beautiful town. It was so strange that one governor came, converted the area to a pocket layout and made new allocations without relocating or compensating the Original Owners who are legally backed with their C of O.
When I say land owners have been paying for decades, I am certain. Mr. Governor could ask for documents from the Ministry of Lands. There is, for instance, Plot 166, Housing Area P, New Owerri. Checks revealed that more money was paid into government treasury in November 2022.
It was so bad that even after some of the landowners died waiting for government intervention, families were made to update the tax papers of the deceased. The waiting game continued, nothing positive happened.
Uzodinma must be a wizard to have come to the rescue of the dead. Dee Sam says I should salute the Imo State governor. How the incumbent heard the cries of the oppressed continues to baffle me. This Hope seems to be full of hope, afterall.
I never reckoned with Uzodinma when he emerged as governor. However, he did something as a senator which said something about his dream. While pursuing his goals as senator, Hope did not forget Ndigbo. Emeka Enyinnaya, a former banker with Zenith Bank was moved to one of the agencies in the Aviation ministry as General Manager.
When I visited home during Yuletide in 2022, I marveled at the state of the Owerri – Añara Road. Before Uzodinma, that Highway was abandoned. The worst came from our own, Ikedi Ohakim, who had the opportunity to use the route to his village but abandoned it.
For Uzodinma, old things are gone. I see the Imo Renaisance through this man in his second tenure. Let me bring back Mbakwe. Imo progressed because Dee Sam had quality around him. Enoch Anyanwu. Alex Emeziem. Ray Ofoegbu. Rose Mezu. Gina Onyejiaka.
Prof. Anyanwu, a United Nations Consultant, was Secretary to the State Government. Emeziem, was in charge of Public Utilities. Under Mbakwe, there was electricity, water flowed. As a student, Ememe dined with Queen Elizabeth. He worked with Shell too.
Dr. Ray Ofoegbu taught Political Science at Nsukka. As Commissioner of Information, there was no controversy. He was ADC to General Philip Effiong in Biafra. Gina Onyejiaka, made History in 1963 as the First Nigerian to be Miss World. She sponsored herself as First Runner – Up after Martha Bassey was dropped.
Rose Uremegbulem Mezu came from a family of scholars. Her husband, S. O. ( Sebastian Okechukwu ) Mezu, at 27, was Biafran Ambassador to Cote d’Ivoire. In that family, they speak Igbo, English, French, German, Italian. Today she is a Professor at Morgan State University, Baltimore.
Uzodinma should search for quality hands from around the globe to run Imo in the next four years. Mbakwe is waiting to hear more good news to bless the Imo State governor, a man who has shown signs to change the environment.
Mr. Governor needs to bring Works minister, Dave Umahi, to fix the Owerri – Aba Road which has been abandoned since President Shehu Shagari left office in 1983. I am happy that Uzodinma does not do ‘eye service’, unlike other leaders in high places.
I am worried that the governor, known as a left winger in Festac, Lagos, has not worked on Heartland, the only Nigerian team, to have played in an intercontinental Championships, the Presidents Cup, in 1988. The team should go back to the original name, Spartans.
For destroying all the land demons in New Owerri, I owe His Excellency, one 2 – metre bottle of champagne, to be delivered in Omuma. I know with him, all those who bought land under Mbakwe will for once, smile.
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has, for the third time this year, increased the exchange rate for calculating customs duties at the nation’s seaports from ₦1,413.62/$ to ₦1,417.635/$.
With the upward review, Nigerians will pay more to clear their goods at the port because import duties are benchmarked against the dollar.
According to information obtained from the official website of the Nigeria Customs Service, the exchange rate was reviewed upward on Friday, 9 February.
This represents an increase of ₦4.015 and a percentage increase of 0.28 percent, which is below the official CBN exchange rate of ₦1,481.982/$ as of the morning of Saturday, February 10, 2024.
It was gathered that the current upward review of the exchange rate for calculating Customs import duty is the third in one week and also the third in 2024.
It is also the seventh time the apex bank has adjusted exchange in the space of eight months since President Tinubu’s administration commenced the floating naira policy, a reform aimed at stabilising the forex market.
The Confederation of All Progressives Congress (APC) Support Group says Peter Obi of the Labour Party and PDP’s Atiku Abubakar have millions stashed away, yet Nigerians are in poverty.
The group also said that President Bola Tinubu means well for the country and should be supported by all Nigerians to achieve his desired goals.
Its director-general, Mohammed Kailani, said this on Saturday at a news conference in Abuja.
“I advise both opposition leaders, henceforth, to first strategise on how to solve the problems in their political parties first.
“They should do this by using strategies that are grounded in realism, evidence and comprehensive planning in addressing the complex challenges they have before coming out to talk or advise an administration that is doing well.
“The opposition leaders pretend when making comments that they wish the country well, especially when Peter Obi of the Labour Party has about $1 trillion kept in his bank, Fidelity Bank.
“And, Atiku Abubakar, having about the same amount stashed around the world, monies they could have invested in the country to help the masses of the country get employment and pull out of poverty.
“Today after their defeats they have now resorted to wishful thinking politics to clear the hangover of their defeats,” he said.
MrKailani, who rallied support for the president, however, urged the opposition to allow him to be focused and to stop distracting him.
“The President means well and is well equipped with the attribute of fighting the symmetric and asymmetric warfare of the masses of this country.
“President Bola Tinubu has the vision, strategic thinking and a clear, coherent plan built on evidence and realism to bring about a substantial leap in the quality of life of all Nigerians,” he said.
According to the director-general, the president must be left alone to face the challenges of Nigerians.
Amata Town Union, the umbrella body of Amatta Autonomous Community, Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo State, (home and abroad) has disowned a certain group in the community, going by the name, “Amatta Central Working Committee”.
A press statement endorsed by the President General of the community, Mr Joe Oparaoriaku, on behalf executive and members of Amatta Town Union, berated the said Amatta Central Working Committee for its publication on the Sunday Statesman of January 28, 2024, which purportedly passed vote of no confidence on the traditional ruler and other leaders of the community.
It reminded the group that only the government of Imo State which gave official staff of office to the traditional ruler and also appointed the President General has the right to remove them, cautioning the said committee that its brazen attempt to exercise exclusive powers of government is capable of engendering crises in the community.
The statement described the group as a fictitious contraption of disgruntled elements who are bent on causing disaffection among the people of Amatta, while chiding it for making such publication on a matter already pending in a court of competent jurisdiction.
It further described the allegation of Amatta Central Working Committee against the traditional ruler of the community that he sold the community’s land to the governor as baseless, as Government does not buy land from its citizens, rather it acquires and compensates accordingly.
The federal government has appointed Uche Onyegbu as the acting rector of the Federal Polytechnic Oko, Anambra.
This was made known on Saturday in a letter signed by Omotayo Adeyemi, director of human resources management, federal ministry of education.
Mr Onyegbu’s appointment follows the conclusion of Dr Franca Nwafulugo’s tenure as the former rector on February 2.
Mr Onyegbu is recognised for his experience in both administration and academia, having served as a secretary to four consecutive rectors for 17 years before transitioning to teaching.
With educational qualifications, including a B.Sc, M.Sc, and MPA in Public Administration, and nearing the completion of his doctoral programme, Mr Onyegbu has demonstrated a strong commitment to academia and professional development.
He is a professional, holding memberships in bodies such as the Nigeria Institute of Public Administrators (FNIPA), Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM), and Professional Secretaries of Nigeria (PSN), among others.
His track record highlights his capabilities as an effective leader and educator, setting a solid foundation for his new role as the acting rector of the Federal Polytechnic Oko.
Nollywood actress, Hilda Dokubo, has called on Nigerians to be ready for a new way of life characterised by prolonged fasting and extensive trekking.
In a video shared on her Instagram account on Thursday, accompanied by the caption “Whilst we celebrate our victory, let us prepare for a new lifestyle of long fasting, long trekking, and long-suffering. Their mandate is mandating’”, Dokubo emphasized the need for citizens to adapt to the prevailing challenges in the country.
Commenting on the hike in fuel prices, Dokubo said individuals should resort to trekking as fuel prices soar.
Reflecting on the economic challenges facing the nation, she lamented the soaring prices of essential commodities such as electricity, fuel, bread, and Garri.
Despite the hardships, Dokubo encouraged Nigerians to remain resilient, particularly families with numerous children, expressing confidence in their ability to persevere through adversity.
She said in part, “Just so you know, fuel is N1,250 which means, on your mandate you have to stand, on your leg you have to walk. Get ready. All of you who do not like walking, go and get trainers so that you can waka.
“We have gone back to the 18th century, electricity, twice they have increased it this year, February never even reach half, fuel N1,250, diesel N1,700, bread is almost N3,000, as for Garri, let’s not go there.”
President Bola Tinubu has charged the armed forces to continue to protect Nigeria’s territorial integrity against all threats, commending them for their dedication to duty and sacrifices for the nation.
Speaking at an event marking the Diamond Jubilee of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) in Kaduna, on Saturday, the President in a statement by Presidential spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale assured the military of his administration’s commitment to its welfare, as well as unflagging support in the discharge of its duties.
The NDA was established about six decades ago, on February 5, 1964. The institution has undergone various stages of transformation in its quest to fulfil its mandate of training officers for the Nigerian Armed Forces. Before obtaining independence from Britain, Nigeria’s first set of officers were trained in Ghana and subsequently at the Royal Military Academy in Sandhurst, England. But by January 1964, four years after independence, the first batch of 64 army and navy cadets commenced training at the NDA.
President Tinubu highlighted some of the milestones recorded during the transformation of the NDA to include the subsequent addition and training of Air Force cadets, the successful reunification of the country after the Civil War in 1967, as well as the various short-service military training programmes instituted to fill the manpower needs caused by the Civil War.
Other noteworthy achievements, he noted, include the upgrade of the NDA from a non-degree awarding institution to a full-fledged degree-awarding university in 1985, thereby phasing out the Nigerian Defence Academy Certificate of Education hitherto awarded to cadets.
“The government is also pleased to note that the curriculum approved by the National Universities Commission, the regulatory body is sufficiently robust and broad-based, to enable the cadets to acquire the knowledge, skills, values, character, and discipline required for effective and efficient service in the Nigerian Armed forces in peace times and in times of crises.
The Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) has reported the loss of 1,500 members due to economic hardships and meagre monthly pension payouts.
The union revealed that some pensioners receive as low as N500 as a monthly pension, with those from the South East facing the brunt of inadequate compensation.
During a press conference on Thursday, the National President of the NUP, Godwin Abumisi, and General Secretary, Elder Actor Zal, expressed their concerns.
Abumisi said: “We have lost 1,500 of our members to hardship. In Nigeria, the government doesn’t think about the poor people; they only think about themselves.”
Outraged by pensioners’ poor treatment, the union declared their intention to stage a protest, even suggesting that they might hit the streets naked to draw attention to their plight.
They proposed a National Minimum Pension of N100,000 to the Tripartite Committee established by the Federal Government to negotiate the national minimum wage.
Abumisi emphasized the dire situation faced by pensioners across the country, citing monthly pensions as low as N500 in some states.
He also criticized the non-harmonization of pensions and the failure to implement previous minimum wage reviews, leading to paltry pension payouts.
The NUP president warned of mass protests nationwide, particularly in Abuja, if the Federal Government does not address their demands.
The union called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene. It urged swift action to address pensioners’ challenges, emphasizing the impact of rising living costs on their well-being.
The ban on alcoholic beverages in sachets and pet bottles less than 200ml may cause manufacturers and other stakeholders across the food and beverages value chain to lose investments worth over N800 billion.
The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) and Distillers and Blenders Association of Nigeria (DIBAN) expressed the concern at a joint news conference in Lagos on Friday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the National Agency for Foods and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has banned production of alcoholic beverages in sachets and pet bottles of less than 200ml, with effect Jan. 31.
According to NAFDAC, the ban is in line with an agreement reached by a tripartite committee set up in 2018 by the Federal Ministry of Health.
The Executive Secretary of DIBAN, Mr John Ichue, at the press conference, called on the Federal Government to prevail on NAFDAC to reverse the ban.
“This is to avert a colossal loss on investments in machines, raw materials and financial resources and also save 5.5 million direct and indirect persons earning their livelihood from the business,” he said.
According to Ichue, manufacturers have great respect for NAFDAC; hence, the need for them to reach a common ground to address underage consumption of alcoholic beverages and business concerns of players in the wine and spirits sector.
“Some of the money invested in the sector were borrowed from banks, and many of the companies have procured raw materials that would last them for the next four or five years.
“More than 25 companies in wine and spirits sector in the country may be forced to close shop if President Bola Tinubu does not intervene in reversing the ban,” he said.
The Chairman of DIBAN, Mr Patrick Anegbe, said that the association had always preached responsible drinking and had mounted media campaigns on radio and television, kicking against underage consumption of alcoholic beverages in sachets.
Anegbe, also the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Intercontinental Distillers, said that DIBAN was concerned about the health of underage consumers of alcohol beverages.
He, however, said that elimination of underage consumption of alcoholic beverages could be achieved through access control rather than outright ban.
“Through access control mechanism, the underage will be safeguarded, businesses will remain and our members and suppliers in the value chains in the sector will retain their jobs.
“I call on the president to intervene immediately; otherwise, many jobs are on the line,” he said.
He appealed to Tinubu to consider those who had heavily invested in the sector.
The CEO of Stellar Beverage, Mr Gandhi Anandan, said that the ban might trigger irresponsible drinking and make consumers drink heavily if they could not have access to smaller quantities.
“While alcohol, like any other product, must be consumed in moderation, if we take away the size from responsible drinking, we are not being fair to anyone,” he said.
Mr Wale Majaolagbe, CEO of Grand Oak Industries, said that distilled wine and spirits had not been pinned down as causes of death of any individual.
“NAFDAC should not be insensitive to the hardship Nigerians are going through by imposing this ban,” Majaolagbe said.
Earlier, Mr Segun Ajayi-Kadir, Director- General of MAN, said that the association was deeply concerned about the ban.
Ajayi-Kadir said that the bank would impact negatively on manufacturers, workers, the citizenry and the economy.
Revd Godswill Uchanna Oguchi of Methodis Church, Nigeria, has disclosed that the new trend in Igboland is that many youths are now leaving Christianity and returning back to idol worshiping.
The man of God revealed this at Ohobo, Afaraumuahia, Abia state during the burial ceremony of late sister Victoria OluchiNwabuisi, aka VON, a 54 years old America based business woman , who died last October 13th, 2023 of breast cancer in an American hospital and was buried 9th of February 2024 at her father’s compound.
Speaking at the funeral, the Methodist cleric regretted that so many Igbo youths are leaving the Chuch and embracing idolatory worship. He said the reason is that many of them think God is delaying to answer tneir prayers.
“The youths are now embracing the worship of our forefathers, Amadioha and others, their hope in God is fading away, they say they need quick action and solution to their problems. They think their prayers either delayed or not answered, for me the decision is regrettable”.
He reiterated that Christianity is real, adding that he was called at his early stage in life to serve God and carry the Bible.
“If somebody like me can carry the Bible then, don’t doubt God, Christianity is a beautiful religion, you can not after seeing the light go back to darkness, we should always pray for our youths”. The man of God stated.
He regretted the death of sister VON who he described as a beautiful soul. ” we invested our time praying for our sister while she was battling with the sickness, we had high hope that the medical facilities in America would revive her, but it all failed because once God calls you home, not even the best medication can stop you “.
The clergy described the deceased as kind hearted and a good Christian who lived an impactful life. He noted that the moment you close your eye it is either hell or heaven while urging Christians to be prepared at all time.
Speaking also during the burial, pastor Mike Nathan of Eden Christian Ministries, Lahnam, Washington DC, USA, appreciated the brother of the deceased Charles Nwabuisi for caring for her sister in the American hospital, adding that without his care she would have died earlier than she died.
He revealed that the late Von was a member of his Church, who was the music director and a talented gospel singer with four track record to her name.
President Bola Tinubu has directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to lead a presidential team to the finals of the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Côte d’Ivoire.
He has also directed maximum support and urges the Eagles to make Nigeria, Africa proud.
This was disclosed on Saturday in a statement by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Communications.
The Vice President had also represented the President at the semi-finals when the Super Eagles defeated South Africa in a pulsating encounter.
The Nigerian national team is set to face host, Côte d’Ivoire, in a thrilling rematch at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan on Sunday, February 11.
The statement noted that the match will rekindle the memories of Nigeria’s 1-0 victory in the group stage secured through Captain William Troost-Ekong’s penalty.
According to the statement, recognizing the unifying power of football and the immense role the Super Eagles play in fostering national pride and unity Tinubu is of the belief that Vice President Shettima’s presence at the finals alongside the delegation is a testament to the government’s unwavering support for the team and its dedication to their success.
The federal government called on all Nigerians, both at home and abroad, to unite in support of the Super Eagles, and to raise their voices in encouragement, and create a wave of national pride that propels the team to glory.
