₦airaland Forum

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike said the survival of democracy in Nigeria is dependent on the judiciary playing its role.

Wike made the assertion when a delegation of Federal High Court judges, led by the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Terhemba Tsoho, paid him a courtesy visit in his office in Abuja on Thursday.

The minister said the judiciary, as an independent arm of government, plays a very important role in the survival of democracy and should not be seen as any less among the three arms of government.

He assured that the FCT Administration will continue to provide the necessary support to enhance the operations of the judiciary in the territory.

“Just yesterday, I went to the National Assembly to defend the supplementary budget and there we included the building of the Abuja division of the Court of Appeal,” he said.

On the request for land allocation to Federal High Court judges, the minister assured that land would be allocated to them by the FCT Administration, but noted that it would be done in phases.

He also pledged to provide infrastructure in areas where allocations had been made by his predecessors to encourage development.

“If there are other problems that you think the administration can help with, do not hesitate to let us solve them,” Wike added.

Earlier, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Hon. Justice Tsoho, commended Barrister Wike for his selfless service to the people of Rivers State and for his support of the judiciary as his primary constituency.

Tsoho, however, lamented that the frequent postings and transfers of Federal High Court Judges, due to the peculiar nature of their jobs, meant that they were denied various forms of policies that enhance the welfare of judges and justices, both serving and retired, since they are not likely to be posted to their states of origin.

He appealed to the FCT Minister to allocate land in the FCT to serving Federal High Court judges as a form of recognition for their services nationwide, which he said makes them federal citizens.

Also in attendance were justices G. K. Olotu, B.F.N. Nyako, I.E. Ekwo, D.U. Okorowo and senior officials of the FCTA.

Some members of President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet and the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, defended the N2.177 trillion supplementary budget before the House of Representatives Committee on Appropriation on Wednesday.

Those who appeared before the committee include the Minister of Works, David Umahi; Minister of Defence, Alhaji Abubakar Badaru; Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Alhaji Abubakar Kyari; and FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.

Others include the Director of the Department of State Service, Yusuf Bichi, and service chiefs, among others.

Speaking during the budget defence, Chairman, House Committee on Appropriation, Abubakar Bichi, said the N2,176,791,286,033 Supplementary Appropriation Bill sent to the National Assembly earlier this week was meant to enhance security, food, road construction, bridge construction, and address the housing deficit.

Bichi said the budget was “specifically structured to improve the country’s security, food security, and critical road infrastructure sectors and to bridge the housing deficit in the country, including slum upgrades and urban renewal.

“It will also support the provisional wage to workers and cash transfers to vulnerable Nigerians. It will also cater to the upcoming off-cycle elections in Kogi, Bayelsa and Imo States,” he said.

The lawmaker noted that out of the sum of 476,543,847,421 proposed for Ministry of Defence, the sum of N215,937,945,659 is for recurrent expenditure while N260,605,901,762 is for capital expenditure.

He said of the N200 billion proposed for Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, N104.800 billion is for recurrent expenditure, while N95.200 billion is for capital expenditure.

From the sum of N50 billion proposed for police formations and commands, N29,661,660,269 is for recurrent expenditure, while N20,338,339,731 is for capital expenditure.

Out of the total sum of N29,700,606,916 proposed for the office of National Security Adviser, N27,402,410,057 is for recurrent expenditure, while N2,298,196,859 is for capital expenditure.

The sum of N100 billion was also proposed for Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA); N49,046,831,697 is for the Department of State Services (DSS); N28 billion is for the State House; N300 billion is for Federal Ministry of Works; N100 billion is for Federal Ministry of Housing; N615 billion is for service-wide vote; N210.500 is for capital supplementation; and the sum of N18 billion is for Independent Electoral Commission (INEC).

“We have invited the relevant MDAs to defend and shed more light on their submissions. At the end of the hearing, we will collate our analysis into a report and send it back to the House.

“I have divided this into two sections: we will start with the non-security agencies, and later, we will go into an executive section for the security agencies,” Bichi said.

Also speaking, the Chairman, House Committee on FCT, Muktar Aliyu Betara, disclosed that the Executive sent only N100 billion to the National Assembly from the N300 billion requested for FCTA.

He further disclosed that N200 billion will be captured and considered during the 2024 budget defence.

President Bola Tinubu has asked the Senate to approve the sums of $7.8 billion and €100 million in his administration’s proposed 2022–2024 borrowing plan.

Tinubu’s request was contained in a letter read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio on the floor of the Red Chamber on Wednesday.

The President also disclosed that the World Bank Group initiated an interest in providing funding support of $1 billion and $2 billion to mitigate the economic shocks and recent reforms in the country.

The President asked the Senate to give the request a speedy consideration.

Akpabio referred the proposal to the committee of the foreign desk, finance, and national planning for further deliberation.

Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has pledged to support the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) in its vision to promote the good image of Nigeria beyond its borders.

The Minister stated this on Tuesday in Abuja while receiving the Chairman and CEO of the commission, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, on a courtesy visit.

He said: “Keeping NiDCOM afloat is our collective responsibility. I want to assure you that, as a ministry, we are ready to support you because whatever you do for our people in the diaspora has a ripple effect on our people at home.”

The minister, who spoke extensively on the need to create wealth as a government, noted that the commission as a government body represents “the good image of the country beyond our borders” and, thus, “deserves more support than” what it is currently getting.

“Most families have their breadwinners abroad. With NiDCOM providing them welfare support, the commission is helping us ensure national integrity, security, and peace.

“Also, there is a lot we can achieve from a partnership with NiDCOM. Like India, we must look beyond oil and see how a knowledge-based economy can turn things around for the country,” he said.

On receiving support from the ministry, Dabiri-Erewa appreciated the kind gesture of the minister, adding that the commission will be motivated to do more in the new regime.

President Bola Tinubu has mourned the passing of Professor Ben Nwabueze, who was once Minister of Education.

Tinubu, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, described the death of Nwabueze, who was also a foremost constitutional lawyer, as a profound loss.

According to him, Nwabueze’s knowledge of law was outstanding.

“Prof. Nwabueze’s contribution to the precedents and principles of the nation’s constitution is notable. His involvement in the drafting of the 1979 Constitution is a legacy that stands him out, as well as his outstanding contributions to the legal profession at large,” he said.

Tinubu asked his family, the good people of Anambra State, and Nigerians in general to take solace in the worthy legacy that the deceased left behind.

The President prays that God Almighty grant Prof Nwabueze eternal rest.

Governor Alex Otti of Abia State on Sunday said that his administration initiated measures to cut down the cost of governance to the barest minimum and save money.

Otti made this known at his monthly media interactive session held at the Government House, Umuahia.

According to the governor, the money saved from frivolous spending by past administrations had made it possible for his government to pay salaries and pensions and also mobilise contractors to site for the ongoing major developmental projects.

“We have been able to save money from FAAC by stopping frivolous expenses such as paying a certain amount of money to ‘stakeholders’.

“In the new Abia, if you want to get money, then you have to work and earn money,” Otti said.

Otti said that the present administration was focused on financial reengineering to ensure that the resources of the state were properly handled by professionals for best results.

The governor assured the people of the state that their money is in safe hands.

Ahead of the November 11 governorship election, Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State has vowed to ensure no violence is recorded during the poll.

Bello assured President Bola Tinubu and the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, of a violent-free election.

Addressing APC supporters in Okene on Saturday, Bello said: “From Kogi East to Kogi West to Kogi Central, today, I am in charge.

“I am assuring you, Mr. President, I am assuring you, our National Chairman, Your Excellency, Umar Abdullahi Ghandouje, that in Kogi State, there will be no violence.

“We are going to win overwhelmingly. We have started in Kogi East. You saw the crowd. [In] Kogi West, you saw the crowd, and today Kogi Central.

“I am in charge in Kogi State. Your Excellency, your son, your loyal son, your dedicated son, your capacity son, in the name of Governor Yahaya Bello, aka the White Lion.

“I am in charge in Kogi State. Kogi people are not going to allow anybody to truncate it. We are going to follow in your footsteps. Let nobody truncate it. Kogi is won by APC. Let nobody truncate it.”

The Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike, on Thursday, disclosed that President Bola Tinubu is not just the president of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, but a leader of Nigeria.

The former Rivers State Governor stated this when APC leaders from his state, led by the National Vice Chairman of APC, South-South, Mr Victor Giadom, visited him in Abuja.

He, however, said that the president had the right to take the interests of his political party at heart while steering the country’s affairs.

He said political parties were vehicles that conveyed one to a desired destination, adding that the interests of Nigerians superseded all other interests in the mind of President Tinubu.

“Mr President, having emerged, is not a president of APC but a president of Nigeria.

“While the president is governing the country, he must also consider the interests of his political party. Nobody can stop that; it is natural,” he said.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) says delisting its candidate, Chief Timipre Sylva from the list of governorship candidates for November 11 Bayelsa governorship election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is premature.

Mr Felix Morka, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, said this in a statement in Abuja.

“The attention of the APC has been drawn to the updated list of gubernatorial candidates for the Nov. 11 governorship election in Bayelsa by INEC, which excluded our candidate’s name, Chief Timipre Sylva.

“This action by INEC may not be unconnected with the High Court judgement of October 9, which disqualified Chief Timipre Sylva as the candidate of our party.

“Our candidate and party promptly appealed that judgment and brought other processes seeking a stay of the judgment’s execution.

“Recognising the extreme urgency of the matter, the Court of Appeal granted an order of accelerated hearing of the matter now fixed for definite hearing on Friday Oct. 27,” Morka said.

He added that INEC was a party in the matter and had been served with all relevant filings and orders regarding the matter.

He said that delisting APC’s candidate in the circumstances as INEC had done was clearly premature and could preempt the outcome of the valid appeal in the matter.

He said that removing the party’s candidate from the list of governorship contestants in Bayelsa would foist a situation of helplessness on the appellate court, the candidate and the party should the appeal succeed.

Morka urged INEC to withdraw its amendment under reference in the interest of fairness.

He appealed to the people of Bayelsa, especially APC’s teeming members and supporters, to remain calm while the judicial process runs its full course.

He expressed confidence that the party’s candidate would be victorious both at the Court of Appeal and at the poll.

Justice Donatus Okorowo of the Federal High Court, Abuja, in a judgement delivered on October 9, disqualified Sylva from featuring in the November 11 governorship election.

Okorowo ruled that Sylva, having been sworn in twice and ruled for five years as governor of Bayelsa, would breach the 1999 constitution as amended if allowed to contest again.

Yoruba Nation agitator, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Igboho, has cautioned Islamic scholar, Ahmad Gumi, against his “careless” remarks and preachings.

Igboho vowed never to fold his arms and allow Gumi to heat up Nigeria’s polity through preachings capable of inciting violence in the country.

Gumi had said Christians can’t be trusted with Nigeria’s security, calling for the removal of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike.

The controversial Islamic scholar made the call following Wike’s meeting with an Israeli envoy, during which they discussed the security of Abuja.

Accusing President Bola Tinubu of appointing Southern Christians into key positions, Gumi had said the current administration might not get a second term.

Condemning Gumi’s remark, Igboho said the Sheikh was trying to re-secure his negotiation contract with bandits under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

A statement he signed reads partly: “We know Gumi’s pedigree and his antics. Before the advent of Tinubu, individuals like him should have been explaining their roles to the security agencies on the festering insurgency in the northern parts of the country.

“While we will continue to advocate for an egalitarian society, we cannot fold our arms and allow Gumi to heat up the polity through his careless, destructive and inciting statements via his preachings. Nigeria’s security as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution, must not be abused by anybody no matter how highly or lowly placed.

“We are not advocates for the Federal Government, but we remain part of critical stakeholders in Nigeria’s project, hence the need to drum sanity and decorum into the ears of anybody with traces of tendencies for religious fanaticism.

“For peace to reign supreme, it is incumbent on all and sundry to desist from any act that triggers mutual suspicion, distrust and needless crisis among Nigerians.”

The national and the 36 state assemblies workers have concluded plans to shut down their respective places of work from Wednesday, October 24.

The workers, under the auspices of the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN) said the assemblies would be locked up until their demand for financial autonomy is granted.

PASAN is demanding that the 36 state governors should commence immediate implementation of financial autonomy for state assemblies in line with the 1999 Constitution.

The workers made their decision known in separate letters sent to the Chairman, Nigerian Governors Forum; the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Chairman, Forum of Speakers.

According to the letter, signed by acting Secretary General of PASAN, Agugbue Ugochi Happiness, the workers had earlier issued a 21-day strike notice.

They argued that their decision to shut down legislative arms of government became imperative following the inability of the governors to implement the financial autonomy as provided in the constitution.

After submitting the letters, Happiness told journalists on Monday that the union had since September 18, 2023 issued the ultimatum, and the governors ignored the ultimatum till it expired.

“We refer to our letters dated 18th September, 2023 and 7th of October, 2023 on 21 days ultimatum to embark on industrial action if financial autonomy is not implemented in the State Houses of Assembly nationwide by Wednesday, October 18th 2023 and hereby inform you that the leadership of our great union has further extended the ultimatum by one week.

“We, therefore, hope that the extension would further avail ample opportunity to meet the demands of the union and avert the available industrial action.

“We hereby reiterate the union’s preparedness to direct the members to embark on the proposed strike action if its demands are not yielded to,” the letter partly read.

The Supreme Court will today (Monday) commence hearing on appeals filed by Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Mr Peter Obi of the Labour Party and the Allied Peoples Movement, APM, seeking to unseat President Bola Tinubu of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.

.ng reports that Atiku, Obi, and the APM had filed separate appeals at the apex court seeking to nullify the outcome of the February 25 presidential election after the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal upheld Tinubu’s victory.

The Supreme Court communicated the hearing date through notices sent to all the parties, last Thursday.

Atiku and Obi had faulted the verdict of the tribunal and subsequently filed appeals at the Supreme Court.

The PDP candidate also filed for permission to tender a copy of Tinubu’s academic records released by the Chicago State University, CSU, USA, which he said showed that Tinubu submitted a forged certificate to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

The former vice president is also seeking to get a Washington, D.C. court to order the FBI to release documents on President Tinubu’s $460,000 forfeiture case.

.ng recalls that Tinubu had on October 13, asked the Supreme Court to discountenance his Chicago State University academic records attached by Atiku Abubakar.

The president opined that the development was alien to the judicial proceedings in the country.

Tinubu asserted that the CSU discovery was not part of the record or the judgment of the Presidential Election Petitions Tribunal, urging the apex court not to admit it.

President Tinubu further said that Atiku had the habit of first filing a petition and afterwards hunting for evidence, noting that the former VP had exhibited that while appealing the tribunal judgment.

The president in his response to Atiku’s appeal filed by his lawyers led by Wole Olanipekun, SAN, held that the claim that his credentials contained discrepancies was merely cooked up by the PDP candidate.

.ng reports that there are concerns whether the apex court would admit fresh evidence or not.

However, a legal practitioner in Rivers State, Mathew Abakpa revealed that accepting Atiku’s fresh evidence at the Supreme Court is “legally possible”.

In a chat with .ng on Sunday, the lawyer simply said, “It is legally possible for the Supreme Court to admit the fresh evidence and I believe it will be admitted but what the Supreme Court does with the fresh evidence thereafter is entirely a different thing.”

Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in the United States of America to participate in the African Development Bank (AfDB) World Food Prize to be held in Iowa.

Stanley Nkwocha, the Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications (Office of the Vice President), disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, saying the Vice President, who is the Special Guest at the event, will also deliver the keynote address.

The event facilitated by Norman E. Borlaug International Dialogue will commence on Tuesday, October 24, 2023.

Shettima is also expected to hold high-stakes meetings with manufacturers, investors and top government officials across some states of the US.

The statement added that Shettima will use the platform to speak to the potentialities and endowments of Nigeria’s agricultural sector, woo investors and push for commitments to achieving President Bola Tinubu’s mandates and programmes for Nigeria’s agro-food sector.

The development comes as Nigeria grapples with food insecurity caused by a continued rise in food inflation, which stood at 30.64 per cent in September, and escalating insecurity.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it was faced with more than 1,000 pre-election litigations in the build-up to the 2023 general election.

INEC Director, Legal Drafting and Clearance, Mrs Oluwatoyin Babalola, said this in a presentation at a two-day capacity workshop for journalists in Akwanga, Nasarawa State.

The presentation was titled “Effects of Litigation on INEC’s Preparations for Kogi, Imo, And Bayelsa Governorship Election.”

Babalola said the pre-election litigations were borne out of primaries conducted by political parties, substitution of candidates and failure of parties to adhere to their constitution and timetable for the conduct of the election.

Pre-election litigation are matters in which the cause of action arose before the conduct of election proper, as provided for in Section 285(14) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).

She said most of the cases were borne out of lack of internal party democracy where political parties failed to adhere to their constitutions and guidelines.

Babalola said the unique nature of pre-election matters could not be overlooked as judgments in that regard were capable of negatively impacting planning, logistics, funding and certainty of participants in the conduct of the election.

She said those judgments were sometimes delivered on the eve of the election, thereby prohibiting INEC from conducting elections for certain positions and replacing candidates after the printing of ballot papers, among others.

“Beyond the impact of pre-election matters on preparation for election, the commission is sometimes ordered to withdraw the certificate of return issued to a candidate who emerged winner and issue a fresh certificate of return to a judgment creditor.

“After the 2019 general elections, the commission was ordered to issue 94 certificates of return in pre-election matters,” she said.

Babalola added that INEC had to withdraw seven Certificates of Return earlier issued and reissue the same pursuant to court orders in the 2023 general election.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced plans to grow Nigeria’s economy from $450 million Gross Domestic Product to $1 trillion in eight years.

Temitope Ajayi, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, said Tinubu disclosed this at Monday’s Federal Executive Council meeting in Abuja.

According to him, the country targets GDP growth of 7 per cent from 3.5 per cent.

He noted that Tinubu’s government had initiated a roadmap to stimulate industrial growth, especially with Small and Medium Enterprises.

“With this new commitment to the real sector, the economy is expected to see a boost in job creation and a general increase in economic indices, especially GDP growth rates, projected to move from above 3.5 per cent from 2024 to 7 per cent.

“The ambition of President Tinubu is to grow our economy from the current $ 450 billion GDP to $ 1 trillion in the next eight years.

“To actualize this, the government devised a roadmap to stimulate industrial growth, especially catalyzing SMEs growth and reviving up the entire industrial sector”, he stated.