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Category: Governance

  • President Tinubu Directs Inclusion of National Pledge at Official Events

    President Tinubu Directs Inclusion of National Pledge at Official Events

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has mandated the recitation of the National Pledge following the National Anthem during official and public engagements.

    The directive was issued during his address at the groundbreaking ceremony of the 3,112 housing-unit Renewed Hope City in Karsana, Abuja, on Thursday.

    President Tinubu emphasized the importance of reaffirming commitment to the values, greatness, and hope of the nation. 

    He stated, “It is our pledge to Nigeria, our country, to be faithful, loyal, and honest. To serve Nigeria with all your strength – we saw it on the field of play yesterday. We were all rejoicing.”

    The President highlighted the positive and hopeful mindset, expressing confidence that Nigeria will excel despite challenges. 

    He concluded, “We will defend our unity and uphold Nigeria’s glory in every way possible because we are Nigerians, and we have no other country.”

  • NLC Declares Nationwide Strike

    After an extended vacation in both Lagos and Paris, France, it seems the party is over for President Bola Tinubu as the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) have sent a notice of a 14-day national strike to the federal government.

    The unions said that the 16-point agreement that was reached on October 2, 2023, between them and the federal government, has not been implemented.

    The national leadership of the TUC and NLC expressed sadness that the government appears indifferent to the widespread suffering and adversity in the nation, despite their attempts to maintain industrial peace.

    The unions in a statement said: “The October 2nd agreement was focused on addressing the massive suffering and the general harsh socioeconomic consequences of the ill-conceived and ill-executed IMF/World Bank-induced hike in the price of PMS and the devaluation of the naira. These dual policies have had, as we predicted, dire economic consequences for the masses and workers of Nigeria.”

    They further lamented: “It is regrettable that we are compelled to resort to such measures, but the persistent neglect of the welfare of citizens and Nigerian workers and the massive hardship leave us with no choice.

    “Constrained by this development and recognising the urgency of the situation and the imperative of ensuring the protection and defence of the rights and dignity of Nigerian workers and citizens, the NLC and TUC hereby issue a stern ultimatum to the Federal Government to honour their part of the understanding within 14 days from tomorrow, the 9th day of February 2024.”

  • State of the Nation: Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum Calls for Urgent Action

    State of the Nation: Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum Calls for Urgent Action

    Worried by the growing spate of insecurity and mass suffering that is largely caused by recent economic policies of government, the Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF) have called on president Bola Tinubu to take urgent steps to stem the slide into anarchy.

    Rising from their meeting convened in Abuja on wednesday, the group also reminded the president of what they referred to as his democratic posture and urged him to commence measures aimed at reconstructing the polity.

    The meeting chaired by Chief Dr. Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, OFR, CON, saw the participation of prominent figures including Chief Ayo Adebanjo of Afenifere, Chief Engr (Dr) Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, President General, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Dr. Pogu Bitrus of the Middle Belt Forum (MBF) and Senator Emmanuel Ibok Essien, National Chairman of PANDEF, among others.

    Discussions at the meeting centred primarily on the state of the Nigerian nation, the national economy, and the escalating insecurity plaguing various regions of the country.

    The leaders expressed deep concern over the continued fracture and retrogression of the nation due to what they termed as a faulty federal system.

    Specifically, the SMBLF called upon President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to demonstrate leadership in championing the cause of true federalism, citing his past advocacy efforts in this regard.

    They urged President Tinubu to initiate the process of constitutional amendment by implementing both the 2014 National Conference Report and the El Rufai Committee Report on True Federalism of 2018.

    While addressing the rising insecurity, the forum noted with alarm the pervasive threat posed by terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, and other criminal elements across the country. They decried the deteriorating security situation in states such as Plateau, Ekiti, Kwara, Kogi, Benue, and the FCT, calling on the federal government to take decisive action to safeguard citizens’ lives and property.

    Furthermore, the SMBLF emphasized the urgent need for a comprehensive overhaul of the country’s security architecture, advocating for increased federal government support for state and community policing efforts, condemneding the recent formation of an ethnic militia by Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore in Nasarawa State, stating that the action could escalate ethnic tensions and undermine national unity.

    On the economic front, the forum highlighted the worsening poverty levels in the country, which they described as a significant threat to the federation’s stability. They called on President Tinubu and his administration to devise practical solutions to address the economic challenges facing Nigerians, particularly in light of the steep depreciation of the Nigerian Naira.

    Additionally, the SMBLF addressed the situation of Nnamdi Kanu, condemning his continued incarceration and its implications for peace and security in the Southeast. They urged President Tinubu to uphold the rule of law and ensure the obedience of all court rulings concerning Kanu’s case.

    The forum also expressed concerns about the political situation in Rivers State, urging President Tinubu to review decisions to ensure compliance with the constitution and foster lasting peace in the state.

    Finally, the SMBLF discussed recent developments in neighboring West African countries, calling on President Tinubu to take proactive steps to promote unity and welfare within the region.

    In conclusion, the Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum reiterated its commitment to national unity, peace, equity, fairness, and justice, underscoring the importance of addressing these critical issues for the nation’s progress.

  • Suit seeking to compel PDP to hold NEC meeting adjourned till March 4…Grants order of substituted service

    Suit seeking to compel PDP to hold NEC meeting adjourned till March 4…Grants order of substituted service

    By Vivian Michael Abuja

    The Federal High Court, Abuja on Thursday, adjourned till March 4, the case seeking an order directing the Ogun State People’s Democratic Party (PDP) leadership to hold the meeting of the National Executive Committee (NEC) for the purpose of presenting the activities of the party from the date of the last NEC meeting held on September 8, 2022.

    The suit filed by a former governorship candidate of the party, Otumba Segun Sowunmi, has the PDP, its National Chairman, Umar Illiya Damagun, National Secretary, Sen Samuel Anyanwu, National Organizing Secretary, Capt Umar Nature, National Auditor, Okechukwu Daniel, National treasurer, Hon. Ahmed Mohammed Yayari, Youth leader, Mohammed Suleimane Kadade and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as 1st to 8th defendants.

    At the resumed trial, Thursday, counsel to the plaintiff, Anderson Asemota told the court that he could not serve the 2nd to 7th defendants in the matter with the processes of the court because all efforts to serve them proved abortive, but had
    served the 1st and 8th defendants (the PDP and INEC) with the court processes.

    He said, he has filed a motion seeking to serve the court processes on the 2nd to 7th defendants through substituted means.

    The trial judge, Justice Mobolaji Olajuwon granted the plaintiff’s request for an order of substituted service of court processes on the 2nd to 7th defendants and adjourned the matter till March 21 for hearing.

    Sowunmi is praying the court for an order, directing the 1st to 7th defendants to call a NEC meeting of the PDP for the purpose of presenting the proposed guidelines and regulations governing the conduct of elections to the party offices at all levels and procedures for selecting party candidates for elective offices to the members of the NEC.

    He is also seeking an order of perpetual injunction restraining the 2nd to 8th defendants by themselves or their servants, agents or privies from functioning or continue to function or discharge the functions of their offices until they call for or cause to be called and held meeting of the PDP’s NEC in total fidelity and obeisance of the party’s constitution.

    The plaintiff wants the court to declare that by virtue of the provisions of Article 31(2)(d), 4 and 5 of the PDP constitution (as amended in 2017), he, as spokesman of the party during the last election is obligated and/or entitled to file the suit to give effect to the aims and objectives of the PDP and to ensure that the provisions of Article 7 of the PDP constitution are observed and respected by members and national officers.

    “A declaration that under and by virtue of the provisions of Article 31 (2)(4) and (5) of the PDP constitution and Section 82(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022, the 1st to 7th defendants are obligated to call or cause to be called and held quarterly or at the request of one-third of members of NEC of the PDP, the meeting of the NEC of the PDP at which the 1st to 7th defendants shall be present quarterly financial reports or income and expenditure of the party to the members of the NEC.

    “A declaration that, under and by virtue and the provisions of Article 31 (2)(4) and (5) of the PDP constitution and Section 82(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022, the 1st to 7th defendants are obligated to call for or cause to be called and held quarterly or at the request of the one-third of members of the NEC of the PDP at which the defendants shall present quarterly reports containing the activities of the PDP to the members of the NEC”.

    He also wants the court to declare that the defendants are under obligation to call for PDP NEC meeting to present proposed guidelines and regulations governing the conduct of elections to the party offices at all levels and procedures of selecting party candidates for elective offices to the NEC members.

    “A declaration that, having failed, refused and/or neglected to call for meeting and held quarterly or at the request of one-third of members of the NEC of PDP in which the 8th defendant (INEC) ought to have been invited, the 1st to 7th defendants are in the breach and/or violation of the constitution of the party and the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2022”.

    In an affidavit in support of the suit, the plaintiff averred that the last NEC meeting of the party was last convened by the sacked National Chairman of the party, Sen. Iyorcha Ayu on September 8, 2022.

    The NEC, he said is saddled with the responsibility of fixing and approving the date of the party’s national convention, which is the highest decision making organ of the party and that all efforts to get the defendants to call for NEC meeting proved abortive as the, “defendants have woefully failed, refused and/or neglected to response to my entreaties viva voce and repeated demand for a NEC meeting as well as the letter written by my solicitors in that regard.

    “That, it is in the interest of justice to grant the claims or reliefs sought by the plaintiff in the originating summons as the defendants will not be prejudiced”, he said

  • Unlawful detention: Court orders DSS to pay Abuja Driver N5m

    Unlawful detention: Court orders DSS to pay Abuja Driver N5m

    Justice Mobolaji Olajuwon of the federal high court, Abuja, Thursday, ordered the Department of the State Service (DSS) to pay five million (5million), over the unlawful arrest and detention of an Abuja based commercial driver, Sanusi Shuaib.

    Justice Olajuwon also ordered the DSS to immediately release him after keeping him in detention without trial since January 16, 2023.

    The court held that the prosecution agency action contravenes section 35 of the 1999 Constitution, which prohibited detention of any Nigerian beyond a maximum period of 48 hours without an order of Court.

    The Judge said that DSS on March 29, 2023, got an order of the Federal High Court to hold and detain the driver for only 20 days to investigate and charge him to court if indicted for any criminal matters.

    The Court said that since the DSS did not apply to the court for extension of the 20 days detention period and also did not charge him to court for any offence, any detention outside the 20 days was unlawful, illegal, unconstitutional and null and void.

    Recall that the detained driver had through his counsel, Bala Dakum dragged the DSS before the court to challenge his detention without trial since his arrest on March 16 last year.

    He claimed that the DSS upon arrest accused him of being in possession of firearms for some terrorists and had since remained in the custody of the respondent.

    The applicant prayed for his release and N50M compensation for the unlawful detention.

    Justice Olajuwon in the judgment agreed that the fundamental rights of the applicant to freedom of movement had been breached by the DSS.

    The Judge faulted the claim of the DSS that it was granted six months to detain the driver adding that what the court granted was just 20 days.

    Justice Olajuwon also disagreed with the DSS that the detainee had been moved to the Military detention facility in Gwa gwa, Niger State for trial in terrorism offences adding that there was no evidence to that effect placed before the court.

    The Judge also faulted the claim of the security agency that the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice gave approval for the trial of the driver.

    Justice Olajuwon who quoted the letter of the AGF said that the AGF office only recommended that fresh investigation be conducted into the allegations against the driver but which was never done.

    Consequently, the court nullified the continued detention of the driver and ordered his immediate release from the DSS custody in Abuja.

  • Killer of Enugu Based Make-up Artist, Ijeoma Sentence To Death By Hanging

    Killer of Enugu Based Make-up Artist, Ijeoma Sentence To Death By Hanging

    The late Enugu based makeup artist, Ijeoma Nneka, has got justice as an Enugu State High Court sentenced her killer, Chiamaka Ifezue, to death by hanging.

    The convict alongside her sibling, Chukwuemeka Ifezue, were arraigned on two counts-charge bordering on conspiracy and murder, had on 11th November, 2020, murdered the 27-year-old makeup artist, Ijeoma, by forcing her to drink a poisonous substance that caused her death.

    However, on July 28, 2022, Justice K.I. Okpe discharged Chukwuemeka on the basis that there was no evidence that he actually participated in the crime.

    In delivering the judgement, Justice K.I Okpe, agreed with the prosecution, Mrs Chinelo Chigbo who led the prosecution from the Department of Public Prosecution that the suspect was actually responsible for the death of the 27-year-old make-up artist based in Enugu.

    Recall that the convict dumped the body of the deceased at the Maryland axis of Enugu metropolis and poured a corrosive substance suspected to be acid on the body.
    During the trial, the court admitted in evidence police exhibit on the case of the alleged murder of the makeup artist.

    A broken 9Mobile SIM card, itel phone, another black phone (no brand name), MTN SIM pack, and makeup tools belonging to the deceased were also tendered as evidence by the prosecution.

    Also tendered in evidence was the key of a Toyota Matrix Scan with registration number JJJ410BJ, which was allegedly used to move the dead body of the deceased from the scene of the crime to where it was dumped.

    Hard copies of the WhatsApp messages and text messages (SMS) the deceased had with her fiancé and girlfriend, respectively, while at the scene of the crime.

  • Retract bribery allegation against appeal court justices, lawyers tell Sen. Abbo

    Retract bribery allegation against appeal court justices, lawyers tell Sen. Abbo

    Some senior lawyers have called on Senator Elisha Abbo to retract the unsubstantiated allegations of bribery and corruption made against the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem.

    According to the lawyers,
    Senator Abbo in his reckless and unconscionable Press Briefing described the President of the Court of Appeal as a cash-and-carry Judge, adding that Judges now send their children and agents to go around asking for bribes.

    The lawyers led by Uwemedimo Nwoko, stated that Abbo has not produced any iota of evidence to substantiate his weighty allegations.

    Senator Abbo, a former senator representing Adamawa north, in the press conference said Nwosu-Iheme and members of the panel made up of Muhammad Ibrahim and Olabode Adegbehingbe erred when they declared Amos Yohanna of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the duly elected senator of the district.

    Also, Senator Abbo, accused Justice Chioma Nwosu, elevated from the court of appeal to the supreme court, some Justices of the Court of Appeal and Judges of the various Tribunals.

    The former senator said he had written the NJC and Tinubu to stop the elevation of Nwosu-Iheme into the supreme court until an investigation is conducted.

    Reacting to the allegation, the Lawyers therefore called on the senator to retracted the allegations publicly or face the consequences of his actions in court.

    He maintained that this brand of nonsense and unprovoked attacks against Judicial Officers and the Judiciary must stop.

    “We take very strong exceptions to the criminal blackmail deliberately fabricated and calculated to impugn on the integrity and reputation of our revered and hardworking Judges and Justices by characters like Senator Abbo.

    “May I remind Senator Abbo that when he lost the case that removed him from the Senate, he openly accused the Senate President, Distinguished Senator Godswill Akpabio, CON of being the architect of his misfortune. When he was confronted with the task to prove
    the allegation he promptly went on his knees and apologised profusely to Senator Akpabio and retracted the allegations.

    “It is sad and most unfortunate that this Senator who shot into the limelight on account of his misconduct in a Sex Toy Shop in Abuja would have the criminal courage and effrontery to malign, denigrade and make such invidious imputations against our Justices and judiciary simply because he lost a case.

    “I wish to state most categorically that it is totally unacceptable, morally reprehensible and legally culpable for a person with Senator Abbo’s moral credentials and profound deficits in character content to embark on such character assassination against our Justices who have sacrificially built their good reputations over the years,” he said.

  • Absence of Ribadu, General Musa, others stall Senate’s interface with security chiefs

    Absence of Ribadu, General Musa, others stall Senate’s interface with security chiefs

    The Absence of National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu, Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa and others, stalled planned interface of the Senate with the service chiefs and heads of security agencies on Wednesday.

    The Senate had on Tuesday last week through resolution adopted from collective motion on insecurity, summoned the Service Chiefs and heads of security agencies for grilling in plenary.

    The planned interface, as announced by the Chairman, Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance, and other Financial Institutions, Senator Adetokunbo Abiru, on Tuesday was specifically fixed for Wednesday and Thursday this week.

    But the Senate in plenary on Wednesday announced that the interface could not hold due to the absence of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, and Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa .

    President of the Senate , Godswill Akpabio, who made the announcement said apology, was received from Ribadu on his absence but that he and the Chief of Defence Staff, must be present at the very important session.

    He added that aside Ribadu and General Musa, the Senate has also resolved to add other security heads to the planned interface session.

    Those included at the planned session now postponed to Tuesday next week, are the Minister of Defence, Abubakar Badaru, Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawale, Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Geidam, Minister of State for Police Affairs, Imaan Ibrahim, Minister of Interior, Hon Olubunmi Tunji Ojo, Minister of Finance, Olawale Edun and Director General of National Intelligence Agency, Ahmed Rufai Abubakar

    Akpabio in his remarks, thanked the Chief of Army Staff, Lt-General Taoheed Lagbaja , Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshall Hassan Abubakar, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun and Director General of Department of State Services, Yusuf Bichi, for honouring the Senate’s invitation.

    “We thank you all for honouring our invitation for the very important interface on way out of the lingering security crisis at hand. But due to the absence of the NSA and the Chief of Defence Staff, the interactive session will no longer hold today.

    “Besides, the Senate in its wisdom, has decided to add other public officers whose offices are connected to security matters, to be part of the interactive session .

    “Clerk of the Senate , has been directed to write them ahead of Tuesday next week , now fixed for the session.

    “We need their presence along with those of you here today , for holistic and comprehensive brainstorming on the problem at hand and required solution “, he said .

  • Police Denies Involvement In Formation Of Vigilante Group

    Police Denies Involvement In Formation Of Vigilante Group

    The Commissioner of Police in Nasarawa State, CP Shehu Umar Nadada, has dismissed claims of the police command’s involvement in the creation of a Fulani Nomad Vigilante team. 

    This comes in response to the recent formation of a 1,144-member security team by the President of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, Abdullahi Bello Bodejo.

    During a courtesy visit by members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, CP Nadada clarified that the command had no prior knowledge of the establishment of the Fulani Nomad Vigilante team and cannot be held responsible for their actions.

    While acknowledging that the police provided security during the inauguration ceremony, CP Nadada emphasized that it was done solely to prevent potential disruptions and maintain law and order.

    Residents had expressed concerns about alleged collaboration between the police and the nomad vigilante group, but the Commissioner affirmed that the police only secured the event venue and had not officially endorsed the vigilante team.

    In his statement, CP Nadada asserted, “We have been working with some vigilante groups that are recognised by the government, but we will not work with any vigilante that is not recognised by the government.”

    The Chairman of the NUJ, Nasarawa State Council, Salihu Alkali, congratulated the CP on his recent posting and pledged cooperation to ensure the success of the police command’s programs.

  • Senate Summons Service Chiefs Amidst Security Concerns; Economic Meeting Postponed

    Senate Summons Service Chiefs Amidst Security Concerns; Economic Meeting Postponed

    In response to the escalating security challenges gripping the nation, the Senate has called for a crucial meeting with the Service Chiefs, scheduled for tomorrow, Wednesday.

    This decision has prompted the postponement of another significant meeting – a session with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Yemi Cardoso, and the economic team, initially slated for Tuesday, February 6, 2024.

    Chairman of the Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance, and other Financial Institutions, Senator Tokumbo Abiru, clarified the rationale behind the rescheduling. He elucidated that the delay stemmed from the House of Representatives’ consultations with the CBN Governor concerning the country’s economic status. Senator Abiru emphasized the importance of understanding and cooperation among legislative counterparts, underscoring the need for patience.

    Consequently, the meeting with the economic team has been deferred to Friday, February 9, 2024, at 9 am. This adjustment aims to allow ample time for discussions with both the Service Chiefs and the economic experts.

    Postponing the meeting, the Chairman Banking Committee, Senator Tokumbo Abiru said “our plan today is to have a session with the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN and the essence of the meeting is well known to all of us, which has to do with the economic situation in the country. But some how, the CBN governor has been held back in the House of Representatives as the House tries to do consultations with him regarding the situation of the economy as well.

    He said that was why the meeting was initially delayed, adding that their part “we should be rational in trying to see reasons with our brothers and sisters in the House of Representatives and the CBN governor.

    “To that extent, on our part we have to adjourn our own to Friday February 9, 2024.

    Another reason according to Senator Abiru, which he deemed proper to explain, was the meeting of the Senate with the Service Chiefs.
    “Tomorrow, we have a session with the Service Chiefs and that may extend to Thursday because they are issues of very serious concern to us. In order to play safe, to have enough time to interact properly with the economic team, which means we will extend the invitation beyond the governor to also include the economic team”, he added.