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Category: Politics

  • Villagers protest alleged land grabbing by Okitipupa Oil palm Coy

    Villagers protest alleged land grabbing by Okitipupa Oil palm Coy

    Crisis is brewing in Ikoya community, Okitipupa LGA, Ondo State, as residents on Wednesday protested alleged arrest of some community members over land acquisition by the Okitipupa Oil Palm Company (OOPC).

    The protesters at Ikoya, accused OOPC management and the police of “unjust arrest and detention” of some members of the community.

    The protesters carried placards with inscriptions like: “OOPPlc, Obey Supreme Court Judgment and Quit Our Land’; “Enough of Police Harassment and Intimidation”; “Free Three Ikales and Release Your Landlord Unconditionally”.

    Some of the protesters who spoke to newsmen demanded the immediate and unconditional release of members of the community arrested and detained by the police.

    They alleged that the police arrested three of their community members, namely: Mrs. Bose Loyinmi-Ogunlowo, Mrs. Rachael Akinirun and Mr Orimisan Adelokiki, the national leader of Ikale Supreme Civil Right Council, over land dispute with OOPC.

    They also demanded the eviction of OOPC from their land, alleging that the company had no valid agreement with the community before acquiring the oil palm plantation.

    They presented a Supreme Court judgment of 1988 as evidence, which they claimed ruled that OOPC should negotiate a valid agreement with the community or vacate the land.

    They, however, called on Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa to wade into the issue as a matter of urgency before it resulted to crisis.

    Mr Feyi Ekundayo, a Human Right Activist told newsmen that Ikoya people are law-abiding citizens but would not let anyone to unlawfully take the possession of their land under any guise.

    “We will not tolerate the acquisition of our land under any guise. We’re peace loving people but we will resist further harassment and intimidation of our people over our lawful property.

    “We call for the immediate and unconditional release of our people arrested and detained by the police, because an injustice to one is injustice to all,” Ekundayo said.

    Mr Oluyemi Akinirun, Cordinator of Ikale Supreme Civil Right Council also alleged that the OOPC acquired Ikoya Oil Palm plantation unlawfully, saying the company do not have any valid agreement with the community.

    “What we’re asking for is very simple, OOPC should present any agreement for the acquisition of our land but they refused and begin harassing and intimidating our leaders, even my wife, Rachael, was arrested over the matter.

    “We have a 1988 Supreme Court judgment which ruled that OOPC should have proper agreement with us or vacate our plantation, this is our evidence and we will not rest on our oars over this matter,” Akinirun said.

    Another youth leader, Mr Olusola Adenodi appealed to the governor to step into the matter, so as to prevent the breakdown of law and order.

    Reacting to the protest, the Police spokesman in the state, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade said that those arrested had been arraigned and remanded on the order of the court. 

  • Tinubu seeks Senate’s approval for N1.7trn 2025 FCT budget

    President Bola Tinubu has sought the approval of the Senate for the Federal Capital Territory Administration’s 2025 Appropriation Bill

    The President’s request is contained in a letter addressed to the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and read at plenary on Wednesday.

    “Pursuant to section 299 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, which vests legislative powers over the Federal Capital Territory on the National Assembly, I hereby present the 2025 FCT budget proposal to the Senate for consideration.

    “The 2025 FCT Budget Proposal prioritises investment in health care services, job creation, youth empowerment, social welfare services, education infrastructure as well as increasing productivity in agriculture,” the letter read in part.

    Tinubu said that the budget was aimed at lifting as many citizens as possible out of poverty, adding that a total expenditure of N1.7 trillion was proposed for the 2025 fiscal year.

    He said that 85 per cent of the capital expenditure was dedicated to the completion of ongoing projects, while 15 per cent was earmarked for new capital projects.

    “This is to sustain the ongoing efforts at providing basic infrastructure and social amenities in the FCT,” he said.

    Tinubu expressed the hope that the budget proposal would receive the expeditious consideration and passage by the senate. 

  • Sanusi accepts outcome of Ojokoro LCDA APC primary

    Sanusi accepts outcome of Ojokoro LCDA APC primary

    Mr Mobolaji Sanusi, a chairmanship aspirant has accepted the outcome of the APC primary election in Ojokoro LCDA, Lagos state.

    Some party leaders reportedly described Sanusi as an imposed candidate. In a statement on Sunday, he said he accepted the party’s final decision without further contest.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that APC Electoral Committee Chairman, Mr Babatunde Ogala, SAN, declared Oluyemisi Rosiji winner of Saturday’s primary at the APC Secretariat.

    Fifty-five of the 57 expected APC chairmanship candidates for the July 12 Lagos Local Government elections emerged from the party’s just-concluded primaries.

    Sanusi, a leading aspirant in Ojokoro, disputed the announced 21-2 vote tally, calling it “outrageously concocted” and lacking credibility.

    He said he participated in the primaries to secure the party’s mandate to run for Ojokoro LCDA chairman.

    “The score of 21-2 is outrageously concocted. But I accept it. It is absolutely fine by me.

    “I did not lose the APC ACME Secretariat primary. Those responsible for the laughable score will face their conscience, forever,” he said.

    However, Sanusi pledged loyalty to the party. “The party has spoken, and that’s final. We’ve moved from complaint to reality,” he said.

    He reaffirmed his commitment, saying he would contribute to the party’s success going forward, in spite of the outcome.

    Sanusi, former MD/CEO of Lagos State Signage & Advertisement Agency (LASAA), insisted the result wasn’t due to a lack of qualification or leadership experience.

    He revealed that 12 out of 18 LCDA leaders, including a key woman leader, had endorsed him as the consensus candidate.

    Sanusi expressed gratitude to supporters, especially the Speaker of the Lagos House of Assembly, Mr Mudashiru Obasa, for his steadfast support.

    “To him and my thousands of supporters: we have not lost,” Sanusi said, offering reassurance.

    He added, “Ojokoro has been denied the chance to have a competent, credible, and tested leader for the next four years.”

  • KDSG to train 8,700 to combat menace of out-of-school children

    The Kaduna State Government says it will train 8,700 School Based Management Committee (SBMC) members to improve basic education in the state.

    Mubarak Muhammad, acting Executive Chairman of the Kaduna State Universal Basic Education Board (KADSUBEB), disclosed this at the opening of a six-day training of 92 Social Mobilisation Officers (SMOs) on Monday in Kaduna.

    The training is supported by UNICEF in collaboration with the Kaduna Government and the Reaching Out-of-School-Children (ROOSC) project, among other development partners.

    The 92 SMOs cut across the state’s 23 LGAs and would serve as master trainers who would cascade the training to SBMCs across the LGAs.

    Muhammad explained that the training, which was part of the ROOSC project, aimed to equip the officials with necessary skills to bridge the gap between the government and communities.

    He added that the training would cover school leadership, communication skills and resource mobilisation.

    “The officials will be equipped to mobilise resources and support for schools; ultimately improving education outcomes in Kaduna state,” he said.

    Muhammad also said it would focus on how to mobilise children back to school, addressing the out-of-school children phenomenon in the state.

    He stated that Gov. Uba Sani’s administration has been working to reduce the number of out-of-school children, adding the training was expected to have significant impact on the basic education subsector.

    The KADSUBEB acting boss restated the state government’s commitment to building the capacity of its citizens and ensuring a brighter future for its young people.

    The UNICEF Education Officer, Kaduna Field Office, Mr Bala Dada, lamented that the state was facing a significant out-of-school children crisis.

    “According to a 2022 KDBS survey, 768,000 children of basic school age currently not in formal education.

    “The ROOSC project by Kaduna state government and partners aims to reintegrate at least 200,000 of these children back into school,” he said.

    Dada stated that through collaboration, UNICEF and other partners leveraged community structures and government support to tackle the root causes of children being out of school.

    This, according to him, could be poverty, insecurity or lack of awareness.

    He contended that the SBMCs remained the most powerful community structures for ensuring school enrolment, retention, transition, and effective management of primary education.

    “SBMCs bring together parents, teachers and local leaders to support schools.

    “They bridge the gap between communities and the education system, helping to keep children in school and learning.

    “In the push to reduce out-of-school children, our greatest asset is community involvement through these SBMCs,” he said.

    Dada submitted that during the training, the master trainers  would empower the SBMC members with the skills and knowledge to mobilise their communities.

    He added that it would also help identify out-of-school children and support the children’s enrolment and successful progression through school.

    According to him, UNICEF is counting on SBMCs to transform community attitudes and ensure every child is welcomed into a safe learning environment.

    The education officer said UNICEF’s
    partnership extends technical expertise, funding and monitoring support, while the government provides the policy backing and personnel to drive change on the ground.

    The Coordinator of the ROOSC project, Mr Ezra Angal, said the training was a strategic investment in community-led school management.

    He added that SBMCs serves as a bridge between schools and the communities they served, ensuring that every child especially the most marginalised, has a voice and pathway into inclusive and quality education.

    He said that building resilient and responsive school systems starts with empowering local actors by equipping master trainers with the tools and knowledge to train others.

    Angal, therefore, said UNICEF and the Kaduna State Government were reinforcing the ROOSC project’s shared commitment.

    This, he said, was to increase access, participation, and learning outcomes for all children including girls, children with disabilities and out-of-school children.

    He urged all the participants to approach the training with dedication and a sense of purpose.

  • Delta State partners FG, Private investors for growth,  food security

    In a major investment drive, Delta State Government recently conducted a virtual townhall engagement with diaspora indigenes in a bid to acquaint them with ongoing development strides in the state.

    The interactive session featured over thirty participants across the globe and was addressed by the state Commissioner for Economic Planning, Mr. Sonny Ekedayen.

    It was a no-holds barred mostly question-and-answer session where Indigenes of the state asked questions based on information available to them regarding current social, economic and political developments in the state.

    In an opening remark, Mr. Ekedayen told the Delta State Diaspora that indigenes of the state had never had any better than now as the State Governor, His Excellency, Sheriff Oborevwhori had done so much in the state in a space of less than two years.

    Delta ranks highly in prosperity index

    Mass literacy:

    In response to a question about the quality of education in the state, Mr. Ekedayen insisted that Delta state had become a major educational hub in the country.

    He buttressed the assertion by the fact that, as of date, the state has a total of 1,200 primary schools, 498 secondary schools, five colleges of nursing, three colleges of education four state owned universities and two polytechnics.

    No child of school age in Delta State that is prevented from schooling due to any failure of support policy.

    Payment of bursary allowance to indigenes in tertiary institutions.

    With a total of nine, Delta ranks highly among states with such number of vocational institutions.

    Economy:

    With a debt profile of N436billion at the inception of the current administration, the figure has been reduced drastically to N249billion.

    While responding to another participant named Oghenero, Mr. Ekedayen disclosed that with the state’s monthly wage bill at N16billion and Federal Allocation averaging N40billion monthly, the state government is in full compliance with its obligation to the workers.

    Agriculture and Food Security:

    The Commissioner disclosed that the state had commenced massive agricultural initiatives through Public/Private/Partnerships (PPP) to ensure food security. He cited as example, a collaborative engagement with the state of Malaysia for the large scale cultivation of oil palm in the state.

    The state has also signed onto the latest initiative of the Federal Government in the area of animal husbandry as a counter measure to stem the tide in Farmers/Herders clashes and the surge in violent crimes by arm-bearing Fulani pastoralists.

    Mr. Ekedayen assured his audience that the Government of Sheriff Oborevwhori had instituted Farm Rangers, a security outfit to protect indigenes while on their farms.

    He however, observed that even though the menace of terrorist herders was not rampant in the state, the government was equal to the task of securing the farmers.

      Development of Seaports

      The Commissioner informed a questioner that the Warri and Koko Ports are Federal Assets, which decisions regarding their usage are under policy oversight of the Federal Government.

      Mr. Ekedayen disclosed that the two seaports are not completely idle. He said the Koko Port had been concessioned to the Koko/Kwale Free Trade Zone, with about 6-7 companies being involved.

      He disclosed that the Warri port is currently underutilised based on “economic capacity.” The Commissioner revealed that Warri port may have become “a bit too shallowdue to silting, therefore requiring dredging.

      “These are mere challenges that are not insurmountable,” he said.

    • Kano-Morocco partnership may attract $10b in energy sector

      Kano-Morocco partnership may attract $10b in energy sector

      The Kano state government says it will attract over 10 billion dollars investment in renewable energy and solid minerals development from its partnership with Moroccan companies.

      The state government also said the stage was set for the signing of a series of investment Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) with the Kingdom of Morocco.

      This is contained in a statement on Sunday in Kano  by Sunusi Bature Dawakin-Tofa, the media aide to Gov. Abba Kabir-Yusuf. 

      He said the agreements cover a period of five years and would focus on renewable energy, agriculture and commerce to reposition its economy.

      Dawakin-Tofa said the development was sequel to a high level investment mission to Morocco led by the governor.

      He said the delegation held strategic meetings with key Moroccan institutions including the Ministry of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, the Moroccan Agency for Sustainable Energy (MASEN).

      Others are the Moroccan Agency for Africa (OCP Africa) and the Casablanca Chamber of Commerce.

      According to Dawakin-Tofa, the agreements will also explore areas such as investor identification, financing models, and cutting-edge technologies for energy storage, distribution, and industrial use.

      He said the Casablanca Chamber of Commerce, one of Africa’s leading private sector platforms, expressed its willingness to collaborate with the state in areas of renewable energy and solid minerals development.

       “This partnership is expected to boost the state’s economy and contribute to the projections of attracting up to $10 billion in investments over the next five years in line with the state’s strategic investment plan,” he said.

      Dawakin-Tofa said the delegation also met with OCP Africa, one of the world’s largest fertiliser producers.

      “OCP welcomed the partnership, proposing new agricultural development projects that include fertiliser blending plants, advanced supply chain systems, and support for smallholder farmers through modern farming technologies.

      “The visit marks a major milestone in the state’s pursuit of global partnerships to fast-track industrial growth, clean energy transition, and sustainable agricultural development.” 

       According to Dawakin-Tofa, one of the major outcomes of the visit is a proposed partnership with MASEN, which included technical collaboration to support Kano’s transition to clean energy.

       “MASEN, renowned for managing one of Africa’s largest solar power plants in Ouarzazate generating 500 megawatts has pledged to share its expertise, lessons learned, and offer technical support for Kano’s Light-Up Kano Initiative, which aims to generate 2,000 megawatts of solar energy within five years.” 

    • Court adjourns N500m suit filed by scavengers, beggars against Wike

      Court adjourns N500m suit filed by scavengers, beggars against Wike

      The Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday, adjourned a suit filed by some vulnerable FCT residents, against the Minister, Nyesom Wike, until May 5 for hearing.

      The aggrieved residents comprised of scavengers, beggars, petty traders, among others.

      They sued the minister, the Inspector-General (I-G) of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, among others, demanding N500 million in damages over alleged breach of their fundamental rights.

      Justice James Omotosho adjourned the suit after counsel for the plaintiff, Usman Chamo, informed the court that the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) had just served him with its counter affidavit.

      Chamo said he would need more time to file a response to the application.

      The lawyers, who appeared for the defence, did not oppose the application and the matter was adjourned until May 5 for hearing.

      The NSCDC (civil defence), in its counter affidavit deposed to by Goodness Akomolafe, denied all the allegations.

      In the application dated and filed April 15, the civil defence said it had not violated the applicant’s fundamental human rights in any way.

      The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a legal practitioner, Abba Hikima, filed the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1749/3024 before Justice Omotosho on behalf of the vulnerable residents.

      Hikima, listed as the applicant in the originating motion dated Nov. 19, 2024, but filed Nov. 20, 2024, said he is suing in public interest for the protection of vulnerable citizens in Nigeria.

      The applicant sued Wike; I-G; Director-General, Department of State Services (DSS) and NSCDC as 1st to 4th respondents in his bid to stop their alleged arbitrary arrest on Abuja streets.

      The lawyer also joined the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Federal Government of Nigeria as 5th to 6th respondents respectively.

      He is praying for an order awarding the sum of N500 million as general and exemplary damages for the violation of the fundamental rights of the affected citizens.

      He prayed the court to declare that “the arbitrary arrest, detention without charges, harassment and extortion of homeless persons, scavengers, petty traders, beggars and other vulnerable Nigerians resident in the FCT, constitute a violation of their fundamental rights.

      The rights, they said, are guaranteed under Sections 34, 35, 41 and 42 of the Constitution of Nigeria 1999 (as altered).”

      “A declaration that the treatment of vulnerable citizens, including verbal harassment, physical threats, extortion, and detention without charge, constitutes inhumane and degrading treatment contrary to Section 34 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

      “A declaration that Nigerians regardless of their economic status, place, birth or appearance, have the liberty to move freely in the FCT, Abuja including the liberty to sleep on public roads without let, permission or hindrance whatsoever in accordance with the spirit and purpose of Sections 35, 41 and 42 of the Constitution.”

      He is, therefore, seeking “an order directing the respondents to issue a public apology to the affected individuals and Nigerian citizens at large for the inhumane, arbitrary and unconstitutional treatment meted on them pursuant to the directive of the 1st respondent (Wike) dated the 22nd October, 2024.

      “An order mandating the respondents to set in motion and implement immediate policies and reforms, including public education for the realisation of the fundamental human rights of vulnerable Nigerians residing in Nigeria.”

      Hikima averred that on Nov. 12, 2024, at about 11pm, on the Ahmadu Bello Way in Abuja, he sighted a motorcade of a joint task force security operatives and enforcement officers, including personnel of the military and police arresting numerous individuals perceived as homeless persons, scavengers and beggars.

      He alleged that those arrested include hawkers of goods such as ice cream, sweets and biscuits; petty traders conducting lawful businesses along the roadside and persons dressed in ways reflecting their economic hardship or appearing homeless.

      According to him, the individuals were forcefully apprehended, verbally harassed and subjected to physical threats in full view of all passersby, thereby creating an atmosphere of fear and intimidation.

      He said he felt devastated as a human rights lawyer, and decided to trail the task force’s motorcade from a reasonable distance to Eagle Square along Shehu Shagari Way where they dropped off the victims.

      He said he went back to the place where these persons were arrested and was able to get contacts of some of the victims.

      He said on Nov. 15, 2024, he organised a meeting with three of the victims namely, Abdullatif Shehu, Hajiya Talatu Danladi and Judith Samuel, whose testimonies were recorded and verily believed to be correct and true.

      The lawyer said the minister gave a directive for the arrest on Oct. 22, 2024, and that it was in the guise of enforcing the directive that the joint task force was constituted to carry out the directive.

      According to him, it is not a crime to be homeless, beg or embark on a petty trade in Nigeria.

      He said the homelessness, begging and petty trading for which the trio of Abdullatif, Talatu and Judith were arrested, detained and humiliated was occasioned by the harsh and unbearable government policies being experienced all over the country.

      Hikima also attributes their plights to government’s failure and ineptitude in providing vulnerable Nigerians with security and decent lives.

      The lawyer urged the court to grant their reliefs in the interest of justice to protect the fundamental rights of citizens and ensure accountability for the respondents’ actions.

    • More trouble for Natasha as some constituents vow to pursue recall

      More trouble for Natasha as some constituents vow to pursue recall

      Some determined constituents of Kogi Central Senatorial District on Thursday vowed never to back down on the recall process of Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from the National Assembly.

      Rather, they insisted that they would fine-tune the process.

      The constituents, in a statement issued on Thursday by Salihu Habib, said there was no going back on their resolve to bring the Kogi senator back home.

      They, however, thanked the Independent National Electoral Commission for validating 208,132 (43.86 per cent) signatures in the petition earlier submitted to it for Akpoti-Uduaghan’s recall.

      The renewed determination by the concerned constituents was sequel to INEC’s declaration of some defects in the recall petition they had hitherto presented to it.

      INEC had, in a statement on its X handle on Thursday said the petition failed to meet the minimum requirement prescribed by the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

      The constituents, who are registered voters of Kogi Central, said that they had mobilised more than the 50 per cent plus one threshold of registered voters and submitted their petition with full documentation.

      They, however, noted that the validation of 43.86 per cent by INEC was a confirmation that Kogi Central constituents had rejected the senator.

      “Apparently, INEC cancelled not less than 35,000 signatures from the administrative signatures collected.

      “We will liaise with INEC within the full ambits of the constitution and regulations to demand for transparency in the handling of our petition.

      “We have utmost confidence in the commission not to subject the recall process to ambiguity or administrative opacity,” they said.

      They expressed gratitude to INEC for proving naysayers, who queried the authenticity of their figures, wrong.

      “We thank INEC for making it clear that the bulk of the people of Kogi Central are behind us and that we did not import a crowd like a desperate, embattled lawmaker,” they said.

      The petitioners insisted that the recall of Akpoti-Uduaghan “for misconduct and divisiveness” was non-negotiable.

      “We are firm in our resolve to restore dignified and collaborative representation to Kogi Central senatorial district. We will no longer indulge someone who will do and say anything just to remain politically relevant.

      “The whole of Nigeria watched her deceptive rally last Tuesday where she openly made comments capable of setting, not just Kogi State, but Nigeria ablaze.

      “We will pursue all lawful and constitutional means to ensure our voices are heard and respected. After God, power belongs to the people,” they stated.

    • Rivers administrator cancels all pending contracts

      Rivers administrator cancels all pending contracts

      Rivers State Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd) on Thursday cancelled all pending procurement and tender processes.

      Thiis decision of the interim administration was conveyed in statement by Prof Ibibia Worika, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG).

      Accordingly, it said the decision was in compliance with the Supreme Court judgement.

      He said that the cancellation was in adherence to the Supreme Court judgement which upheld the Appeal Court ruling in Suit No. CA/ABJ/CV/133/2024.

      Ibas stated that the cancellation affected all procurement and tender processes carried out by MDAs during the period in question.

      The Administrator advised all agencies of the state government that carried out such tender processes mandated to refund such tender fees to contractors.

      He said that they should await the approval of a spending plan by the state government which would be notified them in due course.

    • State of emergency, Fubara’s suspension undemocratic- Obi

      State of emergency, Fubara’s suspension undemocratic- Obi

      The 2023 Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has described the declaration of state of emergency in Rivers as undemocratic.

      In a reaction on his X handle on Wednesday, Obi said that the action was against the rule of law, and capable of  undermining Nigeria’s democracy.

      Obi said that it was grossly unconstitutional to remove a serving governor of a state through a unilateral declaration of state of emergency.

      He said that the situation was capable of  undoing the progress the country had made in the past 26 years of its democratic journey.

      “The situation in Rivers does not justify such an extreme measure, it is also a biased interpretation of Section 305(1) of the 1999 constitution.

      “A state of emergency does not mean that an elected governor can be removed unilaterally.

      “The decision does not align with democratic norms and good governance. It appears to be a predetermined action serving specific interests rather than the collective good of Rivers people and Nigeria.

      “This action constitutes an unconstitutional overreach, setting a dangerous precedent that threatens democracy, the rule of law, and the separation of powers,” he said.

      Obi urged the National Assembly and all stakeholders not to allow the decision to stand in the interest of democracy and the wellbeing of Rivers people.