President Tinubu thanked President George Opong Weah of Liberia, for conceding defeat after losing re-election.
Leaders from West African states have gathered in the Nigerian capital, Abuja, for the 64th Ordinary session of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Head of State and Government, a crucial summit aimed at tackling pressing regional crises.
This is only the second gathering of the region’s leaders since August, and it comes as security challenges continue to riddle the bloc.
August’s meeting focused on Niger’s tumultuous situation following the July 26 military coup, which unseated Mohamed Bazoum from the presidency.
Since his ouster, Bazoum has been confined to his residence in the capital, Niamey.
Responding to the developments in Niger, ECOWAS leaders not only threatened military intervention but also implemented hefty economic and financial sanctions on Niger, – currently under the rule of General Abdourahamane Tiani.
The West African bloc committed to restoring constitutional order, applied financial and economic sanctions. However, in a swift turn, it’s president Omar Touray, speaking at the summit’s opening on December 10, revealed breaches in the sanctions.
“Despite our successful application, concerns arise from breaches, including substantial movement of cash across borders,” Touray stated.
Among the fifteen ECOWAS member countries, four — Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Guinea — have been under military rule since 2020 due to coups d’état, leading to their suspension from the organization. Notably, these nations are absent from Sunday’s summit.
The three aforementioned countries, grappling with jihadist violence, have united under the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
Meanwhile, another ECOWAS member, Sierra Leone, faced a recent failed coup, resulting in the tragic loss of over 20 lives, as reported by state officials.
The stakes are high as ECOWAS leaders strategize to address these multifaceted challenges and ensure regional stability.
Ighodalo is Chairman, Sterling Bank Plc; Chairman Nigeria Breweries; Former Chairman Dangote Group; Founding partner, Banwo & Ighodalo; Former Chairman, National Economic Summit Group; Former Chairman, The NBA – Section on Business Law.
Ahead of the 2024 governorship election in Edo State, Chairman of Nigerian Breweries Plc, Asue Ighodalo, has resigned from his role on the board of the company.
THEWILL reports that Ighodalo, a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirant for the 2024 gubernatorial election in Edo State, is believed to be anointed by the state governor, Godwin Obaseki.
Ighodalo hails from Ewohimi, Esan Southeast Local Government Area in Edo Central Senatorial District.
The Nigerian Breweries (NB), in a corporate filing on the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) on Friday, signed by Uaboi Agbebaku, the company secretary, said Ighodalo’s resignation will take effect on December 31, 2023.
“The chairman informed the board today of his decision to offer himself for public service.
“As a result, he will be resigning from the board and as the chairman of the board on the 31st of December 2023 to enable him to devote his full attention to the new cause”, NB said on Friday.
The company said in order for the board to have enough time to appoint a substantive chairman, the longest-serving Director, Sijbe Hiemstra, was appointed to act as the chairman in the interim effective the 1st of January 2024.
Ighodalo joined the Board on January 1st, 2022 and was appointed as the non-executive chairman effective May 1, 2023.
The company also announced the resignation of an Independent Non-Executive Director, Mrs Ndidi O. Nwuneli, following the completion of her 9-year tenure on its board.
Nwuneli, whose resignation will take effect from December 31, 2023, has also been replaced with Mrs Stella Ojekwe-Onyejeli.
Ojekwe-Onyejeli will assume her new role on January 1, 2024.
CBN alerts Nigerians on counterfeit notes in circulation
Beware of Counterfeit Naira Banknotes in Circulation
The attention of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has been drawn to the circulation of counterfeit banknotes, especially higher denominations, by some individuals for transactions in food markets and other commercial centres across major cities in the country.
For the avoidance of doubt, Section 20(4) of the CBN Act (2007) as amended, states that: It shall be an offence punishable by a term of imprisonment of not less than 5 years for any, person to falsify, make or counterfeit any bank note or coin issued by the Bank which is legal tender in Nigeria."
The CBN is in constant collaboration with relevant security and financial agencies to confiscate fake Naira banknotes, arrest and prosecute counterfeiters. Members of the public are also encouraged to report anyone suspected of having counterfeit naira notes to the nearest police station, branch of the Central Bank of Nigeria or via contactcbn@cbn.gov.ng.
Meanwhile, all Deposit Money Banks, Financial Houses and Bureau de Change and the general public are enjoined to be more vigilant and take all necessary precautionary measures to curtail the acceptance and distribution of counterfeit notes.
Furthermore, the general public is encouraged to embrace alternative modes of payment, echannels, for day-to-day transactions to mitigate the risk of spreading counterfeit banknotes. Sidi Ali, Hakama (Mrs.) Ag. Director, Corporate Communications December 08 2023.
Another 17year old Suspect identified as Lawali Mori, a resident of Viniklang, Girei Local Govement Area have been arrested having unlawful carnal knowledge of a Cock against the order of Nature.
The arrest was as a result of Complain made to police by one Esther Dimas a resident of Viniklang, after she caught the suspect in the act.
The suspect further reveals he sexually assaulted the Cock but could not add reasons to why he deed such .
However, the Commissioner of Police, CP Afolabi Babatola, while expressing Worries, directed for discreet investigation into the Matter.
It saddens our hearts to inform Nigerians , especially football lovers that out team was attacked few minutes ago along Ore-Benin Expressway to honor an Elite League tie , against Insurance of Benin , scheduled for this weekend.
Our ball boy was shot in the horrible attack, Our team manager and other club officials including players are seriously injured .
It took the intervention of officers of the Federal Road Safety corp that helped rescue the injured officials and the shot individual to a nearby hospital.
We hope you join us in prayers 🙏
Michael Akintunde Media Officer, Sunshine stars Fc
Yobe State High Court sitting in Potiskum on Tuesday sentenced a dismissed soldier, Lance Corporal John Gabriel, to death by hanging and Lance Corporal Adamu Gideon to 10 years imprisonment at the Nigerian Correctional Service.
Justice Usman Zanna Mohammed convicted Gabriel, with Nigerian Army number N/A13/69/6522 attached to 241 Recce Battalion, Nguru, and Gideon, after he found them guilty of the offences of murder and conspiracy, respectively.
Delivering the judgement, Justice Mohammed held that after careful consideration of the facts before the court and the failure of the defendants to provide essential witnesses to corroborate their claim, he sentenced the two convicts in line with the provisions of the law.
DAILY POST recalls that a prominent Islamic scholar based in Gashua, Sheikh Goni Aisami, was murdered in Karasuwa Local Government Area of Yobe State by a soldier whom he gave a lift to while on his way to Gashua from Kano on August 22, 2022.
Angered by the action of the ex-soldiers, the Yobe State Government, through the Ministry of Justice, took the matter to court, which led to the judgement.
I want all of us to listen to me and listen to me very well. Benue State is the only State you and I have. So this is the only State we call home.
Nobody, I repeat, no single individual has a monopoly over Benue State. All of us are stakeholders of Benue State, therefore no one must and should not intimidate, threaten anyone of you standing here.
THE NAF HAS NOT UNDERTAKEN ANY AIR OPERATIONS IN KADUNA STATE IN THE LAST 24 HOURS
The news making the rounds alleging that Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft accidentally killed innocent civilians in Kaduna is false. Please be informed that the NAF has not carried out any air operations within Kaduna State and environs in the last 24 hours. Also, note that the NAF is not the only organization operating combat armed drones in the North western region of Nigeria.
It is also important to ensure that due diligence is always exhausted by the media before going to press with unverified and unconfirmed reports.
Thank you.
Edward Gabkwet Air Commodore Director of Public Relations and Information Nigerian Air Force
The Appeal Court in Abuja has nullified the election of Hon Yusuf Dahiru Liman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) representing Makera constituency in the Kaduna State House of Assembly and ordered a re-run in 5 polling units.
Earlier, Hon Solomon Nuhu Katuka of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) had filed a petition before the tribunal challenging the election of the speaker, Hon Yusuf Dahiru Liman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) representing Makera constituency in the House of Assembly.
The PDP candidate argued that there were gross irregularities regarding the election of the speaker, stating that he won the election.
However, in its ruling, the tribunal nullified the election of Liman on the 30th of September, 2023 and ordered a rerun in 42 polling units.
The polling units, it was gathered, are 37 PUs in Makera ward, 2 PUs in Barnawa ward, 1 PU in Kakuri Gwari ward, 1 PU in Television ward, and 1 PU in Kakuri Hausa ward, making it 42 polling units.
Dissatisfied with the judgement of the Tribunal, APC, Dahiru Liman, and INEC filed an appeal against the judgement of the Tribunal while filing a cross-appeal seeking an outright declaration.
However, the Appeal Court judgement delivered by Justice O. O Adejumo, Justice A . O Oyetula, and Justice P. An Obiora on Friday, 24th November 2023, in Abuja dismissed the appeal by sacking the Speaker, ordered a rerun in 5 polling units, namely Barnawa ward PU 005 and 009, Kakuri Gwari PU 006, Television ward PU 022, and Kakuri Hausa ward PU 045.
As it stands now, the votes are APC 17,470 and PDP 17,088. The court ruled that it was nullified on the margin of lead 382, which was less than the number of PVCs collected in the above polling units.
Justice Hakeem Oshodi of an Ikeja High Court has warned members of the public to stop leaving charms in his courtroom.
Mr Oshodi gave the warning on Monday as the trial of five men charged with the murder of one Ifeanyi Etunmuse began.
“No one should leave charms in my courtroom. It should not be repeated. A talisman was found after the last adjourned date in the murder case,” he said.
The judge, who referred to the charm as ‘property’, warned the courtroom audience: “Do not leave your property here again. It does not work anymore.”
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Lagos State government brought charges against the five suspects; Atunrase Omolabi, Shittu Olawale, Olaide Opeifa, Olanrewaju Adebiyi aka Maja, and Jamiu Omosanya aka Orobo.
They were charged with attempted murder and murder of Etunmuse at Western Funeral Home, Ijede Ikorodu.
Earlier in the trial, the defence counsel continued with the cross-examination of the prosecution witness, Babatunde Olayinka.
Olanrewaju Ajanaku, the lead defence counsel to the first, second, and third defendants and later on the fifth defendant, asked Mr Olayinka if he could say that the defendants had a hand in the attack on the deceased.
He also asked him if he was able to get a view of the compound of the local politician and funeral services businessman, Oluwatosin Onamade, from his hiding place following the alleged attack.
The witness told the court that he hid himself in the cemetery, and lay down for a while to hide himself from a group of men that he saw wielding machetes at the Onamade compound on the day of the incident, 16 April 2021.
The witness further told the court that as he hid himself from the machete-wielding men, he turned around and saw a dead body beside him.
Mr Ajanaku asked the witness: “Can you say emphatically that the first, second, third and fifth defendant had anything to do with the body you saw?”
The witness replied that he could not say emphatically that the defendants had anything to do with the body.
The defence counsel to the fourth defendant, Mahmud Adesina, continued with the cross-examination of the prosecution witness and questioned him on whether he had told the court earlier that Femi Onamade, a relative of Oluwatosin Onamade, was the one who knew the defendants in person.
Mr Olayinka affirmed that it was Femi who knew the defendants and Oluwatosin who could identify them.
The prosecution counsel, M. T. Adewoye, re-examined the witness and asked him to clarify what he meant when he told the court earlier that he could not identify the defendants.
Mr Olayinka told the court that he indeed saw the machete-wielding men when they came into the compound.
Mr Adewoye requested the court to issue a witness summons for Femi Onamade to appear in court.
The judge, then issued a witness summons for Femi Onamade.
The judge adjourned the matter until 19 February 2024, for the continuation of trial.
On a previous court hearing on 6 April, the prosecution had alleged that the suspects also cut off the wrist of Femi Onamade, the younger brother to Tosin Onamade.
We notice with dismay the decision by the Nigerian Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress to call out workers to commence a strike action from midnight, despite a restraining order issued last week by Justice Benedict Backwash Kanyip of the National Industrial Court.
This decision by the NLC and TUC other than being an ego tripping move is clearly unwarranted. It is an attempt to blackmail the government by the leadership of the NLC.
We are still at a loss as to why the NLC and TUC decided to punish a whole country of over 200million people over a personal matter involving the NLC President, Mr. Joe Ajaero, whose error of judgment led to assault on him in Owerri while he was planning to incite the workers in Imo State into a needless strike.
While the Federal government does not condone any form of violence and assault on any citizen of Nigeria regardless of his or her social and economic status, it is on record that the Inspector General of Police has ordered investigation into what happened to Mr. Ajaero while the Commissioner of Police in Imo State under whose watch the incident happened has been transferred out of the state.
Calling out workers on a national strike over a personal issue of a labour leader despite a clear court order against any industrial action amounts to an abuse of privilege. Power at any level should never be used to settle personal scores. Rather, it should be used to promote collective progress and advance national interest.
Our national economy and social activities should not suffer because of the personal interest of any labour leader.
This flagrant disobedience to court order and lack of respect for the judiciary should not be what the organised Labour would champion.
The labour movement has always been a champion of rule of law and respect for the judiciary. It is a sad irony that the current labour leaders have shown disdain and utter disregard for court order.
We reiterate that this strike action is illegal, immoral, unjustifiable and irresponsible. What the strike notice issued Monday night after official hours suggests is it’s designed for a sinister and hidden agenda to cause undue hardship and cause civil disturbance in our country. This is unacceptable.
Bayo Onanuga Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy
Governorship candidate of Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Kogi State, Murtala Ajaka, has alleged irregularities in Saturday’s election.
Ajaka said he won’t challenge the outcome of the poll in court if he loses as it will be a waste of time.
Speaking on Channels TV’s ‘The 2023 Verdict: Off-Cycle Elections,’ Ajaka had claimed that the election was rigged with the support of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
“In the whole of the five local governments in central, the whole of the five local governments in central, there was no election anywhere. They wrote results. Result sheets were given to Yahaya Bello
“In Okene local government, they turned out over 130,000 votes, haba! And INEC accepted that result and what is on the BVAS is less than 30,000.
“With all due respect to the person of the INEC chairman, if they don’t do a checklist and investigate their officials that went to Kogi State and allow this to stand, I doubt if there will be election in 2027.
“Because people will go into that election armed and I fear Somalia will be a child’s play.
“If we knew it would be the same old music, we would have played along with that old music by inflating the results from my area.
“When the commission told us yesterday that they were looking into this case, we were hopeful, that is why everybody relaxed. Only for them now to collate these results. It is annoying. Three local governments are producing 230,000-something votes,” he said,
When asked why he was agitated since he had evidence to prove that the election was rigged, Ajaka said, “What am I going to court to do when the same INEC that did this is going to come as a witness to defend what they did? So it is a waste of time. Except the party people because I’m hugely disappointed. If the INEC chairman allows this to stand, they are looking for trouble in Nigeria.
“You gave me assurance that the election would be transparent, you allowed me to waste my time, spend my money, mobilise my people, only for you to write the results. Even if I’m not sad about it, you expect my supporters to be happy. I assure you if they allow this to stand as they are allowing in all the states now, they are calling for anarchy in this country.”
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has directed its staff members to declare their ‘close relatives’ in the employment of the bank.
In a memo seen by PREMIUM TIMES and signed by its Deputy Director of Human Resources Department, Christian Eze, the apex bank also directed its staffers to declare their relationships with Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs) in the country.
“Please recall Management’s restriction on the employment of close relatives of serving staff and board members,” the memo reads.
“Consequently, all staff are obliged to make declarations of close relatives in the employment of the Bank.”
The apex bank explained that a close relative is defined as a spouse, biological and adopted children, brother, sister, mother, father and half-siblings.
“Spouse and spousal relationships include cohabitation, live-in partners, couples living together and couples who have children together,” it added.
The bank thereafter directed all staff whose close relatives have been in the employment of the bank (serving or retired) to complete a form.
In addition, the bank said staff who joined the services of the Bank from 2014 to date and have relationships with Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs) are also required to disclose such by completing the form.
“For clarity, a PEP is an individual who is or has been entrusted with prominent public functions in Nigeria or Foreign countries or by an International Organization and people/entities associated with them.
“PEPs include Heads of State or Government, Political appointees to Heads of State or Government, State Governors, Senior Politicians, Legislators (Federal, State and Local Government), Local Government Chairmen, Important political party officials, Family members or close associates of PEPs, Senior Government, Judicial or Military Officials, Members of Royal Families, Senior Executives of State-owned Corporations.”
The bank said all submissions should be made on or before 12 noon, Friday, 10 November, 2023.
It warned that non-disclosure or false declaration shall attract sanctions.
The CBN had come under fire during President Muhammadu Buhari’s regime for secretly recruiting dozens of family members of top government officials, including children of ministers, serving and former government functionaries and a nephew of Mr Buhari.
The recruitment was done without advertising the vacancies to allow other Nigerians to apply, as required by law. It was also done in flagrant disregard of Nigeria’s federal character law.
The beneficiaries of that 2016 controversial recruitment, according to a list released by SaharaReporters at the time, include a nephew of President Buhari, daughter of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, son of the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources Ibe Kachikwu, and daughter of former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ghali Na’aba.
Others include the daughter of the then Police Inspector-General, Solomon Arase, son of the Minister of Internal Affairs, Abdulrahman Danbazzau, among others.
Bank insiders told PREMIUM TIMES that the disclosures demanded from staff members are part of the ongoing probe of the institution by a special investigator.
“We are told that the investigator demanded to have the social network analysis of the bank’s personnel,” an official said, asking not to be named because he has no permission to discuss the matter with journalists. “So the bank is collecting the data on his behalf.”
President Bola Tinubu had on 28 July appointed Jim Obazee, a former chief executive officer of the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria, as a Special Investigator to probe the activities of the CBN and other related entities.
In a letter dated 28 July, seen by PREMIUM TIMES, Mr Tinubu said the appointment of Mr Obazee, relying on the fundamental objective set forth in Section 15(5) of the Nigerian constitution, was in furtherance of his administration’s anti-corruption fight.
President Tinubu specifically directed Mr Obazee to take immediate steps to ensure the strengthening and probity of key Government Business Entities (GBEs) and block leakages in the CBN and related GBEs.
He also directed the special investigator to provide a comprehensive report on public wealth currently in the hands of corrupt individuals and establishments (private or public).
Also, the president directed Mr Obazee to investigate the CBN and related entities using a suitably experienced, competent and capable team and to work with relevant security and anti-corruption agencies to deliver on the assignment.
Mr Obazee is expected to brief the president weekly on the progress being made on the assignment.
But even before the appointment of the special investigator, the CBN had, on 22 June, less than a month after Mr Tinubu assumed office, released a Guidance Note On Politically Exposed Persons.
The circular, signed by Chibuzo Efobi, the bank’s director of financial policy and regulation department, directed financial institutions in the country to establish measures for mitigating potential money laundering, terrorism financing and proliferation financing risks posed by high-risk customers, including Political Exposed Persons (PEPs).
The recent expenditure of N60 billion for the purchase of SUV vehicles for about 400 legislators is a continuation of the troubling trend in our nation today.
We have continued to abandon the critical areas of development measurement while expending scarce resources on needless luxury and creating comforts for those elected to serve the people.
Our primary healthcare, which is the foundation of health, a critical development index measure, has collapsed, leading to our surpassing India, a country 7 times our population, in infant mortality, a very saddening situation.
To allocate such a huge amount, which is more than what we allocated to our primary health care, is nothing but troubling. One third of that amount, with proper negotiation, would have given them locally manufactured SUV vehicles from Innoson Motors, PAN or any local auto assembly plant, to help boost our economy and create and retain jobs.
Upon my being sworn in as the then Governor of Anambra State, I observed that our State High Court Judges, State Government Permanent Secretaries and newly appointed State Commissioners had no vehicles.
Anambra State Government had then ordered for two bullet proof SUV vehicles for my use. I cancelled the order and used the same money to negotiate a concessionary pricing with Peugeot Automobiles to supply us Sixty 406 vehicles which were enough for all the cabinet members including myself and my deputy governor. We used the vehicles for our first tenure and were able to commence the work of doing more in the areas of health, education and lifting people out of poverty.
Nobody would contemplate this kind of expenditure under my administration. I urge all involved to depart from this path of wastage of public resources.
A more prudent and transparent Nigeria is possible. -PO
"When he (Tinubu) set up his cabinet of 46 Ministers, I only acknowledge two as competent and I called them to congratulate them.
First is Mr. David Umahi and the second, Mr. Wale Edun, I consider them as round peg in a round hole."
Babachir Lawal, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), has said that President Bola Tinubu appointed the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Dr. Olayemi Cardoso, with what he described as “patch-patch” Curriculum Vitae (CV).
Lawal, who said this while speaking during an interview on Arise News Television on Wednesday said that the new CBN governor has ‘patch-patch CV’ because he was ‘merely’ the Commissioner of Planning in Lagos State, which according to the former SGF, is a very small state out of the 36 states in the country.
He noted that though Lagos could be seen as a big economy, it cannot be used as a basis to say that the CBN Governor has enough experience to be in that position.
Lawal said, “As to his Central Bank Governor, in my response to APC (All Progressives Congress) when they decided to take me on, I mentioned that the President had a Central Bank Governor with ‘patch-patch’ CV.
“I said ‘patch-patch’ CV because he was the commissioner of planning in Lagos State, a very small state out of the 36 states we have. It is a big economy but you cannot say he has enough experience to be in that position as the Central Bank governor.
“They also went on to say that he was a chairman of a bank with 13 branches, and that doesn’t give him sufficient exposure – a bank with 13 branches. I mentioned that they are all located around Lagos with two branches in Lagos, Warri, Benin City, and all that.
“To me, the bank was targeting oil money and he is now the Central Bank governor.”
Speaking further, Lawal who said he had already argued that Cardoso was not qualified for the position of the CBN governor said, “He didn’t disappoint my expectations because the first thing he did as the Governor was to remove the import ban on 43 items, most of which were very critical to Nigeria’s food sufficiency.
“He removed the ban on importation of rice. Nigeria had a very massive programme on self-sufficiency in rice for the Anchor Borrowers Programme, and we were beginning to reach about 90% self-sufficiency.
“We farmers were beginning to think that by next year, we will be exporting the excess rice that we have produced but he comes and says no, you are now free to import rice, he can give you the foreign exchange to import rice.
“He does the same thing on many other agricultural items. It convinces me that my suspicion that this man will not be able to do this job was right.”
---- Calls for Peace During the Elections in Kogi, Imo and Bayelsa States
The Department of State Services (DSS) has observed rising trends and patterns of incendiary comments by some personalities of influence and representatives of non-governmental entities within and outside the country. Such statements run against public peace and harmony.
It is strongly believed that a resort to acerbic pronouncements by certain persons will not only heat-up the polity but set the ground for deep-seated animosities and divisions among the populace. Also, it serves the country no good if its own citizens, whether at home or abroad, demarket or subvert her through misleading and false narratives.
With the elections and the attendant contentions legally over, it is expected that we should forge ahead in nation building without rancour or acrimony. This is against the backdrop that reckless rhetorics have the capacity to lead to social unrest and instability, which can put the country's well-being and the general safety of citizens at risk.
Similarly, the Service urges key players and their supporters in Kogi, Imo and Bayelsa States to conform to the rules of engagement and specifically the electoral law during the 11th November, 2023 gubernatorial elections in the areas. The aim is to avert situations likely to undermine the processes. So far, the Service has substantially liaised with INEC, sister security agencies and relevant NGOs to ensure hitch free exercises in the affected States.
The Service, therefore, implores all stakeholders, irrespective of their political affiliations or grievances, to engage in respectful and constructive conversations that promote collective understanding. It has thus become imperative that public commentaries should shift towards unity and peace necessary for national development and security. This should be our shared responsibility and indeed the priority of everyone.
Those on election duties, including the media and civil society, are encouraged to avoid things that will inflame sentiments and cause a breakdown of law and order. Broadcast and monitoring activities should be devoid of manipulations. Stakeholders are enjoined to note that politics should not be used to destroy the country or any part of it.
However, individuals or groups that may decide to engage in illegitimate acts or inimical conducts to public order will be decisively dealt with as dictated by the law. Forewarned is forearmed.
Consequently, citizens are encouraged to be patriotic as well as recognise that our loyalty and love to the nation should transcend individual or parochial interests. Everyone is called upon to eschew bitterness and promote dialogue that contributes to the progress of the nation. Together, we can build a stronger and more secure future for our beloved country.
Peter Afunanya, Ph.D, fsi, mnipr Director, Public Relations and Strategic Communications Department of State Services National Headquarters Abuja. 9th November, 2023
*THE POWER OUTAGE IN IMO STATE IS BEYOND US - EEDC* *…. EMPATHIZES WITH ITS CUSTOMERS*
The Enugu Electricity Distribution Company PLC (EEDC) has explained that the prolonged power outage which has affected the whole of Imo State, occasioned by the industrial action by organized labour is beyond its control, while empathizing with its customers in the state.
This was made known in a statement issued by the Head of Corporate Communications, EEDC, Mr. Emeka Ezeh, on Thursday.
Ezeh described the situation which has lasted for nine days as unfortunate and explained that with EEDC’s source of power which is at Egbu Transmission Station shut down by the Labour Union, there was no way the company could get power to distribute to its customers in Imo State.
“We can only distribute the power that we receive from TCN Stations, and in this case, the station catering for our customers in Imo State has been shut down by the Labour Union.”
He acknowledged the untold hardship and inconveniences this development has caused the company, its staff residing in the state and esteemed customers in Imo State and expressed hope that the parties involved will resolve the issue so that normalcy can return to the state.
The EEDC spokesman stressed that the company is handicapped, losing revenue running into millions of Naira, and cannot do much in this circumstance.
“As a Distribution Company, our primary source of supply is from the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) Stations, and once there is disruption in the chain, we won’t be able to deliver service to our customers,” Ezeh explained.
Ezeh allayed the fears of customers who are concerned that they might be billed for the period they were out of supply, emphasizing that the company does not bill for service not rendered.
“The impact of the power outage currently experienced will reflect on the December bill, which will be for energy consumed in the month of November.
“Whereas the November bill, which is for energy that has been consumed in the month of October, has to be paid for by the customers, as it has no relation with the current power situation being experienced.”
Ezeh urged customers to remain vigilant and ensure that the transformer and other electricity infrastructure serving them are protected, as vandals might want to take advantage of the outage to attack the equipment.
It will be recalled that last week, organised labour union in Imo State shut down Egbu Transmission Station, which is EEDC’s source of electricity supply, thereby leaving it with no energy to distribute to its customers, a development that has put the whole of Imo State in darkness.
Justice Olukayode Adeniyi of the Federal Capital Territory High Court has granted former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, bail.
The judge ordered that Emefiele be released immediately to his lawyers, who were charged with the responsibility of producing him in court for his arraignment next week or at any other day.
According to the judge, the ex-bank chief must also deposit his travel documents before the chief registrar of the court, pending his arraignment.
The judge also pointed out that there must be an end to detention, without trial.
The court must also not overlook the fact that he has been in detention for 151 days and the Federal Government and the Attorney General of the Federation must abide by court order.
At the resumed hearing, counsel for Emefiele, Mathew Burkaa, applied that his client be admitted to bail on liberal terms, having been in the custody of security agencies for 151 days. He made this application to Provisions of Section 35 (4a and b) of the 1999 constitution.
While objecting to the bail application, counsel for the Attorney General of the Federation and the Federal Government, Onyi Koleosho, pointed out that Emefiele was transferred to the custody of the EFCC on October 26, and that date is not up to two months.
He stated that a hearing notice has been issued by the court to the effect that Emefiele will be arraigned on November 15, 2023, in respect of a pending charge filed by the office of the AGF.
He said the court should decline the application for Emefiele’s release in the interest of justice, and to avoid a situation where the scheduled arraignment may interfere with investigations, adding that releasing him will pose further problems and difficulties for the prosecution to get him to attend court next week, for his arraignment.
Counsel for the EFCC, Farouk Abdallah, agreed that the issue of bail is at the discretion of the court.
In a further submission, Counsel for Emefiele pointed out that his client has not been served any charge to date. He assured the court that the former CBN governor is not a flight risk and doesn’t have the capacity to stop his arraignment by the Federal Government next week.
Noting that his client has been in custody all this while, the lawyer noted that Nigeria would lose nothing by granting Emefiele bail.
During the proceeding, Emefiele was also given the room to address the court. He said he hasn’t been charged till date.
Counsel for the EFCC, however, said he is taken aback by these claims because when Emefiele was brought before a sister court (Justice Muazu), he was meant to take his plea.
The EFCC counsel further prayed the court to impose terms that are attainable for Emefiele to come to court on November 15 for him to take his plea.
In his ruling on Wednesday, the judge granted Emefiele bail.
The substantive motion on notice as well as the preliminary objection were adjourned to November 17, 2023 for hearing.
The substantive motion on notice as well as the preliminary objection, were adjourned to November 17, 2023 for hearing.
DIG Frank Emeka Mba to oversee elections in Imo, DIG Habu Sani for Kogi, DIG Daniel Sokari-Pedro for Bayelsa State.
@Nifemi Oguntoye
Nigeria's Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, announced travel restrictions in Imo, Kogi, and Bayelsa starting Friday, November 10. Vehicular movement, as well as the use of waterways for transportation, including canoes and ships, will be prohibited.
The IGP emphasised that the deployment of both marine and gunboats in these states is essential due to their riverine terrain. These measures have been put in place to safeguard and maintain peace during the election period.
Court re-issues order directing EFCC to release former governor of CBN, Godwin Emefiele.
EFCC did not produce him in court, says it misunderstood the order of the court.
Nifemi Oguntoye (on X)
Former Central Bank Governor Godwin Emefiele didn’t make it to the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory this Monday despite an order of a trial judge, Olukayode Adeniyi for anti-graft agency, EFCC to produce him in court for hearing of his motion on fundamental rights enforcement.
Justice Olukayode Adeniyi had a week ago ordered the agency to release the former CBN Governor unconditionally or or produce him in court for hearing of his motion that will determine his bail.
This follows his arrest by the EFCC shortly after his release from custody of the Department of State Services, DSS late October.
The Court has now adjourned till Wednesday November 8 for hearing of Emefiele’s motion on notice and for his counsel to provide additional documents.
And the court further restates its order of November 2 for Emefiele’s unconditional release, or produce him in court on Wednesday.
HOPE UZODIMMA CONTINUES ON HIS MURDEROUS MISSION AGAINST NIGERIAN WORKERS AND TRADE UNION LEADERS: INVADES AND ATTACKS NLC PRESIDENT'S HOME COMMUNITY IN IMO STATE
The brazen and violent assault on the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero, and others on November lst, 2023, inside the State Secretariat of the Nigeria Labour Congress in Imo State, by Governor Hope Uzodimma, his thugs, and the State Police Commissioner, stands as a stark reminder of the lengths to which they are willing to go in their pursuit of suppression and brutality.
In a shocking turn of events, on the morning of November 4th, 2023, Governor Hope Uzodimma, once again demonstrated his utter disregard for human rights and democratic principles by invading and attacking the community of Azalla Owalla in Emekuku, Owerri, Imo State the hometown of NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero.
It is evident that the Governor's sinister objective is the assassination of the President of the Congress, a motive laid bare by this latest act of aggression on the community. This invasion was carried out under the misguided belief that Comrade Ajaero was still present, recovering from injuries inflicted by the police and hired thugs.
The use of excessive force against citizens who hold differing opinions or dare to question the Governor's governance style, particularly in relation to the inhumane treatment of workers in Imo State, is an affront to democracy. The current situation in Imo State is nothing short of a descent into fascism, where terror takes precedence over reason, and dialogue is pushed to the sidelines.
We urgently call on the Inspector General of Police to rein in the Imo State Police Commissioner, preventing further abuse and desecration of the nation's Police force. The Commissioner has become a tool of oppression in the hands of the fascist Governor, perpetrating intimidation and harassment on the people of Imo State. Immediate removal is essential to prevent an impending crisis.
The President of the Federal Republic and all patriotic citizens of Nigeria must not remain silent in the face of this bloodshed. It is imperative that the Governor be held accountable. We believe that the President holds the means to rein the excesses of the Governor, and these measures must be swiftly employed to safeguard lives and properties in the State.
The people of Azalla Owalla are entitled to their peace, and the continued occupation of their community by the Police and Uzodimma's thugs, in the wake of the assault on their fellow citizen, constitutes an ongoing insult. The occupying forces must immediately vacate the territory, granting the people the freedom to engage in their socio-economic activities without the looming spectre he looming specter of terror.
Governor Hope Uzodimma should be under no illusion - Nigerian workers remain steadfast in their commitment to protect the rights of Imo State workers, undeterred by the current wave of violence he has chosen to pursue. We draw strength from the events of November lst, which will guide our future interactions with the Governor. The workers of Imo State will prevail, and Hope's attempts to thwart our cause through intimidation and violence will be in vain.
Less than nine days to the Bayelsa governorship election, a fresh suit seeking the disqualification of Governor Douye Diri and his deputy, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, has commenced at a Federal High Court (FHC), Abuja.
The suit, presently before Justice Emeka Nwite, sought an order of mandatory injunction, directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to remove the names of Diri and Ewhrudjakpo as PDP’s candidates in the Nov. 11 poll.
It also sought an order of perpetual injunction restraining INEC, its agents, privies or whosoever called, from further publishing their names as standard bearers for the party in the forthcoming election in Bayelsa. The suit, marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1448/23 and filed by a Bayelsan woman, Blessing Clement Azibanagbal, through her lawyer, Ifeanyi Nsowu, further sought a declaration that Ewhrudjakpo was not qualified to run as deputy governor under the PDP.
Azibanagbal, in the originating summons dated Oct. 26 and filed on Oct. 30, sought a declaration that Ewhrudjakpo was also not qualified to be a running mate with Diri.
Besides, she prayed the court to declare that Ewhrudjakpo had multiple of names without any evidence to proof “that he is the same person.”
She, therefore, urged the court to declare that the PDP had no candidate in the poll.
The suit, which was brought under Rule 3, Order 9 of the FHC Civil Procedure Rules, 2019, sought “a declaration that the 3rd defendant (PDP) does not have any qualified candidate to run for the governorship election in Bayelsa.”
Recall reports that Gov. Diri, Ewhrudjakpo, PDP and INEC are 1st to 4th defendants respectively in the matter
Raising five issues for determination, Azibanagbal asked whether a first school living certificate holder can run for governorship election of a state in line with provision of 1999 Constitution.
“Whether the failure of the 1st (Diri);and 3rd defendants (PDP) to provide a candidate that has the qualification to run for the governorship of a state can be a ground to disqualify both candidates.
“Whether a candidate with multiple names without any evidence to substantiate the names can contest for governorship election in a state.
“Whether the 2nd defendant (Ewhrudjakpo), submitting only his first school living certificate in his Form EC9 submitted with INEC qualifies him to contest election as deputy governor of Bayelsa State.
“Considering issues 1 to 4 above, whether this honourable ¢court has jurisdiction to order the 4th defendant to remove the names of 1st and 2nd defendants as candidates in the forthcoming governorship election in Bayelsa State,” it read.
In the affidavit in support of the originating summons deposed to by Yenle Istifanus, a litigation secretary with Compendium Chambers, the lawyer said she knew as a fact that Azibanagbal, who hails from Bayelsa and as a good citizen of Nigeria, had the locus standi (legal right) to institute the action.
She said though Diri and Ewhrudjakpo submitted their Form EC9 in INEC which empowered them to contest in the poll, Istifanus said this must be strictly in line with a constitutional provision for qualifications for a person to run for the office of a governor and deputy governor of a state.
The lawyer, who averred that failure to comply with the said qualification amounted to disqualification of the said candidate, stated that all the documents submitted by Ewhrudjakpo “bear different names with no substantial evidence to substantiate that he is the same person in the said documents.”
“That I know as a fact that failure of the 2nd defendant to produce documents that bear the same names disqualifies him to contest as a deputy governor of a state,” she said.
She said it would be in the interest of justice to grant the application as the defendants would not be prejudiced.
Nwosu, in an ex-parte motion seeking a leave to serve Diri and Ewhrudjakpo at the Government House in Bayelsa, through courier service, moved the application on Friday.
The suit, which was the only matter in the Friday’s cause list, was heard at the judge’s chamber.
NAN, however, gathered that Justice Nwite granted the prayer. He subsequently adjourned the matter until Nov. 30 for hearing.
The president of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero, is to be flown abroad for medical treatment for the injuries he sustained during a scuffle in Imo state.
The NLC president was in Owerri on Wednesday, November 1, to mobilize Imo workers for a protest rally in the state over an alleged violation and abuse of the rights and privileges of workers by the state government.
However, the planned peaceful protest turned violent with allegations that thugs emerged and descended on the protesters and labour leaders.
Speaking to The Nation on Thursday, the NLC publicity secretary, Benson Upah, said the NLC president could not be treated at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Owerri because of the nature of the injuries he sustained during the scuffle.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike on Wednesday, November 1, told governors of the People Democratic Party (PDP) that he could not be intimidated.
He warned against any tampering with the political structure in Rivers state.
The Minister said this after a closed-door meeting with members of the PDP Governors’ Forum led by chairman and governor of Bauchi state, Bala Mohammed, on a courtesy visit to the minister’s office, accompanied by Governor of Adamawa state, Ahmadu Fintiri, Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Muftwang, and Governor of Taraba State, Agbu Kefas.
Recall that a crisis had erupted in Rivers State on Monday, October 30, after an attempt by the Rivers State Assembly, to impeach the incumbent Governor, Siminalayi Fubara.
However, Wike while addressing the PDP governors, said he would not be intimidated, noting that impeachment moves were not equivalent to a military coup, but was a provision in the country’s Constitution.
He dismissed rumours of interest in monies belonging to Rivers state, adding that nobody could take away the political structure in the state.
He said: “Nobody can intimidate me. If I want to do something, I will do it. Impeachment is not a military coup; it is provided under the Constitution. I’m not interested in all the rumours, money, this, and that. Rubbish. Absolute rubbish. I just left office how many months ago? And I’m FCT Minister, so which money?
“But nobody can take away our political structure. No one. You cannot work and people will begin to bring enemies, those who fought you when you were struggling for the person to be in office. Nobody does that. I’m not a political ingrate, but don’t touch the political structure of the state. I will not shut my eyes.”
Wike also appreciated the Governor’s Forum for the courtesy visit and appreciated President Bola Tinubu for the privilege to serve as FCT Minister, while reiterating his support for the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Earlier, the Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, thanked Wike for his willingness to resolve issues, noting that the Forum had “waded into the matter”, which showed the importance of Rivers State.
He also commended the President for his appointment of Wike as FCT Minister, noting that his antecedents spoke volumes about his ability to lead.
PROTEST IN RIVERS ASSEMBLY: POLICE QUELL RIOTOUS GATHERING, AS GOVERNOR ASSESSES DAMAGE TO STATE ASSEMBLY STRUCTURE
Following the receipt of credible intelligence on the intention of some armed group of persons to cause mayhem in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State Capital, particularly at the State House of Assembly on Monday 30th October, and recalling the previous case of arson on the State House of Assembly a day prior which is currently being investigated, the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations immediately deployed armed police operatives which he personally supervised in order to intercept the ‘hoodlums’ and ensure the protection of lives and properties within the State House of Assembly facility and its environ.
At the entrance of the Complex, it was observed that youths numbering over a hundred had begun a protest to gain access to the Complex and conduct themselves in a manner likely to cause a breach of peace. This led to the Police deploying non-lethal crowd control equipment including tear gas and water cannon to disperse the riotous and uncontrollable protesters.
However, some minutes later, another aggressive group of persons approached the entrance of the complex and advanced towards the premises. The Police therefore engaged them in like manner but observed that the Executive Governor of the State His Excellency, Siminalayi Fubara, was in their midst.
The presence of the Governor at the scene was of great surprise and shock as there was no prior communication to the Police on the visit of the Governor to the scene of the crime which ordinarily is the usual protocol and complimentary that we accompany his guard for proper safety considering the intelligence of security threat at hand then.
In consideration of this, the DC Ops quickly took deliberate security steps to ensure his protection and safety, while the Governor and his entourage went on to assess the level of damage caused by the fire incident.
Thus, it's pertinent to state that the Police did not deliberately attack the Governor, or even attempt to hurt anyone let alone the Chief Executive and security officer of the state which it's our most essential role to protect as being peddled in the news. Due to the present situation, and the misrepresentation in some sections of the media, it is pertinent to make this clarification.
Similarly, the Rivers State Police Command has emplaced adequate security measures to ensure that the situation de-escalates and total calm is restored in the affected areas.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Nwonyi Polycarp Emeka, psc, LLB, Ph.D., has urged all residents of the state to go about their lawful duties and support the Police and other security agencies to collectively ensure that absolute peace is restored in Port Harcourt and Rivers State at large.
SP Grace Iringe-Koko, ANIPR Police Public Relations Officer, For: The Commissioner of Police Rivers State Police Command, Port Harcourt
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara left for Abuja this morning with some top chieftains of the PDP.
The Governor was accompanied by top party members like Sam Jaja, Sergeant Awuse, Emma Anyanwu, and the state PDP chairman Desmond Akawor, among others.
It followed the impeachment proceedings against him which sparked a political crisis, yesterday.
Politics / Tinubu Delivers Opening Remarks As ECOWAS Holds 64th Head Of States' Summit by chokekachy: 3:03pm On Dec 10, 2023