The uncertainty over the representation of two senatorial districts is ended as the Senate eventually declares Umahi, Geidam’s seats vacant
The Senate has declared the seats of Senators Dave Umahi and Geidam Ibrahim vacant.
This announcement was made on Wednesday during plenary session by the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio who presided over the sitting.
This is coming 126 days and 140 days since Umahi and Geidam left red chamber respectively. Both men held to their seats till now, fueling concerns in their senatorial districts and among political observers.
In the annoucement today, Akpabio said: “Declaration of vacancies in the seats of Ebonyi South Senatorial District and Yobe East Senatorial District. I hereby declare the seats vacant.
“This declaration is in accordance with section 68 subsection 1d, following the assumption of office as Ministers of the government of the Federation of Senator Dave Umahi and Senator Geidam Ibrahim. INEC therefore wishes to commence the process of bye elections immediately.”
Recall that in August, Umahi was appointed minister of works and Geidam minister of police affairs by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Also recall that Senator Oyelola Yisa Ashiru (APC, Kwara South) in October was announced as the new Deputy Leader of the Senate to replace Umahi.
President Bola Tinubu has transmitted a list of 11 new Supreme Court justices cleared by the National Judicial Council (NJC) to the Senate for screening and confirmation.
The National Judicial Council (NJC) had on December 6 recommended the appointment of 11 justices to the Supreme Court.
The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, made the announcement while reading the letter addressed to the Senate by President Tinubu on the floor of the Red Chamber.
The NJC also recommended the appointment of one Justice of the Court of Appeal, six heads of court and 26 other judicial officers.
With this appointment, the apex court will have the full complement of 21 justices, as envisaged by the Constitution.
Those recommended for appointment to the Supreme Court are: Hon. Justice Jummai Hannatu Sankey, OFR; Hon. Justice Chidiebere Nwaoma Uwa; Hon. Justice Chioma Egondu Nwosu-Iheme; Hon. Justice Haruna Simon Tsammani; Hon. Justice Moore Aseimo A. Adumein; Hon. Justice Obande Festus Ogbuinya; Hon. Justice Stephen Jonah Adah; Hon. Justice Habeeb Adewale O. Abiru; Hon. Justice Jamilu Yammama Tukur; Hon. Justice Abubakar Sadiq Umar and Hon. Justice Mohammed Baba Idris.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMXtLv8XqLs National Assembly members from Rivers State, State Assembly lawmakers, LGA Chairmen, others pay surprise birthday visit to Wike on his 56th birthday
RVSG GOVERNMENT SET TO REBUILD THE ASSEMBLY COMPLEX
The Rivers State Government says the decision to demolish and rebuild the Rivers State House of Assembly Complex was due to the structural defects which arose mainly as a result of the recent explosion and fire incident which rendered the main building unfit for human use.
A statement issued by the Rivers State Commissioner for Information Mr Joseph Johnson said after the visit of the Governor to inspect the level of damage done to the building on the day of the fire incident, it became necessary to invite professionals to advice the government on the integrity of the building.
It would be recalled that on the night of the attack on the complex explosive dynamites were used to attack the complex which shook it to foundation. There were visible cracks on the walls afterwards, and the entire structure looked frail and unsafe for legislative business.
"After the assessment of the integrity of the complex, the experts warned the government that continuing to use the building in its present state would be disastrous", he said, noting that the government had tried all cost saving measures towards repair of the complex until it bowed to superior view of rebuilding the complex to a more befitting edifice.
In the interim, the Rivers State Government has provided an alternative venue for the House of Assembly to conduct their affairs pending the rebuilding of the complex.
Hon Joseph Johnson Hon Commissioner for Information and Communications Rivers State 13/12/2023
Rivers State House of Assembly, declares seats of 25 lawmakers who recently decamped to the other party Vacant in line with Section 109 (1) (g) and 2 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended.
The Central Bank of Nigeria has issued a new directive to all banks, other financial institutions, and non-bank financial institutions, suspending the processing charges previously imposed on large cash deposits.
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.
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