₦airaland Forum

Northern youths, under the aegis of Coalition of North Group, have decried the impact of the recent devaluation of the naira, inflation, petroleum subsidy removal, increase in electricity tariffs, and insecurity, among others, on the conditions of living in northern Nigeria.

Saying that the country “is no longer working”, the youths lamented that the failures of formal and informal institutions have over the years compounded the challenges.

“We don’t have the time to lament. All of us know that we are in a serious problem. Nigeria is no longer working. People are suffering. People can no longer afford even one square meal. We are not talking about the three square meals per day.

“Insecurity is walking with two legs in the northern part of the country.” President of the CNG, Jamilu Charanchi lamented on Saturday at a one-day community engagement programme organised by the CNG Katsina State chapter under the theme: “Imperative of Popular Participation in Tackling Socio-Economic Challenges Bedeviling Nigeria Through Community Solutions.”

Charanchi gave background on the informed decision for community engagement, saying the group has realised that leaders especially from the region are not ready to address the outlined problems, hence there was a need for them to take the bull by its horns in the contribution of the development of the region.

“Northern Nigeria, a region rich in cultural heritage, human and natural resources, holds significant potential for contributing to Nigeria development.

“Despite this, the region remains the least developed, grappling with drug abuse, youth restiveness, the collapse of social values, and high levels of poverty, unemployment, illiteracy, and insecurity, which translate socio-economic indices in relation to other regions.

“To tackle the region’s persistent challenges, the Coalition Northern Groups implemented several interventions, including a two-day roundtable insecurity in Northern Nigeria held in January 2024 at the Nigerian Air Resource Center in Abuja. Despite these efforts and some progress made, the North continues to experience a rise in banditry and other issues, indicating need for increased commitment from all stakeholders to effectively address these problems,” Charanchi said.

He said “The recent devaluation of the naira, inflation, petroleum subsidy removal, increase in electricity tariffs, and insecurity have further deteriorated the living conditions of the people.

“Millions of people lost their means of livelihood and wallowed in abject poverty. The consequences of these challenges have become more apparent during the recent violent national protests against hunger and general hardship, which have resulted in significant loss of life and destruction of public and private properties.

“In response to these pressing issues, the CNG recognises that for decades, northern Nigeria has been suffering from leadership decay, collapse of societal values, immorality, and lack of leadership values. These challenges have over the years culminated in a pervasive leadership crisis leading to poverty, unemployment, and illiteracy, evident in the high number of out-of-school children and insecurity across the north.”

H said the CNG believes that “there is a need for a paradigm shift from government-based to society-based solutions that would enable comprehensive assessment and a coordinated approach to
address the underlying causes of these challenges by the members of the community.”

He again noted that the recent violent protest is a consequence of decades of failure by northern Nigeria’s political leadership to harness the potential of the region.

“At the same time, the failures of formal and informal institutions have over the years compounded the challenges. Hence, there is a need for collective action to address these challenges and promote development in the region.

“This engagement aims to examine the current state of affairs in Northern Nigeria, focusing on the rising moral decadence among our youths and, the socio-cultural and economic challenges facing the region. It seeks to highlight the critical need for increased community involvement in the management of their affairs,” he said.

Speaking during the event, the representative of Katsina State Governor and Commissioner for Information, Bala Zango said the administration of Governor Dikko Radda since coming on board initiated laudable programmes aimed at tackling the socio-economic development of the citizens.

“Governor Dikko Umar Radda, as part of efforts to bridge the gap, had initiated scholarships for indigent students in foreign lands to study medicine and AI among others.

“Katsina State has become a role model in tackling insecurity by creating a ministry for internal security, establishing and engaging over 1500 Community Watch Corps which solved the issue of insecurity to 70 per cent.

“Katsina also spent over N30 billion naira on agriculture. Radda administration employed 7,000 teachers, renovation of schools with learning materials,” he said.

John Tsoho, the chief judge of the federal high court (FHC), has reassigned the case of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), back to Binta Nyako.

On September 24, Nyako recused herself from the case after an oral application made by Kanu.

“I hereby recuse myself and remit the case file back to the chief judge,” Nyako had said.

However, NAN reports that Tsoho has reverted the file to Nyako on the ground that Kanu’s application must be brought formally before the court through a motion on notice.

It is expected that the application must also be served on the prosecution (attorney-general of the federation).

At the last court session on Tuesday, Kanu directly told Nyako that he no longer had confidence in her handling of his trial.

Facing the judge, Kanu said: “My lord, I have no confidence in this court anymore and I ask you to recuse yourself because you did not abide by the decision of the supreme court.”

“I can understand it if the Department of State Services (DSS) refuses to obey a court order, but for this court to refuse to obey an order of the supreme court is regrettable.

“I am asking you to recuse yourself from this case.”

Although the prosecution urged the court to proceed with the trial, Nyako said she would go with extricating herself from the case.

Nyako said she would be sending the case file back to the chief judge for reassignment and further necessary actions.

BACKGROUND

Kanu has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since he was re-arrested in Kenya and extradited to Nigeria in 2021.

He has been standing trial on a seven-count charge bordering on treasonable felony.

In 2017, the court granted Kanu bail on the charges filed against him by the federal government.
However, the court revoked the bail and issued a bench warrant for his arrest after he failed to present himself as required.

In April 2022, Nyako struck out eight of the 15 counts in the charge.

The remaining seven counts were also quashed by the court of appeal on October 13, 2022, with the judge ordering Kanu’s release.

However, on October 28, 2022, the court of appeal granted a stay of execution on its verdict discharging Kanu after the federal government filed an appeal at the supreme court.

In March, Kanu was denied bail. In May, his bail request was again turned down.

The chancellor of Covenant University, Bishop David Oyedepo, said on Friday that since the inception of the institution, he has not earned any wages.

Oyedepo, who is the founder of Living Faith Church, disclosed this during Covenant University’s 19th convocation.

The clergyman stressed that the success stories and personal growth of the students have been his true rewards.

During the event, the institution conferred first and higher degrees and presented prizes to a total of 1,607 graduates.

Oyedepo highlighted their contributions to various sectors such as aviation, fashion, banking, and ICT.

“I said this before God. I have not earned any wages from Covenant University since its inception. Your testimonies of success and breakthroughs in different fields of endeavour have been my earnings and wages.

“You are created to be a contributor. Find a place to contribute. You cannot be a contributor and be a failure. You will be part of the solution and not those who are problems,” he said.

Tony Cole, the All Progressives Congress (APC ) gubernatorial candidate in the 2023 election in Rivers State, has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to engage Patience Jonathan, the wife of former President Goodluck Jonathan to mediate in the ongoing political crisis in the state.

Cole stated this while speaking on the political crisis rocking the state during an interview on Channels TV’s Politics Today.

He said that Tinubu should also engage former governors Ada George, Peter Odilli, and pastor David Ibiyeomie to talk to the warring parties.

Cole said, “There are certain people that Mr President has to empower to go and speak on his behalf and call the warring parties because they have larger interests in the state. Just on the top of my head I can name four people who can mediate.

“I will first of all call an old politician who was the governor of the state like Ada George. I will call somebody who is considered to be a strong spiritual leader in the state David Ibiyeomie. I know they both respect him.

“I will call an elder statesman who has very little to do with politics. He is the right person. I will call Peterside. And probably because of all that happened in one way or the other in the whole Rivers State whether negative or positive, I will also call Her Excellency, Patience Jonathan.

“If these four people are mandated to sit the two warring factions, you may want to call Peter Odilli. Whatever the case, bring these and have them speak to the two warring factions because of the future of the state. And I think the president needs to do something. He may feel that he needs to come in. Bring people who have interest for the larger purpose of the state.”

Nigerian youths are lazy - Muhammadu Buhari 2018

No Food For A Lazy Man - Remi Tinubu 2024

The First Lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu, has urged Nigerian youths to be hard-working, saying, “There is no food for lazy man.”

Mrs Tinubu said this during a courtesy visit to the palace of Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, in Ile-Ife, Osun State, on Thursday.

She noted that while the Tinubu-led administration is working hard to provide sustainable solutions to the current challenges facing the country, Nigerians should also work hard to provide for themselves.

The first lady maintained that the government will do all it takes to ensure that Nigerians are not disappointed and called for patience with Tinubu’s administration.

Mrs Tinubu said: “There is no food for the lazy man; even God worked for six days and rested on the seventh day.

“Nigeria is a land that’s flowing with milk and honey, but we need to sustain it for generations to come.

“God has richly blessed my family before getting to the presidency and we are content with what we have.

“What is happening in the country, we are just two years into our administration, we are not the cause of the current situation. We are trying to fix and secure the future.

“I have embarked on several journeys but it seems that people are not seeing what God is doing in the land. Nations across the globe want to do business with us, legally, on the table. There is a government in power now that they know it is accountable.

“We are trying all our efforts to ensure that the economy is stabilised and the masses are living meaningful lives since the removal of fuel subsidy.”

On his part, Ooni acknowledged the visit of the First Lady to the ancient city of Ile-Ife and Tinubu’s administration’s efforts to ensure that Nigeria becomes the best country.

The visit also marked the commissioning of the 2.7-kilometre Oluremi Tinubu Way and Pavilion at Obafemi Awolowo University, a project built in her honour by the monarch.

The Supreme Court is set to determine the powers of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate states.

It has scheduled a hearing for October 22.

Sixteen state governments are challenging the constitutionality of the law establishing the EFCC.
The apex court’s seven-member panel, presided over by Justice Uwani Abba-Aji, chose the date yesterday after it consolidated three suits filed separately by three states, including Kogi.

The court also granted the request by 13 states to be made co-plaintiffs in the case filed in the name of their Attorneys-General.

The plaintiffs in the consolidated case, marked: SC/CV/178/2023, are Anambra, Benue, Cross River, Enugu, Edo, Kogi and Kebbi.

Others are Katsina, Jigawa, Nassarawa, Niger, Ondo, Oyo, Ogun, Plateau and Sokoto.

The 16 states are contending that the Constitution is supreme and that any law that is inconsistent with it is a nullity.

The plaintiffs contend that the Supreme Court had held in previous cases that it was a United Nations Convention against Corruption that was reduced into the EFCC Establishment Act.

They argue that in enacting the EFCC Act in 2004, the legislature did not comply with the provision of Section 12 of the Constitution.

The states insist that Section 12 of the Constitution needed to be complied with before a convention could be made a Nigerian law.

The section reads: “(1) No treaty between the Federation and any other country shall have the force of law except to the extent to which any such treaty has been enacted into law by the National Assembly.

“(2) The National Assembly may make laws for the Federation or any part thereof with respect to matters not included in the Exclusive Legislative List for the purpose of implementing a treaty.

“(3) A bill for an Act of the National Assembly passed pursuant to the provisions of subsection (2) of this section shall not be presented to the President for assent, and shall not be enacted unless it is ratified by a majority of all the House of Assembly in the Federation.”

The plaintiffs contend that the majority of the state Houses of Assembly must first agree that the convention be adopted before the EFCC Act could be validly enacted.

According to them, the EFCC Act, as currently enacted, could not be applied to states that never approved of it.

The plaintiffs want the court to hold that any institution so established, such as the EFCC, should be regarded as an illegal body.

Some of the reliefs being sought in the suit are:


*”A declaration that the Federal Government through the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) or any other agency lacks the power to issue any directive, guideline, advisory or any instrument howsoever called for the administration and management of funds belonging to a state.

*”A declaration that the EFCC, the NFIU or any agency of the Federal Government cannot investigate, requisition documents, invite and or arrest anyone with respect to offences arising from or touching on the administration and management of funds belonging to a state or any local government area.”

When the case was called, the majority of the counsel prayed for their clients to be joined as co-plaintiffs, and two of the states prayed for an order for consolidation.

Kogi’s counsel, Abdulwahab Mohammed (SAN), said some states indicated interest in a merger, while others sought to be joined as co-plaintiffs.

“It is for this honourable court to tell us how to proceed, my lord.

“Out of about 15 states, there are about 13 of them that have indicated interest to be co-plaintiffs and only two want consolidation.

“To make the task of the court easier, those who want to be joined as co-plaintiffs should be joined and abide by the processes already filed.

“Those who sought consolidation should be asked to file within seven days,” Mohammed said.

Justice Abba-Aji adjourned until Oct. 22 for a hearing.

The Kogi State AG had, in the suit numbered SC/CV/178/2023, sued the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) as the sole defendant.

In the originating summons filed by a team of lawyers led by Prof. Musa Yakubu (SAN), the state raised six questions for determination and sought nine reliefs.

The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri has stated reports he directed the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to stop running its refineries and focus solely on equity participation in other refineries is false.

He made this known in a statement late Tuesday.

Lokpobiri clarified that the viral statement does not represent him as the minister overseeing the oil sector, nor does it reflect the stance of the Federal Government.

The statement reads: “My attention has been drawn to statements attributed to Engr. Kamoru Busari, Director of Upstream in the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, who represented me at a recent conference in Lagos.

“I wish to categorically state that the claim that I directed the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to stop running its own refineries and focus solely on equity participation in other refineries is false.

“This does not represent my position as Minister overseeing the oil sector, nor does it reflect the stance of the Federal Government.

“It is important to clarify that NNPCL is a company governed under the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA), with a functional board and management. The Ministry of Petroleum Resources does not control or run NNPCL, as it operates independently like any corporate entity.

“The oil and gas sector is fully deregulated, and the Nigerian government remains committed to promoting in-country refining. We encourage companies, including NNPCL, to operate independently, following global best practices. While we provide strategic guidance, we do not interfere directly in the operations of these companies.

“I reaffirm our commitment to supporting the growth and independence of NNPCL, ensuring that its operations are in line with international standards for efficiency and transparency and profitability.”

Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has said that he was not appointed as minister to do nothing else but share lands.

He spoke in Abuja on Tuesday, when a delegation from AMCON, led by its managing director, Mr. Gbenga Alade, paid him a courtesy visit.

The FCT Minister also noted that there were challenges before AMCON, stressing that tough decisions are required to address the challenges.

Reflecting on his equally challenging experience as the Minister of the FCT, Wike stated that the journey has not been easy but reaffirmed his determination to also succeed.

He regretted that government decisions were being viewed through ethnic and religious prisms but stressed that a leader must step on toes in order to succeed.

“We have a problem in land administration. That is the place where we see corruption. People think that you are coming to share land when they appoint you as FCT Minister,” he said.

“That is the only thing you see here that as the Minister of the FCT, your business is to preside over land allocation—no other job; no infrastructure, no education, no health. You come to the office; everybody is land, land, land. Nothing more.

“So, when you have come to make changes, it becomes a problem; they will call you all sorts of names. We can’t continue in that way. Somebody must have to take the bull by the horns. That’s all about leadership.

“You may not be right all the time, but you must take a decision and be firm, and that’s the only way this country can survive,” the minister stressed.

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike on Tuesday declared that he has no apology for working against the presidential ambition of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in 2023.

Wike said he worked against PDP because the party jettisoned fairness, equity, and justice.

The former Rivers State governor said he worked for PDP at the state level but opted against the party during the presidential election.

Featuring on Channels TV’s Politics Today, Wike also declared that the ousted chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Rivers State was not his man.

He said: “Tony Okocha, not my man. They fought me during the governorship election. He’s my friend does not mean I brought him to the APC.

“For the presidential election, I said I was going to support equity, fairness and justice and in the others, I will support my party. That was why we won the governorship, and National Assembly elections.

“For the presidential election, I have no apology for working against the PDP because I don’t believe in injustice and not allowing other people to participate. I said I won’t support injustice and have no apology to render to anybody.”

President Bola Tinubu, on Monday, said judgements delivered on technicalities, frivolous appeals and intimidation of judges by lawyers still pose challenges to the nation’s war against corruption.

Speaking at the 6th Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and National Judicial Institute (NJI) capacity building workshop in Abuja, Tinubu called for a more efficient approach in handling corruption cases.
Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Tinubu noted that while reforms in the justice sector have led to some improvements, the system is still hampered by delays caused by unnecessary legal manoeuvers.

“There is no gainsaying the fact that the judiciary is central to the success of the anticorruption efforts. The commitment, courage and patriotism of judicial officers are ingredients that make the difference in the fight against corruption.

“Though I am aware that prosecution of corruption matters has improved in the light of the justice sector reforms in the last few years, we are not oblivious of some challenges that continue to impede the speedy adjudication of corruption cases.

“They include frivolous applications and appeals, meant to delay the trial, intimidation of judges by counsel, and judgment based not on the facts of cases but on technicalities,” he said.

Tinubu said “no Nigerian is immune to corruption, a cancer which continues to deny the nation the full benefits of her God-given resources,” adding that only collective efforts of all Nigerians can bring about change.

“As an administration, we remain committed to creating the right environment for judicial officers to discharge their responsibilities. One of the major actions of the government within the first year of my administration was improving the welfare of judges across the board with an increase in their remuneration.

“Official accommodation is also being provided for various categories of judicial officers in highbrow areas of the Federal Capital Territory,” he stated.

Tinubu further mentioned government initiatives such as the Students Loan Fund (NELFUND) and the Consumer Credit Scheme (CREDICORP) among efforts of his administration to discourage Nigerians from engaging in corrupt practices.

“The two notable ones are the Students Loan Fund being managed by NELFUND and the Consumer Credit Scheme under the supervision of the Nigerian Credit Corporation, CREDICORP.

“With easy access to loans, we are confident that most of our indigent students will have no need to embrace cybercrime, while the credit scheme offers workers easy access to money to fund their needs despite the harsh economic realities,” said the president.

The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, who also spoke at the event, commended the efforts of anti-corruption agencies in working alongside the judiciary.

She affirmed the judiciary’s commitment to the fight against financial crimes through capacity-building initiatives for justices and judges.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio, represented by Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, praised the collaboration between the judiciary and anti-graft agencies.

He recommended that laws relating to financial crimes should be reviewed periodically to keep pace with evolving criminal tactics.

The EFCC Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, said despite challenges faced by the agency in prosecuting high-profile cases, continued interaction between stakeholders would help strengthen the fight against financial crimes.

The workshop was attended by the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban Mensem, and Prof. Itse Sagay, among others.

Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, says the outburst of Governor Similanayi Fubara on the eve of the Rivers Local Government election was needless.

Following some developments in the state, Fubara had accused Egbetokun of taking sides with some politicians in Abuja, an allegation the top cop denied.

The governor also accused the police of bias for withdrawing from providing security in the election. He had vowed to hold the IGP responsible of there was breakdown of law in the state.

“I am saying this here so that the IGP should be aware and just to know that any action that will bring a situation of lawlessness in this state and I think at the end of the day, he should be prepared to take responsibility,” Fubara had said at a press conference.

But responding in a statement which Muyiwa Adejobi, Force Public Relations Officer, Egbetokun explained the role of the police in the crisis.

“In response to the misinformation circulating in the media space with regards to the actions of the Nigeria Police Force in the Rivers State political arena, particularly regarding the just concluded Rivers State Local Government elections, the Force wishes to debunk the prevailing falsehood of partisanship and reaffirms its neutrality and non-interference in political affairs within the State and the country in general, as the NPF only acted in line with an existing court judgment of the Federal High Court.”

“Firstly, the Nigeria Police Force was served with an order of injunction by the Federal High Court made on the 19th of July, 2024, barring the Police from participating in the LG election, deeming it unlawful.

“Secondly, the Rivers State High Court issued a counter order on the 4th of September, 2024, directing the Nigeria Police Force and other federal security agencies to provide security at the LG elections. It should be noted that the NPF was not joined as a party in this suit.

“And thirdly, The Federal High Court that gave the earlier injunction delivered judgement on 30th September, 2024, nullifying all previous activities so far carried in respect of the LG election and ordered the Police to stay away from any attempt to provide security during the said election.

“All[b] these orders and counter orders were served on the Police. The IGP being a thoroughbred committed to operating within the legal framework forwarded the three court orders to the Force Legal section for advice. For the information of members of the public, the Force legal section boasts of sound and experienced lawyers who have distinguished themselves in the legal profession, including a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).
[/b]
“Based on the legal advice received from the Force Legal Office, the IGP ordered the Rivers State Police Command to abide by the ruling of the Federal High Court, and also communicated the same to the Governor of Rivers State via a letter with reference number CH:3514/IGP.SEC/ABJ/VOL.38/260 dated 2nd October, 2024, where the IGP advised the Governor to also abide by the Court ruling in the interest of peace and well-being of the people of Rivers State.

“The misinformation, triggered by the unwarranted outburst of the Executive Governor of Rivers State, based on no material fact was totally uncalled for, and unfair to the Law Enforcement Institutions in Nigeria, most especially his verbal attack on the person and office of the Inspector-General of Police.”

The federal government has approved the construction of an airstrip in Canaanland, the headquarters of the Living Faith Church Worldwide popularly known as Winners Chapel, in Ota, Ogun state.

Bishop David Oyedepo announced this to members of his congregation at his church’s Tehillah Night Special Edition in Canaanland, Otta, Ogun State.

According to him, the airstrip aims to improve transportation for worshippers and visitors, particularly during large events such as Shiloh as they can now move to anywhere from his church premises without having to get to the airport first.

The members would now be able to land and park their aircraft at Canaanland.

The founder of the church also revealed that the project will be privately funded by the church, highlighting its commitment to self-reliance and infrastructure development.

Although the exact timeline for construction has not been specified, the church leadership has assured that it will be carried out swiftly and in accordance with all necessary aviation standards.

Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George, has asked Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to allow Governor Simi Fubara of River State to work.

Wike, the immediate past governor of the oil rich River state, has been locked in a battle with his successor over control of the state.

Governor Fubara’s administration had conducted local government election on Saturday under the Action People’s Party (APP) following the handover of the PDP structure to Wike who is also reportedly controlling the All Progressives Congress (APC) structure in the state.

The tension in Rivers increased after the Saturday’s LG election where APP swept the polls in the 22 of the 23 local governments.

Adding his voice to the issue on Monday, Chief Bode George asked President Tinubu to call his Minister to order and prevail on him to allow Governor Fubara to work.

In a statement, he said, “Now that people of Rivers State have boldly asserted their civic and constitutional rights by coming out to vote in the Local Government election on Saturday, this is the time for former governor of the state and now FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to allow Governor Siminalayi Fubara work and deliver dividend of democracy to the people.

“This is also the time for President Bola Tinubu to advise Wike, who is one of his ministers, to allow the governor to work.

“I say this with all sense of responsibility because if this democracy is truncated, God forbid, Tinubu, as the Commander-in-Chief, will be the biggest loser.

“All lovers of democracy will agree with me that political happenings in this oil-bearing state in the last few months, if allowed to continue, can lead to a re-enactment of the crisis in the defunct Western Region between 1962 and 1966 which eventually led to the first military coup of January 15, 1966. Many of our national figures were killed and events of that day led to a second coup on July 29, 1966 when scores of military officers were killed.

“Since history is no longer taught in our schools, I want to remind the gladiators in this Rivers crisis that the January and July 1966 killings eventually led to the civil war between July 6, 1967 and January 15, 1970. Close to two million Nigerians died in the war.”

George stated that happenings in River State call for concern.

“I am raising this alarm because what is happening in Rivers now is a cause for serious concern for everyone.

“My understanding of this man-made crisis is that there is a despotic, divisive, wicked and anti-people design to create a conflagration which may eventually consume our country.

“We all know the economic importance of Rivers to the survival of this nation. It is the gateway to the Niger Delta.

“Any threat to peace in this state will eventually lead to huge security implications, not only for Nigeria but West Africa and Africa. It is good to have political ambition, to be the alpha and omega in a partisan setting but this ambition must not be at variance with the expectations of the people.

“Some have said what is happening can be traced to 2027 elections’ calculations. I believe it is too early to start strategising for a partisan event which is still close to 28 months away.

“One thing is clear: Nyesom Wike was governor of the state for eight years. He left the Government House in May last year and today, he is the FCT Minister. Sir Peter Odili and Rotimi Amaechi were governors before him. Now that Governor Fubara is the Chief Executive of the state, he should be allowed to work. Nobody stays in office forever.

“By 2027, people of Rivers State will decide, through their votes, if they want him to return to office or not. This is how political issues and ambitions are handled in civilised climes. The way this partisan crisis is going, if not checked, may collapse our democracy. Now that council chairmen and councillors have been elected, I appeal to Nyesom Wike to please give peace a chance. Tinubu must also call Wike and tell him to allow the governor to work.

“We know Wike sponsored and supported Fubara to become governor but somebody also supported Wike to be governor from 2015 to 2023. Somebody also nominated him to serve as minister. God will always use somebody to help anybody but nobody is God.”

PRESS RELEASE

RIVERS ELECTIONS: NPF ACTIONS IN CONFORMITY WITH SUBSISTING COURT ORDER, REMAINS POLITICALLY NEUTRAL

The Nigeria Police Force has noted with concern the recent statements made by the Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency Siminalayi Fubara, in which several unfounded allegations were leveled against the Office of the Inspector-General of Police and the Nigeria Police Force. In light of these claims, it has become necessary to set the record straight.

Firstly, it is important to clarify that there is a subsisting Federal High Court order barring the Nigeria Police Force from participating in the Rivers State elections. This order was duly served on both the NPF and the Rivers State Government. As a law-abiding institution, the IGP instructed the Commissioner of Police in Rivers State to strictly adhere to this court order by refraining from any direct involvement in the election process.

However, in the evening of 3rd October,2024, The commissioner of police Rivers State, received reports that policemen from Rivers State Government house have been deployed to the office of Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RIEC) to aid the conduct of the election. This report was also relayed to the Inspector-General of Police who gave clearance to the Commissioner of Police to withdraw the policemen from the Government house and replace with policemen from the Command Operations department. The mandate of the men from the Operations Department, was to provide overnight security for the RIEC to prevent any attack on the facility.

It is also important to note that prior to this, there had been series of security breaches in the state following the spate of court orders and counter orders and reactions to them by supporters of the different political parties involved. The response of the Command to secure RIEC overnight was therefore professional and supported by the Inspector-General of Police. For emphasis sake, the policemen deployed to RIEC from the operations department of Rivers State Command on the night of 3rd October,2024 were with the sole mandate to protect the RIEC office from attack overnight. This action was proactive and responsive to intelligence at the disposal of the State Command.

It is therefore shocking to see the state governor storming the RIEC office at night, wrongly accusing the police on lawful duties, deriding the Police institution and using unprintable words to describe the Inspector-General of Police. The Nigeria Police takes exception to the unwarranted outburst of the Governor and particularly the weighty accusations which he falsely levied against the Inspector-General of Police and the entire Nigeria Police Force and advise caution and decency in the pursuit of individual political goals.

Threatening to shed blood and to burn down the State because of a Local Government election is not acceptable to us. The Nigeria Police Force is committed to protection of lives and properties and will work with other security agencies in Rivers State to ensure that there is no breakdown of law and order in the State. To this end, the Inspector-General of Police has ordered increased deployment into Rivers State to beef up security throughout the state. Citizens of Rivers state are advised to go about their lawful businesses.

ACP OLUMUYIWA ADEJOBI, mnipr, mipra, fCAI,
FORCE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER,
FOR: THE INSPECTOR-GENERAL OF POLICE,
FORCE HEADQUARTERS,
ABUJA.

4TH OCTOBER, 2024.

The Rivers State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has called for urgent intervention to prevent the state government from disobeying court rulings, which they fear could lead to lawlessness.

The state chairman of the PDP, Aaron Chukwuemeka, made this appeal on Thursday, after delivering protest letters to security agencies in the state.

PDP members in Rivers State, loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, and members of the All Progressives Congress loyal to Tony Okocha, staged a protest demanding the suspension of the local government council elections scheduled for October 5, 2024.

The protesters gathered at the PDP state secretariat on Aba Road before marching to the offices of the Department of State Services, DSS, and the Rivers State Police Command Headquarters to express their concerns.

Chukwuemeka warned that if security agencies fail to act, the PDP will ensure that the elections do not take place, emphasizing the party’s commitment to maintaining peace and upholding the rule of law.

He said, “We are here to submit a petition to you from the Peoples Democratic Party, Rivers State ably led by my humble self, the state chairman of our great party, Hon, Aaron Chukwuemeka.

“And attached to this letter is an order of court, Federal High Court, a judgement of Federal High Court on 30 September, 2023.

“In that order, it was expressly stated that RSIEC should not go ahead with the election. In that same judgement, INEC should not give them voter register, and then, the security agencies were told not to participate in that election.

“And as law abiding citizens, we believe in justice and equity, we believe in rule of law. And that is why we came to you, to tell you that, that election, the governor, the RSIEC, should obey that judgment.

“No man is bigger than the law. We as a party, we are not going to participate. And then if they go ahead to do that election, and that becomes crisis, we as PDP, we will not fold our hands.

“And that is why we are begging the security agencies to stop them from conducting that election.”

Addressing the protesters, the State Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, who was represented by Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operation, Adepoju Olugbenga, assured the the protesters that their letter would be delivered to the appropriate authorities.

DAILY POST reports that there was heavy security presence at the PDP secretariat.

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has said that he remains the greatest loser in the forthcoming local government election since the Peoples Democratic Party won’t be participating in the poll in the state.

He, however, said his administration was determined to support the cause of developing a sustainable democracy, stressing that he wouldn’t tolerate any misguided group or individual attempting to create confusion or any form of instability in the state.

The governor also urged every registered voter and leader of political groups to ensure they are at their polling units on October 5, 2024, to participate in the process that will usher in new political leadership in the 23 Local Government Councils.

Fubara gave the charge while addressing Rivers Political Stakeholders who converged at Government House in Port Harcourt on Thursday, preparatory for the October 5th Local Government election.

This was contained in a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Nelson Chukwudi, and sent to newsmen. Fubara explained that the position and resolve of his government on the forthcoming election is clear, adding that it will be conducted and concluded.

Fubara insisted that the local government election will have only those residents in the state who are registered voters participating.

He said: “Go, do what the law says you should do, as demanded by the RSIEC Law, and leave the rest. RSIEC will take it from there, and when RSIEC finishes its part, the government will also take it from that point and finish its part, and the process will all be consummated by the special grace of God in a few days coming.”

On PDP not participating in the poll, Fubara said: “You know this election, I am the greatest loser because my party is not participating. It is the truth! But because of the Supreme Court ruling that there must be elected officials to manage the affairs of local governments, as a Governor, I have to obey that.

"It did not end there. The President, after the Supreme Court ruling, invited us and we had an understanding that we have a compliance duration of 90 days. So, what we are doing here is to make sure that even if my party is not participating, the local council process must stand for Rivers State.

"And a good number of you here are my party faithful and you are not even benefiting from it, and you are here supporting us. So, what is the problem?

“So, I want to thank you for supporting democracy. I want to thank you for ensuring that there is a rule of law. I want to thank you for sticking your neck out to make sure that Rivers State still stands among the comity of states.”

Fubara appealed to everyone to return to their various LGAs, follow the process, be law-abiding, and eschew violence.

“I want to thank you for standing with us and assure you that with your strength, we will continue to stand with the flag, and we will not let the flag of Rivers State down by any means.

“So, let me conclude by assuring you again, don’t allow anybody, don’t allow any propaganda, don’t allow any aluta movement, and don’t allow any story from the pit of hell to deter your spirit at this point.

"I am really happy that everyone is in high spirits. Be assured that the government will do everything to make sure that Rivers State is not put in any state of confusion,” he added.

Ali Ndume, senator representing Borno south in the national assembly, has advised President Bola Tinubu to hire military contractors for the battle against insurgents and bandits.

Ndume said this after a recent attack on Ngoshe community in Gwoza LGA of Borno.

The attack led to the death of six farmers and the abduction of five.

In a phone conversation with journalists on Wednesday, Ndume said the mercenaries would be effective in curbing insecurity in all hotspots across the country.

“All across the world, governments hire the services of military contractors to engage in certain places,” he said.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu can consider this as a short measure. These contractors will work with our military and civilian JTF, who understand the terrain.

“These contractors will come with their equipment and military hardware. In a very short time, they’ll eliminate those Boko Haram terrorists. The contractors can also be used to eliminate those bandits operating in the north-west.

“Over a period, the federal government can now recruit youths to join the military and raise the number to at least one million. But in the interim, I think the president should consider this option of hiring military contractors.”

Filibus Yakubu, councillor of Ngoshe ward in Gwoza LGA, said Jubril Zarana, commander of the civilian joint task force (JTF) in the area, was killed in the attack.

He said the terrorists ambushed farmers on their farms, killed some of them, and abducted others.

“The Boko Haram terrorists released three women from which this information was obtained. The released women further stated that the victims are being kept hostage by the terrorists,” Yakubu said.

“Moreover, some people were still missing as at this time that we’re talking, as a result of this incident. The people did not return to Ngoshe during the catastrophe, and as reported by the released women, they are not part of the ones abducted.

“Our people are severely suffering due to lack of essential life support, but they have chosen to remain in their fatherland because of the love they have for it.

“The state government has really tried for our people, but NGOs and others are not providing us with food supplies.”

President Masoud Pezeshkian of Iran has said that the country’s missile strike on Israel was in defense of Iran’s interests and citizens.

Pezeshkian warned on X saying that the operation on Tuesday was “only a portion of our power.”

“This action was in defense of the interests and citizens of Iran. To let (Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin) Netanyahu know that Iran is not belligerent, but it stands firmly against any threat,” he wrote. “Do not enter into a conflict with Iran.”

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei also in a message posted on X warned in Hebrew that the “blows” against Israel would become “stronger and more painful.”

“With God’s help, the blows of the uprising front will become stronger and more painful on the worn and rotting body of the Zionist regime,” he said.

DAILY POST reported that the barrage comes after Israel launched a ground operation across its northern border into Lebanon.

The Israeli military operation targets the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah.

Recall that Israel killed Hezbollah’s leader Hassan Nasrallah in an airstrike last Friday, decimating Hezbollah’s leadership.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has described the 64th Independent Day Speech by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as another lethargic and windy rhetoric of false performance claims, “scripted to delude Nigerians in the face of abysmal failure of the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration.”

PDP in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, said Nigerians are appalled that the President’s speech “did not address issues or proffer any solution to the myriads of economic and security problems created by the APC government, for which Nigerians are hurting.”

The party said Tinubu has further confirmed the insensitivity of his administration towards the plight and demands by Nigerians which clearly authenticates PDP’s position that there is no hope in sight under the “clueless, insensitive and unresponsive APC-led government.”

According to the PDP, “the failure of the speech to respond to the cries of millions of Nigerians that President Tinubu eases their suffering by reviewing life-suffocating policies of his government also validates concerns in the public space of an emerging totalitarianism where certain individuals or group of individuals are benefitting from the travail of the people.

“It is indeed shocking that Mr. President’s speech practically trivialized the very grave issues of pervasive economic hardship, unemployment, acute poverty, widespread hunger and starvation in our country- for which Nigerians took to the streets in August this year- by claiming that about 10% of Nigerians have been plunged into hunger when confirmed reports show that over 100 million Nigerians can no longer afford their daily meals and other basic necessities of life under the APC watch.

“Equally appalling is Mr. President’s irreconcilable assurances of micro-economic improvement, lower cost of living and food sufficiency, when in reality his administration has failed to lower the price of fuel; the key driver of our nation’s economy, failed to inject resources into the productive sector to boost employment, stem the slide of the Naira and made no tangible investment in food production in any part of the country.

“The failure by Mr. President to listen to Nigeria to reduce the price of fuel, create employment and lift the value of the Naira by ending the profligacy in his government and direct resources to jumpstart our ailing productive sector shows that the APC administration is completely disconnected with Nigerians especially the youths.

“Moreover, from the speech, it is clear that the APC-led administration is determined to stifle our nation’s democracy; the very fundamental of any independent nation as it is loudly silent on the erosion of credible election and constant attacks on constitutionally guaranteed rights of citizens in our country under its watch.”

The party however urged Nigerans to remain calm despite their disappointment and counsels President Tinubu to “visit the markets or take a walk with the youths on the street of any city in Nigeria to properly appreciate the real situation of the citizens rather than relying on fabricated statistics by officials of his government.”

President Bola Tinubu says the federal government has cleared over N30 trillion in ways and means advances.

Tinubu spoke on Tuesday while addressing the nation to commemorate the country’s 64th Independence Day.

Ways and means is a loan facility through which the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) provides short-term financing to cover the federal government’s budget shortfalls.

On May 3, 2023, the senate approved the securitisation of the N22.7 trillion loan request made by former President Muhammadu Buhari.

In December of the same year, the national assembly approved President Bola Tinubu’s request for the securitisation of outstanding N7.3 trillion ways and means debt balance.

In the first quarter (Q1) of 2024, the country’s public debt increased to N121.67 trillion.

According to the Debt Management Office (DMO), the rise in Nigeria’s public debt stock is partly due to new borrowing, as well as ways and means securitisation.

Wale Edun, minister of finance, had also said the federal government is not relying on ways and means to fund external debt service or other liabilities.

Also, while giving his speech, Tinubu said there has been a gradual reduction in the debt service ratio by about 29 percent.

“We have cleared the ways and means debt of over N30 trillion. We have reduced the debt service ratio from 97 per cent to 68 per cent,” the president said.

According to Tinubu, his administration has also been able to pay bills, clear the foreign exchange (FX) backlog of $7 billion his government inherited and raise Nigeria’s foreign reserves to $37 billion, despite inheriting over $33 billion foreign reserves 16 months ago.

He said the country is gradually leaving the fiscal imbalances such as huge debt-to-GDP ratio.

‘ECONOMY UNDERGOING NECESSARY REFORMS’

Tinubu said the economy is undergoing the necessary reforms and retooling to serve the country better and more sustainably.

“If we do not correct the fiscal misalignments that led to the current economic downturn, our country will face an uncertain future and the peril of unimaginable consequences,” the president said.

“Fellow compatriots, our administration is committed to free enterprise, free entry, and free exit in investments while maintaining the sanctity and efficacy of our regulatory processes.

“This principle guides the divestment transactions in our upstream petroleum sector, where we are committed to changing the fortune positively.

“The move will create vibrancy and increase oil and gas production, positively impacting our economy.

“The more disciplined approach adopted by the Central Bank to monetary policy management has ensured stability and predictability in our foreign exchange market.”

He said the country is moving ahead with fiscal policy reforms such as the approval of the economic stabilisation bills.

Tinubu said the economic stabilisation bills will make Nigeria’s business environment more friendly, stimulate investment and reduce the tax burden on businesses and workers once they are passed into law.

The Nigerian Correctional Service(NCS) on Monday denied that ex-convict, Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky served his sentence in an apartment outside the custodial facility in Lagos due to financial inducements.

Deputy Controller in charge of Maximum Correctional centre Kirikiri Lagos, Micheal Beson Anukwa, said this at the investigative hearing House of Representatives Joint Committees over allegations of corruption against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Nigerian Correctional Services (NCS) in the prosecution of Bobrisky.

This followed the release of a recording by a social media personality, Martins Otse popularly known as Very Dark Man that Bobrisky bribed Correctional Service personnel to avoid serving his time in the correctional facility.

According to the recording released by VDM, the EFCC were also bribery to drop the charge of money laundering against Bobrisky.

While testifying before the Committee, Anukwa insisted that Bobrisky was not at any point held in a facility outside the Correctional center.

He said Bobrisky was only moved from the Kirikiri medium correctional facility to the maximum facility where he was kept in a special cell for his safety from other inmates.

He said Bobrisky’s case was a special case because he was a transgender and he had to treated as such could not be put together with others.

He said due to Bobrisky’s feminine features like breasts and hips, they could not risk putting him with other inmates.

Controller General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Haliru Nababa, concurred with this submission.

Representative of the EFCC, Bilikisu Buhari, said the allegations of money laundering was dropped based on Bobrisky’s confessional statement on naira abuse in court.

She said it is within their power to amend charges.

“There was no form of financial inducement to any member of the commission. All we did was in line with the core values of the commission,” she said.

The Chief of Staff to the Chairman of the EFCC also concurred with Buhari’s submission.

Speaking on his allegations, Verydarkman told the Committee that he got his audio recording from someone who borrowed N4m from Bobrisky.

According to him he had more audio evidence against Bobrisky and would present it at the right time.

Bobrisky’s lawyer Averosoghene Omuvwie told the Committee that his client could not honour the invitation due to Illness.

The Committee frowned at this and demanded he must appear at the next hearing.

The Chairman of the Committee, Ginger Onwusibe, however said that at the next meeting the person who made the audio recording must also appear at the next hearing.

The newly-inaugurated Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Motomori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun, vowed on Monday in Abuja that obedience to court orders will not be negotiable under her watch.

She said that no individual or institution, irrespective of their standing, would be permitted to treat judgments of the court with levity or disregard.

The CJN spoke on the occasion of the commencement of the 2024/2025 legal year and the inauguration of the 87 new Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) held at the Supreme Court.

Justice Kekere-Ekun stated that the judiciary stands resolute in ensuring that the sanctity of legal decisions is upheld in line with the rule of law.

To achieve this new narrative, the CJN canvassed that all hands must be on deck in fostering an unwavering commitment to the full enthronement of the rule of law.

“Disobedience to court orders or non-compliance with judicial directives is a direct affront to democracy and an invitation to anarchy.

“As such, it is critical that we respect and observe all the features of an enduring democracy, for in doing so, we maintain the delicate balance that sustains our society.”

“Let us, therefore, work together collectively and tirelessly to ensure that Nigeria continues to abide by the rule of law, upholds the best democratic practices, and remains vigilant in the protection of citizens’ rights.

“The rights of every Nigerian must be valiantly safeguarded against oppression and impunity, utilizing the full array of legal instruments at our disposal.”

Maintaining that a new dawn and a new era in the Nigerian judiciary has come with her appointment, Justice Kekere-Ekun assured Nigerians of her commitment to work diligently to improve public perception of the judiciary.

According to her, “Over the years, various factors have contributed to the negative image of the judiciary. However, we are determined to change the narrative and make the judiciary a source of pride for all Nigerians.”

“When the legal compass of a nation falters, everything suffers, including public and international perception.”

“The attitude of some of us in the justice sector is sometimes less than salutary, and that has contributed to the current image deficit of the country’s legal system.”

The CJN condemned the forum shopping by some lawyers, which she claimed has led to the emergence of conflicting orders by courts of coordinated jurisdiction.

To address this ugly trend, the CJN vowed that there will be consequences for any act of indiscretion that could bring the judiciary to disrepute.

The blogger had shared audio of a popular crossdresser, Idris Okuneye, also known as Bobrisky, claiming she bribed some Economic and Financial Crimes Commission officials with N15 million to drop the money laundering charge against her.

A social media influencer, Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan on Monday apologised to human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, over his recent derogatory innuendos against the senior lawyer.

VeryDarkMan, who appeared before the House of Representatives Joint Committee on Financial Crimes and Reformatory Institutions on Monday, said he also did not believe Falana was involved in the alleged bribery levelled against crossdresser, Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Nigeria Correctional Service.

He said: “Apparently now, some people are taking the advantage of what is going to target Femi Falana.

“Here I apologise, it’s so sad that his name was inside that audio, I couldn’t believe as well; that is the part that irritated me more which I said I refuse to believe that he is a party to something like that.”

The blogger had shared audio of a popular crossdresser, Idris Okuneye, also known as Bobrisky, claiming she bribed some Economic and Financial Crimes Commission officials with N15 million to drop the money laundering charge against her.

In the purported recording, the crossdresser also claimed that her “godfather,” alongside the Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Haliru Nababa, ensured she served the six-month sentence in a private apartment and not in prison.

Reacting to the development in a video, VeryDarkMan called for a thorough investigation into the matter, saying that he had no intention of defaming Falana.

VeryDarkMan also alleged that Falana sought a presidential pardon for Bobrisky in exchange for N10 million.

However, in a letter dated September 25, 2024, from his legal team at Falana & Falana’s Chambers and signed by Taiwo E. Olawanle, Falana stated that he never spoke to Bobrisky about any alleged pardon or other matters, denying claims made in the video.