President Bola Tinubu has directed the immediate release of minors detained in connection with the #EndBadGovernance protests.
The order, which aims to reunite these young individuals with their families, was announced by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, during a press briefing on Monday.
Under the President’s instruction, Attorney-General of the Federation Lateef Fagbemi is set to lead efforts to secure the minors’ release.
In apparent face-saving measure, a committee has been established to investigate the circumstances of their arrest and detention, with plans to hold accountable any law enforcement officials involved in improper actions.
The directive comes in response to rising public concern, including appeals from the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), which recently condemned the treason trial of detained minors and called for their unconditional release.
The ACF criticized the proceedings as inappropriate, especially given the youths’ participation in the peaceful protests held in August.
The Nigerian government is advancing with a range of economic reforms initiated by President Bola Tinubu, according to Finance Minister Wale Edun.
During a ceremony in Abuja welcoming Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite as the new Minister of State for Finance, Edun emphasized that recent policy changes, such as fuel subsidy removal and a flexible foreign exchange system are designed to reshape Nigeria’s economic landscape.
These reforms mark a pivotal shift aimed at increasing the nation’s appeal to investors, which in turn is expected to boost productivity, drive GDP growth, create jobs, and reduce poverty.
The policies address longstanding economic issues that past administrations hesitated to tackle, aligning prices with market realities to strengthen the economy’s foundation.
Edun expressed optimism about Dr. Uzoka-Anite’s appointment, citing her expertise and dedication as valuable assets to the Finance Ministry’s mission.
This collaboration, he noted, would bring cohesion in achieving the administration’s economic vision.
Dr. Uzoka-Anite shared her commitment to aiding these efforts, acknowledging the significant responsibilities she now undertakes in building Nigeria’s financial stability.
With the Finance Ministry’s strengthened team, the government is poised to continue these strategic economic adjustments, anticipating sustained progress for the benefit of Nigerians nationwide.
The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has countered reports suggesting it detained minors involved in recent #EndBadGovernance protests within adult custodial facilities in Abuja.
Following the protests, 76 individuals were arraigned, with the court ordering separate detention for underage defendants in a juvenile center and adult detainees in standard facilities.
Speculations surfaced that the Kuje Correctional Centre lacked juvenile-specific accommodations, raising concerns over possible mixed detentions.
NCoS responded, clarifying that its policies and the Nigerian Correctional Service Act 2019 strictly prevent juveniles from being housed alongside adults.
It further stated that overcrowded facilities have the authority to reject new inmates, ensuring adherence to proper procedures.
The NCoS urged the public to disregard misinformation, emphasizing its ongoing commitment to best practices and the protection of detainees’ rights.
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has alleged the collapse of six suspects arraigned with 70 other individuals on charges including terrorism, arson, and treasonable felony was deliberate and scripted to draw negative media attention.
It however said medical aid was promptly provided to them, demonstrating the Police Force’s commitment to the welfare of those in its custody, irrespective of the allegations they face.
This was contained in a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, on Friday, November 1.
The statement reads: “The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has recently arraigned 76 individuals in court on charges including terrorism, arson, and treasonable felony.
These serious allegations encompass offenses such as the destruction of public property and threats to national security.
In managing the detention and arraignment of these suspects, the NPF has rigorously adhered to legal provisions to ensure fairness and accountability under the rule of law.”
The suspects were initially presented in court, where they were formally charged, and a remand order was issued by the court.
Throughout this process, the Police have worked to balance justice with compassion, ensuring that each suspect’s basic rights and privileges are respected, including access to medical care and other necessary provisions.
“Today, an unexpected incident in court saw six of the suspects suddenly rush out and faint, drawing media attention in a deliberate and scripted manner to draw negative attention.
Medical aid was promptly provided to these individuals, demonstrating the Police Force’s commitment to the welfare of those in its custody, irrespective of the allegations they face.
“While committed to upholding justice, the Nigeria Police Force remains sensitive to the rights of all individuals, including young persons.
Under Nigerian law, individuals who have reached the age of criminal responsibility are answerable for their actions, regardless of their age.
“This principle aligns with global practices, where accountability is upheld for young individuals who commit serious offenses.
As seen in other jurisdictions, including the United Kingdom, age does not exempt individuals from facing legal consequences.
However, each case is approached with empathy and in accordance with human rights standards.”
On Friday, 76 suspects, primarily minors showing signs of malnutrition, were arraigned related to the #EndBadGovernance protest.
Six of them collapsed and were quickly taken out of the courtroom. After their arraignment, the court granted bail to each minor at N10 million.
There was a mild drama on Friday when one of the suspects brought before the Federal High Court in Abuja over the recent #EndBadGovernance protests fainted in court.
seventy-five suspects, aged between twelve and fifteen years of age, were brought by the Police before Justice Obiora Egwuatu on a 10-count charge in relation to their participation in the protest.
The suspects, who were allegedly arrested on August 3rd and have since been in detention, are accused of attempting to overthrow the government of President Bola Tinubu by participating in the nationwide protest.
However, when they were arraigned in court on Friday, one of the suspects fainted, which made Justice Egwuatu rise abruptly.
The development caused panic in the courtroom, with some background voices questioning why such young children should be arraigned in court. The other children were also seen shivering in fear with tears in their eyes.
The House of Representatives has advanced a bill to its second reading, aiming to mandate the inclusion of specific portfolios in the nomination lists for Ministers and Commissioners submitted by the President and State Governors.
Leading the debate, Okechukwu Dibiagwu highlighted that attaching portfolios to nominees would allow lawmakers in the national and state assemblies to conduct more effective and targeted scrutiny during confirmation processes.
In related developments, a separate bill proposing an extension of the retirement age for health workers across Nigeria has also progressed to its second reading.
This bill could bring significant changes to the healthcare workforce by retaining experienced health personnel in service for extended periods.
A brief update on this was shared by the Nigerian Television Authority on its X account on Friday.
It read, “The House of Representatives has passed for second reading a bill seeking mandatory inclusion of portfolios in the nomination list of Ministers and Commissioners by the President or State Governors.
“In his lead debate, Sponsor of the Bill Representative Okechukwu Dibiagwu argued that attaching portfolios to the list of nominations for ministerial positions will enhance thorough scrutiny of nominees by lawmakers at the national and state assemblies.
“Another bill proposing an extension of the retirement age of health workers in Nigeria also scaled second reading.”
President Bola Tinubu, Thursday in Abuja, said the cordial relations enjoyed between Nigeria, Republic of France, People’s Republic of China, and Kingdom of Denmark over many years should translate into mutual economic benefits for citizens.
He listed education, health and infrastructure as key sectors that require special focus for mutual benefit.
The President made the remarks while hosting the diplomats at the Aso Rock State House while presenting their Letters of Credence.
The ambassadors who presented their letters at a brief ceremony at the State House were Marc Fonbaustier of the French Republic; Ambassador of Kingdom of Denmark, Jens Ole Bach Hansen, and Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China, Yu Dunhai.
President Tinubu, who is scheduled to pay a state visit to France, told the French Ambassador that his friendship with Emmanuel Macron, and the diplomatic ties between both countries, should be felt by citizens.
He urged for French support for the ongoing reforms in the country, which seeks to strengthen institutions and improve livelihood of citizens.
“Macron has been a good friend over many years, and I am looking forward to the State Visit in Paris to solidify our relationship, and ensure that our citizens also share in the gains of diplomacy between both countries, President Tinubu enthused.
Adding, he said, “I am happy you are not a stranger in Africa from your background. Nigeria is the biggest country on the continent, and the headquarters of ECOWAS is based here. We have an open door policy, and we want your investors to take advantage of it.
“Our collaboration is essential for Africa, ECOWAS and Nigeria. You can always get in touch through Ministry of Foreign Affairs, or the Chief of Staff to the President,’’ the President emphasized.
In a press statement, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy reported the French Ambassador as replying , “Mr. President, I must praise and express my admiration for your achievements. You have taken a bold step in developing the country, and I encourage you to stand, and do the right thing for Nigeria.’’
Mr. Onanuga stated that, “In a meeting with Chinese Ambassador, President Tinubu appreciated the President of the Republic of China, Xi Jinping, for hosting him during his State visit to Beijing, and participation in the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). He urged the envoy to work hard with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to translate the agreements signed into reality.”
To the Danish Ambassador, Mr. Onanuga reported the President as saying, “Your country is known for promotion of democratic values and human rights and we are ready to collaborate with you. We have seen your engagements in the energy sector in your country, and around the world, and we will like to benefit from that.
“We are interested in education, Medicare and areas that directly impact the livelihood of our people. We have seen the progress of the APM terminal in Lagos, a company from the kingdom of Denmark. Nigeria is good for business, and we want to continue to promote that aspect.’’
In reply, the “Danish ambassador said his country has evolved a new strategy to improve relations with Africa, and Nigeria will play a central role in the implementation, considering its size and influence on the continent.
“We recognize your influence globally and regionally, and we will continue to cooperate and expand relations with Nigeria, especially in areas of trade and economy,’’ the ambassador added.
The Senate has reconstituted its Ad hoc Committee to Investigate Alleged Economic Sabotage in the Nigerian Petroleum Industry contrary to reports that some stakeholders were working to stop the oil probe.
The upper chamber also communicated the decision to reconstitute to the House of Representatives with a view to conducting a more holistic investigation that would sanitise the petroleum industry.
At a session presided by the Deputy President, Senator Barau Jubrin, announced these decisions yesterday after the Leader of the Senate/Chairman of the Ad-hoc Committee, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele sponsored a motion on the need for the two chambers to jointly conduct the oil probe.
In his motion yesterday, Bamidele observed that the House of Representatives had debated on the same subject and also constituted its ad-hoc committee to investigate it.
He observed that there “is need for the Ad-hoc Committees of the two chambers to work together to avoid duplication in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities.”
He further called for the committee to be reconstituted and be named as “National Assembly Joint Ad-hoc Committee to Investigate Alleged Economic Sabotage in the Nigerian Petroleum Industry”.
After Bamidele’s presentation, the Senate recaptioned the title to “National Assembly Joint Ad-hoc Committee to Investigate Alleged Economic Sabotage in the Nigerian Petroleum Industry”.
The upper chamber also resolved “to communicate its decision to the House of Representatives for the purpose of constituting the equal number of an ad-hoc committee that will working with the Senate.”
While Senator Opeyemi Bamidele will still chair the National Assembly Joint Ad-hoc Committee to Investigate Alleged Economic Sabotage, its members include Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, Senator Yahaya Abdullahi; Senator Mohammed Monguno and Senator Solomon Olamilekan.
Other members include: Senator Plang Diket, Senator Ipalibo Banigo; Senator Khabeeb Mustapha; Senator Adams Oshiomhole; Senator Williams Eteng Jonah; Senator Adetokunbo Abiru; Senator Osita Izunaso; Senator Sahabi Ya’u; Senator Ahmed Abdul Ningi and Senator Suleiman A. Kawu.
The lawmakers agreed further that the resolution of the Senate be communicated to the House of Representatives, following which the Joint Ad-hoc Committee will be inaugurated by the presiding officers of both chamber
The Senate had on Wednesday, 3rd July 2024 debated a motion on the urgent need to investigate the Importation of Hazardous Petroleum Products and Dumping of Substandard Diesel into Nigeria moved by Sen. Asuquo Ekpenyong (Cross River North).
The Senate had on Thursday, 11th July 2024 recaptioned the title of the Ad-hoc Committee to Ad-hoc Committee to Investigate Alleged Economic Sabotage in the Nigerian Petroleum Industry.
After holding meetings with key stakeholders in the petroleum sector, the Bamidele Committee put its activities on hold with conducting a joint session with the lower chamber and providing workable antidotes to a myriad of challenges in the industry.
The National Assembly Thursday stepped up the war against drug abuse and trafficking by seeking for inclusion of parents in the battle.
Call for parents’ inclusion in the war by the National Assembly came from its joint committee on Drugs and Narcotics during one day sensitization programme organised in collaboration with National Association of Nigerian Drugs Monitoring ( NANDRUM).
In his speech at the event themed : ” Parents Inclusion in the Fight Against Drug Abuse and Reckless Behaviours “, the President of the Senate and Chairman of the National Assembly , Godswill Akpabio, said involvement of parents in the fight very necessary and critical .
Akpabio who was represented by the Deputy Leader of the Senate , Senator Lola Ashiru , said the epidemic of drug abuse and trafficking, should be tackled right from the home fronts led by Parents.
” Getting parents involved in the fight against drug abuse is taking the battle to the basis and tackling the menace right from the home front since those indulging in it, come from different homes before hitting the streets as drug addicts or traffickers .
” The theme of today’s sensitization programme on the dangers of drugs abuse , is very apt and very necessary for effective fight against the menace of drug abuse .
“The fight against drugs abuse is indeed , a fight for our posterity requiring parents to be on the front lines being the guiding force in their Children’s lives .
” I urge all parents to take up this mantle of responsibility with unwavering determination sice the greatest gift any parent can give to Children is not riches but the spirit of adventure, the virtue of integrity and the gift of courage .
” Let us equip our children with the required tools they need to navigate life ‘s challenges without falling victim to the perils of drug abuse “, he said .
In his remarks , on behalf of Chairmen , Senate and House of Representatives Committee on Drugs and Narcotics , Mallam Isa Garba , said the sensitization programme was collaboratively organized to step up the fight against drug abuse .
Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, says the Nigeria Police and the Department of State Services will give security clearance to commercial vehicle drivers in the nation’s capital, effective from January 2025.
Speaking at the FCT Renewed Hope Youth Empowerment Programme in Abuja on Thursday, Wike stated that the move is to curtail kidnapping and cases of ‘one-chance’ robbery in Abuja.
The minister disclosed that any commercial bus or taxi driver who is not cleared by the security agencies will not be allowed to operate with the FCT.
He said, “Most of the Keke Napep and most of the motorcycles are informants. Everybody here who is a beneficiary is being profiled by security.
“And so what we are coming up with is that from January next year, there will be nobody that will operate as a taxi driver or a bus driver without having approval from security, with security profiling you and without going about with Abuja colour. Nothing like using any vehicle on the road. No, we won’t allow that. We won’t allow that starting in January.
“We will take the vehicle number, the names of the drivers, and the rest so everybody will have confidence that this is the vehicle I’m entering in case anything happens.”
Wike also handed over some new cars to beneficiaries to use as taxis. He encouraged the beneficiaries not to be ashamed that they are being empowered to be taxi drivers.
The minister stated that many Nigerians who reject taxi driving jobs at home gladly embrace such when they travel abroad.
“They are not paying a dime. No, the government is saying this is our support to feed your family and reduce the cost of transportation in the city… Abuja should compete with other cities in the world,” he said.
