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.
The body of the National Youth Service Corps( NYSC), member who died while watching the AFCON match between Nigeria and South Africa, Peter Yunana, has been moved out of Yola, Adamawa State, on Saturday amid emotions by his colleagues and students of the school where he was undergoing primary assignment.
His body is due for burial on Sunday in Makarfi, Kaduna State.
Yunana was one of at least five Nigerians who died on Wednesday due to tension during the penalty shootout at the semifinal match.
He was deployed to teach at the Government Secondary School, Numan, where he was watching the AFCON match before he suddenly slumped and died.
Many colleagues and students turned up as he was being conveyed in an ambulance from Yola enroute Makarfi.
The NYSC colleagues, GSS students and staff as well as officials of government, including the Secretary of Numan Local Government, David Belu Afremond, were at the Numan bridge, along the Yola-Gombe highway, to bid Yunana farewell.
Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has sent another goodwill message to the Super Eagles players ahead of their encounter with the Elephants of Cote D’ Ivoire, Sunday, urging them to work extra hard to bring home the trophy as Nigerians are earnestly waiting to celebrate them for winning the 2023 AFCON cup.
Governor Uzodimma has continuously encouraged the players and their handlers since the tournament entered it’s critical stages to put in their best to carry the day at the end of the continental football fiesta.
The highpoint of Governor Uzodimma’s encouragement was the support of N200million to the Super Eagles by the Progressive Governors’ Forum which he is the Chairman, prior Nigeria’s semi final match with the Bafana Bafana of South Africa.
Nigeria beat South Africa 4-2 via penalty shootouts to qualify for the final match at the ongoing 2023 AFCON Cup in Côte D’Ivioire.
Astatement by Oguwike Nwachuku, Chief Press Secretary and Media Adviser to the Governor said as the chase for the trophy takes place Sunday, February 11, at the AlassaneQuatara Stadium, Governor Uzodimma reiterates his earlier advice to the Super Eagles players and their handlers to make hard work and commitment their watch word and be rest assured that victory is sure.
The sports loving Governor Uzodimma of Imo State said he entertains no fear that the Super Eagles players and their coaches are trusted and tested, and that they have proved to be so since the critical stages of the tournament commenced.
Governor Uzodimma reminded the Super Eagles players that they have a record of beating the Elephant of Côte D’Ivioire in the past, including doing so at the elimination series of the 2023 AFCON tournament in their country, hence there is nothing to be afraid of on Sunday.
The Governor added that Nigerians have been waiting earnestly for the AFCON Cup to be brought to Nigeria since 2013 when the Super Eagles last achieved that feat.
“You did it before, you can do it again and again because you have what it takes to do so,” Governor Uzodimma said, noting that government and well meaning Nigerians are prepared to give them all the necessary support they need to be the African Champions once again.
Experts in food preservation, Coldhubs Limited in Imo State, has held a retreat in Owerri to reposition the company.
The establishment which works to end food spoilage and gas emissions in society is helping to enhance a healthy living.
The retreat which was largely attended by members from within and outside Imo State, was aimed at educating them on effective managerial practice, cost structure, among other issues relating to the enterprise.
Coldhubs which has been in existence since 2015 is managed by Nnaemeka Ikeagwuonu, who saw the major challenges of farmers and came up with the idea of the storage which he stressed has been helpful to keep farm produce and pharmaceutical products fresh and everygreen.
Addressing journalists in Owerri at the retreat, the Media/Communication Manager, a media practitioner, Harriet Ijeomah, pointed out that one of the major problems of Nigeria is food spoilage, saying Ikeagwuonu came on board with the concept after observing the wastage in foods in Africa.
He went into renewable energy storage with a Solar Powered Energy.
“The Coldhubs provides cold rooms that have the capacity to store perishable foods in special crates before refrigerating them. We have a facility at Relief Market, another one in Avu, Owerri West and across the country.”
According to the manager, “Coldhubs is a social enterprise engaged in reducing food spoilage, we also try to reduce gas emission, we have cold trucks to convey the produce straight from the farms.”
She informed that “in February this year, the company will start production of crates and create an app” adding that “by the end of this year the company would reduce environmental pollution, and the app would be made available for the company’s clientele.”
Ijeoma stressed that “it is important for the masses to patronize Coldhubs for a better and healthy living, informing that refrigerated trucks, logistics, ice points, cold rooms, 3-ton,10-ton and 100-ton of the storage facilities will be available for butchers and sellers of groceries.
The Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma has expressed Joy as the 2.7km remainder section of the Toronto-Uratta-Uzoagba Road nears completion.
The Governor who made his feelings known through his Social Media handle, noted that the remarkable progress of the MCC-Toronto-Uratta-Uzoagba Road Reconstruction Project, which is an 8.2km Road of which his Administration has completed and commissioned the MCC-Toronto section, marks another milestone in the Journey of transformation.
According to the Governor, when he assumed Office in his first tenure, the Road was in a deplorable state, hampering economic activities and causing distress to Residents and Commuters.
“Through strategic planning and concerted efforts, my administration prioritized this crucial route, initiating a comprehensive reconstruction effort”
The People’s Governor stated, pointing out that the palpable Joy among Residents and Users due to the Road is undeniable, and the revival of the Road not only enhances connectivity but also catalyzes economic growth, exemplifying commitment to a Road Revolution and the overall advancement of Imo State.
“If you recall when I visited here last, I did say that Owerri Capital Territory belongs to Imo State and not to any particular Local Government Area or Zone. If you open this Road to Uzoagba and Workers can go from Secretariat to Uzoagba on fifteen minutes, you are making life more bearable for our people”, Governor Uzodimma stated.
However, Residents and Commuters within the Area, expressed Joy and gratitude, stressing that Imo State is hopeful from their Area.
“Since all the previous Administrations, this Road from Uzoagba to Okatankwo has never been remembered until this present Administration of Governor Hope Uzodimma. And since his Administration we are seeing the difference.”
An anonymous stated, emphasizing that the Governor is keeping to his promise of completing the Road.
Mrs. Zita Opara thanked the Governor for bringing the Contractors back to site for the completion of the work as he promised, and expressed hope that God would also empower him to do other Rural Roads in the State.
The members of the Imo State House of Assembly Standing Committee on Mines and Solid Minerals, led by the Chairman and representative of Owerri North State Constituency, Chief Kelechi Ofurum have carried out inspection visit to some of the Mining Sites at Isiala Mbano and Ehime Mbano Local Government Areas.
The Mining Sites visited were located at Umuaru 1, Umuelemai and Umuleri Communities in Isiala Mbano Local Government Area, as well as Umuami Mining Site in Ehime Mbano Local Government Area.
Addressing Newsmen, the Committee Chairman, Chief Kelechi Ofurum explained that the inspection was part of their oversight Functions to carry out impact assessment of the Mining Sites, in order to identify those that are causing environmental degradation and stop their operation.
He expressed worry that operators of the Mining Sites were not observing the necessary safety measures thereby putting their lives and that of others at risk, adding that Government would not fail to act when things are not done properly regardless of the conditions.
Adding his Voice, the Vice Chairman of the Committee, and the member representing Orsu State Constituency, Chief Uche Agabiga noted that the Committee has identified the Umuelemai Mining Sites as Environmental risk and has directed that they should stop Operations with immediate effect, until the review of their activities.
Also on the visit were other members of the Committee, which include; the member representing Orlu State Constituency, Chief Ikenna Ihezuo and his Ehime Mbano State Constituency Counterpart, Chief Bernard Ozoemelam, as well as clerk of the Committee, Mrs. Uzomart Oliver.
AS anxiety mounts over the reported passing on of the Asagba of Asaba, Obi (Prof.) Chike Edozien, the Palace on Thursday, said the revered traditional ruler was only hospitalized and not dead.
Palace Secretary, Ogbueshi Ndili made this clarification when contacted on telephone.
“His Royal Majesty is only hospitalized. If the worse comes to the worse, we will make it open”, Ndili said.
Similarly, when contacted to respond to the rumours, the member representing Oshimili South Constituency in the State House of Assembly, Bridget Anyafulu said: ” I don’t know anything about that.”
There were rumours in the early hours of Thursday that the 99 years old monarch who will clock 100 years on July 28 this year had passed on, causing anxiety in Asaba the State capital.
A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has rejected an oral application challenging its jurisdiction in the case of five loyalists of River State Governor, Siminalaye Fubara.
The police on January 25, arraigned Chime Ezebalike, Lukman Oladele, Kenneth Kpasa, Osiga Donald and OchuejaThankGod on seven counts of terrorism-related offence, murder of police officers and vandalising and burning down of Rivers House of Assembly building.
On October 30, 2023, an explosion destroyed the state House of Assembly building, coinciding with purported efforts by certain lawmakers to impeach Fubara.
The trial judge, Justice Mobolaji Olajuwon, had at the last proceedings rejected the bail application filed by three of the defendants.
At the proceedings on Thursday, the counsel for the first and second defendants, Lukman Fagbemi, (SAN) moved an oral application to challenge the court’s jurisdiction to hear the matter.
Fagbemi said, “My Lord, we are not ready for trial. We are constrained to challenge the territorial jurisdiction of this court to hear the matter and until that is decided, we can’t proceed with the matter.”
But the judge said he ought to have filed a written application and not make the application in oral form.
She said, “This court is a court of record, if you were diligent enough, you would have applied for this. ”
Fagbemi, however, insisted that the issue of jurisdiction is fundamental which could be done in written and oral form.
He said, “The issue is fundamental. I am not a lawyer that will stampede. It can be raised orally”
The judge then sought the views of other counsel in the matter.
The third defendant’s counsel, M.S Ibrahim, aligned himself with the position of Fagbemi.
The counsel for the fourth and fifth defendants, AdeoluSalako, said he was just briefed about the matter.
The counsel for the prosecution, Simon Lough, told the court that they were ready for the trial, adding that their witnesses were on the ground.
A yet-to-be-identified person has reportedly died while three sustained varying degrees of injuries following a gas explosion that happened at Julee Gas Station, along Iyana School, Isashi Road, Iba, in Lagos.
It was Metro learnt that the incident occurred in the early hours of Wednesday.
Confirming the incident to our correspondent, the Head, Public Education, Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, AmoduShakiru, revealed that the cause of the fire incident was due to the process of trans-loading gas from the truck into the plant’s surface tank.
Shakiru noted that the men from the Ojo and Ajegunle Fire Stations, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, and police were at the scene.
He added, “The fire involved three LPG gas trucks of different storage capacity and a security post in the plant premises. Ojo and Ajegunle Fire Stations, LASEMA, and policemen were present to put off the fire quickly and ensure security. The fire emanated from one of the trucks while discharging its contents into the plant surface storage tank.
“A male adult suffered severe burns beyond recognition in one of the trucks and was recovered dead. Three other male adults were reportedly rescued with varying degrees of burn injuries and taken to a nearby hospital on arrival of the State Fire and Rescue Service.”
It was further Metro gathered that the agency got 251 emergency calls in January, and there were no signs of a decrease in February. To reduce the possibility of breakouts, residents were advised to prioritise fire safety precautions, especially in light of the weather.
Shakiru quoted the agency’s Director, Margaret Adeseye, as saying that although harmattan exacerbates fire, human activities including mishandling gas cylinders, hot work operations, erroneous petroleum product storage, and poor usage of electrical appliances were important contributory factors.
He added, “In January 2024 alone, the service received 251 emergency calls, with February showing no signs of abatement. Margaret Adeseye, Director of the State Fire and Rescue Service, underscores the gravity of the situation, attributing the rise primarily to negligence and delayed reporting. The culmination of 2,537 emergencies in 2023 underscores the imperative of addressing this trend promptly.
“Human actions such as improper storage of petroleum products, misuse of electrical appliances, hot works operations, and mishandling gas cylinders are significant contributing factors.
“In response to these challenges, the Lagos State Government is intensifying its fire safety awareness campaign across all local government areas. Key public spaces, including markets, hospitals, schools, and religious centres, are targeted for enhanced outreach efforts. The public is encouraged to report any fire incidents promptly to the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service through the emergency toll-free lines: 767 or 112, as well as the Lagos Fire Hotline at 08033235891.
— To protest naked in Abuja if not included in c’ttee
—As some Enugu retirees received N450 monthly as pension
NIGERIAN Pensioners on Thursday decried the non-inclusion of their members in the newly constituted Minimum Wage Tripartite committee.
The Pensioners under the aegis of Nigeria Union of Pensioners, (NUP), said that they have lost about 1,500 of their members in recent times as a result of the hardship and high cost of living in the country.
Fielding question on whether the union has suffered any casualty as a result of the hardship in the country, it said, “Let me say this, we have casualties every day. The casualties arising from the maltreatment of pensioners in Nigeria, we have now gone into 1,500. Just about last week, we traveled to Enugu to bury one of the staff. We know that he perished out of hunger. It’s in our power to distribute food to pensioners in Nigeria, we don’t have the resources.
“In Nigeria, government doesn’t think about the poor people, they only think about themselves, otherwise how can a pensioner in Enugu receive as low as four hundred and fifty naira?”.
They also lamented that their members in some states, especially in Enugu State collect as low as N450 monthly as pension.
Addressing journalists in Abuja, Thursday, the President of NUP, Comrade Godwin Abumisi, in a prepared text he read, said that the Senior Citizens would embark on protest in Abuja if the Federal Government failed to include Pensioners in the Minimum Wage Tripartite Committee.
He said, “I want to say it clear and I want you to write it, I am going to lead Nigerian pensioners naked. I mean naked. When we are going to protest, we are going to go naked on the streets. Write down this so that the world will see it, Nigerian pensioners are going to demonstrate naked. If they like, let them arrest us on why we go naked, are you mad? And we will say, we are mad. We have reached a situation where we can now say, we are mad.”
He further said, “For records, the NUP is the only legally recognized body and voice of the entire civil and para-military pensioners in Nigeria. When the news of constituting the long-awaited Tripartite National Minimum Wage Review Committee was announced by the Federal Government, it was applauded by the NUP, with the high hope that they would be represented in such a high-powered committee to offer their voice to the negotiation, as well as make a case for their members, bearing in mind that pensioners are workers in retirement who go to the same market for their daily needs.
Moreso, we feel that the pensioners’ union should be carried along during negotiations on the matters that bother on their members. Unfortunately and regrettably too, our hope of being represented in the Committee was dashed as the name of NUP was visibly omitted from the membership list.
“And this is the reason why we are here today to protest and register our displeasure and dissatisfaction with the constitution of the committee which has undermined the relevance and authority of the union (NUP), using the instrumentality of the press.
“Some may argue that the interest of the NUP as a member of the Organized Labour family would be sufficiently catered for by the representatives of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in the committee.
“But regrettably, this has not always been the case as previous experiences have shown that pensioners had always been left out in the series of wage reviews and negotiations to their fate, not until their local union (NUP) will have to struggle overtime to press for a corresponding upward review of pensions for their members.
The governor of Abia state, Dr Alex Otti has flagged of the reconstruction of 67km Umuahia-Uzuakoli–Ohafia-Abiriba road as jubilant residents described the governor as the messiah of their time.
The roads serves as a major link to Abia North Senatorial district of the state which over the years has remained dilapidated and caused so much hardship to passengers and farmers who have been unable to move from one place to another.
Gov Otti inspecting a road project
The road project which is divided into three major sections will be handled by three contractors, Craneburg, assigned to
Umuahia-Uzuakoli, Ferotex assigned to handle Uzuakoli- Isuikwato -Akara and CCECC to oversee Akara junction- Abiriba -Ohafia axis.
Speaking while flagging of the road construction, Governor Otti said that his government in a hurry to deliver as it wants to recover lost ground.
He said the government cannot afford to waste time as that informed the choice of 3 contractors, Craneburg,Ferotex and CCECC to undertake the job simultaneously.
The Governor said he wants the project to be completed as quickly as possible and must be delivered to specification within record time, adding that it is his desire that Abia people move on motorable roads, and to be able to easily evacuate their farm produce.
“We want our people to move on roads that are motorable. We want people who are doing business in all the nooks and crannies of Abia to be able to evacuate their products and come to the townships to sell them.
“We want all our leaders to feel free, those who live in Lagos, Port Harcourt, Aba and all parts of the state to feel free to come back to their villages, spend time, spend money and stimulate the economy in the villages, so that our people will also have a good life. That is how economy moves, “Governor Otti stated.
He called on well to do Abians who reside outside the State to begin to visit their communities more frequently, as a way of stimulating the local economy.
Governor Otti said that the whole idea for embarking on the road project is to strategically open up the communities, so that the people can begin to enjoy good life, stressing that all his administration is doing is to maintain the State’s position as the first.
“How can you be first when your roads from every nooks and crannies are in serious dilapidation? How can you be first if your hospitals are now where people go to and don’t come out alive? How can you be first if your schools are in serious state of disrepair? How can you be first if your people can not sleep with their two eyes closed? How can you be first if the environment is littered with gabbage?”
“Any time you breathe, you breathe in foul air,so those are the things we decided to deal with as quickly as we took over office and we are very intentional about that.”
The Governor thanked Abians for their support and implored them to discharge their civic responsibilities of paying their taxes and other legitimate levies to enable government do more for them.
South Africans has warned Super Eagles Goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali not to return back to his club, Chipper United after the AFCON following his impressive display against the Bafana Bafana in the Semi Final of the competition.
Recall that the Super Eagles of Nigeria recently locked horns with the Bafana Bafana of South Africa and it is one of the toughest game of the tournament.
Troost Ekong opened the scoreline for the Super Eagles in the 67th minutes but they were not ahead for long as Mokoena put the Bafana Bafana back on level terms in the 90th minutes after converting from the spot.
Nwabali
The game went into extra time after both teams played a 1-1 draw at full time. After the extra time, they went straight into the penalty shootout.
Nigeria were able to convert 4 of the 5 penalties taken, while South Africa were able to convert just 2 of theirs.
Stanley Nwabali was declared the man of the match after the game and that was because of his impressive display, he saved two penalties to ensure that his country makes it to the final and it seems like South Africans are not too happy about that.
During a recent Interview with Channels Television, Peterside Idah who is part of the coaching team revealed that South Africans have been threatening Nwabali since the encounter.
He further stressed that they have warned him not to return to the country.
In his Words “The biggest problem we have had, we have got people sending messages to the Goalkeeper, threatening him. Some people are threatening him not to come back to South Africa, that since he didn’t want them to score, he should stay back, this is not acceptable. They have been threatening him and threatening some people”, Peterside Idah said and it stirred massive reactions from the general public.
A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos, yesterday, ordered the federal government to fix the prices of petrol, diesel, kerosene and other goods within seven days from February 7, 2024.
Trial judge, Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa, specifically ordered the government to fix the prices of milk, flour, salt, sugar, bicycles and it’s spare parts, matches, motorcycles and its spare parts, motor vehicles and it’s spare parts as well as petroleum products, including diesel, premium motor spirit, PMS, and kerosene.
The court made the order in its judgment in a suit by rights activist and lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana, SAN, against the Price Control Board and the Attorney-General of the Federation, (AGF).
Reacting to the judgement yesterday, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince LateefFagbemi, SAN, said Federal Government would get a copy of the court judgement, study it, to take necessary actions that would be in the interest of the masses and the nation.
The AGF, who reacted through his Special Adviser, Communication & Publicity, Mr. Kamarudeen Ogundele, said: “As soon as we have a copy of the judgement, we will study it. On the long run, we will take a decision that is in the best interest of the country. Rest assured that this government will always have the interest of the masses at heart.
”Falana had in suit, asked the court to determine
“Whether by Section 4 of the Price Control Act., the first defendant is carrying out its duty to impose a price on any goods that are of the kind specified in the First Schedule to the Price Control Act”
He had asked the court to declare that by virtue of Section 4 of the Price Control Act Cap, the defendants are under a legal obligation to fix the prices of bicycles and spare parts, flour, matches, milk, motorcycles and spare parts, motor vehicles and spare parts, salt, sugar and petroleum products including diesel, petrol motor spirit and kerosene.
He also prayed the court to declare that the failure or refusal of the defendants to fix the prices of bicycles and spare parts, flour, matches, milk, motorcycles and spare parts, motor vehicles and spare parts, salt, sugar and petroleum products including diesel, petrol motor spirit and kerosene is illegal as it offends the provision of Section 4 of the Price Control Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
He had also sought for an order directing the defendants to fix the prices of bicycles and spare parts, flour, matches, milk, motorcycles and spare parts, motor vehicles and spare parts, salt, sugar and petroleum products including diesel, petrol motor spirit and kerosene not later than 7 days after the delivery of the judgment of this court.”
At the hearing of the suit, yesterday, the plaintiff, Falana informed the court that the motion on notice is premised on Section 4 (1) of the Price Control Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
He also told the court that the defendants in the suit have been served with the processes since it was filed in May, 2023, but refused and failed to file any response or counter to it.
He consequently, urged the court to grant all the reliefs sought for, since there was no counter from the respondents.
Justice Lewis-Allagoa after hearing from the lawyer and perusing through the court filed, observed that the defendants did not filed any counter to the suit after citing some plethoras of authorities, held
“All the reliefs contained in the motion paper are hereby granted as prayed.
The Indigenous People of Biafra, (IPOB), on Thursday rejected further trial of its leader, NnamdiKanu, over his agitation for the actualization of Biafra.
IPOB’s spokesman, Emma Powerful, said the group stands by the Appeal Court’s judgment that discharged and acquittedKanu of all terrorism charges.
Powerful was reacting to the Federal High Court in Abuja’s adjournment of Kanu’s trial scheduled to hold on Thursday, February 8, 2024.
A statement by Powerful reads: “The global family and movement of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) ably led by the great and indefatigable leader MaziNnamdiOkwuchukwuKanu reject further court trial of our leader in the Nigeria Court system.
“We stand by the judgment of the Appeal Court, which ordered that Kanu should not be tried again in any Nigerian court. The Supreme Court Judges agreed with them but lacked the courage and integrity to uphold the Appeal Court judgment.
“The public should recall that the Supreme Court Justices on December 15, 2023, sent the case of Kanu back to the High Court in what was referred to as a compromised judgment. The same High Court fixed February 8, 2024, to commence hearing on the unknown matter.“Sadly, the same Federal government that is persecuting MaziNnamdiKanu is refusing to make an appearance at the same Abuja High Court hearing on the 8th of February, 2024.
“The refusal of the Federal Government to appear in court on that day for continuation of their kangaroo trial shows that they do not have a case against Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. The wicked and corrupt Supreme Court Justices were part of the oppressors and persecutors of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. IPOB leadership has reviewed the actions of Nigerian government and totally reject further trial of our leader in their High Court.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria, headed by President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, knew why his Attorney General has scrubbed the commencement of their appearance for the botched February 8 Abuja High Court trial against Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. They know very well that they have no case against him. They are just utilizing the weak and bastardized instrumentality of the law in Nigeria to detain and persecute him indefinitely.“The IPOB family worldwide, therefore, rejects further court trial of our leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and demand for his immediate and unconditional release as well as the release of all other innocent IPOB members in various detention facilities across Nigeria.
“No amount of illegal abduction, detention, extrajudicial murder and forceful disappearance will stop the quest for Biafra independence and the call for a referendum. IPOB has come to restore Biafra, and it is either Biafra or Biafra. That is our oath of allegiance to the Biafra Nation and our oath of honour to all those who have fallen in the course of our match to freedom.”
Court Sends Fubara’s Alleged Supporters To Prison Amid Terrorism Charges
A Federal High Court in Abuja, on Thursday, ordered the Department of State Services (DSS) to pay N5 million in damages for the illegal arrest and detention of Sanusi Shuaib, an Abuja-based commercial driver.
Justice Mobolaji Olajuwon declared the driver’s detention since January 16, 2023, without trial, as a flagrant violation of Section 35 of the Nigerian Constitution, which limits the detention period without court authorization to a maximum of 48 hours.
The court’s judgment emphasized that the DSS had overstepped its bounds by detaining Shuaib beyond the 20-day period granted by the Federal High Court on March 29 last year for investigation purposes.
With no subsequent application for an extension of detention nor charges filed against Shuaib, the judge ruled that any detention beyond the initial 20 days was unlawful, unconstitutional, and void. Shuaib, through his lawyer BalaDakum, had approached the court to challenge his prolonged detention without trial, alleging that the DSS arrested him on charges of possessing firearms intended for terrorists.
He sought not only his release but also N50 million in compensation for violating his rights. Justice Olajuwon acknowledged that Shuaib’s fundamental rights to freedom of movement were infringed upon and dismissed the DSS’s defense that it had been granted six months to detain the driver, clarifying that only a 20-day detention had been authorized.
The court also refuted claims of Shuaib’s transfer to a military detention facility for trial on terrorism offenses, citing a lack of evidence, and criticized the DSS for not conducting a fresh investigation as recommended by the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF).
The Judge, therefore, nullified the continued detention of the driver and ordered his immediate release from the DSS custody in Abuja.
EnioluwaAdeniyi is an Associate at Naija News. He is a news media enthusiast, he holds a degree in psychology and loves exploring and sharing about the enormous power that lies in the human mind.
The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has picked holes in the position of the National Agency for Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) over the ban on the sale of alcoholic drinks in sachets and Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) bottles.
Meanwhile, labour and trade unions under the aegis of Nigeria Labour Congress, Trade Union Congress, Food and Beverages, Tobacco Senior Staff Association Manufacturers Association of Nigeria took their protests to the Lagos State House of Assembly (LSHA), Alausa yesterday.
Recall that the NAFDAC had, on February 5, 2024 announced the ban on production and sale of alcoholic beverages in sachets and less than 200ml PET bottles, alleging that the segmentation is responsible for rising alcohol use among the underage.
But MAN, in a statement signed by its Director General, SegunAjayi-Kadir, yesterday said the claim by NAFDAC was unfounded, adding that the manufacturers’ view was that it is a reflection of a systemic problem of much wider ramifications.
MAN also noted that no scientific study was ever carried out by the agency or any other entity to establish the claim.
It also said when the NAFDAC first proposed the ban in 2018, the members of the Distillers and Blenders Association of Nigeria (DIBAN), in a letter dated 6/11/2018, stated: “That packaging and sales of alcoholic beverages in sachets and PET bottles has not been shown to be the reason for irresponsible use in terms of quantity, intoxication and other menaces; That this ban will certainly lead to black market or bootlegging, influx and proliferation of fake and adulterated products; and it will also damage local manufacturing and negatively affect the economy, as well as the social wellbeing of the people of Nigeria.
”Meanwhile, Speaking at the entrance to the LSHA, Vice Chairman, Trade Union Congress, Lagos Chapter, Comrade Emmanuel Edoghe, reiterated the need for NAFDAC to rescind its decision on the ban of the premium alcoholic drink and sachets considering the huge investment made by the companies and the existing purchasing power of the people.
He said: “The Lagos parliament should join its voice with Manufacturers Association of Nigeria to consider the wellbeing of the workers especially with the mantra of Renewed Hope of the current President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
”Comrade Anthony Oyagha, Branch Secretary, Food, Beverages Tobacco Senior Staff Association (FOBTOB) in his speech stated that the reason for the ban was harsh and could be suspicious going by the opportunity cost.
“Our products are well refined for consumption and we beg the Lagos State House of Assembly to reach out to the relevant authorities to unlock our factory. If we leave this ground, we have nowhere to go as our factories are shutdown,” Oyagha stated.
Responding to the submissions made by the Labour leaders, the Deputy Majority Leader, Hon. AdedamolaKasunmu, who represented the speaker, LSHA, Hon. MudashiruObasa, empathised with the protesters and assured them of justice and fair play in handling the sensitive issues.
The Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria counterpart have issued a 14-day nationwide strike notice to the Federal Government over the failure of the Bola Tinubu-led government to implement the agreements reached on October 2, 2023, following the removal of the subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit known as petrol.
Leaders of the NLC and TUC are sad that despite organized Labour’s efforts to ensure industrial peace, the government seems unperturbed by the mass suffering and hardship across the country.
The October 2 agreement was “focused on addressing the massive suffering and the general harsh socioeconomic consequences of the ill-conceived and ill-executed IMF/World Bank-induced hike in the price of PMS and the devaluation of the naira. These dual policies have had, as we predicted, dire economic consequences for the masses and workers of Nigeria,” the statement by the unions said on Thursday.
Speaking further, the unions lamented that “it is regrettable that we are compelled to resort to such measures, but the persistent neglect of the welfare of citizens and Nigerian workers and the massive hardship leave us with no choice.
Effective February 9 (tomorrow), among others, the two Labour unions said, “Constrained by this development and recognising the urgency of the situation and the imperative of ensuring the protection and defence of the rights and dignity of Nigerian workers and citizens, the NLC and TUC hereby issue a stern ultimatum to the Federal Government to honour their part of the understanding within 14 days from tomorrow, the 9th day of February 2024.”
The Federal Government had among other things promised the implementation of a N35,000 wage award for civil servants which however has not been paid up to date.
Deborah Tolu-Kolawole
Deborah, has three years of experience covering the education sector, trade unions, politics and international affairs, and is a journalist with The PUNCH
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from our reporter.
Insecurity: Go all out for drug barons, cartels, Marwa charges NDLEA commanders
Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd) has tasked Zonal Commanders, State Commanders and Area Commanders of the Agency to go all out and smoke out drug barons still in hiding as well as dismantle their cartels as part of ongoing efforts to totally cut off drug supply to elements involved in criminalities across the country.
Marwa gave the charge in his meeting with Directors and all Commanding Officers of the Agency at its national headquarters in Abuja where he commended them for the unprecedented successes achieved so far and tasked them not to rest on their oars. He said no effort must be spared to remove illicit drug equation from the security challenges facing the country.
According to him, “Within the limit of our resources, we have been able to push boundaries. The statistics of our operations, empirical facts from the field, the general anti-illicit drug climate we have built and the rapport between us and our domestic and international partners, all speak volumes about how we are faring, especially against the backdrop of where we are coming from, of what the situation used to be a few years ago.
“Commendations apart, we also cannot afford not to tell ourselves the plain truth; we still have a long way to go. Hence commanders, officers and men of NDLEA can’t afford to rest on their oars. Yes, we have kept the flag of performance flying, but there’s still room for improvement. There is still much to do. And we cannot afford to be complacent now as we have committed to a lot of ongoing efforts to improve our operational capabilities. We are constantly engaging stakeholders within and outside the country to support and help optimise our capabilities. So, if anything, our performance should justify these ongoing efforts. We need to remind ourselves that to achieve our mandate, professionalism and discipline must be maintained at all times and in all our operations.
“We’re working with relevant authorities for improved funding so that we can comprehensively and holistically play our role as part and parcel of the solution to the security challenges facing the nation because if we are able to totally cut the access to and availability of drugs to the criminals, we would have effectively tampered with their nefarious activities and so we’re going to plead for enhanced funding to do more things in support of the fight against insecurity and I trust that the President will give us a listening ear because he’s interested in the progress of the NDLEA.
“This year, we want to raise the bar of our performance and this calls for commanders who are up to the task to be up and doing on the job. We must clean our streets and communities of illicit substances. We all are witnesses to the upsurge in the cases of kidnapping and such vices, this means NDLEA must remain upstanding. For those who have been watching and listening, recently, there is another demand by kidnappers and bandits aside money, which is drugs. In that sense, it means NDLEA is working because they don’t ask for it before, meaning that they’re no longer as available as they used to be and the prices of those available have gone beyond their reach.”
Amid efforts to curb the continued depreciation of the naira against the dollar, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) revealed the arrest of numerous currency racketeers in Lagos, Port Harcourt, and Kaduna.
Additionally, it has summoned proprietors of privately operated universities and higher institutions who impose fees in dollars for questioning.
Naija News reports that EFCC announced on Wednesday that it has established a Special Task Force within its Zonal Commands in order to address the issues of currency mutilation and dollarization of the economy.
This development coincided with a request from the Association of Bureaux De Change Operators of Nigeria (ABCON) for the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to permit its members to recommence dollar sales.
The naira traded at N1,490/$ at the parallel market and N1,418/$ in banks yesterday.
In a statement by its Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, the EFCC said the task forces will ensure “the enforcement of extant laws against currency mutilation and dollarisation of the economy.
“The task force, inaugurated by the Executive Chairman of the Commission, Ola Olukoyede, was raised to protect the economy from abuses, leakages and distortions exposing it to instability and disruption.”
In a separate statement, the EFCC reported that its operatives from the Kaduna Zonal Command apprehended three individuals linked to suspected currency racketeering.
Identified as Musa Gideon, Abdul Seidu Adamu, and Justine Musa, the suspects were apprehended yesterday on Yakubu Gowon Way, Kaduna, as they attempted to “sell new naira notes to an EFCC undercover operative.“
A member of the National Youths Service Corps, (NYSC), slumped and died during the penalty shootout stage of the match between Nigeria and South Africa, Wednesday evening.
It was gathered that the youth, identified simply as Samuel from Kaduna State, who was serving in Adamawa, died just before the last kick that ensured Nigeria’s progress to the final of the African Cup of Nations.
A witness said in a social media post, “We lost one Nigerian during our victory celebration over South Africa today at our sports viewing center here in Numan.
“The corps member who is serving in Numan from Kaduna fainted before the kick of the winning goal. He died before they could reach the hospital. May his soul rest in peace.”
The NYSC Coordinator in Adamawa State, Mr. Jingi Dennis, confirmed the matter in a telephone conversation Thursday morning.
The coordinator said, ”I received the news of his death last night. I hope to have more details today.“According to his colleagues who went with him to watch the match, the late corps member told them that he didn’t like watching penalty shootout. He then bowed his head and all of a sudden, he collapsed.
”He was confirmed dead at the General Hospital in Numan by the doctor.”
Following the withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger Republic from the Economic Community of West African States, (ECOWAS), the Foreign Affairs Ministers of the regional body are currently meeting in Abuja, Nigeria.
The ministers are also expected to deliberate on the mass protest in Senegal, which followed the postponement of the country’s presidential elections.
ECOWAS Commission President, Dr. AlieuTouray, stated that the meeting will consider the notification of withdrawal of the three countries and wider implementations.
The three military-led West African countries had, on January 27, announced their immediate withdrawal from ECOWAS, accusing the body of becoming a threat to its members.
The Asagba of Asaba, Delta State, Obi Joseph Edozien, is dead.
The monarch was said to have joined his ancestors on Wednesday.
He was aged 99.
The news of the monarch’s demise filtered in on Thursday with residents of the state capital describing his death as a great loss to the kingdom.
A palace source, who is one of the monarch’s top aides, confirmed his death to our correspondent.
The source familiar with the workings of the palace, however, said there would be no public statement on the development until after seven days.
Recall that on January 9, 2024, 1000 trees were planted in his honour as part of the activities lined up for the celebration of Asagba’s 100 birthday anniversary.
“It is true that the Asagba is no more. But we respect our tradition so much. Our tradition forbids the official announcement of the monarch’s death before seven days,” the source said.
The news of the Asaba’s demise is coming hours after reports of the death of a former federal lawmaker from the state, Dr Cairo Ojougboh, on Wednesday.
The politician, who was a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, was said to have passed away while watching the AFCON semi-final match between Nigeria and South Africa.
A source close to the politician said, “Cairo Ojougboh, a medical doctor died during the Nigeria vs.South Africa match.
“The incident happened when the penalty was awarded against Nigeria. DrOjougboh was said to have shouted and slumped due to a massive heart attack when SA scored.”
Abia State High Court, sitting in Umuahia, has adjourned till February 16 a N1.5 billion defamation suit filed by ex-Gov. Theodore Orji against a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, (APC), Prince Benjamin Apugo.
When the matter was called up for hearing, the plaintiff was represented by his counsel, Chief Henry Balogu, while the defendant was absent, and no counsel appeared for him.
The trial judge, Justice A. O. Chijioke, observed a delay in the process that had been filed since 2020 and ordered that the defendant must appear in court on the next adjourned date.
He said that trial would begin on the next adjourned date, with or without the presence of the defendant.
The trial judge directed the Clerk of the Court to re-present the appearance notice to the defendant for him to appear on the next adjourned date.
Later in an interview, the plaintiff’s lawyer, Balogu, told Vanguard that the suit was filed because the defendant made “false and malicious remarks” injurious to the personality of his client.
“We are in court because of a libelous publication that was a material false message that caused him injury to his person , reputation and was intended to diminish his status as a political leader, former Governor and senator.”
According to the counsel, the defendant, on a live radio programme, accused his client of looting the Abia treasury while holding sway as Chief of Staff and Governor, respectively.
Recall that Senator Orji was Abia Governor from 2007 to 2015.
The senator representing Ondo South, Jimoh Ibrahim, has declared that he is ready to contest the forthcoming governorship election in the state.
He said the death of a former governor of the state, RotimiAkeredolu, will enhance his chances of becoming the next governor.
Ibrahim also expressed optimism that there would be no imposition of a candidate from the national leadership of the All Progressives Congress and the Presidency.
The senator, who spoke on Thursday, in Akure, said President Bola Tinubu would allow a free and fair primary to enable the best candidate to emerge.
He said, “I’m declaring my intention to run for the governorship election of Ondo State. Among the contestants, I am the oldest. I have contested election twice in my lifetime, one of which I contested for governorship position in 2003, and none of these contestants was on that ballot.
“The President will never say that we should go and work for the incumbent governor. He can only appeal that maybe he prefers one person if you can prefer him and if you cannot, go and do your election. So the President cannot say that I have taken this person so all of you should go and sit down. Even Buhari who is very clueless about anything can never do that.”
The APC governorship aspirant also noted that the death of former Governor RotimiAkeredolu would not affect his chances but would rather increase the chance of winning the primary and the main election.
“Maybe the death of Aketi has enhanced my chances because Aketi is a human being, he can be subjectively objective at the last minute. But now that he is no more, that possibility is written off completely. So whoever is there, wants to run for governor will meet me at the field.
“So Aketi’s death doesn’t affect my chances at all, but it would rather enhance my chances to win the governorship position of this state. So we are working seriously to win this election,” Ibrahim stressed.
He noted that economy and security were part of his cardinal programmes for the state, saying there was a need to empower the state Security Network Agency also known as Amotekun with modern technology to enable it to combat criminals effectively.
“My programmes are very straightforward, we are to create moral efficiency and moral knowledge and make the body more efficient. We must also map Ondo State borders for a security network and then ensure that we will never have any cases of kidnapping, by making Amotekun a classic unique security outfit that will come with a good strategy to challenge any security issues in our state.
“So one of the areas we are looking at is to ensure that everybody in Ondo state can go to sleep with their eyes closed and that’s top most of our priority. Mapping every systems, the tactical operations of Amotekun have to come more distinct into technology, I want an Amotekun that is Information Technology informed because I have PhD in war,” he stressed
A part of the building housing the Dunukofia Local Government Area secretariat in Ukpo, Dunukofia, Anambra State, has been gutted by fire.
It was gathered that the fire outbreak, which occurred late on Wednesday, was a result of bush burning close to the local government secretariat.
It had earlier been reported that two separate fire outbreaks were also recorded at the Timber Market in Nnewi and behind the Sinai Gas Plant in Awka, the Anambra State capital. The fire, which occurred at different times on Tuesday, raged for hours but was controlled by the intervention of the men of the Anambra State Fire Service.
The Anambra State Fire Chief, Martin Agbili, who confirmed Wednesday’s incident at the LG secretariat, said it started around 6:53 pm on Wednesday.
Agbili said, “At about 18:53hrs (6.53 pm) of Wednesday, Anambra State Fire Service, received a distress call of a heavy fire outbreak at Dunukofia.
“Immediately, we deployed our fire truck and gallant Firefighters to the scene of the fire and fought, controlled and extinguished the fire.
“The cause of the fire was a bush fire which was started by unknown person(s) and encroached into the local government council secretariat.
“During the firefighting operations, we were able to control and extinguish the fire and prevent it from destroying a lot of things at the local government council.
“We withdrew from the fire scene at about 20:30hrs after fighting the fire to a standstill and calming the situation.
“It is also important that we clear all bushes around our environment, especially at this dry season and harmattan, to avoid ‘had I known’. Fire kills but you can prevent it.”
The Abia State Secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at 45 Finbers Road, Umuahia, has been sealed by men believed to be officials of the Umuahia Capital Development Authority (UCDA).
The Secretariat was sealed by the officials on Wednesday.
No reason was given for the development.
But a notice on the building advised the occupants to visit UCDA’s office at 51 Ogurube layout, Umuahia for more details.
Meanwhile, the Abia State chapter of the PDP has called for the swearing in of Aaron Uzodike of the PDP, as a member representing Aba North constituency in Abia State.
The party in a statement signed by Abraham Amah, the party’s Vice Chairman/Acting Publicity Secretary, expressed worry that the Aba North constituency is still without a lawmaker representing them in the Abia State House of Assembly despite the fact that the Appeal Court had declared Aaron Uzodike as the winner of the March 18 election and removed Destiny Nwagwu of the LP.
Amah described the situation as impunity.
“It is common knowledge that the only document required by the Speaker to swear in a member into the House of Assembly is the Certificate of Return which was issued to Hon. Aaron Uzodike by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, a few days after the Court judgment and thus made him the duly and validly elected member of the Abia State House of Assembly to represent the good people of Aba North.
“Why has the Speaker refused to swear him in?” Amah asked.
