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Category: Governance

  • Nigeria’s Economic Decisions Beginning to Pay Off, Says FG

    Nigeria’s Economic Decisions Beginning to Pay Off, Says FG

    The Federal Government has expressed optimism about the positive effects of its tough economic decisions, citing recent growth in Nigeria’s GDP as a sign of progress.

     Vice President Kashim Shettima made the statement during the National Economic Council’s (NEC) 147th meeting in Abuja on December 13, 2024.

     He noted that the 3.46% GDP growth reported for the third quarter of 2024 was an indication of better economic times ahead. 

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    Shettima acknowledged the contributions of the Council’s members and urged them to prepare for the coming year, taking into account how this year’s policies and projects have shaped the nation’s economic trajectory. 

    He emphasized that, despite the challenges, the government’s reforms are starting to show results.

    In addition, the meeting included a discussion on the World Bank’s Economic Report, which highlighted efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s education and healthcare sectors. 

    Shettima pointed out that these initiatives aim to improve human capital, reduce inequalities, and better equip the workforce to thrive globally.

  • Legal Battle Begins Over CCT Chair’s Removal

    Legal Battle Begins Over CCT Chair’s Removal

    Two civil society groups and a lawyer have filed a lawsuit challenging the removal of Justice Danladi Umar as Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT). 

    The case, submitted to the Federal High Court in Abuja, named President Bola Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and other officials as defendants.  

    The plaintiffs claimed the National Assembly’s decision to remove Umar violated constitutional provisions. 

    They sought to block the implementation of the Senate and House of Representatives’ resolution and prevent the president from acting on it. 

    The legal team argued that the process lacked due process and contradicts the 1999 Constitution and the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act.  

    The court, presided over by Justice James Omotosho, has directed that notices be served through alternative means and set January 14, 2025, for the hearing. 

  • Tinubu to Unveil N47 Trillion 2025 Budget Next Week

    Tinubu to Unveil N47 Trillion 2025 Budget Next Week

    In further of yearly ritual, President Bola Tinubu is set to present the 2025 budget to the National Assembly on December 17, 2024.

     This announcement was made by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during a plenary session on Thursday.

    The 2025 budget, totaling N47.9 trillion, is expected to be the largest in Nigeria’s history. 

    The presentation will take place at the House of Representatives Chamber. 

    ALSO READ: How Nigerian Lawmakers Padded 2024 Budget With Over N53billion Vague Projects

    Lawmakers recently reviewed and submitted the government’s medium-term expenditure framework (MTEF), which underpins the budget figures. 

    Key assumptions in the plan include a $75 oil price per barrel, a daily oil production target of 2.06 million barrels, and an exchange rate of N1,400 to $1.

     The document also projects a GDP growth rate of 6.4%. The Senate Committee on Finance is tasked with reviewing the MTEF/FSP and providing a report within one week.

    Budget making in Nigeria of recent has been characterized by a lot of subterfuge and shenanigan employed by politicians to steal public fund.

    Experts observe that, through what the legislators referred as budget padding, vague project items are infused into the budget to enable both legislators and the executive to commit the heist of public fund.

  • INEC Suggests Change to Voter Accreditation for 2027 Elections

    INEC Suggests Change to Voter Accreditation for 2027 Elections

    Despite informed counsel that what it needs is attitudinal change rather than technological adaptation, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) recommends altering the current system of voter accreditation for the 2027 elections. 

    The proposal focuses on expanding options beyond the Permanent Voter Card (PVC) by allowing computer-generated slips or downloadable credentials from INEC’s website to verify voters on Election Day.

    The Election Management Body insists that this suggestion follows lessons learned from the 2023 general election and subsequent polls. INEC hopes to reduce costs and prevent the manipulation of PVCs, a common tactic used to disenfranchise voters. 

    The change could also streamline the accreditation process, making it easier for citizens to vote.

    Meanwhile, observers of the Nigerian electoral system advise that what both politicians and INEC officials required was deliberate attitudinal change or character reformation to enable actors to subordinate themselves to the rule and laws governing the game.

    INEC plans to present its recommendations to the Nigerian Senate and House of Representatives in the coming months as part of broader efforts to reform the country’s electoral system. 

    The commission has outlined numerous areas for improvement, including voter management, election security, and the use of technology in voting.

  • House of Reps Advances Bill to Amend ICPC Act

    House of Reps Advances Bill to Amend ICPC Act

    Part of the amendment, when approved would require a convicted looter of public fund to undergo mandatory counselling to tackle mental attitudes that predispose some public officials to obscene accumulation of illicit wealth, hoping that such measure may help to curb corruption at its root.

    The bill which will aim to revise the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000, has passed its second reading in the House of Representatives.

     Sponsored by Hon. Akiolu Moshood Kayode of Lagos Island, the proposed amendment focuses on introducing mandatory counselling and training for those convicted of corruption-related offences.

    During the debate, Kayode explained that the bill seeks to update Section 67 of the law by adding new provisions. 

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    These would require judges and magistrates, in addition to sentencing offenders to prison or fines, to mandate a period of anti-corruption counselling and training.

    The bill aims to address the link between mental attitudes and the accumulation of illicit wealth, proposing that such measures will help curb corruption at its root.

    In another matter, the House also agreed to probe the activities of Nigeria Customs Service officers after allegations surfaced involving smuggling.

     This came after a motion was raised by Rep. Oluwaseun Whingan, who cited an incident in Badagry, Lagos, where a journalist was assaulted while filming in a suspected smuggling area. 

    Smugglers beat a Journalist to stupor in Badagry, Lagos, State

    The investigation will focus on the legal framework of the Nigerian Customs Service and its officers’ conduct. 

    The motion has been referred to the Committee on Customs and Excise.

  • Reps Push for Urgent Action on Cash Scarcity  

    Reps Push for Urgent Action on Cash Scarcity  

    Even as analysts wonder if this was some way of combating spiraling inflation by cutting currency in circulation, the national assembly has urged the Central Bank of Nigeria to take urgent steps to curtail biting cash scarcity.

    To be precise, the House of Representatives, yesterday called on the apex bank to take swift action to alleviate the growing economic burden on citizens.  

    During a plenary session, lawmakers emphasized the disruptive effects of the crisis, which has hindered access to funds for daily transactions, leaving many Nigerians stranded. 

    PLEASE READ: Shettima Knocks Badenoch for Nigeria Comment

    Rural communities, particularly reliant on cash transactions, have been hardest hit, as they lack alternatives like digital payments.  

    The current situation stems from a 2022 CBN directive limiting cash withdrawals to N500,000 for individuals and N5 million for corporate entities. 

    Bank customers queue for cash

    Despite this policy, banks reportedly cap withdrawals at much lower amounts or fail to disburse cash entirely.

    Meanwhile, Point of Sale (POS) operators seem to have unrestricted access to cash, often reselling it at inflated rates.  

    Lawmakers voiced concerns about the disconnect between commercial banks and POS agents and called for immediate intervention to prevent the situation from escalating, especially with the festive season approaching.  

    To address the issue, the House has tasked its Committee on Banking Regulations with investigating the cash shortage and reporting back within a week, while directing the CBN to resolve the scarcity urgently.

  • Shettima knocks Badenoch for Nigeria Comment

    Shettima knocks Badenoch for Nigeria Comment

    “She is entitled to her own opinions; she has even every right to remove the Kemi from her name, but that does not underscore the fact that the greatest black nation on earth is the nation called Nigeria.”

    The Nigerian Vice President, Kashim Shettima however thinks that considering her exalted position as the leader of the UK Conservative Party, Ms. Badenoch shall have been more measured in her comments and not be so disrespectful to Nigeria.

     Badenoch, who has Nigerian heritage, recently advocated for stricter immigration measures, citing concerns over the strain on public services and societal balance.  

    Speaking at the Annual Migration Dialogue in Abuja, Shettima addressed her stance, acknowledging her success while rejecting her portrayal of Nigeria.

     He noted Nigeria’s global significance, emphasizing its growing population and influence.  

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    Badenoch’s previous remarks about her childhood in Nigeria have also drawn attention. 

    She described facing corruption and hardship before migrating to the UK, where she pursued better opportunities.

    While her narrative highlights challenges in Nigeria, Shettima countered by defending the nation’s resilience and potential.

    He said: “Kemi Badenoch, is the leader of the British Labour or Conservative Party. We are proud of her in spite of her efforts at denigrating her nation of origin.

    “She is entitled to her own opinions; she has even every right to remove the Kemi from her name, but that does not underscore the fact that the greatest black nation on earth is the nation called Nigeria.

    “One out of every three, four black men is a Nigerian and by 2050, Nigeria will support the United States, will be the third most populous nation on earth.”

    It must be noted however, that Ms. Badenoch is not the first highly placed Nigerian yo make such uncomplimentary remark about the country.

    Shettima’s principal, President Bola Tinubu is also recorded to have made a remark in the past that he did not believe in one Nigeria.

  • Illegal Bunkering: Court Orders Interim Forfeiture of Suspected Proceeds of Crime

    Illegal Bunkering: Court Orders Interim Forfeiture of Suspected Proceeds of Crime

    The Federal High Court in Abuja has issued an Order of Interim Forfeiture for properties suspected to be linked to unlawful activities, including illegal bunkering.

     The order, under Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1488/2024, was granted on November 29, 2024, by Hon. Justice Nkeonye Evelyn Maha.

    According to the Nigeria Police Force, the properties, which include several vehicles and equipment, were allegedly used in facilitating criminal activities. 

    Among the forfeited items are multiple Toyota Camry vehicles, a Man Diesel truck, and other assets recovered from locations across Nigeria. 

    Details of the forfeited properties, including their registration numbers and recovery locations, were published as part of the court directive.

    The interim forfeiture was requested by the Inspector General of Police’s Special Taskforce on Petroleum and Illegal Bunkering.

     The task force is investigating claims that the assets are proceeds of unlawful activities or were used in the commission of such crimes.

    The court order allows any individual or entity with a vested interest in the properties to appear in court to prove why the forfeiture should not be made permanent. 

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    Interested parties have been advised to present their claims before the court within the stipulated period. 

    Failure to do so will result in the permanent transfer of the properties to the Federal Government.

    This development is part of ongoing efforts by the Nigeria Police Force and other agencies to clamp down on illegal oil activities and ensure accountability for crimes against the nation’s economy.

    The Nigeria Police Force has urged the public to report suspicious activities and promised transparency in the process.

    The Force Headquarters reiterated its commitment to upholding the rule of law and emphasized that all actions are taken in accordance with court orders and due process.

  • Farotimi brought to court in handcuffs, granted bail

    Farotimi brought to court in handcuffs, granted bail

    To the consternation of lawyers and others of the human rights community, Dele Farotimi was brought to court today in handcuffs as the Ekiti State High Court granted bail at the sum of ₦50 million. 

    The conditions for bail include a surety with the same sum and ownership of a landed property. 

    The Ekiti State High Court has approved bail for human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi, setting the amount at ₦50 million. 

    The conditions for bail include a surety with the same sum and ownership of a landed property.  

    Reacting to Farotimi’s court appearance, activist lawyer, Deji Adeyanju posted on X, “Shame on everyone involved in this embarrassment to the legal profession.

    “A lawyer in handcuffs over defamation, not armed robbery, kidnapping or any crime.

    “No wonder they abducted Dele Farotimi and took him to where Baba Afe Babalola is king, Ekiti.”

    The case, linked to a defamation suit brought by Chief Afe Babalola, claims Farotimi’s book, Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System, damaged his reputation.  

    Another human rights lawyer, Inibehe Effiong wonders why Farotimi had to be brought to court in handcuffs when he is neither violent nor resisted being taken to court.

    “Dele Farotimi is a political prisoner and will come out stronger,” he concluded.

    Farotimi’s arrest by the Ekiti Police sparked reactions from civil right groups and the Nigerian Bar Association.

     Many criticized the move, describing it as a threat to freedom of expression and justice.

    The case will continue on January 29, 2025.

    Babalola, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, claims Farotimi’s book, Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System, damaged his reputation.

  • NNPCL 2024 Recruitment: Candidates Ready for Interview Stage   

    NNPCL 2024 Recruitment: Candidates Ready for Interview Stage   

    The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) has advanced its 2024 recruitment process to the interview stage after completing the Computer-Based Test (CBT).

     The recruitment drive covers Graduate Trainee and Experienced roles, with successful candidates now receiving interview invitations via email.  

    The interviews will be conducted at NNPCL’s corporate headquarters in Abuja, with specific details about schedules and requirements to follow.

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     The organization emphasized that its recruitment process is grounded in fairness, assessing candidates based solely on qualifications and skills.  

    Applicants are advised to monitor their emails for updates and prepare adequately for the interviews to secure their positions in the next phase of the recruitment.