₦airaland Forum

The Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria, MUSWEN, has advised the federal government to address the various security challenges facing the country immediately.

MUSWEN President, Rasaki Oladejo made the call during the maiden public lecture organised by MUSWEN Health Committee in Ibadan, Oyo State, with the theme, “National Insecurity and Its Psychological Effects on the Citizens; the Islamic and Health Perspectives”,

Oladejo called on the Federal Government to urgently address the root causes of insecurity in Nigeria, noting that the country is facing a lot of security challenges including kidnapping, armed robberies, banditry and other violent crimes.

Oladejo said Nigeria is fraught with challenges where the very fabric of society is tested by numerous threats.

“These have resulted in widespread displacements, food insecurity, and violence and have further worsened the economic disparities amongst the populace.

“As Muslims, we must come together not only to acknowledge the challenges but also to actively engage in finding solutions that uphold the principles of justice, compassion and equity laid down by Allah”.

A consultant psychiatrist at the University College Hospital Ibadan, Dr Jibril AbdulMalik, said good mental health and justice was critical to curbing insecurity in Nigeria.

AbdulMalik, who was a guest lecturer at the event, said the government and parents must work together to nurture children and discourage them from using hard drugs which fuel insecurity.

“Many children have been abandoned to walk about the street without doing any tangible thing and end up being drug addicts, contributing to Nigeria’s insecurity.

Professor AbdulRazzaq Alaro, in his contribution, said for Nigeria to witness security, all forms of injustice must be removed and as well have a broader perspective of fighting insecurity.

Alaro called on Nigerians to trust one another, saying there was a trust deficit among Nigerians against the leaders.

He said, “We need to trust our leaders and our leaders too must trust us to end insecurity and also reduce the number of idle hands that could be easily recruited to perpetrate violence”.

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Former lawmaker, Senator Daniel Bwala, has claimed that Mr Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, in the 2023 election, only stands the chance to become Nigerian president from 2039.

Bwala said President Bola Tinubu will have to finish his two terms, with power returning to the north for another eight years.

The former lawmaker, in a post on his Social media handle on Monday, said power will only return to the south in 2039.

He wrote: “@PeterObi only stands the chance to be Nigerias president from 2039 when he will clock 79, or above 79 years. By then his message would no longer be “vote me because I am the younger of the candidates” but it will be “vote me because age doesn’t matter but capacity”

“The reason is @officialABAT will finish his two terms, then power would come to the north for another 8 years, before it goes to the south. The e-rodents who keep shouting “we are the youth” by then would be saying “we are the elders”. Blessed week ahead.”

The national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje has stated that the administration of President Bola Tinubu will soon train and equip Forests Rapid Response Squad with modern technology to tackle banditry and kidnapping.

The former governor of Kano state said the Forest Rapid Response Squad who will be trained, equiped and provided with technology, will be stationed within the forest to retake the forest from bandits, kidnappers and other criminals using the forest for their nefarious acts.

“We must train Forest Rapid Respond Squad that are stationed within the forests, with their houses and infrastructural facilities within the forests. We must train them, equip them and provide technology in our forests, so that we can take over completely. If we succeed in doing that, then the issue of banditry, kidnapping and armed robbery, will be eventually resolved.

“Enough is enough for the large scale insecurity in some part of the country including our own geopolitical zone. We must all work together to ensure the security of lives and property of our people. This is the cardinal objective of any government in power.

“If we work together as a team to ensure the security of lives and property in our geographical zone, the democratic dividends and economic viability will be the order of the day. In order to achieve this, we must think out of the box.”


Addressing the inaugural APC Northwest Stakeholders Meeting on Sunday at Murtala Square Kaduna, Ganduje said “we are all aware of the crisis between farmers and elders, which graduated into cattle rustling, which graduated into kidnapping, which graduated into banditry.

“We are all aware that our forest in Nigeria and all over the world were meant to balance the ecosystem. But what is happening to our forest now? Our forest are only forests to us, but they are cities to bandits. So, we must find out a practical solution to these problems. We must protect our forests.”

The APC national chairman lauded President Bola Tinubu for his political sagacity in handling the myriad of challenges facing the country, and called for support from stakeholders in the northwest to assist president in leading the country out of the security and economic challenges facing it to prosperity.

“This is the first time a thoroughbred democrat and politician is leading our country as President. So, we have no excuse to fail.


“President Bola Tinubu has not left anyone in doubt about his genuine commitment to turn fortunes of our nation around for the betterment of all of us. There is an urgent need for our party stakeholders to engage in massive sensitization of Nigerians on the giant strides of Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to facilitating a Nigeria that truly works for all classes of Nigerians.

“The president has clearly shown us that politics must not always divide us or cause bad blood. The President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu from what we have seen has stuck to the path of rebuilding Nigeria.

“I decided to dwell in this since the President is the leader of our party. The President has gone ahead to appoint some opposition personalities into key ministries and offices, which is a key example of politics without bitterness. We must commend him for this.

“We need peace and unity if we must achieve success in all our endeavors. No seed of progress can grow where there is crisis. We need to work as a team. If we work as a team, we will be able to attract the best to our domain, that is the Northwest zone. A house divided against itself cannot stand the test of time.

“Politics is about superior negotiating skills, not pull him down stunt; those who resulted to that in the past have had themselves to blame. The politics of rising men and women is what actually brought Asiwaju Bola Tinubu to the Presidency and that is a lesson we all must imbibe.

“If we come to support ourselves, rally round the President, build our party and develop our geopolitical zone to enviable height economically and politically, together we will reap the fruit of our labour.

“We must salvage Nigeria and make it a land of prosperity for all of us and our children. We must stand against the words of bitterness and rancour. It must be a new dawn for our geopolitical zone.


“This times we are calling for close consultation and collaboration and the common objective is to work for unity, stability and progress of Nigeria and our party, to make it formidable like the rock of Gibraltar,” Ganduje said.

Also speaking at the meeting, speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen urged the APC national chairman to constitute reconciliation committees that would unite the members of the party nationwide.

Abbas noted that some members of the APC were aggrieved, which was why there was the need to reconcile and make peace with them to bring more successes to the APC as one big political family.


The speaker, who commended President Bola Tinubu for giving key political positions to the Northwest, urged the zone to reciprocate the gesture by redoubling its efforts in ensuring success for the President come 2027.

He also urged APC leadership to use their position in addressing the high turnover rate of members of the National Assembly, saying APC members that performed well should be given the opportunity to return in 2027.

Governor Sim Fubara of Rivers State has declared that his administration has recorded giant strides in infrastructure since assuming office one year ago.

Fubara said his administration has done better in the execution of projects than his predecessor, Nyesom Wike’s eight years.

The governor spoke in Ngo Town at the inauguration of the Andoni section of the Ogoni-Andoni-Opobo Unity Road project, in Andoni Local Government Area on Saturday.

He promised to ensure his administration carried out more infrastructural projects.

According to Fubara: “Like I said the other day, we just started. We started about three or four months ago but I am very happy that if we have to assess ourselves within those three months, we have done better than people who stayed for eight years, I stand to be challenged.”

Recall that Fubara and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory have been at loggerheads shortly after assuming office.

During the week, the governor had boasted of defeating his political enemies, stressing that they now slept with their eyes open and restless.

The Federal Government has explained the importance of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) to economic development, saying every 1,000,000 vehicles converted to CNG will save the country about $2.5bn.

The Programme Director, Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas, Pi-CNG, Michael Oluwagbemi, said the push for CNG by the Federal Government would end the era of pollution, environmental degradation and economic hardship.

Oluwagbemi spoke during a one-day South South and Southeast stakeholders engagement meeting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.


He said the natural gas was in abundance in the nation but people lacked the foresight to utilise it insisting that CNG is cleaner, cheaper and will reduce the cost of transportation.

He said: “The initiative of the government is critical to our national development and to the well-being of the people. Rivers State is the heart of the oil and gas region. Over the last five to six decades these resources have continued to waste. Nigeria is the second largest waster of oil and gas. We exploit it and waste it then continue to suffer poverty.

“The President has set us on natural gas feature and set up on the nation on the path of growth. The use of gas ensures we have energy savings, mind you the price of Natural gas is controlled by government.

“What the President is asking is to do more with the blessings God has given us. If we are able to move three million vehicles in the next three years we are going to end the era of environmental degradation.”

Oluwagbemi said that the nation stood to benefit with the energy transition, adding that CNG remained more reliable for the transportation sector of the country.

He said CNG had the capacity to reduce the current inflation troubling the nation’s economy.

He said: “Nigeria stands to gain a lot from the energy transition in the transportation sector. First and foremost, CNG is our own resource. Natural gas is everywhere in Nigeria. It is a much more reliable source of fuel the transportation sector. No longer will there be crises out of Nigeria impact the economic livelihood of the country.

“It has the capacity of reducing inflation. It is cheaper. You can realise between 40% to 50% savings from patrol. This is good for Nigeria and it is safer. It is 18 time safer than our petrol and diesel. IT is cleaner and safer for the environment.

“We will stop subsidizing poverty importing unemployment and exporting jobs. We will be using our own natural gas to drive our transportation sector. To a common man this translates to reduction in the cost of transportation. Our jobs is to give incentivise the CNG vehicle. To ensure we close the financing gap that exists.

“There is enough demand for natural gas all we need to do now is to open stations, pipelines and conversations centres. When we convert our vehicles, 1,000,000 vehicles they will convert it save the country about $2.5 billion a year. This will also save us 6,000,000 litres a day. These are monies that we can spend on hospitals on roads.”

In his remarks, Fola Akinola, the Chief Executive Officer of FEMADEC Energy Limited, said plans had been concluded to open two CNG refueling stations, and two vehicle conversion parks in Port Harcourt.

He said: “CNG is an old technology. We want to tell you that you have the opportunity to convert your vehicle from fuel to CNG. The stations will be launched in Port Harcourt and we are launching a refueling unit alongside. Rivers State is going to have a micro refueling unit at Stadium Road and in GRA.

“Those that wants to invest in CNG refueling units it is available. Even those who have fuel State facilities can as well invest in this.”

The Abia State Government said it had already diverted its N2bn subsidy palliative from the federal government for investment in CNG.

The Commissioner for Energy and Environment, Abia State, Prof. Joel Ogbonna, told the Pi-CNG committee that his state had set all grounds ready to key into the presidential directive, adding that the state was ready to kick off.

He said: “When Governor Alex Otti came, he declared State of emergency on environment. The governor has set aside N2 billion for the fuel subsidy for CNG. Abia State has set aside the Abia State Poly for trainings in CGN.

“We have also development an industrial park to be able to produce gas. We want to also pass a bill so that people will be told what to do to ensure safety so that there will not be hazards. We are ready to take off with the CNG.”

The Labour Party has appointed the Governor of Abia State, Alex Otti and its presidential candidate in the 2023 election to lead its governorship campaign team in Ondo State.

Also appointed to the campaign council are lawmakers elected on the LP platform and key members of the Obedient Movement in Diaspora.

The chairman of the party’s governorship primaries in Ondo State, Olusola Ayodele, disclosed this during a meeting with the party’s leaders from the South-West on Friday in Akure.

Ayodele stated that a task force, comprising the party’s leaders in the region, has been assembled to expedite the campaign activities in the state.

He tasked the team to assemble a strong national campaign group to replicate former Governor Olusegun Mimiko’s 2013 election victory in Ondo State.

“To lead the Ondo National Campaign Committee is the Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi, and the Governor of Abia State, Mr. Alex Oti.

“They are to be supported by all LP senators, reps members, state lawmakers, and other key leaders of the Party in the country with formidable solidarity from key members of the Obedient Movement in the Diaspora,” he added.

The LP governorship ticket in the April 27 primary election in Ondo State was won by Dr. Ayodele Olorunfemi, the former General Secretary of the Senior Staff Association of Statutory Corporations and Government-Owned Companies (SSASCGOC).

Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has said the crisis in Rivers State is not affecting his performance in office.

Wike, the immediate past governor of Rivers, is literarily at daggers drawn with Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his successor.

The duo fell out less than six months after Fubara assumed power and the crisis reached its height after a court restrained lawmakers loyal to Wike from parading themselves as members of Rivers House of Assembly.

The camps of Wike and Fubara have been involved in heated media exchange in recent times.

But speaking on Friday during an inspection tour of some projects to be commissioned by the end of the month in Abuja, Wike said would not allow himself to be distracted by political detractors from Rivers State.

He said his mandate as FCT Minister was to deliver dividends of democracy to the residents of the nation’s capit

He said, ”I am not distracted. If am distracted you won’t see this performance here. I focus on my work. I am not interested, I am the Minister of FCT, work is going on. If am distracted how will these works be progressing? I am not even thinking about it at all.”

The minister expressed satisfaction with all the road works inspected, and commended the contractors for delivering the jobs within specific time frame.

“This is the final inspection as regards the preparedness for the inauguration of various projects.

“From what we have seen, we believe we are ready for the commissioning from 27th of May and will end June 6th. Is going to be a nine day long event.

”So, we are happy, and contractors are meeting up, and all the promises they made, they are have been fulfilled and we have also fulfilled our own part to make sure that we have cash backup. None of them is complaining in terms of cash” Wike said.

He hinted that the Abuja metro railway line will be flagged off for commercial operation on May 27.

“By the approval of Mr President, we believe that 27th of this month, we shall start the inauguration of various projects, particularly, on 27th of May, we believe the President will flag off the commercial operation of the metroline, ” he added.

There are indications that the Presidency may have given the green light for stakeholders to begin the search for a replacement of the All Progressives Congress (APC) national chairman, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, LEADERSHIP gathered.

The Villa, which has been silent over Ganduje’s recent political travail, is said to have “commissioned” APC governors from the North Central geo-political zone to begin a search for a new chairman from the region as originally planned by the party.

A top party source told LEADERSHIP Friday that besides the North Central zone producing the next chairman, the Villa might be open to allowing the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) camp within the party to produce Ganduje’s replacement as part of appeasement moves.

It was further learnt that those opposed to Ganduje’s continued stay, including a serving senator who was former governor of a South South state, listed his perceived handling of the Edo and Ondo primaries as well as the unfolding drama surrounding the probe into his tenure as Kano State governor.

Ganduje’s woes, it was also gathered, is being compounded by an alleged plan for New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) presidential candidate in 2023, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, to return to the APC, a claim confirmed to LEADERSHIP Friday by a former commissioner and APC chieftain in Kano State, Musa Ilyasu Kwankwaso.

Also, the agitation by APC stakeholders in the North Central zone for the return of the chairmanship position to their zone has not helped Ganduje’s case. The immediate past governor of Kano State is from the North West zone.

The APC chairman has been locked in an intriguing legal battle in Kano State over moves to suspend him in his ward by some persons claiming to be APC executives.

They hinged their suspension on the probe into Ganduje’s administration over alleged financial misappropriation by Governor Abba Yusuf.

While Ganduje blames the NNPP-led administration in the state for his travails, the APC leadership, at federal and state levels, has since distanced themselves from the suspension moves.

However, the embattled chairman is fighting back and battling to salvage his job. Party sources told LEADERSHIP Friday that he had reached out to some governors to help him stave off those angling to remove him from office.

It was gathered that he recently pleaded with a governor from a North Central State to urge an aggrieved aspirant to withdraw his suit seeking to stop him from parading himself as chairman.

A serving senator and former national chairmanship aspirant is said to have also been recruited to ensure the case is dropped.

LEADERSHIP Friday recalls that an APC chairmanship aspirant in 2022, Muhammad Etsu, is seeking a legal injunction to stop Ganduje from parading himself as national chairman.

He had earlier argued for the national chairmanship seat to return to the North Central zone.

In the build-up to the 2022 national convention, the APC had zoned the position to the North Central which saw Senator Abdullahi Adamu emerge as national chairman.

He resigned in 2023 paving the way for Ganduje, who hails from North West, to become chairman.

However, the party source told LEADERSHIP Friday that another North Central governor is backing the move to remove Ganduje.

The governor, according to a party source, is seeking Ganduje’s removal because he appears to have taken sides with the governor’s political opponent (a top government official) in the state.

Attempts to get Ganduje’s reaction on the issues were not successful as calls and messages to his media handlers were not responded to.

Meanwhile, it was learnt that the APC-led presidency adopted the silence option over Ganduje’s ordeal, in light of unfolding political intrigues in the North ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

With the frayed political romance between President Bola Tinubu and some of his allies in the region, it might “be convenient to forge new alliances which might involve making tough decisions,” a source said.

The source, who neither confirmed nor denied the Kwankwaso angle, however said the president would need to firm his base in the region, having seemingly fallen out with some politicians, like former Kaduna governor, Nasir el-Rufai.

“So he might be firmer to ask himself what political value the embattled chairman has to him ahead of 2027. Kano State is a strategic state that any incumbent or presidential candidate would need to have on his side,” the party chieftain said.

Another APC chieftain, who also pleaded not to be named, said Tinubu is keeping quiet on the issues about Ganduje because he single handedly brought him to the position.

The source said: “Unlike in the case of Adams Oshimhole who was elected at a national convention and was not the then President Muhammadu Buhari candidate, hence he was allowed to sink, Ganduje is more or less an appointee of the president and, though the quietness, he is enjoying the protection of Villa.

“Unlike Buhari, Tinubu could be blunt to tell Ganduje to go if he is not satisfied with his leadership as the APC chairman. Also, in the case of Oshiomhole, the APC governors were not on his side but it seems the governors are with Ganduje or they simply are not interested in what is happening.”

A former APC national vice chairman, North-west, Salihu Lukman, said the only strong qualification of Ganduje as the party’s chairman is his close relationship with the president.

Six directors and 222 other staff members of the Anambra State Local Government Service Commission have been sacked for possessing fake certificates with which they gained employment into the commission.

In the same vein, two former staff members, one of whom was found to be working with the state owned Nwafor-Orizu College of Education at Nsugbe, and another with Nnamdi Azikiwe University, UNIZIK, Awka, who were said to be collecting salaries for four years have been directed to refund the illegal salaries they received to the commission.

Chairman of the Commission, Mr Vincent Ezeaka disclosed the scandals to newsmen at the Commission’s office in Awka on Thursday.

Ezeaka said that the sad developments were discovered in the ongoing verification and staff biometrics identification exercise being conducted by a four-man committee headed by a retired Permanent Secretary, Dr. (Mrs.) Ndidi Onuigbo.

He added that the exercise is part of Governor Chukwuma Soludo-led administration’s agenda deliberately initiated to sanitise the local government workforce.

Ezeaka further explained that between January and April 2024, a total of 222 ghost workers have been discovered and weeded out of the local government service commission.

He added that the two ex-staff of the commission who collected salaries from the coffers of the commission for four years while at the same time work as staff members of Nsugbe College of Education and the other as an accounting officer with the UNIZIK, Awka whose names he declined to disclose to newsmen would be prosecuted accordingly on the order of the state government.


The local government service boss, however, stated that from the verification exercise the bonafide staff members of the commission currently is about 4, 300, adding that they are the workers in the payroll of the commission pending when the verification committee would conclude it’s assignment.

He stated that the state government is taking serious steps towards ensuring that communities and local government areas are sanitized for things to get better.

Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has said the hues and cries on the electricity tariff increase for Bnd A customers is from those who were not paying electricity bills in the past.

Adelabu, who spoke at the 8th Africa Energy Marketplace forum on Thursday in Abuja, said the new tariff has led to reduction in energy cost for consumers in the band by 30 to 40 percent.

He faulted the claim that the new tariff has increased the cost of production for manufacturers, leading to the high cost of goods and services.

“The electricity tariff was not targeted at improvising Nigerians or worsening the already bad economic situation of high inflation rate and naira losing value but targeted at resolving or reducing the hardship of the people.”

“Those on Band A, if they should do their arithmetic properly, to compare what they have been spending on energy provision from grid supply and energy generators put together, before the review of tariff, they have achieved nothing less than 30 to 40 percent reduction in their total cost. That is the truth.”

“We are also electricity consumers, so we can attest to this fact. It is true that if you are in Band A, your bill would have doubled if not more. But check out what you have been spending on your generator servicing, diesel and petroleum procurement, it would have down considerably.

“So the argument of this new tariff having the capacity of increasing the cost of production and raising the prices of goods and services is not logical.

“Manufacturers under Band A should have a lower Energy cost by now, thereby, reducing their cost of production. Except those that have not been paying for electricity in the past. We can also come together to compare notes with practical example. But how this new tariff regime will increase the cost of production is not valid because I am in that industry too.”

While stating that Nigeria should not be suffering from lack of electricity owing to abundance of sun, water and gas, he bemoaned the sector not getting it right since the past 60 years.

Speaking earlier, the Vice President, Power, Energy, Climate Change and Green Growth Complex of the African Development Bank (AFDB), Dr Kevin K. Kariuki, announced plans to support the Nigeria’s power sector with $1bn.

He said the support fund would be channeled through a policy-based operation (PBO) with significant energy component aimed at supporting the ongoing power sector reforms triggered by the new Electricity Act.

Kariuki added that the bank would finance the policy recommendations to actualize the expected outcomes from the National Integrated Electricity Policy and Strategic Implementation Plan.

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President Bola Tinubu has urged the Senate to review and approve a bill aimed at prohibiting athletes from using substances that enhance their performance.

Tinubu’s request was conveyed in a letter read on Thursday on the floor of the upper legislative chamber by the Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau.

The President stated that the bill would establish a legal framework for the formation of the National Anti-Doping Organization.

He further emphasized that the establishment of the agency is essential for Nigeria to meet the standards set forth in the World Anti-Doping Code.

“In accordance with the provisions of section 58 (2) of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended, I forward herewith the National Anti-Doping Bill 2024 for the kind consideration of the senate,” the letter reads.

“The National Anti-Doping Bill 2024 seeks to create an administratively independent National Anti-Doping organization which is a cardinal requirement for Nigeria to achieve compliance with the World Anti-Doping Code and the international standard for code compliance by signatures.

“The enactment of this vital legislation will also help Nigeria avoid the imposition of signatory consequences, the inclusion of laws of hosting and participating rights at regional, continental, and world championships or major athletic events.

“It is my hope that this submission will receive the humankind expeditious consideration of the distinguished members of the Senate of Federal Nigeria for passage of the same to law before the Olympic Games seminar in Paris in July 2024.”

The threat of legal action against the Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Abdulmalik Sarkindaji, by the Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy Ohanenye, over his plans to sponsor the marriage of over 100 girls in his constituency in Mariga Local Government Area has continued to generate brouhaha across.

Various Islamic groups on Wednesday gave the minister a seven-day ultimatum to withdraw the suit or face legal action.

DAILY POST recalls that the Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly had decided to sponsor the marriage of about 100 girls who had lost their parents to banditry in his constituency, as well as those whose parents could not afford to foot their marriage expenses.

But the Minister of Women Affairs, suing the speaker, alleged the girls were being married off against their will.

Arising from its meeting today in Minna, the Niger State Imam Forum and other heads of Islamic organisations, in their resolution, described the minister’s action as blackmail and issued a seven-day ultimatum to her to withdraw her statement and the suit on the issue and apologise or face legal action.

The Director General of the Niger State Religious Affairs, Dr Umar Farouk, who gave the ultimatum, insisted that the minister has overstepped her limits and must withdraw her statement of blackmail against the speaker and religious leaders on the matter.

According to him: “The 24th May 2024 date of the wedding remains sacrosanct, as the Imam Forum, in conjunction with the parents of the brides, will go ahead with the ceremony. The Niger State Speaker, Abdulmalik Sarkindaji, has done his part of the donation to ensure the success of the marriage of the 100 orphan women.”

The forum called on President Bola Tinubu to sack the minister from his cabinet for alleged incompetence as well as an attempt to cause religious disharmony in Niger State and Nigeria.

“The minister should also withdraw her statement of blackmail against the speaker, religious leaders and the entire state for saying the women are underage.

“The planned marriage has the blessing of all the religious and traditional leaders from the area. The sponsor of the marriage consulted widely before accepting the responsibility and we are strongly behind him.

“The girls are not underage and they are not being forced into marriage, as the minister has made the public believe. This is what the minister failed to investigate,” Farouk stated.

Calling on philanthropists, well-to-do individuals and politicians to emulate Niger State Speaker Abdulmalik Sarkindaji, Farouk added that the girls are between the ages of 18 and 25, including widows, hence, there is no forced marriage, as six procedures were strictly followed for the selection of the beneficiaries.

Similarly, the Niger State Unit Area of the Muslim Student Society of Nigeria, MSSN, urged President Bola Tinubu to immediately suspend the Minister of Women Affairs over her plan to halt the planned 100 weddings of ophan girls in the state.

MSSN Ameer in the state, Mahmud Lawal Murshid, stated this during a press briefing in Minna.

The society condemned the court action against Niger State Speaker Abdulmalik Sarkin-Daji, adding that Islam accorded much respect to the marriage institution while commending the speaker for sponsoring the mass wedding.

Meanwhile, a source close to the community who spoke on the condition of anonymity told DAILY POST that, so far, about N10 million in cash has been received as donations towards the success of the marriage.

The source said: ” Presently, an individual has donated N100,000 to each of the girls as a way of empowerment for them to start up something after the wedding.”

The Swedish government has disclosed its resolved to return 39 pieces of Benin Artefacts in its museum to the custody of the Oba of Benin, Ewuare II.

Daily Trust reports that the return followed the Federal Republic of Nigeria Gazette No. 57, Volume 110 issued on March 23, 2023, which recognized ownership and vested custody and management of repatriated Benin artefacts in the Oba of Benin.

The Swedish Ambassador to Nigeria, Annika Hahn-Englund, conveyed the Swedish government decision when she paid a courtesy visit to Oba of Benin in his palace.

Ambassador Hahn-Englund informed the monarch that Sweden and Nigeria are trading partners in infrastructure, telecommunication, energy and other businesses that supported the economies significantly.

“Also, I would like to mention that with cooperation we have in culture, education with Nigeria, I would like to mention the decision of why the Swedish government has to return 39 artefacts to Benin Kingdom,” he said.

Responding, Oba Ewuare II expressed his deepest gratitude to the Swedish government for the intervention, saying “Edo people also welcome this decision”.

He disclosed that the federal government-backed Benin Royal Museum project was on course, and commended partners for their support towards the project.

The Oba also commended the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), responsible for the preservation, promotion and development of Nigeria’s cultural heritage.

He said the demand for the return of looted Benin artefacts had been on since the reign of Oba Akenzua II,

“And you are here today (Wednesday) telling us that it has been approved. This has been my request long time ago. God’s time is always the best,” he added.

The Ambassador in the accompany of her husband and a member of the diplomatic mission presented a souvenir to
Oba Ewuare II, who in turn, gave a copy of the federal government gazette on all Benin artefacts to the envoy.

Mr Sarkindaji announced his plan to marry off the orphaned girls, who lost their parents due to banditry attacks in Mariga Local Government Area.

The official, who slated the mass wedding to take place on 24 May, said the plan was part of his constituency projects.

The presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general election, Mr Peter Obi, said he was the highest beneficiary of the judiciary in the country when there were incorruptible judges.

Obi stated this during Justice Anthony Aniagolu’s Memorial Lecture, organised by the family and hosted by Godfrey Okoye University, Enugu, on Tuesday.

Delivering a lecture on the topic “The Judiciary and the Future of Nigeria,” Obi said he won the election in Anambra State while another candidate was declared the winner and he approached the court for justice.

“I spent three years in court and it was given to me, and after a few months, I was impeached but the judiciary restored me to power. After one year in office, they conducted another election and elected another person.

“But I went to the Supreme Court, where judges, with respect for the rule of law, reinstated me to complete my tenure.

“All these things happened because there were incorruptible and independent judges,” he said.

The former Anambra governor, who noted that such jurists were hard to find in present-day Nigeria, said: “Our judiciary is weak and compromised by the executive and highest bidder.”

According to him: “The future of our society is compromised because the independence of the judiciary has been destroyed.

“We need a strong judiciary to fight criminality. The rule of law is the foundation on which any society survives and develops and the only thing that makes it sacrosanct is the independence of the judiciary. And it is a strong judiciary that makes businesses, investments and democracy thrive.”

He pointed out that the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, was not the problem of Nigeria but the judiciary, whom those denied their rights approached but ended up being disappointed.

The National Assembly is seeking amendments to the Central Bank of Nigeria Act 2007, to bar top officials of the apex bank from partisan politics.

Championed by ex-lawmaker representing Abia Central Senatorial District, Darlington Nwokocha before he was sacked from office by an Appeal Court sitting in Lagos in 2023, the amendment seeks to prohibit the Chairman, Governor, and Deputy Governors of the CBN from engaging in political activities or becoming members of any political party for three years after service.

A part (amended section of CBN Act 2007 (Amendment) Bill 2023 read, “The Governor and Deputy-Governors shall be persons of recognised financial experience and shall be appointed by the President subject to confirmation by the Senate on such terms and conditions as may be set out in their respective letters of appointment.

“The chairman shall also be appointed by the President. The chairman, governor and deputy governors shall not engage in or be a member of any political party until three years after disengaging from office.”

The bill also proposed that the CBN’s top executives, the chairman, governor, and deputy governor, shall initially be appointed for a five-year term.

The amendment bill read, “The chairman, governor and deputy governors shall be appointed in the first instance for a term of five years and shall each be eligible for reappointment for another term not exceeding five years and no more:

“Provided that, of the first five deputy governors to be so appointed, two shall, in the first instance be appointed for three years and two shall, in the first instance be appointed for four years.”

CBN Governor to report to NASS

The proposed law also seeks to promote accountability mechanisms of the CBN Governor by mandating semi-annual reports to the parliament.

These sessions are to cover the broad spectrum of the CBN’s monetary policy efforts, activities, objectives and future economic development prospects.

CBN Board

The Amendment Bill created a new Board of Directors for the bankers’ bank aimed at injecting a new range of expertise and ensuring robust oversight.

The amendment further read, “There shall be for the Bank a Board of Directors (in this Act referred to as “the Board”) which shall be responsible for the policy and general administration of the affairs and business of the Bank.

“The Board shall consist of (a) Chairman; who shall be a renowned professional in Accounting, Finance or Economics that has served as a Chief Executive of a regulatory agency in Nigeria and has deep insight into the operations of the Central Bank of Nigeria in the course of his regulatory functions,” among others.

The Nigeria Labour Congress,NLC, and the Trade Union Congress, TUC, have labelled the privatisation of the power sector a failure and demanded for its immediate reversal.

The call was made by the organized labour on Monday in Abeokuta, during a protest against the increase in electricity tariff and removal of power sector subsidies by the Federal Government.

DAILY POST reports that during the demonstration, members of the NLC and TUC sealed off the office of the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company, IBEDC, in the Leme area of Abeokuta.

Addressing journalists, Akeem Lasisi, the TUC chairman for Ogun State, chastised the Nigerian energy Regulation Commission, NERC, for raising energy rates without first contacting organised labour or other relevant stakeholders.

“We woke up to hear the announcement of the NERC that they have increased the electricity tariff to N225 per kilowatt per hour without consulting major stakeholders in the power sector.

“We reject this totally, workers are mostly hit because amidst this increase our salaries remain stagnant. Amidst the increase in school fees, amidst the increase in exchange rate, amidst the increase in prices of commodities and services in the country, our own salaries remain stagnant.

“DISCOs that could not install prepaid meters to all electricity consumers should not have the guts to increase electricity tariff. That is why we are saying that the privatisation policy should be automatically reversed.

“NERC should concentrate more on regulating the DISCOs rather than increasing the electricity tariff. We are saying that Nigerians should not be shortchanged. This policy should be stopped, Nigerians should be allowed to breathe, enough is enough, we reject this totally,” Lasisi said.

Also speaking, the state’s NLC chairman, Hameed Benco, urged President Bola Tinubu to persuade NERC to reverse the increment in electricity tariff.

Mynd44 Nlfpmod

A former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Prince Uche Secondus, on Saturday, attributed the lingering political crisis in Rivers State to the Federal Capital Territory, FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike’s pursuit of selfish interest.

Secondus, who spoke to journalists in Abuja, said the FCT Minister was the brain behind Governor Siminalaye Fubura’s political troubles.

He alleged that the former governor brought misery, grief, and anguish into the state, stressing that the Minister has failed to attract any federal project to Rivers.

According to Secondus, Fubara fell out with his estranged godfather when he (Fubara) decided to prevent the looting of the state.

He explained that the political crisis currently rocking the state was orchestrated by those who demand unfettered access to the state’s finances, a demand he said the governor refused to accept.

Secondus said, “Wike has been Governor for eight years and is now Minister of the FCT.

“As Minister, what has he, Wike, attracted in terms of Federal projects to our dear State since he assumed office?

“Perhaps misery, grief, and anguish. As governor he supervised the exit of investors from the state due to his draconian policies.

“He had on an occasion mentioned that he is capable of causing a crisis and he is not far from the truth, as he is causing an unfathomable crisis in Rivers State.

“Mrs Patience Jonathan and I worked for his emergence as governor, have we ever breathed down his neck? Instead, what we get is disrespect and insults.

“I call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to prevail on the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike to stop overheating the Rivers State political atmosphere and allow Fubara to work. Whatever Wike thinks he is, it must be stressed that Rivers people made him.”

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and immediate past governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, has admitted his mistake supposedly about his successor and begged people of Ogun/Bolo local government area to forgive him.

He has also emphasized that at no point did he tell anybody to worship him, stating that people should be appreciative of those or whoever that is instrumental to their elevation.

Minister of the FCT, Wike, spoke on Saturday at St. Martins Church Field Ogu town in Ogu/Bolo LGA, for the grand civic reception held in honour of George Thompson Sekibo, who celebrated 20 years of meritorious service at the National Assembly and 36 years of his life in public service.

The minister said that God cannot come down to help people, but would use somebody to accomplish that, condemning ingratitude in the lives of some individuals.

Wike stated: “My dear people, I came because I respect people who appreciate what God has done for them; who appreciate what God has used people to do for them.

“God does not come down. God uses people to help people. So, when you have been helped, you appreciate Him and, then, God will know you have appreciated Him.

“I have never told anybody to worship me. Nobody can worship man. All of us believe that we only have one God. And it is only that God we will worship. And will continue to worship that God.

“But, as politicians, we appreciate people who have helped us. Is it not correct?

“Ogu/Bolo people, when I came to ask you to support me, you supported me. Did I worship you? But, I have to appreciate you. I have to thank you. If you did not support me, I would not have been in the position where I am. I never said I would worship you. Did you tell me to worship you? So, how did the issue of worship come?

“I want to say this clearly, in life, we may have made a mistake. You have made and there is nothing anyone can make about. I have made a mistake. I own it up. And I ask God to forgive me. I have said all of you forgive me. But, we will correct it at the appropriate time.

“I am a human being. I am bound to make a mistake. My judgment can be wrong. So, forgive me for making a wrong judgment. That is life. So, nobody should kill himself.”

To the lawmaker representing Ogu/Bolo constituency in the House of Assembly, Wike declared:

“Let me say this clearly, Arnold, don’t be frightened that anybody would remove you as an Assembly member. Nobody will remove you as Assembly member.

“Most of you don’t understand. This (politics) is our work. What l am doing is to make them fear, to make them angry. I have no other job than to make them to be angry everyday, to make them make mistake everyday. And they will be in trouble everyday. So, don’t worry yourselves.

“If they like, they can go to anybody by 2am, 4am to get injunction. The law will take its course. We are not afraid. We followed due process. We must follow due process.

“We are not going to harm anybody. We are not going to give money to anybody to buy arms and kill anybody. We won’t do that.

“As you see me, I think well. You see, I came with Senator Magnus Abe. I work with people who have brain. In politics, when people who have brain disagree, they agree.
Wike taunted those saying they would bring him, saying nobody could do that.

“When you are in charge, you are in charge. So, don’t worry”, urging them to calm down because everything would be over.

He, however, advised Ogun/Bolo people to forget the abuse coming from their detractors, noting that one must be alive for people to abuse him.

“At the appropriate day, that day when the result would be announced, we will know who is who. Don’t worry yourselves. We have defeated them severally.

“No amount of propaganda can help you. Ogu people have shown loyalty. And I want to thank you.”

The FCT minister declared that he knows how to handle the people he described as “buccaneers”, stressing that he would continue to handle them.

He acknowledged that it is not easy to be in power, saying that it is only those who lack knowledge of why they are in power give excuses.

“When you want to do bad, you say there is too much pressure on you, saying they say I should bring N20 billion, N10 billion, N100 billion. They want to run away from fulfilling the promises you made to people.

“Look at all the council chairmen; look at all the Assembly members. These are young men, whom I talked to, spoke to that all these things are for the interest of all of us. Do it. And they all did it. Today, somebody says they are nobody. Will you accept that?

“Look at Assembly people sat down in their various constituencies. You never brought a dime. I never knew you were so rich; I never knew your father was a managing director of Shell before and now you are feeding Assembly people, paying their children’s school fees. I never knew that. It’s unfortunate.”

Wike reiterated that he would not abandon Ogu people, emphasizing that from 1999 to 2014, no governor in the state had recognized the traditional institution in Ogu/Bolo, but he broke the jinx.

The FCT minister berated traditional rulers in the area who failed to be appreciative of the person who lifted them up.

“I have maintained peace. And I will continue to maintain peace. And I want all of you to continue to maintain peace. There will come a time when nobody can tell me that I would not live in my house. Nobody can tell me that I cannot go to my house. Maintain peace and follow law. Follow due process.”

The Peoples Democratic Party has declared full control over Rivers State, asserting that Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the party now dominate the state’s political landscape.

In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, on Saturday, the party claimed that all legislators who defected to the All Progressives Congress have forfeited their seats, citing constitutional provisions.

PUNCH Online, on Tuesday, reported that the Rivers State Government dismissed a call on the state House of Assembly by the Caretaker Committee of the APC in the state to commence impeachment proceedings against Fubara.

Ologunagba emphasized that legal considerations now overwhelmingly favour the PDP, dismissing the APC’s claims as futile attempts to subvert Nigeria’s constitution.

He stated, “It is indeed pathetic for the APC to think that the facts and true import of Section 109 (1) (g) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) to the effect that the former lawmakers have since lost their seats can be muddled and lost in litigation and lengthy press statements.

“Interestingly, in the failed bid to subvert the Constitution to give the former members of the Rivers State House of Assembly a lifeline, the APC ended up admitting the clarity of the provision of Section 109(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) in voiding their seats upon their defection.

“For the avoidance of doubt, Section 109 (1)(g) of the Constitution is clear in providing that “a member of a House of Assembly shall vacate his seat in the House if – being a person whose election to the House of Assembly was sponsored by a political party, he becomes a member of another political party before expiration of the period for which that House was elected:

“Provided that his membership of the latter political party is not as a result of a division in the political party of which he was previously a member or of a merger of two or more political parties or factions by one of which he was previously sponsored.”

Ologunagba said that all House of Assembly members who joined the APC are now former members.

He urged both the APC and the legislators to abandon any hopes of their party assuming control of Rivers State.

“The former members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, for reasons best known to them, wittingly vacated and summarily lost their seats as nothing in the proviso protects or allows them to retain their membership of the Rivers State House of Assembly after decamping from the political party upon which they were elected.

“These former members of the Rivers State House of Assembly have only themselves to blame for Constitutionally vacating their seats; a course which cannot be reversed or remedied. They should admit their miscalculation and bear the inescapable consequences.

“This is especially so as the Supreme Court, in the case of Abegunde vs Ondo State House of Assembly and Others, has since clarified and affirmed the import of the proviso in Section 109(1)(g) in validating the automatic vacation of a seat by a member of a Legislative House who defected from the Party upon which he was elected into that House.

“For the umpteenth time, the PDP cautions the APC to steer clear of Rivers State; it should perish the thoughts of forcefully taking over the State and stop exasperating the public space by seeking to reverse the irreversible.

“The APC should come to terms that with the vacation of seats by the former lawmakers, the quorum of the Rivers State House of Assembly will be determined by the number of the remaining lawmakers as provided by law; until a bye-election is conducted to fill the vacancies now existing in the Rivers State House of Assembly as a result of the defection by the former members,” Ologunagba further stated.

Amidst the many troubles rocking the Rivers State political structure, the APC on Friday stated that the “egregious actions” of Fubara are indicators of his impeachment process talks.

resident Bola Tinubu has advised lithium investors to prioritise environmental protection and community engagement, warning them not to leave the host community in ruins in their exploration activities.

Receiving a delegation from Avatar New Energy Materials Company Limited and Canmax Technologies led by Nasarawa Governor Abdullahi Sule, Tinubu commended the inauguration of Nigeria’s largest lithium processing plant in Lafia, Nasarawa State.

According to a statement by Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, Sule was accompanied on the visit to the President by Mr. Hi Yongwei, Chairman of Avatar New Energy Materials Company Limited, and Mr. Zhenhua Pei, Chairman, Canmax Technologies.

Tinubu, however, emphasised the need for responsible mining practices, saying, “You must not leave the community in ruins as you explore for our high-grade minerals. You must be concerned with cooperation and always care for the community.”

The President urged the companies to prioritize environmental protection, community engagement, and corporate social responsibility initiatives, ensuring that their operations benefit the local population and minimize ecological damage.

Avatar New Energy Materials Company Limited has invested $500 million in the lithium processing plant, which produces about 4,000 metric tonnes daily. Canmax Technologies has announced a new investment of $200 million for another lithium processing plant in Nasarawa State.

He, however stated his administration’s commitment to ensuring that Nigeria becomes a key player in the global lithium market and a solar panel and EV battery manufacturing hub in Africa.

”There are other aspects of lithium that you are exploring in the country, especially in battery production. Nigeria is a huge market for solar panels. Africa is a major consumer of solar technologies. I do not see why these panels and batteries cannot be produced here.

“The labour is cheaper. Our youths are vibrant and skilled. Our people are brilliant and adapt to new technology. The economy is increasingly more vibrant, and Nigeria is dependable. We have the consumption capacity and a surplus of steady-handed citizens with gifted minds and an innate drive to work and produce.

”We are caring partners. We want your investments to succeed so that you can expand further. Whenever you call on us, we will help you. You can, in mutually-beneficial collaboration with us, dominate the solar panel market as part of a revolution in Africa and the West African sub-region.

”You can always promote the interest of China and Nigeria as the best place in Africa to do business. We are preparing to produce in this country the solar technologies that the entire continent will use,” the President said.

Tinubu also applauded Sule and Minister of Solid Minerals, Mr. Dele Alake, for their dedication to ensuring environmental protection and value addition by mining firms operating in the country.

”The Governor of Nasarawa State and the Honourable Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake, also share in these congratulations.

”It is a great joy to have you (the Chinese executives) in Nigeria. It is part of our campaign that Nigeria is open for business. We congratulate your courage in believing in us and the inauguration of the new factory.

”I can assure you that we will continue to give you the necessary support and encouragement. This is an opportunity for you to help tell the rest of the investment world that Nigeria is solid and open for business,” the President said.

Former President of Nigeria, Goodluck Jonathan, on Friday, said some of the progressive ideas he instituted during his tenure were jettisoned after his exit from office.

Jonathan who was the President from 2010 to 2015, stated this while speaking as Chairman on the occasion of the 25th anniversary celebration of Igbinedion University, Okada in Edo State.

The former president who said he ensured that women were admitted into the Nigeria Defence Academy, recalled that he faced serious challenges but had his way as the president of the country.

He said it is worth noting that women have become an integral part of the military set with some of them going ahead to become some of the best jet fighters.


He said, “I recall the challenges faced by women in the military. But as President, I directed that the Nigeria Defence Academy commence admission of women into the institution.

“However some of the ideas, which could have helped in the technological development of the country were jettisoned. “

The former President who noted challenges faced by women in various career fields, advocated that limitations against women’s progression in their chosen fields of endeavour should be eliminated.

He said, “I recall the challenges faced by women in the military. But as President, I directed that the Nigeria Defence Academy commence admission of women into the institution.

“However some of the ideas, which could have helped in the technological development of the country were jettisoned. “

The former President who noted challenges faced by women in various career fields, advocated that limitations against women’s progression in their chosen fields of endeavour should be eliminated.

He also called for the recalibration of the nation’s school curriculum to prioritize skills acquisition, and technology and de-emphasise certificates.

The ex-president explained that emphasis on skills acquisition and technology in all fields of the country’s educational system was the way to go to hasten the development of the country.

He also condemned cultism and bullying in the nation’s lower school system and called on the government at all levels to put a stop to the menace.

He thanked former Head of State, Abdulsalami Abubakar for approving the establishment of Igbinedion University, noting that if he hadn’t done that, “the establishment of the several private universities in the country would not have been possible”.

While commending the courage and vision of the Founder of Igbinedion University, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, the Esama of Benin Kingdom, in establishing the institution, he said because the university is doing well, that gave the impetus to other entrepreneurs to establish other private universities in the country.

He thanked God for using Abubakar to bring democracy to the country.

On his part, Abubakar commended Chief Igbinedion for his foresight in establishing the university, saying “25 years ago, we gave a license to establish this University and Esama has been making progress. Esama, we congratulate you”.

He also thanked the Okada Community for their role in bringing peace to the university, adding “In the next 25 years most of us won’t be here. I wish you well in your celebration”.

Earlier, Deputy Pro-Chancellor of the university, Lucky Igbinedion, who spoke on behalf of the Pro-Chancellor, and Founder of the university said 25 years after, the noble effort of establishing the institution has paid off with the springing up of more private universities in the country.

The Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Lawrence Ikechukwu Ezemonye who reeled out several achievements of the institution in the past 25 years, disclosed that it has churned 60,000 graduates since inception.

The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Kukah, on Friday, said Nigeria is reaping what it sowed following bandits and terrorists’ attacks across the country, most especially in the North.

He blamed the insurgency on the government’s inability to prioritize education of the young generation, warning that the situation may get worse.

The Catholic Bishop spoke in Abeokuta , Ogun State, while delivering a lecture at the 42nd Actualisation conference of Rotary International, District 9110.

The four-day conference attracted thousands of Rotarians from Lagos and Abeokuta.

The clergyman in his lecture described rising security challenges in Nigeria as the consequences of the young generation not having proper education.

He said “We are facing the challenges that are the consequences of our children not having education. Now everybody is fearing bandits, everybody is fearing Boko Haram, we are reaping today what we sowed yesterday and it will actually grow worse.

“We have millions of children, at least between 10 and 12 or 15 million children that are on the streets who are begging, each of these children are growing by the day, the Almajiri that is 10 now, in 10 years time he will be 20 years so unless we quickly do something the situation may go worse.”

He called on philanthropists, religious bodies and other humanitarian organisations to channel their efforts towards combating illiteracy.

Kukah said Nigeria “must try to combat illiteracy because there is no substitute for education and if we who are educated believe that we are secured then we must think again.”

In his goodwill message, former President Olusegun Obasanjo charged the Rotary club to redouble their efforts in creating a better world.

Obasanjo who spoke in a pre-recorded video, called on the club to continue to put service to humanity above every other thing.

The former President urged participants to use the opportunity of the conference to reignite the passion for helping the less privileged and impacting the society positively.

The District Governor, Ifeyinwa Ejezie, noted Rotary Club under her watch has done a lot in the area of its focus including basic education and literacy, maternal and child health as well as economic empowerment.

She said the District has taken the issue of mental health to another level by educating alot of people, adding that drug abuse among the youths was equally addressed by the club.

Ejezie reiterated the Rotary Club’s commitment to humanitarian activities within the district and across the world.

President Bola Tinubu, on Thursday, expressed his determination to make Nigeria self-sufficient in food production before leaving office.

The President spoke in Niger State during the groundbreaking ceremony for the 84km, N169.7bn Bida-Minna Road construction in the Kakakpagi, Katch Local Government Area of the state.

Tinubu, who was represented by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, promised that the Federal Government would continue to partner with states that bring development to their people.

He said, “For governments at all levels to grow, there must be cordial relationships. The Federal Government will support Niger to ensure that the desired prosperity is derived. Nigeria will be self-sufficient in food production during my administration.

“Road construction will save lives and create avenues for greater economic development.”

The President extolled the first-class traditional ruler and chairman of the Niger State Council of Traditional rulers, the Etsu Nupe, Yahaya Abubakar, for ensuring peace in his domain.

Tinubu said, “As a traditional title holder of Jagaba Borgu since about 20 years ago, I am also a son of Niger and I will be part of anything that will bring development to the people of the state.”

In his remarks, Governor Umaru Bago said the construction of the Bida-Minna Road was a promise fulfilled.

“As encapsulated in our pact with Nigerlites under the New Niger Agenda, this groundbreaking ceremony marks the beginning of the construction of the 84km standard dual-carriageway with streetlights, interchange, and underpass at both ends of the road, a promise fulfilled.

“This project is of paramount economic importance to us as a state. Therefore, the groundbreaking ceremony we are witnessing today is a paradigm shift from the usual lip services of the past.

“This demonstrates our commitment towards building world-class road infrastructure that will endure over time to make Niger a reference point in terms of infrastructure and socio-economic development in Nigeria.

“We are poised to change the negative narratives in line with our ambitious New Niger Agenda,” he said.

The First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu has assured Nigeria will soon take its place in the comity of nations.

She was speaking while receiving the Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey in Nigeria, Hidayet Bayraktar, at the State House Abuja, on Thursday.

According to a statement by her Senior Special Assistant on Media, Busola Kukoyi, the First Lady said: “We have not explored in our country. We have so much that God has blessed us with.

“I know Turkey wants to encourage Nigeria and the whole of Africa and we are grateful. We are looking forward to when Nigeria would take her place in the comity of nations, and that is very soon.”

Ambassador Hidayet Bayraktar disclosed that Turkish Nationals are looking forward to improved collaborations with Nigeria, especially in security, energy, construction, using entertainment to enhance culture and health.

“We are hoping that a Turkish Hospital would be established here and that would reduce medical tourism. People should get to know Nigeria and its culture through the film industry,” Bayraktar said. He informed Senator Oluremi Tinubu of the eagerness of the First Lady of Turkey to attend the forthcoming Organisation of African First Ladies for Development, OAFLAD Nigeria’s campaign launch of #We Are Equal holding on the Monday 13th May, 2024.

A former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, standing trial for an alleged N7.2bn fraud, said he was ready to go to prison just like the prophets.

Sirika, his daughter, and three others were arraigned at a Federal Capital Territory High Court on Thursday on a six-count amended criminal charge before Justice Sylvanus Oriji.

A video of the ex-minister speaking in court with his lawyers surfaced on X on Thursday.

In the video, Sirika, dressed in cream Babariga, could be heard saying, “It’s okay. Fatima, it’s okay,” while comforting his daughter.

He continued, “Even prophets have gone (to prison). Those that went, haven’t they finished theirs already?…whatever Allah says”

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission had accused the ex-minister, his daughter, son-in-law and Al-Duraq Investment Limited, of fraud in connection with the botched Nigerian Air project.

Meanwhile, the court granted each of the defendants bail in the sum of N100m with two sureties each.

Before the trial judge, Justice Sylvanus Orji granted the bail request of the defendants, they pleaded not guilty to all the charges preferred against them after it was read out to them.

The prosecution counsel, Rotimi Jacobs SAN, had informed the court of an amended charge by the EFCC dated May 7, and filed on May 8, which was not opposed by the counsel for the defendants.

Sirika’s lead counsel, Kanu Agabi (SAN), informed the court of his client’s bail application dated May 6.

The other defendants similarly, moved their bail applications and prayed the court to be liberal in the bail conditions.

Jacobs, on his part, told the court that all the defendants were on administrative bail and asked the court to grant bail on the condition that would make them appear for their trials.

Apart from the N100m bail, Justice Osuji added that one of the sureties must own a landed property with valid land titles in like sum within the Federal Capital Territory.

The judge also held that the sureties must depose to an affidavit of means while he barred the defendants from travelling outside the country without its permission.

He added that failure to fulfil the bail conditions would earn the defendants a stay in a correctional facility.

The Presidency yesterday said the cybersecurity levy was introduced to tackle cybercrimes and terrorism.
It said the nation lost over N273billion (approximately $762million) to cybercrime alone in 2022.

It also claimed that the same levy is in place in Ghana and Rwanda.

Opposition to the policy grew yesterday, with the Trade Union Congress (TUC), ex-Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate Peter Obi, and the Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) rejecting it.

A top source, who spoke in confidence with our correspondent, said the Federal Government “cannot be blind to the grievous effects of cybercrimes on the nation’s economy.”

The source made the clarification against the backdrop of the mounting criticisms on the inclusion of Cybersecurity Fund in the Cybercrime Act 2024.

The source said: “The Cybercrime Act 2024 is meant to protect the nation’s economy from collapse; it is not targeted at the masses. Those criticizing the Act do not have the full knowledge of the rationale behind it.

“According to the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS), the Nigerian banking sector lost over N273 billion (approximately $762 million) to cybercrime in 2022 alone.

“Apart from that, there have been SIM-swapping attacks on Nigerian banks since 2019 to date.

“Flutterwave, a leading African fintech company, has faced several allegations of security breaches in recent months amounting to millions of dollars in losses to customers.

“Even the Nigerian National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has put adequate security in place to check incidents of data breaches.”

The source said the inherent benefits of the Cybercrime Act are contained in Section 44 of the Cybercrime Act.

He said Section 44 was designed for National Cyber Security Fund in which a levy of 0.005 of all electronic transactions b by some businesses to fight cybercrimes and terrorism.

The source added: “Contrary to insinuations, the Fund will be domiciled in the Central Bank within a period of 30 days.

“Also, an amount not exceeding 40 percent of the Fund may be allocated for programmes relating to countering violent extremism.

“The Federal Government is well-intended with the Cybercrime Act 2024. We live in a global village in Africa, we cannot afford to ignore the reality of the threats of cybercrimes to our economic survival.

“The management of the Cyber Security Fund has enough checks and balances to prevent abuse. This government is determined to fight cybercrime.”

Section 44 of the Act reads: “(1) There is established the National Cyber Security Fund (in this Act referred to as “the Fund”).

“(2) There shall be paid and credited into the Fund established under subsection (1) of this section and domiciled in the Central Bank of Nigeria-

(a) a levy of 0.005 of all electronic transactions by the businesses specified in the Second Schedule to this Act;

(b) grants-in-aid and assistance from donor, bilateral and multilateral agencies;

(c) all other sums accruing to the Fund by way of gifts, endowments, bequest or other voluntary contributions by persons and organisations:

“Provided that the terms and conditions attached to such gifts, endowments bequest or contributions will not jeopardise the functions of the Council:

(d) such monies as may be appropriated for the Fund by the National Assembly; and

(e) all other monies or assets that may, from time to time, accrue to the Fund.

“(3) All monies accruing to the Fund shall be exempted from income tax and all contributions to the Fund shall be tax deductible.

“(4) The levy imposed under subsection 2(a) shall be remitted directly by the affected businesses or organizations into the Fund domiciled in the Central Bank within a period of 30 days.

“(5) An amount not exceeding 40 percent of the Fund may be allocated for programs relating to countering violent extremism.

“(6) The Office of the National Security Adviser shall keep proper records of the accounts.

“(7) The Account of the Fund shall be audited in accordance with guidelines provided by the Auditor-General of the Federation.”

Wave of opposition, rejections

The TUC rejected the planned cybersecurity levy.

Its President, Comrade Festus Osifo, in a statement, urged the Federal Government to give a “marching order to the CBN to immediately withdraw the circular and cancel the planned levy forthwith.”

The statement reads: “It is indeed illogical that this is coming at a time that Nigerians are grappling with the high cost of living that is imposed by the devaluation of Naira, hyper hike in the cost of Petrol, supersonic increment in the cost of electricity tariff, etc.

“Whereas a bank account holder in Nigeria today is currently charged stamp duty, transfer fee, VAT on transfer fee, and all forms of account maintenance levies by both government and the banks.

“So many policies of this government are not only imposing hardship on the downtrodden Nigerians but also on businesses, as some of them are shutting down because of the unfriendly business environment.

“The National Assembly that ought to be the bastion of democracy and the protector of the citizens oftentimes engages in collusion with elements within the executive to exploit the people. “

Obi faulted the levy, saying it was another form of taxation at a time when the government should be nurturing economic recovery and growth.

He said: “The introduction of yet another tax, in the form of Cybersecurity Levy, on Nigerians who are already suffering severe economic distress is further proof that the government is more interested in milking a dying economy instead of nurturing it to recovery and growth.

“This does not only amount to multiple taxation on banking transactions, which are already subject to various other taxes including stamp duties, but negates the government’s avowed commitment to reduce the number of taxes and streamline the tax system.

“The imposition of a Cybersecurity Levy on bank transactions is particularly sad given that the tax is on the trading capital of businesses and not on their profit hence will further erode whatever is left of their remaining capital, after the impact of the Naira devaluation high inflation rate.”

“It is inconceivable to expect the suffering citizens of Nigeria to separately fund all activities of the government.

“Policies such as this not only impoverish the citizens but make the country’s economic environment less competitive.

“At a time when the government should be reducing taxes to curb inflation, the government is instead introducing new taxes. And when did the office of the NSA become a revenue-collecting centre?

“And why should that purely national security office receive returns on a specific tax as stated in the new cybersecurity law?”

Also, the CNG, rejected the proposal, saying it was anti-masses and insensitive.

In a statement its National Coordinator, Jamilu Charanchi, CNG said: “This levy, which is expected to be effective within the next two weeks, exemplified the Federal Government’s lack of compassion and empathy to the plight of Nigerians in the face of the current economic hardship.

“It is crass heartlessness that is a sequel to fuel subsidy removal which now took fuel above N1000 per litre and the electricity tariff abruptly soaring.

“It is tantamount to another daily-light extortion in the offing by the government that came to be through democratic processes.”

Minister of Works David Umahi has reiterated the commitment of the Federal Government under the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu to completing the Abuja- Kaduna-Katsina- Kano Federal Highway within a record time.

Umahi stated this during a courtesy visit of the Governor of Kaduna State, Uba Sani, to his office, in Abuja, on Tuesday.

Speaking during the event, the minister said he had the directive of President Tinubu to present a programme that could see to the completion of the project within the next one year.

He assured the governor that the project, which was inherited from the past administration,would be started in three sections as soon as possible.

This was contained in a statement signed and made available to DAILY POST by the minister’s special adviser on media and publicity, Uchenna Orji.

“We are going to have the first section of 38 kilometres by 2, (which is 76 kilometres,) done by Dangote Group of Companies on Tax Credit and it’s going to use concrete to do it.

According to the statement, Umahi said: “We will allow the next 82 kilometres for Julius Berger to handle. And then the last 20 kilometres by 2, (which is 40 kilometres) for BUA to handle and to also use concrete to do that. And I can assure you that the job will start in these three sections within this month of May.”

The minister commended the governor for the peace and development being witnessed in Kaduna State under his administration despite inherent challenges.

He further said the president’s directive on designing 1,000 kilometres Sokoto- Badagry Highway was being handled with dispatch by the Federal Ministry of Works, noting that the project would cover the old African trade route of Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger, Kwara,Ondo, Oyo, Ogun, Lagos States, connecting to Badagry.

He also stated that a proposal was being made to link the South East to the North through the Trans Sahara Highway that would have a spur passing through Benue, Kogi, Nasarawa, and end in Abuja.

On his part, the Governor of Kaduna State extolled the vision and will of the President of Nigeria in revolutionising road infrastructure, which is a catalyst for the socio- economic development of the nation.

“I have to commend him for his effort. Since his assumption to office, he has made us proud, because he has done extremely well, and because he has been able to follow the blueprint of our President, who promised everyone when he was elected that he would take development to every part of Nigeria, irrespective of those that elected him or not. And of course, that is the agenda, that is the Renewed Hope. Today, we are proud to say that development is reaching everywhere in Nigeria, ” he said.

Governor Sani commended the president’s initiative to construct the Lagos-Calabar Road and the Sokoto-Badagry road, noting that the projects would enhance the socio-economic potential of the country when completed.

The Senate passed a bill seeking the establishment of a National Internship and Unemployment Benefit Scheme on Wednesday.

The bill was considered and passed for a second reading after a presentation by its sponsor, Senator Shuaib Salisu (APC, Ogun Central), who explained that the piece of legislation, aims to offer unemployed graduates in Nigeria some part-time jobs where they could gain experience and earn stipends.

Senator Salisu added that the bill intends to create a database of unemployed Nigerian youths, particularly graduates, with their respective disciplines and also establish a framework that will guide the provision of part-time jobs for youths while they search for full-time jobs.

According to him, the scheme, when established, would provide hope for graduates and allow them to acquire experience before they secure full-time employment.

He argued that the scheme would help address insecurity and criminal activities that arose from unemployment.

The lawmaker also acknowledged existing agencies such as the National Directorate of Employment, NDE and the Industrial Trust Fund, ITF, but noted that they have not been targeted adequately to the beneficiaries.

Senator Salisu believes that the scheme, which will have a database, will be more effective in streamlining interventions for the beneficiaries.

Though many of the senators who contributed supported the proposed legislation, Senator Ahmed Wadada (SDP, Nasarawa West), argued that the bill may not be the solution needed to tackle unemployment.

But Senator Wadada said the focus should be on creating an enabling environment for the private sector to thrive and consequently create jobs, not thinking of benefits for the unemployed.

“If the environment is enabling enough to up to 10 Dangotes, the rate of unemployment will be reduced to the barest minimum. The emphasis at all times should be to create the needed enabling environment,” he said.

After passage for a second reading, the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, mandated the Senate Committee on Labour and Productivity to give it more legislative inputs and report back within four weeks.