SaharaReporters had on Friday reported that the APC chieftain who also took photographs with Ganduje and 2023 governorship candidate, Dr Nasiru Gawuna, was seen vandalising government property and attempting to lead violent thugs into the Government House in Kano State.

An All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Baffa Babba Dan Agundi, who is also a prominent ally of President Bola Tinubu and former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, has been identified as the APC chieftain who allegedly led a group of thugs to disrupt the #EndBadGovernance peaceful protest in the state on Thursday.

SaharaReporters had on Friday reported that the APC chieftain who also took photographs with Ganduje and 2023 governorship candidate, Dr Nasiru Gawuna, was seen vandalising government property and attempting to lead violent thugs into the Government House in Kano State.

Some hoodlums had on Thursday hijacked the initially peaceful #EndBadGovernance protest in the state.

They broke into several shops in the metropolis and looted food items.

The hoodlums also vandalised and looted valuables at government establishments, including a court records office at the Audu Bako Secretariat Complex at the State Road.

Meanwhile, concerned citizens in Kano accused Agundi of being behind the looting.

Agundi was the Director in charge of Tinubu's support groups in northwest and a former state House of Assembly member.

He was also along with his elder brother, Aminu Babba Dan'agundi arrested in 2007 in relation to the death of late Hajiya Sa'adatu Rimi, the wife of first civilian Governor of Kano State, late Alhaji Abubakar Rimi.

The duo were later discharged by the court, but the murder case of late Saadatu Rimi remained inconclusive till date as her two brothers, Sambo and Bamanga had resigned to fate in securing justice for their sister.

The protesters had gathered to voice their grievances against the government, but the demonstration took a violent turn when Dan Agundi, a public servant, allegedly arrived with a group of hoodlums.

Witnesses claim that the protesters' peaceful assembly was abruptly interrupted by the group, leading to chaos and violence.

The concerned citizens have also criticised the Kano Commissioner of Police, accusing him of granting Dan Agundi permission to lead the protesters despite being aware that the demonstration was directed against the federal government.

The decision has raised questions about the impartiality and judgment of the police in handling public demonstrations.

Earlier, Dan Agundi was quoted saying that he was leading the protesters to the palace of Emir Aminu Bayero to lodge a complaint, which they hoped would be forwarded to President Tinubu.

He reportedly assured the crowd that the protest would proceed regardless of the weather, emphasizing their determination to make their voices heard.

Eyewitnesses reported seeing Dan Agundi among the protesters, surrounded by the alleged hoodlums, who disrupted the peaceful demonstration.

The incident has sparked widespread condemnation from concerned citizens, who argue that the actions of Dan Agundi and his group undermined the rights of the protesters to express their opinions peacefully.

As the situation develops, the public is calling for a thorough investigation into the events that transpired and for those responsible for the violence to be held accountable.

Baffa Babba Dan'agundi, who was recently appointed as the CEO of a Federal Agency ( National Productivity Centre) was sighted in a viral video making utterances and his plans to create chaos in Kano.

The Kano concerned citizens through thier Spokesman Comrade Ghali Aliyu Bala Dantata, called on the Amnesty International and other human right organisations to file for the prosecution of Baffa Dan'agundi and charge him for culpable homicide.

by Chinagorom Ugwu


Nigerians are calling on the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, to resign after his infamous comment that he and others in the government would be “eating” while Nigerians protest.

“Those who want to protest can protest, but let us be here eating,” Mr Akpabio said on Tuesday in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, at an event organised by the Niger Delta Development Commission.

Amnesty International Nigeria, on Thursday, berated Mr Akpabio for the comment, which it described as “insensitive and reckless”.

“Amnesty International strongly condemns the insensitive and reckless comments attributed to the President of the Senate Godswill Obot Akpabio regarding plans of some Nigerians to peacefully protest current economic hardship,” the rights group said in a statement posted on X.

“Taunting people seeking accountability is unacceptable: Millions of Nigerians are currently on the brink of starvation because of corruption and mismanagement, and mocking them is a stain on the exalted office held by Mr Akpabio. Harmful and irresponsible rhetorics from government officials — at this difficult time — must end,” it added.


‘Akpabio must go’

During the first day of the nationwide protest against economic hardship in Nigeria, the hashtag #AkpabioMustGo trended throughout the whole on X.

“He needs to go; it’s not negotiable. A strong message must be sent to that Senate seat,” said an X user @Asah_Mike.

“Why senators haven’t impeached him from that seat still baffles me,” said another X user, @Galadima_Samaru.

“They’re mere toothless mannequins. They don’t have what it takes,” another X user, @Ibnwalee, responded, apparently referring to Mr Akpabio’s colleagues in the Senate.

An X user, @HelenOlotu, said the Senate president is a “disgrace” to Nigeria.

“Mr Akpabio should be removed as the senate president. He has continued to reel out statements that do not put into consideration the plight of Nigerians. He is not fit to be saddled on the hallowed seat of the senate president,” another X user, @esho_emmy, said on the microblogging platform.

An X user, @bukola23, said, “Nigeria needs a mature and circumspect Senate president.”


Audience Survey

“It says a lot about who we are, having such a man as president of the Senate,” another X user, @PeluAwofeso, responded.

“Stopping corruption is very far away from us,” she added.

“A very bad representation, and it’s heartbreaking,” @bukola23, the X user who began the conversation, concurred.

An X user, @BigChiefDamian, believes that “nothing good will come” from Mr Akpabio if he remains the Senate president. “It is time to impeach Godswill Akpabio,” he said, adding that the Senate president is against the people and that Nigerians would not have it.

READ ALSO: #EndBadGovernance: Sultan, CAN President, other clerics seek end to nationwide protest

“He consistently makes reckless statements unbefitting of a Senate president,” he said.

“Dear Senators, it is time to impeach Godswill Akpabio. It is still one of you that will replace him as Senate President,” rights activist Aisha Yesufu said on X.

“You will not encounter any resistance,” she added.

“Akpabio represents everything that is wrong with Nigerian governance today. Shameless greed, arrogance and insensitivity,” Remi Adekoya, a politics lecturer in the UK, said on X.

Mr Akpabio, a former governor of Akwa Ibom State, is known for often making controversial and embarrassing remarks over serious national issues.

“Akpabio spoke down on Senator Natasha, Senator Ireti, and many other senators. He apologised, and we accepted. He spoke down on the market women and men involved in the fire incident, (and) he apologised again, (and) we accepted. Akpabio has now made a joke of Nigerian protesters and masses. We do not want an apology, we want resignation,” an X user, @HauwaAllahbura, said.

By Sodiq Omolaoye, Abuja


The move by some members of the House of Representatives who faulted calls for the removal of the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd, Mele Kyari, and the Chief Executive of the Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Farouk Ahmed, has been met with opposition and threats of recall.

Some lawmakers in the Green Chamber reportedly numbering 50 led by Billy Famous Osawaru (Edo State) had in a press conference on Thursday faulted the calls for the removal of Kyari and Farouk, describing such move as premature.

Recall that Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Philip Agbese, had asked President Bola Tinubu to immediately dismiss Kyari and the NMDPRA for allegedly stifling the growth of the economy due to the oil sector crisis.

But Osawaru said the call for the sacking of Kyari when an investigation is currently being carried out was against parliamentary culture.

Reacting, the Economic Freedom Assembly (EFA) slammed Osawaru and his colleagues for suggesting that Kyari and Ahmed should continue in their positions.

The group said the actions of the lawmakers “demonstrate that they are working against the people’s interests.”

In a statement on Friday jointly signed by its National President, Dr. Pedro Osahon, and Secretary General, Comrade Isah Suleiman Kadiri, the group stated that the lawmakers’ call for Kyari and Ahmed to remain in office was “against the dictates of common sense and the glaring failure, incompetence and ineptitude” of the duo, who have “compounded the woes of the masses.”

The group noted that the hardship, hunger, and anger in the land were “a result of the massive failure, corruption, and mismanagement being witnessed in the oil industry today.”

The group suggested that instead of the lawmakers trying to attract the wrath of the masses, they should resign from representing their federal constituencies.

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja


The billionaire former head of oil at Glencore Plc, Alex Beard, has been charged with corruption by the UK’s top fraud agency, alongside four other ex-employees from the commodities trader.Beard, 56, who was one of Glencore’s top executives for more than a decade before his departure in 2019, is the highest profile individual to be charged in a sweeping series of investigations into corruption and market manipulation at the company – and one of the most senior commodity traders ever to be charged with wrongdoing.

The UK’s Serious Fraud Office (SFO) accused Beard of conspiring to make corrupt payments to benefit Glencore’s oil operations in Nigeria and other West African Countries.Specifically, the agency alleges that he conspired to make the payments to government officials and employees of state owned oil firms in Nigeria between 2010 and 2014, and Cameroon between 2007 and 2014.

But in May, the federal government said Glencore, a British mining and trading group, was expected to pay Nigeria a $50 million penalty for bribery.Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, made the disclosure in Abuja during the ministerial sectoral update for the present administration.

He said the resolution was reached after the federal government entered a settlement agreement with the firm.In Nigeria alone, the department said Glencore and its subsidiaries paid more than $52 million to the intermediaries, intending that those funds be used, at least in part, to pay bribes to Nigerian officials.

In the same month, Glencore agreed to pay about $1.5 billion in total to resolve investigations in the US, United Kingdom and Brazil — of which $1.06 billion was payable to agencies in the US and Brazil.Yesterday, Bloomberg reported that also facing criminal prosecution was Andy Gibson, 64, Glencore’s ex-head of oil operations and for years Beard’s second in command.

The SFO charged him with four conspiracies of making corrupt payments in Nigeria and Cameroon between 2007 and 2014, and Ivory Coast between 2007 and 2010. He was also alleged to have conspired to falsify invoices between 2007 and 2011.Additionally, Paul Hopkirk, Ramon Labiaga and Martin Wakefield, former Glencore employees involved in trading West African oil, stood accused of conspiring to make corrupt payments to government officials and employees at state owned oil companies in Nigeria, Ivory Coast and Cameroon.

Wakefield was separately charged with one conspiracy to falsify documents between 2007 and 2011.All the men are scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates Court in London on September 10. Peter Binning, a lawyer for Beard, declined to comment. Lawyers for the other four men didn’t immediately respond to requests for comment.“Today’s action is an important step toward exposing overseas corruption and holding those who are responsible to account,” Nick Ephgrave, Director of the Serious Fraud Office, said yesterday .

Glencore in 2022 pleaded guilty to corruption and market manipulation cases in the US and UK, admitting that it had paid bribes to win business in eight countries from Brazil to South Sudan and paying about $1.5 billion to resolve the investigations against it.“Glencore cooperated with the SFO in its investigation into this past conduct and resolved its SFO investigation in 2022,” a Glencore spokesperson said, noting the charges.

Until his departure from Glencore in 2019, Beard was part of the inner circle of former chief executive Ivan Glasenberg as one of a dozen department heads who made up Glencore’s management board.After working at BP Plc, he joined in 1995, becoming head of oil in 2007 and was known for his acumen trading Russian oil. When the company listed in London in 2011 he was revealed to be one of its largest shareholders with a stake worth $2.8 billion.

After leaving Glencore he started an investment company, Adaptogen Capital, to invest in large-scale batteries connected to the UK grid. He has been a major donor to Christ Church college at Oxford University and a trustee of Shakespeare’s Globe theatre in London. His net worth was estimated at £1.2 billion in the latest Sunday Times Rich List.Beard’s role at Adaptogen Capital ended on July 12, according to a filing at Companies House. The firm said it had no comment on the situation at the time.

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has warned Coca-Cola Nigeria Limited (Coca-Cola) and the Nigerian Bottling Company Limited (NBC) over the use of misleading trade descriptions.

FCCPC, in a statement on Thursday, said the companies have been carrying out unfair tactics, thereby “misleading consumers”.

The commission said Coca-Cola and the NBC are guilty of deceiving the public by describing the variant of its Coca-Cola “Original Taste, Less Sugar” as the same as its “Original Taste” variant in terms of formulation.

“In June 2019, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (Commission) became aware that Coca-Cola Nigeria Limited (Coca-Cola) and Nigerian Bottling Company Limited (NBC) (jointly referred to as the “Companies”) had commenced a migration of their Coke brand from a formulation that included regular sugar to non-nutritive sweeteners,” the statement reads said.

“The migration at the time, though not concluded, apparently followed previously concluded, but undisclosed and uncommunicated migrations with respect to their other brands, to wit: Fanta and Sprite (as the Investigation will later discover).

“The strategy and conduct at the time appeared to possibly infringe FCCPA provisions prohibiting misleading trade descriptions, unfair marketing tactics, and questions whether some pricing strategies in certain geographical areas of Nigeria were on account of market power in the geographic areas, and as such constituted abuse of dominant market position.”


‘COMPANIES ABANDONED DEAL, USED DIFFERENT BUSINESS STRATEGY’

FCCPC also said Coca-Cola and the NBC abandoned months of work and mutually agreed outcome with the commission for a different business strategy.

This adopted strategy, the commission said, has turned out not to meet the applicable standards.

“Accordingly, and considering that the conduct continues and remains, the Commission has entered, issued and served its Final order on Coca-Cola and NBC on July 29, 2024,” the statement further reads.

“The Final Order contains the Commission’s findings some of which include:Misleading trade descriptions under Section 116 FCCPA by continuing to mislead consumers to believing Coca-Cola Original Taste is not materially different from Coca-Cola Original Taste ‘Less Sugar’.

“Unfair marketing tactics: Contrary to Section 124(1)(a) of the FCCPA, Coca-Cola Nigeria markets Coca-Cola Original Taste Less Sugar in packaging first, indistinguishable, and now not sufficiently distinguishable from Coca-Cola Original Taste, contrary to Sections 123(1)(a), (b), and (c) of the FCCPA.”

The commission said Coca-Cola and NBC, after regulatory intervention, still failed to take appropriate steps to “modify misleading behaviour demonstrating that the companies acted intentionally by misrepresenting Coca-Cola Original Taste Less Sugar as Coca-Cola Original Taste in a deliberate business strategy”.

“Furthermore, NBC used identical packaging for both Zero Sugar and its 50:50 variant of Limca Lime- Lemon flavoured drink, misleading consumers and violating Sections 17(g), 116(1) & (2), and 123 of the FCCPA and Section 2(a) of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control Act 2004,” the statement added.

“The commission found NBC applied deceptive trade descriptions to the two variance and supply these products to consumers violating Section 116 (3) of the FCCPA.”

The commission said it has reserved the question of “abuse of dominance and quantum of the penalty appropriate under the FCCPA and Administrative Penalties Regulation 2020 (APR) for further regulatory action, and same will be imposed in due course”.


FCCPC’S ORDERS TO THE COMPANIES


The commission, therefore asked the companies to ensure sufficient and acceptable packaging, labels, and differentiation between Coke Original Taste and Coke Original Taste Less Sugar — satisfactory to and approved by the commission.

FCCPC also ordered the immediate conduct of a robust advertorial campaign of all its product variants in a manner that provides consumers with clear and adequate identification factors that aid them in clearly distinguishing one variant from the other, without ambiguity, deception or confusion.

The commission noted that the companies are subject to supervision for a period of 24 months.

On July 19, the FCCPC fined Meta $220 million for data privacy violations.

Former Education Minister, Oby Ezekwesili has given an update on the ongoing nationwide protest.

Ezekwesili said despite attempts by the Nigerian Government to muzzle the protest, Nigerians are already winning.

She reminded the political class that no force on earth has ever successfully oppressed a set of people permanently.

Posting on social Ezekwesili wrote: “With The People of Nigeria.

“Is it not now evident that the Citizens of our country have already won this?

“How else can one explain this massive counter-operation of @NigeriaGov to muzzle Citizens and quell a protest that is themed #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria ?

“Wisdom should have the Nigerian Political Class know that historically, no force on earth has ever successfully oppressed a People permanently.

“Bad Governance has factually oppressed and destroyed the lives and future of Citizens.

“When the People then muster the courage to ask that you stop it, listen! All these attempts to throw the kitchen sink at the people is unwise. Tragically unwise.

“Two Wise Game-changing Moves that the @NGRPresident @nassnigeria
@NGRSenate @HouseNGR, Governors and State Assemblies can make out of the #EndBadGovernaceInNigeriaProtests

“Use it as the *Golden Moment of Opportunity* for a *Reset of Nigeria* being offered by our Citizens! Launch a
* A Credible National Conversation on the most Effective Structure and Direction for Good Governance in Nigeria at all Levels* for productivity, competitiveness, prosperity, justice, equity, equality, order, peace, harmony, stability and resilience.

“Come out to the Protest Grounds all over the Country and ENGAGE your Citizens. Hear them express their Demands to you directly. Do not lock yourselves away behind the High Gates of your publicly-funded State and Government houses enjoying indulgent lives while your Citizens are crying out in pain from the severity of economic hardship. Come out.

“Whether you do right or continue to do wrong by your people is entirely your Choice, Nigerian Governments led by
@officialABAT.

“As for the Nigerian People, the die is now cast and the rubicon is also now crossed on the matter of their knowledge of the supremacy of their collective Power over that of the Politicians, their Governments and the Bad Governance they give daily.

“It is easy to understand this. Between the People and their Politicians, who is fretting with Fear over the Protests?

“Whatever will be your answer to that question is totally in your hands.”

A planned wedding for Saturday has taken a dramatic turn as the soon-to-be-married couple, Darlington Akporugo, 46, and Jasmin Sood, 35, have been arrested on charges of defrauding elderly Americans over $3 million through online romance scams.

Information provided on the website for the wedding revealed that the ceremony was scheduled to take place on May 25 in Houston, Texas.

According to the United States Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Texas, Akporugo and Sood allegedly conspired for over seven years, targeting widowed victims on social media and dating platforms.

A statement by the USAO in April read, “A Nigerian man who resided in Fulshear is set to appear in court on allegations he conspired to defraud over a dozen elder Americans who thought they were in romantic online relationships and sent millions to a network of fraudsters, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.

“Darlington Akporugo, 46, is scheduled for a detention hearing at 9 a.m. before U.S. Magistrate Judge Andrew Edison. Akporugo allegedly conspired with Jasmin Sood, 35, also of Fulshear, to commit wire and mail fraud.”

The statement further mentioned that the fraudulent act went on between 2015 and 2022, as they cultivated trust with their targets, eventually coaxing them into transferring substantial sums of money to various accounts, reportedly controlled by Akporugo and Sood.

It claimed that they defrauded no fewer than 13 victims of $3,123,073, and a notice of forfeiture has been issued for all unlawfully acquired proceeds stemming from the scam.

It read, “The indictment also charges Akporugo with aggravated identity theft and fraud in connection with an access device.

“The scheme allegedly resulted in at least 13 victims being defrauded of an approximate $3,123,073. The indictment includes notice of forfeiture for all illegally derived proceeds from the fraud scheme.”

The indictment revealed that if they are convicted, both face up to 30 years in prison.

“If convicted, both face up to 30 years imprisonment for each of the wire fraud counts and conspiracy. Akporugo faces an additional 10 years on fraud in connection with an access device and another mandatory two years if convicted of aggravated identity theft,” it added.

Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II has said he was not given opportunity to defend himself before he was dethroned in 2020.

Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, former governor of Kano, had deposed Sanusi and split the emirate into five.

On Thursday, May 23, 2024, the Kano State House of Assembly heard the motion on the Kano State Emirate Council Amendment Bill and eventually repealed the 2019 Law that allowed for the creation of the five separate emirates from the old Kano Emirates.

The development paved the way for the historic return of Sanusi.

Speaking during an interview with Television Continental (TVC), Sanusi described his return to the throne as a correction of injustice done to the people, culture and tradition of Kano.

He said: “As you know, I was appointed the 14th Emir of the single emirate of Kano in June 2014 and now I am reappointed as the Emir of the single emirate of Kano.

“In between that period, we did not have a single emirate. We had five balkanised emirates and this was an injustice to the history of Kano. It was an attack on our history, our culture, on our traditions, and it was an act of betrayal to our family.

“We thank Allah that today, the emirate has been unified again, its people have been brought together, that an injustice has been corrected because as you know, I was dethroned on an allegation of insubordination which was never specified.

“I was never given an opportunity to defend myself but I have never spoken about it because I’ve always assumed that when the time is up, it’s up. Today, I thank God that God has remained as we know, a faithful God who stands by justice.

“I would also like to express my thanks to his excellency Alhaji Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu without whose principled stance of non-interference in the internal affairs of the state, this would not have been possible.

“The president has shown that he is a respecter of the constitution and the separation of powers, he recognises that this is a purely local matter and that the government has a responsibility to do what is right for the state.

“I’m aware that he has resisted all pressure to get the federal government to be involved.

“This for me is a continuation of service that I started, it is also an opportunity God has given me to improve on my previous tenure.

“We all learn from our mistakes and it is our responsibility to improve on the things we did well and avoid those things we did not do well. Life is a continuous learning process. I’ve enjoyed the break of the last four years.”

President Bola Tinubu has officially flagged off the 700Km Lagos-Calabar coastal highway project, estimated to cost about N15 trillion.

Tinubu who cut the tape at exactly 6:03pm in Lagos was flanked by Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and about eight governors, including the Chairman of the Nigerian Governor’s Forum, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq.

In his speech, the President said “it’s my bragging day”, while highlighting ten benefits of the superhighway project which cuts across eight states.

“It’s my bragging day. We will do this road. We are determined to do it,” Tinubu said.

The Lagos-Calabar coastal highway project, designed to stretch 700 kilometres and pass through nine states, was awarded to Hitech Construction Company Limited on an Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Financing (EPC+F) arrangement, where the bulk of the risk falls on the contractor, and the federal government provides counterpart funding.

The Federal Government commenced the construction in March 2024, beginning with the first phase of the project, which stretches 47.47 kilometres from Lagos.

The project has earned the FG criticism from major opposition leaders like the presidential candidate of Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, and his Labour Party counterpart, Peter Obi.

A group known as the Enugu State Graduate Farmers, has expressed dismay over the destruction of its 35,000 hectares of rice farm by herders in the state.

The farmland is at Ojoloko farm site at Umuiba, Nara, in Nkanu East Local Government Area of Enugu State.

Some of the farmers who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Enugu, said all their investments in the farmland were destroyed by cattle.

They complained that the bank that lent them money was now after them for repayment.


‘After grazing, they set farm on fire’

Speaking to NAN on the development, the President, Enugu State Graduate Farmers, Patrick Mba, said that at every harvest, the herders would go to the farm, eat up their rice and set others on fire.

According to him, the farmers have lost billions of naira and up till now Sterling Bank is chasing some of them around because of inability to repay the loan they took.

“We are those farmers trained by the Enugu State Government during the tenure of former Governor Sullivan Chime.

“We started farming at Adani in Uzouwani Local Government Area, but when the farm was handed over to another company, we relocated to Nara where we have over 50, 000 hectares of land.

“We cultivated 35,000 hectares with rice both certified seed and paddy rice, since 2020 and in 2021, we borrowed money and did the farming, but when we were about to harvest, cows ate 80 per cent of the rice.

“They are in our farm on Sunday and Monday grazing and setting the rest on fire,” Mr Mba said.

He added that they did not confront them but reported the matter to the State Security Service, Amagunze Police Station, and also informed the commissioner of police and the Enugu State Government.

“We have once been invited for a meeting, but after the meeting the herders came back and did worse.

“We are appealing to the government to help us stop them from entering our farms as well as organisations to come to our aid as most have lost confidence in farming.

“Since 2020 that we started, we have lost all that we planted worth N1.5 billion, but this year experience was much,” he said.

Another farmer and leader of a farm cluster, Chukwudinka Ezeihu, described the attack as a total destruction, stressing that it has been devastating for them.

He explained that when they were expecting a quantum of yield from their rice they suffered to farm, they would wake up and see the farm destroyed by herders.

“This year alone, we have lost billions of naira. How do we pay people that invested their money in the business?

“When we sent out videos of the destruction early this January, I made a statement at the Amagunze Police Station where they gave us someone to mediate between the farmers and the herders.

He said that the herders agreed to compensate them for the destruction.

“How can they be telling somebody who had lost over N1 million that he is going to be paid N200,000 as compensation?” he asked.

Corroborating the claims, another farm cluster leader, Emeka Ugwuja, said, “If you go to the police there now, you will see five different complaints on the same issue. Most families are already leaving their houses.

“My own farm is valued at N10 million, they are negotiating to pay compensation of N500,000.

“Government should please chase those herders from the agrarian community as our means of livelihood have been affected,” he appealed.


‘What I saw was heartbreaking’

Chidike Ukoh, the founding president of the National Youths Empowerment Association, Africa, a civil society organisation, who inspected the level of destruction at the rice farm, said he received a call on the emergency situation of the farm.

He said Enugu graduates farmers were partners with them for over 12 years consistently.

“We have done some interventions for them and they are a wonderful and fantastic group.

“They told us that herders invaded their farms and destroyed it. I have visited the farm to see things for myself, the rice fields were burnt, (and) some packed rice were marched by cows, making it impossible to pick them.

“What I saw was heartbreaking as some rice heaps they cut waiting for threshing were set on fire. On getting there on Sunday, some rice were still burning,” Mr Ukoh said.

He added, “Our own interest is peace, mediation and sustained peace as a civil society organisation. Let the livestock and rice farmer coexist as nature provides and not one putting the other into indebtedness and suffering.

“Let there be security and with their action, the national food security by President Bola Tinubu will not be achieved”.


Leader of Hausa community speaks on the destruction

Abubakar Sambo, the Sarki Hausawa and leader of Hausa community in Enugu State, while saying that the issue of herders was a very complex one, described the situation as “very unfortunate”.

He said as the Hausa leader in the state, he has tried to maintain peaceful coexistence in Enugu and ensure that herders do not destroy farmland but where it happens, they should pay for damage.

Proffering solutions, Mr Sambo called for establishment of ranching to stop the animals from entering into farms.

“From the complaints I have received, the destruction is much, and it is saddening that people will cultivate and somebody will destroy it. We are doing our best to see that those involved pay compensation,” he said.


‘We’re doing our best’ – Police

Speaking on the matter, the divisional police officer in the area, who did not want his name mentioned in the story, told NAN that they were aware of the situation, adding that the division had visited the farmland several times.

“We are doing our best to curtail their activities which is becoming too much,” he said.

When contacted, the State’s Commissioner for Agriculture and Agro Industrialisation, Patrick Ubru, said he had been having meetings with Miyetti Allah on how to curb the menace, adding that the Enugu State Government had not rested on the matter.

He stated that attacks by herders was a national issue, stressing that it was heartbroken that after suffering, farmers would lose their rice to herders.

“Government is not resting, we are doing something. Governor Mbah has deployed security agencies everywhere to ensure that the state is secured,” Mr Ubru said.

A 35-year-old labourer, James James Emmanuel has been ordered to be remanded in prison by a Chief Magistrate Court sitting in Akure, the Ondo state capital for allegedly raping a 55-year-old co-labourer, Mrs Deborah Abiodun to death.

The defendant was alleged to have committed the alleged offence at a poultry firm located at Oke-Odu area, off Ilere, on Ijare road, Akure.

James, who was arraigned on two counts bordering on murder and rape, after allegedly raping her to death, hit her with stone on her head and dump her corpse inside a waste pit.

Police Prosecutor, Anwana Josephine told the court that the suspect committed the offence on 17th day of January, 2024 at about 11.00pm.

Anwana said that the offence, was contrary to Section 357 and punishable under Section 358 of the Criminal Code, Cap. 37, Vol. 1 Laws of Ondo State of Nigeria, 2006.

The charge sheet read: “That you James Emmanuel ‘m’ on the 17th day of January, 2024 at about 11.00pm at Ilere, on Ijare Road, Akure in the Akure Magisterial District, did rape Deborah Abiodun ‘f’ aged 55 years old and thereby committed an offence, contrary to Section 357 and punishable under Section 358 of the Criminal Code, Cap. 37, Vol. 1 Laws of Ondo State of Nigeria, 2006.

“That you James Emmanuel ‘m’ on the same date, time and place in the aforementioned Magisterai District did kill one Deborah Abiodun ‘T’ by hitting her with stone on her head and dump her corpse inside a waste pit and thereby committed an offence, contrary to Section 316 and punishable under Section 319 (1) of the Criminal Code, Cap. 37, Vol. 1 Laws of Ondo State of Nigeria, 2006”.

In her ruling, Magistrate Folashade Aduroja, ordered that the defendant be remanded in the Correctional Centre in Ondo town and adjourned the trial till March 27, 2024.

OLUMAYOWA SAMUEL


The immediate past governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, has launched moves to displace the incumbent national chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Umar Ganduje, from office.

Campaign posters indicating his interest in the position started flooding the streets of Abuja on Monday, days after handing over to the newly elected Kogi governor, Usman Ododo.

The National Executive Council of the party had, in August 2023, confirmed the former Kano State governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, as its national chairman at the NEC meeting held at Transcorp Hilton in Abuja, replacing former Nasarawa governor, Abdullahi Adamu.

While Mr Ganduje had not spent up to a year out of the four-year tenure, it is unknown if the APC plans to conduct another election for positions in the party.

At the time of filing this report, Kingsley Fanwo, the commissioner for information under Mr Bello’s administration, has yet to respond to calls and messages by Peoples Gazette on the development.

By Solomon Odeniyi


The Nigerian Bar Association Section on Public Interest and Development Law has urged the court to sack the Minister of Art, Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, from office for allegedly violating the National Youth Service Corps Act.

The organisation also asked the court to compel the NYSC to nullify the certificates given to Musawa and a music promoter, Kenny Ogungbe, alleging that the issuance of the certificate was contrary to the provisions of NYSC Act Cap N84.LFN 2024.

The plaintiffs in the suit marked FCH/ABJ/05/90/2024 are the Chairman, NBA-SPIDEL, John Aikpokpo-Martins, and Secretary, NBA-SPIDEL, Funmi Adeogun.

Musawa, Ogungbe, NYSC, and the Federal Government of Nigeria are the first to fourth defendants, respectively in the suit.

The plaintiffs alleged that the mobilisation of Musawa and Ogungbe for the mandatory one-year national youth service after exceeding 30 years of age was unlawful, illegal, and an affront to patriotism.

They also alleged that Musawa and Ogungbe’s purported national service and the certificates of service purportedly issued by the NYSC were null and void.

The plaintiffs are seeking a declaration that, “By virtue of the provisions of Sections 2(1), 12(1), and 13(1) of the National Youth Service Corps Act, Cap. N84 LFN 2004, the 1st and 2nd defendants are not entitled to be engaged as employees by any employer of labour or services (including the Federal Government of Nigeria) without first possessing and presenting their certificates of National Youth Service.

“A declaration that the 1st defendant is not entitled to continue to hold the exalted office of Honourable Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria or any public office in Nigeria after violently violating with flagrant impunity the provisions of Sections 2(1), 12(1), and 13(1) of the National Youth Service Corps Act, Cap. N84, LFN 2004.”

The PUNCH reports that the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria had accused Musawa in August 2023 of serving as a minister while undertaking the one-year mandatory National Youth Service Corps scheme.

Similarly, in October 2023, there was a stir on social media when Ogungbe shared a photo of himself in the NYSC uniform, announcing that he had finished NYSC at the age of 53.

Efforts to get Musawa proved abortive as calls to her number indicated it was not reachable. Response to the message sent to her was being awaited at the time of filling this report.

Federal Government’s battle to stem inflation, exchange rate crises is total, Information and National Orientation Minister Mohammed Idris said yesterday.

Idris said the government was deploying the required measures, including devoting various ministries and agencies under its control, to bring down rising inflation and stabilising the foreign exchange market for the prosperity and comfort of all Nigerians.

The minister, who gave the assurance yesterday in a statement issued in Abuja, also assured that all perpetrators of the resurgent violence and killings in Plateau State would be apprehended and prosecuted, especially as the government is currently facing the issue of security boldly.

Shedding lights on the efforts being made relieve Nigerians of the prevailing challenges, the minister listed a number of programmes and government initiatives, targeted at cushioning the effects of the current realities.

He warned Nigerians to be wary of fifth columnists, who wreak havocs through misinformation and division.

The statement reads: “In the area of security, all threats are being boldly confronted. We are taking the fight to the criminals’ dens, with promising results. Within the last week, several bandits, kidnappers and militants have been neutralized or arrested.

“The resurgent crisis in Plateau State is indeed highly regrettable, and we assure that all perpetrators of violence there, and everywhere else in the country, are being brought to book.

“Justice will be done, and peace will be restored in all affected communities. We salute the gallantry of security and intelligence agencies who are leaving no stone unturned to ensure that we are safe in our homes and on the highways, and that criminals have no breathing space.

“Regarding the economy, all relevant ministries and agencies of the Federal Government are working in coordinated fashion, to bring down inflation, stabilise foreign exchange rates, and create a truly enabling environment for business and investment. The Nigeria that President Tinubu seeks to build is one where no one is left behind.

“Impactful interventions are being rolled out, including a Students’ Loan Scheme, a Presidential Initiative to deploy lower-cost CNG mass transit buses to provide alternatives to petrol and diesel, and various low-interest loan schemes for businesses.

“The CNG interventions will bring down the cost of transportation by more than 50 percent. We urge Nigerians to take advantage of these opportunities as they emerge, as they have been designed for the benefit of all.”

He also noted that being mindful of its role in achieving the model – Nigeria, the federal government had introduced the Nigerian National Charter, spelling out the contract between Nigerians and the federal government.

The minister said: “Nigeria belongs to all of us, and the work of building the Nigeria of our dreams is one that must be done by everyone, regardless of our religious faith or ethnic group or geopolitical zone.

“It is for this reason that we have produced the Nigerian National Values Charter (NVC), a documentation of the social contract between Government and the citizens, as one of the ways to restore a national sense of hope, trust and solidarity.”

On the fight against corruption, Idris said: “As part of this focus on earning the trust of Nigerians, the fight against corruption will continue, and will intensify. Determined to ensure that there are no sacred cows, and that public funds are applied wholly for the public good, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is providing the anti-corruption agencies with the support required to fulfill their mandate.

“We will not succeed at building the Nigeria of our dreams if we insist on focusing only on our challenges and problems, and not the abundant opportunities and positive narratives that we are surrounded by.

“We recognize the fact that the country continues to enjoy genuine enthusiasm for investment from local and foreign investors.”

On other successes, Idris said: “In the opening weeks of 2024, our stock market has already put us on the global map for the impressive returns being delivered. The Indian businesses that pledged $14 billion in new investment in Nigeria on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in India in September 2023 have since started making good on those pledges.”

“Across oil and gas, agriculture, consumer goods, renewable energy, healthcare, ICT and many other fields, we are seeing global and local businesses demonstrating unshakable belief in the limitless possibilities that Nigeria embodies.”

President Bola Tinubu’s government has approved the inauguration of a tripartite committee to look into the implementation of the new minimum wage for Nigerian workers.

George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), disclosed this in a letter addressed to Comrade Ambali Akeem Olatunji of the Nigeria Labor Congress (NLC).

The letter dated January 23, 2024 is titled ‘Inauguration Of The Tripartite Committee On National Minimum Wage.’

It reads, “I write to inform you that Mr. President has approved the inauguration of the Tripartite Committee on National Minimum Wage.

“The inauguration will take place on Tuesday, 30th January 2024 at the Council Chamber, Presidential Villa, State House, Abuja at 12.00noon prompt.

“Members are to be seated by 11.30am. Kindly note

that a shuttle bus will be available at the pilot gate to convey members to the venue from 10.00 am.”

Labour unions in the country have been clamouring for a new minimum for workers at the federal and state levels.

Following Tinubu’s inauguration as President and the subsequent removal of subsidy on the Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), otherwise called petrol, labour unions have threatened a showdown with the government amid rising inflation.

In June 2023, for instance, labour leaders called on the government to increase the minimum wage from N30,000 to N200,000 to meet up with the current economic realities.

The minimum wage was last reviewed in April 2019 from N18,000 to N30,000.

The National Chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC) Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has expressed confidence in his alliance with former state Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, despite their long-standing political rivalry.

In an interview with BBC Hausa, Ganduje revealed that invitations have been sent to both Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and the NNPP’s national leader, Kwankwaso.

He said, “This is necessary because as the national chairman of the APC, in my visits across states, I’ve witnessed an influx of new members, including senators, (members of) representatives, and even governors.”

He said he was out to unify his Kano base because more people would join the party.

“Far beyond my own backyard, I made calls to individuals throughout the country,” he said.

He said that so far no official letters had been sent Kwankwaso and the governor. Ganduje, however, said he wanted Kwankwaso camp to show interest in joining APC before the letters.

“We are calling them genuinely from our heart,” he added.

Asked if he is confident about having good working relationship with Kwankwaso, Ganduje said, “Certainly, we share roots and lineage. A division occurred, and now (there is) a potential for reunification through divine intervention. what could be better?”

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has reacted to the invitation of the National Chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Abdullahi Umar Ganduje calling on him and others to join the party.

Yusuf, who spoke through his spokesman, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, said Ganduje did not follow the right channel.

Daily Trust reports that after a stakeholders’ meeting of the APC in Kano on Thursday, Ganduje asked Yusuf to abandon the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) for the APC.

He said, “We are appealing to those who want join APC to come. In particular, we are inviting the Governor of Kano and his NNPP to join APC.”

But reacting, the Governor said, “We heard that he is begging for the Governor to join the APC, what is surprising is Ganduje as a former governor and former Deputy Governor knows better than anyone the right channel to send a message to a sitting Governor.

“His Excellency the Governor (Abba Kabir Yusuf) does not have plans to leave his party and will not leave the party.

“Changing a political party is like changing a house, you just cannot wake up, pack your bags and say I have left my party. There are things to be done before you decide to change your house,” he explained.

James Emejo in Abuja

A new report has predicted an increase in Nigeria’s current account surplus to about 1.8 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2024, compared to an estimated 1.0 per cent in 2023.

According to the African Markets Revealed (AMR) report for January 2024, which was published by Standard Bank, oil production is expected to grow sufficiently to supply the Dangote Refinery with feedstock as well as impel higher oil export volumes.

Essentially, a current account surplus means that a country has more exports and incoming payments than imports and outgoing payments to other countries. It is generally seen as a positive development because the current account surplus adds to a country’s reserves.

The report, however, highlighted downside risk to the prediction due to the continued oil price weakness following the slowing global growth.

It said, “We forecast downward pressure for goods importation from two fronts.
“Firstly, increased oil refining from the Dangote Refinery and Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) would likely lower demand for imported petroleum products.

“Secondly, non-petrochemical goods imports (71.2 per cent of the total import bill in Q2 2023) could be hindered by poor FX liquidity and naira weakness.”

The report pointed out that despite the country’s growth prospects for the year, downside risks, including the worsening FX liquidity challenges, high inflation, increased insecurity, and lower crude oil production might diminish expectations.

It stated that the Nigerian economy was forecast to grow by 3.4 per cent, year on year in real terms in 2024, relative to an estimated 2.6 per cent for the preceding year.

Standard Bank hinged its optimism on anticipation for the oil sector to deliver 11.8 per cent year-on-year growth in the review period, higher crude oil production, as well as the non-oil sector’s growth improving slightly to 2.9 per cent from a 2023 growth estimate of 2.8 per cent.

However, structural issues regarding liquidity and worsening insecurity stood in the way of actualising the country’s growth potential, the bank stated.

Standard Bank said crude oil production, including condensates, was expected to increase significantly to 1.59 million barrels per day (mbpd) in 2024, from an estimated 1.43 mbpd in 2023.

It said the anticipated increase might result from primarily the cumulative impact of the government’s ongoing anti-crude oil theft and vandalism efforts, coupled with new production streams.

The Standard Bank report also warned that the manufacturing sector might witness a continuation of headwinds, particularly FX volatility and liquidity challenges, elevated consumer price levels, and rising interest rates during the year.

However, it stated that the commencement of operations at the Dangote refinery should boost oil refining, a sub-sector within manufacturing.
The report predicted the refinery to make up one per cent of manufacturing gross value added, thereby driving growth in the sector to 2.4 per cent year on year in 2024, from an estimated 1.4 per cent in 2023.


It also forecasted the agricultural sector to grow faster in 2024.
It said, “We expect output to increase by 2.2 per cent year on year in real terms (2023: 1.0 per cent year on year), supported by low base effects from previous periods of lower-than-average productivity due to poor weather conditions in food-producing regions.”
In the medium-term outlook, the report predicted higher economic growth for the country, noting, however, that reforms remained a hurdle to achieving desired results.

On the FX outlook, the bank predicted that the naira would weaken to N1, 171 against the US dollar by December this year.
It said, “We see the USD/NGN pair at 1,171 by Dec 24 in the official market. The CBN is likely to keep gradually clearing its foreign currency obligations with funds from the FGN and NNPC capital raises, shifting FX liabilities away from the CBN, which would liberate FX reserves to support the market and foster investor confidence.

“Until confidence in CBN reserves returns to the market, we forecast only a gradual improvement in foreign private sector inflows.
“Under the new administration, the CBN has undertaken a series of FX reforms to rectify past policy errors. Key reforms include the elimination of multiple FX windows, the termination of the RT200 rebate and Naira4Dollar scheme, the removal of FX restrictions on 43 prohibited imported goods, and the ongoing clearance of outstanding FX obligations.”

It stated that FX reserves declined by 11.2 per cent or $4.17 billion to $32.91 billion in 2023, with inflows still limited amid outflows to finance external obligations.

Specifically, the report stated that while the federal government received $2.25 billion of the $3 billion loan from AFREXIM, “We doubt that it can securitise $7 billion dividend receipts from the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas company (NLNG) for the desired five-year period.

“We infer this from the decline in NLNG dividends to the NNPC in recent years, with averages falling from $1.7 billion during 2007- 2014, to $798.5 million during 2015-2022.”

To boost FX supply, the Tinubu administration announced plans for big-ticket capital raises, including a $1.50 billion World Bank budget support facility, a $3 billion loan from AFREXIM collateralised by future NNPC oil receipts, and a $7 billion securitisation of the Federal Government of Nigeria’s (FGN) dividend receipts from the NLNG.

The report, among other things, predicted the government’s current account surplus to reach 1.8 per cent of GDP in 2024, up from an estimated 1.0 per cent of GDP in 2023.

It stated that oil production should grow sufficiently to supply Dangote refinery with feedstock as well as impel higher oil export volumes.

Standard Bank said in the report, “However, a key downside risk here would be continued oil price weakness due to slowing global growth. We forecast downward pressure for goods importation from two fronts.

“Firstly, increased oil refining from the Dangote refinery and Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) would likely lower demand for imported petroleum products.

“Secondly, non-petrochemical goods imports (71.2 per cent of the total import bill in Q2 2023) could be hindered by poor FX liquidity and naira weakness. Services imports, accounting for 25 per cent of total imports, declined 14 per cent year on year in H1 2023. We foresee a further decline here, with higher traveling costs dampening demand due to persistent naira depreciation as well as longer, and, therefore, far more costly, travel routes caused by the conflicts in Sudan and Niger.”

The federal government has reviewed its guidelines for recruitment into the Civil Defence, Fire, Correctional and Immigration Services, saying henceforth 35 per cent of recruitment into the services would be allocated to women.

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, disclosed this at the end of the meeting of the Board of the Civil Defence, Fire, Correctional and Immigration Services in Abuja on Friday, January 19.

He said the 35 per cent allocation of slots to women was in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

Tunji-Ojo, who spoke through the Secretary of the Board, Ja’afaru Ahmed, said the ongoing recruitment into the Federal Fire Service would be based on the new guidelines which would focus largely on professionalism, gender mainstreaming and Federal Character principles.

Tunji-Ojo said: “The federal government through the Board has approved the review of the guidelines for recruitment into, and promotion in all the four Services under the Ministry of Interior.

“The development also comes with the modernisation of the operations of the Nigeria Immigration Service. The modernisation is going to be all-encompassing, training, recruitment, promotion, professionalism and capacity building and deployment of cutting-edge technologies.“

He warned Nigerians interested in applying not to patronise scammers, saying that the government is already aware of some scammers who are asking for money for recruitment into the Fire Service.

“This is to appeal to Nigerians not to patronise scammers. Anybody asking you to pay money to be recruited into any of the agencies is a scammer. We are aware of their activities and we will go after them.”

Residents of Desalu Street, Odo-Ona, in the Ibadan South-West Local Government Area of Oyo State, were thrown into confusion on Friday afternoon as a sick woman identified as Blessing Ayeni was dropped at the frontage of her husband’s shop by officials of an undisclosed hospital.

According to an eyewitness, Remilekun Tawose, officials of the hospital claimed that Blessing had been abandoned at the hospital since last year.

For this reason, the hospital was left with no option other than bringing her to the known address of her husband, which is his shop where he sells alcoholic drinks.

TribuneOnline gathered that representatives of the hospital told some residents that they had on a series of occasions visited the husband to come take responsibility for the medical bills of his sick wife without any positive response from him.

The hospital representatives, according to Tawose, also claimed that the immediate family members of Blessing initially showed up at the hospital but later stopped for reasons unknown to the hospital authority.

As of the time TribuneOnline got to where the sick woman was dropped, she was still lying on the floor, looking frail under the scorching sun, while residents watched helplessly.

Tawose, while speaking further with TribuneOnline, said, “The reason we don’t know what to do at the moment is that officials of the hospital told us that we should not move closer to the sick woman because the ailment she is suffering from is contagious.”

Efforts to locate Blessing’s husband to get his side of the story proved abortive, as he was nowhere to be found, just as his shop was under lock.

Nigeria’s National Security Advisor, Nuhu Ribadu, on Thursday, met with his US counterpart to discuss security cooperation.

According to a White House statement, Mr Ribadu’s meeting with Jake Sullivan, the US NSA, was focused on efforts to counter terrorism in West Africa, and the importance of respect for human rights.

The duo also talked about strengthening democratic institutions and good governance across Africa.

Mr Sullivan reiterated President Biden’s commitment to Africa and underscored the strength of the US-Nigeria relationship, including welcoming Nigeria’s strong leadership of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Nigeria, since the coup in Niger, has continuously received commendation from the West for its strong stance against the coup and insistence on a return to democracy.

Mr Sullivan also raised areas where the US and Nigeria share interests, particularly in supporting peace and stability in countries that have recently experienced political transitions.

Both countries agreed to maintain close coordination and continue to deepen their partnership to advance shared interests.

Mr Ribadu’s visit is happening at a time when several security challenges and activities are being reported all over the country including kidnappings in the capital city, Abuja.

He also met with Acting Deputy Secretary Victoria Nuland to discuss security corporation as well.

Part of their conversation included Nigeria’s efforts to support regional stability in West Africa, the importance of protecting civilians, safeguarding human rights, and promoting accountability and transparency in the aftermath of security operations.

BON Hotel Nest Ibadan has announced the passing away of its Operations Manager, Tunde Solomon.

The deceased was said to have died of a heart attack after the shock he suffered from the explosion that occurred near the BON Hotel, his place of work.

Explosion rocked Dejo Oyelese street last Tuesday night, claiming many lives, over 77 people injured, and collapsed alot of buildings in the area.

While mourning the deceased on the hotel’s Instagram page, bonhotelibadan, the management of the hotel described its late Operations Manager as a selfless and dedicated worker who had been using his 25 years in the industry for the growth of of organization.

”We regret to inform you of the sudden passing of our beloved Operations Manager, Mr.Tunde Solomon.”

”Mr. Solomon suffered a heart attack on the 17th of January 2024 and it is believed that it was a consequence of the explosion which occurred on the 16th of January 2024 at Bodija.”

”Mr. Tunde Solomon was a vastly experienced member of staff with more than 25 years in the industry. His commitment to his role and his contributions to the growth of BON Hotel Nest Ibadan and the BON group in general during his tenure were invaluable.”

”His loss leaves a void that will be deeply felt by all who had the privilege of working alongside him.”

”We extend our heartfelt condolences to Mr. Solomon’s family during this difficult time.”

”Our thoughts and prayers are with them as they navigate through this challenging period.“

It was a mild drama at the National Assembly when the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, was bewildered when power went off while he was making a presentation in defense of the N344 billion budget for the power ministry.

Lawmakers at the National Assembly, both members of the House of Representatives and the senators had gathered during a joint committee session to hear from the minister why the government should allocate a total sum of N344 billion for the ministry and it’s agencies but while the minister was speaking in defense of the budget, light went off.

This prompted the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Power, Eyinnaya Abaribe, to say that what the minister has been saying is implicative.

This incident also prompted one of the oldest senators in the 10th Assembly, Francis Adenigba Fadahunsi, to ask the minister of power when Nigeria is going to have stable power supply.

LEADERSHIP reports that the minister, while speaking at a joint session of the members of the National Assembly, had to pause because of the disruption of the power at around 12:25pm.

Some other lawmakers who were at the committee sitting said Nigeria still has a long way to go when it comes to power generation and distribution.

After the restoration of power at the Senate hearing room 221, Adelabu said they will start operation at the Zungeru power plant this month.

“We hope 300 megawatts will be generated,” Adelabu said, adding that the N344 billion for the 2024 budget is for all the agencies under the ministry of power.

“Nigeria must be taken out of energy poverty,” Adelabu said, adding that 14,000 megawatt of electricity generation is not acceptable.

Adelabu said even with the generation of 14,000 megawatt, the capacity of transmission is just 8,000 due to poor infrastructure for distribution.

Also, the minister disclosed that out of the number of megawatt of power generated, about 40 percent is lost during transportation as a result of weak infrastructure.

“When you transport power, you lose a percentage. The average is five percent but in Nigeria, we lose up to 40 percent of the power we generated because of poor infrastructures,” Adelabu said.

Minister Adelabu, while explaining why they did not capture the Mambilla power project in the 2024 budget, said it is under international arbitration adding that they can’t touch it.

“The same reason why it was not captured in the old budget is the same reason it was not added in the 2024 budget,” he said.

According to Adelabu, for Nigeria to get stable and constant power supply, Nigeria must invest so much on infrastructure.

“We need to invest so much in power transport infrastructure. When this power gets to the infrastructure, much of it gets lost because the majority of our houses are not metered,” Adelabu said, adding that when it comes to power distribution, the states must be involved. The Discos must be monitored by the host community,” Adelabu said, adding that the budget will address the lingering issues.

Agency Reporter


Turkish football bosses suspended all leagues after a referee was punched to the ground by a club president following a top-flight game on Monday.

Halil Umut Meler was struck by MKE Ankaragucu president Faruk Koca, who ran on to the pitch after his team conceded a 97th-minute equaliser in a 1-1 Super Lig draw with Caykur Rizespor.

“The matches in all leagues have been postponed indefinitely,” Turkish FA [TFF] chairman Mehmet Buyukeksi told a news conference.

“This attack is a night of shame for Turkish football,” he added.

Fifa president Gianni Infantino called the incident “totally unacceptable” and said that violence has “no place in our sport or society”.

“Without match officials there is no football,” he said. “Referees, players, fans and staff have to be safe and secure to enjoy the game, and I call on the relevant authorities to ensure that this is strictly implemented and respected at all levels.”

Meler received several blows from others as he lay on the turf and suffered injuries including a minor fracture.

The incident sparked chaotic scenes involving players and club officials.

Koca required treatment in hospital but “detention procedures will be carried out after the treatment”, said Turkey’s minister of internal affairs, Ali Yerlikaya.

Read Also: Four things to know about Video Assistant Referee (VAR)
Yerlikaya added others had been arrested for their part in the incident, which he “strongly condemned”.

Meler, 37, is one of Turkey’s top referees and officiates international games for Fifa. He is also on Uefa’s elite referee list.

He also required hospital treatment and the chief physician of the hospital where he was treated, Dr Mehmet Yorubulut, said: “There is no life threat for the moment. He only has bleeding around his left eye and a small fracture.

“We will [monitor] our referee until the morning due to head trauma. We will discharge him from hospital after the necessary examinations in the morning.”

Osun State Government has begun an investigation into the reported case of about 18 pupils of James Primary School B, Osogbo, who reportedly landed in the hospitals after eating a mid-day meal served to them under the free school feeding programme of the state government.

The government also directed the stoppage of further food cooking at the affected school pending the outcome of the investigations.

A statement by the state Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, obtained in Osogbo on Tuesday, said the governor, Ademola Adeleke directed immediate action when the matter was reported to him.

According to the statement the victims have been treated and discharged from hospitals.

The statement read, “Osun State Government has ordered full investigations into the reported cases of food poisoning at St James primary School B, Owoope Osogbo

“The State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, directed immediate action when the matter was reported to him by the Special Adviser on O-Meal, Mrs Grace Ayodele. The Governor has subsequently directed the stoppage of further food cooking at the affected school pending the outcome of the investigations.

“The affected cooks in the said schools alongside the planning officer for the O-Meal programme have also been summoned to a meeting by Tuesday morning. Additionally, the governor has directed enforcement of food standards and control as well as the auditing of the O-Meal structure to forestall future occurrences.

“Meanwhile, the government is settling the medical bills of the affected students as narrated by the Chairman of the Local Government Education Authority, Mr Nathaniel Ojetola. The LGEA Chairman who was at the forefront of the intervention efforts disclosed that a total number of 18 students were treated and discharged.

“The total student population of the school is 200 while 103 are within the population receiving food from the O-Meal Programme. A government delegation is also visiting families of the affected students.”

The incident which happened on Monday, caused panic, especially among parents of the affected pupils, who shared videos of them on hospital beds on social media.

In one of the videos obtained by The PUNCH on Tuesday, three of the victims were recorded receiving drip.

Narrating how they became ill, one of the victims said they were served rice with egg, after which they started running stool.

Also in the video, mothers of the victims, said they observed foul smell of the egg their children were served when they returned home from school on Monday.

They said their children started stooling not long after returning from school, raising concerns about the food the vendor served them.

They demanded an investigation into the development to prevent reoccurrence.

National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Abdullahi Umar Gnaduje, has opened up on what his party used to nail Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had declared the governor, who ran under the platform of the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP), winner of the March 18 election, but the APC rejected the result and headed for the tribunal.

The lower court had voided 165,663 votes of Yusuf on the grounds that they were not signed or stamped by INEC.

The governor’s votes were then reduced to 853,939 while those of Nasir Ganuwa, his APC rival, remained at 890,705.

NNPP and Governor Yusuf had challenged the ruling at the Appeal Court, but still lost. The court held that Yusuf was not a member of the party under which he contested.

Reacting to the Appeal Court judgement, Ganduje said Kwankwaso was so desperate to become president that he did not notice INEC had closed accepting nomination forms, when he joined the NNPP.

The APC national chairman said they were aware of the development that was why they waited for the right time to strike.

Ganduje said, “They were in PDP and when the crisis heated up and they were punched repeatedly they left the party and started groping for a platform. Unfortunately, they ran into a political party symbolizing fruits. They were given tickets because their leader was daydreaming; their leader was ambitious to be the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, but he was frightened.

“And because they desperately wanted a governor in Kano State, the party gave them a ticket to contest. But they made a serious blunder because when they joined the party, INEC had closed submission of nomination forms. But they were blind and uneducated. They went into the ring without making careful observation of this.

“They did not know that we laid in wait. We took the file, submitted it to Dr Nasiru Yusuf Gwuna and told him to hold it tight. When we filed a petition at the Kano governorship election tribunal, we told the court that they were not fielded by the party. We told the court that when INEC closed accepting names of candidates, they did not join the party.”

The first delivery of fuel arrived in Gaza Friday after Israel’s war cabinet bowed to diplomatic pressure to let diesel back into the war-torn Palestinian territory, where aid schemes are shut down amid critical shortages.

As fighting between Israel and Gaza’s Hamas rulers rages for six weeks, the United Nations has warned hospitals, drinking water and sewage facilities are grinding to a halt as fuel reserves run dry.

Tzachi Hanegbi, national security adviser to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, said Israel’s war cabinet agreed “to provide two tankers of fuel a day” after a “special request” from Washington.

Hanegbi said the fuel would be used to “operate the sewage and water systems run by UNRWA”, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees.

“We took that decision to prevent the spread of epidemics. We don’t need epidemics that will harm civilians or our fighters. If there are epidemics, the fighting will stop,” he said.

Late Friday, a Palestinian border official said the first shipment of 17,000 litres of fuel had entered through the Rafah crossing with Egypt.

The official said it was “for the telecommunications company” Paltel, to ease a Gaza-wide communications blackout after the firm ran out of fuel on Thursday.

A senior US official said Washington had put huge pressure on Israel to ease its fuel blockade and avert a humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.

The US official said that some 70,000 litres will enter daily under the deal, but UN humanitarian chief Martin Griffiths said Friday the territory needs 200,000 litres a day.

‘500 trucks’

Israel cut off all fuel supplies to Gaza after October 7, when Hamas militants surged over the border and killed 1,200 – mostly civilians – according to Israel.

In retaliation, Israel launched bombardments and a ground offensive against Hamas in Gaza, where the Islamist movement says 12,000 people, mostly civilians, have been killed.

This week Israel allowed a first shipment for UNRWA’s delivery trucks, but the agency said drivers did not have enough fuel to reach the border and fill their tanks.

Elad Goren, spokesman for COGAT, the Israeli defence ministry body responsible for Palestinian civilian affairs, accused Hamas of “exaggerating fuel shortages, especially at the hospitals”.

Earlier this week, UNRWA said 70 per cent of Gaza’s population of 2.4 million people no longer had access to clean water in southern Gaza, where raw sewage had started to flow on the streets as pumps shut down.

UNRWA’s Gaza director Thomas White said aid operations were “being strangled of resources to serve people in need”.

But Goren said Israel would not limit aid deliveries. “We are getting a list from the UN. We are not limiting the number. If tomorrow they will give us a list of 500 trucks 500 trucks will move,” he said.

In 2019, Richard Oghenerhoro Martins, a civil servant in the Human Resource Department of the Ministry of Works and Housing, discovered that the employment letters of about 302 newly employed staff in the ministry were fake.

His curiosity had been stirred by their manner of resumption, which he said was against the civil service rule. According to Martins, newly employed staff members of the federal government often resume duty at the office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation. This, he said, is because their employment letters came from the Federal Civil Service Commission, after which they are deployed to the ministry that sought their employment.

However, when the new staff resumed at the Ministry of Works and Housing, he probed further and found that their employment letters were fake.

Speaking with Daily Trust Saturday, Martins said he reported his findings to his superiors and it prompted a letter to the Federal Civil Service Commission to authenticate his findings. Following this, the commission reviewed all staff recruitments in the ministry from 2013 to 2020.

Unknown to him, what started as a patriotic gesture on his part, would cause him demotion, torment and even threaten his job.

In a letter dated May 09, 2022, which was sent to the ministry’s permanent secretary in the Federal Civil Service Commission, had concluded that the appointment letters of 23 staff were fake and it identified 14 from the Works section and 9 from the Housing section.

The letter, which was made available to this newspaper, was signed by the commission’s Director, Recruitment and Appointment, Ibrahim Anjugu, which declared that the individuals identified were holding offices illegally and ordered that they be immediately relieved of their duties and return any government’s property in their possession.

Speaking with Daily Trust Saturday on his role in the breakthrough, Martins explained that the fake appointment letters were possible due to a process called vacancy declaration in the civil service.

The process allows ministries to declare vacancies to the Head of Service at the end of every year. “Based on that, the civil service will recruit new staff and send them to the ministry based on the vacancy declaration,” he said.

He explained that the vacancies would become existent when a civil servant dies on duty or willfully resigned or is dismissed or retired. Therefore, in the course of replacement, he explained that racketeers and some staff of the ministry, work together to come up with fake letters to join the mix of authentic ones.

“With this, those with fake employment find their way to be captured on the IPPIS platform. That was how I discovered it and raised the alarm and it later became a challenge for me,” he said.

Martins said that by August 3, the ministry, through an internal circular, relieved the affected officers of their duties and ordered them to return all government properties in their possession. It also set up a committee to investigate Martin’s claim, but the committee fell short of investigating the 302 staff he raised alarm on, and restricted its investigation to only 40 and later concluded that 10 out of the 40 had fake appointment letters.

Although the committee did not find anyone within the ministry culpable for issuing the fake letters, it recommended the dismissal of the affected staff and the redeployment of three staff of the ministry for failure to take due diligence in registering and authenticating the letters.


Threats and witchhunt

Martins’ determination in the case led to threats, and in what appeared like a reprimand, he said he was redeployed by the ministry on February 12, 2020 to the open registry.

On May 24, 2021, he received another posting to fill a vacancy at the Gwagwalada FCT Field Office and subsequently received another letter dated November 1, 2021 from the ministry, accusing him of breaching the Oath of Secrecy.

The letter, which was made available to this newspaper, accused him of “Unauthorised disclosure of official information and abstraction/copying of official documents without approval, and which is prohibited as enshrined in the Public Service Rules.”

The letter described his action as serious misconduct and advised him to submit any representation on why disciplinary action, which might include dismissal from service, should not be taken against him.

But Martins said he petitioned the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions of the 9th Assembly, and the ministry was summoned to a public hearing in March 2022.

In a letter dated March 17, 2022 and signed by its Director, Admin (Human Resource Management), Mbaike Chuks, the ministry accused Martins of involvement in extortion of money from staff, especially those newly appointed.

The letter stated that the ministry had set up an investigative committee to unravel the veracity of the allegations contained in his petition and the findings of its 8-man investigative committee.

It stated that, “The committee also discovered Mr Martins’ Richard’s involvement in the matter through his extortion of money from some of the newly posted staff with fake appointment letters.”

It added that the ministry had since implemented all the recommendations of the investigative committee, except the disciplining of Martins, and informed the committee that aside the official query issued to Martins to explain his own side of the matter, no sanction had been meted against him.

“No one has intimidated or threatened him; rather, he was the one issuing threats to all the senior management officers in the ministry,” it stated.

Responding to the allegations through his lawyer, Martins said a copy of the report by the investigative committee was not made available to him despite repeated demands under the Freedom of Information Act.

“Our client only heard that the committee had submitted its report to the Senate committee and he only got to know about the full contents of the report at the end of September, 2022.”

It stated that the committee’s report was forwarded to the Senate with reference FMPW&H/926/T2//104, dated March 17, 2022, more than two years after the committee sat. It also stated that their client was shocked by the contents of the report and the accompanying letter, which it said contained false and fabricated information calculated to defame and expose him to public contempt.

“The content also grossly violated our client’s right to fair hearing amongst other serious infractions,” it stated.

Martin’s lawyer also described the extortion allegations as false, adding that deployment within any department of the ministry is based on basic academic entry qualification, and stressed that the staff in question and other data processing officers, were posted in line with this principle.

It added that the committee failed to state that Martins informed three directors that several colleagues gave him money for the burial preparation of his father; and within the same period, the N10,000 was paid into his account.

Speaking with Daily Trust Saturday, Martins said the involvement of the Senate stalled his dismissal as the committee constituted by the ministry had recommended his sack.

“I have suffered a lot, there were false accusations labelled against me that I was sexually harassing my colleagues and youth corps members, and that I was collecting money from them. This is all false, just to tarnish my image,” he said.

With the 9th Assembly no longer in existence, he is afraid that the ministry would take over his job. He prays that the 10th House of Representatives would look into his case.

Meanwhile, he said that most of those he found out with the fake employment letters were still in service.

When contacted to react to the claims, the Director of Press in the ministry, Blessing Lere-Adams, said she could not speak on the matter except our reporter produced all the evidence at his disposal to enable her direct him to the appropriate director. When presented with the documents via WhatsApp, she said she was on annual leave, and therefore, could not comment on the matter.

After a protracted arbitration, a United Kingdom court handed down a favourable order today discharging an $11b judgement debt Nigeria would have paid to the Process Industrial Development (P&ID).

The epic litigation came about when the little-known P&ID, an oil and gas engineering firm, claimed that Nigeria in 2010 awarded it a contract to construct and operate a gas processing plant in Cross River State vide Gas Supply and Production Agreement but failed to provide necessary enabling infrastructure.

After the contract collapse, P&ID channeled its grievances through arbitration in 2012, resulting to an award of $6.6 billion against the country on January 21, 2017. This outcome compelled Nigeria to take further steps in appealing the judgement, claiming the contract was obtained through bribery and corruption enabled by government functionaries.

While the appeal was pending in court, the $6.6 billion judgement debt was attracting interest at the rate of $1.2 million per day, now calculated to stand at $11 billion, an amount capable of depleting Nigeria’s foreign reserves.

Who were these functionaries?

Rilwanu Lukman, the then Minister of Petroleum; Taofiq Tijani, head of the government contract reviewing committee at the time, and Grace Taiga, the then ministry of petroleum legal retainer.

These three top government officials, who were part of the Umar Yar’Adua administration and Goodluck Jonathan’s government, were said to have received large sums of money in bribes to influence the contract.

TAOFIQ TIJANI


Taofiq Tijani

In 2022, Abubakar Malami, Nigeria’s former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, told the Business and Property Courts of England and the Wales Commercial Court that the deal was abetted by Tijani who allegedly received $300,000 from P&ID through a company he had a substantial interest in.

The former minister also informed the court that another $94,000 was delivered largely in cash. Initially, Tijani reportedly denied culpability. He, however, owned up to the crime when the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) got involved.

During interrogations, Tijani told the EFCC that he had a meetup with Michael Quinn and Neil Hitchcock of P&ID in April 2009 at a Chinese restaurant and they dropped a bag stacked with $50,000 into the boot of his car.

He allegedly revealed further that the two executives “promised that they will further take care of me better at a later date”. He said he got another $44,000 from Hitchcock to support his children’s weddings.

Tijani received most of these payments through Conserve Oil, a company he owned, and Lurgi Consults, a company registered in Nigeria and controlled by Quinn Adam (Michael Quinn’s son), James Richard Nolan and Zauro Muhammed Umar.

Adam and Nolan oversaw a subsidiary company owned by P&ID in Nigeria. In his revelations to the investigators, Tijani claimed that he had a directive from the now-dead Lukman that he should deliberately look the other way when passing technical comments about the competence of P&ID to handle the project.


RILWANU LUKMAN


Rilwanu Lukman

Rilwanu Lukman died on July 21, 2014, and former President Goodluck Jonathan described him as “a brilliant engineer, technocrat and administrator who spent almost all his working life serving his country and the global community in various capacities”.

Lukman served as Secretary-General of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) from 1995 to 2000. The EFCC found that Lukman brazenly turned laws on its head in awarding the P&ID deal. First, the company was said to be inexperienced in handling such construction. Second, legally required certifications from the National Petroleum Investment Management Services, Bureau of Public Procurement and National Office for Technology and Promotion were not obtained.

Odein Ajumogobia, Lukman’s junior minister, stated that he was bypassed in all the deals and did not know of the process.


GRACE TAIGA


Grace Taiga.

Another figure linked to the shady transactions was Grace Taiga. She was part of the contract review committee.

Taiga was accused of accepting $9,969.5 as bribes from the company and its affiliates. During her trial between 2015 and 2019, she pleaded not guilty to the charges against her. The trial is still ongoing.

Malami stated that Taiga was due for retirement in September 2010 but somehow stayed in office for another one year, four months of which was during the pendency of the P&ID contract negotiations.

In today’s judgement, the court noted that both parties could still pursue further arguments if they wished to.

Ibrahim, son of Former President Umaru Musa Yar’adua, got married to the daughter of former Comptroller General of Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Muhammad Babandede.

The nuptial knot was tied on Friday.

See the pictures below:

A former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Attahiru Jega, has called for an amendments to the Electoral Act, 2022.

He said though the country’s electoral law could be said to be the best in Nigeria’s history, it is not perfect; and there was the need for further amendments to remove ambiguities, clarify and strengthen some of its sections.

Jega spoke at a two-day retreat organised for senators by the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State.

The amendments, he said, should make the electronic transmission of results mandatory from the next general elections in 2027.

He also said the president should divested of power to appoint the chairman and National Commissioners of INEC to free the commission from partisanship.

He said the law should be reviewed to ensure that all cases arising from the conduct of elections are resolved and judgements made before the date of swearing-in.


Transmission of election results

Many stakeholders had expressed concern that section 64 of the Electoral Act, which states the process of transmission of election results, is susceptible to manipulation and misinterpretation.

But Jega said the section should be clarified by making election transmission of election results compulsory, including uploading of polling unit level results and result sheets used at different levels of result collation.

“INEC would have enough time to prepare for this, if the Act is amended early enough in the ensuing electoral cycle,” he said.

He also called for the introduction of either early voting for eligible voters on election duty, such as INEC staff, observers and their drivers, security personnel, and journalists or special arrangement to enable them vote on election day, especially for presidential elections.

The former INEC boss advocated for diaspora voting, at least for presidential elections, to enable citizens to vote, especially those on essential service abroad.

There is need to enhance inclusion of women, if necessary by up to 35% of elective positions in parliament, and in all political parties’ candidate lists, he added.


Other amendments

Cross-carpeting by elected officials, Jega said, should be proscribed not only for members of the National Assembly but also for elected executives, governors and chairmen of LGAs while INEC should be empowered to prepare for elections to fill the vacancy once it has evidence of the act of cross-carpeting.

He said, “There is need to place stringent conditions for candidate withdrawal and replacement to prevent abuse. Empower INEC to also screen and if necessary disqualify candidates whose credentials show that they are unqualified or in respect of whom it has evidence of forgery and other forms of criminality.

“There is need for the legislation to allow even candidates outside the political parties, as well as tax-paying citizens to file suits against candidates who provide false information to INEC regarding their candidature.

“Although Sections 132( & (9) have given timelines within which the Tribunals and courts of appellate jurisdiction should issue verdicts, there is need, particularly in respect of elected executive positions, to ensure that all cases are resolved and judgements made before the date of swearing-in.

“Review the process of appointments into INEC, specifically to divest/minimize the involvement of the President in appointment of Chairman and National Commissioners of INEC, in order to free the commission from the damaging negative perception of “he who pays the piper dictates the tune”.

“The Justice Uwais Committee recommended that the responsibility for advertising, screening, shortlisting and submission to Council of State for recommendation to Senate for confirmation hearings, for this category of officers, should be entrusted to the National Judicial Council (NJC).

“On second thought, and for obvious reasons, I will recommend a joint committee of the National Assembly be given this responsibility, with a criteria, for transparency, non-partisanship and stakeholder engagement for the process. The applicants/nominees for these appointments should be subjected to public scrutiny with regards to knowledge, skills, good character and non-partisanship. Guidelines should be provided for submitting petitions against any nominee during this process.”