My Blog

Category: Governance

  • Nigerian Senate Establishes 43-Member Committee for Constitution Review

    Nigerian Senate Establishes 43-Member Committee for Constitution Review

    The Nigerian Senate has taken a decisive step towards addressing the longstanding need for constitutional reform by inaugurating a 43-member committee tasked with reviewing the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    Chaired by Deputy Senate President Jibril Barau, with Senate Leader Bamidele Opeyemi serving as Vice Chairman, the committee comprises 43 Senators representing each state of the federation, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), as well as an additional six members representing the country’s geopolitical zones and all female senators of the 10th Senate.

    In his announcement, Senate President Godswill Akpabio emphasized the urgency of revisiting the 1999 constitution, highlighting the necessity for a major review to better serve the interests of Nigerians. Akpabio further directed the Deputy Senate President to engage Speakers of State Houses of Assembly in preparatory discussions prior to commencing the review process.

    During the inaugural address, Committee Chairman Jibril Barau outlined the committee’s strategic approach, emphasizing collaboration with the House of Representatives and state Houses of Assembly to achieve comprehensive results.
    Barau underscored the importance of consulting with stakeholders from diverse sectors to ensure the success of the review process, clarifying that the committee’s objective is to amend select sections of the constitution for the benefit of the Nigerian populace.

    Echoing Barau’s sentiments, Senate Leader Bamidele Opeyemi affirmed the committee’s commitment to delivering tangible outcomes, acknowledging the critical juncture in the nation’s history and assuring Nigerians that the committee’s work would not adhere to conventional practices. Opeyemi emphasized the inclusion of stakeholders from academia, political groups, and other interest groups in the committee’s deliberations.

    Additionally, lawmakers emphasized the importance of adhering to timelines and collaborating with the executive branch to ensure a holistic approach to constitutional reform. Representatives assigned to the committee from each geopolitical zone include Senator Adamu Aliero (NW), Senator Orji Kalu (SE), Senator Fadahunsi Francis (SW), Senator Bomai Muhammed (NE), Senator Barinad Mpigi (SS), and Senator Umar Sadiq Suleiman.

    The Senate review committee aims to identify pertinent sections of the constitution requiring amendment to address contemporary national challenges, with inputs solicited from various stakeholders to inform the revision process.

  • Federal High Courts embark On Easter Vacation, March 22

    Federal High Courts embark On Easter Vacation, March 22

    The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, Justice John Terhemba Tsoho, has announced that the courts will embark on Easter vacation from March 22 to 8th April 2024.

    This is Pursuant to the provisions of Order 46, Rule 4 (b) of the Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules, 2019 (as amended).

    A statement signed by the Assistant Director of Information,
    Catherine Oby Christopher,PhD.
    Assistant Director Information, indicated list of vacation judges.

    The Court resumes sitting on Tuesday, 9th April, 2024 in all Judicial Divisions.

    During the vacation period, the Abuja, Lagos and Port-Harcourt Judicial Divisions shall remain open to the public only for cases of extreme urgency.

    It is essential to stress that, during the vacation, only matters relating to enforcement of Fundamental Rights; Arrest or Release of Vessels and matters that concerns dire National Interest are to be entertained by Vacation Judges.

    The Abuja Judicial Division will cater for cases from the Federal Capital Territory, North Central, North Western, and North Eastern parts of the Country.

    The Lagos Division will cater for cases from all the South Western States, while the Port-Harcourt Judicial Division will cater for cases from all states within the South-South and South Eastern Geo-political Zones.

    The following Hon. Judges will serve as Vacation Judges:

    ABUJA JUDICIAL DIVISION: Hon. Justice I.E. Ekwo and Hon. Justice D.U. Okorowo

    LAGOS JUDICIAL DIVISION has
    Hon. Justice A.O. Awogboro and Hon. Justice Ibrahim I. Kala

    While PORT-HARCOURT JUDICIAL DIVISION has Hon. Justice A.T. Mohammed and Hon. Justice S.I. Mark as their vacation judges.

    The Vacation Judges and Heads of Divisions are as usual advised to promptly refer to the Hon. Chief Judge all matters which they believe may require His Lordship’s urgent attention and directives.

    The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, Honorable Justice John T. Tsoho, wishes his fellow lordships a wonderful vacation in advance.

  • University of Abuja, NIDCOM Partner to Enhance Migration Management

    University of Abuja, NIDCOM Partner to Enhance Migration Management

    The Vice Chancellor, University of Abuja Prof. Abdul-Rasheed Na’Allah, says, the university, through the newly established Centre for Migration Studies, is willing to partner the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) for better migration management.

    Na’Allah stated this during a visit to the Chairman/CEO,
    Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon.Abike Dabiri-Erewa, at
    the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.

    The Vice Chancellor emphasized that the visit was to foster partnership for better migration management.

    Na’Allah described the University as an institution with large impact, noting that it is the first to introduce Distance Learning in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to leverage learning opportunities for Public Servants and other Nigerians all over the country.

    “As an Institution situated in the centre of Nigeria, with over 50,000 students and also the first University the Embassies come to interact with, we are ready to partner with you on the job you do as a Commission” he added.

    The VC stated that the Centre is willing to talk to Nigerians and educate them on regular migration with information on several ways to migrate legitimately.

    In his words, “we can work on joint research, joint sensitization effort to curb migration crisis, train your staff and other possible ways to best enhance migration management”.

    Receiving the delegation on behalf of the Chairman/CEO NiDCOM, Dr. Sule Yakubu Bassi, Secretary to the Commission, welcomed the initiatives with so much enthusiasm, noting that the Commission is fully committed to better migration management.

    Bassi describes the partnership as essential, reiterating that migration is a natural phenomenon that can not be stopped but can be beneficial if properly managed.

    “Different factors such as push factor and pull factor leads to migration, what we do is to see how we can turn it into a win-win situation by encouraging those intending, to migrate regularly so they can contribute their own quota to National Development” Bassi noted.

    He further urged the university to also look at means through which the Diaspora can be encouraged to maintain ties with their homeland.

    “We engage with the over 20 million Nigerian Diaspora by enabling them with knowledge on how to engage with Nigeria. They have talents, resources, and global exposure, which can be harnessed for national development.” Bassi added.

    The Secretary elaborated how the Commission continues to attract Nigerians back home and their investments through numerous programmes guided by the National Diaspora Policy, such as Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit (NDIS), Diaspora Investment Trust Fund, Diaspora Mortgage Scheme and the National Diaspora Merit Award amongst others.

  • Niger Civil Servants Begin Indefinite Strike

    Niger Civil Servants Begin Indefinite Strike

    Civil servants in Niger State, organized under the Nigeria Labour Congress, have initiated an indefinite strike, citing the government’s failure to address their demands. 

    The strike, scheduled to commence at 8 am on Wednesday, February 21, 2024, was confirmed in a letter addressed to Governor Mohammed Bago. 

    The letter, signed by Idrees Lafene (NLC Chairman) and Ibrahim Gana (Trade Union Congress Chairman), highlighted unresolved issues, including appointments in dispute and the need for a clear statement on wage awards.
     
    The organized labour emphasized its commitment to the governor’s New Niger Agenda while expressing openness to negotiations.

    “We wish to formally inform the Government that effective 8am on Wednesday, February 21, 2024 that Niger State workers shall commence an indefinite strike action until our demands are comprehensively met.

    “Meanwhile, we wish to reiterate that our doors are open for negotiation subject to : Conveyance of formal invitation, reversal of all appointments in dispute ie, Executive Directors Finance, Executive Directors Admin and Executive Directors Operations, Chairman, members and permanent commissioners of local Government Service Commission and Civil Service Commission, Directors General DGs of some agencies

    “A clear statement by the government on payment of wage award.

    “We also wish to stress that the idea of appointing Permanent Secretaries who are not eligible and within the service will no longer be tolerated by the Organised Labour.

    “Accordingly we call on the government to withdraw the recent appointment of a Vice Principal on secondment as a Permanent Secretary to allow for career progression from within.

    “We also call on the government to desist from victimising teachers and members from the educational sector as a result of the recent debate by some primary school pupils in Agaie LGA.”

  • FG Issues Warning To Civil Servants Leaking Official Documents

    FG Issues Warning To Civil Servants Leaking Official Documents

    The Federal Government, through the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, has taken a firm stance against the increasing leakage of sensitive official documents. 

    Dr Folashade Yemi-Esan emphasized the need for permanent secretaries to expedite the transition to a digital workflow system to mitigate the embarrassment caused by these leaks.

    A stern warning was issued, stating that any civil servant caught leaking documents would face severe consequences in accordance with relevant regulations. 

    The memo tagged HCSF/3065/VI/189 reads, “It has been observed with dismay, the increase in the cases of leakage of sensitive official documents in Ministries, Departments and Agencies. This is very embarrassing to the government and therefore unacceptable.

    “As part of the efforts to curb this undesirable development, all permanent secretaries are to fast-track the migration to the digitalised workflow system, and ensure effective deployment of the Enterprise Content Management Solution,

    “This will reduce physical contact with official documents thereby checking the increasing incidence of leakage and circulation of same.

    “Furthermore, permanent secretaries are advised to strongly warn all staff against leaking and circulating official information and documents.

    “Any officer caught engaging in such unbecoming act will be severely dealt with in line with the relevant provisions of the Public Service Rules and other extant circulars.”

    This move comes in response to recent public outrage over leaked memos disclosing financial allocations and plans by government committees, prompting calls for investigations by Civil Society Organisations and organized labour.

  • House of Representatives Advances Bill on State Police to Second Reading

    House of Representatives Advances Bill on State Police to Second Reading

    In a decisive move aimed at bolstering Nigeria’s internal security, the House of Representatives has taken a significant step by passing for second reading, the State Police Reform bill.

    Spearheaded by the deputy speaker and backed by 14 other members, the proposed legislation seeks to amend the 1999 constitution to pave the way for the establishment of state police formation.

    During Tuesday’s plenary session, members of the House engaged in a robust debate on the merits of the bill. Expressing concern over the nation’s current security landscape, Kalu, standing in for Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, emphasized the paramount importance of prioritizing the safety of Nigerian citizens over political considerations.

    Babajimi Benson underscored the pressing need for a decentralized approach to law enforcement. With Nigeria’s population exceeding 200 million and a police force of fewer than 400,000 officers, Benson argued that the creation of state police forces is imperative to effectively tackle internal security challenges.

    Despite facing contention since the Seventh National Assembly, the advancement of the bill marks a notable breakthrough in the legislative process. Notably, governors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have reiterated their support for state policing, citing it as crucial for addressing the nation’s deteriorating security situation and averting a scenario akin to Venezuela’s.

    Furthermore, various regional socio-political organizations, including Afenifere, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the Middle Belt Forum, and the Northern Elders’ Forum, have thrown their weight behind the implementation of state police forces. They view it as a pragmatic solution to the escalating security challenges confronting Nigeria.

    The bill’s referral to the House Committee on Constitution Review signifies a pivotal phase in its journey through the legislative process. As Nigeria grapples with persistent security threats, the advancement of the bill underscores a growing consensus on the imperative of decentralized law enforcement to safeguard the nation and its citizens.

  • Court decides ALGON’s authentic Nat’l Chairman, April 30

    Court decides ALGON’s authentic Nat’l Chairman, April 30

    Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court Abuja, will on April 30, decide the case seeking a declaration that Akolade David Alabi is not qualified to be national chairman of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON).

    Petitioners in the suit are the Incorporated Trustees of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON), Honorable Abubakar Abdullahi and Honorable Shaban Oyinoyi Shuabu.

    Specifically, they maintained that Alabi, who was chairman of Bariga Local Council Development Area in Lagos State at the time, cannot be president of the association as Bariga is not among the country’s 774 Local Government Areas.

    The Federal Ministry of Finance, Accountant General of the Federation and Governor of Central Bank(first to third respondent), the Attorney-General of the Federation, Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Inspector General of Police, State Security Services(SSS) and Honorable Alabi Akolade David( fourth to eight respondents) are the Respondents.

    In their originating summons filed by Barrister Bartholomew Opara, they maintained that Alabi is not eligible to be ALGON chairman as he was not a local government chairman as contemplated by the 1999 Constitution, the Constitution of ALGON and a Supreme Court decision which had touched on the disput.

    He argued that Alabi had been removed by ALGON’s National Executive Council in 2019 but he keeps parading himself as chairman.

    Therefore, he prayed urged the court to affirm the removal of Alabi by NEC and perpetually restrain him from further parading as such.

    Responding, Counsel to Alabi, Wahab Shittu, in a counter affidavit and preliminary objection, urged the court to decline jurisdiction on the matter.

    At the resumed hearing on Friday, Okpara, adopted his originating summons and response to the eight defendant’s counter affidavit, asking the court to grant his prayers in the interest of justice.

    But Shittu told the court to strike out the case and dismiss the entire suit for lack of jurisdiction and for being incompetent.

    He added that the entire case rests on the constitution of ALGON and the only person that can be sued is the national president but the person sued is the national chairman.

    The court did not attend to the party seeking to be joined because of the issue of jurisdiction raised by Shittu.

    Part of his reliefs sought read,”
    “A Declaration that all the findings and resolutions of the 1st Claimant’s General Assembly convened on 30th May 2020 remain extant and binding
    on all and sundry; particularly, the resolution affirming its National
    Executive Council’s decision which removed the 8th Defendant
    as 1st Claimants National Chairman on 6th September 20I9; and the inauguration of an Interim Management Committee (IMC)
    mandated to set up an electoral committee for the conduct of a
    substantive Chairmanship election for the 1st Claimant.

    “An Order annulling or setting aside the purported General Assembly convened at the 8th Defendant’s instance on 24th March 2021, including all the activities carried out on the said date, to wit: purported resolutions arrived at, amendment of the ALGON Constitution, election /appointment of the 6th & 8th Defendants, alongside their cronies, to different offices.

    “An Order for the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th & 7th Defendants to forthwith recognise, deal and or relate with the National Chairman of the 1st Claimant, and other persons, who emerged from the election conducted by the electoral committee set up by the Interim Management Committee (IMC) as occasioned by the resolution of the general assembly convened on May 30, 2020.”

    After listening to their argument, the case was adjourned to April 30th for judgement.

  • Tinubu Approves Immediate Upgrade Of Key Health Infrastructure

    Tinubu Approves Immediate Upgrade Of Key Health Infrastructure

    President Bola Tinubu has approved the immediate upgrade of key health infrastructure and equipment across all six geo-political zones in line with his administration’s vision of overhauling the health and social welfare sector for enhanced service delivery to all Nigerians.

    Upgrading health infrastructure and equipment is a top priority of President Tinubu’s Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative. 

    To advance this landmark effort, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in collaboration with the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) will carry out the comprehensive upgradation of cancer-treatment infrastructure and other critical developments in six tertiary hospitals across several geopolitical zones, in addition to the full renovation and expansion of prior investments to improve broad-based access to high-quality healthcare in all six geo-political zones of the federation.

    The following teaching hospitals across geo-political zones have been marked for the establishment of oncology and nuclear medicine centres per facility as part of President Tinubu’s bid to ensure that world class cancer diagnosis and care is accessible across the country:

    (1) University of Benin Teaching Hospital

    (2) Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital

    (3) University of Nigeria (Nsukka) Teaching Hospital

    (4) Federal Teaching Hospital, Katsina

    (5) University of Jos Teaching Hospital

    (6) Lagos University Teaching Hospital

    The following ten critical health care service expansion projects across the fields of radiology, clinical pathology, medical and radiation oncology, and cardiac catheterization will be carried out in ten hospitals across all geo-political zones:

    (1) North-West: Reference Hospital, Kaduna — (Radiology, clinical pathology, medical and radiation oncology)

    (2) South-East: Medical Diagnostic Centre Complex, Enugu — (Radiology, clinical pathology, medical & radiation oncology)

    (3) North-West: Usman Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto — (Diagnostic and intervention radiology, clinical pathology, and cardiac catheterization)

    (4) South-West: University College Hospital, Ibadan — (Diagnostic and intervention radiology, clinical pathology, and cardiac catheterization)

    (5) South-South: University of Uyo Teaching Hospital — (Radiology and clinical pathology)

    (6) North-East: Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, Bauchi — (Radiology and clinical pathology)

    (7) South-South: Federal Medical Centre, Asaba — (Radiology and clinical pathology)

    (8) North-Central: Harmony Advanced Diagnostic Centre Complex, Ilorin — (Radiology and clinical pathology)

    (9) North-Central: Jos University Teaching Hospital — (Radiology and clinical pathology)

    (10) North-East: Federal Medical Centre, Nguru — (Radiology and clinical pathology)

  • Court orders AGF to re-open prosecution of Dele Giwa, other journalists killers…Orders FG To Ensure Safety Of Journalists

    Court orders AGF to re-open prosecution of Dele Giwa, other journalists killers…Orders FG To Ensure Safety Of Journalists

    Justice Inyang Ekwo Of Federal High Court in Abuja, Friday, ordered the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice (AGF) to re-open investigation and prosecution of those who murdered the founder of Newswatch Magazine, Dele Giwa, in 1986.

    The Incorporated Trustees of Media Rights Agenda, MRA, had dragged the AGF through the court for the enforcement of fundamental rights of media professionals to safety as guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution and African Charters on Human Rights.

    The applicant deposed an affidavit showing the names of journalists killed at different times in 1986, 1998, 1999, 2008 and 2023.

    Justice Ekwo held that the office of the AGF was under obligation to prosecute and penalize killers of media practitioners in the country.

    Recall that Dele Giwa was murdered on October 19, 1986, in his Lagos office through a letter bomb.

    Apart from Dele Giwa, the court ordered that the killings of other journalists in the discharge of their lawful duties must be investigated and perpetrators brought to book in line with the provisions of the law.

    Justice Ekwo in the judgement ordered the Federal Government to ensure adequate protection and safety of lives of journalists as enshrined in sections 33, 39 of the Constitution and Articles 4 and 9 of the African Charters on Human and Peoples Rights.

    The applicant, through its lawyer, Mojirayo Nkana, said there have been various violations of the Nigerian journalists’ right to life for several years.

    She said some journalists are still being harassed by security agencies with the AGF allegedly doing nothing about it.

    Passing his judgement on Friday, Justice Inyang Ekwo held that it is noteworthy that Nigeria ratified several international treaties regarding the protection of fundamental human rights and the country’s government is legally bound by the treaties and is obligated to enforce same.

    He said that society is better informed when there is an effective press, adding that the respondent has not denied that journalists were killed.

    “It is deemed therefore that the respondents have admitted that the persons mentioned in the affidavit were journalists who were killed,” Ekwo said.

    The judge said an extrajudicial act cannot take place without the Federal Government investigating and prosecuting them.

    The judge found that the applicant has established its case and judgement was entered in its favor.

    “I make an order directing the federal government to take measures to raise awareness and build the capacity of various stakeholders particularly journalists and other media practitioners, policymakers, law enforcement, security, intelligence, military as well as other officials on the laws and standards in ensuring the safety of journalists and media practitioners.”

  • FCT Police Arrest Notorious Kidnapper, Dahiru Adamu Whom Wike Placed N20 Million Bounty

    FCT Police Arrest Notorious Kidnapper, Dahiru Adamu Whom Wike Placed N20 Million Bounty

    The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command of the Nigeria Police has arrested a notorious kidnapper, Dahiru Adamu, who is part of the criminals terrorising Abuja and its environs.

    Adamu, whose real name is Saidu Abdulkadir, was arrested on Thursday by the FCT Police Command’s Anti-kidnapping unit when the operatives raided two kidnappers’ camps near the Nasarawa-Abuja border via Kuje area council at about 12am.

    Confirming the arrest, the FCT Police spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, in a statement on Friday, said on sighting the police, the criminals opened fire but were overpowered by the superior firepower of the Police.

    Adeh added that one Habu Yakubu and Isufu Abubakar, earlier abducted from Kwaita village via Pegi district of Kuje area council, were rescued unhurt during the process.

    The arrested suspect is the gang leader and one of the wanted suspects of the kidnapping syndicate paraded by the Police Command on 14th February, 2024.

    Adeh said: “Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect masterminded the kidnap and killing of one Mr Sunday Yahaya Zakwai, the district head of Ketti village.

    “While effort is till ongoing to apprehend the other wanted suspects on the run, the Commissioner of Police FCT, CP Benneth C. Igweh psc, mni, wishes to reassure criminals in FCT that there is no hiding place for them. He equally urges residents to report suspicious activities through the following emergency lines ; 08032003913, 08061581938, 07057337653, and 08028940883; PCB: 09022222352.”

    The arrest comes a few hours after the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, announced a 20 million naira reward for the capture of the kidnapper.