Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has approved the reappointment of Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II as Emir of Kano under the new laws.

The governor has given former emirs 48 hours to vacate their palaces and hand over Emirate Council properties to the Commissioner of Local Government, who also serves as State Deputy Governor.

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has signed the Kano Emirates Bill 2024 into law, repealing the 2019 Emirate Councils Law that altered the state’s over 1000-year history.

By signing the bill, the governor declared that the 2019 law has been repealed and is now history.

The signing was attended by the Speaker of the State Assembly, IsmailaFalgore, Deputy Governor AminuAbdussalam, Secretary to the State Government AbdullahiBaffaBichi and others.

The State Assembly has fulfilled one of its constitutional roles by signing the bill into law.

The chairman of the defunct Failed Bank Tribunal set up by the government of late General Sani Abacha, Justice Steven Sado Idajili, has died at the age of 82.

The jurist from Dekina Local Government Area in Kogi State became notable for his significant role in the notorious Failed Bank Tribunal, responsible for detaining numerous bank executives.

He was also involved in a seven-man panel set up by the then Kogi State Chief Judge, Justice Nasir Ajanah, to investigate gross misconduct allegations against Deputy Governor, Elder Simon Achuba, resulting in his impeachment.

He served as the chairman of the Grievance Redress Committee (GRC), established by the Kogi State project coordinator of the Agro-Processing Productivity Enhancement and Livelihood Improvement Support Project.

Until his passing, he held the position of secretary for the Kogi State Retired Judges Association.

According to a family statement signed by Francis Idajili, a Christian Wake will take place on Wednesday, June 12, in Lokoja, with interment on Thursday at Efakwu Egume in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State.

The statement also mentioned that a Valedictory Court Session will take place on Thursday, June 13, at the Chief Judge’s Chambers, High Court of Justice, Lokoja.

A dramatic scene unfolded at a Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday when Tigran Gambaryan, a detained executive of Binance, suddenly slumped in court due to alleged ill health.

This incident occurred shortly after Justice Emeka Nwite called the matter for trial continuation.

As the case was called by the court registrar, Gambaryan failed to step forward to the dock from the back row seat where he was seated.

Justice Nwite then inquired about the whereabouts of the second defendant (Gambaryan), and one of the lawyers in the defense team, who was sitting beside him, assisted him to the dock.
However, as they walked slowly to the dock, Gambaryan fell down, and the lawyer helped him sit in the front row seat.
Gambaryan’s lawyer, Mark Mordi, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), explained to the court that his client had been indisposed and that a written application letter had been filed to notify the court of his failing health.
He stated, “My lord, the case may not certainly proceed today.”
Throughout the proceeding, Gambaryan rested on the arm of the seat where he was sitting, appearing visibly unwell.
Recall that Justice Nwite had earlier dismissed Gambaryan’s bail application on May 16, citing that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had established that the defendant, who is currently being remanded at Kuje Correctional Centre, would likely jump bail if granted.
Additionally, the alleged tax evasion charge filed by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) against Binance Holdings Limited and Gambaryan could not proceed on Wednesday due to his absence in court.

The House of Representatives has passed a bill to adopt the old National Anthem despite opposition from some lawmakers.

The bill sponsored by the Majority Leader, Julius Ihonvbere, was debated for a second reading and rushed through a third reading amid opposition from some lawmakers.

Leading the debate on the bill, Mr Ihonvbere said the content of the old anthem is far better than the current one.

Speaking against the bill, the Minority Leader, Kingsley Chinda said the anthem should not be a thing of priority to Nigerians.

While opposing the bill, Mr Chinda said the old anthem was composed by colonialists and adopting it would mean going back.

“For every law, there must be a spirit to it. If we are asked what is the essence of this law, I would talk about history.

“What does this old national anthem represent? This history dates back to colonialism. We dropped it because we wanted an Anthem to remove us from colonialism. The old anthem was composed by foreigners,” he said.

Following the debate, the bill was put to vote by Deputy Speaker, Ben Kalu who presided over the session, however, the “nay” voices appeared louder, yet the presiding officer called the vote in favour of “ayes”.

This ruling generated complaints from lawmakers, however, the Deputy Speaker insisted on the ruling.

Amid the opposition, the Deputy Speaker rushed the motion through.

The Minister of Youth Development, Dr Jamila Bio-Ibrahim, says the Federal Executive Council has approved N110 billion capital to startups and early growth stage businesses for youths.

Bio-Ibrahim said this in Abuja on Thursday at the ministerial sectoral update of the present administration.

The minister said that “the approval is for startups and early growth stage businesses via restructured Nigeria Youth Investment Fund ( NYIF).”

She added that the ministry was into partnership with Bank of Industry (BoI) to set up a ‘Next Gen’ Bank to nurture youth entrepreneurs with loans and business support.

“We have approval for the establishment of the Presidential Initiative on Youth Clusters in agriculture, manufacturing and ICT.

“We have 146,998 beneficiaries of targeted vocational, social inclusion, technology, agriculture, entrepreneurship training,” Bio-Ibrahim said.
According to her, the ministry has commenced robust NYSC reforms, including skills building to better position youth corps members.

She noted that the mandate of the ministry was to formulate, implement, monitor and evaluate policies and programmes that promote youth development and empowerment, and wealth creation.

Others, she said, are wellbeing, excellence, national unity, and sustainable development, with the ultimate goal of empowering young Nigerians to reach their full potential and contribute positively to the nation’s growth and development.

She reiterated the ministry’s determination to reposition the country’s youths to thrive and catalyse economic development.

Bio-Ibrahim said the ministry has concluded plans to do data harmonisation, analytics, performance management and predictive analytics for prioritisation.

“We will strengthen inter-government collaboration and foster development of existing and new private sector partnerships.

“We will also have media activation to leverage online, social, visual channels for sustained communication and reorientation,” she said.

According to her, some of the ministry’s targets are to reduce youth unemployment rate, increase youths with global market demand skills and increase youth participation in social and economic development.

No fewer than 100 sacked employees of Dana Air, on Tuesday in Lagos, picketed the head office of the airline over alleged unpaid salaries and outstanding pensions, among others.

The protesters were seen carrying placards with various inscriptions, such as: ‘Expatriates not paid for three months’; ‘Pension deductions not remitted since 2008’; ‘Say No to tyranny’ and ‘7 aircrafts, only one serviceable’, among others.

The airlines’ former Training and Cabin Services Manager, Mrs Magdalene Onyeukwu, who was also among the protesters, expressed dismay over the laying-off of the workers, accusing the airline management of lack of empathy.
Onyeukwu also accused the management of not making adequate settlements before relieving the workers of their jobs.

“I have been working with the airline since 2008 and I participated in the demo flight which got them their Air Operator Certificate (AOC).

“I and others like me have been dedicated, even in the face of challenges. When salaries were not paid, we were committed until the runway incident of April 23.

“It is normal for Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to audit the airline but before we knew it, we got WhatsApp messages that our services were no longer required.

“The Chief Executive Officer of Dana Air, Mr Jacky Hathiramani, should address us. We want our gratuities, while our April salary and one month in lieu of service should be paid,” she said.

Another protester, Mr Eze Chidi, a former Aviation Security (AVSEC) Supervisor, condemned the action of management of the airline on the workers, describing it as uncalled for. Chidi urged the Federal Government to intervene on the alleged victimisation, enslavement, exploitation and unaccountable management, among other acts

Reports have it that the Dana Air management officials were, however, not reachable for comments.

NAN reports that NCAA had, on April 24, suspended the airlines’ AOC, following a runway skid of its MD-82 aircraft, with registration number 5N-BKI on April 23.
NAN also reports that the suspension of the AOC was to allow NCAA to carry out a comprehensive audit of the company.

Consequent upon the ongoing audit, the airline had, in a statement on May 11, stated that some of its employees had been ‘temporarily disengaged’.

The Parliament of the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, is to constitute an ad-hoc Mediation Committee to work with all stakeholders towards getting Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso to return to the sub-regional body.

The First Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament and Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau, made the disclosure at the opening of the 2024 2nd Extraordinary Session in Kano on Tuesday. He said the decision was in line with the clarion call made by the President of the ECOWAS Commission for Parliament’s urgent intervention in addressing pressing issues in the community.

“You may recall that in his address at the Inaugural Session, the President of the ECOWAS Commission made the clarion call for Parliament’s urgent intervention in addressing pressing issues in the Community.

“The President noted the urgency of joining ongoing efforts aimed at avoiding the disintegration of the regional bloc, which could happen with the departure of Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso.

“We must heed to that call with all seriousness and be intentional about playing our roles for the millions of citizens being impacted by these conflicts.

“Against this backdrop, I will, in consultation with my colleagues on the Bureau, be proposing the appointment of an Ad hoc Mediation Committee whose mandate will be to work with all stakeholders in getting our brothers to rescind their decision and come home and work towards promoting dialogue with a view to resolving conflicts in the region.

“It’s no doubt that we are stronger together and there is absolutely no alternative to our collective aspirations of a united, peaceful and secure ECOWAS,” Barau said.

He disclosed that a Parliamentary Fact-finding mission was dispatched to the Republic of Togo to ascertain circumstances surrounding the notable absence of the Togolese delegation, who, by virtue of the Supplementary Act on the Enhancement of the Powers of the Parliament, deserves the Speakership, and held discussions with national stakeholders on other political issues.

“I am pleased to report that we received a very favorable response from the Togolese authorities that our brothers from Togo will be inaugurated as soon as possible,” he said.

He also stressed a compelling need to build strong collaboration with the ECOWAS Commission and undertake joint initiatives aimed at strengthening regional security and advancing development.

Barau restated the commitment of the Parliament to continue to build strong collaboration with Community Institutions and Regional Parliaments with a view to promoting synergy for the realization of shared goals.

The APC Youth Solidarity Network, a youth group within the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, has sounded the alarm over what it described as attempts by internal enemies to destabilise the party ahead of the 2027 general election.

This warning comes in response to the recent failed attempt to oust the national chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje.

Addressing a press conference on Tuesday, Prince Danesi Momoh, national coordinator of the youth group, urged President Bola Tinubu to take decisive action to stop enemies from bringing down the party.

He drew parallels with a similar situation in 2013/2014, when anti-party agents conspired against then-PDP National Chairman Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, leading to the party’s defeat in the 2015 polls.

Momoh stated, “We initially led protests against Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and called for his removal. We submitted a protest letter to the President through the National Secretary, citing his suspension by his council ward in Kano State.

“We were brainwashed that, the only way to save of our party, is by mobilizing for the removal of the National Chairman, in order to avoid Zamfara treatment, where the party won all elections, but our votes were later awarded to the opposition by the Supreme Court.”

He emphasized that despite the rejection of the suspension by the Ganduje Ward Executive and the discovery that those involved were not APC members, some individuals continue to vent their frustrations due to perceived lack of patronage by the Tinubu administration.

“History has shown us the dangers of silence in the face of internal sabotage. We urge President Tinubu to rise to the challenge and ensure Ganduje remains as national chairman to prevent a repeat of the 2015 scenario.”

Hunters and local security personnel have been deployed by the people of Amaba Ime community in Ikwuano LGA of Abia State to join in the search for three children stolen by a motorcyclist last week.

The abducted kids are Gideon Osinachi, Divine Osinachi, 6, and Israel Osinachi, 4, children of the same parents.

Local security outfits have been mandated by the community to help the police and other security agencies in the search for the missing children.

The traditional ruler of the community, King Emmanuel Otuwa, who confirmed the sad story of the abducted children, said his community has been devastated since the kids were taken away to an unknown place by an unidentified person.

He expressed shock at the development and advised parents in his community and other parts of Abia State against entrusting their children to strangers.

King Otuwa, who appealed to the Abia State government and security agencies in the state to expedite action in the rescue of the abducted kids, also called for the arrest and prosecution of those behind the heinous act.

The monarch charged the hunters and local security agencies to assist the police and agencies in their efforts to locate the whereabouts of the innocent kids.

The news of the abduction of the children has already been confirmed by the spokesman of the Abia State Police Command, ASP Maureen Chinaka, who said that the matter was reported at the police divisional headquarters covering the area of the incident.

The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has deployed intelligence officers to Banex – an electronics and telecommunications gadgets market, in Abuja following a conflict that ensued between soldiers and some traders on Saturday.

A viral video seen by our correspondent on X on Saturday showed a multitude of civilians overpowering some soldiers during a free-for-all fight at Banex.

The Defence Headquarters, and the spokesperson for the Nigerian Army, Onyema Nwachukwu could not be reached for comments as of press time.

Meanwhile, a trader who simply identified himself as Abdul, told our correspondent on Saturday that the conflict ensued over the sale of a mobile phone.

“There’s a problem at Banex now. Some soldiers came to complain about a phone, and during an argument with the traders, a fight ensued,” Abdul simply revealed.

When contacted over the development, the spokesperson for the FCT Police Command, SP Josephine Adeh said the Commissioner of Police, Benett Igweh has deployed officers of the FCT Intelligence Response Team to the scene of the incident.

“The CP has deployed the Intelligence Response Team to the scene,” Adeh confirmed

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Ajuri Ngelale as the Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action.

Tinubu in a statement circulated on Sunday, through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, hinged the appointment on a strategic move to ensure the advancement of his administration’s climate and green economic initiatives.

The statement added that Ngelale will serve in this role as part of a larger Presidential Committee, to be chaired by the President.

The Presidential Committee on Climate Action and Green Economic Solutions, established by the President, will coordinate and oversee all policies and programmes on climate action and green economic development.

This is to remove the constraints to coordination, foster a whole-of-government approach to climate-action programmes, provide an efficient governance architecture, and ensure that all relevant institutions in the sector are plugged into the President’s vision and are collectively implementing the Renewed Hope Agenda on climate action.
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu is to serve as Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Climate Action and Green Economic Solutions.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has arrested former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, over an ongoing N8,069,176,864.00 money laundering probe.

The indicted former Minister of Aviation arrived at the Federal Capital Territory Command of the EFCC at about 1:00 pm on Tuesday our correspondent can confirm.

Our correspondent, who was at the Wuse office of the EFCC, observed the embattled former minister’s arrival at the anti-graft agency’s Abuja office.

Following his arrival at the command, Sirika is currently meeting with EFCC investigators to answer questions on alleged fraudulent contracts awarded by him to a company known as Engirios Nigeria Limited, owned by his younger sibling, Abubakar Sirika.

Impeccable anti-graft sources who spoke on the condition of anonymity, because they were not authorised to speak, confirmed the development to our correspondent on Tuesday.

“Yes, that was Hadi Sirika who was taken into our FCT custody. He is currently meeting with EFCC investigators over the alleged N8,069,176,864.00 aviation ministry contract fraud,” a source revealed.

Another source noted, “The N8,069,176,864.00 aviation ministry contract fraud was carried out in connivance with his younger brother, Abubakar Sirika, through the latter’s company.”

According to reports that the EFCC was investigating the activities of the Aviation Ministry under former Minister Sirika for conspiracy, abuse of office, diversion of public funds, and contract inflation.

A credible source who spoke with our correspondent on Tuesday revealed that the anti-graft commission is investigating the activities of the Aviation Ministry for conspiracy, abuse of office, diversion of public funds, and contract inflation.

Others are criminal breaches of trust and money laundering amounting to N8,069,176,864.00 during Sirika’s tenure in office.

The sum is said to be for four aviation contracts from the former minister to a company known as Engirios Nigeria Limited, owned by his younger sibling, Abubakar Sirika.

Apart from being listed as the company’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Abubakar is said to be the sole signatory to the company’s two accounts, domiciled in Zenith and Union Banksy.

It was further revealed that the ex-minister’s younger brother, Abubakar Sirika, has been arrested and detained by the commission in connection with N3,212,258,930.18 paid to his company, Engirios Nigerian Limited’s, bank account by the former minister.

It was noted that there is no trace of work done on any of the contract items to date.

The source said Abubakar Sirika, who was arrested on Sunday, February 4, has since been assisting the commission in its probe of the Aviation Ministry’s financial expenditures during Mr Sirika’s tenure.

The EFCC investigator said, “We’re investigating an N8,069,176,864.00 money laundering case linked to former Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika.

“Hadi awarded contracts to his brother Abubakar, knowing that the latter is a civil servant, a deputy director on Level 16 in the Federal Ministry of Water Resources, where he has been working since 2000 till date.

“The first of the contracts from the former minister to Engirios Nigeria Limited was on August 18, 2022, for the construction of the Terminal Building in Katsina Airport, at a cost of N1,345,586,500.00. The second was awarded on November 3, 2022, for the establishment of the Fire Truck Maintenance and Refurbishment Center in Katsina Airport, valued at N3, 811,497,685.00.

“The third contract was on February 3, 2023, for the procurement and installation of lifts, air conditioners, and a power generator’s house in Aviation House, Abuja, at the cost of N615,195,275.000, while the fourth was awarded on May 5, 2023, for the procurement of Magnus aircraft and a simulator for the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Zaria, at the cost of N2, 296,897,404.00.

“Out of the total contract sum, the ex-minister paid out N3,212,258,930.18 to his younger brother’s Engirios Nigerian Limited, who, upon receipt of the payment, transferred it to different companies and individuals. There is no trace of work done on any of the contract items to date.

“Abubakar Sirika is currently in our custody at the Headquarters, and he is providing us with more useful information on the financial activities of the Aviation Ministry under the supervision of his older brother, Hadi Sirika.

The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has deployed its officers to the Lead British International School, Abuja, over viral videos of bullying.

The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, in a statement on Tuesday, noted that the move was a proactive response to alarms raised by some members of the public regarding videos circulating on social media depicting the bullying of students at the school.

She also revealed that the police were on top of the situation while noting that the investigation was ongoing.

Adeh said, “The FCT Police Command is on top of the situation and has deployed seasoned officers to the school premises for investigations and to forestall any possible breakdown of law and order.”

A third video depicting a separate case of bullying at the Lead British International School, Abuja emerged on Tuesday.

In the new video posted on Tuesday, some male students in the school’s uniform were seen surrounding another boy who appeared to be in casual attire.

A student slapped the boy who was on his knees, and then some of the other boys who were gathered appealed to stop the ‘bully’ from further harming the boy, who was later whisked away in the nine-second video.

An X user, @PopoolaJoke4, who posted the video wrote, “No be the same school?”

This was in response to the first viral video of bullying in the same school that was released earlier.

Our correspondent reports that an X user, @moooyeeeee, had on Monday night posted two videos of a female student of the school being repeatedly slapped by another female classmate.

The user called for justice for the victim. Since they were posted, the videos have drawn the wrath of many users of the microblogging platform who condemned the incident and called for the school authorities to investigate and punish the culprits.

However, the management of Lead British International School, Abuja, in a statement on Tuesday, said it had begun an investigation into the matter.

The Director, Special Projects, Federal Ministry of Finance, Aisha Omar, has said the ministry has so far recovered N57 billion from the N5.2 trillion owed by Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

Omar disclosed this during the Sensitisation Workshop on Federal Government Debt Recovery Drive through Project Lighthouse Programme for South-East zone, on Tuesday in Enugu.

Declaring the event open, Omar said the debts came to the spotlight from data aggregated from over 5,000+ debtors across more than 93 MDAs.

Omar represented by Mrs Bridget Molokwu, the Deputy Director special projects, Ministry of Finance, Abuja, said the debts were in the form of liabilities to the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).

The director said that it also received refunds to the government by companies who failed to deliver on projects for which payment had been made.

Others are unpaid credit facilities granted to both corporate entities and individuals by the Bank of Industry (BOI) and Bank of Agriculture (BOA), Judgment Debt in favor of Government, debts owed Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) by insurance companies amongst others.

She added that data from Project Lighthouse revealed that many companies and individuals, who owed government agencies and refused to honor their obligations were still being paid.

This, she said, was done through the government platforms such as GIFMIS and Treasury Single Account (TSA) due to lack of visibility over these transactions.

According to her, in actualising debt recovery goal, the Federal Ministry of Finance initiated “Project Lighthouse”, which has enabled the aggregation of relevant economic and financial information from multiple agencies who hitherto did not share data.

“Generally, revenue loopholes have been aided by poor information sharing and enforcement.

“It may interest you to note that the Ministry through the consolidation efforts of the Debt Analytics and Reporting Application, has been able to aggregate monumental debts of approximately N5.2 trillion.

“The debt aggregation effort is still ongoing. Currently, approximately, N57 billion has been recovered so far from this amount due to concerted efforts on the part of stakeholders and the Federal Government,” she said.

The director said the similar workshop had been held in five other geo-political zones of the country namely South- West, North-Central, North-West, South-South and North-East.

She explained that important part of the policies and strategies was to leverage big data technology to help block revenue loopholes, identify new revenue opportunities, optimize existing revenue streams especially non-oil revenue as well as improved fiscal transparency.

“The Ministry, in this regard, has taken steps to address this major revenue loophole, through the issuance of a ministerial directive to all MDAs to aggregate all government debt across the Public Finance space as well as having a single window on the credit profile of government;

“Extend the functionalities of Debt Recovery Capability of Lighthouse to enable the Federal Ministry of Finance fully automate the debt recovery process and make settlements of debts as seamless as possible,”.

Omar said that the revenue generation effort would be dependent on cooperation and commitment of MDAs in providing quality and relevant information (debt-related data) to populate the platform.

Dangote Petroleum Refinery has again announced a further reduction in the prices of both diesel and aviation fuel to N940, N980 per litre respectively.
This is coming at the wake of its widely celebrated price reduction to N1,000 barely two weeks ago.

The price change of N940 is applicable to customers buying five million litres and above from the refinery, while the price of N970 is for customers buying one million litres and above.

Speaking on the new development, the Head of Communication, Mr Anthony Chiejina, explained that the new price is in consonance with the company’s commitment to cushion the effect of economic hardship in Nigeria.

Chiejina said, “I can confirm to you that Dangote Petroleum Refinery has entered a strategic partnership with MRS Oil and Gas stations, to ensure that consumers get to buy fuel at affordable price, in all their stations be it Lagos or Maiduguri. You can buy as low as 1 litre of diesel at N1,050 and aviation fuel at N980 at all major airports where MRS operates.”

He further stated that the partnership will be extended to other major oil marketers.

“The essence of this is to ensure that retail buyers do not buy at exorbitant prices. The Dangote Group is committed to ensuring that Nigerians have a better welfare and as such, we are happy to announce these new prices and hope that it would go a long way to cushion the effect of economic challenges in the country,” he added.

It would be recalled that the management of Dangote Petroleum Refinery announced a further reduction of the price of diesel from N1200 to N1,000per litre barely two weeks ago.

This marks the third major reduction in diesel price in less than three weeks when the product sold at N1,700 to N1,200 and also a further reduction to N1,000 and now N940 for diesel and N980 for aviation fuel per litre.

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu had also commended MrDangote for the initial price reduction, describing it as an “enterprising feat.”

Reacting to the latest development, the Director General of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Mr Ajayi Kadiri, said that, “The decision of Dangote Refinery to first crash the price from about N1,750/litre to N1,200/litre, N1,000/litre and now N940 is an eloquent demonstration of the capacity of local industries to positively impact the fortunes of the national economy.”

He added that, “The trickle down effect of this singular intervention promises to change the dynamics in the energy cost equation of the country, in the midst of inadequate and rising cost of electricity.

“The reduction will have far-reaching effects in critical sectors like industrial operations, transportation, logistics, and agriculture, contributing to easing the high inflation rate in the country; a lot of companies will be back in operation.”

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that his administration will not succumb to the pressure mounted on it by self-serving politicians.

The governor assured that despite the deliberate distractions by his detractors, the state government will remain focused on delivering good governance to the people to justify the mandate freely given to it by the electorate.

He urged the leadership of the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN) to sustain the promotion of excellence in financial reporting and practice in the country.

Fubara spoke when he received a delegation of the association led by its 13th National President, Dr. James EkerareNeminebor, in Government House, Port Harcourt.

The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, noted that the government’s eyes would remain glued on the ball to enable it to achieve set targets in critical sectors.

Fubara in a statement signed by his chief press secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, vowed not to disappoint Rivers people.

“No matter the pressure to via off the curve, the government will never yield to the machinations of self-serving politicians and individuals”, he insisted.

He charged ANAN to remain consistent in professional financial practice to institutionalize best practices, due diligence, and transparency in governance.

The governor said: “So, know that it’s actually a pleasure to have you come to hold your Mandatory Continuing Professional Development (MCPD) programme in Port Harcourt. And also to say that it is an association that rings a bell.

“In fact, two of my staff actually passed their training examinations. It was in Jos, and I asked them: what are you going to do there? And they said it was mandatory for them. So, you’re doing a good and wonderful job.

“It is good to be good and consistent so that you have that integrity for the Association. And to congratulate you on the college that has been established because anything to do with education, it is something that is top notch because people have to learn, train, and be retrained.

“And to tell you that my Governor is very passionate about things that have to do with the improvement of capacities and building of individuals and human beings. I’m delighted that he will be willing to do something that will put his name on the marble when you talk about ANAN College.”

Fubara commended their decision to choose Port Harcourt as the host for their 2024 professional development programme and urged them to enjoy their visit.

He said that the choice of the state for the annual gathering of professional accountants was an eloquent indication that the Rivers was safe not just for national conferences, summits and retreats, but also for long-term investors and visitors.

He said: “It is, indeed, gratifying that when conferences or meetings are scheduled in Rivers State, for us, it is a plus because it resonates with the fact that Rivers State is safe; that Rivers State is a place you can do business and interact with people”.

In his address, the 13th National President of the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN), Dr. James EkerareNeminebor, said they were in Government House on a solidarity visit to the Governor, who is a fellow of the association.

Neminabor, who is also chairman of the council of ANAN, explained that as a body of 55,000 members with 44 branches across Nigeria, they were reckoned as one of the topmost institutes for practising accountants.

He also said that ANAN decided that the three-day 2nd session of the 2024 Mandatory Continuing Professional Development Programme should be hosted in Port Harcourt to underscore the pivotal position of Rivers State in the national economy.

On the delegation were national and state executive officers of the association, while the training event, which began on Monday with registration of participants, will end on Wednesday in Port Harcourt.

A Dana Air aircraft with registration number, 5N BKI, flying from Abuja to Lagos on veered off the runway while landing at the Murtala Mohammed Airport in Lagos.

A statement signed by Mr Kingsley Ezenwa, Head of Corporate Communications of the airline, said all the 83 passengers and crew members onboard were unharmed.

According to Ezenwa, the airline was relieved to confirm that all 83 passengers and crew onboard the flight disembarked safely without injuries or scare as the crew handled the situation with utmost professionalism.

He said that all relevant authorities had been informed of the incident.

“We have also updated the AIB and NCAA on the incident and the aircraft involved has been grounded by our maintenance team for further investigation.

“We wish to thank the airport authorities, our crew for their very swift response in ensuring the safe disembarkation of all passengers following the incident.

“Our sincere apologies and appreciation to the passengers on the affected flight for their patience and understanding.

“We wish to reassure our passengers that their safety will always be our top priority, and we are cooperating fully with the relevant authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident,” he said.

There was tension in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, on Tuesday over alleged shooting of a student by a yet to be identified security agent.

The incident occured at LadokeAkintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) Ogbomoso.

DAILY POST gathered that a security agent allegedly gunned down the student and injured two others on Tuesday.

Our correspondent learnt that the incident occurred when the security agent was invited to settle a misunderstanding between two people in the school.

While attempting to settle the matter, the officer reportedly shot sporadically into the air. Our correspondent learnt that in the process, a student was gunned down.

Two other students were injured in the course of the shooting.

The incident triggered a riot as students locked the school gates in protest, demanding justice for the deceased.

Public Relations Officer of the State Police Command, ASP Adewale Osifeso, confirmed the incident. He said that the Command has commenced investigation into the matter.

Osifeso in a short statement made available to DAILY POST on Tuesday said, “Investigation is ongoing. Updates would be provided accordingly please.”

A Dana Air aircraft with registration number, 5N BKI, flying from Abuja to Lagos on Tuesday morning, veered off the runway while landing at the Murtala Mohammed airport in Lagos.

A statement signed by Mr Kingsley Ezenwa, Head of Corporate Communications of the airline, said all the 83 passengers and crew members onboard were unharmed.

According to Ezenwa, the airline was relieved to confirm that all 83 passengers and crew onboard the flight disembarked safely without injuries or scare as the crew handled the situation with utmost professionalism.

He said all relevant authorities have been informed of the incident.

“We have also updated the AIB and NCAA on the incident, and our maintenance team has grounded the aircraft involved for further investigation.

“We wish to thank the airport authorities and our crew for their swift response in ensuring the safe disembarkation of all passengers following the incident.

“Our sincere apologies and appreciation to the passengers on the affected flight for their patience and understanding.

“We wish to reassure our passengers that their safety will always be our top priority, and we are cooperating fully with the relevant authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident,” he noted.

By Henrietta Ashikodi

Abia state government in partnership with the enterprise development centre, office of the first Lady and Abia state Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation is set to commence the process of training about ten thousand women from Abia.

The Commissioner for Information and Culture Prince Okey Kanu stated this while briefing newsmen on the outcome of this week’s Executive Council presided over by Governor Alex Otti said the programme will focus on capacity building and business support programmes with particular emphasizes on equipping participants with essential information technology skills for future endeavours.

He said “the calls for applications for the programme will soon Commence, and of course you all know that this is pointed towards building capacity for Abians in different areas of endeavor, including SMES, stand alone IT -expert.

“The overriding interest of the state government is to ensure that as many people as possible acquire IT-skills that will help them in the future”.

Prince Kanu also informed that Governor Otti has sponsored the participation of 26 individuals in Cyber security Certification examinations, while noting that the sponsorship was provided through the state Ministry of SME and digital economy.

The information Commissioner explained that the move is aimed at enhancing cyber security expertise and fortified digital infrastructure within the state.

“This initiative is made to substantially increase the number of cyber security expertise in the state. Of course, we know that this is the way to go in this era of technology and artificial intelligence.

“You have to have people who are good in cyber security so that they can help the government maintain security generally in the state”.

He said that the state government as part of the reforms being carried out in the state civil service through the Abia state civil service commission will soon commence the certification of administration officers in human resource management.

While noting that the state government is carrying out reforms of its civil service, noted that a good human resource management is a sinequanon for an effective civil service, adding that officers will be expected to acquire professional certificates from relevant and approved professional bodies for progression in the civil service.

Prince Kanu who emphasized that the state Civil Service Commission would commence the actual implementation of the policy said the policy was part of efforts of the government to build capacity for civil servants and professionalize the state civil service.

The state information boss disclosed that the state Executive Council has approved the “Dig once policy” through the establishment of the “Dig once policy implementation council headed by the deputy governor, Engr me Ikechukwu Emetu.

He further explained that the policy aims at facilitating internet penetration and fast internet access even in rural areas, adding that the policy is in line with the present administration agenda in information technology development which is a serious enabler of business.

Prince Kanu said the state government in a joint effort with the federal Ministry of communication, Innovation and Digital Economy has committed to establishing 6 -mini digital hubs with free internet access across the 3 zones of the state including Arochukwu, Umunneochi, Ikwuano, Isialangwa south, Ukwa East and Ugwunagbo.

Contributing, the Commissioner for SME and Digital Economy, Dr. Mathew Ekwuribe said that the about to be launched “Dig once” project is to minimize the constant digging on the roads to lay fibre optics cables by operators, adding that the project will be extended to the hinterland.

He noted that though, not every part of the state would benefit from the initiative, the internet hubs to be set up in 6 LGAS across the 3 senatorial zones of the state by the federal Ministry of Digital Economy in collaboration with the state will provide Abians a functional hub to receive internet training and digital services.

Answering questions from newsmen, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr Ferdinand Ekeoma clarified that the Peoples road, Aba which was rumored to have been washed off is still under construction, adding that all roads being done by the Dr Alex Otti’s administration are usually certified before commissioning, adding that all the roads completed are still standing.

The National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) is collaborating with BUA Cement to conduct regular tests on drivers and other workers of the company to ensure that they are not hooked to illicit drugs.

The NDLEA Commandant in Sokoto State, MrAdamuIro, said this during a sensitisation lecture organised by NDLEA and BUA Cement for workers of the company on Tuesday in Sokoto.

Iro said that the initiative would help to safeguard people’s lives, and commended the company for the partnership.

According to him, some drivers engage in illegal use of substances that endanger their health and physical wellbeing.

The NDLEA commandant expressed concern that the use of illegal drugs and substances was becoming a “normal lifestyle by many Nigerians,” adding that the attitude has pushed such drug dependent people into crime.

The commandant described drug abuse as the catalyst of the crimes bedeviling the nation, saying that drivers on drugs endanger peoples lives and property through road accidents.

In her address, the Head of training, BUA Cement, MrsRamatuSani, thanked NDLEA for the support aimed at sanitising workers wellbeing as well as promoting productivity in the company.

Sani described the sensitisation programme as crucial to the health engagements in the community as it would sustain the partnership.

Mr Ibrahim Bande, Head Transport of the company, called on workers to adhere to the lectures and stay away from all forms of drug abuse for their development and society at large.

Bande also cautioned drivers against working under influence of drugs at all times and uphold the company’s integrity and ensure safer roads.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event witnessed a drama presentation on dangers of drug abuse, and award to company staff working against drug abuse.

There was also a road walk round the community to educate residents on the dangers of drug abuse and associated ills.

The Corporate Affairs Commission has revoked the certificates of incorporation of NIPOST Properties and Development Company and NIPOST Transport and Logistics Services Limited.

This revocation followed the discovery of an illegal transfer of N10 billion in restructuring funds released by the Federal Ministry of Finance to the agency’s subsidiaries.

The CAC, in a statement on Monday, said, “The General Public is hereby informed that the Commission, sequel to its powers contained in Section 41 (7) of the Companies and Allied Matters Act No. 3 of 2020, revoked the Certificates of incorporation of the below-mentioned companies because the same was improperly procured.

These companies are:
“1. NIPOST Transport and Logistics Services Company Ltd RC 1673881 and 2. NIPOST Properties & Development Company Ltd RC 1673971.

“By virtue of these revocations, the Companies are deemed to be dissolved and their Assets and Liabilities transferred to the Nigeria Postal Services established under the Nigerian Postal Services Act Cap N127 LFN 2004.”

Our correspondent reports that CAC records confirm that as of November 8, 2023, some top officials of BPE control significant shares in the subsidiaries.
Responding to these discoveries, the Senate passed a resolution on December 30, 2023, for a probe into the matter.

The resolution declared the NIPOST subsidiaries in question “irregular and illegal” and recommended their immediate winding-up and deregistration.

The Senate resolution goes beyond immediate action; it demanded a thorough investigation into the N10 billion voted by the Ministry of Finance for NIPOST’s restructuring and recapitalisation.

Should evidence of “injudicious utilisation” surface, the Senate said the committee responsible must recover the full amount.

In its resolution of December 30, 2023, the Red Chamber said it uncovered an alleged illegal transfer of Federal Government shares in two NIPOST subsidiaries to private individuals.

The discovered infractions sparked outrage, prompting the lawmakers to call for immediate action.

Some individuals in key positions within the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) and NIPOST were listed as shareholders of the two NIPOST subsidiaries.