₦airaland Forum

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu has declared that all members of the parliament are colleagues and equal irrespective of their political affiliations, economic or social backgrounds.

He said that being a presiding officer, principal officer or chairman of a committee is a privilege granted by both the leave of the House and the mandate of the members, emphasizing that the position does not presuppose superiority.

He therefore stated that there is no discrimination of any member whether old or new, ranking or no ranking.

This clarification becomes necessary in the light of the development that occurred during the plenary on Tuesday where the member representing Bonny/Degema federal constituency of Rivers State, Hon. Cyril Hart alleged that preferential treatment is accorded to the ranking members over the first timers.

Kalu who swiftly responded that there was "no discrimination in parliament" further clarified that the row where the member was sitting had earlier been given an opportunity to speak, stressing that other rows also needed to be accommodated.

The Deputy Speaker added that members are however recognized to make their valuable contributions to debates based on their sitting arrangement and not by their age, tribe, geopolitical zones, political or legislative experience.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Levinus Nwabughiogu, Kalu said that the presiding officers are not bosses to the members but only servant-leaders committed to upholding democratic ethos and tenets by providing the needed direction to help realize the mandate of the House in the overall interest of the country.

He emphasized that the 10th House under the able leadership Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas will continue to be fair, just and open to every member and ensure that all voices are heard.

He stressed that their privileged positions as first among equals do not elevate them higher and above their colleagues, assuring that the members will always be accorded the needed respect and recognition in the spirit of equality and brotherhood.

The Coalition for Good Governance and Leadership (CGGL) has appealed to the House of Representatives to ensure the speedy passage of the proposed repeal and re-enactment of the Nigerian Shippers' Council and Economic Regulatory Bill.

In a statement signed by its president, Dr Ogunbiyi Oguntola, the CSO said this will promote economic growth, strengthen the regulatory framework for the maritime industry, and enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the Nigerian Shippers' Council.

Oguntola commended the Hon. Abdussamad Dasuki-led committee on Shipping Services for a job well done during the public hearing which accommodated all shades of opinion leaders and critical stakeholders to make inputs into the bill.

"The new bill seeks to repeal the existing Nigerian Shippers' Council Act and enact a new Shippers' Council and Economic Regulatory Act, which aims to strengthen the regulatory framework for the maritime industry, promote economic growth, and protect the rights of shippers and other stakeholders," he added.

"The passage of this bill is critical to the growth and development of the maritime industry and the nation's economy. The bill's benefits include enhanced efficiency and effectiveness of the Nigerian Shippers' Council, leading to improved regulation and oversight of the maritime industry.

"It will also promote competition and innovation in the maritime industry, leading to reduced costs and improved services for shippers and other stakeholders.

"Additionally, it will protect the rights of shippers and other stakeholders, leading to increased confidence and investment in the maritime industry.

"Furthermore, it will increase revenue generation for the government, leading to improved funding for infrastructure development and other public services, and create jobs and economic opportunities for Nigerians, leading to improved economic growth and development.

"The bill will address the current challenges facing the Nigerian Shippers' Council, including the lack of an enabling law to back up its status as a Port Economic Regulator. This has hindered the agency's ability to enforce sanctions on ports and shipping stakeholders in the nation's maritime sector."

The CSO, therefore, urged the House to expedite the passage of this bill, which it says is critical to the growth and development of the maritime industry and the nation's economy.

"We believe that the speedy passage of this bill will enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the Nigerian Shippers' Council, promote economic growth, and protect the rights of shippers and other stakeholders,” the statement added.

"Additionally, we appeal to them to consider the importance of stakeholder engagement and consultation in the regulatory process, to ensure that the interests of all stakeholders are taken into account.

“We also urge the House to consider the need for adequate funding and resources for the Nigerian Shippers' Council, to enable it to effectively discharge its responsibilities, and the importance of international cooperation and collaboration, to ensure that Nigeria's maritime industry is competitive and aligned with global best practices."

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...say only two are party members 

The  All Progressives Congress (APC), Abia State Chapter under the aegis of Abia APC Stakeholders Forum (AASF) has rejected the nominees for appointments into the various governing boards/councils of Tertiary institutions in Nigeria, except two persons.

The Forum stated that outside the former minister of state for science and technology, Chief Henry Ikoh and Barrister Chijioke Ikpo, the other nominees belonged to either the Labour Party (LP) or the People's Democratic Party (PDP). 

To this end, the group has written to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, appealing for the withdrawal of the names. 

Signed by former minority leader of Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Chijioke Chukwu who is the convener;  Hon. (Barr) Anderson K. Akaliro, member representing Umuahia North State Constituency, Abia State House of Assembly; Hon. (Barr) Emeka Okoroafor, Former Deputy Minority Leader, Abia State House of Assembly; Dr. Mike Ukoha, Former Minority Whip, Abia State House of Assembly and Hon (Engr.) Ejike Chukwu (Umunneochi State Constituency); Chief Blessing Dans Adokiye from Ukwa West Local Government Area of the state, the letter was also copied to the Senate President, Godswill Akpobio.

According to our reporter who sighted the letter titled "Nomination Into The Governing Boards/Councils of Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria: Request to Withdraw/Remove ABIA State Nominees Who Are Not APC Members", other leaders of APC copied included the speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, Ph.D; his deputy, Rt. Hon. Benjamin 

Okezie Kalu; the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume; the Chief of Staff to the President, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila and the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu. 


Others were Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Hon. Barr. Nkiruka 

Onyejeocha; the ational Chairman, All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. 

Abdullahi Umar Ganduje; the National Vice Chairman South-East, APC., Dr. Ijioma Arodiogbu; Abia State APC  Chairman, Dr. Kingsley Ononogbu and the 2023 Abia State APC Gubernatorial Candidate, High Chief Ikechi Emenike. 

The apparent aggrieved APC members of the Forum who described the inclusion of the names on the list as a typographical error said leaving them would amount to defeating the essence of party loyalty and political participation.

They further explained that the nominees scorned them, destroyed their billboards and other sensitive materials during the 2023 electioneering campaigns and stood against victory of APC in the State. 

They wondered how the nominees would now reap from where they did not sow. 

The Forum stated that the development has caused apprehension and dissatisfaction within the party circles in Abia and also may affect the fortunes of the party in the State.

They stressed that the opposition is being subtly equipped to win future elections.

The letter read thus: "We write with the greatest sense of apprehension as concerned members of the Abia APC Stakeholders Forum (AASF) to inform Mr. President that the recent list published for appointments/nominations into the various governing boards/councils of Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria defeats the intendment and purpose for Party loyalty and political participation.

"Your Excellency, it is important to draw your most revered attention to the fact that the entire list of over 555 persons nominated into the various boards/councils of Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria has only 2 nominees from Abia State who are members of the Abia State Chapter of the All-progressives Congress (APC) to wit: Chief Henry Ikoh and Barrister Chijioke Ikpo.

"It is equally important to inform your good office that the other nominees are either members of Labour Party or the Peoples Democratic Party and not  our party members.

"Sir, it may be of interest to note that these nominees are the same people who scorned us during the 2023 electioneering campaigns and stood against our victory in the state, removing the bill boards of the President and destroying campaign materials across the entire state.

"Without sounding prolix, it is our position that the publication of the names of these non-party members as board appointees from Abia State in an APC led government, simply put, is a vent of typographical errors or misprints.

"While we do not want to believe that those names appeared deliberately in the list published, we however regret to apprise Mr. President of the serious apprehension the publication has caused within the circles of the party hierarchy in the State.

"On the backdrop of the foregoing, we hereby appeal to your good office, Your Excellency, to check the names of the nominees from Abia as published to ascertain the party affiliation and loyalty of these individuals and make the necessary corrections.

"Instructively, Mr. President, please, kindly note, sir, that the present situation if not properly addressed and resolved may stifle the growth of the All-Progressives Congress in the State while equipping the opposition to win the 2027 general election.

"Your Excellency, we make bold to say that the All Progressives Congress, Abia State Chapter is blessed with Men and Women of great repute who can also be managed and grown without any interferences by leaders from other States.

"Sir, without sounding disrespectful to you and other distinguished leaders of our great party, the APC, Abia State Chapter hereby rejects the nominees who are not our members and pleads that in the overall interest of the party in Abia State, these nominees should be withdrawn/removed.

"It is against the law of Nature to reap where you did not sow. Most Abia 

APC members have over the years shown dedication to the party 

despite the difficulty caused by the incessant harassment by the same 

opposition members nominated into the APC led Government. Sir, we believe in your ability and capacity to stand firm in times like this. Please accept the assurances of our highest political regards, Your Excellency."

By Omoba Kenneth Aigbegbele

The statement credited to Amnesty International (AI) on the 10th of June, 2024, on the alleged treatment meted to Nigerian girls who had escaped from Boko Haram and the ones captured by the Nigerian Armed Forces to safety in order to reintegrated them to their communities is false, unethical, unprofessional, worrisome and cannot stand the test of time.

Infact, the aspersions cast by AI on these efforts by the Nigerian military with the recent report accusing the Nigerian military of illegally detaining the girls and young women who had escaped from Boko Haram captivity because the military believes they supported the Islamist insurgent group should be trashed as lies from the pit of hell orchestrated by AI to smear the hard-earned reputation of the Nigerian Armed Forces once more in their usual tradition.

The AI report as captioned ‘Help us build our lives’ stated that the Nigerian government has failed to uphold their human rights obligations to protect and adequately support these girls and young women. It accused the Nigerian military of detaining and abusing female survivors of Boko Haram in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions without access to medical care or legal representation.

The report also highlighted the abuses and violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law committed by Boko Haram and the Nigeria authorities. It highlighted the unique experiences of girls and young women who were forced to marry, subjected to sexual violence and domestic servitude.

After critically examining the contents of the Report by AI and its antecedence over the decades against the Nigerian state and military, the Guild of Civil Societies and Media Executives for Equity, Justice and Transparency in Nigeria (GOCMEJ) is compelled to issue the following statement.

That since the present leadership took over the mantle of the Nigerian Armed Forces (NAF) headed by Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Gen. Christopher Musa, the military image has blossomed on a positive trajectory, a narrative both local and internationally due to their stomping all over the country, the new sense of urgency, direction, patriotism, transparency, rules of engagement that was brought into the fight by the new leadership. The enormous improvement in military accoutrements such as equipment, gadgets, ICT infrastructure, fire power and the overall capabilities, the exotic names given to military operations/exercises all over the country, the string of successes recorded by various military formations and commands culminating in the recapture of the Boko Haram elements, bandits leaders and criminal elements has diminished their fighting ability and power all helped to turn around the image of the Nigeria military across the globe.

Since 2023, Nigerians and indeed the international community have given a pat on the back to the Nigeria’s military for their national sacrifice to keep the country in unity and peace in spite of the daunting challenges faced not only at the war front but in also reducing criminality across the length and breadth of the country.

However, one major factor that has held the Nigerian military force down in spite of their enormous efforts to defend her territorial integrity and safe guard the lives and property of Nigerians is the negative narrative of the amnesty international that have pervaded Africa since the last decade of which Nigeria is not an exception due to its negative framing and consistent bias reportage. Unfortunately, AI has failed to acknowledge in its report the on-going fair trial and conviction of culpable members of the dreaded Boko Haram sect and the release of those not found guilty. The number of persons released, re-oriented, de-radicalized and re-integrated with the larger community which is running into millions to date and they are accommodated in a place relatively safer with enough space while providing the detainees with social amenities and three square meals daily has also been left out of the report.

The AI report on the 10th of June, 2024, according to fact finding mission and pool conducted by Nigerians is a systematic campaign of calumny against the Nigerian military and a calculated narrative that have kept even the best of cynics astounded including the international community. “This could be corroborated by inherent lopsidedness in AI’s portrayal of Nigeria, its involvement in local politics and taking side with terrorists and other belligerent groups, to cause internal disorder, which no country can tolerate. The Guild therefore reiterates that the military in this new dispensation has maintained an open-door policy and has been cooperating with all stakeholders in ensuring that the Nigerian armed forces remain one of the best and a proud institution for all Nigerians”. For AI to be making spurious allegations, especially without been substantiated and cogent reasons given, apart from those adduced by the AI itself for the reason best known to it and its collaborators is disturbing and unethical of an international organization that is supposed to stay clear of local politics and to be seen as maintaining neutrality in its reportage of the countries it operates.

Emphasizing that “incessant negative report on Nigeria in general and the armed forces in particular by AI in condemnable by all well-meaning Nigerians who have seen and appreciate what the military and other security agencies have done to decimate Boko Haram terrorists and contain other criminal elements.

“As much as the military welcomes comments, criticism and observation that could help the institution to grow higher for the interest of our nation, the activities of the AI to say the least, is far from being noble, AI has negative mission in Nigeria”, the Guild asserted.

The military has operated within the strict guidance of the rules of engagement and the code of conduct for troops, according to the GOCMEJ, what needs to be clear is that we have observed a consistent attack pattern on the institutions charged with the mandate to protect the nation against every form of insecurity. The AI has consistently with other agents worked against our nationhood, tried fruitlessly to incite the populace against the military through various malicious publications in the past and “In spite of their distractions, Nigeria has forged ahead and decimated Boko Haram and the military has worked assiduously to improve on its civil-military relations, the result of which is manifest in the unparalleled support, accolades and encouragement received from Nigerians today”. It is appalling that “this position seems to have disappointed AI and their allies, adding that, it is sad that when our national security institutions are gaining traction, these agents after fabricating their reports, sits back and push Nigerians to make the reports known to the public to give it a national colour of some sort”. It is very despicable indeed.

Nigerians must rise up and stand against this subtle and increasing national framing and reportage, for we all have a role to play in this direction. “Our national Institutions must be strengthened, it is our responsibility to do so, no one can love Nigeria better than Nigerians, we only ask the media, to shine their eyes”.

Consequently, after our investigations, we found that the Defence Headquarters have made concerted efforts for years to reach out to AI but all to no avail. The deliberate falsehood peddled by AI could cast the nation and its security apparatus in bad light. The frequent accusations and counter accusation of the military by the human rights body, is becoming appalling and worrisome and Nigerians are beginning to think that AI has an axe to grind or has clandestine plots against the military class. Amnesty International does at mean well for Nigeria going by their previous antecedents and reputation of denigrating the armed forces anytime they make gain against the forces of evil to incite the Nigerian public and international community against the military.

The Guild is emphatic and reiterates for the upteempt time, that the Nigerian people looks at the AI as an organization established to embark on an orchestrated campaign of calumny against the Nigeria military and undermine the laudable achievements against insurgents which have formed the narratives over time, that have happened over the years. Nevertheless, looking at some of the critical allegations of AI on most of the nationalistic operations carried-out by the military, it seems that the AI are not interested in a united and indivisible nation like ours, but are out to denigrate the institution of the military and stop the funding by the western nations knowing full well that the same report from AI had stopped the funding during the Obama’s era.

Nigeria has suffered greatly over the decade based on AI reports on human rights violations and others including the initial refusal of America and its allies to sell critical military weapons to the country to fight the insurgency few years ago. As the AI has advertised itself more as aligning into the agenda of non-state actors, than the interest in protecting the dignity, rights and the rule of law, of law-abiding citizens in a country that has accorded them so much hospitality and respect.

Analysts, pundits and discerning Nigerians posit that protecting the human rights of Nigerians has been the signpost of the Nigerian military in all its operations. The brash and crude force applied by the military soldiers in internal assignments have been replaced with amiable, friendliness with host communities which has brought to the fore the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) of the military to its host communities in critical areas of needs and operations. The Nigerian military have followed international best practices and rules of engagement during war as the military is determined at sustaining its constitutional mandate of defending the territorial integrity of the nation, as well as, commitment to aid the civil authority to bring about peace and security of the country. Therefore, the 10th June, 2024, report of AI should be disparaged, condemned, discountenanced and dismissed by well-meaning Nigerians as’ lies from the pit of hell’ and a propaganda tool to frame reportage against our national institution.

We therefore call on the military hierarchy not to be distracted by the AI’s report but to remain steadfast and focused on its constitutional assigned mandate and the Guild therefore, overwhelmingly, Pass a Vote of Confidence on the leadership of the Nigerian Armed Forces (NAF),for it's repositioning and rebranding efforts in making the Nigerian Armed Forces 21st century compliant.

The Guild further maintained that the several commentaries against the Nigerian military are unnecessary, distractive, unfair and doesn’t represent the true disclosure on re-orientation, de-radicalization and re-integration of Boko Haram inmates and estranged wives/captives. The amnesty report smacks of bias and is capable of undermining the results from the hard-fought war by the military against insurgents, demoralizing the Nigerian Armed Forces personnel in the performance of their constitutional mandate.


Signed.

Omoba Kenneth Aigbegbele

President,

Guild of Civil Societies and Media Executives for Equity, Justice and Transparency in Nigeria (GOCMEJ)

By Sunday Alkali, Abuja

A civil society group, Volunteer Media Advocacy for Accountable Leadership, has condemned MTN’s persistent deductions for unsubscribed services from its customers’ accounts.

The group threatened to take legal action if the telecom giant fails to stop the practice. Read more on: https://metrodailyng.com/stop-frivolous-deductions-for-unsubscribed-services-media-group-warns-mtn/

By Omoba Kenneth Aigbegbele

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) established by the NITDA Act of 2007 to regulate standards, guidelines and frameworks for the development and standardization of Information Technology practices in Nigeria, is also clamouring for the actualization of the Bill at the National Assembly for the last five years (since 2021).

The NITDA Bill, first proposed in 2021, seeks to repeal the National Information Technology Development Act No. 28 of 2007, and enact the National Information Technology Development Agency Act.

The amendments in the proposal include provisions for new license categorizations, licensing fees, 1% profit-before-tax levies for companies with revenues higher than 100 million naira and prison sentences for defaulting parties.

In 2022, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) considered the Bill and moved a step further for its entry to the National Assembly. On December 23, 2022, at the National Assembly, a public hearing was held where stakeholders in Nigeria’s technology ecosystem weighed in on the Bill.

Since its announcement that year, the Bill has generated a healthy amount of controversy surrounding its purpose and compatibility with other technology-related Bills, most notably the recently proposed Startup Bill.

Among the various submissions at the National Assembly are that Section 6(a) of the existing Act provides that NITDA is both a development and regulatory agency in the ICT sector.

However, the argument that NITDA is not a regulator was therefore noted to be incorrect and a total of thirty-one (31) stakeholders made submissions and presentations on the Bill. But out of this number, seventeen (17) were in support of the Bill, while fourteen (14) were opposed to it.

Those in favour based their support on the reason that the Bill provided for the development of the measures that would adequately regulate digital infrastructure, fast-track Nigeria’s transition into a leading digital economy, foster innovation and creativity, empower businesses in the country, improve the process of issuing and authenticating good character certificates and promote the use of technology in education and other sectors.

The Committee recommended to the Senate that the Bill be passed after considering the comments and opinions of stakeholders therein. The Bill states that the Senate Committee on ICT and Cyber Security which was referred to as “A Bill for an Act to Repeal the National Information Technology Development Agency Act No. 28, 2007 and Enact the National Information Technology Development Agency Act to provide the Administration, Implementation and Regulation of Information Technology Systems and Practices, as well as the Digital Economy in Nigeria and for Related Matters, 2023 (SB1082), having considered the same, report favourably thereon recommended that the Senate pass the Bill as amended,” as stated in the Committee’s report during the second reading.

There was no time that the Bill was meant to usurp the powers of other regulators and make NITDA a super regulator in the ICT industry. A lot of stakeholders also said the Bill has the potential to reverse the gains delivered and made in the digital economy already. However, some stakeholders, on the other hand, agreed that the Bill has a lot of merit and that it would sanitize the industry and bridge the knowledge gap between Nigeria and other developed nations in digital economy.

The Citizens Watch Advocacy Initiative (CWAI), a civil society organization that champions accountability, good governance and transparency in Nigeria, believes that the Bill, if passed into law, has the enormous positive impact to the telecommunication and ICT industry in Nigeria, as it will ultimately lead to increase in the confidence of both local and international investors in the telecom and ICT sector of the Nigerian economy, thereby transforming the development agency to a regulator which will enhance the activities of other sectors concerned like the banking, financial services, insurance, healthcare, commerce education, agriculture, telecommunications, etc.

The role of NITDA under the proposed Act, would have no direct conflicts with other regulators in the industry as being canvassed by naysayers. Accordingly, NITDA 2022 Bill will stabilize the regulatory environment in the telecom sector in Nigeria and attract the much needed foreign direct investments as well as domestic investments in the telecom and ICT sector in the country.

In a press release signed by the Executive Secretary of CWAI, Omoba Kenneth Aigbegbele, he asserted that from their investigation, the Bill seeks to enact an Act that will empower NITDA to provide for the administration, implementation and regulation of information technology systems and practice in Nigeria, which will automatically transform NITDA from a mere development agency to a regulatory agency in the sector that needs all the support, cooperation of Nigerians and stakeholders.

As it is the first of its kind in the annals of history that will bridge the digital knowledge base of the country and impact the growth of the sector holistically in all spheres. The statement further added that the essence and purpose of the Bill is to create an effective, impartial and independent regulatory framework for the development of the Nigerian information technology sector and digital economy.

Having been convinced about the proactive essence of the Bill, CWAI categorically states that the proposed NITDA Bill is focused on tax startups and in Part VI, Section 16, the Bill provides for the creation of the NITDA Fund, which will be used holistically for the “advancement of digital economy and related purposes,” and nothing more.

CWAI also notes that the skills deficit in human capital that hinders the country from thriving in the global digital economy would be overcome once and for all, as well as this would raise global digital competence in the country in the future, thereby expanding the service sector.

In view of this, CWAI enjoins the tech-ecosystem and techpreneurs to raise their voices and join the clarion call for all hands to be on deck for Nigeria to be able to achieve a large value chain that facilitates youth engagement, entrepreneurship development, the MSME development and women empowerment; which will provide and empower a rich, vibrant local industry of digital training providers with globally recognized standards attainable that can best compete anywhere. Therefore, recognizing and giving NITDA the required stakeholders’ support and engagement to drive this new initiative that will make the actualization of the Bill possible and acceptable to all.

CWAI therefore recognizes that NITDA has consistently driven an information technology policy that is geared towards the enhancement of Nigeria’s global acceptability and certification in the digital economy, where the country’s local, foreign partners and stakeholders are carried along in an effective, efficient and affordable value chain for the growth of the ICT sector and the telecom industry, creating and empowering Nigeria’s digital potentials and creating jobs for millions of youths in the country and the economic diversification for emerging technologies.

CWAI is holistically in support of NITDA’s drive, innovation and ideas in the formulation of digital policies that will put Nigeria on the global arena and market place of the future. CWAI therefore advocates for NITDA’s regulatory status so as to accelerate other growing sectors of the economy.

A court in the UK has sentenced a 39-year-old man, Guy Mukendi, to four years in prison for removing the condom he wore while having sex with a woman without her knowledge, despite her initially consenting to sex only if he wore protection. READ MORE: https://newsdeskng.com/2024/06/14/man-bags-4-years-imprisonment-for-removing-condom-during-sex/

...as TUC tasks Justice Minister/AGF on immediate probe 

The Federal government public service rules’ stipulations and a letter from the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC), have exposed a recent bridge of public service rules in the reinstatement of a public servant, Bola Audu Innocent, a Chief Accountant in the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation, who is standing a criminal trial on an alleged fraud. Said a civil society group: Anti-Corruption, Good Governance and Human Rights Watch Network (AGHRWN).

AGHRWN in a statement jointly signed its National Coordinator and Secretary, Mallam Muhammed Adamu Usman and Babatunde Adekunle, went further to demand that FCSC, Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF) and Office of the Head of Civil Services of the Federation (OHSF), should explain whether there is new public service rules that now allows a public servant standing trial on charges brought against him or her by the Federal government to be recalled and reinstated into the service. 

Meanwhile, the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), has urged the Minister of Justice who is also the Attorney-General of the Federation, to urgently constitute a panel to probe the involvement of the FCSC, OAGF and OHSF in the "shady and scandalous recall” of the public servant. TUC noted that the violation of the public service rules in the act which it said was spare-headed by the Federal Civil Service Commission, was glaring. 

In letter dated May 24, 2024, titled: “Scandalous Recall into Service of Bola-Audu Innocent While His Prosecution by the Federal Republic of Nigeria Through The NAPTIP and the ICPC on Criminal Charges Rages: Request for an Investigation,” addressed to the Minister of Justice who is also the Attorney General of the Federation,  and signed by TUC’s FCT Council Chairman and Secretary, Comrades Audu Paul Akogwu and Amaoge N. Chukwudi, respectively, in part reads; “For the avoidance of doubt, Bola Audu Innocent, who is a staff the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation, is being prosecuted by the Federal Republic of Nigeria: Through the NAPTIP at the Court of Appeal in Appeal No: CA/AB)/CR/704/23 dated 11 May, 2023 on suspected case of Human Trafficking and Exploitation of the vulnerable.

“Bola Audu Innocent was arraigned on Thursday 15th February 2024 by the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) on a suit no: FCT/HC/CR/738/23, at the FCT High Court Maitama for alleged fraud. The next adjourned date on this matter is Thursday, June 6, 2024. In view of the above, we wish to request the Honourable Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation to urgently constitute a panel of enquiry to carry out an in-depth probe.”

A letter from the Federal Civil Service Commission to the Accountant General of the Federation, titled: Recall from Suspension and Reinstatement of Mr. Bola-Audu Innocent, signed by Director Discipline and Appeals, Mr. Mbaike N. Chuks, had earlier directed that Mr. Bola-Audi Innocent be recalled and reinstated with full emoluments he was denied following his suspension. 

 The letter in part reads; “I am directed to refer to your letter Ref no. ADM/DISC/05/015/III/280 dated March 8, 2024, entitled ‘Request for Legal Opinion’, and to convey the approval of the Federal Civil Service Commission for the lifting of the suspension and reinstatement of Mr. Bola-Audu Innocent…, Chief Accountant GL.14, to the Service, kindly ensure that all outstanding emoluments denied the officers in consequent of the suspension are restored and paid fully.”

However, AGHRWN earlier in its statement quoted the position of the public service rules in a situation where a public servant is standing trial (the effects of criminal proceedings), said; “Nothing shall prevent disciplinary action being taken or continued against an officer whether or not: criminal proceedings have been instituted with respect to such person in any court of law in Nigeria or elsewhere or are about to be instituted or are contemplated; or the grounds upon which any criminal charges are based or are be based are substantially the same as those upon which the disciplinary proceedings were or are to be instituted.”

But when contacted on the issues, the Chairman Federal Civil Service Commission, Prof. Tunji Olaopa, among other things said; “In the light of the representations to us by the civil service union and Congress however, I am convening an extraordinary session of the full commission to take advantage of the presence of four Hon. Commissioners who are lawyers, so we can take another look at the subject matter and possibly review our earlier administrative decision.

‘Igala Kingdom’s cohort with EFCC will surely fail...’

Tinubu urged to swiftly protect Bello.

Based on the ongoing hounding, harassment, media blackmail and trial including using state apparatchik to malign, intimidate and take out the former Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, we are compelled to issue the following terse statement to put all the scenarios in proper perspective for Nigerians to know the succinct truth:


1. As members of Humanity Africa (HM), we have watched with utter sadness and serious concern, the news going round on the plot to take out the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, in a grand conspiracy between a section of the Igala Elders, Social Democratic Party (SDP) leadership and some forces controlling the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The story, credited to an active member of the opposition from the Igala axis of the state, could have been ignored as the ranting of some desperate political fortune-seekers and drowning men. But for the visibility of the person in series of threats against Yahaya Bello campaign of calumny, including the sponsored protest staged recently in front of EFCC headquarters in Abuja aimed at giving a dog a bad name in order to hang it, which was also targeted at giving a “guilty-as-charged” verdict against an innocent person. This should not happen until the accused person is supposedly proven guilty by a competent court of law. We condemn in its entirety the lackluster shenanigans of the EFCC - in tandem with the Igala Elders and the Social Democratic Party (SDP) leadership to “kill” Yahaya Bello at whatever cost. That informs our reason for calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to as a matter of urgency, come to the aid of the embattled former governor.

2. The said rogue agent, working in collaboration with others, has appeared as a politician and in another breath, heads a pseudo-NGO in thick plot and in support of the persecution agenda against Yahaya Bello.

3. But for the twist in the antics employed by the politicians, so-called elders and another partisan lawyer, cooking up blatant lies, clandestine plots and mischief disguised as anti-corruption narratives (but clearly a sectarian agenda and ethnic motive to take Yahaya Bello out of circulation at all cost and by all means because of his Ebira ethnic stock). This, we understand, is also aimed at wiping the Ebiras out of future political struggles, calculations, permutations and state matters and is, indeed, condemnable by discerning Nigerians.

4. Haba! The utter rubbish, unfounded and contradictory statements credited to the EFCC Chairman, during his desperate media conference are a sad reminder and narrative of how dispassionate the Commission has been operating under the present and past leadership. The selective nature of the handling of the Bello's case has eroded the passion and commitment of the Nigerian people in the fight against graft in order to settle political and sectarian scores.

5. It is on record, that Yahaya Bello has consistently paid school fees for his children over the years. But some characters in the EFCC hobnobbing with others pursuing ethnic and primordial agenda and sentiments twisted logic on its head just to give Bello a bad name in order to hang him, claimed he only paid the school fees at the twilight of his administration leaving the Kogi State Government House.

6. The mere involvement of ethnic champions in the contrived narrative against Yahaya Bello by EFCC, with all the complexities and cleavages associated with governance, shows the Commission’s desperation and clannish attitude in acting out a script at the behest and inducement of tribal jingoists still nursing an injury of electoral defeat suffered by them during both the Presidential and Governorship elections held in the state last year. They should hide their heads in shame and move on and take their defeat in the spirit of sportsmanship.

7. Every reasonable person knows the antecedents of the people fighting Bello and the interest they are still serving. They are either suffering from amnesia or surely taking Nigerians for fools. It's either of these postulations that can only explain their naked hatred for Bello’s political dexterity, sagacity and the magnitude of bitterness and anger they have deployed against him for his refusal to allow them hijack the treasury of Kogi State as well as refusal to grant them unfitted access to the political empire. In fact, they are working to make President Tinubu the fall guy after they finish dealing with all the people that mobilized and voted for him into office, not minding the fact that 2027 is just by the corner and Yahaya Bello is still a factor in Kogi politics and national landscape. We ask the state apparatchik to thread carefully in this matter and let reason override the emotions of hounding a reliable party man and stakeholder whose only offence is in overwhelmingly winning the presidential elections for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in spite of what transpired before, during and after the elections. We ask that we should all 'MOVE'.

8. The issue of the EFCC's arbitrariness and selective persecution of suspects has been settled a long time ago. It is a fact that everyone, except dishonest minds, knows the present Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume during his tenure as Governor of Benue State, and how he went to court and secured an order against the EFCC then. After his exit, till date, the Commission has never harassed, but has rather allowed the judicial process to take its course and take care of itself. So many other cases abound in our history, as encapsulated by both Chief Olisa Agbakoba (SAN), Chief Michael Kaase Aondoakaa and Chief Mike Ezekhome (SAN) amongst so many other distinguished legal luminaries who have spoken against the Gestapo-like handling of the allegations against Yahaya Bello and similar cases based on previous rulings in courts of competent jurisdiction.

9. If the people haunting Bello are sincere with themselves, they should recuse themselves from any form of subjudicial act and brigandage against him and allow the courts to decide his case devoid of interference in any manner whatsoever. It doesn't seem likely that Bello is going to have justice in the hands of these fifth columnists who are hell-bent on achieving illegality, and people deficient in fairness, objectivity and the rule of law.

10. It is on record, that the same EFCC, in a similar undemocratic manner and clear breach of the fundamental rights of late Hon. Morris Ebekwe (then incumbent of the House of Representatives), was arrested for advanced fee fraud and was incarcerated for a very long period of time in a purely bailable offence. He was left in detention without trial until his eventual death under very suspicious circumstances. The then President, Olusegun Obasanjo, was blamed for the death of the man and, as such, we do not want such to happen to our youthful presidential hopeful and a shinning light of the Ebiras.

11. Nigerians are genuinely concerned and troubled with the revelation coming from a section of the Igala Elders Forum of Kogi State. There are more to it than meets the eye; hypocrisy and fraternization between the Commission, the infamous Igala group and some SDP leaders including compromised or vested interest personalities, are working based on ethnic induced agenda to give Yahaya Bello the exact type of evil treatment applied to late Hon. Ebekwe in EFCC custody. There is even an increasing tone of desperation by some clowns urging Bello to submit to people working round the clock to deny him justice. These same characters would turn round to push the blame game against President Bola Tinubu by the time they finish with Bello, during his expected incarceration.

12. It is the candid opinions of many Nigerians that the war against corruption under Magu, Bawa and present Olukayode is tainted, derailed and tailored towards serving another interest different from the one of Nigerians and President Bola Tinubu. They are also having reservation on the powers being used by the Commission against state governors and their appointees without the needed requisite complaints or indictment from the constitutionally created State Houses of Assembly, as enshrined in our laws. The appropriate thing for the EFCC is to concentrate on the thousands of cases related to treasury banditry at their federal jurisdiction. Of particular interest to us is the case of the failed Jos-to-Maiduguri rail-line project awarded in the year 2012. The sum of more than N23 billion US dollars was paid to shadowy contractors with nothing to show on ground to justify the expense. There are so many abandoned cases related to corruption and abuse of office, including others directly linked to operatives of the Commission that exited from the service after they became wealthy. This aspect is for another day.

13. We have agreed that some people are pretending to be fighting corruption, shedding crocodile tears seeking to earn the confidence of President Tinubu. Our candid advice is that such persons must desist from such devilish acts and not seek to do so by taking sides or sympathizing with ethnic motivated cases. Some politicians who have something to hide or seeking to settle scores, are behind these uncanny ways of ambushing President Tinubu’s government. We therefore, implore the President, as the unbiased personality we know, as father of all, to protect Yahaya Bello against the people trying to give him the Ebekwe treatment. We all know that over the years, President Tinubu has fought against arbitrariness and high handedness of the EFCC under the Obasanjo-led Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) era and stood by several politically-exposed persons maltreated with similar suffocating tactics akin to this Bello matter persecuted by the EFCC and their running dogs during the said era of locusts. The President himself was a victim of frame-up and phantom charges at the Code of Conduct Tribunal in which he came out victorious because he was unjustly being persecuted based on rhetorics. The same can be seen today also and we must tread carefully and not allow emotions becloud our judgement.

14. After all, by our laws, offenders are presumed innocent, until proven otherwise, by a competent court of jurisdiction after being tried and evidences against such persons weighed before exacting punishment and sentences.

Signed:

COMRADE WALE ADEGOKE
Convener, Humanity Africa (HM)


COMRADE ISMAIL IBRAHIM BAKORI
Secretary, Humanity Africa (HM)

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court Maitama, has re-slated the commencement of the trial of a top civil servant in the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF), Bola Audu, who was arraigned on the 15th of February by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for alleged N72 million fraud.


Justice Yusuf Halilu, on Monday adjourned the case until June 6, due to the absence of the defence lawyer, Babatunde Adewusi.


 Mr Audu was arraigned by ICPC for five-count change which includes misappropriation of N69 million that was meant for the purchase of a sport utility vehicle for the office of President, Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN).


In another charge, the prosecutor told the court that Mr Audu allegedly diverted N3,million from government coffers into the union's election.


Audu, a civil servant in the Office of the Accountant General who was recently suspended by the Federal government over alleged involvement in corruption. He was equally suspended, and was subsequently expelled as a member and President of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria over anti-union activities.


Justice Halilu, when he granted the request of Bola Audu to adjourn the case, warned that he will not condone any form of excuse or delay in the commencement of Mr Audu’s trial.

Citizens Watch Advocacy Initiative
(CWAI), a non-governmental, anti-corruption, civil society organization, after a diligent assessment, has commended and applauded the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, Barr, Nyesom Wike for the overhaul of every nook and cranny of the capital city.


This, the organization noted, can be seen through his sustenance of security of lives and property; religious dialogue and tolerance by inhabitants of Abuja; peaceful co-existence between settlers and original indigenes of Abuja; incredible road networks all over the territory; work-in-progress of road construction; all of which have gingered entrepreneurs by accelerating commercial activities and the development of the real estate sector like never before in the annals of history.



In a press release by the Executive Secretary, Omoba Kenneth Aigbegbele, and Director, Media, Comrade Gabriel Gwajime, in Abuja Monday, the duo applauded the Minister for “the delivery on timely basis of most of the development infrastructure, including social amenities like potable water, solar electrification across the territory, street lightening and enhanced performance and productivity unlike what we witnessed in the past.”


The organization affirmed that the performing Minister, generally referred to as “Mr Projects,” when he held sway in Rivers State as Executive Governor, has taken governance to another level in the Federal Capital Territory, where he has become the cynosure of eyes of politicians alike, Abuja residents and Nigerians coming for business and going back to their base at the capital.


CWAI also noted the improved security of the territory is paramount in the heart of the Minister, as he is busy making sure that the traditional institution is working in tandem with the grassroots and his administration, so as to feel the pulse of the people and nip in the bud the security challenges like never before, as he is planning to deploy drones by partnering with the Parliamentary Republic of Hungary around the 800 square kilometers of the Federal Capital Territory, as well as securing inhabitants of the territory.


The organization further observed that, just recently, while he has upgraded the status of new chiefs for some chiefdoms namely, Karu, Kwali and Yaba within the Abuja metropolis and environs.



Through Barr. Wike’s efforts, the issue of land speculators and grabbers in Abuja is becoming a thing of the past as the Minister has given marching orders for enforcement and working assiduously to restore back the Abuja Master Plan.


As we write, we can authoritatively say that the Minister is, on weekly basis, visiting projects and sites to see first-hand and correct any anomaly and has given the people of Abuja date for the completion of most of the projects carried out.


CWAI has witnessed the massive infrastructural development being executed in the territory and has passed a vote of confidence on the Wike-led administration for marching words with action.


Barr. Wike has performed as a foremost Minister in the Tinubu administration like never before where every nook and crannies of the territory is undergoing construction and rehabilitation.


The pace with which the work at various stages is going is unprecedented in the history of the capital city. This is backed up with the realization of democracy dividends and over all development and improvement of the well-being of the territory and Nigeria at large.



The release further averred that the myriads of achievements thus so far achieved by the Minister was made possible by his zero tolerance for corruption, negligence, delivery below schedules and expectations.



In view of this, CWAI stated that they are not surprised about what is happening at the capital city presently due to the torrents of infrastructural development and overhaul as the Minister is known as a workaholic and has a track record of achievements and milestones spanning over two decades of his public service life.


The organization also observed that Barr. Wike has given marching orders to contractors to light Abuja or face the music as he has vowed that it is not going to be “business as usual.”


This, they added, the Minister has expressed dismay over the poor maintenance of street lights in the territory through the Coordinator of the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC), Chief Felix Obuah.



The organization quoted the AMMC Coordinator as saying the present situation is unimpressive, adding that the darkness experienced in the city is due to poor maintenance and requires urgent attention and has urged the contractors to scale up their services as this does not befit the FCT as a capital city.


Therefore, he urged the contractors to reverse the trend forthwith.
CWAI reliably gathered after diligent investigations that, some major roads will be completed, commissioned and considered as ongoing projects called “critical projects” across the Federal Capital Territory and expected for urgent delivery are already 98 per cent completed.



These projects, CWAI was assured, will be commissioned by President Bola Tinubu in May 2024. The projects include the construction of the Southern Parkway from the National Christian Centre to Ring Road 1, the development of the Outer Southern Expressway (SEX) from Villa Roundabout to Ring Road 1, Construction of the Vice President’s official residence within the Three Arms Zone.



The organization found out that other projects are the completion of B6 and B12 Circular Road, N20 from Northern Parkway (Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Expressway) and a whole lot of others.



Accordingly, this is a promise made and kept, because during the one year celebration coming up soon, the Abuja residents will have a lot of projects to be proud of and commissioned by the President.


The Minister stated that “Mr President has given us all the support, so, we also have to make sure that all the support given by Mr President is not in vain and that’s why we are doing everything we can to complement his efforts in giving us what we require to do our job,” the Minister restated.



A foremost philanthropist, humanitarian and development consultant, Dr Emmanuel Musa, Chairman of EMNAMU Foundation and a resident of Abuja, aptly captures the Minister’s milestones and achievements by pouring encomiums and applauded the selfless efforts of Barr.


Wike of the Federal Capital Territory since the creation of the city with the passion, drive and personal sacrifices, who is making sure he puts smiles on residents of the FCT.


The Minister is also doing everything possible to secure the lives of people and their property, including enhancing religious harmony between Christians and Muslims like never before seen.


According to Dr Musa, “Minister Wike is a foremost minister and a performer of the Tinubu administration, who not only Abuja is proud of, but the entire country for his love for humanity and development.”

Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court Sitting in Abuja, has set aside an order for the arrest of Edison Ehie, Chief of Staff to River State governor, Sim Fubara.

Others also affected by the order are Jinjiri Bala, Happy Bennett, Progress Joseph, Adokiye Oyagiri and Chibuike Peter. Read more: https://newstimeng.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=7975&action=edit

The 700 km Nigerian costal highway, brainchild of Minister of Works, Chief David Umahi, may end up a white elephant project akin to the now abandoned monorail project initiated by former Rivers state governor, Rotimi Amaechi in 2009.
As governor, Amaechi engaged Germany-based amusement rides firm Intamin to build a 5.4km monorail system in Port Harcourt, the state capital. As at the time he left office in 2015, Amaechi had committed over S400 million (over N600 billion) to the project. The project was abandoned.
Experts blamed the failure on poor feasibility and funding studies, saying S400 million spent on the project would have been enough to built a new Port Harcourt city.

In late August 2023, Senator David Umahi assumed office as Works Minister. Four weeks after assuming office, the minister disclosed that he had opened talks with Hitech Construction Company Limited to build an “ambitious” 700-kilometre coastal highway from Badagry to Calabar.

Hitech is a division of the Chagoury Group, a business conglomerate in Lagos that oversaw the construction of the Lekki-Epe expressway and the Ajah flyover.

After meeting with Hitech officials on September 23, 2023, Umahi assured that Hitech would solely finance the project, and that the company would thereafter toll the road.

Said Umahi, “Let me announce that it is under PPP. The Hitech group are going to look for the money. They have already found the money and that is the good news because we don’t waste our time talking and holding meetings and wasting resources.
“We are engaging seriously because we have seen the financial capacity and capability of Hitech and this project is going to be delivered in phases.

“Any section that we complete, we will toll it and then business and transportation will start.

“The right of way of this project is about 100 meter corridor. There is provision for a rail line in the middle of the road which is about 20 meters.

“The road has four carriageways. Each of the service lanes is 10 meters wide. The main carriageway is 14 meters,” he added.

Five months after Umahi’s promise that Hitech had “already found the money, ” he approached the Federal Executive Council to approve a N1.067 trillion facility for the execution of Phase One of the road project spanning 47.47 kilometres.

He blamed the move on the inability of Hitech to source the funds he said they already sourced a month earlier.

“Although council had earlier approved the project to be procured under EPC+F (Engineering, Procurement, Construction and Financing), the contractor, Hightech Construction African limited, suffered setbacks while sourcing for finances,” lamented Umahi.

“So, the Ministry went back to Mr. President to ask for two things: We asked ‘can we fast track this?’ Since this project was going to be procured in two phases and multiple sections, can we get the federal government to fund the phase one, which is what is 47.47km running from Ahmadu Bello in Lagos down to Lekki Deep Seaport? Mr. President graciously approved,” he stressed.

On March 8, Umahi claimed in a release by his media aide Orji Uchenna, that Hitech had moved to site, and recovered over 1.3 kilometres of land.

“They have completed some filling of 1.3 kilometres from the day the project was awarded to them. It shows the speed they are going to deploy this project. Within a couple of weeks, we awarded the project to them, they mobilised a lot of dredging equipment, and you can see that they have recovered 1.3 kilometres of section one of the phase,” noted Umahi who isn’t known for showering praises on contractors.

However, visits by Pointblanknews.com to the site revealed that as at the time Umahi claimed Hitech had filled 1.3km of land, less than 700 metres had actually been filled.

As at Monday March 10, Hitech officials were still negotiating with middlemen to help source good excavators and trucks for hire, casting a shadow of doubt on Umahi’s claim that the companyhad the capacity to deliver on the project.

“700 kilometres in a swamp is a lot of bone to chew for any company, let alone for Hitech that isn’t in the league of big players like Juilius Berger, RCC, Bouygues, PW, Setraco and the rest,” offered one site engineer.

“We are still trying to hire sound trucks. Sand filling such terrain isn’t a tea party. You need hundreds of sound trucks, which we don’t have at the moment. We are sourcing from nearby cities like Ibadan, Akure and Benin. We took off sand filling from Eleko. It has been very challenging,” an operator told Pointblanknews.com.

Some officisls of the Ministry blamed the policy somersaults on what they described as Umahi’s high handedness.

“He is Mr. Know-it-all. He doesn’t listen to any official, including the Permanent Secretary. He talks down on his directors. I’m sure you must have seen him doing so on national television. This has greatly dampened the morale of staff of the ministry,” offered an official.

” He has deployed and redeployed several officers, especially those he feels may have the temerity to question his motives. He has outsourced most of the duties of Minito private consultants. Very few officers can tell you what is going on, as they have been effectively sidelined,” another added.

A retired director who did not want his name on print told Pointblanknews. com that Umahi’s coastal highway project may prove to be President Tinubu’s biggest headache.

“First, without any design, you award a contract to a company you claimed has enough money to finance the project. Few weeks later, you scratch your head to say they can’t source the money, so Nigeria should take a loan to finance a road that virtually leads to nowhere.

“Umahi wants us to spend over N1 trillion on 47 km of roads. Meanwhile, fir the 2024 fiscal year, we have proposed N657.23 billion for all the road works in Nigeria. It means that for the over 700 km of the coastal road, we’ll be looking at over N16 trillion. This is more than 60 percent of our 2024 budget. Which country spends over 60 percent of its entire budget on 700km of roads? ” he querried.

Noted a top official of the Council of Registered Engineers of Nigeria (COREN), ” I hear Umahi is the alpha and omega at the Ministry of Works, who listens to no one but himself. Only a third of our 36,000 km of federal roads can be said to be in good condition.

“Now, the federal government owes road contractors about N1.5trn. What sense is there in spending over N1 trillion on 47km of a new coastal road, which, by the way, is a white elephant project, when there are over 20,000km of very bad roads scattered across the country?

“Umahi has been busy demonizing contractors who are owed for over 10 years, but curiously sees Hitech as the only angelic company in Nigeria. I’m sure that some day, the wind will blow and enable us see the dump of this unholy alliance that is set to greatly embarrass President Tinubu and set Nigerian taxpayers back by several trillions of Naira, ” he cautioned.

“Some of us are documenting his several infractions in the Ministry. He is revoking contracts and reawarding same to his cronies and fronts. Look at the wonders Nyesom Wike is doing in Abuja. We’re they not appointed the same day? While Tinubu will have a lot to celebrate in the FCT, there’ll be little or nothing to show for Umahi’s stewardship come May 29, 2024,” he warmed.

Recall that some industry experts had faulted Umahi’s appointment as Works Minister.

The Chief Executive Officer of Magnificent Choice Services Project and Engineering Ltd, Jeremiah Akinsele, toldPunch newspapers that although Umahi studied Civil Engineering, he had left practice almost 20 years ago.

He said, “Umahi left practice almost 20 years ago, and has been a partisan politician. I thought the new government would hire a technocrat that has an understanding of how the construction industry works.

“The former Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, has not been able to justify his tenure. He is not a professional. Hence, the management of projects he did was done as a quack. We see a lot of things roll out in the newspapers but do not speak in reality, ” declared Akinsele.

-accuse labour of using threat of protest to blackmail govt

A Coalition of civil society groups has accused the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) its threat of nationwide protest to blackmail the government for personal gratification.

The Coalition while addressing journalist on Friday in Abuja issued a 24 hours ultimatum to the NLC to drop their idea of a warning strike, accusing them of sabotage.

Amb.Mahmud Abubakar who spoke on behalf of the Coalition said it is common knowledge that embarking on strike actions has not resolved any problems faced by the Nigerian masses recently, saying the leadership of NLC/TUC should rather organise itself to contribute intellectually to the challenges facing the country rather than been used as proxies to sabotage the system.

He said, "While we are not worried about empty and baseless threats to drag the the strike we are once again concerned these groups the NLC/TUC has always used threats to collect gratifications from Government and betray our people,a situation we are out to arrest this time as members of the TUC and spokespersons of the masses of this country.

"It is common knowledge that embarking on strike actions has not resolved any problems faced by the Nigerian masses recently,the leadership of NLC/TUC should rather organise itself to contribute intellectually to the common challenges we have now rather than been used as proxies to sabotage the system.

"The Coalition of the Nigeria civil society forum therefore wishes to give the NLC/TUC 24 hrs to drop their idea of a warning strike and come to the round table we’re patriotic Nigerians are concerned and are doing everything humanly possible to make sure we curb the hunger,stabilize our currency and secure our people to safe to go about their normal activities with fear."

Abubakar said the protest would only satisfy the ego of the leadership of the Labour movement and allow and cash out from their sponsors and co- travelers.

He said further, "The Coalition also calls on all citizens to rise up to the occasion as threats such as the one made by NLC/TUC always come with renewed momentum from their sponsors as they continue their desperation to sabotage the system not to work

"We demand the arrest and prosecution of anyone that comes to sabotage the system and make our situation worse.

"In the meantime,we urge Nigerian people to shun political differences and put any kind of sentiment to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR as he stands up to our enemies and follow the legal means to protect our country."

AS Nigerians continue to be at the mercy of criminals, Terrorist and Kidnappers, a Civil Society Organisation, Center for Democracy and Human Rights, CEDEHUR, yesterday, called on President Bola Tinubu to release Deputy Commissioner of Police, DCP Abba Kyari, to help tackle the protracted security challenges across the country. Read more at https://newsdeskng.com/2024/01/16/cso-to-tinubu-release-dcp-kyari-to-join-in-tackling-protracted-security-challenges/

Chief of Staff to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila has been fingered in the bazaar ripping the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, following a memo he sent to the suspended Minister, Betta Edu, conveying the presidential approval of N3 billion Naira for the verification of the National Social Register (NSR). Read more at https://newsdeskng.com/2024/01/16/gbajabiamila-linked-to-bazaar-in-edugate/

...Commend Him For Decorum In Governance

...A foremost Nigerian Minister of repute

Prominent Civil Society and Pro-democracy Groups have condemned the recent attempt to drag the name of the Hon Olubunmi Tunji Ojo, Minister of Interior in the on going accusation against the suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Betta Edu.

According to the statement " Let us first of all commend President Bola Tinubu for his prompt handling of the EduGate in the best interest of the nation and by allowing the relevant agencies to investigate the matter to its logical conclusion devoid of interference from any quaters".

In the statement authored by Ismail Ibrahim Bakori, the President of Arewa Voters Assembly(AVA) and Comrade Segun Adegoke of the Progressive Action for Justice Unity and Democracy(PAJUD) stated that the democratic handling over of power on May 29, 2023, opened up fresh possibilities for a renewal of our political and socio economic life on the foundation of accountability and transparency on the part of elected public office holders.

"Our attention has been drawn to the barrage of mischievous accusations being labelled against Hon Olubunmi Tunji Ojo, Minister of Interior by hirelings of mischief and failed politicians from the People's Democratic Party( PDP) in their desperate attempt to link him with Edu Gate".

The groups posit that in less than eight months that President Tinubu assumed office, Ojo has come out with a well defined mission, vision, blueprint and seriousness of purpose in the onerous task of addressing the multifarious problems and challenges confronting the Interior Ministry. The promptness with which he tackled the international passport scarcity and other matters are eloquent testimonies that he is a star boy of the Tinubu's administration and that he is focused and seriously minded political appointee of the government.

"We posit that since the beginning of the Nigerian democracy, the political firmament and landscape is over dosed with different genres of characters, ranging from the good, the bad and ugly. Sadly, the characters behind the campaign of calumny and distractions against Hon Ojo represents the ugliest part the Nigerian political elites. Their sixteen years of wasteful, fruitless, misrule and of the Nigerian state speaks negatively of them. They lacked the moral responsibility to launch any smear campaign, mudslinging and mischief making against Hon Ojo who instituted decorum in the affairs of the Nigerian Interior Ministry at the moment". Adding that "Instead of throwing tantrums and vile mischief, the PDP should go back to the drawing table, put their house in order and give the ruling APC a credible opposition".

"Our findings on the fabricated allegations against him revealed that he truly established the said company 10 years ago, but resigned from the directorship in the 2019 when he contested for the House of Representatives seat and has not been involved either in the management of the company or being a signatory to the accounts company anymore. Furthermore, Hon Ojo gave proper account of himself during his appearance on a Channels TV programme few days ago. And the Certified True Copy of Corporate Affairs Commission has been made available to the Nigerian public to authenticate his claims and the veracity of the rumour mill.

Accordingly, we posited that Hon Ojo reformed the Interior Ministry from an obscure public holiday declaration outfit to a world class result oriented one. Also he is working to ensure respect for any citizen holding Nigerian passport in his policy of implementation of principle of reciprocity in international relations by stopping the visa on arrival privilege granted foreign nationals whose nations subject Nigerians to tedious visa application regime among other new found progressive initiatives.

"It is evidently clear that Hon Ojo has warmed himself into the hearts of Nigerians with his above average performance in office thereby putting the Tinubu administration into positive reckoning but very sadly rented critics are working so hard and tirelessly to pollute the atmosphere with baseless, unwarranted, misplaced, political motivated and unsubstantiated allegations against him. The same people of questionable integrity that left behind legacies of terrible misdeeds, bizarre grafts, mindless rapacity, failed third term agenda and unimaginable atrocities".

"They are devilish and leprous to the extent that Nigerians are not ready to allign with their campaign of blackmail laced with sinister motives against Hon Ojo".

"We urge Hon Ojo to ignore further campaign of calumny and distractions against him from the axis of mischief makers and agent provocateurs calculated to distract him from accomplishing the mission assigned to him by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Because the entire allegations are targeted towards deflating the tide of public opinion in favour of the present government. In fact, we must state it clearly and categorically that Hon Ojo is a victim of conspiracy by the cartel of passport racketeering he dismantled, now fighting back to take destroy his unblemished reputation and time honoured record of excellence and honesty".

They concluded that after all, Nigeria is a country founded on constitutional democracy anchored on the rule of law and due process. And that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is trying to entrench the country along such path and place Nigeria on the comity of nations with his Renewed Hope Agenda.

A Coalition of 30 Civil Society Organizations, including Stand Up Nigeria (SUN) has lauded the Safe School initiative, which it said has increased security of schoolchildren against all forms of insecurity across the country.

National coordinator of SUN, Comrade Sunday Attah who spoke to journalists during the launch of the Safe School Initiative in Lafia, urged host communities to support the NSCDC and other security agencies to achieve the objectives of the initiative.

He noted that the safe schools programme has become necessary considering the importance of education on human capital development and overall national development, thus making it expedient for government to deploy extraordinary measures to tackle the spate of attacks on school facilities in Nigeria.

Attah commended the Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Dr Ahmed Abubakar Audi, for ensuring that more personnel of the Corps are provided with adequate training to implement the safe school initiative.

According to him, one among many of the functions of the National Safe Schools Response coordination Center is to provide forensic evidence-based response coordination in collaboration with security agencies and relevant stakeholders to enhance security for schools and host communities.

The program is to also maintain a standby force at all centers for prevention and quick response to emergencies around schools.

Attah commended President Bola Tinubu for believing in the reforms and discipline the CG Audi, has brought to NSCDC saying it shows the confidence the President has on the NSCDC boss.

...shared prosperity across Africa.

The attention of the Citizens Watch Advocacy Initiative (CWAI) has been drawn to the Africa’s premier flagship news making event and formidable platform as a result of the remarkable milestones generated to the tune of 34.82 billion investment during the recently held Africa Investment Forum (AIF) market place in Marrakesh, Morocco from 8 to 10th November, 2023. The African renaissance platform of connectivity and corridors with its challenges of poverty, unemployment, insecurity, inequality and inconsistencies of government policies including intra-African trade that has remained abysmally low at about 15% must be re-engineered for growth by the continent’s leaders, so as to meet with other developing nations. Indeed, African leaders has so much on their table to be delivered which has been championed by the AIF an arm of the AfDB to continuously guide, encourage and support the economic growth and paradigm shift in the continent.

The Africa Investment Forum (AIF), which is an arm of the Africa Development Bank (AfDB), recently held an annual investment forum entitled ‘Africa’s Investment Market Place in Marrakesh, Morocco,’ with a bankable $34.82 billion investment interest.

The theme of the three-day event was, “Unlocking Africa’s Value Chains.” The event which was graced by His Majesty, Mohammed VI, King of Morocco, was a high-level, top-notch event and a very successful one. It was aimed at charting a new course for Africa’s new prosperity and connectivity.

The auspicious African flagship platform and global brand was attended by Heads of State and Governments; Ministers from Africa; Captains of Industries and Corporate Africa, prominent among whom were His Excellency, Mr. Azali Assoumani, President of the Union of Comoros, and Chairperson of the African Union; Her Excellency, Ms. Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of the United Republic of Tanzania; Her Excellency, Ms. Mia Amor Mottley, Prime Minister of Republic of Barbados; His Excellency, Mr. Julius Maada Bio, President of the Republic of Sierra Leone; His Excellency, Mr. Edouard Ngirente, Prime Minister of the Republic of Rwanda; Her Excellency, Ms. Nadia Fettah Alaoni, Minister of Economy and Finance of the Kingdom of Morocco, and Honourable Ministers that included Professor Benedict Oramah, President of the African Export-Import Bank; Mr. Samaila Zubairu, President of the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC); Mr. Alain Ebobisse, Chief Executive Officer of the Africa 50; Ms. Boitumelo Mosako, Chief Executive Officer of the Development Bank of Southern Africa; Mr. Werner Hoyer, President of the European Investment Bank; Dr Muhammad Sulaiman Al Jasser, President of the Islamic Development Bank; Mr. Admassu Tadesse, President Emeritus and Managing Director, Trade and Development Bank; His Excellency, Babajide Sanwolu of Lagos State of Nigeria. Others in attendance were business leaders and investors from around the globe.

Sub-themes discussed at the event included: Digital Disruptors and Transformative Technology, Renewable Energy and Natural Capital; Accelerating Green Growth, Climate-Resilient Infrastructure; Securing the Future, Capital Market; Mobilizing Investment for Transformational Growth, Africa’s Creative Industries: Strategies for Promoting Investment and Growth, and was a response to the Feed Africa Commitment of the AfDB and other Partners at Africa Investment Forum, which unveiled a platform known as the Alliance for Special Agro-industrial Processing Zones to mobilise equity funding for the continent’s agro-ecosystem.

At the event, King Mohammed VI reiterated that Africa Investment Forum was the place where bankable projects in Africa meet with investors, where investors meet with Heads of State and Governments in investment boardrooms converge and give comfort to investment as a result of which risks are managed and deals closed.

According to the Executive Secretary of Citizens Watch Advocacy Initiative (CWAI), Omoba Kenneth Aigbegbele, who was a participant, “The event has been considered by stakeholders as the most strategic and important in terms of conveying power and capacity to galvanise investment actions on the continent, and harness its resources. From what happened in Morocco, the Africa Investment Forum (AIF) is indeed, renowned to be Africa’s premier investment market place.”

At this year’s event, His Excellency, Mr. Omar Kabbaj, Advisor to the King, representing His Majesty Mohammed VI, King of Morocco, stated: “The AIF is unique, it is not just any forum; it is a transactional platform, where real business is conducted; where deals are made and where actions supersede rhetoric.”

It was also revealed that since the launch of the Africa Investment Forum in 2018, AIF has drawn more than 16, 500 participants; generated investment interests of nearly $143 billion.

A retrospective analysis was made at the 2022 AIF Market Days, wherein the Abidjan – Lagos highway corridor was able to secure $15.5 billion of investment interests: What makes the AIF unique and remarkable is that it is highly innovative and 100% transactional. Investors have discovered that there is no other global investment forum like it. “They develop and curate projects; reduce transaction costs and risks and accelerate the closure of deals. They also improve the overall business environment within which projects and investments are structured, developed and delivered, making investments to land in Africa smoothly.”

Nevertheless, this corridor will transform the entire West Africa region and speed up regional integration and trade. Also, last year, other investment interests were secured for 3.6 billion dollars for the East Africa Railway corridor, linking Tanzania, Democratic Republic of Congo and Burundi respectively. That the AIF has so far closed on deals, investment gaps with 11 billion dollars, ranging from Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) renewable energy, agribusiness, industrial manufacturing, creative industry, housing and transport.

According to global statistics, the Africa population will reach 2.5 billion by 2050; the continent will account for 25% of the global population. The New York Times recently affirmed in a headline what we know that the world is becoming more African. With a youth population of 477 million people between the ages of 15 and 25, Africa will be key for supplying the global labour force. Then, the size of the food and agriculture market in Africa will be worth one trillion dollars by 2030, in less than seven years from now.

It was revealed at the event that the future of the $7 trillion electronic vehicle market is tied to Nigeria and other African countries. Also, the size of the electric vehicles value-chain is estimated to increase from the current $7 trillion, to 157 trillion dollars by 2050.

According to the President of AfDB, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, the future depends on Africa. That is because, as he asserted, Africa accounts for the largest source of the green metals for the development of electric vehicles, including platinum (70%), cobalt (52%), manganese (46%), bauxite (25%) and graphite (21%).

An assessment by Bloomberg NEF shows that the cost of manufacturing of lithium-iron precursor batteries in Africa is three times less than in the United States, China and Poland, all together. The global electric vehicle market has experienced significant growth, which is driven by increasing environmental concerns and advancement in technology. China, the United States and Europe are the three biggest electric vehicle markets globally. China has incentives such as subsidies, tax breaks and license plate restrictions which has encouraged consumers to embrace electric mobility.

President of AfDB, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, further said, “Five of the six pre-pandemic top performing African countries are projected to be back in the league of the world’s 10 fastest growing economies for 2023-2024. African economies provide some of the best investment opportunities in the world.”

The Africa Continental Free Trade Area, when fully operational, offers incredible opportunities for boosting intra-regional trade across borders and regions as well as the emergence of a more competitive national, regional and globally connected value chain as envisaged in the Special Sessions on Regional Corridors: Quest to Integrate Africa. This, it was agreed, can only be achieved through the development of infrastructure.

The AfDB and partners are implementing the 20 billion dollars Desert-to-Power Initiative to develop 10GW of solar power across 11 countries of the Sahel zone, when completed, will be the largest solar zone in the world. These countries are ; Nigeria, Burkina faso, Cameroon, Chad, The Gambia, Guinea, Mauritania, Mali, Niger, Eritrea and Senegal including the Sahel regional transmission lines to assume reliable and competitively priced electricity for development of the corridors. The AfDB also supports the development and expansion of regional power pools, in collaboration with the African Union Commission and Regional Economic Communities.

“That is the Africa we want: A Fully Interconnected Africa, using regional corridor infrastructure and innovative regional financing instruments, to unleash economic opportunities and assure competitiveness of national and regional value chains; a well-connected Africa will be a more competitive Africa,” as asserted by Dr. Adesina, the president of AfDB.

The Lagos – Abidjan highway connects Nigeria, Benin, Togo and Cote d’Ivoire, secured investment interest of 15.2 billion dollars at the AIF last year, from multiple financiers and investors.

According to His Majesty, Mohammed VI, King of Morocco, his country has been championing for an Inter-African coordinated and cooperation mechanism to be enhanced in various fields of endeavours with a view to achieving regional economic integration and hub; that is why the Morocco – Nigeria Gas pipeline project is part of that endeavour closest to his heart.

He said this reflects his resolve to lay the groundwork for genuine regional cooperation. The project, he further stated, will enhance all countries along the pipeline route to have access to reliable energy supplies and to be more resilient to exogenous energy price shocks.

The African Development Bank has pledged 500 million dollars to develop the strategic Lobito corridor, connecting Angola, Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo to interlink countries and boost trade. The AfDB president has highlighted five priority areas to fully optimize the benefits of the developing regional corridors across Africa. These include: dedicating pooled financing facilities to corridor projects; building special industrial zones around the corridors to optimize existing infrastructure; adopting a systematic approach; and platform to syndicate around the development of strategic regional corridors.

The Alliance for Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones to mobilise equity funding for the continent’s eco-system, a new initiative by the AfDB following the success of the Feed Africa Summit (FAS), which AfDB in partnership with the Senegalese government and Africa Union, held in January in Dakar, was attended by 34 Heads of State and Governments, according to the AfDB boss. He also informed that the summit had successfully mobilised 72 billion dollars towards implementing food and agriculture delivery compacts.

The Initiative, according to Dr Adesina, is aimed at mobilizing at least 2 billion dollars in financing and investment commitments from Alliance members and partners over the next five years. However, meeting the financing goal will deliver an additional 15 to 20 Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) projects in various countries across the continent.

The AfDB President emphasized that the Alliance will also raise funds through various investment windows for project preparation, project development and construction and financing for tenant companies. By doing so, the Alliance will bridge critical financing gaps, complement existing initiatives and mobilise resources towards the common goal of enhancing agricultural value addition in Africa. The platform will also provide project preparation, finance, equity and debt investments, technical assistance, as well as project tracking and oversight. It will further help with improving administrative policy and investment incentives never envisaged previously.

The Presidential Panel was attended by five Heads of State and Governments. There was robust engagement in challenges facing the continent. President Julius Maado Bio of Sierra Leone called for aggressive diversification of economies and attributed the desperation of youths to leave the continent to the low knowledge index of the economy.

According to him, hundreds of African youths who die in the Atlantic Ocean while crossing to Europe are searching for jobs exported by African countries, owing to failure to add value to their communities. The President of Sierra Leone said value addition is a necessary option for growing resilient national economies across Africa and noted that the continent needs to move from merely talking to action.

For the Tanzanian President, Suluhu Hassan, there are a lot of obstacles to trade and investment in the continent. He urged his colleagues to work towards removing the obstacles to make the continent a destination of global investment and pride. On his part, the Rwandan Prime Minister, Edouard Ngirente, noted that time is ticking fast and the government could not afford to continue lamenting missed opportunities and chances, but rather move quickly and build the economy that their citizens deserve.

Consequently, the King of Morocco noted, “That is why initiatives such as the African Investment Forum (AIF), which is sponsored by the AfDB, are commendable, because they help direct private investment towards the most promising economic sectors, thus reinforcing the integration of Africa’s economies into global value chains.”

All the high network corporate Africans, Heads of Governments, Ministers from across Africa, agreed that the economic potential of Africa is growing rapidly and of immense importance and promise of opportunities with incredible richness in vast natural and human capital resources in technology, agriculture, and entrainment. Africa is home to a youthful and dynamic workforce with a demography that cut across the youth population and abundant natural resources that will change the landscape in a few years ahead and that indeed, President of the AfDB, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, is a global brand; chief optimist of Africa and a great and foremost marketing chief executive of Africa who has used the AfDB platform to change the narrative of Africa; deconstruct conversation favourable to Africa and shape opinions that, indeed, Africa is bankable and the risks are minimal, unlike what most books are saying as he re-echoed time again that “the future is indeed Africa and the time is now for investments and investors to see the continent as the new marketplace of ideas and unlocking the continent’s value chain.” He reiterated that, “Invest in Africa and reap high-risk adjusted returns!”

Senior Director of Africa Investment Forum (AIF) Chinelo Anohu also echoed that, “Africa must trust Africans with their ideas, innovations and strategy for the future.” The event was co-sponsored by the Africa Export-Import Bank, Africa Finance Corporation, Africa 50, and Development Bank of Southern Africa, European Investment Bank and the Islamic Development Bank, with an estimated $34.82 billion investment interest.

CWAI's executive secretary emphasized that the Heads of State and Government, as well as all participants at the event, overwhelmingly agreed that, the President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, was “indeed spreading shared prosperity across Africa with this innovative and bankable financial platform for building infrastructure corridors.”

The attention of the Citizens Watch Advocacy Initiative (CWAI) has been drawn to the Africa’s premier flagship news making event and formidable platform as a result of the remarkable milestones generated to the tune of 34.82 billion investment during the recently held Africa Investment Forum (AIF) market place in Marrakesh, Morocco from 8 to 10th November, 2023. The African renaissance platform of connectivity and corridors with its challenges of poverty, unemployment, insecurity, inequality and inconsistencies of government policies including intra-African trade that has remained abysmally low at about 15% must be re-engineered for growth by the continent’s leaders, so as to meet with other developing nations. Indeed, African leaders has so much on their table to be delivered which has been championed by the AIF an arm of the AfDB to continuously guide, encourage and support the economic growth and paradigm shift in the continent.

The Africa Investment Forum (AIF), which is an arm of the Africa Development Bank (AfDB), recently held an annual investment forum entitled ‘Africa’s Investment Market Place in Marrakesh, Morocco,’ with a bankable $34.82 billion investment interest.
<img src="https://nigerianpilot.news/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/IMG-20231122-WA0065-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-29985" />
The theme of the three-day event was, “Unlocking Africa’s Value Chains.” The event which was graced by His Majesty, Mohammed VI, King of Morocco, was a high-level, top-notch event and a very successful one. It was aimed at charting a new course for Africa’s new prosperity and connectivity.

The auspicious African flagship platform and global brand was attended by Heads of State and Governments; Ministers from Africa; Captains of Industries and Corporate Africa, prominent among whom were His Excellency, Mr. Azali Assoumani, President of the Union of Comoros, and Chairperson of the African Union; Her Excellency, Ms. Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of the United Republic of Tanzania; Her Excellency, Ms. Mia Amor Mottley, Prime Minister of Republic of Barbados; His Excellency, Mr. Julius Maada Bio, President of the Republic of Sierra Leone; His Excellency, Mr. Edouard Ngirente, Prime Minister of the Republic of Rwanda; Her Excellency, Ms. Nadia Fettah Alaoni, Minister of Economy and Finance of the Kingdom of Morocco, and Honourable Ministers that included Professor Benedict Oramah, President of the African Export-Import Bank; Mr. Samaila Zubairu, President of the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC); Mr. Alain Ebobisse, Chief Executive Officer of the Africa 50; Ms. Boitumelo Mosako, Chief Executive Officer of the Development Bank of Southern Africa; Mr. Werner Hoyer, President of the European Investment Bank; Dr Muhammad Sulaiman Al Jasser, President of the Islamic Development Bank; Mr. Admassu Tadesse, President Emeritus and Managing Director, Trade and Development Bank; His Excellency, Babajide Sanwolu of Lagos State of Nigeria. Others in attendance were business leaders and investors from around the globe.

Sub-themes discussed at the event included: Digital Disruptors and Transformative Technology, Renewable Energy and Natural Capital; Accelerating Green Growth, Climate-Resilient Infrastructure; Securing the Future, Capital Market; Mobilizing Investment for Transformational Growth, Africa’s Creative Industries: Strategies for Promoting Investment and Growth, and was a response to the Feed Africa Commitment of the AfDB and other Partners at Africa Investment Forum, which unveiled a platform known as the Alliance for Special Agro-industrial Processing Zones to mobilise equity funding for the continent’s agro-ecosystem.

At the event, King Mohammed VI reiterated that Africa Investment Forum was the place where bankable projects in Africa meet with investors, where investors meet with Heads of State and Governments in investment boardrooms converge and give comfort to investment as a result of which risks are managed and deals closed.

According to the Executive Secretary of Citizens Watch Advocacy Initiative (CWAI), Omoba Kenneth Aigbegbele, who was a participant, “The event has been considered by stakeholders as the most strategic and important in terms of conveying power and capacity to galvanise investment actions on the continent, and harness its resources. From what happened in Morocco, the Africa Investment Forum (AIF) is indeed, renowned to be Africa’s premier investment market place.”

At this year’s event, His Excellency, Mr. Omar Kabbaj, Advisor to the King, representing His Majesty Mohammed VI, King of Morocco, stated: “The AIF is unique, it is not just any forum; it is a transactional platform, where real business is conducted; where deals are made and where actions supersede rhetoric.”

It was also revealed that since the launch of the Africa Investment Forum in 2018, AIF has drawn more than 16, 500 participants; generated investment interests of nearly $143 billion.

A retrospective analysis was made at the 2022 AIF Market Days, wherein the Abidjan – Lagos highway corridor was able to secure $15.5 billion of investment interests: What makes the AIF unique and remarkable is that it is highly innovative and 100% transactional. Investors have discovered that there is no other global investment forum like it. “They develop and curate projects; reduce transaction costs and risks and accelerate the closure of deals. They also improve the overall business environment within which projects and investments are structured, developed and delivered, making investments to land in Africa smoothly.”

Nevertheless, this corridor will transform the entire West Africa region and speed up regional integration and trade. Also, last year, other investment interests were secured for 3.6 billion dollars for the East Africa Railway corridor, linking Tanzania, Democratic Republic of Congo and Burundi respectively. That the AIF has so far closed on deals, investment gaps with 11 billion dollars, ranging from Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) renewable energy, agribusiness, industrial manufacturing, creative industry, housing and transport.

According to global statistics, the Africa population will reach 2.5 billion by 2050; the continent will account for 25% of the global population. The New York Times recently affirmed in a headline what we know that the world is becoming more African. With a youth population of 477 million people between the ages of 15 and 25, Africa will be key for supplying the global labour force. Then, the size of the food and agriculture market in Africa will be worth one trillion dollars by 2030, in less than seven years from now.

It was revealed at the event that the future of the $7 trillion electronic vehicle market is tied to Nigeria and other African countries. Also, the size of the electric vehicles value-chain is estimated to increase from the current $7 trillion, to 157 trillion dollars by 2050.

According to the President of AfDB, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, the future depends on Africa. That is because, as he asserted, Africa accounts for the largest source of the green metals for the development of electric vehicles, including platinum (70%), cobalt (52%), manganese (46%), bauxite (25%) and graphite (21%).

An assessment by Bloomberg NEF shows that the cost of manufacturing of lithium-iron precursor batteries in Africa is three times less than in the United States, China and Poland, all together. The global electric vehicle market has experienced significant growth, which is driven by increasing environmental concerns and advancement in technology. China, the United States and Europe are the three biggest electric vehicle markets globally. China has incentives such as subsidies, tax breaks and license plate restrictions which has encouraged consumers to embrace electric mobility.

President of AfDB, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, further said, “Five of the six pre-pandemic top performing African countries are projected to be back in the league of the world’s 10 fastest growing economies for 2023-2024. African economies provide some of the best investment opportunities in the world.”

The Africa Continental Free Trade Area, when fully operational, offers incredible opportunities for boosting intra-regional trade across borders and regions as well as the emergence of a more competitive national, regional and globally connected value chain as envisaged in the Special Sessions on Regional Corridors: Quest to Integrate Africa. This, it was agreed, can only be achieved through the development of infrastructure.

The AfDB and partners are implementing the 20 billion dollars Desert-to-Power Initiative to develop 10GW of solar power across 11 countries of the Sahel zone, when completed, will be the largest solar zone in the world. These countries are ; Nigeria, Burkina faso, Cameroon, Chad, The Gambia, Guinea, Mauritania, Mali, Niger, Eritrea and Senegal including the Sahel regional transmission lines to assume reliable and competitively priced electricity for development of the corridors. The AfDB also supports the development and expansion of regional power pools, in collaboration with the African Union Commission and Regional Economic Communities.

“That is the Africa we want: A Fully Interconnected Africa, using regional corridor infrastructure and innovative regional financing instruments, to unleash economic opportunities and assure competitiveness of national and regional value chains; a well-connected Africa will be a more competitive Africa,” as asserted by Dr. Adesina, the president of AfDB.

The Lagos – Abidjan highway connects Nigeria, Benin, Togo and Cote d’Ivoire, secured investment interest of 15.2 billion dollars at the AIF last year, from multiple financiers and investors.

According to His Majesty, Mohammed VI, King of Morocco, his country has been championing for an Inter-African coordinated and cooperation mechanism to be enhanced in various fields of endeavours with a view to achieving regional economic integration and hub; that is why the Morocco – Nigeria Gas pipeline project is part of that endeavour closest to his heart.

He said this reflects his resolve to lay the groundwork for genuine regional cooperation. The project, he further stated, will enhance all countries along the pipeline route to have access to reliable energy supplies and to be more resilient to exogenous energy price shocks.

The African Development Bank has pledged 500 million dollars to develop the strategic Lobito corridor, connecting Angola, Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo to interlink countries and boost trade. The AfDB president has highlighted five priority areas to fully optimize the benefits of the developing regional corridors across Africa. These include: dedicating pooled financing facilities to corridor projects; building special industrial zones around the corridors to optimize existing infrastructure; adopting a systematic approach; and platform to syndicate around the development of strategic regional corridors.

The Alliance for Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones to mobilise equity funding for the continent’s eco-system, a new initiative by the AfDB following the success of the Feed Africa Summit (FAS), which AfDB in partnership with the Senegalese government and Africa Union, held in January in Dakar, was attended by 34 Heads of State and Governments, according to the AfDB boss. He also informed that the summit had successfully mobilised 72 billion dollars towards implementing food and agriculture delivery compacts.

The Initiative, according to Dr Adesina, is aimed at mobilizing at least 2 billion dollars in financing and investment commitments from Alliance members and partners over the next five years. However, meeting the financing goal will deliver an additional 15 to 20 Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) projects in various countries across the continent.

The AfDB President emphasized that the Alliance will also raise funds through various investment windows for project preparation, project development and construction and financing for tenant companies. By doing so, the Alliance will bridge critical financing gaps, complement existing initiatives and mobilise resources towards the common goal of enhancing agricultural value addition in Africa. The platform will also provide project preparation, finance, equity and debt investments, technical assistance, as well as project tracking and oversight. It will further help with improving administrative policy and investment incentives never envisaged previously.

The Presidential Panel was attended by five Heads of State and Governments. There was robust engagement in challenges facing the continent. President Julius Maado Bio of Sierra Leone called for aggressive diversification of economies and attributed the desperation of youths to leave the continent to the low knowledge index of the economy.

According to him, hundreds of African youths who die in the Atlantic Ocean while crossing to Europe are searching for jobs exported by African countries, owing to failure to add value to their communities. The President of Sierra Leone said value addition is a necessary option for growing resilient national economies across Africa and noted that the continent needs to move from merely talking to action.

For the Tanzanian President, Suluhu Hassan, there are a lot of obstacles to trade and investment in the continent. He urged his colleagues to work towards removing the obstacles to make the continent a destination of global investment and pride. On his part, the Rwandan Prime Minister, Edouard Ngirente, noted that time is ticking fast and the government could not afford to continue lamenting missed opportunities and chances, but rather move quickly and build the economy that their citizens deserve.

Consequently, the King of Morocco noted, “That is why initiatives such as the African Investment Forum (AIF), which is sponsored by the AfDB, are commendable, because they help direct private investment towards the most promising economic sectors, thus reinforcing the integration of Africa’s economies into global value chains.”

All the high network corporate Africans, Heads of Governments, Ministers from across Africa, agreed that the economic potential of Africa is growing rapidly and of immense importance and promise of opportunities with incredible richness in vast natural and human capital resources in technology, agriculture, and entrainment. Africa is home to a youthful and dynamic workforce with a demography that cut across the youth population and abundant natural resources that will change the landscape in a few years ahead and that indeed, President of the AfDB, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, is a global brand; chief optimist of Africa and a great and foremost marketing chief executive of Africa who has used the AfDB platform to change the narrative of Africa; deconstruct conversation favourable to Africa and shape opinions that, indeed, Africa is bankable and the risks are minimal, unlike what most books are saying as he re-echoed time again that “the future is indeed Africa and the time is now for investments and investors to see the continent as the new marketplace of ideas and unlocking the continent’s value chain.” He reiterated that, “Invest in Africa and reap high-risk adjusted returns!”

Senior Director of Africa Investment Forum (AIF) Chinelo Anohu also echoed that, “Africa must trust Africans with their ideas, innovations and strategy for the future.” The event was co-sponsored by the Africa Export-Import Bank, Africa Finance Corporation, Africa 50, and Development Bank of Southern Africa, European Investment Bank and the Islamic Development Bank, with an estimated $34.82 billion investment interest.

CWAI's executive secretary emphasized that the Heads of State and Government, as well as all participants at the event, overwhelmingly agreed that, the President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, was “indeed spreading shared prosperity across Africa with this innovative and bankable financial platform for building infrastructure corridors.”

A civil society organizations, Citizens for change and transparency (CCT) has commended the introduction of new camouflage uniform for the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), saying it would not only boost morale of personnel but shows the Commandant-General's efforts to rebrand and reposition the Corps .

The group while welcoming the initiative of the The Commandant General, Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, said it will go a long way to strengthen the resolve of officers on the field of operations especially those in the taxforce who always work with other sister security agencies.

This was contained in statement by the spokesperson Evangelist Nwike Steven and made available to journalists.

He said the introduction of this brand of uniform is long over due, noting that the CG has also shown commitment to improving the welfare of personnel through trainings and retraining.


He said, "The camouflage uniform will add to the Corps effectiveness, efficiency and improvement in the discharge of their duties to Nigerians".


According to Steven, Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi's action clearly indicates his passion to rebrand the Corps.

"The commandant General of the Corps, Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi is a man who has passed through the rank and file of the Corps, no wonder, his high love to reposition can't be compared to any".

"It is on records that his transparent leadership has distinguished him among his other security agencies in the country especially in the area of protection of life and property of Nigerians".

Steven also applaud the CG for making all commanders of units to have the requisite tactical, special force training in all ramification to be able to lead their commands or units.

According to him, Audi's dream is to empower commander's to demonstrate their capabilities and also displayed the much-needed synergy and cooperation that is required to overcome contemporary security challenges.

The National Leadership of the United Bank for Africa Plc Pensioners’ Welfare Association, known as UBA Pensioners, has raised strong alarm over what it described as “inhuman treatment and trampling on the constitutional rights of pensioners with much impunity”, by the management of the bank. 

UBA Pensioners, which belong to one of the leading Define Benefit Scheme (DBS) Pensioners’ Union in the country: The Federal Parastatals and Private Sector Pensioners Association of Nigeria (FEPPPAN), said that UBA Plc Management has continued to send many pensioners of the Bank to early grave with its refusal to heed the persistent demands of the retirees for Medical Care, as a result of the meager pensions *(less than Two US Dollars per MONTH)* it pays to some of them. 

The pensioners therefore, called on the Federal Government, The National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC), National Human Rights Commission, International Human Rights Organisations, Civil Society Organisations, Labour Unions, International Financial Bodies, NGOs and other well meaning Nigerians, to come to their aid. 

Contained in a statement jointly signed by their National Chairman and General Secretary, Fidelis O. Fapohunda and Franklin O. Erinle, respectively, and delivered at a press conference in Abuja, the pensioners said despite countless promises and plea for patience, the bank has been tactically  stiffing life out of their members in numbers by delaying implementation of the constitutionally backed pension increments and other entitlements of pensioners. 

While the statement demands “Immediate review of our monthly Pension in line with all Pension increases approved in Nigeria by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC) since 1995. Implementation of other entitlements due to our members” 

Meanwhile, they vow to picket and ground banking activities of the bank across the country, especially the headquarters in Lagos should the Federal Government and other bodies fail to call the bank to order, especially if UBA continues its trampling on their rights. 

Responding to questions from journalists,  Mr Erinle, explained; “The matter was reported to the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC), Abuja. The Commission reaffirmed that Section 173 (3) of the Constitution of this great country needed to be obeyed by UBA Plc. Several letters written by the Commission to UBA Plc on the matter and meetings held in the Commission's Abuja office yielded no fruits as Tony Elumelu-led Management of UBA Plc chose to treat the Constitution with disrespect and the Commission as a toothless bulldog.

“The pensioners, ranging from retired Executive Directors to Messengers numbering more than 3,000, have been so dehumanized with the least paid getting N1,763.27 per month as pension after many years of faithful services to the Bank. 

“It’s conspicuously clear that the Tony Elumelu-led UBA Plc Management is insensitive to the plight of its retired workers and their deplorable conditions, but we have resolved that we shall no longer continue to suffer in silence.

“We therefore call on the Regulatory Authorities to call Tony Elumelu and his team to order by restoring some dignity to the “geese that laid the golden eggs” that the Bank's new owners are now enjoying.

“We also call on the general public and good spirited Nigerians as well as the International Communities where Tony Elumelu is acknowledged as a philanthropist to prevail on him to ensure that UBA Plc redeems it’s social obligations to the pioneer retired  workers, majority of whom are wallowing in abject poverty and many facing imminent untimely death.”

Some of the pensioners who spoke to journalists at the sideline of press conference expressed sadness and displeasure, said the Bank treats and dehumanises them horribly.

Alhaji Adetimehin, a 74-year old pensioner of the Bank said; “UBA Plc under Tony Elumelu as Chairman/Sole Administrator is violating the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria with much impunity as regards payment of pensions to the Bank’s Pensioners. The Tony Elumelu- led management has actually succeeded in sending several retired staff of the Bank to their early graves, as the Bank declined the persistent demands for Medical Care even with payment of peanuts as pensions with amount less than Two US Dollars ($2) per month. 

“For clarity, we quote Section 173 (3) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria thus; “Pensions shall be reviewed every five years or together with any Federal Civil Service salary reviews, whichever is earlier”. But from 1995 to 2005, pensions in UBA Plc were never reviewed.”

Mr Sopitan, 82-year old pensioner of UBA Plc also said; “Tony Elumelu’s former Bank (Standard Trust Bank Ltd) ostensibly merged with UBA Plc, though this was more of a take-over than a merger in year 2005. During the supposed merger, UBA Pensioners were assured that since the  merger was meant to absorb both Assets and Liabilities of the two Banks, monthly payments of pensions would not be adversely affected. 

“Just as previously done by the old management of the UBA Plc from 1995 to 2005, even from the post merger year in 2005 to date, there has been no review of pensions in UBA Plc as provided for in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The management of the Bank had always argued that pensions  in UBA Plc are not subject to reviews. The Pensioners continued to display maturity and patience in persuading the Bank to do the right thing but to no avail. We are calling on everyone to come help us.”

Justice A. O. Onovo of the Enugu State High Court, Thursday, ruled that the proscription of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, by the Southeast Governors’ Forum in 2017 is illegal.

Recall that the governors, led by former Gov Dave Umahi of Ebonyi State, proscribed IPOB founded by Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, and about three days later, the federal government listed IPOB as a terrorist organization. Read More: https://newstowerhub.com/court-describes-ipob-proscription-as-unconstitutional-awards-n8bn-to-kanu/

The Supreme Court, on Thursday dismissed the appeal by former Vice President and Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, seeking to nullify the February 25, presidential poll of President Bola Tinubu.

In the notice of appeal, Atiku had urged the apex court to dismiss and set aside the September 6, judgement of the Presidential Election Petition Court, which affirmed the victory President Tinubu. Read More: https://newstowerhub.com/poll-s-court-dismisses-atikus-appeal-against-tinubu/

A Coalition of civil society organisations under the aegis of National Coalition against Terrorism has declared its support for the the leadership of the NSCDC, urging President Bola Tinubu to renew the appointment of the current Commandant General, Ahmed Abubakar Audi

Addressing journalists in Abuja, Terrence Kuanum, the National coordinator of the Coalition expressed concern over report that certain group of persons in high places are putting pressure on President Tinubu to appoint Major Hamza Al-Mustapha as the Commandant General of the NSCDC.

Kuanum said it is worrisome that anyone could be pushing for such illegality to be perpetrated in the ranks and file of the Nigeria Security and civil Defence corp.

He recalled that the Nigeria Custom Service is just coming out of the quagmire created by Col.Ali who was appointed by the immediate past administration,without knowing the dynamics of the rank and file of the Nigeria Custom Service reduced the service to rubbles we are just picking our pieces at the moment.

He said, "The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corp under the current leadership of Ahmed Abubakar Audi has been of immense boost to the internal security and war against terrorism in this country. our experience in the field has seen the NSCDC personnel’s holding ground of communities that our military has recaptured from the hand of terrorists.

"Just recently,the commandant general has boosted the morale of its personnel by introducing transformational programs and reforms in line with his vision to reposition the service and oil the operational machinery of the corps for improved performance."

The Coalition also wondered why a country who is facing alot of security threats from all corners will turn around to remove or change a security chiefs who have set strategies in motion to change the narrative in protecting our national infrastructure and restoring peace to country be asked to give way for someone who last point of assignment ended up in scandals and has not seen combat in the last 30 years.

Kuanum said, "Also curious is the fact that the said Al-Mustapha who has openly revealed security intelligence in this country and has aided abated the worst tyranny in this country be considered for a sensitive assignment. our security chiefs at the moment can not be compromised."

He explained that with current security challenges facing Nigeria, the country cannot afford to compromise its security architecture under any political coloration or as a form of compensation

"Our current security chiefs have cogent field experience that has improved security situation in the Country and the NSCDC under the current Lea of the Commandant General of the NSCDC our oil infrastructure has received the needed protection which has led the country to another year of Glory in our oil sector.

"We encourage Mr President to consolidate on the current leadership of the NSCDC led by Dr Ahmed Abubakar Audi to not only improve on the NSCDC budget but to also consider the Dr Audi for national honor in view of his immense contribution to national security and effectiveness and capacity on the field to confront our enemies.

"It is worthy to note that the NSCDC are not immune to the law and are operating under strict supervision of the commandant general and anyone who has any unsavory experience with any member of the Corp should go through legal channels to express his grievances,rather than embarking a futile voyage to painting the commandant general black and painting all their operations with one brush."

The Coalition commended the Commandant General of NSCDC for observing the rule of law in his duty and instilling it in the rank and file of the corp which is contributing to tackling insecurity in the country.

Kuanum noted that Audi's recognition of the importance of training and retraining the Corp and the staff welfare in its avowed commitment to motivate and further enhance the Corp is quite commendable for operational efficiency cognizant of the prevailing security situation in the country.

A pro democracy group STAND UP NIGERIA has condemned allege plans by the President Bola Tinubu administration to appoint Gen. Hamza Al-Mustapha (rtd) as Controller General of the Nigeria NSCDC.

The group in a statement signed by its Coordinator Sunday Attah on Sunday said such plan if true, does not only negate the pro democratic principles which President Tinubu stands for, but will erode the gains made over the years by the Corps.

According to the Attah, appointing such a controversial figure as Al-Mustapha who has questionable past will lead to the county losing respect in the international community. Read more: https://newsdeskng.com/2023/10/16/nigerians-kick-against-alleged-plan-by-tinubu-to-appoint-al-mustapha-cg-nscdc/

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called on President Bola Tinubu to suspend and investigate the newly appointed Chief Executive Officer of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, over allegations of using armed policemen to harass and intimidate two Abuja-based businesswomen.

In a statement issued on Friday, HURIWA said it was appalled by the reports of unlawful invasion, destruction of property, and intimidation by Halilu and his men at Mambaah Cafe| Creative Hub, Maitama, Abuja, owned by Mrs. Zainab Akwanga and Mrs. Vivian Adzume Habila.

According to HURIWA, the two women had petitioned the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, accusing Halilu of resorting to brute force and intimidation to settle a contractual dispute with them. The petition, dated 29 September, 2023, and signed by their counsel M. O. Abdulmalik of Chesslaw Consult law firm, Abuja, detailed how Halilu and his men violently invaded the cafe on 21 September, 2023, at about 7am, causing extensive damage and financial losses.

The petition also alleged that Halilu had planted incriminating items around the cafe and invited security agencies to arrest some members of staff of the cafe. The petitioners urged the IG to order a comprehensive inquiry into the matter and ensure the safety and protection of their clients, their businesses, and staff from further harm or intimidation.

HURIWA said it was shocked that Halilu, who was appointed as NASENI boss on 3 September, 2023, after President Tinubu fired Bashir Gwandu, could abuse his power and position to oppress and violate the rights of innocent citizens. The group said such actions were unacceptable and incompatible with the principles of democracy and rule of law.

The civil rights group also said it was imperative for President Tinubu to suspend Halilu from his office pending the outcome of an independent and transparent investigation into the allegations against him. The group said Halilu should be held accountable for his actions and face the full wrath of the law if found guilty.

HURIWA also called on the IG to ensure that justice is done in the case and that the perpetrators are brought to book. The group said it would monitor the situation closely and take appropriate legal actions if necessary.

The group said it stands in solidarity with Mrs. Akwanga and Mrs. Habila and commends them for their courage and resilience in the face of intimidation and harassment. The group said it would continue to support and defend the rights of all Nigerians against any form of oppression or injustice.

Signed,

October 13, 2023

Emmanuel Onwubiko

National Coordinator- Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria, HURIWA

Two Abuja-based businesswomen, Mrs. Zainab Akwanga and Mrs. Vivian Adzume Habila have petitioned the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, accusing the newly appointed CEO of the newly-appointed CEO of National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu of using armed policemen attached to his office to settle personal business scores.

Halilu was on 3rd September 2023, appointed NASENI boss after President Bola Tinubu fired Bashir Gwandu.

In the petition entitled “Unlawful Invasion, Destruction of Property, And Intimidation By Khalil Suleiman Halilu” Mrs. Akwanga and Mrs. Habila, owners of Mambaah Cafe| Creative Hub, Maitama, Abuja, urged the IG to order a “comprehensive inquiry into the unlawful invasion, destruction of property, and intimidation” by the NASENI boss.

Dated 29 September, 2023, the ladies in the petition told the police boss that, following a civil disagreement, Halilu resorted to “brute force and intimidation to further his demands, causing severe disruptions to their business.”
The letter was signed by their counsel M. O. Abdulmalik of Chesslaw Consult law firm, Abuja

Noted the lawyer, “On the fateful morning of the 21st September, 2023, at about 7am, our client’s peaceful place of business, Mambaah Cafe, was violently invaded by a group off individuals, including police officers, and led by the instigator of this atrocious act, Khalil Suleiman Halilu.”

The invasion, explained the lawyer, “was characterized by acts of aggression, destruction of property, and intimidation,” stressing, “during this attack, our clients’ place of business suffered extensive damage, causing significant financial losses.”

The lawyer told the IG he believed “the motive behind this horrifying incident stemmed from a contractual dispute with Khalil Halilu,” stressing,” it has come to our attention that the said Khalil Suleiman Halilu is unjustly demanding the repayment of monies that our clients dispute as being due.”

The NASENI boss, continued the lawyer, “has resorted to tactics involving brute force and intimidation to further his demands, causing severe disruptions to our clients’ business operations.” During the raid by Halilu’s men, noted the lawyer, ” a number of valuable items, notably laptops and tablets were dis overed missing…and a comprehensive assessment, involving a meticulous inventory unequivocally confirmed that these items had been illicitly removed during the invasion.”
He pleaded with the IG to provide adequate measures to “ensure the safety and protection of our clients, their businesses, and staff from further harm or intimidation,” and to preserve all the evidence relevant to the case “

However, Pointblanknews.com gathered that the lawyer’s plea may not have had much effect on the IG as Halilu, who has been boasting of his powerful contactts in the Presidency, reportedly boasted to friends that “he is now in the league of Abuja power brokers.”

Noted an associate of the NASENI boss, “some of us have told Khalil to leave the poor women alone, but he wouldn’t listen. He is so power-drunk. Imagine what he would done had he been appointed the NSA!

Continued the associate, “Can you believe Khalil has turned to the DSS for help? He told some of us that he planted incriminating stuff around Mambaah Cafe and invited security agencies to arrest some members of staff of the cafe.

“Khalil says it would be a thing of shame to allow women defeat him in a business disagreement that he’s clearly at fault. He reminds us that he has several wives, so can’t allow an ordinary woman win a case against him.
Truth is, he’s been jealous of these women for running such a very successful Cafe and Creative Hub, and even went to the point of lying to some of us, obviously to chase clout, that he owns Mambaah Cafe,” added the associate, who confessed that he’s miffed by Khalil’s actions.

“Imagine that he once physically harassed a white customer of Mambaah Cafe, whom I later got to know is a UK citizen working for one international organization. I guess his animosity towards Mambaah Cafe heightened after the owners subtly disclaimed him as the owner on Instagram,” he added.

“Interestingly, it was Khalil who leased part of his property, The Cans, to Mambaah Cafe|Creative Hub. When Mambaah began to boom, he became jealous and opened NTAG, apparently to compete with Mambaah. Ironically, it is at NTAG, a rundown garden-cum club, that he often hosts wild parties and orgies. I suspect they even sell hard drugs there,” he alleged, brandishing a flier for one of such wild parties.

“He boasted he would used his Kano connections to get the DSS DG mess the women up. And true to his threat, I hear three staff of Mambaah Cafe have been arrested by the DSS over implicating substances Khalil planted in the Cafe. I hope the Service would be smart enough to read between the lines and avoid being messed up in a civil matter,” he declared.New NASENI Boss Khalil Halilu Harassing Us With Armed Policemen, Bizwomen Petition IG

Two Abuja-based businesswomen, Mrs. Zainab Akwanga and Mrs. Vivian Adzume Habila have petitioned the Inspector General of Police,, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, accusing the newly appointed CEO of the newly-appointed CEO of National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu of using armed policemen attached to his office to settle personal business scores.

Halilu was on 3rd September 2023, appointed NASENI boss after President Bola Tinubu fired Bashir Gwandu.

In the petition entitled “Unlawful Invasion, Destruction of Property, And Intimidation By Khalil Suleiman Halilu” Mrs. Akwanga and Mrs. Habila, owners of Mambaah Cafe| Creative Hub, Maitama, Abuja, urged the IG to order a “comprehensive inquiry into the unlawful invasion, destruction of property, and intimidation” by the NASENI boss.

Dated 29 September, 2023, the ladies in the petition told the police boss that, following a civil disagreement, Halilu resorted to “brute force and intimidation to further his demands, causing severe disruptions to their business.”
The letter was signed by their counsel M. O. Abdulmalik of Chesslaw Consult law firm, Abuja.

Noted the lawyer, “On the fateful morning of the 21st September, 2023, at about 7am, our client’s peaceful place of business, Mambaah Cafe, was violently invaded by a group off individuals, including police officers, and led by the instigator of this atrocious act, Khalil Suleiman Halilu.”

The invasion, explained the lawyer, “was characterized by acts of aggression, destruction of property, and intimidation,” stressing, “during this attack, our clients’ place of business suffered extensive damage, causing significant financial losses.”

The lawyer told the IG he believed “the motive behind this horrifying incident stemmed from a contractual dispute with Khalil Halilu,” stressing,” it has come to our attention that the said Khalil Suleiman Halilu is unjustly demanding the repayment of monies that our clients dispute as being due.”

The NASENI boss, continued the lawyer, “has resorted to tactics involving brute force and intimidation to further his demands, causing severe disruptions to our clients’ business operations.” During the raid by Halilu’s men, noted the lawyer, ” a number of valuable items, notably laptops and tablets were dis overed missing…and a comprehensive assessment, involving a meticulous inventory unequivocally confirmed that these items had been illicitly removed during the invasion.”
He pleaded with the IG to provide adequate measures to “ensure the safety and protection of our clients, their businesses, and staff from further harm or intimidation,” and to preserve all the evidence relevant to the case “

However, Pointblanknews.com gathered that the lawyer’s plea may not have had much effect on the IG as Halilu, who has been boasting of his powerful contactts in the Presidency, reportedly boasted to friends that “he is now in the league of Abuja power brokers.”

Noted an associate of the NASENI boss, “some of us have told Khalil to leave the poor women alone, but he wouldn’t listen. He is so power-drunk. Imagine what he would done had he been appointed the NSA!

Continued the associate, “Can you believe Khalil has turned to the DSS for help? He told some of us that he planted incriminating stuff around Mambaah Cafe and invited security agencies to arrest some members of staff of the cafe.

“Khalil says it would be a thing of shame to allow women defeat him in a business disagreement that he’s clearly at fault. He reminds us that he has several wives, so can’t allow an ordinary woman win a case against him.
Truth is, he’s been jealous of these women for running such a very successful Cafe and Creative Hub, and even went to the point of lying to some of us, obviously to chase clout, that he owns Mambaah Cafe,” added the associate, who confessed that he’s miffed by Khalil’s actions.

“Imagine that he once physically harassed a white customer of Mambaah Cafe, whom I later got to know is a UK citizen working for one international organization. I guess his animosity towards Mambaah Cafe heightened after the owners subtly disclaimed him as the owner on Instagram,” he added.

“Interestingly, it was Khalil who leased part of his property, The Cans, to Mambaah Cafe|Creative Hub. When Mambaah began to boom, he became jealous and opened NTAG, apparently to compete with Mambaah. Ironically, it is at NTAG, a rundown garden-cum club, that he often hosts wild parties and orgies. I suspect they even sell hard drugs there,” he alleged, brandishing a flier for one of such wild parties.

“He boasted he would used his Kano connections to get the DSS DG mess the women up. And true to his threat, I hear three staff of Mambaah Cafe have been arrested by the DSS over implicating substances Khalil planted in the Cafe. I hope the Service would be smart enough to read between the lines and avoid being messed up in a civil matter,” he declared.

A little boy was rescued in Apamisede area of Lokoja on Tuesday after he was buried alive by his elder brother. Read more: https://newsdeskng.com/2023/10/12/kogi-boy-buries-alive-by-elder-brother-for-stealing-n1000-rescued/

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Joseph Abu, a foremost Igala folklorist and storyteller has died.

Abu’s folklore were told uniquely in songs with an old gong as the only musical instrument.

Abu’s first recorded story “Etube” was waxed when Abu was only twelve years old and it turned out to be his greatest track. Read more: https://newsdeskng.com/2023/10/11/igala-folklorist-storyteller-joseph-abu-is-dead/