₦airaland Forum

Senate President Godswill Akpabio says he has had his “fair share” of embarrassment from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Akpabio spoke on Wednesday when Ola Olukoyede, chair of the EFCC, appeared before the senate for screening.

The senate president said EFCC treats high profile suspects as though they are swooping on Pablo Escobar.

Escobar was a notorious drug lord of Colombian heritage who was killed in the 1990s after a global manhunt spanning several years.

The senate president said in the buildup to the 2023 elections, the anti-graft agency summoned him over a “frivolous” petition.

“I think the EFCC has engaged more in sensationalism than on real investigation,” Akpabio said.

“For me I have had my own fair share [of embarrassment] where even a letter informing EFCC that I won’t be able to come over a frivolous petition, was released by the office of the chairman of EFCC.

“You could see the chairman’s stamp on it. He released the letter just to embarrass me before the 2023 elections but by the glory of God I surmounted it.

“I don’t see how the EFCC will arrest a former governor and come through the rooftop as if they are taking Pablo Escobar. It happened to Rochas Okorocha.

“They broke through the POP and the whole world watched and for you that is investigation.”

He said there is a need for the anti-graft agency to conduct proper investigations before carrying out arrests.

by Leon Usigbe


The federal government on Wednesday lamented that Nigerians no longer believe in the leaders they elect and in the concept of nationhood, necessitating the reintroduction of national discourse on reorientation.

The minister of information and national orientation, Mohammed Idris, stated this in an interview with correspondents after meeting President Bola Tinubu at the presidential villa in Abuja.

He observed that the belief in the concept of nationhood and patriotism has broken down, saying that the president has now given him the marching orders to initiate a programme to reconstruct it.

He said: “Well, of course, you know, that the belief in the concept of nationhood and patriotism has broken down in this country. This is not in doubt. We’re trying to rebuild that, to reconstruct that.

“Mr President, give me a marching order to see Nigerians believe in this country again. We’re coming up with a national discourse on orientation or reorientation so that Nigerians can believe in their country.

“You know that people don’t even believe leaders that they themselves have elected. Flags are not flying anymore. You go to the government overseas, you don’t even see the symbol of our collective existence flying even in public buildings.

“We’re bringing that about, we are bringing back this concept of discipline that Nigerians should have. Patriotism. Belief in the nationhood that our founding fathers have told us.

“So it is going to be a new minister of Information and national orientation, and national orientation is going to be at the centre of it.”


The minister revealed that plans are underway to revive the information office in the 774 local government areas in the country to have the required personnel to implement the new reorientation drive.

“Well, the national orientation agency has offices in the 774 LGAs. Of course, there’s attrition now, not all the people that will man these local government offices are there, but we are rebuilding that. We are going to put officers of the envoy around all the 774 LGAs, and we are coming up with a roadmap that will revamp that sector so that Nigerians can believe in their country once again,” he said.

Idris assured that the Tinubu administration will not seek to gag the media, being a believer in freedom of the press himself, but warned that the media must not exercise such freedom with responsibility.

While noting that the government had noted the suggestion by the Nigerian Press Council on registering journalists as a way to sanitize the profession, he said: “Well, that is being looked at. You know that Mr. President believes in press freedom. He believes in the freedom of expression, and he’s not going to gag the press in any way, shape or form. He’s going to work assiduously to ensure that the Nigerian press that has been free is even freer. Yeah.

“But like I said all the time. This freedom also comes with enormous responsibility. You can’t just say what is not right, because you’re enjoying press freedom. There’ll be freedom. But is that responsible freedom.”

On managing the excesses of social media, the Information minister affirmed that even though some of the posts can be unpatriotic, it is a sensitive issue that must be handled with care, stressing that the government must not be perceived as curtailing press freedom.

He added: “You know that is a very delicate line to toe. The government, Mr President and all of us in that sector are committed to ensuring that there’s press freedom. That freedom, like I said, comes with responsibility.

“A lot of things that some of these people on social media are doing are also not very patriotic. Sometimes, you say news that is not factual. But I don’t want a situation where it will be seen that the government is trying to gag the press. I want that to be underscored.

“There is no attempt by the government to gag the press. We’re going to do whatever it takes that is responsible and accountable. Responsible journalism is the way to go.

Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, minister of women affairs, on Monday, threatened to sue the United Nations (UN) for allegedly mismanaging funds meant for Nigeria.

Kennedy-Ohanenye accused the UN of obtaining funds on behalf of the country without remitting them.

The minister threatened legal action if the international organisation did not provide her ministry with the required records by November 15 at the latest.

Kennedy-Ohanenye is not the first person to threaten or take legal action against the UN.

Founded on October 24, 1946, with 193 member states, the UN works to maintain international peace and security, develop friendly relations among nations and promote social progress, better living standards and human rights.


CAN THE UN BE SUED?

On March 30, 1993, Maurizio De Luca, a former UN employee, sued the UN and eight other defendants alleging breach of contract, forgery, negligence and violation of federal civil rights and employee medical benefits law.

The UN moved to dismiss the complaint for lack of subject matter jurisdiction, lack of personal jurisdiction, and insufficiency of service of process — based on immunity.

The UN legal counsel said the organisation and the individual defendants — with respect to acts performed by them in their official capacity — are immune from all legal processes under international and United States law.

In the judgement delivered on January 10, 1994, Percy Whitman Knapp, the presiding judge, held that although the plaintiff “levelled some rather serious charges against both the U.N. and the individual defendants”, he failed to show proof that the international organisation waived its immunity.

“Finding that the U.N. and the eight individual defendants are immune from this action under international and federal law, we deny the plaintiff’s motion for default judgment and grant the defendants’ motion to dismiss the complaint in its entirety with prejudice,” the judge said.

Under Article II, section 2 of the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations, the U.N and “its property and assets” enjoy immunity from “every form of legal process except insofar as in any particular case it has expressly waived its immunity.”

Article 104 of the UN Charter also states: “The Organization shall enjoy in the territory of each of its Members such legal capacity as may be necessary for the exercise of its functions and the fulfilment of its purposes.” Article 105 further buttresses the point.

There are also several notable court decisions where suits instituted against the UN were dismissed.

For example, in 2010, UN peacekeepers from Nepal were implicated in spreading cholera in Haiti, which killed more than 8,500 people.

Despite investigations showing that the strain of cholera in Haiti matched the one prevalent in Nepal at the time, the UN refused to take responsibility for the deaths.

Victims and their families filed a suit against the UN before a court in the United States, but the suit was dismissed in August 2016 on the grounds that the UN and its employees enjoyed immunity from prosecution.

Summarily, the United Nations and all its subsidiary bodies, of whatever nature, are immune from every form of legal process.

Representatives of member states to any of those bodies, staff of the UN and any individuals serving on those bodies in a personal capacity are also immune from every form of legal process in respect of their official functions, as representatives, officials or experts on mission, as the case may be.

Although the UN has a legal personality that gives it the ability to sue, it cannot be sued.

Also, the UN can not be sued before any international court.


UN INTERNAL JUSTICE SYSTEM

Because the United Nations has immunity from local jurisdiction and cannot be sued in a national court, the organisation has set up an internal justice system to resolve staff-management disputes, including those that involve disciplinary action.

Also, Article 33 of the UN Charter states that any dispute that is likely to endanger the maintenance of international peace and security should first be addressed through several means such as negotiation, inquiry, mediation, conciliation, arbitration, judicial settlement etc.

Over the years, there has been a global call for the UN to review its laws, with many describing the immunity as “impunity”.

Senator Ali Ndume, Chief Whip of the Senate, has clarified the reason he left the chamber after tackling Senate President Godswill Akpabio, on Tuesday.

During plenary, Ndume brought the Senate’s attention to what he felt were violations.

Ndume invoked a point of order to alert Akpabio to “procedural infringements” in the chamber, which went against established parliamentary protocol.

The Senate President refused to allow Ndume to complete his speech and the lawmaker exited the chamber afterwards.

However, in an interview with BBC Hausa, Ndume explained his reason for leaving when the debate on a matter related to the closing of Nigeria’s borders was being debated.

He explained that the situation originated “when Senator Kawu Sumaila proposed a motion which he said was urgent on closing the border between Nigeria and Niger.

“At first, it was argued that the motion was not urgent, but the president of the Senate let him finish what he wanted to say.

“After hearing the motion, it was agreed that since it is related to security, it should be suspended.”

According to him, it was at that point he wanted to explain the importance of the motion to the chamber, but the Senate President denied him the opportunity to speak.

“I would like to clarify that the motion, although impactful, falls outside the jurisdiction of the Nigerian Senate.

“The closure of the border was not initiated by the President of Nigeria, but rather during his tenure as President of ECOWAS. As such, he has the authority to advocate on our behalf.

“In order to address this matter, it is imperative to involve the President of our nation, but I was not afforded the opportunity to convey this message.

“While this was happening, it coincided with the time of prayer, prompting my departure. Consequently, my colleagues misconstrued my exit, and the journalists changed the meaning of my exit,” Ndume said.

He said he told his deputy that he was going to pray, and then he left.

In the foreseeable future, volume consuming nations like Nigeria and indeed other African countries will remain major importers of refined products due to the lack of new refining projects on the continent.

The executive secretary of the African Refiners and Distributors Association (ARDA), Anibor Kragha, said this in an interview with S&P Global Commodity Insights.

Because our demand in Africa is going to grow so much, we’re still going to have a shortfall, he said.

Major refining projects due to come on stream include the Dangote refinery in Nigeria with a planned capacity of 650,000 b/d and Cabinda in Angola with capacity of 60,000 b/d.

Kragha said, he expected phase one of the Dangote refinery to come on stream in the first quarter of 2024 at the latest and phase one of the Cabinda refinery by the end of 2024.

“So that would definitely be a boon for energy security for the continent because we would definitely reduce the imports to the continent, but we still need more refining capacity,” he said.

A senior Dangote executive who is overseeing the refinery, Devakumar Edwin, told S&P Global in a recent interview that it would start up in October at 370,000 b/d and begin ramping up to full capacity in Q4 2023.

Kragha said, ARDA also supported other projects, including the Tema refinery in Ghana coming back on stream to further help security of supply in the region.

Total African refined product imports have been stable at around 2.3 million b/d in recent months, according to S&P Global Commodities at Sea data.

Beyond refining capacity, Kragha said there needed to be a strategic discussion on storage and distribution assets in Africa, and which projects should receive investment.

“As a perfect example, if you have a deepwater port in Africa that is 14 meters depth or larger, you save $15/mt on importing products because you can bring larger vessels in. When you start to look at countries like Nigeria with huge imports you start to see where you can make savings,” Kragha said.

He pointed to refineries closing in South Africa at a time when neighboring Namibia has discovered major crude reserves as indicative of issues that need to be addressed in conversations about strategy.

Market instability in Africa is also an issue facing refiners and governments, he said. In Nigeria domestic petrol prices recently skyrocketed following the removal of costly subsidies on imported gasoline.

Kragha said, removal of the subsidy means that it is now clear what real fuel consumption is in Nigeria, ending a booming illicit petrol market in nearby countries like Togo, Benin and Niger where unscrupulous businesses allegedly sold subsidized Nigerian fuel.

“There was definitely incentive arbitrage given that the pricing in Nigeria was significantly lower than in neighboring countries. Now that it’s normalized neighboring markets are having to face the reality that there’s no cheap fuel supply anywhere,” he said.

African officials are also looking to include cleaner fuels in development plans for future processing capacity.

Kragha said, ways to do this include improving fuel standards, ensuring environmental, social and corporate governance is included in development plans, and making financing contingent on this.

“The bright spots we have are places like Cote D’Ivoire, places like North Africa, like Egypt that are trying to actually, one, maintain production capacity, and more importantly, to upgrade facilities to produce cleaner fuel,” he said.

ARDA has established a refining and specifications working group, which worked with the Societe Ivoirienne de Raffinage (SIR) refinery in Cote d’Ivoire.

“We have done a baseline study of the carbon emissions of the refinery and identified projects to reduce the carbon footprint of the refinery by 29%…those are the kind of things that we’re trying to promote to demonstrate opportunities for decarbonization, particularly of Scope 1 emissions within refineries on the continent,” Kragha said.

Some Directors at the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF) are at war with the AGF, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Madein, over allegations that she falsified her age before her appointment and also bribed her way to clinch the exalted seat, though she allegedly did not pass the examinations designed for occupants of her office.

Consequently, they have, through their legal advisor, written to the presidency and the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mr Wale Edun, to immediately intervene in the matter.

But the AGF has described the aggrieved directors’ allegations as baseless and a move designed to distract her from delivering on her mandate.

Reacting through the Director of Press, Mr. Bawa Mokwa, the AGF insisted that her records could be verified from the documents she already submitted to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

She said the office, being a competitive and coveted seat, was often vulnerable to isolated and unwarranted attacks.

The peeved directors specifically alleged that Madein was not be the best candidate for the office having emerged second behind one Mr. Olakunle Oladipupo, now posted as Director of Finance in the Ministry of Works.

The petitioners further alleged that the AGF was born on March 7, 1963 in Iperu-Remo, Ikenne LGA of Ogun State, adding that prior to her appointment as AGF, she was alleged to have illegally adjusted her age to March 7, 1965 in order to elongate her service year.

Nonetheless, the petitioners urged President Bola Tinubu to order the arrest, investigation and possible prosecution of the AGF over the alleged offences.

“We, therefore, urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in his usual quest for transparency and accountability to direct the arrest, investigation, and possibly prosecution of Mrs. Oluwatoyin S. Madein for the various offenses stated above,” they added.

They accused the AGF of receiving cash bribes before posting accountants to juicy ministries departments and agencies (MDAs), among others.

Also petitioned were the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation and the National Security Adviser.

By Mariam Ileyemi


Last week, within the space of five days three senior medical doctors at Alimosho General Hospital (ALGH), Igando, in Lagos, died under what some of their colleagues described as demeaning circumstances.

The three medical practitioners, identified simply as Messers Otukoya, Aluko and Shuaib, were principal medical officers at the Lagos State-owned health facility.

The development, which has thrown their colleagues under the umbrella of the Lagos State chapter of the Medical Guild and the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) into mourning, has been blamed on the negative impacts of the exodus of Nigerian healthcare workers abroad.

The Medical Guild in a statement issued over the development said the circumstances leading to the demise of the doctors “might have been related to chronic illnesses believed to be aggravated by stress.”


Association issues ultimatum

In its reaction to the development, the Medical Guild declared a three-day mourning period across the Lagos State Health System in a statement Monday signed by the Chairman and Secretary, Sa’eid Ahmad, and Moruf Awodun, respectively.

The association also issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to convene a “meaningful engagement” with the Medical Guild on all welfare matters affecting doctors in Lagos State, decrying the impact of brain drain in the health sector.

The group also noted in the statement that the general welfare and well-being of doctors and other health workers in the state has for long been a subject of “relentless discussions”.

“The devastating phenomenon of brain drain, and its attendant work overload for the doctors remaining onshore, and the negative consequences of severe manpower shortage has been repeatedly emphasised,” the statement reads in parts.

“The Medical Guild, only 10 days ago forwarded a concise but wide-covering Position Paper to Mr Governor, centred on the need to Declare a State of Emergency in the Health sector and activate immediate palliative, medium and long-term welfare incentives for the doctors and health workers in the state.”


Association orders skeletal services

Meanwhile, as part of its resolutions on the development, the association directed its members to embark on a three-day mourning period, even as it instructed the colleagues of the late doctors at Alimosho General Hospital (ALGH) where they had practised till their death to embark on skeletal services.

The association said, “All elective procedures are to be rescheduled within this period.”

“Only emergencies are expected to be attended to. This is in deference to the deep psychological state surviving colleagues in that centre must be going through, and as a mark of respect for these fallen heroes,” it noted.

Some patients who were unaware of the development and visited the hospital were asked to return home.

Meanwhile, when PREMIUM TIMES contacted the Lagos State Ministry of Health for comment, its spokesman, Tunbosun Ogunbanwo, said the government has since been on the matter.


Doctors to meet with government

In a telephone interview with PREMIUM TIMES Wednesday, the Chairman of the Medical Guild, Mr Ahmad, confirmed that the state government had acknowledged the 48-hour ultimatum issued by the body to address the poor welfare situation of healthcare workers in the state.

“There is no strike. We have only given an ultimatum for the commencement of meaningful engagement, and we have received an official invitation to meet with the government this week,” Mr Ahmad said.

“It is that meeting that will determine our next action as we have our congress coming up this Saturday.”


Brain Drain in Nigeria

Nigeria’s health sector is currently grappling with a severe shortage of skilled personnel, resulting from the mass departure of healthcare professionals.

A 2022 UK immigration report showed that 13,609 Nigerian healthcare workers (including doctors) were granted working visas in the past year, making the country second only to the 42,966 from India.

As of October 2022, the Nigeria Medical Association disclosed that only 24,000 licensed medical doctors were available in the country, lamenting that only one doctor is available to treat 30,000 patients in some southern states, while in the North, it is one doctor to 45,000 patients.

Recently, at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, a medical doctor identified as Michael Umoh died under a circumstance that was blamed on stress by his colleagues.

There have been consistent reports of adverse effects of brain drain across the Nigeria health sector.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-olu recently announced some palliatives within the health sector, including subsidised deliveries, which have placed a heavier burden on the workers.

Mr Sanwo-olu explained that the government’s plan is to ameliorate the sufferings of pregnant women in the state by offering free antenatal and delivery services as a means to cushion the impact of the fuel subsidy removal.

Shehu Sani, senator who represented Kaduna Central in the 8th assembly, has described a recent ruling by the National and State Houses of Assembly Plateau Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Jos as one of the most tragic and comical rulings in the country.

Sani stated so in a post via X on Monday, saying that the justice in Nigeria has become a board game, adding that the ruling must not be allowed to stand.

He wrote: “The Sacking of Honorable Beni Lar, House of Reps member and other Legislators from Plateau State by the Election Tribunal on the grounds that “their party have no structure” is one of the most tragic and comical rulings in this season of judicial magic and mysteries. Justice is becoming a Ludo. This can’t stand and must not stand.”

On Tuesday, Justice Mohammed Tukur-led Panel 1 of the National and State Houses of Assembly Plateau Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Jos upturned the election of Hon. Beni Lar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as member Langtang North/South Fed constituency.

It declared Hon. Vincent of the All Progressives Congress (APC) winner of the election.

Lar was a fifth-term member of the House of representatives.

The National Assembly Elections Petitions Tribunal also nullified the election of a two-term member of the House of Representatives in Plateau State, Dachung Musa Bagos.

Bagos, who represents Jos South/Jos East Federal constituency, was also elected under the PDP.

The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, NIPR, has disclosed that Ajuri Ngelale, the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is not its certified member.

DAILY NIGERIAN reports that the law establishing the NIPR makes it a criminal offence for any individual to practice public relations without the necessary certification and licensing.

Speaking with PRNigeria, the newly elected governing council members under the leadership of Dr. Ike Neliaku of the institute disclosed Mr Ngelale, without the basic knowledge and requisite training on PR, is ordinarily not ‘fit’ to hold the exalted position he now occupies in the Tinubu Presidency.

“We have checked our records and membership register and we could not find Ajuri Ngelale in the list. One can be a good writer, broadcaster or journalist but there are set parameters of knowledge a communicator needs to acquire including qualification before he/she can practice Public Relations in Nigeria.

“The law establishing NIPR provides laid-down rules about appointing spokespersons which also makes it a criminal offence for anybody to practice Public Relations by whatever name without certification by the Institute.

“In fact the NIPR act stipulates punishment for illegal practice including imprisonment, fine, or both,” said one of the governing council members who spoke in confidence.

This discovery is coming after the presidential spokesperson goofed in his recent official statements.

Mr Ngelale had recently committed major blunders when he claimed that President Tinubu was the first African leader to ring the bell at the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations, NASDAQ, during a visit to the United States.

The presidential spokesperson had also made a similar mistake when he claimed that the United Arab Emirates had lifted the visa ban on Nigerians after a bilateral meeting between President Tinubu and UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

The Presidency later acknowledged it goofed in both instances as UAE did not issue any statement on the Visa ban while former President of Tanzania, Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, and other notable leaders had rang the NASDAQ bell before President Tinubu.

By Abdulyassar Abdulhamid


Bandits on Friday morning abducted an unspecified number of students from the Federal University of Gusau.

The bandits in large numbers were also said to have invaded the Sabon-Gida community of the Bungudu Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

Three hostels were attacked and all the students in there were taken away by the bandits.

The bandits were said to have been engaged by troops of the Nigerian Army in a fierce gun battle, but they escaped with the victims.

Sources in Sabon-Gida told Channels TV that the gunmen invaded the community around 3am and started shooting sporadically.

“They entered the town around 3 am and started shooting indiscriminately. We have yet to confirm the number of students kidnapped because the bandits entered three hostels and kidnapped all the students there. It is difficult to ascertain their numbers now.

“They were seriously engaged with the army troops but the way these bandits operate, they will divide themselves into two, one group will move with the kidnapped victims while the other will stay behind to protect the first group.

“The first group had left with the students while the second group engaged the army in a gun duel,” a source was quoted as saying,

By Victor Ahiuma & Johnbosco Agbakwuru


ABUJA — AS the ultimatum by the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, to the Federal Government to address the mass suffering and pains occasioned by the removal of subsidy on petrol expires today, the leadership of the Congress will meet next week to decide when to begin an indefinite nationwide strike.

But Vanguard gathered that the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has been meeting with some members of the government team on how to avert the strike.

It was also gathered that the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, and the Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon Lalong, alongside the Vice President, are putting together a package, including wage awards, to be presented to the NLC leadership.

It will be recalled that NLC had between Tuesday, September 5 and Wednesday 6 embarked on a two-day nationwide warning strike to protest, among others, perceived government insensitivity to plights and sufferings of Nigerians, especially workers, following the subsidy removal.

Ahead of the warning strike, the National Executive Council, NEC, of NLC had issued within 14 working days or 21 days from September 1, 2023, an ultimatum for the government to address the excruciating mass suffering and the impoverishment experienced around the country, threatening an indefinite strike if government failed to address its demands.

As the 21-day ultimatum expires today, Vanguard learned that critical organs of NLC will be meeting next week to decide on the indefinite strike and modalities if nothing concrete was done to lessen the suffering and hardship of Nigerians.

A source said: “The issue is conventional, when an ultimatum expires, you call your organs and the organs will decide when to commence the strike. If we ever decide to say we would take one day or few days or one week to prepare for it, that would be their position.”

Pressed to be more categorical on whether the strike would commence immediately, one of the sources privy to the NLC meetings simply said “Nothing is impossible.”

‘Meeting to hold on a date for the strike to begin’

Another source told Vanguard that the “last NEC held on September 1, 2023, has actually given the leadership of NLC, especially members of the National Administrative Council, NAC, the go-ahead to meet, fix a date for the commencement of the indefinite strike and communicate to the state councils and industrial union affiliates.

“I can tell you that the leadership will meet next week and fix a date for the strike. However, if NAC members are convinced that the government has addressed our demands to an appreciable level, in such a case, the leadership will still call the organs to brief them of the development.”

‘Govt team working to avert strike’
The source, however, said available information revealed that the government team is working seriously to avert another round of industrial unrest by NLC.

He said further that both the minister of finance, and the vice president, who is standing in for the President who is attending the United Nations General Assembly, UNGA, Summit in New York were considering some figures.

“So they know the seriousness of the planned action and some of them are speaking out boldly that they are not afraid because of the package they have for workers.

“Available information is that the government will soon announce what it has. They are really making efforts and again the President is not in the country.

“What we don’t know is whether what they have will be enough for NLC to consider or not. In the past two to three days, the vice president has been meeting with some of the government team to come up with something. “
The source made it clear that the NLC leadership had said it would not be part of any meeting if there were no tangible packages for workers.

Attempt to get a reaction from the Presidency did not yield any results as the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Chief Ajuri Ngelale, is out of the country.

The presidential spokesman is with the President in New York for the UNGA summit.

Recall that while briefing last Friday, after its NEC’s meeting, NLC President, Joe Ajaero, said: “NEC-in-session of NLC resolved to embark on a total and indefinite shutdown of the nation within 14 working days or 21 days from today until steps are taken by the government to address the excruciating mass suffering and the impoverishment experienced around the country.

“To commence a two-day warning strike on Tuesday and Wednesday, 5th and 6th September 2023 to demonstrate our readiness for the indefinite strike later in the month and to also demand that the state vacates the illegally occupied national headquarters of the National Union of Road Transport Workers. “

The NLC also resolved to embark on a mass protest and rally in Imo State within September, and equally raised the alarm over what it described as a renewed onslaught by the government and its agents on labour unions.

Ajaero explained that the proposed strike was necessitated by the government’s deliberate neglect and disregard to engage the relevant stakeholders through the channel of social dialogue.

He said the Federal Government had refused to engage and reach an agreement with organized labour on critical issues on the consequences of the unfortunate hike in prices of petrol which had unleashed massive suffering on Nigerian workers and masses.

Ajaero said: “There is a renewed onslaught against trade unions and its leadership by the state and its agents across Nigeria.

‘’The Police, under the instruction of certain forces peddling the name of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, invaded and occupied illegally the national headquarters of the National Union of Road Transport Workers headquarters seeking to install its own executive.”

Operatives of the Lagos State Police Command have arrested the Nurse who treated late Nigerian rapper, Ilerioluwa Olademeji Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad, before his death.

Nollywood actress, Iyabo Ojo, disclosed this after she paid a visit to the Lagos State Police Commissioner, Idowu Owohunwa.

In a video shared via her Instagram page on Wednesday night, the Nollywood atress briefed fans about her visit to the Police boss and the progress on the police investigation of Mohbad’s death.

She said, “The police have made some arrests [in connection with Mohbad’s death]. The nurse has been arrested. That I know. That’s the only information I can give you right now.

“They have arrested some people. They are asking some people to turn themselves in.”

Recall that Mohbad’s father, James Aloba, had said in an interview, said that he suspected the auxiliary nurse who injected Mohbad before he died, stressing that the injection might have complicated his son’s health.

LEADERSHIP had earlier reported that a 13-man special investigation team was inaugurated by the Lagos State Police Command to probe the singer’s sudden death.

The House of Representatives on Wednesday resolved to adjourn the ongoing investigation into the disposal of public property due to the incompetence of the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA) delegation to answer questions on the sale of 45 million items/barrels at Lagos Ports Complex, Papa, Lagos in 2022.

The Agency also sold 10,800,700 items at the sum of N1 each totalling N10.800 million in 2021 from the NPA Dockyard Papa, Lagos.

The Ad-hoc Committee chaired by Hon. Julius Ihonvbere, was mandated to investigate the disposal of public property by the Agencies between 2010 and 2022 to unravel the extent of illegal auctioning of public property, non-remittance of revenue realized into the Consolidated Revenue Fund’.

Documents presented to the Ad-hoc Committee by NPA showed that the Agency sold 16 vessels at the sum of N156,233,966.75 in 2019.

The vessels are: ML Pategi sold at N3,250,892.50; ML Misau sold at N1,056,142.50; PB Kabba sold at N5,355,892.50; SPB 3 sold at N53,396.25; PC Shelleng sold at N48,142.50; ML Sakwa sold at N531,142.50; Floating Dock V sold at N107,500,913.00; ML Tangeli sold at N538,413.74; while ML Tandama was sold at N538,474.75.

In the same vein, MT Bajima was sold at N8,437,642.40; PC Owatoloyo sold at N3,780,892.50; PC Umuahia sold at N2,688,413.75; MT Ibeto sold at N3,150,892.50; MT Owerri sold at N2,150,161.25; MT Bansara sold at N8,662,657.50 and MT Bashar sold at N8,882,657.50.

Meanwhile, some of the stakeholders were privy to the process but spoke under condition of anonymity, explaining that some of the vessels and other office items described as unserviceable are still in good condition.


In the same vein, NPA sold 44 exotic vehicles including Ranger Pick Up, Toyota Coaster Buses, Toyota Corolla cars, Toyota Hiace cars, Toyota Camry Salon Cars, Toyota Hilux Pick Up cars, Isuzu Pick Up cars, Mitsubishi Jeeps, Mercedes Benz Truck, Land Rover Mini Fire Van, among others at the total sum of N31,848,948.

The documents further revealed that Land Rover Mini Fire Truck was sold at N20,000; Toyota Hilux Van sold at N50,000; Isuzu Pick Up Van sold at N30,000; Peugeot 504 Salon car sold at N20,000; another Toyota Hilux Van sold at N60,000; Mitsubishi Pick Up Van sold at N53,000; Ford Ranger sold at N60,000; another Isuzu Pick Up sold at N55,000;

The Agency also sold various office equipment such as generators and tanks, batteries, fuel tank, Craner, mast, vans, welding machine, motorcycles and bicycles at N22,721,754 in 2019.

In the same year, NPA sold 44 series of vehicles including Mitsubishi Pick Up Van at N21,735; Toyota Hilux Van at N50,000; Ford Ranger Pick Up Van at N60,000; among others.

While ruling, Hon. Ihonbvere directed the NPA delegation to come on Monday, along with the list of properties slated for auctioning, evaluation reports and name of registered Valuers involved in the transactions; including their reports, government approval from the office of Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), Federal Executive Council; including Certificate of No Objection where necessary, evidence of remittances into the Consolidated Revenue Fund, bidding procedures, newspaper publications, selection and every other documents that will assist the Ad-hoc Committee.

While reacting to the Comptroller General of Nigerian Customs Service, Mr. Adewale Adeniyi’s non-appearance before the Ad-hoc Committee, Hon. Ihonbvere argued that public funds are being spent from its scarce resources in publishing the summons in newspapers; only to get a reply of an apology from the Service for their inability to appear before the committee due to some operations outside Abuja.

While issuing final warning to the newly appointed NCS Comptroller General, the Majority Leader noted that the arrogance of power and indiscipline in the public service can have negative consequences and, hence should be addressed.

“This is my first address before the General Assembly. Permit me to say a few words on behalf of Nigeria, on behalf of Africa, regarding this year’s theme,” said Commander-in-Chief and President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu. He was speaking on the opening day of the United Nations General Assembly, in New York City, which will run until 26 September. He sought to highlight several points important to him.

On Nigeria’s national security, President Tinubu said foreign actors have been knocking on Nigeria’s door. “Foreign entities abetted by local criminals who aspire to be petty warlords have drafted thousands of people into servitude to illegally mine gold and other resources. Billions of dollars meant to improve the nation now fuel violent enterprises. If left unchecked, they will threaten peace and place national security at grave risk.”

PREMIUM TIMES has reported how illegal mining activities are prevalent in many Nigerian states including Zamfara, Osun and Plateau. The foreign firms, usually Chinese, connive with local leaders and sometimes armed groups to take control of large expanses of minerals-filled land.

At the UNGA, Mr Tinubu voiced his planned approach to armed groups. “Mercenaries and extremists with their lethal weapons and vile ideologies invade our region from the north” he said, “harmful traffic undermines the peace and stability of an entire region,” and there are plans to disband “extremist groups on our turf.”

Mr Tinubu said about Niger, where a coup recently sacked President Mohamed Bazoum. “We are negotiating with the military leaders. As Chairman of ECOWAS, I seek to help re-establish democratic governance in a manner that addresses the political and economic challenges confronting that nation, including the violent extremists who seek to foment instability in our region. I extend a hand of friendship to all who genuinely support this mission.”

“Our entire region is locked in protracted battle against violent extremists. In the turmoil, a dark channel of inhumane commerce has formed. Along the route, everything is for sale. Men, women, and children are seen as chattel,” Mr Tinubu said.

Highlighting challenges which other African states are facing, he said about the Democratic Republic of the Congo, “The Democratic Republic of the Congo has suffered this for decades, despite the strong UN presence there. The world economy owes the DRC much but gives her very little.”

He added, “The mayhem visited on resource-rich areas does not respect national boundaries. Sudan, Mali, Burkina Faso, CAR, the list grows.”

He closed his speech with how he characterizes Africa: “Africa is not a problem to be avoided nor is it to be pitied. Africa is nothing less than the key to the world’s future.”

This is President Tinubu’s first participation at the UN annual General Assembly. He was sworn in as president of Africa’s largest country on 29 May although his victory is still being challenged by two of his major opponents in court.

President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday assured international investors that he is poised to solve the challenges in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry having worked in the sector himself.

Consequently, he said Nigeria is open for business now more than ever.

“We know the industry. We grew up in it. We are positioned to solve the problems, and we are pragmatic, and we will solve the problem,” Tinubu told a delegation consisting of the global leadership of oil and gas transnational giant, ExxonMobil, on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, USA.

Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, disclosed this in a statement he signed on Tuesday titled “Nigeria has the resources and the leadership, we have never been more ready for business,” President Tinubu tells global energy industry.’

Tinubu asserted that Africa’s giant is no longer settling for crumbs and leftovers on the investment agenda of the world’s most prolific energy conglomerates, saying “Nigeria has never been more ready for business than it is now.”

He said following an illustrious private sector career as a professional accountant in the oil & gas industry, he has proven his capacity to take difficult decisions as President and is best prepared to solve problems and crush all bottlenecks standing in the way of new and large-scale capital flowing into Nigeria’s oil & gas industry.

“The knotty issues require direct supervision on my part.

“Despite many contending obligations, I will sit down and oversee the process of removing these encumbrances to job and wealth creation for the Nigerian people,” he asserted.

ExxonMobil President of Global Upstream Operations, Liam Mallon, pledged new production of nearly 40,000bpd in its Nigerian operations in phase one of a new investment push in Nigeria.

Mallon said this commitment was his company’s response to President Tinubu’s personal commitment on behalf of Nigeria.

“What you told us was that your team would collaborate with us, and that has proven true.

“We have made significant progress since we last met. We are growing our production, and we are working hard on expanding deepwater production.

“We appreciate your efforts, and we will respond in kind. The time is right. Thank you for your leadership,” the ExxonMobil President stated.

Johnson Idowu

https://cdn.punchng.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/19193426/The-accident-scene-1-768x373.jpegThe accident scene


An accident involving a diesel-loaded tanker and a towing vehicle opposite the Mountain of Fire Ministry in the Magboro axis of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway has caused traffic congestion for travellers coming from Berger inwards Mowe/Ibafo axis.

When our correspondent visited the scene of the accident, it was observed that the tanker was spilling its contents on the road while police officers were on the ground to prevent hoodlums who had gathered to scoop the fuel spilling from the tanker. It was also observed that officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps were seen controlling the traffic situation.

PUNCH Metro gathered that the accident, which happened on Tuesday, occurred when the diesel-loaded tanker tried to manoeuvre a truck which overtook it resulting in a collision with a towing vehicle.

The towing vehicle, with registration number LSD386HG, was damaged by the side.


https://cdn.punchng.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/19193537/The-accident-scene-2-300x146.jpegThe damaged towing van


An eyewitness, Segun Afolayan, noted that the slippery road occasioned by rainfall caused the collision which involved the two vehicles.

He said, “We were opposite the MFM when we saw the accident. I think the tanker tried to avoid a truck which overtook it but slipped as a result of the rain which led to it falling and colliding with this towing vehicle. I think the ‘motorboys’ of both vehicles were injured and they have been taken to hospital by road safety officials.

Another eyewitness identified as Oluwasegun blamed speeding as the cause of the accident.

Oluwasegun said, “The accident was caused by the speeding of a truck which overtook this tanker causing it to wave while trying to avoid collision with the truck. This led to its fall and further collision with the towing vehicle.”

When contacted, the Public Relations Officer, Ogun State Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Florence Okpe, noted that the rescue operation is ongoing at the moment.

She said, “The tanker occupied about two lanes, leaving just one lane for motorists. The FRSC operatives from Ibafo Outpost and men of the Nigeria Police are on the ground managing the traffic situation. We are however awaiting the arrival of firefighters and an empty tanker. The tanker is loaded with AGO. We shall continually keep you posted as the situation progresses.”

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) is expected to take delivery of 51 aircraft newly procured by the federal government to boost its operations.

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, disclosed this during his remarks at the graduation of 15 participants of Air War College (AWC) Course 9/2023 held in Makurdi, Benue State.

The Air Chief stated that the graduation of the participants was a major stride in human capacity development in the Service, which is critical to the fulfilment of NAF’s constitutional mandate.

Abubakar, in a statement by the NAF director of public relations and information,MAir Cdre Edward Gabkwet, noted that the NAF would be inducting additional platforms before the end of the year to boost training, air power employment and projection.

He listed the platforms to include; two Agusta 109 Trekker Multi-role helicopters, two Beechcraft King Air 360, three Diamond DA-62 surveillance aircraft, and six T-129 ATAK helicopters.

Other pending acquisitions, according to the CAS include; two CASA 295 medium airlift/surveillance aircraft, 12 AH-1Z attack helicopters, and 24 M-346 attack aircraft.

He said the acquisitions demonstrate government’s deep commitment to equipping the NAF for the safe conduct of training and agile airpower employment to meet the nation’s security challenges.

He commended the unwavering support of the Federal Government under the amiable leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in equipment procurement and training, which has enabled the NAF to maintain consistency in conducting operations to curtail contemporary threats.

The CAS also re-echoed the importance that institutions like the AWC play in enhancing jointness and synergy in ongoing operations.

He said: “Institutions like the AWC and other Services War Colleges must continue to produce officers whose understanding and beliefs in joint operations would guide the AFN towards efficient use of available military resources.”

He then stated that the successes so far recorded in ongoing joint operations signified the benefits and necessity of joint force employment in contemporary military operations.

In his remarks, the Minister of Defence, Dr Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, commended the formidability of air power projected by NAF as a decisive and indispensable aspect of the physical component of combat power critical to the preservation of Nigeria’s territorial integrity.

The Minister, who was represented by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, also noted that over the years, the NAF has continued to attract tremendous goodwill and credibility to the nation through the provision of airlift and humanitarian support for the United Nations, African Union and friendly African countries.

Badaru noted that NAF’s premium on operational art, critical thinking and other pragmatic frameworks for military decision-making processes in the curriculum of the AWC would, no doubt, enhance the culture of proactiveness in operational planning and management in the NAF.

He said such was indispensable to ensuring national security, which is pivotal to the socio-economic development of the nation.

He praised the efforts of NAF personnel whom, he said, have continued to contribute immensely to the successes of ongoing joint operations.

“I must also place on record that the NAF has been playing significant and crucial roles in the ongoing counterinsurgency and counter-terrorism operations where its officers and airmen have performed gallantly,” the Minister stated.

Petrol marketers have called for urgent intervention by the federal government to arrest the fast increase in the pump price of diesel to prevent imminent distribution crisis.

The marketers said they can no longer sustain the distribution of petrol and other products nationwide as the price of diesel used to power their trucks now sells for N1,100/litre in many locations.

The marketers, under the aegis of Natural Oil and Gas Suppliers’ Association of Nigeria (NOGASA), raised the alarm in a statement on Tuesday.

The association’s president, Mr Benneth Korie, said that diesel has witnessed incessant hike in prices in recent months, a development he said has been worsened by marketers’ inability to secure cheap bank loans that will enable them restock and sell petrol at the current pump price of N617/litre.

Korie lamented that the rapidly-rising diesel price was evidently causing hardships in haulage transportation and commuting alike.

He, therefore, called on the government to intervene before the sector gets grounded and derails the anticipated growth.

The NOGASA president assured that finding lasting solutions to the incessant hike in diesel price will be a major issue that will be addressed by the union at its annual general meeting (AGM) coming up in October.

According to him, “NOGASA is worried about the ugly development and trying to understand why prices of diesel are going as high as N950 to N1,100 per litre in the market with a view to moderating the prices and shocks in the economy.”

Experts, however, were of the view that the hike in diesel price may stem from the rise in crude oil price, which currently stands at $95 per barrel.

Another factor is the Naira slump, which is inching towards N1,000/$1 in the parallel exchange rate market.

Korie advised that the Nigerian refineries should be given emergency attention by the government to ensure rising energy cost does not murder the economy.

“We will continue to deliver on our mandate as we make progress in the oil and Gas Industry.

“We advise that suppliers should go about their respective businesses until proper resolution will be taken at the NEC meeting,” Korie stated.

By Damilola Olufemi


The Lagos State Police Command has inaugurated a 13-man special investigation team to probe the mysterious death of Nigerian singer, Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad.

“Do not forget, we have unique access with INTERPOL. Everybody linked to it (the death of Mohbad) will be identified and they will be brought to establish their level of involvement,” Lagos State Commissioner, Idowu Owohunwa said on Monday.

The PUNCH reports last Tuesday that Mohbad, a former signee of Marlian Records owned by Azeez Faashola, popularly known as Naira Marley. died at the age of 27.

Naira Marley, while mourning the death of Mohbad described him as “more than an artiste or signee but brother and dear friend” to him.

He said this via his Instagram handle last Friday night, in a statement personally signed by him, on behalf of the Marlian Record label.

“From inception, we recognised Mohbad was a force to be reckoned with. His music gave so many people love and light. Mohbad touched us all with his heartfelt lyrics, story telling, infectious smile and energy. The news of his passing has left us with a permanent hole in our hearts,” part of the statement read.

In another post on his Instagram handle, he posted a video of the late singer the caption, “Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un. Rest in perfect peace my broski 💡 🕊. I’m shattered 💔💔#Imole’sWorld💡. Got u forever bro.”

The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 election, Atiku Abubakar, has said the purported errors discovered in the certificate of President Bola Tinubu validate his discovery.

DAILY POST reports that Tinubu’s lawyers had on Wednesday, in response to the petition of Atiku in a federal court in Chicago, Illinois, United States, agreed that there are errors in the academic certificate presented to Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) by the President, and blamed those errors on the clerk of the Chicago State University (CSU).

In a statement issued on Saturday, the former vice president said documents submitted by his lawyers in the United States and Nigeria showed disturbing discrepancies and circumstantial fallacies in Tinubu’s academic records from the university.

One of the documents, for instance, is the certified true copy of the certificate submitted by Tinubu to INEC on 17th June 2022, and according to Atiku’s lawyers, “this, purportedly, is the certificate issued to him by Chicago State University (“CSU”) showing that he attended the school, and evidencing the degree he was awarded.

“In another document is a copy of a letter dated September 22, 2022 from Mr. Caleb Westberg, the Registrar of CSU attaching a copy of the certificate issued to Bola Tinubu in recognition of the degree he was awarded by the university.

“There is another document, which is a copy of the certificate forwarded by Mr. Westberg, as mentioned above, in response to a subpoena that was issued to CSU in respect of Bola Tinubu’s academic qualifications and achievements.

“There is also a copy of the bio of Dr. Niva Lubin-Johnson. Dr. Lubin-Johnson was the Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of CSU from January 2001 to December 2002.

“Also is a copy of the bio of Dr. Elnora D. Daniel. Dr. Daniel was the President of CSU from 1998 to 2008.”

However, the interesting thing upon further examination of these documents is that while they all speak to the same subject, Tinubu’s academic qualifications from the Chicago State University, they all bear different details.

Written by Chika Izuora


Trucking and sale of crude oil to ERPC’s Edo refinery, is experiencing delays as a result of bottlenecks associated with getting regulatory approval.

Decklar Resources and its co-venturer Millennium which provided updates regarding crude oil delivery operations at the Oza Oil Field in Nigeria said, it has experienced some delays obtaining permits to truck crude to the ERPC and DMCL refineries.

The company, however, anticipates that, with new systems recently implemented by the government regulatory agencies future permits will be obtained and issued in a more timely and efficient manner.

It further expressed confidence in crude transportation as the Trans-Niger Pipeline (TNP), which flows into the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC), operated Bonny export terminal, was reopened in April 2023 and remains operational.

However, it hoped that the connector lines including the pipeline serving the Oza Oil Field, would become operational in the near future.

Based upon public announcements, the main line of the TNP has been operating since April 2023, and recorded minimal losses due to theft and bunkering through May 2023, the company affirmed.

It said, updates provided by SPDC have indicated that the main line has continued operations and it is anticipated that feeder pipelines will soon be operational.

The TNP had been shut down for over one year due to vandalism and high line losses, and efforts and support from the Nigerian government are credited to a great degree for the resumption of operations.

Decklar is currently re-certifying fiscal metering equipment and has applied for all necessary permits to allow for access and production into the TNP.

It noted further that trucking of crude oil from the Oza Oil Field to the ERPC facility in Edo State, Nigeria has reached a cumulative volume of over 55,000 barrels bbls, with 10,000 bbls delivered in 2022 under the initial sale and purchase agreement and over 45,000 bbls delivered so far in 2023.

Deliveries are continuing under the 200,000 bbls contract.

The terms of the 200,000 bbls agreement include an invoicing and payment cycle that is triggered as each 5,000 bbls batch is delivered and offloaded at the Edo refinery.

It added that delivery of crude oil has continued from the Oza Oil Field to DMCL and just under 13,000 bbls have been delivered to date while DMCL has agreed to purchase up to 100,000 bbls over the next 12 months.

The company also reported that Mr. William Foose has resigned from Decklar’s board effective immediately.

The company thanks Mr. Foose for his valuable input and service.

The CEO of Decklar Resources, Sanmi Famuyide said: “We are very pleased that the TNP pipeline that ties into the Bonny export terminal is back in operation. Once Decklar commences production and exports through the TNP and Bonny terminal, we anticipate being in a position to maintain continuous production and export activities through the TNP, which is a more cost effective and efficient evacuation system for the Oza crude oil production compared to the alternative of trucking and selling to local refineries.

“I would also like to personally thank Mr. Foose for his valuable contribution as a Board member and wish him the very best in his future endeavours.

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has finally inaugurated 6 National Working Committee (NWC) members amidst serious protests.

The inauguration took place at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja on Friday midnight because of protests that trailed the emergence of the new members.

The new members sworn in by the APC national chairman, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, are the deputy national chairman (North), Hon. Ali Bukar Dalori; Hon. Garba Datti Muhammad (National Vice Chairman, North West); Prof. Abdul Karim Abubakar Kana (National Legal Adviser); Hon. Donatus Nwankpa (National Welfare Secretary); Mary Alile Idele (National Women Leader) and Duro Meseko (Deputy National Publicity Secretary).

Recall that the inauguration was earlier slated for Thursday but Kogi protesters led by Governor Yahaya Bello and others from Cross River State stalled the swearing in.

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On Friday morning, the Abia APC Caucus and stakeholders rejected the process that led to the choice of Donatus Nwankpa as replacement for the late Friday Nwosu as national welfare secretary and the representative of Abia at the NWC.

The stakeholders in a statement signed by Senator Chris Adighije and over 15 others said, “Considering that Abia APC does not have a Governor and that the Deputy Speaker who is the leader of the party in the state and the stakeholders were not carried along by the NWC in reaching their decision, we hereby call on our national chairman and the NWC to revisit their earlier decision.”

Recall that the 12th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the APC held on August 3, in Abuja, had picked a former governor of Kano State, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and Ajibola Bashiru as national chairman and secretary following the resignation of Abdullahi Adamu and Iyiola Omisore.

The NEC also transmitted its powers to the NWC to fill the remaining vacant positions in the Committee created by the appointment of the deputy national chairman (North), Senator Abubakar Kyari; national women leader, Dr Betta Edu and others who either resigned or died.

Yahaya Bello had stormed the party’s headquarters in Abuja, in the early hours of Thursday protesting that his anointed candidate was not chosen for the office of deputy national publicity secretary.

Our correspondent reports that Ganduje was however, not on seat to receive him, and after several hours of waiting, the governor left the party’s secretariat without talking to journalists.

It was gathered that he later met with Ganduje at his residence in the night where they reached a pact that Bello would nominate someone for the office of zonal organising secretary (North Central).

It was learnt that the candidate of a former member of the House of Representatives and Secretary of the 2023 APC Presidential Campaign Council, a close political ally of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Hon. James Faleke’s anointed candidate, Duro Meseko, was picked for the office of deputy national publicity secretary while Bello’s candidate was dropped.

APC Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Yakubu Ajaka, had defected to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), where he emerged as the party’s governorship candidate for the November 11 governorship election in Kogi State.

Similarly, another group of protesters from Cross River State equally stormed the APC headquarters demanding the removal of the new women leader from the list.

Sources told our correspondent that the immediate past National Women Leader, Dr Betta Edu, who is the current Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, had nominated Dr Stella Odey-Ekpo to replace her from Cross River, but her candidate was schemed out to pave the way for candidate of a former governor of Edo State and former National Chairman of the APC, Adams Oshiomhole, Mary Alile Idele.

The Federal Government on Wednesday filed a contempt proceeding against the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and the Trade Union Congress, TUC, for allegedly embarking on an industrial action contrary to a June 5, 2023, exparte order by the National Industrial Court, NIC.

The “notice of consequences of disobedience to order of court” filed before NIC in Abuja, was addressed to NLC President, Joe Ajaero; Deputy Presidents, Audu Aruba, Prince Adeyanju Adewale and Kabiru Sani; General Secretary, Emmanuel Ugboaja; TUC President, Engr Festus Usifo; Scribe/ Chief Executive, Nuhu Toro.

The contempt notice signed by Senior Registrar, Balogun Olajide, reads: “Take notice that unless you obey the directions contained in the order of the National Industrial Court, Abuja, delivered by Honourable Justice Y. Anuwe on June 5, 2023, as per the attached enrolled order, you will be guilty of contempt of court and will be liable to be committed to Prison.”

The FG also attached a copy of the exparte order made by Justice Anuwe on June 5, 2023, to the notice of contempt proceeding forwarded to the NLC and TUC officials.

The order reads in part: “Having therefore considered the totality of this application, I make the following orders: The defendants/Respondents are hereby~ restrained from embarking on the planned Industrial Action/or strike of any nature pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice dated June 5, 2023.

“It is ordered that the defendant/Respondents be immediately served with the originating processes in this suit, the Motion on Notice and the order of this court hereby made.

“The Motion on Notice is hereby fixed for hearing for June 19, 2023. The Hearing Notices to that effect shall be served on the defendants/Respondent along with the other processes.”

The immediate past Vice President of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, has clarified why he missed the caucus meeting of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

According to a letter of apology, addressed to the acting APC chairman, Abubakar Kyari, Osinbajo, he said he was busy with international duties abroad before he received the invitation to the meeting.

The former VP, however, reaffirmed his commitment to the ruling party, saying that he cancelled some of his engagements abroad to be attend the two previously scheduled caucus meetings of the party which were later postponed.

He expressed his fidelity to the party and his availability for future meetings and activities.

Osinbajo, estranged ally of President Bola Tinubu, was up against the president in the presidential primary of the ruling party.

He, however, came a distant third.

More than 50 names of military officers across the three services of the Nigerian Armed Forces – army, navy and the air force have been penciled down for promotion following the deadline given to top generals to exit the service, Daily Trust reliably learnt yesterday.

The officers, who are on the rank of brigadier generals and colonels respectively in the Nigerian Army and its equivalent in the navy and the air force, are expected to fill the vacant positions at various formations of the armed forces in the country.

Although the Military Council Board saddled with the responsibility of promotion approval is yet to sit, it was learnt that those to be considered for the promotion are of Regular Course 43 of the Nigerian Defence Academy.

Apart from the CDS who is a member of Regular Course 38, the three service chiefs – Maj.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff; Rear Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, the Chief of Naval Staff and Air Vice Marshal Hassan Abubakar, the Chief of Air Staff are members of 39 RC of the NDA.

Daily Trust reports that the new development on promotion came following the July 3 (today) deadline given to the senior military officers by the Military High Command to voluntarily tender their resignations and exit the service.

The order, which was contained in a memo dated June 26 and signed by Maj.-Gen. Y. Yahaya on behalf of the Chief of Defence Staff, was directed to generals, brigadier generals, air vice marshals, and rear admirals in the three services, who are seniors to the new service chiefs.

A memo by the Defence Headquarters with reference number DHQ/I5/PLANS/801/13 explained that it was meant to preserve and uphold the tenets of the military profession which values hierarchy and service discipline.

The memo, copied to the army, navy and air force headquarters, directed all officers with seniority on commission above that of Regular Course 39 of the NDA to submit their applications for voluntary retirement from service with immediate effect.

Findings by Daily Trust revealed on Sunday that all members of 38 Regular Course of the NDA had submitted their voluntary retirement applications before the close of work on Friday as directed by the Defence Headquarters.

A senior military officer, who spoke to our correspondent on the condition of anonymity, said some members of 39 Regular Course of the NDA submitted their applications except those redeployed newly by the new service chiefs.

The source also explained that recommendations are already being made on those to be considered for the promotion in the three services, adding that the approval will come after the Military Council Board will have interviewed and ratified the names of those recommended.

In the same vein, a member of RC 43 who spoke anonymously also told Daily Trust that some members of RC 40, 41 and 42 have reached the rank of major generals, rear admirals and AVM, and they are currently filling the vacant positions in the latest shake-up.

He said, “Those positions that were left vacant have already been occupied or are in the process of being occupied, and the officers that are occupying those positions are already in the rank cadre. I mean they are already wearing the rank they require to occupy them.”

Tinubu to decorate new service chiefs

Speaking further, he said, “When the service chiefs are promoted, except they want to change the old order, their course mates cannot be promoted because we cannot have two captains in a boat. When the service chiefs are promoted to lieutenant generals, their course mates will remain major generals while they are still in service.”

Several calls to the telephone lines of army spokesman, Brig. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu; the acting Director, Defence Information, Brig.-Gen. Tukur Gusau and the NAF spokesman, Air Commodore Ayodele Famuyiwa, went unanswered.

The trio were yet to reply to separate text messages sent to them.

But the spokesman of the Nigerian Navy, Commodore Adedotun Ayo-Vaughan, said, “I don’t know, I’m not aware. The promotion that normally comes at this time, except you’re talking about another one, is the service chiefs that have just resumed.

“Normally, when they resume office like this, and the National Assembly confirms them, then, the Chief of Defence Staff will be promoted to the four-star general (full general) while the Chief of Army Staff, Maj.-Gen. Lagbaja will be promoted to Lt.-Gen.

“Rear Admiral Ogalla will be promoted to vice admiral, while Air Vice Marshal Abubakar will be promoted to air marshal. That’s the only one we anticipate. I don’t know of any other one because promotion in the services comes at about this time when middle cadre officers are considered by the promotion board.

“Around the last quarter of the year, the senior officers or cadre are considered for 1-star and 2-star generals. That’s the only one I know and the timetable has not changed over the years. It cannot just change now.”


Army chief retains course mates

Meanwhile, the new Chief of Army Staff, Maj.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja has retained some of his course mates to work closely with at the headquarters in order to achieve the mandate of containing insecurity challenges.

Checks by Daily Trust showed that Maj.-Gen. Jimmy Akpor, the course mate of COAS, has now been appointed as the Chief of Administration at Army Headquarters, Abuja.

In a statement on Saturday by the army spokesman, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, the deployment of Akpor and other officers will take effect today.

MOTORISTS and road users plying the Lagos-Ibadan expressway, yesterday, expressed fears as the contractor of the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing resumes rehabilitation work on the axis today.

This came as the gridlock returned to the expressway, yesterday, following the high influx of Lagos-bound vehicles who were returning after the long Sallah break.

The situation crippled traffic along the axis for several hours as motorists and road users were stranded in the gridlock.

The traffic was compounded by yesterday’s downpour at the Berger end of the ever-busy road.

As of noon on Sunday, it took motorists more than three hours to travel from Ibafo in Ogun State to the Otedola Bridge in Lagos due to slow traffic which takes between 15 and 20 minutes to cover the stretch.

Frustrated travellers were seen lamenting the pains they will be subjected to face from today as a result of the failure of the contractor handling the project for effective traffic management as well as the lack of passable alternative roads.


Frustrated travellers speak

A motorist, Francis Adewale, who spoke to Vanguard, said: “The gridlock has started again on this axis today (Sunday). You can imagine what the traffic will look like tomorrow, (today) when the contractor returns to the site. We, hereby, appeal to relevant authorities to put in place an effective traffic and management system to ease the likely gridlock due to the high influx of vehicles.”

Also, Mrs Magaret Abioye, who resides in Mowe, Ogun State, expressed apprehension over the likely return of gridlock as rehabilitation work resumed today.

Mrs Abioye said: “We, hereby, appeal to the Federal, Lagos and Ogun state governments to put in place functional traffic management to save us from another round of hardship along the axis.

Following public outcry over the chaotic traffic situation on the expressway, the Federal Government on June 26, suspended further work on the ongoing reconstruction.

The Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, Mrs Olukorede Kesha, in a statement, said the suspension was to reduce possible gridlock during the Eid-el-Kabir celebration last Wednesday and Thursday.

Barring any last minute change, former governor of Edo State, Prof Oserheimen Osunbor, and a career Ambassador from Taraba State, Amb. Musa Mohammed, may make the ministerial list to be submitted to the National Assembly for screening either this week or latest next week.

Both Osunbor and Mohammed are two of the three persons nominated from one of the political groups that worked for the victory of President Bola Tinubu in the February 25 presidential election.

The political group, Elites Coalition for Good Governance with the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Senator George Akume as the national leader, was said to have recommended three persons for ministerial position.

The third person nominated was a former Minister of Communications under President Muhammadu Buhari, Adebayo Shittu, from Oyo State, but his nomination appears to be having issues as the state governor, Seyi Makinde, was said to have been given the mandate to nominate someone.

Recall that Governor Makinde was among the then G-5 (Integrity Group) governors that worked against the presidential candidate of their party, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, in the February 25 presidential election.

Other members of the then G-5 Governors are former Governors Nyesom Wike of Rivers, Samuel Ortom of Benue, Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State.

It was reported that Makinde and Wike worked for the then presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, who was declared winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

A source close to the Elites Coalition for Good Governance, which was before the election called Northern Elites Coalition for Good Governance, told Vanguard that the three names had been submitted as ministerial nominees.

The source further stated that the Northern Elites for Good Governance, which later changed to Elites Coalition for Good Governance to give it a national identity, worked assiduously for President Tinubu in the election.

According to the source, Northern Elites Coalition for Good Governance was fashioned after the group, with the name, “House-to-House,” with the aim of making people to be part of governance.

He explained that “House-to-House” was established to make people be aware of their responsibilities, including the right to ask questions from their leaders, for them to be aware of the fact that they had every right to know what their leaders were doing.

“We worked for Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. The present Secretary to Government of the Federation (Senator George) Akume was our national president and Ambassador Musa Muhammed from Jigawa State, Prof. Osunbor from Edo State, former governor, former minister of Communication, Adebayo Shittu. In fact, we normally hold our meetings in his (Shittu) house.

“Three of our members have been tipped for ministerial positions. Prof. Osunbor, Musa Mohammed and Shittu. I don’t think his own (Shittu) will sail through but we are still praying.

“All the state coordinators from all the northern states and the southwest nominated the three persons and we asked our national executive to push it through.”

The source told Vanguard that Osunbor campaigned for Asiwaju, adding that immediately after the election “we now changed it to Elites Coalition for Good Governance.”

As President Bola Ahmed Tinubu steps on the world stage, his early international engagement, his business history and record in governance maybe the first indication of his destination of choice to draw investments to Nigeria, raise critical finance to shore up the country’s coffers.

And in just a month, Nigeria’s domestic and foreign agenda are already taking on new forms with a business-centric president looking for new friends and alliances.

Tinubu, who was inaugurated as Nigeria’s president on May 29, 2023 has frequented France in recent years and by sheer coincidence or design; his international engagement was in France where attended the June 23/24 Summit on New Global Financing Pact, hosted by President Emmanuel Macron.

Over the years, foreign policy has essentially been about the projection, protection, realization and advancement of the national interests of a state.

Nigeria’s ambition to be an economic power house on the Africa continent has been in the agenda of past Heads of States and Presidents in the country and in achieving this, foreign trips aimed at establishing ties with allies and international organizations become inevitable.

Ironically, foreign realities change frequently in the sense that the domestic concerns that were factors during periods of past presidents are different presently. What has remained crucial is the need to ensure effective synergy between foreign and domestic considerations.

The summit could not have come at a better time as Tinubu became president at a period Nigeria’s finances happen to be in bad shape, with a debt burden of N50trn and debt servicing gulping more than 90 percent of the country’s revenue in the last one year.

The Nigerian government, in recent years, has also been running out of options on how to finance its yearly budget deficit, which had led to unconventional borrowing from the Central Bank of Nigeria.

But according to a statement from Dele Alake, the Special Adviser to the President on Communication, Tinubu held a meeting with the president of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, Odile Renaud-Basso on the side-lines of the Paris summit.

Alake quoted the president as saying, “We are challenged in terms of reforms, and we have taken the largest elephant out of the room with removal of fuel subsidy, and multiple exchange rates are equally gone. We are determined to open up the economy for business. Consider us a stakeholder in the Bank.’’

Odile Renaud-Basso said it would be a mistake for the development bank not to invest in Nigeria, after considering six potential economies for investment.

Foreign policy observers in Nigeria believe an alignment with France will reverberate across West Africa redirecting regional politics, security and economic fortunes just when some ECOWAS countries are looking to break away from French influence.

Throwing light on the perceived signed of the foreign policy of the current administration, the former Director General, Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Professor Jide Osuntokun, noted that President Tinubu apparently has medical reasons why he goes to Paris, saying it doesn’t necessarily mean a shift in the age long Anglo-Nigerian relationship is being replaced with a Franco-Nigerian friendship.

And despite the fact that a number of Francophone countries in the West Africa region are pulling away from France, Prof Osuntokun believes it in the best interest of Nigeria to draw closer to the European country.

He said, ‘’Any closer relationship with France will be in Nigeria’s interest because of France’s close relations with Tchad, Niger, Cameroons and Benin which are already closely linked with Nigeria in the fight against Boko Haram.

‘’Yes Mali, Burkina Faso and Central African Republic (CAR) are distancing themselves from France and getting closer to Russia via the Wagner Mercenary Group, but not all Francophone Africa are doing this. Certainly, our immediate neighbours Benin, Niger, Cameroons and Tchad are still maintaining close relations with France.”

A public affairs analyst, doesn’t see Tinubu making any radical departure from Nigeria’s traditional allies in the West; namely with the United States of America and Great Britain and also within the ECOWAS subregion.

In an interview with LEADERSHIP Sunday, he said, “Perhaps, France will add to the security investments Nigeria already enjoys from America, Britain and other countries. Many former French colonies want to distance themselves from France because of the bitter experience under French colonial rule, and policy of assimilation. Nigeria does not have such a negative history with France.’’

He opined that President Tinubu does not need France as a go between to establish security alliances with Niger, Chad, Guinea or any other Francophone country, saying previous administrations have done that.”

Though some experts in international relations are attributing the president’s attraction to France on medical reason, while the influence of Gilbert Chagoury, a Lebanese-Nigerian billionaire who is now based in Paris and has deep connections with the governments around the world and the global business elite.

Chagoury who has previously served as an adviser to governments in Africa and also an ambassador to the Vatican for St. Lucia is emerging as a key adviser with backchannel access to Tinubu and at the same time, a door to the French business community.


Chagoury, whose family is estimated to be worth more than $4 billion, is the brains and money behind the development of Eko Atlantic City and also owns Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos and Hotel Presidential in Port Harcourt.

Chagoury, will however, not be the only one competing for Tinubu’s ears on behalf of business interests and countries seeking to invest in Nigeria or benefit from its open borders and other policies.

On May 30, 2023, one day after Tinubu was sworn into office, President Patrice Talon of Benin Republic held a meeting with all the ambassadors representing the country at the Palais de la Marina to review challenges of Benin’s diplomacy and set new priorities.

And on June 6, a week after Tinubu’s inauguration, President Talon appointed Shegun Adjadi Bakari as the country’s foreign minister. Bakari, recently served as an adviser to President Faure Gnassingbé of Togo and help the country broker a deal with Nigeria’s Dangote Group for the production of phosphate fertilizer in Togo.

Incidentally, he happens to have a background in investment finance working with Societe Generale Group and like Chagoury, also has ties France’s business elite and several governments across the African continent. And just as significant, Bakari is reported to be of the same ethnic origin with Nigeria’s new president.

Osuntokun, the former director general of NIIA sees Bakari’s appointment a recognition of the reality of Nigerian politics and the cultural bond between Nigeria and Benin, and between the Yoruba of Benin and that of Nigeria.

He said we should reciprocate by sending an ambassador of Yoruba heritage to Benin and sees nothing strange in Benin Republic putting itself in prime position and influence and benefit from policies of the new Nigerian government.

He said, ‘’If the Nigerian economy picks up, all countries will want to have relations with us including all African countries, European and Asian countries and the USA. The key thing is the economy, not whether there is a shift in our relations towards France away from our traditional relations with the Anglophone world.

“Nigeria will continue to tap into our traditional relations with our neighbours through posting the appropriate ambassadors that share cultural ties and similarities with our neighbours. This has always been part of our tradition in our foreign office.’’

On the possibility of Tinubu making concessions to subsidize Benin Republic economy, Osuntokun said, ‘’there is no reason why Cotonou and Lagos and Lekki ports should not thrive together if well -coordinated.


‘’Nigeria can open a customs post in Cotonou to tax goods shipped to Nigeria via Cotonou. This needs to be negotiated in order to stop smuggling. The attempt to stop smuggling should be subject of discussion in the new Tinubu foreign policy towards all the ECOWAS countries and Cameroons and Tchad, but with special emphasis to our immediate neighbours.’’

Dr Pearse, the public affairs analyst acknowledges the interest France has in the economies of many of Nigeria’s neighbours saying, ‘’it is true that France has a stake in Cotonou Seaport and in other countries near Nigeria. If President Tinubu decides to invest in Benin Republic and other ports in the region, he would do so in order to promote trade, and diplomacy in the region with Nigeria as the major beneficiary.’’

Other countries in the West Africa subregion are seeking open borders but want the new Nigerian president to direct more investments their way.

Speaking with LEADERSHIP Sunday, the Ambassador of Liberia to Nigeria, Dr Al -Hassan Conteh called for significant improvement in the volume of trade between both countries, especially now that President Bola Tinubu has indicated interest to grow business with many countries.

Conteh told our correspondent on Saturday that although the two countries have enjoyed cordial diplomatic relations, the volume of trade has been very low to just little over $15 million since the 2012 Joint Commisssion.

“The volume of trade is very low and this is an area that came up in the 2012 joint commission between both countries. We want to expand trade from the current level of slightly over $15 million. So, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nigeria should resume the joint commission to help boost agreements in many areas, including cultural cooperation,” he said.

The envoy noted that agreements between both countries can be strengthened in the aviation sector with the Bilateral Air Services Agreements (BASA), agriculture and Information and Communications Technology (ICT). He said further that his country also needs big investment by Nigeria in rubber production, iron ore, tourism and hospitality adding that Nigerian insurance firms are doing well in Liberia.

Conteh lauded the support of Nigeria during the Liberian civil war between 1989 and 2003, stressing that Nigeria “played a vanguard role under the ECOWAS Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) to bring peace to his country in much the same way Liberia played a quiet diplomacy during the Nigerian civil war between 1967 and 1970.”

“Both countries were members of the Monrovia Group and we contributed significantly to the formation of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) now African Union (AU),” he said.

He explained that under the Technical Aid Corps (TAC) scheme, Nigeria assisted Liberia with human capital development and capacity building, adding that this has led to a more productive relations even as some Nigerian have naturalised in his country and many more feely doing their business under the ECOWAS Protocol on free movement

“Now that Nigeria has a new administration of President Bola Tinubu, we are open to business and we are looking forward to promoting trade with the Tinubu government. We shall mutually invest significantly in aviation. Air Peace is operating in Liberia and Nigerian Insurance companies are also operating in Liberia. We need big investments in rubber, iron ore agriculture, tourism, and the hospitality business.

“We are interested in a workable agreement with Nigeria to invest in our digital economy sector especially the ICT where Nigerian has made significant progress that adds value to its GDP. We also want to improve that sector in Liberia and grow our GDP,” he added.

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The university town of Ekpoma in Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State was on Thursday evening jolted as a team of policemen with their official vehicle (a black sienna bus, provided by the Edo State Government) ran over a handcuffed middle aged man who earlier asked to lie down by the policemen.

A trending video that surfaced on Friday morning showed people gathered, apparently watching the handcuffed man on the floor infront of the police vehicle, before the driver moved, crushing and dragging him on the ground for over 100meters, while ignoring shouts from the crowd.

The incident generated uproar from the crowd, but the angry crowd was quickly dispersed by gunshots from the policemen.

Responding, the Spokesman of the Edo State Police Command, SP Chidi Nwabuzor in a press statement, said the policemen have been arrested and that Edo State Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Dankwara has called for calm.

The Statement reads in part: “Edo State Police Command wishes to inform the general public that it’s aware of the trending video on social media that shows some Police officers with a Sienna Vehicle used for Police patrol that ran over a young man who was handcuffed.

“The facts of the incident as gathered preliminarily indicates that on 29/06/2023 at about 1700hrs, ASP Magdalene Osayande reported at Ekpoma Divisional Police Headquarters, Ekpoma, Edo State that while on routine stop and search duty with her team of six (6) policemen along Ihumudumu Road, Ekpoma, Edo State, intercepted a driver of unregistered Lexus car and demanded for the vehicle particulars.”

The statement also said that, “along the line, he became aggressive and refused to oblige the request of the Police operatives, but rather attacked them, inflicted injuries on them, and destroyed Police vehicle.

“However, he was arrested, handcuffed, and identified as one Success Ehimare before the incident that is currently trending on social media occurred. He was later taken to Irrua Specialist Hospital for treatment, and he is in good health condition.

In light of the above, CP Mohammed Adamu Dankwara has condemned the action of the policeman seen in the trending video, and he described it as barbaric, inhumane and unprofessional.

He, therefore gave a marching order to the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Ekpoma to identify, arrest, and bring to the State Police Headquarters Benin for brief and debrief. The officers had so been arrested, and they are with the State Criminal Investigation Department.

By Emmanuel Elebeke


The transport sector in Nigeria represents about 24% of in-scope carbon emissions every year.

And 72% of these emissions come from passenger vehicles.

In a groundbreaking move towards sustainable and eco-friendly transportation, Possible EVS is set to launch Nigeria’s first fleet of electric taxis.

With an initial fleet of 30 units, the startup has ambitious plans to expand to over 200 electric taxis across major Nigerian cities by mid-2024, revolutionizing public transportation in the country.

These electric taxis, specially designed for passenger transport, will provide last-mile solutions for both intra- and inter-city trips, offering a convenient and environmentally conscious alternative for commuters.

The fleet will also introduce shared travel options, ensuring cost-effective and efficient mobility for passengers without the hassle of surge pricing.

Unlike traditional combustion engine taxis, electric taxis emit zero emissions, which contributes to a cleaner and greener urban environment.

The introduction of electric taxis aligns with the global shift towards sustainable mobility solutions, addressing the pressing challenges of climate change and air pollution.

Possible EVS’s electric taxi fleet aims to complement existing transportation services in Nigeria, rather than compete against them.

By providing a more environmentally friendly alternative, the startup aims to raise awareness about the benefits of electric vehicles and encourage the adoption of sustainable transportation practices in the country.

Speaking on the novel transportation system, CEO and founder of Possible EVS,Mosope Olaosebikan, said: “As a socially responsible and forward-thinking organization, we’re thrilled to lead this transformative journey.

We believe our pioneering efforts will inspire other players in the transportation industry to embrace sustainable practices and contribute to a cleaner, greener, and more prosperous Nigeria.”

To support the operation of the electric taxis, Possible EVS will establish charging stations across Abuja, serving as a pilot program for future expansion.

These charging stations will ensure that the electric taxis have access to reliable and convenient charging infrastructure, enabling seamless operations and reducing any concerns about range anxiety.

With the introduction of Nigeria’s first electric taxi fleet, Possible EVS sets a promising example for the nation and the African continent as a whole, demonstrating the feasibility and benefits of electric mobility. As the fleet expands and more electric taxis hit the streets, Nigeria’s urban areas will witness a positive transformation in terms of reduced emissions, improved air quality, and enhanced passenger experiences.

Possible EVS’s electric taxi initiative not only contributes to Nigeria’s sustainable development goals but also aligns with global efforts to combat climate change and create a more sustainable future for all. As the nation embraces electric mobility, Possible EVS leads the way in driving the transition toward a cleaner and greener transportation ecosystem.

“Nigerians can look forward to a seamless and comfortable commuting experience”, said Mosope.

“Our vehicles are equipped with state-of-the-art features, including spacious interiors, advanced safety systems, and user-friendly technology, and our plans to install fast-charging infrastructure across key locations will ensure convenient access to charging stations and minimize any concerns about range anxiety.”

Possible With its commitment to sustainability, innovative solutions, and a vision for a cleaner future, Possible EVS is poised to revolutionize public transportation and pave the way for a greener Nigeria.

AHEAD of the resumption of the 10th Senate, next Tuesday, various camps battling to produce some of the remaining principal officers are awaiting the nod of President Bola Tinubu.

As it was done recently, the National Working Committee, NWC, of the All Progressives Congress, APC, is expected to name the party’s nominees for the Senate Majority Leader, Deputy Majority Leader, Chief Whip and Deputy Chief Whip.

However, it has to be done with the blessing of President Tinubu, who returned to the country after official/private visits to Paris and London, a source told Vanguard.

On May 8, 2023, the party released the zoning formula for the leadership of the 10th National Assembly, picking Godswill Akpabio (Akwa-Ibom/South-South) President of the Senate; Jibrin Barau (Kano/North-West) for Deputy President of the Senate; Tajudeen Abbas (Kaduna/North-West) for Speaker; and Benjamin Kalu (Abia South-East) for Deputy Speaker.

“If the president played a critical role in the emergence of Senate President, Speaker of the House of Representatives and their deputies, which are elective positions, you can expect that he will be very much interested in other positions that are principally the affairs of the party,” a top APC source told Vanguard.

Composition of principal officers may be delayed

Meanwhile, there are indications that the emergence of the other principal officers may be delayed till mid-July or later. Reason: The National Assembly offices are still under renovation. This means a temporary chamber may be used on July 4 for the plenary.

Also, the APC hierarchy is yet to take a position on the issue. A meeting of the National Executive Committee, NEC, has been fixed for July 11. Before then, a meeting of the party’s National Caucus would be held on July 10.

The meeting would look at the selection of the remaining principal officers among other issues if the plenary is postponed, it was gathered.

Following intense pressure from National Vice Chairman, North-West, Salihu Moh. Lukman, the Senator Abdullahi Adamu-led NWC fixed the NEC meeting for July 11.

The decision was taken after the dates were approved by President Tinubu who had been given three options to pick from.

Adamu’s refusal to convene regular meetings of relevant party organs had pitched him against Lukman who accused him of running the APC like a garrison commander.

The July 11 meeting will be the second NEC meeting to be convened by Adamu more than a year after the assumption of office.


Tinubu’s hand

There are strong indications that the issue of who becomes the Senate Majority Leader would be determined by President Tinubu

A source told Vanguard that President Tinubu and the APC may overlook Northern Senators who are at the moment eyeing the position of Senate Majority Leader.

Already, the fight for the position of Senate Majority Leader has polarised senators from the North and South, especially the South-West, with the former insisting on producing the Senate Majority Leader.

A Senator who spoke with Vanguard yesterday said:” The matter of who becomes the Senate Majority leader is becoming interesting as the leadership of the APC is at a crossroads at the moment and awaiting President Bola Tinubu to instruct the Senator Adamu led NWC to send names of those, who will form the leadership to the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio to announce during plenary upon resumption of the Senate.”

Vanguard gathered the former Leader, Senator Ali Ndume, APC, Borno South; immediate past Chairman, Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, APC, Ekiti Central; and Senator Abdulfatai Buhari, APC, Oyo North are very much interested in the position of majority leader.

While Ndume is from the North-East, Bamidele and Buhari are both from the South-West.

The party has not taken a decision on which geo-political zone of the country should produce the Senate leader and his deputy

With the election of Senator Akpabio and Senator Jibrin Barau as Senate President and Deputy respectively, attention has shifted to the other principal offices

The game among the Senators is the push by some South West Senators to produce a Yoruba Majority Leader. They are being countered by some Northern Senators who want the North to produce Senate Leader arguing that if a South West Senator becomes the Majority leader, it would create more tension in the already tensed 10th Senate following the last election of Presiding officers where former Zamfara State Governor, Senator Abdulaziz Yari from the North-West lost to Akpabio from the South-South.

Thus, all eyes are on Tinubu and the APC hierarchy as their decision would go a long way in ending or inflaming the intrigues and quagmire in the National Assembly.

Aside from the office of the President of the Senate and the Deputy who must go through an election, the other principal offices are purely the affairs of the parties, which nominate members for such positions.

In the Senate, the principal office positions for the ruling APC are the Majority Leader, Chief Whip, Deputy Majority Leader, and Deputy Majority Whip.

The opposition parties produce Minority Leader, Minority Whip, Deputy Minority Leader and Deputy Minority Whip.

With 59 senators, the APC is the majority party in the Senate while the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP is the major opposition party with 36 senators. The other parties with slots in the Senate are the Labour Party, LP, 8; New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP, 2; Social Democratic Party, SDP, 2; All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, 1; and Young Progressives Party, YPP, 1.

In essence, the six opposition parties have altogether 50 senators as against APC’s 59.
The four geo-political zones that are yet to produce principal officers are the North-East, North-Central, South-East and South-West

In accordance with the tradition of the Senate, geo-political zones that did not produce the Senate President and the Deputy, are expected to occupy the key positions, especially in the ruling party.

As it is, the South-South and North-West are out of the equation having produced the President of the Senate and the Deputy.


Atiku, Wike’s camps battle for Minority Leader

In the PDP, there is a battle between the camps of the immediate past Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, and the 2023 Presidential Candidate of the party, Alhaji Abubakar Atiku over who should be the Senate Minority Leader.

While the party and Atiku are rooting for former Speaker of the House of Representatives and immediate past Governor of Sokoto State, Senator Aminu Tambuwal (PDP, Sokoto South) for Senate Minority leader, Wike wants Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe (PDP, Cross River North) for the position and this is causing tension in the party.

A strategic move towards blocking the choice of PDP for the Minority leadership positions of the Senate and the House of Representatives was made, last Thursday when Wike held a marathon meeting with Senate President Akpabio and Barau at the National Assembly, it was gathered.

Wike, who was in black suit, left the Senate wing of the National Assembly at about 6:30pm in the convoy of Senate President Akpabio , Deputy Senate President of the Senate Jibrin Barau and other Senators like Salihu Mustapha (APC Kwara Central) , Jibril Isah (APC Kogi East ) as well as the recently appointed Senior Special Assistant, National Assembly Matters (Senate ) to President Tinubu, Senator Abdullahi Abubakar Gumel.

According to a source at the meeting, Wike’s plan with the leadership of the Senate, is to have a minority leader from his camp in the PDP.

According to the source, though the leadership of the Senate and House of Representatives are being very careful with the plan they believe that if Wike succeeds in factionalizing PDP caucuses in both chambers, having unpopular minority leaders from their fold is possible.

The source said: “Having assisted APC to win the Presidential election in Rivers State in February, supported the aspirations of the now elected four presiding officers of the 10th National Assembly, getting his loyalists among the principal officers from PDP is his plan now. He is very serious with the plan and is getting the required support from the leadership of the National Assembly as well as membership of the other minority political parties in both the Senate and the House of Representatives.”


Opposition senators move against Atiku’s bid to install Tambuwal

However, some senators elected on the platforms of the six opposition political parties have concluded arrangements to move against Atiku Abubakar’s bid to deliver Tambuwal as Senate Minority leader.

The aggrieved senators have vowed to resist Tambuwal’s emergence in the way and manner they fought against the alleged imposition of Akpabio as Senate President. No fewer than 46 senators voted against Akpabio. Their choice was former Governor of Zamfara State, Senator Abdulaziz Yari, APC, Zamfara West, who lost to Akpabio.

Some of the Minority Senators who spoke after a meeting on Wednesday said that the indications are clear that with what Tambuwal did against the PDP, he would use the minority leadership position to negotiate and apologize to President Tinubu who he betrayed after making him Speaker of the House of Representatives.

A PDP Senator from Rivers State, another Senator from the North and a ranking Senator from the South-West who spoke to Vanguard in confidence vowed to resist attempts to impose Tambuwual on them.

According to them, Tambuwal has a record of throwing his political allies under the bus at critical moments to promote what they described as his selfish interest.

The Senators resolved to vote for any ranking Senator other than the former Sokoto State Governor because “he is on a mission to use the minority leadership position to negotiate for self-preservation and use the platform to run for the Presidential election in 2027.”

One of the sources said: “As a result of his antecedents, Senators are rejecting calls by PDP officials and their governors insisting that Tambuwal is no option.

“You can trace the major political activities of Tambuwal in the past decade. He seems to have a record of treachery and betrayal of close friends and allies as he did to Jonathan, Wike, Tinubu himself and several others.

“In 2019, he went against his party, the PDP, and a sitting president to rubbish the PDP zoning arrangements just because it favoured him. When he became speaker with the support of opposition elements (that is Tinubu, Buhari and other leaders), he used the platform of the speakership to effectively rubbish the presidency of Johnathan and the PDP and decamped to the APC and negotiated to be governor.

“Buhari, Tinubu, Wammako and others rewarded him for his treachery against the PDP, but his ambition could not be accommodated so he betrayed Wammako, Tinubu, Buhari, aligned with Atiku and came back to PDP with the APC mandate that was given to him with the hope of running for presidency.

“Wike against all odds backed him and promised to deliver the presidential nomination to him but Thank God that did not succeed.”

Another Senator said: “In 2019, he again went for a presidential visit but this time did not get Wike’s support, he then Betrayed Wike at the PDP presidential primaries. This is the record of the politician Atiku wants to foist as minority leader on the party.

“Also, his senatorial election in Sokoto is now being contested; he was desperate to come to the Senate with the ambition that he would be rewarded with the position of Senate President. When it emerged that the PDP did not get majority and with the defeat of Atiku and Okowa, Atiku and the PDP then changed their plan to make him minority leader to compensate him.”

It’s too early to read primordial sentiments to my appointments —AKPABIO

Meanwhile, Senate President Akpabio while reacting to reports that Senators are angry with him for appointing Christians and southerners as his Chief of Staff and Deputy, advised that it was too early to read primordial sentiments to the only two appointments he has made, saying that he is a highly detribalised Nigerian.

A statement from the Media Unit of the Office of the Senate President read: “The President of the 10th Senate is a highly detribalised Nigerian with strong conviction in the potentials of our diversities. The needless agitation is a distraction that should have no place in our current efforts at rebuilding a society that is strong in growth and opportunities.”

Jandor challenged the integrity of the sudden appearance and upload of Sanwo-Olu’s WAEC result on the verification portal and subpoenaed WAEC to come and tender the said 1981 WAEC certificate under oath in court.

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has failed to tender the original certificate of Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu before the Lagos State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal.

The tribunal has therefore ordered the examination body to submit its result verification portal back-end server and other information technology infrastructure for forensic analysis of Sanwo-Olu’s results.

The Lagos State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal issued the order based on the request of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Abdulazeez Adediran, that Sanwo-Olu lied on oath in his 2023 form EC9 by presenting a forged certificate to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in 2019.

A review of Sanwo-Olu's 2019 Form CF001 found that the stated statement of WAEC result he claimed he sat for in 1981 in Ijebu Ife Community Grammar School, Ogun state, was verified to be invalid on the WAEC result verification portal, according to a statement sent to newsmen on Monday, June 26.

The statement partially read: “While responding to Jandor/ PDP petition, Governor Sanwo-Olu didn’t attach the purported WAEC certificate to counter Jandor/PDP claims, but the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the 4th respondent attached a printout from the same WAEC portal which hitherto confirmed Sanwo-Olu’s purported WAEC result to be non-existent.”

Jandor challenged the integrity of the sudden appearance and upload of Sanwo-Olu’s WAEC result on the verification portal and subpoenaed WAEC to come and tender the said 1981 WAEC certificate under oath in court.

The WAEC representative who was bid to be in court last week in the oath of witnesses deposed to and sighted said: “I am unable to tender the duplicate copy of the May/June 1981 G.C.E. ‘O’ Level certificate of one Sanwo-Olu Babajide Olusola.”

The witness added that WAEC did not produce counterpart copies of candidates’ certificates nor retain duplicate copies of candidates’ certificates.

The statement added that: “However, a check on the WAEC website revealed that in the event of loss of the WAEC certificate, the council issues an attestation in the form of a CTC, but none of such was issued by WAEC to ascertain the claim of Babajide Sanwoolu, hence the order of the court that WAEC should submit it back end-server and other information technology infrastructure for forensic analysis. This exercise will expose the date and time the sudden appearance of Governor Sanwo-Olu’s purported 1981 WAEC result was uploaded, as the same result wasn’t there as of APRIL 7th, 2023 when Jandor/PDP filed their petition at the tribunal.”