₦airaland Forum

leye4u:
You people are illiterates,he was a major supporter of Jonathan and was praying for him in public at several instances...not once did he protest against Jonathan.


The protest he joined was during buhari era.

But Ignorance is bliss nah...enjoy

Orlandoo:
Well befitting. He is an alumni of agbero.

Freshandfitpod:
Spoil children sperm no Dey finish and it free...

BlackfireX:
11th assembly

The Attorney-General of the Federation, AGF, and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, says no law in Nigeria forbids the prosecution of minors.

Fagbemi made the assertion at the commissioning of the Law Corridor’s new office complex and the presentation of a book on the modern legal system.

He said the minors involved in the #EndBadGovernance protest were rightly arraigned before the Abuja Federal High Court.

DAILY POST recalls that the nationwide #EndBadGovernance protest lasted from August 1-10. Some protesters were arrested and arraigned in different parts of the country.

Scores of the suspects arraigned in Abuja were minors — eliciting outrage among Nigerians.

President Bola Tinubu on Monday directed the AGF to withdraw the charges against the minors, after which a Federal High Court in Abuja struck out the suit against 119 persons who allegedly participated in the protest.

The minors were released and hosted by Vice-President Kashim Shettima at the State House.

The AGF, while addressing criticisms that trailed the arraignment, said, “No law in this country says a minor cannot be tried, and I have also heard suggestions that they should go to a family court.

“The study of the law and the Constitution leaves you no other conclusion than that the Federal High Court has jurisdiction in matters bordering on treason and related issues.

“So, whatever the situation, the President has closed the chapter by his decision to have these young men released.”

Mynd44 Nlfpmod

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode has directed officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) to wear black bands for seven days to mourn the death of Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja.

Egbetokun gave the directive through a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi.

He said the directive is to honour Lagbaja, who showed gallantry, dedication, and passion in the fight against insurgency in the country during his lifetime.

Adejobi said: “Following the demise of the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, has ordered officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force to wear black band throughout the 7 day mourning period.

“This directive is to pay tribute and honour the late General who has shown gallantry, dedication, and passion for fighting violent crimes and insurgency in Nigeria. He was a great leader who deserves to be honoured by all means. May the soul of the late COAS rest in peace”.

Also, the Chairman of the Police Service Commission, (PSC) DIG Hashimu Argungu rtd has expressed shock on the death of the Chief of Army Staff, General Taoreed Lagbaja who passed on in Lagos after a brief illness.

Argungu said the late Army Chief was a brave soldier who played a great role in the fight against insurgency and supported Mr. President’s efforts to free the nation from banditry and terrorism.

He condoled Mr. President and the Nigerian Army on the sad loss and prayed that God should receive his gentle and loving soul in paradise.

According to a statement issued on Thursday by the Head, Press and Public Relations Ikechukwu Ani, DIG Argungu said the late General Lagbaja left indelible foot marks on the sands of the nation’s security architecture.

He extended his condolence to the family of the deceased and also prayed that God should comfort them.

The PSC Chairman further prayed that God should give his Successor, General Olufemi Oluyede the wisdom and character to sustain and improve on the cherished legacies of his predecessor.

The late army chief, appointed by President Bola Tinubu on June 19, 2023, died on Tuesday at the age of 56 after a prolonged illness.

Following his death, the president, on Wednesday, directed that Nigeria’s national flags be flown at half-mast for seven days across the country to mourn the passing of the late army chief.

Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, has highlighted the unique difficulties facing the country as it grapples with inflation far more resistant to control than that of advanced economies, saying that the situation is compounded by structural factors including dependency on imports and a large informal economy.

Addressing the National Economic Council (NEC) on Tuesday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, he said while developed nations have largely achieved stable inflation rates, Nigeria faces ongoing economic challenges linked to high inflation, subsidy removal, and foreign exchange reforms, which have placed significant strain on the populace.

Edun presented a range of government measures intended to mitigate the economic pressures on Nigeria’s citizens and spur sustainable growth.

He told correspondents that in his briefing to NEC, he emphasized the contrast between Nigeria’s inflationary pressures and the controlled inflation in advanced economies.

According to him, countries like the US and many in the Eurozone are seeing inflation levels close to their target of around 2% per annum, with countries such as Italy experiencing inflation rates even lower than 1%.

This stability is partly due to what Edun described as a “soft landing,” achieved by carefully balancing inflation control measures with continued economic growth and infrastructure spending.

“In our case,” he said, “inflation remains high, growth is relatively low, and debt levels continue to challenge economic stability.” Nigeria’s challenges are compounded by structural factors that affect inflation, including dependency on imports and a large informal economy.

He said the Tinubu administration has taken bold steps to address Nigeria’s economic woes by implementing long-overdue reforms, including the removal of subsidies on petroleum and foreign exchange.

According to the minister, previously, these subsidies cost the nation between $15 and $20 billion annually, a burden equivalent to around 5% of the country’s GDP.

While the subsidies’ removal was necessary, Edun acknowledged that it has led to a substantial increase in living costs, disproportionately affecting Nigeria’s poorer citizens.

However, he pointed out that the revenue freed up from these subsidies is now being redirected into critical social and infrastructure investments.

He noted that one of the administration’s notable initiatives is requiring local refineries to pay for crude oil in Naira, thereby stabilizing domestic petroleum pricing and reducing dependency on volatile international fuel markets.

According to Edun, this policy change alone has yielded an immediate fiscal boost of approximately N700 billion per month since October, with the funds funneled into the Federation Account to support national priorities.

The minister outlined a series of welfare initiatives aimed at alleviating the cost of living for Nigeria’s most vulnerable citizens.

These include a new minimum wage increase, direct financial assistance to households registered on the government’s social register, and wage support for low-income workers.

Edun reported that financial support payments have been disbursed to five million households, benefiting an estimated 25 million Nigerians.

Additionally, these payments are processed biometrically to ensure accuracy and avoid fraud.

He said a robust consumer credit scheme was also introduced to provide workers with access to affordable loans for essential goods and services.

Edun noted that over N3.5 billion has been distributed to 11,000 beneficiaries, enabling them to purchase compressed natural gas (CNG) kits for a more affordable and eco-friendly alternative fuel source.

Meanwhile, he stated, the administration’s student loan program has reached over half a million students, disbursing N90 billion to help cover educational costs and living expenses.

According to the minister, with food inflation a critical issue, the government has taken steps to address both the affordability and availability of staple foods.

Edun outlined a program to allow millers to import brown rice duty-free, which will be processed and sold at lower prices to ease the burden of high food costs.

In addition, he stated, the administration is encouraging increased domestic crop production, particularly in rice and wheat, with plans to support 600,000 farmers in upcoming planting seasons through subsidies on fertilizers, herbicides, and improved seeds.

Edun argued that recognizing the vital role of small businesses in Nigeria’s economy, the government has allocated nearly N50 billion in grants to support micro-enterprises, 90% of which has already been distributed.

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and large-scale industries are also receiving 9% interest loans to bolster growth and create jobs, with loan sizes capped at N1 billion to prevent excessive debt accumulation.

On foreign exchange and dollar repatriation programme, while acknowledging the impact of foreign exchange volatility on inflation, Edun announced a nine-month program encouraging Nigerians to deposit their offshore dollars into the local banking system.

The program, which begins October 31, aims to draw out dollars from informal holdings and integrate them into the formal economy.

The finance minister emphasized that no penalties or taxes would be imposed on deposits made through this program, as long as the funds comply with anti-money laundering regulations.

This initiative, Edun explained, seeks to strengthen Nigeria’s foreign reserves and ease exchange rate pressures, ultimately aiming to improve currency stability. The program guidelines, developed by the Ministry of Finance in conjunction with the Central Bank, will be released in detail in the coming weeks.

He underscored the government’s commitment to navigating Nigeria through this challenging economic period.

“We are making strides in addressing the country’s long-standing economic vulnerabilities,” he said, noting that the administration’s policies are both immediate and forward-looking, focused on creating an economy capable of sustained growth and resilience.

As Nigeria continues to battle its inflation crisis, the Tinubu administration remains under pressure to deliver on its promises to stabilize the economy and alleviate the financial strain on its citizens.

Edun expressed optimism that Nigeria can overcome its inflationary challenges and chart a path toward economic stability through a mix of subsidy reforms, targeted social interventions, and innovative financial policies.

The house of representatives has asked Festus Keyamo, minister of aviation and aerospace development, to revoke airstrip licences issued to individuals and organisations.

The lower legislative chamber passed the resolution during the plenary session on Wednesday after the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance.

Sulaiman Abubakar, a lawmaker representing the Gummi/Bukkuyum federal constituency of Zamfara state, sponsored the motion.

An airstrip is a runway or landing area for aircraft usually situated in rural or remote areas with limited facilities for private planes, emergency landings, or military operations.

Early this month, Keyamo reportedly confirmed the approval of an airstrip for Canaanland — where the Living Faith church, also known as Winners Chapel, is situated in Otta, Ogun state.

Moving the motion, the lawmaker cited a 2014 report of an aircraft that was arrested in South Africa from Nigeria.

Two Nigerians and an Israeli were said to have attempted to smuggle $9.3 million in the chartered aircraft into South Africa to purchase weapons.

Abubakar said Nigeria’s insecurity is worsened by the illegal importation and proliferation of firearms and ammunition and the importation of illicit or hard drugs.

“This is coupled with the inability of our security agencies to pinpoint the source of supply of weapons to insurgents, kidnappers, and separatists that have massacred thousands of Nigerians across the country,” the lawmaker said.

He said granting airstrips to private individuals and organisations “will aid illegal importation of firearms and hard drugs into the country, thus heightening insurgency, kidnapping, banditry, and other vices that are seriously affecting the socio-economic development of the country”.

The motion was adopted when it was put to a voice vote by Tajudeen Abbas, speaker of the house.

The house asked the aviation ministry to “stop issuance of airstrip license to private individuals and organisations” and should withdraw such approvals already granted to safeguard national security.

The house asked the committees on aviation and legislative compliance to ensure implementation.

The House of Representatives on Wednesday passed through the third reading “A bill for an act to prevent, prohibit and redress sexual harassment of students in tertiary educational institutions and related matters connected therewith”.

The bill proposed 14 years imprisonment for those convicted of the offences and 5 years imprisonment or N5 million fine for heads of institutions that refused to act on complaints of sexual harassment by students.


Briefing the media on the intent of the bill, the sponsor and spokesperson for the House, Akin Rotimi said “It is enacted to promote and protect ethical standards in tertiary education, the sanctity of the student-educator fiduciary relationship of authority, dependency and trust and respect for human dignity in tertiary educational institutions”

He said the bill aims at “Provide for the protection of students against sexual harassment by educators in tertiary educational institutions;

“Prevention of sexual harassment of students by educators in tertiary educational institutions; and redressal of complaints of sexual harassment of students by educators in tertiary educational institutions”

On what constitutes a sexual offence, the bill provides that “An educator shall be guilty of committing an offence or a felony of sexual harassment if he/she –
Engages in any form of unwelcome physical contact or verbal conduct of a sexual nature with a student or prospective student, or demands such conduct, regardless of consent; or

“Creates a hostile, offensive, or intimidating environment for a student by making unsolicited or inappropriate sexual advances, or by requesting sexual favours; or

“Directs, facilitates, assists, or encourages another person to engage in any act of sexual harassment as defined under this Bill; or

“Displays sends, or distributes any form of sexually explicit or suggestive material, including images, videos, or objects, to a student through any medium; or

“Makes verbal or non-verbal remarks, comments, or gestures of a sexual nature, or any remarks or conduct intended to degrade, humiliate, or body shame a student based on their physical appearance; or

“Engages in stalking, persistent following, or any form of unwanted attention directed at a student, which creates an atmosphere of fear or discomfort”.

According to the bill, “Any person who commits any of the offences or acts specified in Clause 4 (1), (2) and (3) of this Bill is guilty of an offence of felony and shall, on conviction, be sentenced to an imprisonment term of up to 14 years but not less than 5 years, without an option of a fine”.

The bill also provides that “An administrative head of an institution who fails to comply with the provisions of sub-clauses (1) and (2) of this Clause of this Bill is guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a minimum fine of N5,000,000 or imprisonment for 5 years, or both”

Similarly, “Any person who commits any of the offences or acts specified in Clause 4 (4), (5) and (6) of this Bill is guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to an imprisonment term of up to 5 years but not less than 2 years, without an option of a fine”

Nigeria, alongside other West African countries, is set to adopt a unified driver’s license and vehicle registration system as part of a regional effort to streamline transportation and enhance road safety.

The Federal Road Safety Corps is also collaborating with the Economic Community of West African States through the West African Road Safety Organisation to develop a Regional Vehicle Administration and Information System.

The FRSC Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, disclosed this at a workshop on inter-agency collaboration in Abuja on Tuesday.

Represented by Deputy Corps Marshal Clement Oladele, he stated that the initiatives aim to create a standardised system for driver’s licenses, vehicle number plates, and documentation across the region.

He added that it would also foster the free movement of vehicles, people, goods, and services in ECOWAS countries.

Mohammed said, “FRSC is partnering with ECOWAS through the West African Road Safety Organisation to work on the adoption of a uniform licensing scheme called the Regional Vehicle Administration and Information System.

“The initiative is geared towards having a common driver’s license, vehicle number plates, and documentation, as well as the enforcement of traffic infractions and generation of critical data across West Africa.

The scheme, when fully implemented, will promote seamless vehicle registration in West Africa and enhance the free movement of vehicles, persons, goods, and services, as enshrined in the ECOWAS protocol on free movement.

“It will also prevent multiple registrations and assist in reducing vehicle theft within the ECOWAS subregion. FRSC, under the auspices of ECOWAS, is working towards partnering with members of WASO to develop digital number plates and motor vehicle particulars with the installation of solid acrylic that is weather-resistant in vehicles.”

He also mentioned that the initiative proposes linking each driver’s license to the holder’s bank account, making it compatible with digital payment systems.

Mohammed said, “These initiatives aim to link the national driver’s license to the owner’s bank account, details which will not only serve as debit cards but are also in line with the FRSC’s grand strategy to partner with the banking sector in enhancing highway enforcement.”

The National Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje has said the party will win the November 16 governorship election in Ondo State devoid of manipulation.

Ganduje, who was in Akure, the state capital, for the inauguration of the National Campaign Council of the APC headed by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said the performance of Lucky Aiyedatiwa since he emerged as governor of the state would guarantee him victory.

The opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has alleged the APC of a plan to manipulate the election. The opposition claimed the ruling APC cannot win in any free and fair contest.

However, Ganduje said the APC will win the governorship election in a free and fair contest because of the performance of Governor Aiyedatiwa and the fact that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is from the zone.

His words “For homogeneity, the people must unite for APC. The election will be free and fair, we will win through democratic means. We appreciate the reforms he has initiated since he took over; we want him to continue with the projects he is doing. We want him to continue with progressive ideology and infrastructural facilities he has embarked on.”

Similarly, Aiyedatiwa said if the government is about the people, and with the life-changing projects he has embarked on since he assumed office, the people of the state would vote for him.

His words “We have worked hard for the heart of the people. We are talking to them house to house, door to door, and mouth to ear. Above all, we are committed to a peaceful and credible election, where votes count. By the grace of God Almighty, come 16th November 2024, we shall win. And we shall gather here, once again, to celebrate our victory. It is the promise of God for His people.”

Aiyedatiwa said the interventions of his administration in the last 10 months justify the quest for election as he was in the best position to continue with the legacies of late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu

His words, “Within the last 10 months, we have deliberately focused on infrastructural development, public utility renewal, agricultural production increment, entrepreneurship and youth development, job creation, and security.

“We have focused on strengthening governance institutions through fiscal discipline, improved healthcare, access to quality education, and responsible citizenship.

“We have shown commitment to social welfare to alleviate the suffering of our people. We have deliberately created a stronger engagement with our women, too. We are concerned with leadership with integrity and character. We are not talking about our people; we are talking about them.

“Within our 10 months in the saddle, we have activated the construction of not less than 70km of rural roads to provide access to our farm settlements and villages. This is in addition to the new 60km city-based roads recently awarded alongside the ongoing roads, bridges, and public building projects initiated and awarded by our administration.

“It is significant that our workers are happy and well-motivated as we pay their salaries regularly and promptly. We owe no kobo to workers, even as they enjoy their regular promotions.

“We have employed workers in critical sectors of the public service, such as health and Internal Revenue Service, while processes at an advanced stage to recruit about 2,000 teachers for public primary and secondary schools.

“We have supported not less than 500 youths with hundreds of millions of naira in grants and loans as part of start-up kits for their entrepreneurial businesses.

“We are supporting our farmers with access to quality funds and finance as well as technology and trade. We are also giving scholarships, bursaries, and financial assistance to students of Ondo State origin in higher institutions across Nigeria.”

Aside Sanwo-Olu, other members of the campaign council included, former Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, National secretary of APC, Sen. Ajibola Basiru.

Mr Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT on Monday, threw his weight behind President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to actualise local government autonomy.

The minister disclosed this on Monday when he inaugurated the upgrading of War College/Army Checkpoint Road and other ancillary roads in Ushafa, Bwari Area Council, Abuja.

Wike, who said he had no apology backing the move for local government autonomy, urged residents of local government areas to hold their council leaders accountable.

He lauded the good working relationship himself and the Minister of State, FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud have with the chairmen of the six area councils of the territory.

According to him, since they were appointed as ministers, “we have worked together, they have collaborated with us.

“I stand to challenge anybody, since we came as ministers, I don’t even know how much they get. I have never bothered to ask, and I am not interested to know.

“I have my own allocation; they have their own allocation and that is why I supported Mr. President, and I have no apology to anybody”, he said.

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has slammed Remi Oseni, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency, FERMA, for accusing him of mispriority.

DAILY POST recalls that Oseni had called out Umahi over the deteriorating road network in the country during a house hearing on Thursday.

Oseni had said Umahi’s focus is on funds, while neglecting what should be his priorities.

Reacting to Oseni’s statement, Umahi, while addressing reporters on Monday, said the lawmaker had not attained half of what he has achieved in life.

The former governor said he would not join issues with the lawmaker out of the respect he has for the Speaker of House of Representatives and the National Assembly.

He said, “His (Oseni) time is very damaging to the wonderful institution of the National Assembly, especially the 10th national assembly. For the respect of the Speaker and, of course, the Senate President and the National Assembly institution that I belong to, I will refrain myself from joining issues with him.

“He said I have failed… No one in life ever said I have failed and I have never failed in anything I am involved in and if he likes, he should go and check my pedigree.

“I believe that God has to be with him to attain half of what I have attained in life. So, I will not join issues with him because I have tremendous respect for Mr Speaker and the National Assembly.

“But I will try to clarify some things. He said I was involved in some issues… Yes, he is right because he sounded as if he was representing the contractors and what were the issues? The issue of Variation of Price and that was a very terrible programme that was eroding the little resources we put in the budget.”

The Presidency has explained the reason why a new presidential jet was procured for President Bola Tinubu.

Tinubu’s spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, said the current jet was procured to avoid the president getting involved in a plane crash due to malfunctions.

Onanuga recalled speaking with National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, about the faulty plane and he decried the high rate of maintenance.

Featuring on Inside Sources, a programme on Channels Television, Onanuga said: “People should try to prioritise the safety of the president. I’m not sure anybody wishes for our president to go and crash in the air. We want his safety so that he can hand over to whoever wants to take over from him.”

The health state of the Presidential Air Fleet has been a source of concern of late.

In May, a faulty presidential jet stopped Vice President Kashim Shettima from attending the 2024 US-Africa Business Summit hosted by the Corporate Council on Africa.

Last December, a Falcon 900B presidential aircraft was put up for sale, with the Nigerian Air Force asking interested persons to submit their bids for the purchase of the aircraft.

A Niger Delta militia group, the Niger Delta Development Force, has threatened to shut down oil installations in the Niger Delta region.

The group stated it would destroy the facilities if President Bola Tinubu fails to caution the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, over alleged attempts to undermine the administration of Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State.

In a statement signed on Sunday by its spokesman, Justin Alabraba, the group expressed particular anger over an alleged plan by Wike to use a friendly judge to secure a ruling in his favour, which would stop local government allocations to the state on Monday.

The statement added, “Our members will not hesitate to shut down oil installations if any judge in Abuja issues a pronouncement that financially incapacitates local governments in Rivers State, preventing them from fulfilling their duty to the people.

“We will act immediately. It will be a swift response, and we will shut down major oil installations in the Niger Delta. If President Bola Tinubu allows Wike to disrupt governance in the local governments of Rivers State, we will also disrupt governance at all levels. We cannot continue to suffer while other parts of Nigeria prosper. Wike must leave Fubara alone.

“For months now, Wike has continued to insult and intimidate Governor Fubara, wielding his federal influence. We won’t tolerate that anymore.

Any further move against Fubara by Wike will be met with the destruction of oil installations. Since Tinubu seems intent on turning a blind eye, let us all face the consequences together. Rivers State does not belong to Wike, and he cannot conclude his eight-year term without harassing those who helped him get there while now seeking to disturb his successor.”

The group warned that there would be no turning back if a judgement is issued against Rivers State, insisting, “We will bomb and continue to destroy oil installations. This is not a threat; it is a promise. Enough is enough. Wike and Tinubu cannot take us for granted any longer.”