₦airaland Forum

A veteran journalist, Dan Agbese has said that several Nigerians underestimated what a former Head of State, Yakubu Gowon did for Nigeria as a country.

Agbese who at his time reported most of the activities of the former Head of State said Gowon saved Nigeria.

He also described the retired general as the most wonderful leader Nigeria ever had.

Urging people to ascribe the same regard they have for George Washington to Gowon, the journalist said the former Head of State did for Nigeria what Washington did for the United States of America.

His words, “General Yakubu Gowon is the most wonderful leader we have ever had. He did for this country what General George Washington did for the United States of America.

“Like Washington, Gowon saved Nigeria through the civil war and united the country,” Agbese said.

Noting that today, Washington is celebrated in the US and all over the world, Agbese said he finds it difficult to understand why Gowon is not celebrated.

“But while Washington is celebrated in his country, Gowon is not. I find that very painful because if not for his cool-headedness, the country would have disintegrated.

“He faced it and united the country and insisted that there was no victor, no vanquished.

“He did not punish the people who took arms against their country, rather reabsorbed them into the armed forces. I do not think there would be anybody else like him,” Agbese noted.

Source : https://politicsnigeria.com/people-underestimate-gowon-but-he-saved-nigeria-veteran-journalist-says/

FG Fails to Pay Allocations Directly to LG Accounts Months After Supreme Court Ruling

The federal government, through the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC), has continued to pay allocations meant for local governments into joint state and local government accounts.

This is despite the Supreme Court ruling in July, which ordered the Federal Government to make direct payments to local government accounts.

The latest payment, totalling N1.298 trillion for September 2024, was shared among federal, state, and local governments in Abuja on Thursday.

The Supreme Court Ruling in July directed the Federal Government to start direct payment of local governments’ monthly allocations into the individual accounts of the 774 local government councils. The ruling aimed to grant autonomy to local governments and ensure transparent governance.

However, shortly after the judgment was delivered, the Federal Government cited operational issues that needed to be sorted out before the direct payment could be implemented. A three-month window was created to resolve these issues. The moratorium elapsed last week although the government at the grassroots are yet to receive funding directly.

The September 2024 FAAC allocation totaled N1.298 trillion. The Federal Government received N424.867 billion, while the state governments received N453.724 billion. The local government councils received N329.864 billion, and N90.415 billion was allocated as derivation revenue.

The distributable revenue comprised N124.716 billion in statutory revenue, N543.518 billion in Value Added Tax (VAT) revenue, N18.445 billion in Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL) revenue, N462.191 billion in Exchange Difference revenue, and N150.000 billion in augmentation.

Source : https://politicsnigeria.com/fg-fails-to-pay-allocations-directly-to-lg-accounts-months-after-supreme-court-ruling/

The Federal Government has unveiled a comprehensive plan to provide cash transfers to 20 million poor Nigerians in a move to address poverty and improve living standards.

According to Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, the social investment program aims to impact 60% of the poorest citizens, directly supporting 20 million households.

He made the disclosure at a panel session titled ‘Fiscal Reforms for a More Secure Future’ during the 30th Nigeria Economic Summit in Abuja on Tuesday.

He said the government’s economic reform agenda focuses on reducing inflation, creating jobs, and stimulating growth in key sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, oil, and housing.

Edun attributed the increased revenue to the effective application of technology, which has reformed the civil service and improved domestic resource mobilization.

He said, “In terms of revenue, the number one place to look was inwards, domestic resource mobilisation. That’s where the government started. By the first half of this year, revenue had doubled.

“Aggregate government revenue was more than doubled. And that was achieved by applying technology very robustly.

“We have applied technology in a way that essentially reforms the civil service. Rather than waiting for compliance from government ministries, departments and agencies and government companies, we looked at what the rules and regulations were, how much a company was allowed to spend on its revenue, and then how much of its surplus it had to provide to government.

“The social investment programme is spearheaded by direct transfers to reach 60 per cent poorest in the population. And right now, 20 million households are being supported directly. And it’s going to rise to, well, 20 million people, four million households so far, and it will rise to 15 million households who will be paid directly by the government.

“That is how President Tinubu’s government is spending the money which is being yielded from better oil production.”

Edun also revealed that the government is focused on agriculture, manufacturing, oil, and housing as vital drivers of the country’s economy.

“We are looking to food production to help bring down inflation,” he explained.

“We aim to make food more available, affordable, and to reduce the cost of living for Nigerians.”


Source : https://politicsnigeria.com/fg-to-tackle-poverty-plans-cash-transfers-for-20-million-poor-nigerians/

A Federal High Court in Abuja has rejected a fresh bail application by Tigran Gambaryan, a detained Binance executive facing money laundering charges.

Justice Emeka Nwite made the ruling, citing that Gambaryan’s first bail application, which concerned his health, has been appealed.

Nwite said that the current bail application amounts to an abuse of court process given that Gambaryan has a pending appeal against the refusal of the first bail.

Gambaryan, a top executive at Binance, was arrested and detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on money laundering charges.

His lawyers have been clamouring for his release on bail, citing his deteriorating health condition.

Gambaryan’s lawyers argued that he suffers from a disk issue and requires urgent medical attention. They submitted medical reports from the State House Annex Clinic in Asokoro, Abuja, recommending surgery.

However, the EFCC contested these claims, stating that Nigerian hospitals are capable of treating Gambaryan. The commission also presented a report from Nizamiye Hospital, which countered Gambaryan’s family’s assertions that he “can no longer walk.”

Source : https://politicsnigeria.com/breaking-court-rejects-binance-executive-gambaryans-fresh-bail-application/

PDP suspends National Legal Adviser, Publicity Secretary

…Constitutes Investigation Committee

A faction of the Peoples Democratic Part, PDP, led by the Ag. National Chairman, Umar Damagum have announced the suspension of the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba and the National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade, SAN, for alleged insurbordination.


A statement signed by the PDP Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Ibrahim Abdullahi, Manga read: “The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) arising from its 593rd Meeting today, Thurday, October 10, 2024, has directed the National Publicity Secretary (NPS), Hon Debo Ologunagba and National Legal Adviser (NLA), Kamaldeen Adeyemi Ajibade, SAN, to step aside, respectively.

“As a result, the NWC constituted a committee to be chaired by the Deputy National Chairman (South) H.E. Amb. Taofeek Arapaja, to investigate the issues raised against the officers in compliance with the provisions of the Constitution of the Party.”

Following the NWC’s Decision, it directed their respective deputies (DNPS and DNLA) to assume office in acting capacity with effect from Friday, October 11, 2014, pending the conclusion of investigation by the Committee. The officers are: Ibrahim Abdullahi Manga, Esq, Acting National Publicity Secretary and Barr. Okechukwu Osuoha, Acting National Legal Adviser.

The NWC enjoined all leaders, critical stakeholders, teeming members and supporters of the Party to remain focused and committed as it pilots the day-to-day affairs of the PDP for its greater good.

Source : https://www.vanguardngr.com/2024/10/pdp-suspends-national-legal-adviser-publicity-secretary/

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, has appealed to Nigerians to offer prayers for their leaders, regardless of how bad the situation may seem.

The Sultan made the remarks during an event at the University of Ilorin yesterday.

The Sultan emphasized that instead of cursing or condemning leaders, Nigerians should pray for them, as such prayers might lead to positive changes.

He said, “Even if a leader is bad, pray for him. Almighty Allah can make him turn a new leaf and become a better person.”

He urged the public to adopt a supportive attitude towards leadership for the good of the country.

The event was attended by several eminent personalities, including the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), and the Secretary-General of KU8+, Professor Francisca Oladipo.

Fagbemi, while chairing the event, echoed similar sentiments, encouraging Nigerians to focus on encouraging their leaders rather than constantly criticizing them.

Source : https://politicsnigeria.com/pray-for-your-leaders-dont-curse-them-sultan-of-sokoto-tells-nigerians/

Former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi has offered insight into his longstanding political rift with Nyesom Wike, the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Speaking with Igbere TV, Amaechi explained that Wike, who served as his Chief of Staff, was part of a generation of Rivers politicians who “passed through” his leadership.

“When I became governor, Wike became Chief of Staff,” Amaechi recalled, adding, “but I don’t like calling his name.”

Amaechi asserted his role in nurturing the political paths of Rivers politicians, remarking, “Name any Rivers politician that didn’t pass through me.”

Reflecting on his early political days, Amaechi contrasted the values that shaped his generation with today’s political landscape.

Entering politics at the age of 22, he was part of the Rufus George camp, a faction he described as “poor and broke,” yet built on principles. “Those of us who cared about character stood with Rufus. My father taught me character,” he said, citing how his commitment to character guided his political choices.

Amaechi also noted his support for Peter Odili, another Rivers leader, who, despite lacking funds, won loyalty for his integrity.

“The crop of politicians then are different from what we have now,” Amaechi lamented, underscoring honesty as a core value he instilled in those he mentored. “For anybody who passed through me, the first thing you learn is about honesty.”

This rift marks yet another chapter in Amaechi and Wike’s strained relationship, with both leaders consistently clashing on political ideology and governance styles in Rivers State.

Source : https://politicsnigeria.com/rivers-crisis-why-i-dont-like-mentioning-wike-amaechi-reveals/

The Federal government through the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has forecast thundery weather conditions across the country from Thursday to Saturday.

According to NiMet’s weather outlook released on Wednesday, morning thunderstorms are expected in the northern region today (Thursday).

NiMet anticipated thunderstorms over parts of Taraba, Adamawa, and Kaduna states, as well as Zamfara, Kaduna, Gombe, Bauchi, Taraba, Adamawa, and Kebbi states later in the day.

For Friday, thunderstorms are expected over Taraba State in the morning, with afternoon and evening storms anticipated over Kaduna, Kebbi, Taraba, and Adamawa states.

On Saturday, morning thunderstorms are predicted over Taraba and Adamawa states, with later storms expected over Kaduna, Katsina, Kano, Taraba, and Adamawa states.

In the North central region, morning thunderstorms are envisaged over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Niger, Plateau, Nasarawa, Kogi, Kwara, and Benue states. Later in the day, thunderstorms are anticipated over most parts of the region. Similar prospects are forecast for Friday and Saturday mornings, with afternoon and evening storms expected over most parts of the region.

In the southern region, morning thunderstorms are expected over parts of Ebonyi and Enugu states today, with most parts of the region experiencing storms later in the day. On Friday, thunderstorms are anticipated over Abia, Imo, Enugu, Oyo, Ebonyi, Delta, Rivers, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom states during the morning hours, with most parts of the region experiencing storms later in the day.

NiMet warned of a high likelihood of urban flooding in major cities due to heavy downpours, advising residents to avoid flood-prone areas.

Strong winds may precede rains in areas where thunderstorms are likely to occur.

The agency urged the public to adhere to safety advisories issued by relevant authorities and advised airline operators to obtain updated weather reports and forecasts for effective planning.

Source : https://politicsnigeria.com/fg-forecasts-3-day-thunderstorms-from-thursday-shares-details/

Congratulations to him

Edo Residents Kick Off Celebration Of Nigeria's 64TH Independence In Grandstyle


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OKf7n1CSZZI?si=sAh1idMdnoKqzyNO

This looks like handiwork of Alex

BREAKING!!! Protest Against Bad Governance Begins In Abuja On Independence Day | #Politicsnigeria


As Nigeria marked its 64th Independence Day Anniversary, hundreds of citizens have taken to the streets of Abuja in a protest tagged #FearlessInOctober, calling for an end to bad governance.

The demonstration, which was organized by various civil society groups, activists, and concerned citizens, resonated with the ongoing frustrations over Nigeria’s political, economic, and social challenges.

The event also revived the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria movement, which was held two months ago.

Waving placards with bold messages such as “Enough is Enough,” “End Bad Governance Now,” and “We Demand Accountability,” the protesters, many of whom are young Nigerians, are currently marching in the heart of the Nigerian capital.

They are led by prominent human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore.

Source : https://politicsnigeria.com/breaking-protest-against-bad-governance-begins-in-abuja-on-independence-day/

BREAKING: Tinubu initiates National Youth Conference to interact with young Nigerians

President Bola Tinubu has announced that his administration will kick start a National Youth Conference to address the challenges young Nigerians face.

The president made the declaration while addressing Nigerians this morning to mark Nigeria’s Independence Day.

His words: “I am pleased to announce the gathering of a National Youth Conference.

“This conference will be a platform to address the diverse challenges and opportunities confronting our young people, who constitute more than 60% of our population.

“It will provoke meaningful dialogue and empower our young people to participate actively in nation-building. By ensuring that their voices are heard in shaping the policies that impact their lives, we are creating a pathway for a brighter tomorrow.

“The 30-day Confab will unite young people nationwide to collaboratively develop solutions to issues such as education, employment, innovation, security, and social justice.

“The modalities of this Confab and selection of delegates will be designed in close consultation with our young people through their representatives.”

Tinubu stated that through the confab, the aspirations of young people will be met through the conference’s deliberations.

He added that his government will thoroughly consider and implement the recommendations and outcomes from the forum.

He added that his government is implementing several other youth-centric programmes to give our young people an advantage in the rapidly changing world.

”We are implementing, amongst others, the 3 million Technical Talents programme (3MTT) of the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, aimed at building Nigeria’s technical talent backbone.

“We have also enthusiastically implemented the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), which provides cheap loans to our students to pursue their tertiary educational dreams.

“In addition, later this month, we shall launch The Renewed Hope Labour Employment and Empowerment Programme (LEEP),” he stated.

Source : https://politicsnigeria.com/breaking-tinubu-initiates-national-youth-conference-to-interact-with-young-nigerians/

....

Check

A Nigerian lawyer based in Abakaliki, identified as Sunday Ununu, has reportedly killed an orphan, Nnamdi Nwite Ugo, during the celebration of Izzi Unuphu Power of Attorney community election in Abakaliki Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, 9News Nigeria has learnt.

Izzi Unuphu Power of Attorney is charged with the responsibility of managing lands in the area.

The body has been recovering lands it considered as illegally acquired or sold by members of the community to non- indigenes of the area. There was an election last weekend to choose leaders of the group, during which Ununu, who is the counsel to the group, was shooting in the air to celebrate after the exercise.

According to Daily Sun, It was learnt that his loyalist won one of the key positions and he went into jubilation during a celebration organised by the group and started shooting a gun to celebrate.

“Unfortunately, a bullet hit Ugo on the nose and it pierced through his mouth and he died.

“The deceased lost his parents and he had no close relatives. Nobody is talking about the matter but the family of the lawyer and the deceased’s distant relatives are negotiating with a view to cover the incident.

“I even heard that a particular amount has been promised to the deceased’s distant relatives for his burial and to cover up the matter,” a resident of the area who did not want his name in print told Daily Sun.

A video of the celebration and the shooting by Ununu has been trending on social media, with the lawyer clearly seen wearing a yellow T-shirt shooting in the air.

Meanwhile, the Ebonyi State Police Command has arrested Ununu over the incident.

Spokesperson for the command, DSP Joshua Ukandu, confirmed the arrest to our correspondent.

He said, “I don’t know the details of that matter but I am aware of what you are saying; he is even in our custody. It’s just that the circumstance is what I don’t know.”

Source : https://9newsng.com/nigerian-lawyer-ununu-kills-orphan-during-village-election-in-ebonyi-photos/

Former local government chairmen in Rivers State who are loyalists of FCT minister, Nyesom Wike, on Wednesday, accused Governor Siminalayi Fubara of sponsoring hunger protesters to invade the Port Harcourt home of the minister.

Amid the nationwide hunger protest, demonstrators had on Tuesday marched to Wike’s mansion along Ada George Road in Port Harcourt and laid siege to it.

Speaking on Wednesday under the aegis of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, Rivers State chapter, the chairmen, who were elected during Wike’s tenure as governor, warned Governor Fubara that he did not have the monopoly of violence.

Speaking, a former Chairman of the Emuoha Local Government Area, Chidi Lloyd, said, “We are aware that he (Fubara) directed the protesters to go to the residence of the minister.

“We will also organise our people and go to Forces Avenue where he is building on a 32-plot of land. Enough is enough. Fubara does not have the capacity to cow anybody here. He knows it. And we know his properties and those of his cronies.

“All they have achieved has just been mountainous looting of Rivers funds. So he should be very careful. He wants to incite ethnic bigotry here. If what happened yesterday at Ada George repeats itself Fubara will not even be here to govern the state.

“We will not allow him to destroy all that we have achieved in this state just because he knows nothing about leadership. So the protesters should gather in the government house and ask him what he has done with the N238bn he collected between May and June.”

Source : https://politicsnigeria.com/fubara-sponsored-protesters-who-invaded-fct-ministers-house-wikes-loyalists/

“They’re recruited by enemies of the state”, Emir Sanusi reacts to violent protest in Kano | #Politicsnigeria


The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II on Wednesday, August 7, alleged that those who hijacked the nationwide protest in Kano state were recruited by enemies of the state.

Speaking after inspecting the destruction of property at the Kano State Printing Press and the NCC Digital Centre by hoodlums during the protest, Sanusi said the mission of the hoodlums is to destroy Kano.

He, however, said a prayer that the enemies of the state will not succeed with their mission.

The Emir further noted the importance of adopting proactive measures to protect the lives and property of Nigerians, especially in times of security threats like this.

Calling on security agencies to ensure a thorough investigation into the incident, Sanusi said he is optimistic that Kano State would overcome these challenges and bounce back for optimal growth.

Source : https://politicsnigeria.com/theyre-recruited-by-enemies-of-the-state-emir-sanusi-reacts-to-violent-protest-in-kano/

“Tinubu Doing His Best, Hardship Will Soon Be Over ” — Ganduje tells Nigerians


National chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has assured Nigerians that the economic challenges facing the country will soon be over.

Ganduje gave the assurance amidst a nationwide protest against hunger and pervasive hardship which began on August 1.

The APC national chairman, while addressing a delegation of APC USA in his office on Wednesday, also said President Bola Tinubu is working so hard to improve the living conditions of Nigerians.

He said the present hardship is not peculiar to Nigeria, adding that many developed economies of the world are facing turbulence in one way or the other.

“There’s no doubt, as a developing country, even the so-called developed economists, they have their turbulence in one way or the other,” Ganduje told the five-member delegation.

“So, it’s not surprising that Nigeria is having its own shell of the problem. This is not the first time.

“Whenever there is a reform agenda, obstacles must be on the way, as a result, people must suffer in one way or the other.

“But, in the long run, everything will be according to the plan. We are aware that our president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, came in to introduce reforms.”


The leader of the APC USA team, Prof. Adesegun Labinjo, irreducible Nigerians to support President Tinubu in his quest to pilot the economy out of the woods.

“In the face of all the turmoil that the sponsor of the ongoing protests projected will happen or is happening in Nigeria, we’re here to support our President, Dr. Ganduje, our party, and its leadership,” he said.

Source : https://politicsnigeria.com/tinubu-doing-his-best-hardship-will-soon-be-over-ganduje-tells-nigerians/

After Politics Nigeria Report on Dangote, House Speaker disbands Oil & Gas committee

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abass has dissolved an ad hoc committee investigating the oil and gas sector and the rift between Dangote Refinery and sector players/NMDPRA.

The committee, was among other things, tasked with investigating the importation of adulterated petroleum products, the non-availability of crude oil for domestic refineries.

In a statement on Wednesday, spokesman of the house, Akin Rotimi said the action was to ensure efficacy, independence, and effectiveness of the investigation.

The decision to disband the committee came after a Politics Nigeria exposè that revealed how Dangote refinery may have deceived a group of lawmakers who went on tour of the facility in July.

Backed with verifiable evidence, the report detailed how the diesel fuel refined at the facility contained a high level of the harmful sulphur content—at least 400 percent more than European Union (EU) standards. Whereas, the CEO of Dangote Refinery, Aliko Dangote had told the visiting lawmakers that the fuel produced by his refinery had low sulphur content.

Also, contributing to the decision are multiple accusations of bribery against the Chairman of the committee, Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere. However, the Green Chambers has denied the allegations of bribery or any inducement.

According to Rotimi, the disbanded committee will be succeeded by a newly constituted ad-hoc committee with the same mandate.


“The House remains committed to addressing these vital issues and ensuring thorough oversight. Further details on the new committee’s operations will be provided in due course.”

Background

Politics Nigeria gathered that trouble began when Mr Ikenga asked the committee members to halt the process of NNPCL going to the open market to source for funding of $2 billion and thereafter convene a press conference.

This move was resisted by a majority of the committee members who noted that such would be counterproductive as they do not have all the details of the matter.

According to Daily Nigerian, the lawmakers also kicked against any press conference or briefing, pending the time the joint committee starts its sitting, a move that didn’t go down well with Mr Ikenga.

Ikenga reportedly went behind to lobby lawmakers to begin to send out press releases. In a Whatsapp group opened for the Committee, Ikenga was accused of getting money from Dangote Refinery to take sides and was asked to step aside for a neutral person from the downstream to be co-chair, a move he resisted.

The members, it was gathered, became livid by the manner in which Mr Ikenga had taken the investigation personally by already writing a favorable report for Dangote refinery and waiting for the members to adopt and sign, an action which they have all rejected.

It was also gathered that Ikenga sponsored 15 lawmakers to convene a press briefing, calling for the suspension of the management of NNPCL and NMDPRA, despite the joint committee chairman, Prince Okojie’s kicking against such moves.


This led to Mr Okojie, his vice chairman and clerk writing to the Speaker to distance themselves from the statements made by the 15 lawmakers.

https://politicsnigeria.com/dangote-nmdpra-politics-nigeria-oil-and-gas-committee-disbanded/

DaddyCoool:
Obidigbo, who is the President of Osisioma Foundation, said President Tinubu should realise that he inherited a crop of kleptomaniacs from former President Muhammad Buhari’s eight years of maladministration

This statement is true but he forgot to add that baba then added his own kleptomaniacs so that we now have kleptomaniacs squared!

Hahahahaha hahaha, you are very funny

Obidigbo is a very intelligent man

More

31. It was always the intendment of the Act to ensure that the National Council on Climate Change is constituted as it is— high level. In doing this, I leaned on my experiences as a community leader, former member of the diplomatic community, former member of the executive arm of government, private sector practitioner, to decide that the leadership must be by the President in order to avoid the confusion and inaction caused by what I call “Peer jealousy.” Climate Change is a serious issue and therefore deserves the attention of the highest level of government to bring clarity and transparency to the implementation of the Act, and also to eliminate peer jealousy.



32. A deeper dive into the provisions of the Act especially as it concerns provisions by some Sections is necessary. The focus here will be on the provisions for carbon budgeting and net zero, national action plan, vertical implementation, etc.



Carbon Budgets

33. The Act in Section 19 empowers the Ministry responsible for Environment, in consultation with the Ministry responsible for national planning, to set a time-bound carbon budget. In particular, Section 19(1)(a) stipulates thus: “set carbon budget for Nigeria to keep average increase in global temperature within 2 degrees Celsius and pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.” Once the carbon budget is set, it shall be approved by the Federal Executive Council. The carbon budget will help make five-yearly provisions that will help with emissions reductions and guide the country to net zero by 2050-2070.

National Climate Change Action Plan

34. Section 20 of the Climate Change Act empowers the Secretariat to develop a five-yearly National Action Plan. This is to be done in collaboration with the Ministries responsible for Environment, Budget and National Planning. It shall serve as framework that guides Nigeria's climate actions and has to also be approved by the Federal Executive Council. The key components of the Action Plan shall be: an articulated carbon budget for the five-year cycle, consistent with the carbon budget; an articulated annual carbon budget for each of the years that make up the five-year cycle; past, current and projected GHG emission profile of GHG emission sectors of the economy; details of past, current and proposed climate mitigation and adaptation actions across the sectors of the economy including the rationale, costs, funding source and benefit of such action; details on the level of compliance with international climate commitments; and proposed incentives for private and public entities, which achieve GHG emission reduction.



35. It is important to point out that Section 20(3) of the Act makes provision for public participation in the development of the Action by stipulating that it shall be published and made open to the “general public for consultation for a period not less than eight weeks, ending 14 days before its presentation to the Council.”



Carbon Trading



36. Aware of the flourishing global carbon market and the opportunity for the country to explore it for climate finance, Section 15(e) makes provision for the setting up of mechanisms for carbon emissions trading and carbon tax. At COP28 in Dubai, President Tinubu would go ahead to appoint … “Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Mr. Zacch Adedeji, and the Director-General of the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC), Mr. Dahiru Salisu, to co-chair the Nigeria Carbon Market Activation Plan.”[11]





Beyond the National, Implementation of the Act at the Zonal and State Levels

37. The Act makes provision for implementation at not only the federal level, but also at the zonal and state levels. Consequently, the Act stipulates in Section 11(1) (a) and (b) that the Secretariat to the National Council on Climate Change shall also have the following: Six Zonal Coordinators for the six geo-political zones; and State Directors for the 36 States of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory.

38. It is important to point out that due to the federal structure of the country, the National Assembly can only legislate for the country on items that are in the Exclusive List. Environment is not on that list hence it will be important for state Houses of Assemblyy to "domesticate" the Act. This will effectively obliterate the type of confusion raised by the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act due to contradictory judgements from courts of coordinate jurisdictions. However, the Zonal Coordinators and the State Directors can oversee implementation at the zonal and state levels respectively in an advisory and collaborative manner, or for institutions that are federal in nature.

39. What the foregoing emphasizes is that Nigeria's Climate Change law was painstakingly drawn up to advance and enforce multilevel actions towards not only meeting the country's climate change goals, but to also ensure that the country is set on the path of sustainable development, leveraging on climate actions.

The Climate Change Act and the Issue of Locus Standi

40. The Climate Change Act makes provisions for the right of citizens to sue in relation to inaction on issues concerning the environment. It is important to reference first that the tone for the enactment of the Climate Change Act was set by the provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). Section 20 of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria states that “the State shall protect and improve the environment and safeguard the water, air and land, forest and wildlife of Nigeria.[12]” Furthermore, Section 33(i) of the Constitution states that “every person has a right to life, and no one shall be deprived intentionally of his life, save in execution of the sentence of a court in respect of a criminal offence of which he has been found guilty in Nigeria.” These provide grounds for citizens to seek redress in court in the event that efforts are not being made to protect the environment, thus endangering their lives.



41. The issue of locus standi was given judicial backing in the Centre for Oil Pollution Watch v NNPC (2018) LPELR-50830(SC) case where the Supreme Court of Nigeria stated clearly that in matters of environmental pollution, citizens who are impacted by environmental actions have the locus standi to sue. In this case, the Supreme Court liberalized and broadened the rule of standing as it highlighted “that public spirited individuals and organizations can bring an action in courts against relevant public authorities and private entities to demand their compliance with relevant laws and to ensure the remediation, restoration and protection of the environment.”



42. In furtherance to this, Section 34(1) of the Climate Change Act explicitly provides that “a person or private or public entity that acts in a manner that negatively affects efforts towards mitigation and adaptation measures made under this Act commits an offence and is liable to a penalty to be determined by the Council.” In Section 34(2), the Act empowers the court to make decisions in lieu of such violations.



Government Actions in line with the Provisions of the Act



43. Following assent to the Act by former President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR on November 17, 2021, the Federal Government has taken a number of actions to ramp up climate action in accordance with the provisions of the Act. Apart from the constitution and inauguration of the Council and its Secretariat by President Buhari, President Tinubu has further taken some very bold steps. In an opinion piece published on CNN, Mr. President affirmed this commitment of the country’s climate change actions thus: “Nigeria has taken significant steps and acted decisively in enacting the Climate Change Act and committing to net-zero emissions between 2050 and 2070.[13]





44. Some of the key actions taken subsequently by the Government are:



· Enactment of the Electricity Act 2023 with its provisions in Sections 164-167 for improved access to renewables.



· Removal of petroleum subsidy.



· Launch of the Presidential Initiative for Compressed Natural Gas.



· Unveiling at the global stage in December, 2023 at Dubai, United Arab Emirates, during COP28, and its subsequent launch in Abuja of Nigeria’s Long-Term Low Emissions Development Strategy (LT-LEDS) to guide the country’s efforts at achieving net zero.



· Flagging off the Nigeria Carbon Market Activation Plan at COP28, and also joined the African Carbon Market Initiative.



· Signing of a $500 million renewable energy pact and a gas export deal with Germany’s DWS which will convert flared gas into high-grade natural gas[14].



· Mandating Ministries, Departments and Agencies to only buy CNG-powered vehicles as part of efforts to decarbonize the transportation sector.



· The official launch in April, 2024, by the Federal Executive Council of the National Clean Cooking Policy.



· President Bola Tinubu appointed Infrastructure Corporation of Nigeria (InfraCorp) as the lead arranger and developer of Evergreen City, Nigeria’s Green Industrial Zone, and also approved the establishment of the Presidential Steering Committee on Project Evergreen - the Supervisory Technical Working Group - to oversee the pioneering endeavour. This action was taken with the clear objective of making Nigeria the leading manufacturing hub in Africa for renewable energy technologies, green solutions, and climate-adaptation technologies for the maximum benefit of Nigerians and Africans at large.



· The Launch on May 23, 2024 of Nigeria NDC Implementation Framework 2023-2030

· Etc.







Summary



45. Distinguished ladies and gentlemen. We are no longer debating whether climate change is real or not. We know that it is, as severe and unpredictable weather events around us affirm daily. From the floods we now witness frequently, the massive landslide in Kaokalam village in Papua New Guinea that reportedly killed 2000 villagers in their sleep, the midair storm that hit two international airlines: Singapore Airlines and Qatar Airways, the heat wave in Mecca that killed 1,300 persons, irregular rainfalls, the menace of gully and coastal erosion, desertification and land degradation leading to loss of arable land, loss of over 90 percent of Lake Chad, forced migration, competition for scarce resources and food insecurity, confrontation and security challenges, even the die-hard sceptic knows that the world is reeling under the impacts of climate change.



46. At the inaugural Summit for Clean Cooking in Africa held on May 14, 2024, in Paris, Dr Fatih Birol, Executive Director, International Energy Agency (IEA), declared: “Today, 4 out of 5 families use open fire or basic stoves for preparing meals. And the toxic fumes coming from the cooking practices are causing respiratory diseases especially for women and children. And each year, more than 500,000 people mainly women and children die prematurely because of the respiratory diseases caused by the cooking practices. This is not acceptable in this 21st century.” According to Dr. Iziaq Salako, Honourable Minister of State, Environment, Nigeria accounts for over 77,000 fatalities annually. Dr Akinwunmi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank (AfDB) disclosed that over one billion Africans lack access to clean cooking, and also loose lives, millions of man-hours in search of firewood, charcoal, causing deforestation and desertifications, etc. He announced that the AfDB has pledged US$2bn to actualize access to clean cooking over the next 10 years. Similarly, Dr. Tedros A. Ghebreyesos, Director-General of World Health Organization disclosed that “WHO estimates that every year 3.2 million people die from household pollution generated by dirty fuels and stoves for cooking.”



47. Yet all these challenges present us with golden opportunities for green-growth, sustainable development, and building a planet where we are respectful of nature and its healing powers. Clearly, Africa’s and by extension Nigeria’s priorities are economic growth, creation of employment for its over 477 million youthful population under 35 years, climate resilience, benefit from blue economy, access to clean cooking and also to energy generally, to take advantage of the abundance of over 60 percent of critical mineral resources required for the production of over USD$7 trillion Electric Vehicles (EV) market. We must leverage on all available opportunities through partnership, global collaboration, finance mobilization, climate diplomacy, green industrialization, etc.



48. It has become clear that without increased emission reduction efforts in all sectors--industrial, energy, transport, open fires, clean cooking, the goal of limiting global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius will stay unreachable. According to Gauri Singh, Deputy Director-General of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), industry decarbonization represents the next great transformation across different sectors. Decarbonization can create growth opportunities through technology advances, and new sustainable revenue streams while creating a new generation of equitable and sustainable jobs.



Conclusion



49. What I have tried to do here today is to show how a legislation and its implications can play a key role in advancing this journey. This is important because from Section 1, it stipulates, “This Act provides a framework for achieving low greenhouse gas (GHG) emission, inclusive green growth and sustainable economic development by…”





50. And to re-affirm that Nigeria's Climate Change Act, fully activated by several presidential pronouncements, is eminently positioned to guide our actions. President Bola Tinubu in his opinion piece published by CNN declared; “We envision Africa becoming the leading green manufacturing hub globally, with targeted support and access to global markets. Nigeria and much of Africa possess a unique advantage--we do not need to decommission coal-fired power plants. We have an unparalleled opportunity to leapfrog decades of conventional, high-emission industry by building our industrial future on a new green foundation.”



51. I will like to end by using an example very close to all of us gathered here today at the Coal City, to buttress how a good legislation can help enforce action and ensure that goals are achieved. On April 22, 2024, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), transferred regulatory oversight of the Enugu electricity market to the Enugu State Government. This was inline with the Constitutional amendment we effected during the 9th Assembly, and the subsequent enactment of the Electricity Act 2023, which unbundled the electricity sector and has now made it possible for States, and even private investors to go into the market and leverage on off grid and mini grid options to tackle the energy problem we have in this country. Without legislation, this would not have been possible.



52. In essence then, legislations such as the Climate Change Act are critical for transformative actions. This legislation along with the accompanying actions by the Nigerian government are aimed at ensuring that no critical segment, or poor and vulnerable groups are inequitably pushed behind in our coordinated march towards climate justice and just energy transition to achieve a low-carbon and environmentally sustainable economic development.



53. May God bless us all


More https://www.google.com/amp/s/thenationonlineng.net/onuigbo-stresses-critical-role-of-legislation-in-tackling-climate-change/amp/

See the full text of the lecture below:

CLIMATE CHANGE ACT: IMPLICATIONS FOR CLIMATE ACTION IN NIGERIA

PAPER PRESENTED BY REP. SAM ONUIGBO FCIS, FNIM, KJW, DURING THE CLIMATE JUSTICE AND JUST ENERGY TRANSITION CONFERENCE IN HONOUR OF PROFESSOR CHINEDUM NWAJIUBA’S 60TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION, AT THE COAL CITY UNIVERSITY, ENUGU, 16-17 JULY, 2024.

[Protocol]

Background

1. The Bible says in the book of Romans 12:15, “Celebrate with those who celebrate…” I am delighted to be here today to celebrate with my brother and erudite scholar, Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba, former Vice Chancellor of Alex Ekwueme University, Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State, on his Diamond Jubilee.

Appreciation

2. Let me first express my gratitude to the Coal City University, especially the Vice Chancellor and the Faculty of Natural and Applied Science; past and present students of Professor Chinedum Nwajiuba; the Centre for Climate Change and Development of the Alex Ekwueme University; friends and well-wishers of Professor Nwajiuba; and indeed everyone else involved in putting together this important “Climate Justice and Just Energy Transition Conference” in honour of the 60th birthday of my good friend. I am also grateful for the opportunity to stand before all of you to present this paper on the “Climate Change Act: Implications for Climate Action in Nigeria.”

Thank you all.

Introduction

3. History has taught us that in our constantly evolving world, it is not the strong that survive, but those willing to adapt to change. This is especially true for the climate crisis which affects every facet of our lives. This has led to several efforts by international organizations to converge several times to find solutions to the climate crisis.



4. The evolution of global efforts at addressing climate change was well-captured in Peter Jackson’s “From Stockholm to Kyoto: A Brief History of Climate Change.” Jackson opined that “[i]n the midst of the current international debate on global warming, it is instructive to note that it has taken the United Nations and the international community some two generations to reach this point.[2]” It was not until the UN Scientific Conference which was held in Stockholm, Sweden, in 1972, that the United Nations first developed action plans and a declaration mentioning climate change as a global problem. Consequently, the governing board of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) was established.



5. It would take another twenty years before the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development, where the Rio Declaration and Agenda 21 were adopted with the latter specifically seeking to deal “with the protection of the atmosphere, establishing the link between science, sustainable development, energy development and consumption, transportation, industrial development, stratospheric ozone depletion and transboundary atmospheric pollution[3].” The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) was also established on May 09, 1992. The UNFCCC has since become the rallying point for global action on climate change.



6. After the birth of the “Rio Triplets,” comprising the Convention on Biodiversity (CBD), UNFCCC, and United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), the world has moved from the Kyoto Protocol of 1997 to the Paris Agreement of 2015. The Paris Agreement on Climate Change, which was adopted in 2015 and fully enacted in 2016 (former President Buhari signed for Nigeria on September 22, 2016 at the UN Headquarters, New York) is the current global instrument of the UNFCCC in the fight against climate change.



7. I have referenced this piece of history to set the scene for our conversation, as it shows incremental global efforts at tackling climate change— efforts which we must continuously improve on collaboratively.



8. Now more than ever, the world seems to be coming to a consensus that large-scale and coordinated climate action is the only path to a sustainable future. So, despite differing opinions, we were able to agree, at COP28 in Dubai, to a just and gradual phase-out of fossil fuels, and the tripling of global renewable energy capacity by 2030.[4] While I fully understand the implications of fossil fuels phase-out for a hydrocarbon dependent rentier state like Nigeria, we must also remember the cost of inaction and the grave danger of stranded critical assets. What is important is to ensure that our transition is done in a just and equitable way.



9. Since COP28, the International Energy Agency has launched an online tracker of global efforts to meet the renewable energy commitments at COP28[5]; the Biden administration has unveiled US$7bn in grant funding for solar under the Environmental Protection Agency’s Solar for All programme[6]; the World Bank in partnership with the Africa Development Bank has unveiled a US$500bn plan to provide clean energy for 300million Africans; the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) has in conjunction with other partners, sought stakeholders’ input in the development of Regional Energy Transition Outlooks, and the Federal Government of Nigeria has released N100bn[7] as part of funding for the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative to reduce emissions in the transportation sector and cushion the effects of subsidy removal.



10. There is a huge sense of urgency globally in tackling the climate crisis with even the legislatures across the globe making efforts to provide legal backing to their respective countries. Make no mistake about it, without legislative backing, it is impossible for governments to be legally bound to their climate change commitments. The world seems to have come to terms with this and has encouraged increased legislative actions to back up climate change commitments and goals by countries. But how can legislation help in driving climate action?

The Role of Legislation in Climate Change

11. According to Ruth Wolstenholme:

Parliamentarians can play a crucial role in addressing this challenge - ensuring government accountability and effectiveness as well as providing a vital knowledge link with constituents, both aspects being important in ensuring a country’s response and resilience to climate change. Parliamentarians also have opportunity to promote the voice of citizens at home and during international negotiations.[8]

12. This aptly captures the critical role of legislators in the battle against climate change. Without legislators making the laws, providing oversight, engendering knowledge sharing with their constituents, and generally holding everyone accountable, no country will effectively meet its climate change goals and obligations.



13. It is therefore appropriate to state here that, aware of the importance of the role of legislation for climate change, the government of the United Kingdom set the ball rolling in 2008 with the first standalone climate change legislation. Other countries of the world followed suit.



Comparative Review of Some Climate Change Laws



14. The UK Climate Change Act was structured around four key pillars, namely: Goal; Pathway; Toolkit; and Monitoring Framework.



15. Through this structured approach, the Act defines goals to be achieved as captured by its 2050 Emissions Target and Climate Change Risk Assessment; and lays out a clear pathway to achieving these goals. For them, the pathway to doing this is through Carbon Budgets and setting up of a National Adaptation Programme. It further demands that the government continuously comes up with policies to help keep these goals in sight, while providing a monitoring framework to evaluate progress through the setting up of the UK Climate Change Committee, an independent non-departmental public body formed under the Climate Change Act “…to advise the United Kingdom and devolved governments and Parliaments on tackling and preparing for climate change.”[9]



16. However, unlike the Nigerian Climate Change Act, the UK Climate Change Committee is an independent body which advises the government on tackling climate change, and where necessary, point out to, or warns the government on where it is falling short of the objectives of the Act.



17. Here in Africa, a review of the Climate Change Acts of Kenya and Uganda also shows a commitment to emissions reduction, adaptation, and climate resilience. For each, there is an effort to establish an overseeing structure to help guide action. For instance, the Kenyan Act established the position of a Cabinet Secretary for the National Treasury who must formulate a National Climate Change Action Plan while drawing analytical support from the Climate Change Directorate. Uganda, on the other hand, has a National Climate Change Advisory Committee which provides independent advice to the Policy Committee on the Environment, and also to the Minister. It also requires the presentation by the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of a certificate of approval from the Climate Change Committee, indicating that the MDA has made adequate provisions for climate actions in their budgetary provisions.



18. Specifically, Section 30(b)(6a) of the Ugandan National Climate Change Act states “The Minister shall, in consultation with the Chairperson of the National Planning Authority, issue a certificate certifying that the Budget Framework Paper is climate change responsive and contains adequate allocation for funding climate change measures and actions

“(6b) The Minister and the Chairperson of the National Planning Authority shall evaluate all votes of the Budget Framework Paper before issuing the certificate referred to in subsection (6a).”



19. Like Nigeria, both countries are also federations with sub-national units. In that vein, Kenya's Climate Change Directorate provides national coordination and advice to counties, with the counties also having to adopt the Act. In Uganda, the Natural Resources Department of each District is expected to liaise with the National Department on Climate Change for advice on all issues regarding climate change.



20. A detailed look at the Climate Change Acts of the two countries will also reveal conscious efforts at multi stakeholder engagements, finance mobilisation, alignment with the Paris Agreement and specific sustainable growth needs of the countries, etc.



21. Furthermore, aware of the key role that climate action has to play in Africa’s sustainable development, the African Union during the 36th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government, in February 2023, mandated the African Union Commission to convene a summit on Climate Change. This resulted in the inaugural Africa Climate Week/Africa Climate Summit which was held in Nairobi Kenya, in September 2023[10]. I was privileged to participate in the extraordinary session for legislators which was convened at the Kenyan National Parliament.



22. I have taken us on this journey of reflecting on the key provisions of the climate change laws of some countries to re-iterate my point at the beginning that climate legislations are critical as they provide legal backing for countries to attain their climate change goals. Without these legal frameworks, there will be no obligation to enforce.





Nigeria's Climate Change Law: Key Provisions



23. A lot of thinking went into the drafting of Nigeria’s Climate Change Act. The Act was structured to provide overarching guidelines on climate action in the country. Primarily, the focus of the Climate Change Act 2021 was to galvanise actions that are intended to realize the aims and aspirations of the delivery of the triplets of Rio de Janeiro 1992 (climate change, biodiversity governance, sustainable forest and land management to fight off desertification); actualize its net-zero pledge; and particularly the goals of the Paris Agreement of reducing global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius. This Act has provisions that have highlighted the importance of climate action and recognised the importance of biodiversity governance with desertification as part of the major challenge facing the country today.

24. In 2021, Nigeria updated her ambitious Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), which are the essential tools and framework for attaining her commitments towards reducing global greenhouse gas emissions. The updated NDC has an unconditional contribution of 20% below business-as-usual by 2030, and 47% conditional contribution on international support in finance mobilization and technical know-how. It covers the key prioritized sectors of Agriculture, Energy, Forest and Other Land Use (FOLU), Industrial Processes and Product Use (IPPU), Oil & Gas, Transport, Waste and Water. The NDC Implementation Framework was launched to drive the delivery of Nigeria’s NDCs targets through 2030. It is in line with these objectives that the Explanatory Memorandum of the Act states that it is “…to provide for the mainstreaming of climate change actions, establish the National Council on Climate Change, and related matters.”

25. Consequently, Part 1—Objectives and Applications of the Climate Change Act 2021— Section 1 states that, “The Act provides a framework for achieving low greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, inclusive green growth and sustainable economic development by ensuring that Nigeria formulates programmes for achieving its long-term goals on climate change mitigation and adaptation…in line with national development priorities….”



26. Section 2 which is on jurisdiction, states that the Act applies to the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of the Federal Government of Nigeria, and to public and private entities within the territorial waters of Nigeria, while Section 3 establishes the National Council on Climate Change and vests it with immense powers to make policies and decisions on all matters concerning Climate Change in Nigeria.



27. Indeed, there are critical sections of the Act which reflect its intendment to serve as a holistic legal framework for climate action that will translate to the building of a resilient, green, and sustainably developed country. For instance, Section 15 of the Act makes provision for the setting up of the Climate Change Fund which will help address the funding issues associated with climate actions in the country. Sections 19 and 20 speak specifically to carbon budgeting and National Climate Change Action Plan respectively. Both are targeted at providing specific guidelines to action that will help us transit to net zero while building our future in a green, resilient and sustainable way. Sections 22, 23, 24, and 25 assign responsibilities to not just public entities, but also to the private sector, MDAs, and civil society organisations, while Section 26 speaks to the need for climate education and the inclusion of climate education into our educational curricula at all levels bearing in mind that climate change is inter-generational.

28. As part of efforts to address the convergence of the Rio triplets (climate change, biodiversity, and desertification), Sections 27, 28, and 29 focus on the use of nature-based solutions such as REDD+ (Reducing Emission from Deforestation and forest Degradation and the role of conservation, sustainable management of forests and the enhancement of forest carbon stocks). This was clearly in sync with why the United Nations in March 2012 introduced Environmental-Economic Accounting to address climate change, engender biodiversity conservation, and the restoration of degraded lands and forests.

29. It is important to also point out that the Act in Section 22 mandates every MDA to have a Climate Change Desk Officer of a Directorate cadre whose responsibility it is to ensure that climate action is mainstreamed into the annual plans and budgeting of all MDAs in Nigeria. One important aspect of climate action is the need for proper monitoring, evaluation, and reporting. We were fully aware of this hence the provision for National Assembly oversight in Section 21, and public engagement in Section 30.

30. A very critical part of the Climate Change Act is the establishment of the National Council on Climate Change in Section 3, while Section 5 outlines the composition of the Council. The Council, as you might have noted is made up of Ministers from several Ministries, Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, President of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, representatives of the private sector, women, youths, persons living with disabilities, and Civil Society Organisations, with the President of Nigeria as the Chairman of the Council and the Vice President as the Vice Chairman. This is because climate change is a cross-cutting issue and therefore everyone must be involved.

A member of the Governing Board of North East Development Commission (NEDC), Rep Sam Onuigbo, has asserted that legislations such as the Climate Change Act are critical for transformative actions.

He noted that the law along with the accompanying actions by the Nigerian Federal Government are aimed at ensuring that no critical segment, especially the poor and vulnerable groups are inequitably pushed behind in the country’s coordinated march towards climate justice.

Onuigbo, who sponsored the Climate Change Bill in the Ninth National Assembly maintained that the drive towards climate justice and just energy transition will enable the country to achieve a low-carbon and environmentally sustainable economic development.

The former lawmaker made the assertions while delivering a keynote address titled “Climate Change Act: Implications for Climate Action in Nigeria,” during the Climate Justice and Just Energy Transition conference in honour of Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba’s 60th anniversary celebration at the Coal City University, Enugu.

Onuigbo, who is also chairman of Climate Change and Security Committee of the NEDC Board, noted that history has shown that “in our constantly evolving world, it is not the strong that survive, but those willing to adapt to change.”

He urged the Federal Ministry of Education to work with all levels of educational institutions to include climate change education in their curricula, in line with Section 26 of the Act.

He stated: “This is especially relevant for the climate crisis which affects every facet of our lives. This has led to several efforts by international organizations to converge several times to find solutions to the climate crisis.

“The evolution of global efforts at addressing climate change was well-captured in Peter Jackson’s “From Stockholm to Kyoto: A Brief History of Climate Change.” Jackson opined that “[i]n the midst of the current international debate on global warming, it is instructive to note that it has taken the United Nations and the international community some two generations to reach this point.

“It was not until the UN Scientific Conference which was held in Stockholm, Sweden, in 1972, that the United Nations first developed action plans and a declaration mentioning climate change as a global problem. Consequently, the governing board of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) was established.”

Onuigbo, who was named as one of the 30 Global Leaders on Climate Change in November 2023 by the New York-based Business Insider magazine, declared: “Now more than ever, the world seems to be coming to a consensus that large-scale and coordinated climate action is the only path to a sustainable future.

“So, despite differing opinions, we were able to agree, at COP28 in Dubai, to a just and gradual phase-out of fossil fuels, and the tripling of global renewable energy capacity by 2030.[1] While I fully understand the implications of fossil fuels phase-out for a hydrocarbon dependent rentier state like Nigeria, we must also remember the cost of inaction and the grave danger of stranded critical assets.”

While contending that what is important is “to ensure that our transition is done in a just and equitable way,” Onuigbo recalled that since COP28, the International Energy Agency has launched an online tracker of global efforts to meet the renewable energy commitments at COP28.

Tracking some positive international global actions, he said: “The (President Joe) Biden administration has unveiled US$7bn in grant funding for solar under the Environmental Protection Agency’s Solar for All programme; the World Bank in partnership with the Africa Development Bank has unveiled a US$500bn plan to provide clean energy for 300million Africans.

“The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) has in conjunction with other partners, sought stakeholders’ input in the development of Regional Energy Transition Outlooks, and the Federal Government of Nigeria has released N100bn as part of funding for the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative to reduce emissions in the transportationn sector and cushion the effects of subsidy removal.”

He therefore asserted that there is a huge sense of urgency globally in tackling the climate crisis with even the legislatures across the globe making efforts to provide legal backing to their respective countries.

“Make no mistake about it, without legislative backing, it is impossible for governments to be legally bound to their climate change commitments. The world seems to have come to terms with this and has encouraged increased legislative actions to back up climate change commitments and goals by countries,” the former lawmaker stated.

Quoting Ruth Wolstenholme, Onuigbo declared that “Parliamentarians can play a crucial role in addressing this challenge by ensuring government accountability and effectiveness as well as providing a vital knowledge link with constituents.

He maintained that since both aspects are important in ensuring a country’s response and resilience to climate change, lawmakers “also have opportunity to promote the voice of citizens at home and during international negotiations.”

“This aptly captures the critical role of legislators in the battle against climate change. Without legislators making the laws, providing oversight, engendering knowledge sharing with their constituents, and generally holding everyone accountable, no country will effectively meet its climate change goals and obligations.

“It is therefore appropriate to state here that, aware of the importance of the role of legislation for climate change, the government of the United Kingdom set the ball rolling in 2008 with the first standalone climate change legislation. Other countries of the world followed suit,” he noted.

the former federal lawmaker, while itemizing some key provisions in Nigeria’s Climate Changer Law, disclosed that a lot of deep thinking went into the drafting of Nigeria’s Climate Change Act.

His words: “The Act was structured to provide overarching guidelines on climate action in the country. Primarily, the focus of the Climate Change Act 2021 was to galvanise actions that are intended to realize the aims and aspirations of the delivery of the triplets of Rio de Janeiro 1992 (climate change, biodiversity governance, sustainable forest and land management to fight off desertification); actualize its net-zero pledge; and particularly the goals of the Paris Agreement of reducing global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

“This Act has provisions that have highlighted the importance of climate action and recognised the importance of biodiversity governance with desertification as part of the major challenge facing the country today.

“In 2021, Nigeria updated her ambitious Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), which are the essential tools and framework for attaining her commitments towards reducing global greenhouse gas emissions.

“The updated NDC has an unconditional contribution of 20% below business-as-usual by 2030, and 47% conditional contribution on international support in finance mobilization and technical know-how. It covers the key prioritized sectors of Agriculture, Energy, Forest and Other Land Use (FOLU), Industrial Processes and Product Use (IPPU), Oil & Gas, Transport, Waste and Water.

“The NDC Implementation Framework was launched to drive the delivery of Nigeria’s NDCs targets through 2030. It is in line with these objectives that the Explanatory Memorandum of the Act states that it is “…to provide for the mainstreaming of climate change actions, establish the National Council on Climate Change, and related matters.

Source : https://dailytrust.com/climate-change-legislations-are-critical-for-transformative-actions/

There is tension in Ukum Local Government Area in Benue State following the killing of 11 persons by heavily armed bandits on Wednesday morning.

The attack has led to a massive protest in the area which has been plagued by insecurity despite several joint security operations aimed at eradicating the menace.

According to residents, dozens of heavily armed men launched an attack on Ayati, the headquarters of Borikyo ward, shooting dead the 11 people and leaving many others with various degrees of injury.

The incident forced angry Borikyo youths to besiege the Sankera-Ayati-Sai road and Ukum local government secretariat to express their grief over the incessant killings in the community.


It was learnt that the angry protesters vandalised the council secretariat, shattering windows and destroying other things at sight with stones and sticks.

“The gunmen opened gunfire and killed seven people on the spot at night. More bodies were recovered hours later bringing the causalities to 11. Now, the youths are protesting seriously,” a resident said on the condition of anonymity.

“They have barricaded the roads with the dead bodies, asking Governor Hyacinth Alia to act because the killings have continued so long without any clear steps to end the madness.


“They are protesting at Sankera, the headquarters of Ukum LGA. Angry youths are currently demonstrating to register their grievances about the continuous killing of innocent and defenceless people of Borikyo in Ukum LGA on a daily basis without any action from government to arrest the ugly situation.”

Internal Security Adviser to the Benue State Governor, Chief Joseph Har, told journalists in Makurdi that the protesters were threatening to burn down the LG secretariat because of the killings in the area.

“They have barricaded the roads with the dead bodies, asking Governor Hyacinth Alia to act because the killings have continued so long without any clear steps to end the madness.

“They are protesting at Sankera, the headquarters of Ukum LGA. Angry youths are currently demonstrating to register their grievances about the continuous killing of innocent and defenceless people of Borikyo in Ukum LGA on a daily basis without any action from government to arrest the ugly situation.”

Source :https://politicsnigeria.com/breaking-angry-protesters-dump-dead-bodies-on-major-road-after-bandit-attack-in-benue/

Southeast Senators have appealed to President Bola Tinubu to order the release of detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

The delegation of 15 senators, led by former Abia State Deputy Governor and ranking senator, Enyinnaya Abaribe, argued that the ongoing detention of Kanu is stalling social and economic activities in the Southeast region.


In a closed-door meeting with the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbem, SAN, the Senators emphasized the urgent need for Kanu’s release.


Abaribe, speaking on behalf of his colleagues after the meeting, expressed concerns over the deteriorating economic and social conditions in the Southeast, attributing it to Kanu’s continued incarceration.

Abaribe stated that Kanu’s peaceful agitation has been hijacked by criminals, leading to increased violence and loss of lives, including those of security personnel.

He said he met with Kanu at the Department of State Services (DSS) headquarters in Abuja on Monday, where Kanu agreed to comply with any conditions set for his release.

The former Deputy Governor expressed confidence that releasing Kanu would help to restore peace and stability in the Southeast, which has been troubled since Kanu’s detention in 2021.

Source : https://politicsnigeria.com/southeast-senators-plead-with-president-tinubu-for-nnamdi-kanus-release/

The Federal Government has warned that unauthorised disclosure or leakage of official documents, capable of impacting the country negatively, is a punishable offence.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, George Akume, gave the warning on Tuesday in Abuja, at a workshop organised by the Bureau for Public Service Reforms, BPSR, in collaboration with his office.

The workshop is themed: “Renewing Hope and Strengthening of National Unity through Effective Communication and the Role of the Official Secret Acts in Maintaining Confidentiality and National Security.’’

Represented by Dr Nnamdi Mbaeri, a Permanent Secretary attached to his office, Akume said unauthorized leakage of sensitive official documents constitutes a felony and there is no defence for such, either in the Constitution or Freedom of Information Act.

He reiterated that Section 97 (2) of the Criminal Code Act of Nigeria, provides: “Any person who, being employed in the public service, without proper authority abstracts, or makes a copy of, any document the property of his employer is guilty of a misdemeanour and is liable to imprisonment for one year”.

He recalled that the government had devised measures in the past to contain the leakage of sensitive official information in MDAs through the issuance of service-wide circulars by the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation in August 2021.

“This was reinforced by the issuance of another service-wide circular in February 2024 on the unauthorised circulation of official documents with information on social media.


“This was done to re-emphasise other extant regulations prohibiting unauthorised disclosure or leakage of official documents

“There is the need to regulate the activities of the civil society organisations who use the Freedom of Information Act to harass, intimidate and siphon resources from public officers through the dissemination of fake and unfounded information.

“This should be properly addressed by all the practitioners in the communication and related industries,’’ he said.

Source : https://politicsnigeria.com/leak-official-documents-go-to-jail-fg-warns-civil-servants/

...

Many Feared Trapped As Rochas Okorocha’s House Collapses In Abuja | #Politicsnigeria

A five-storey building belonging to Rochas Okorocha, a former governor of Imo State, has collapsed.

The building was located along Ahmadu Bello Way in Abuja.

Eyewitnesses say the building, which was under renovation, collapsed on Tuesday evening.

It was gathered that security operatives of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command immediately cordoned off the area.

Eyewitnesses said some persons might have been trapped in the building.

“There is a possibility that there could be some people inside the collapsed building who may have died. I saw two people being pulled out from the rubble now and taken to the hospital while rescue operations were ongoing. The emergency responders are not coordinated yet for efficient operations,” an eyewitness said.

But a statement signed by the spokesperson of the Command, Josephine Adeh, said three persons were rescued from the collapsed building.

The statement partly reads: “The FCT Police Command hereby confirms that yesterday, July 1, 2024, about 8:40 p.m., there was a building collapse at Unity House, Area 11 by Nkwere Street.

“In response to the distress call, the Commissioner of Police, FCT, CP Benneth C. Igweh, psc, mni, promptly moved to the scene with multiple patrol teams as first responders to cordon off the area for possible rescue.

“Three victims were successfully evacuated from the collapsed building and rushed to the hospital for medical care.”

Source : https://politicsnigeria.com/many-feared-trapped-as-rochas-okorochas-house-collapses-in-abuja/

How Konga ex-CEO, Nick Imudia died — Househelp | #Politicsnigeria

The maid (name withheld) of the former Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian e-commerce giant, Konga, the late Nick Imudia, has provided more details about the death of the boss.

According to a close friend of the deceased who spoke on the condition of anonymity, the househelp said late Imudia called her a day earlier and handed her a piece of paper with five telephone numbers, including that of his brother in the US.

“She [househelp] said Nick told her to keep the numbers, that she would need them at the appropriate time. Thereafter, she said he went into the bathroom and heard the shower running, indicating that he was having a bath,” Late Imudia’s friend said according to Vanguard.

“She said after some time, she observed that the shower was still running and wondered what he could still be doing for so long. She knocked on the door, but there was no response and she left.

“Moments later, she said the private guard knocked on the door and informed her to come and see what had happened to Nick.


“She rushed downstairs and found him in a horrible state. Immediately, she rushed upstairs and still met the shower on. By the time she opened the door, she discovered there was nobody in there.”


Meanwhile, the family, according to the deceased’s friend, had requested the release of Imudia’s body for burial.


The family had ruled out suicide as the cause of his death, stating that he never showed any signs of stress and was never diagnosed as depressed before his tragic passing.

Source : https://politicsnigeria.com/how-konga-ex-ceo-nick-imudia-died-househelp/