Taps Falana, Osahor, 25 others as ADRC members
Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) yesterday set up an alternative dispute resolution mechanism to handle cases of disagreements involving upstream
operators. The Chief Executive Officer of the commission, Mr. Gbenga Komolafe, who spoke at the event in Lagos,
disclosed
Centre (ADRC), including human rights lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana and
www.thisdaylive.com
The presidential candidate of Labour Party (LP) in the last general election, Mr. Peter Obi, and Governor of Abia State, Mr. Alex Otti, have written to the national chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, to notify the regulatory body of the setting up of a 29-member caretaker committee to organise the party 's congresses and national convention within a period not exceeding 180 days. The letter, dated September 6, 2024, and signed by Obi and Otti, also informed the INEC chairman of the leadership crisis in the party. The letter formally unveiled the names of the 29-member caretaker committee. In the letter, Obi and Otti, who convened the September 4 expanded stakeholders' meeting of the party
in Umuahia, the Abia State capital, where the committee was set up, stated, "You will recall that Labour
Chuks okocha, onyebuchi Ezigbo, Linus Aleke in Abuja and Chinedu Eze in Lagos
President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajero, who was arrested in the early hours of yesterday by the Department of State Service (DSS), was released late last night on bail.
Although a litany of condemnations had trailed the labour leader’s arrest over yet-to-be disclosed offences as well as the invasion of the Abuja office of the Socio-Economic Rights And Accountability Project (SERAP), allegedly by the DSS, Ajaero was released at exactly 11:05 last night, according to an Assistant Secretary of the NLC, Mr. Chris Onyeka, who confirmed the development to THISDAY in a telephone conversation.
The NLC and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) had asked the federal government to release Ajaero
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) yesterday announced that its Joint Venture (JV) with Chevron Nigeria Ltd (CNL) had concluded the conversion of five of its assets as dictated by the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
According to a statement by the Chief Corporate Communications Officer of the NNPC, Olufemi Soneye, the move was in accordance with the provisions of transiting assets from the Petroleum Profit Tax (PPT) into PIA terms as dictated by the new law.
Under the new PIA regime, the NNPC stated that all existing Oil Prospecting Licenses (OPLs) and Oil Mining Leases (OMLs) are expected to be automatically converted to Petroleum Prospecting Licenses (PPLs) and Petroleum Mining Leases (PMLs) upon their expiration.
Nonetheless, it said that an option of voluntary conversion was provided for holders of OPLs and OMLs (Operator, Licensees or Lessees) under the erstwhile Petroleum Profit Tax (PPT) regime. The PIA terms, the national
oil company said, are generally perceived as more investor-friendly, compared to the erstwhile PPT terms.
During a brief ceremony held at the NNPC Towers, the two partners signed documents on the conversion of the five OMLs into four PPLs and 26 PMLs, in line with the new PIA terms, marking a significant step towards increasing domestic gas supply and expanding global market presence.
Speaking on the occasion, Group Chief Executive Officer of the NNPC, Mr. Mele Kyari, described Chevron as one of the most reliable partners for the company.
“Over the years, Chevron has been a partner of choice that has not contemplated completely divesting/exiting oil production in the shallow water and we are proud of them,” he added.
Kyari assured CNL that NNPC would sustain its partnership with the JV partner so as to create more value for both parties and expand Nigeria’s footprints in the domestic and export gas markets.
He commended the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) for its exemplary role in midwifing the
conversion.
Also speaking, the Director, Deepwater and Production Sharing Contract (PSC) of CNL, Mrs. Michelle Pflueger who stressed the significance of the conversion for both companies, affirmed CNL’s long-standing commitment to the
assets.
In her remarks, NNPC Executive Vice President, Upstream, Mrs. Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, highlighted the advantages of the PIA terms over the previous PPT terms, noting that the conversion was a strategic move towards the
successful implementation of the PIA.
In the same vein, NNPC Chief Upstream Investment Officer, Mr. Bala Wunti, noted that the assets conversion was expected to significantly boost crude oil production, with the two partners focusing
on attaining the 165,000 barrels of oil per day (bpd) production target by year-end 2024. He emphasized the continued importance of CNL's operational philosophy in maintaining network stability and facilitating gas supply especially to the domestic market.
Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja
The House of Representatives has uncovered the sum of N10 billion spent by the Bureau for Public Enterprise (BPE) on the registration of two companies for the Nigeria Postal Service, which later folded up one year after take-off.
The committee added that there was no way a reasonable Nigerian would believe that N10.4 billion was spent to register the two companies only for them to fold up barely one year after.
The Chairman, House Committee on Public Accounts, Hon. Bamidele
Salam, made this known during an investigative hearing into the audit queries issued against the Bureau by the office of the Auditor General of the Federation (OAuGF).
The audit query indicated that the two companies namely: NIPOST Transport and Logistics Limited and NIPOST Property reportedly took off in May 2023 and folded up through a presidential directive in May 2024.
Responding to the allegation, Head of Finance and Accounts, BPE, who represented the Director General of the agency, Imam Rilwan noted that the issue of registering the two companies for NIPOST was
approved in 2017.
He added that the approval paved the way for the BPE to expend about N423 million in registering and carrying out other activities for the eventual take off of the companies.
Rilwan stressed that while about N10 billion was given to the two companies as take-off funds, about N400 million was given to the BPE to prepare the ground for the take-off of the companies.
He explained that the money eventually released in 2023, the Bureau had to recover its money, adding that the N423 million given to the BPE was used to rent office
accommodation and carry out other essential services.
He said while the Bureau paid rent for the two companies from 2022, the companies took possession of the offices in May 2023, while they folded up in May 2024.
Rilwan noted that all property belonging to the two companies have been officially handed over to NIPOST management. However, Salam, who was not satisfied with his explanation, said spending money from government coffers before the money is released is a clear violation of the provisions of the Public Procurement Act.
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
The new Managing Director and Chief Executive of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), Jennifer Adighije, yesterday visited the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), in what she described as a bid to foster a harmonious working relationship with the body.
Speaking at the event, Adighije who was at NERC in Abuja, along with the management team, highlighted the plan of the power company under her leadership to ensure that debts owed the organisation were recovered.
During her maiden visit since her appointment by President
Bola Tinubu, she told the NERC Chairman, Sanusi Garba, that the NDPHC has a team of forwardthinkers that was set to deploy all its energies to ensure that the NDPHC under the leadership of Vice President Kashim Shettima delivers on its mandate.
“And so we look forward to having and fostering a harmonious working relationship with the NERC. This is the first official working visit that we'll be embarking on as a new management.
“And therefore, that demonstrates the priority and importance that we place on this relationship with the NERC, particularly for the role that you play in growing and fostering the Nigerian Electricity
Supply Industry (NESI).
“As a new management, this is to familiarise and to have a handshake with the NERC. We're a young team, very dynamic, forward thinkers, ready to deploy all our energy and expertise to push new frontiers in line with the guidelines and the directives of the NERC,” she stated.
With the deep knowledge of the industry, the NDPHC boss stated that the NERC leaderships was in a good position to be able to work with the company to ensure that the Nigerian people are better served.
“You have a deep understanding, not only do you understand, you have a deep understanding of the peculiarity and the prevalence of
issues within the NDPHC and in the industry at large.
“You do know that we have the largest generational capacity in the industry, but we're made to bear some of the greatest burden in the industry, which has given our shareholders costs to worry.
“On Thursday last week, we held our inaugural board meeting, which was chaired by our chairman, His Excellency, the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shetima. Our rising debt exposure, amongst other issues, were very key subjects of discussion.
“This compelled the chairman to give us a directive to begin to pursue debt recovery, amongst other issues, very aggressively, and report back on the progress made within
two weeks. We do know that the success of our exercise, and generally the existence of the company, is subject to how we can cooperate and partner with the NERC.
“Therefore we appeal to you to use your kind office to expedite your internal processes to ensure that we deliver positive results back to the chairman of the board,” Adighije added. She also requested that a technical working committee could be set up to start to look at the issues that would come up with expedite the company’s reconciliations as soon as possible.
On his part, NERC Chairman, Garba, noted that although the NERC will not bend the rules for
any of the organisations it regulates, it will support whatever will ensure that government’s investment in the NDPHC is well deployed.
“I want to assure you that the commission will always provide every possible support, without bending the rules to make sure that the significant investment made by the three tiers of government in the NDPHC is actually brought to bear for the benefits of Nigerians.
“We do understand that the challenges are quite significant. There is probably need for more focus on strategic direction for the organisation so that the little you have, it will not spread too thin to a point where you do not deliver on anything,” Garba added.
Signing of a partnerShip framework for the eStabliShment of an electric tricycle aSSembly...
L-R: Managing Director/CEO of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Abba Aliyu and the Managing Director of MCC China, Mr Nick Wang, during the signing of a partnership framework for the establishment of an electric tricycle assembly plant in Oyo and Abuja during the just concluded China-Africa Summit in Beijing
The Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, yesterday announced that his administration would make available 100 brand new 18-seater Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses for the use of transporters in the state.
The governor, who made this known in his office at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, also said that the federal government would make available 20 CNG-enabled buses and 500 conversion kits to the state government during the week.
Abiodun disclosed this at a meeting with transport unions on how to ensure fair transportation pricing in the state.
He also announced the inauguration of an enforcement committee, comprising the State Police Commissioner, his counterpart in the Department of State Security Service (DSS), the Traffic Compliance Agency
(TRACE), and heads of transport unions, as well as representatives from the Ministries of Transportation and Trade and Investment.
He said that the meeting was called because of events over the last week, including fuel scarcity, which he said is already abating, and the associated increase in the pump price of the product.
The governor noted that there has always been an astronomical rise in transport fares anytime there is a slight adjustment in the pump prices of fuel.
According to him, the federal government, led by President Bola Tinubu, is not unmindful of the impact of the recent hike in the pump price, adding that the government is putting in place measures to lessen the impact on the people.
He said: "The plans that we have as a state government, our plans are to, in the first instance, make 100 buses—100 18-seater buses—available
to our transport unions.
“These will be 100 brand new CNG buses, and these buses will be brand new buses, not no-name buses. We are talking about Toyota Hiace buses that we will give to you under a purchase agreement.
"We will make them available to you, and you can pay in instalments over a period of time. You have demonstrated commitment and seriousness, and we are confident that when we give you these buses, you will utilise them responsibly and pay back on time.
"The federal government has also started an Energy Transition Programme through the Presidential CNG initiative, and I can confirm to you that the presidency has confirmed that they are making 20 buses available to Ogun State in the first instance—20 CNG buses. We will be getting those buses next week.
"They are also making 500 CNG conversion kits available to Ogun
State for the immediate conversion of vehicles to CNG-enabled.
"I have been assured that the conversion kits, which is the first batch of 500, will reach us in the next five days. You know that we have a conversion centre in Ogun state. We are a major conversion centre for the Southwest, and we will begin the conversion of vehicles in accordance with how we agree in terms of scheduling who will come first and what vehicles we will begin to convert."
Abiodun, while disclosing that the federal government was gradually leaving the business of sales and distribution of petroleum products to the private sector, noted that there was no need for transporters to increase transport fares by over 1000 per cent when the price of petrol was just increased by 30 per cent.
"We've seen in the past that when there is a change in pump prices by maybe 10 per cent, we have noticed
Sterling Bank Adopts Africa's First
Sterling Bank Limited has set a new precedent by migrating to the continent's first-ever indigenous core banking solution, SeaBaaS.
Developed by Peerless, the innovative system represents a significant milestone in the region’s banking sector, marking the completion of a strategic shift announced to customers in August 2024.
The adoption of SeaBaaS positions Nigeria as a frontrunner in digital banking, showcasing the potential of local talent and cutting-edge technology.
The advanced platform, powered by data analytics and artificial intelligence, the bank said, promises to revolutionise customer experience and operational efficiency, delivering smarter and faster financial services.
In a statement, Chief Executive Officer of Sterling Bank, Abubakar Suleiman, highlighted that SeaBaaS is the first fully developed core banking platform wholly created and owned by an African technology company.
He described this development as the beginning of a new era in Africa’s quest for economic self-sufficiency, with the intellectual property behind SeaBaaS set to be shared with partners across the continent in the coming months.
He said: “Partnering with Peerless to create SeaBaaS is not just a milestone for us; it is a renewal of
our resolve and ambition to remain a world-class organization. It is proof that African institutions can do great things that will make the world stand up and take notice of us
“We are once again proving that the notion of Nigerian banking being one of the most technologically advanced is not just a myth, but a reality that is manifested in the quality of solutions we can develop, and services we can deliver to our customers.”
Suleiman reiterated that the transition to SeaBaaS represents many things to many people.
“For the African banking industry, it is the continent’s first indigenously conceived and engineered core banking application, built and owned entirely by a Nigerian company, with every line of code, database configuration and interface proudly African, delivered by home-grown talent.
"For our customers, it offers faster transactions, enhanced security and innovative financial products tailored to their needs. For regulators, it ensures greater transparency, robust reporting and compliance with evolving standards,” he added.
The bank’s CEO acknowledged the challenges faced during the implementation, stating that implementation issues had been resolved, with the institution’s full bouquet of digital banking services being restored in phases for customers’ use.
According to him: “This successful deployment reminds us that nothing truly valuable comes without challenges. While this transition has tested our systems and patience, it also reinforced our commitment to innovation and excellence. We enter this new phase confident that the migration will deliver unmatched efficiency and transformative customer experiences."
He also pointed out the financial implications of the migration, noting that African banks collectively spend hundreds of millions of dollars annually on foreign core banking systems, which exacerbates the continent's trade balance issues.
The introduction of SeaBaaS
not only sets a new benchmark for Nigerian financial services but also paves the way for a future where African institutions can reduce their technology costs, thereby enhancing financial inclusion, he said.
Sterling Bank’s migration to SeaBaaS, it said, adds to its history of being at the forefront of marketleading innovations.
The bank pioneered Nigeria's first contactless prepaid transport card (FarePay) and the first automated retail lending solution (Specta).
It has also partnered with state governments to deploy innovations like the first drone delivery system for pharmaceutical consumables with Zip.
that our transporters also naturally increase fares because the cost of their operational equipment—be it motorcycles, tricycles, trucks, or buses—is impacted.
"What we've noticed is that when there is a change in the pricing of petroleum products by 10 per cent to 20 per cent, the impact that we see play out at times is like 2000 per cent, and we want to dialogue to ensure the people are not stretched.
"The change in price is about 25
per cent or 30 per cent so if pump prices have changed by like 25 per cent to 30 per cent, we should not see a difference in transport fares that is more than 25 per cent or 30 per cent," he said.
The Commissioner for Transportation, Mr Gbenga Dairo, while reminding transporters that fuel is just a component of their transportation cost, urged them to do all within their power to ensure that the people of the state are not over-stretched.
As schools resumed yesterday, for a new academic session, the Lagos State Commissioner for Education, Jamiu Tolani Alli-Balogun, called on teachers in the state to enhance their teaching methods and embrace new tools in educational governance, such as Artificial Intelligence, AI, and coding, to better equip themselves for the future.
Alli-Balogun who made this call during his tour of schools in the state to monitor resumption, expressed satisfaction with some, but noted areas of concern in others.
According to him, "We observed impressive improvements in some schools, where rehabilitation work had been done, and new furniture was delivered.
"However, other schools had less favorable conditions, such as unclean environments. This shows there is still a need to encourage schools to maintain cleanliness, ensure regular attendance of students and teachers, and fulfill their responsibilities in a timely manner."
He also highlighted a slight increase
in student attendance compared to 2023, saying that his ministry is currently analysing the data for confirmation. The commissioner advised students to focus on consistent learning and preparation. He particularly emphasized to SS 3 students the importance of reviewing past examination questions from the last five years, urging them to avoid the common practice of cram- ming two or three months before the WAEC exams.
"The strategy of last-minute cram- ming for WAEC needs to change. Students should start preparing earlier and take their studies more seriously," he
Alli-Balogunsaid.also encouraged schools to strengthen their relationships with the local community, suggesting that schools identify key community members and build connections that could benefit both parties.
The commissioner further announced that the official list of students for JSS1 and SS1 will be released soon to align with the academic calendar saying that students who do not meet the required standards after taking entrance exams will not be accommodated.
Zenith Bank Plc yesterday, announced the extension of its ongoing rights issue and public offer which were previously scheduled to have closed yesterday, to September, 23, 2024.
The bank announced this in a statement made available to THISDAY.
It explained that the two-week extension followed the receipt of approval from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). It hinged its reason for the extension on the nationwide protest which commenced on August 1, 2024.
It stated: “Zenith Bank Plc has extended the acceptance/application lists for its ongoing Rights Issue and Public Offer which were scheduled to close on Monday, 9 September, 2024 by two weeks to close on Monday, 23 September, 2024. This is following the receipt of approval from the Securities and Exchange Commission.”
It would be recalled that the rights issue and public offer which launched on August 1, 2024, “were disrupted by the nationwide protest that commenced on the same day,
which disrupted business operations and individual movement across the country.”
“The decision has been made to provide ample opportunity for shareholders to take up their rights and the general investing public to subscribe to the public offer,” it added. Zenith Bank in the ongoing rights issue offers 5,232,748,964 ordinary shares of 50 Kobo each at N36.00 per share, while the Offer for Subscription presents 2,767,251,036 ordinary shares of 50 Kobo each at N36.50 per share. The rights issue allows
existing shareholders to purchase additional shares in proportion to their current holdings and is being offered based on one new ordinary share for every six existing ordinary shares held as of Wednesday, July 24, 2024. Conversely, the public offer for subscription is open to the general public and aims to attract new investors. Today, Zenith Bank is the highest dividend-paying bank in Nigeria, a trend it has sustained over the past five years. Also, its shares are selling at a massive discount.
L-R: Philanthropist/
during the third coronation anniversary of the Olu where Ade
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
The Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) yesterday called for closer collaboration and partnerships among English and Lusophone member countries of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) in Africa.
The goal, NEITI said, is to boost revenue generation, address budget deficits, and mitigate the debt burden that many sub-Saharan African countries face under the EITI framework on Domestic Resource Mobilisation (DRM).
The Special Peer Learning Regional Meeting of English/Portuguese Implementation Countries of EITI, which concluded in Lusaka, Zambia, brought together National Coordinators of EITI from West, East, Central, and Southern Africa.
It also witnessed the attendance of development partners, international organisations, and representatives from the oil, gas, and mining sectors.
Delegates from Tanzania, Uganda, Liberia, Ghana, Mozambique, Malawi, Angola Sierra Leone, Congo Democratic Republic, Nigeria and the host nation Zambia were among countries that participated in the weeklong meeting.
The discussions centred on advancing strategies for DRM to enhance revenue generation, support development goals, reduce poverty, and address budget deficits in EITI member countries.
Executive Secretary of NEITI, Dr. Ogbonnaya Orji, who is also
the National Coordinator of EITI in Nigeria, emphasised that the recently concluded Lusaka meeting set the stage for enhanced collaboration among EITI implementing countries in Africa.
He explained that this was particularly in the areas of domestic resource mobilisation, climate change, and energy transition.
“The shared commitment to transparency, accountability, and innovative approaches will be crucial in driving economic development and addressing the challenges posed by the evolving global energy landscape," Orji was quoted as saying in a statement signed by NEITI’s Deputy Director/Head Communications & Stakeholders Management, Obiageli Onuorah.
Orji maintained that the EITI implementation community in Nigeria remains open to peer learning and sharing opportunities for innovation.
He urged EITI member countries to fully embrace domestic resource mobilisation, develop strategic partnerships to enhance revenue generation, diversify their economies, and reduce budget deficits.
He highlighted the importance of investing in non-oil sectors and creative industries to ensure sustainable economic growth.
Representing Nigeria at the African Regional Meeting in Lusaka, Orji, alongside Dr. Erisa Danladi Sariki, the Civil Society Organisation (CSO) Representative on the NEITI board, played vital roles as guest
speakers and resource persons.
Orji used the platform to outline Nigeria’s strategic plans to diversify its economy, with a particular focus on developing the solid minerals sector, advancing gas commercialisation, and liberalising the oil, gas, and mining sectors through the introduction of investor-friendly legislation.
He welcomed the ongoing synergy and collaboration between anti-corruption agencies in Nigeria, noting that the regular exchange of information and data among these agencies was already yielding positive results.
“This collaboration, he emphasised, is crucial for ensuring a more transparent and accountable extractive sector in Nigeria, rebuilding citizens' trust, and boosting investor confidence. He also underlined the importance of creating an attractive investment climate to stimulate economic growth. He noted that the opportunities presented by domestic resource mobilisation were better realised through regional partnerships with countries rich in oil, gas, and mining—a common factor within the EITI community.
The Director for the Africa Region at the International Secretariat of EITI, based in Oslo, Norway, who was present at the Lusaka meeting, stressed the importance of collaboration, innovation, and openness in managing the challenges faced by oil-dependent countries in the context of climate change and the ongoing global energy transition.
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
The Ministry of Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy has lauded the Bankers' Committee, stressing that the organisation’s donation has proven pivotal to the renovation and revitalisation of the national theatre.
The ministry said the Public Private Partnership (PPP) exhibited between the governments and the bankers’ committee reflects its shared commitment to preserving Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage while fostering economic growth through the creative sector.
In a statement in Abuja yesterday, the minister overseeing the ministry, Hannatu Musawa, described the renovation as a gift to the nation and a source of national pride.
"The successful renovation of the national theatre marks a significant
Chuks Okocha in Abuja
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), yesterday, has lampooned President Bola Ahmed
were
Ajaero was yesterday arrested by men of the Department of State Service
at the
Azikiwe International Airport.
This followed after an invitation by the Nigerian police over
alleged affiliation to terrorism, and felony, propelling a raid of the NLC headquarters in Abuja.
All of these, however, were a fallout of a recent protest by Nigerians, who took to the streets in many cities between August 1 and 10 to protest against hardship in the country.
Reacting to the arrest at a press conference in Abuja, PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, advised Tinubu to stop forthwith.
“There is need for caution. There
was a protest in this country. The government did not do anything. You arrest some people and said they were terrorists and you charge them to court. You say some people were the sponsors of the protest.
“We know those, who sponsored the protest. The sponsor is hunger. The president and his people should arrest hunger and there will be no problem. Your policies that are draconian, and bringing people to their knees. This is the season schools are resuming, we know what people are going through,” he said.
milestone in our collective effort to preserve essential cultural assets and create new opportunities within the creative industry,” she added.
The renovation, she said, not only breathes new life into a historic venue but also generates jobs, supports local artists, and enriches the community at large.
"The collaboration between the Ministry of Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy and the Bankers' Committee serves as a solid example of the private-public partnerships championed by the President's Renewed Hope Agenda, “she added.
She stressed the importance of such partnerships in government's business, adding that it underscores the potential of such collaborations in driving national progress, particularly in the cultural sector.
"The ministry looks forward to deepening this partnership and
replicating it with other private institutions to further advance Nigeria's creative economy. As we look towards the future, the national theatre is poised to deliver even greater contributions to Nigeria's cultural landscape.
“Our next steps include: Delivering a state-of-the-art multi-use venue, implementing new and dynamic programming, and launching training and community programmes.
Notably, the national theatre will offer a versatile space designed to accommodate a wide range of cultural and artistic events, providing a platform for both established and emerging talents.
According to the minister, the ministry is committed to introducing innovative programming that reflects the diverse and dynamic nature of Nigeria’s creative sector will also continue strongly, as these
programmes will be tailored to engage audiences of all ages and backgrounds, fostering a deeper connection to the arts.
"To further our mission of supporting the creative industry, we have already begun to, and will continue to launch new training initiatives and community programmes aimed at nurturing the next generation of artists and cultural leaders,” she added.
The newly renamed Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts, in tribute to one of Nigeria's literary giants, the statement said, not only honours the legacy of Wole Soyinka but also signifies the ministry’s commitment to promoting cultural excellence.
She applauded the partners, stakeholders, and the broader community for their invaluable support, adding that the future of Nigeria’s creative sector remains very bright.
Kuni Tyessi in Abuja
The federal government has directed the exclusion of third-party research grant funds of federal universities and research institutions from the Treasury Single Account (TSA).
The directive contained in a letter signed by the Acting Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Chris Maiyaki, to Vice Chancellors, dates Sept. 6, 2024, and was made available to journalists in Abuja on Monday.
According to him, the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, has conveyed the president’s directive to
the Coordinating Minister of Finance and National Economy, Wale Edun, mandating the exemption."
Maiyaki said the directive also grant universities and research institutions the autonomy to operate their endowment fund accounts in commercial banks.
He said the move was expected to enhance the financial autonomy of universities and research institutions, promoting research and innovation in the country.
“The National Universities Commission received the directive from the Honourable Minister of Education, Ref. DE/HE/37/VII/324 and dated Sept. 4, 2024.
“Forwarding the correspondence from the Principal Secretary to the President, State House, also vide PRES/87/MF/71/198/MBEP/15 and dated 23rd July 2024, on the above subject.
“The letter communicates Mr President’s directive to the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy to exclude third-party research grant funds of federal universities and research institutes from the TSA.
“And to grant universities and research institutes autonomy in operating their endowment fund accounts in commercial banks.”
Addeh
The US Department of State and the Nigerian Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy are set to convene more than 200 stakeholders for a “Global Inclusivity and AI: Africa” conference in Lagos.
The conference participants will discuss the opportunities and challenges in the responsible development, deployment and use of artificial intelligence (AI), the statement added.
The group will also seek to identify and harmonise AI governance strategies between the United States
Scheduled to hold on September 10 and 11, the event, a statement from the US embassy, stated , will be attended by senior officials from the United States and Africa, private sector executives, civil society members, and the academia.
nye Onyemaizu, Isaiah Bozimo, Dr David Agbu, Abdullah Omaki, Olajumoke Adio, Owoeye Ibukun, Shola Oshodi-John, Chidi Martins, Babatunde Fagbohunlu, Oghogho Makinde, Justice Babatunde Adejumo and Deji Morakinyo.
and African nations to enable AI deployments in Africa to be more safe, secure, transparent, and trustworthy.
“The conference builds on the positive momentum of the US Secretary of State’s trip to Nigeria, Cabo Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, and Angola in January 2024 and the landmark adoption and co-sponsorship of 18 countries in sub-Saharan Africa of the ‘Seizing the opportunities of safe, secure and trustworthy artificial
ratio despite the country's over 37 billion barrels oil and 209 trillion cubic feet (TCF) deposits.
intelligence systems for sustainable development’ resolution by the United Nations in March.
“It also expands on Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell’s visit to Abuja for the sixth US-Nigeria Binational Commission (BNC) with Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar.
“ The conference will advance the Biden-Harris Administration’s Digital Transformation with Africa initiative, which invests in expanding
digital access and literacy while strengthening the digital business enabling environment across the continent,” the statement added.
The US delegation will be led by Acting Special Envoy for Critical and Emerging Technology, Dr. Seth Center, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Joy Basu, and will feature recorded remarks from Deputy Secretary of State, Campbell, the release noted.
n UP r C Se TS U P AlT ern ATIV e D ISPUT e r e S ol UTI on b o DY, S AYS n 200bn ATT r ACT e D for Ho ST Comm U n ITI e S De VT a former Director of the defunct Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR)/Chairman of Energia Nigeria Limited, Mr. George Osahor. Other members of the ADRC body sworn in by Komolafe were: Mr. Osten Olorunsola, Mr. Dozie Inechukwu, Dr Edefe Ojomo, Mrs Olayinka Kolade, Mr. Omoniyi Opeyemi, Adeyemi Akinsanya, Dapo Akinosun, Dr Nike Esan, and Achere Cole. Also sworn in were: Adeyinka Ololade, Ojukwu Chiakaasolu, Daere Akobo, Justice Andrew Alaba, Chine-
On the host oil community funding, Komolafe explained that it comprised N60 billion and another $100 million, adding that it amounted to N200 billion when calculated against the prevailing foreign exchange rate. He also lamented Nigeria's low reserve to capital expenditure (Capex)
Komolafe explained that the N200 billion already attracted for host community development was achieved through the implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
He stated: We all are aware that as a nation that is well endowed with huge hydrocarbon resources of over 37 billion barrels of oil and 209tcf of gas, that we suffer at a very low reserve to capex ratio in the country.
"And one of the reasons that have
Aj A ero Arre ST e D , r ele AS e D , CS oS Con D emn A CTI on
immediately and unconditionally, latest by midnight.
The Global rights group, Amnesty International and the United Action Front of Civil Society, had also condemned the arrest and detention of Ajaero, by the DSS, saying President Bola Tinubu was setting a new record of impunity.
But Air Peace Airlines Limited had denied any involvement in the arrest of the labour leader, contrary to speculations.
Ajaero was arrested at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja and prevented from boarding his flight to attend a scheduled meeting of the International Trade Union Congress in the United Kingdom.
There are speculations that his arrest was not unconnected with his refusal to honour invitations of the undercover police, as well as a petition against him by an airline operator.
The Service had reiterated its new public communication policy of covertness and the likelihood of studied silence over certain matters.
To this end, all efforts to get the service to confirm the viral publication of the arrest of the labour leader as well as the offences for which he was nabbed, proved abortive as calls and emails to the service were ignored.
But an Abuja-based legal practitioner, Maxwell Okpara, yesterday, said the DSS confirmed to him and two others that Ajaero, was in their custody, but denied them access to him.
Okpara, who was a guest at AIT programme, "Democracy Today," noted that the operatives of the service simply asked them to go, stating that "any time they are ready for us they will invite us."
It was reported that Ajaero was about to board a flight to the United Kingdom for an official assignment when he was picked up by the DSS personnel.
Some viral publications reported that his arrest on his way to attend a conference of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) in the UK, followed his refusal to honour DSS, and National Intelligence Agency (NIA), an invitation for questioning over his link to the British citizen, Andrew Wynne, who was alleged to be sponsoring terrorism and plotting a regime change in Nigeria.
Another reason adduced in the viral publication was his failure to honour the invitation of the undercover police, over an alleged case of extortion. There was also the issue of an alleged petition by Air Peace Airlines against the labour leader.
In another breath, SERAP had sent an SOS to President Bola Tinubu, through its verified social media handle over the invasion of its premises.
The civil society organisations stated that, "Officers from Nigeria's State Security Service (SSS), are presently unlawfully occupying
SERAP's office in Abuja, asking to see our directors.
“President Tinubu must immediately direct the SSS to end the harassment, intimidation, and attack on the rights of Nigerians.”
However, the NLC, in a statement by its Head of Information and Public Affairs, Benson Upah, called for the immediate and unconditional release of Ajaero and the cessation of all forms of harassment against labour leaders and the Nigerian working class, including innocent citizens,who hold dissenting opinions.
He said the NLC had put all its affiliates, State Councils, Civil society allies and all patriotic Nigerians on the highest state of alert.
NLC's National Administrative Council met yesterday, shortly after Ajaero was arrested and had issued a statement urging the government to release him from detention before midnight yesterday.
In an earlier statement signed by the NLC Deputy President, Prince Adeyanju Adewale, the Council said, Ajaero was neither a fugitive nor a criminal, adding that his detention was, "an act of intimidation aimed at silencing dissent and stifling the labour movement's voice in Nigeria."
NLC's leadership also demanded the immediate reversal of the current hike in the price of petrol to N617/ Litre.
The statement read: "The Congress places all its affiliates, State Councils, Civil society allies, and the Nigerian populace on red alert. The detention of Comrade Ajaero is an attack not just on the NLC leadership but on the rights of all workers and citizens to organise, protest, and express themselves freely.
"The NLC will not stand by while these rights are trampled upon. This provocation is another attempt by the state to scuttle the implementation of the new National Minimum Wage."
In the statement, NLC reaffirmed its commitment to defending the rights of Nigerian workers and citizens, adding that it would not relent in its efforts to oppose all forms of oppression by government.
"NAC-in-session, therefore, summons an emergency meeting of the National Executive Council (NEC) by 9:00 AM tomorrow, the 10th day of September 2024 to take compelling action to engage the current forces of retrogression," it said. The labour movement further demanded the immediate implementation of the New National Minimum Wage, which has been signed into Law.
It vowed that it would not waver in its duty to protect the rights of workers and the freedom of all Nigerians.
NLC also expressed concern that Ajaero was arrest while lawfully discharging his duties to represent Nigerian workers and had not committed any offense warranting such action.
"His detention is an affront to the rights of workers and the democratic principles of freedom of movement and expression," it said.
Similarly, the TUC asked the federal government to immediately free Ajaero.
The union stated that it received with grave concern the news of the arrest of the President of the NLC.
A statement by the TUC President, Festus Osifo, described the arrest as an unjust action and a clear violation of the rights to freedom of association and expression.
It said what the government did was a violation of the fundamental pillars in any democratic society.
"Congress firmly condemns the arrest and calls for his immediate and unconditional release. This arrest sets a dangerous precedent that threatens not only the leadership of the Nigerian labour movement but also the voices of millions of working-class Nigerians, who rely on unions to represent and protect their interests.
"It is imperative that the government respects the rule of law, democratic norms, and the legitimate rights of workers and their representatives. The labour movement has always stood for peaceful negotiations.
"We, therefore, urge the Nigerian government to prioritise dialogue and reconciliation over harassment. We stand in solidarity with the NLC and reaffirm our commitment to defending the rights and dignity of Nigerian workers."
Amnesty International Nigeria, in a statement yesterday, by its Director, Isa Sanusi, “strongly condemns the unlawful arrest of the President of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Joe Ajaero by the Department of State Services (DSS) today. The labour union leader must be immediately and unconditionally released.
“The arbitrary arrest of Joe Ajaero shows an escalating crackdown on human rights and restrictions on civic space by the government of President Bola Tinubu.
“President Bola Tinubu’s government persistently attacks and undermines the operations of the NLC, through fabricated allegations, raids on NLC headquarters and other forms of harassment and intimidation. This growing culture of impunity and disdain for workers’ rights to organise and seek better welfare must stop.
“President Tinubu is setting a new record of utter disregard for the rule of law. Amnesty International has observed, in the last one year, the increasing crackdown by the Nigerian authorities on the labour union and civic space. The authorities continue to weaponise the police and SSS to repress the human rights of Nigerians.
“Nigeria is a party to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which
led to that is the menace of crude oil theft aside very hostile operating environment. Of course, the PIA under Section 235 provides robustly the dealing with the challenges of hostile communal environment and of course, that provision speaks about inclusiveness.
"Now, for us as a commission, we've made efforts in achieving effective implementation of the robust provisions of the PIA which is a very laudable provision. As at today, we have facilitated about N60 billion.
“We've created over $100 million.
guarantee the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and association, including trade union membership and activities.
“The country is also a member of the International Labour Organization, whose fundamental principles include the right to organize, are binding on all members.
“Under international human rights law workers cannot be targeted for participating in trade union activities. The Nigerian authorities have an obligation not only to respect the rights of workers but also to protect these rights from abuse.
“Joe Ajaero is arrested solely for the peaceful exercise of his human rights and must be immediately and unconditionally released,” the statement concluded.
The National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE),accused the security agency of detaining and treating Ajaero like a fugitive without access to his lawyers, families and colleagues.
A statement by acting General Secretary, General Secretary, NUEE, Igwebike Dominic, described the action of government, "as a brazen act of intimidation and harassment is a violation of his fundamental rights and freedom as a Nigerian citizen.
"We are demanding the immediate and unconditional release of Com. Joe Ajaero and we are saying to the government to desist from its unscrupulous harassment of labour
Continued on page 20
Party had had a leadership crisis in recent times culminating in the derecognition of the Abure-led National Working Committee (NWC) by INEC effective June 2024. This is sequel to the settlement brokered by INEC on June 27, 2022."
The letter said the settlement was founded on the consent court judgement by Justice Gabriel Kolawole on March 20, 2018.
"A major part of the settlement states that an all-inclusive national convention, preceded by ward, local government and state congresses shall be convened not later than one year after signing the terms of settlement," the letter said.
It added that because of the 2023 general election, the implementation of the agreement was deferred by one year to 2024.
Obi and Otti stated in the letter, "By March 2024, the Abure-led NWC organised a convention at Nnewi without first organising ward, local government and state congresses. This fell short of the standards and the spirit of the terms of settlement as stated above. In the light of all these, a leadership vacuum arose in the party. In like manner, the National Executive Committee membership got depleted leaving less than 10
And these funds are meant to add value to the host communities, to facilitate conducive operating environment for the operators so that we can achieve the intended optimisation of our hydrocarbon endowment in the nation".
He said the intent of the commission's ADRC was to look for a much peaceful, faster and cheaper way of resolving disputes in the oil and gas industry, particularly issues relating to host communities, to engender a conducive operating environment for operators.
The commission chief executive said the idea was to help to improve Nigeria's oil and gas production and ultimately lead to increased revenue to the federation's account.
Komolafe said however that while the funds had been facilitated and available for host communities' development, litigations arising from host community cases being fuelled by litigious actors in the communities had contributed in delaying the disbursement and utilisation of the funds to add value to the communities as intended by the PIA.
He noted that by going the routes of the mainstream judicial process with its high cost and long trial process, some host community actors often secure court injunctions to stall the utilisation of funds.
"As I speak, you find out that these funds are there but oftentimes, because of the litigious actors in these host communities, there are delays in disbursing them. "Because of the crisis, some of them will go to court, place injunction and we have a barrage of all these issues. And we know that going through the mainstream judicial process takes time apart from cost.
“So in effect, the intended value addition or inclusiveness that we seek to drive in the commission are not impacting as intended. So that becomes an issue," he explained.
Notwithstanding the challenges, he said NUPRC was doing everything to add value to the communities through the PIA provisions.
He said the commission would continue to facilitate inclusiveness and peaceful operating environment to enable operators operate in a way
members standing."
The letter explained, “Given the above scenario, the statutory executives of the party made up of the governor, deputy governor, and legislators, in addition to all surviving members of NEC, the leadership of organised labour, representatives of governorship candidates in the 2023 election and subsequent ones, presidential and vice presidential candidates in the 2023 election and other party leaders, met in Umuahia, Abia State, on Wednesday, September 4, 2024 and set up a caretaker committee to organise congresses and the national convention within a period not exceeding 180 days to fill the vacuum created by the expiration of the tenure of the erstwhile leadership of the party at all levels."
Obi and Otti also informed the INEC chairman that Senator Nenadi Usman and Senator Darlington Nwokocha were appointed by the stakeholders' meeting as Chairman and Secretary, respectively, of the party's caretaker committee.
The letter also listed other members of the committee representing critical stakeholders of the party.
They included representatives of
that leads to achieving the targeted optimal oil and gas production and impact positively on the federation's revenue.
He restated that the unwarranted crisis among the host community actors often limits the laudable initiative of the PIA.
Speaking further, Komolafe said the inauguration of the alternative dispute resolution body marked a significant milestone in the commission's role as the regulator of the Nigerian upstream petroleum sector.
He maintained that the establishment of the body was not only the culmination of extensive planning and dedication but also the commencement of a transformative chapter in the realm of dispute resolution.
"In an increasingly complex and interconnected world, the demand for effective and efficient dispute resolution has never been more critical.
“While traditional litigation remains necessary and important, it is often accompanied by inherent delays, high costs, and adversarial postures that can exacerbate conflicts and strain relationships, as seen in numerous protracted legal battles between producers and host communities.
"These challenges underscore the inefficiencies of traditional litigation and the immense financial burdens and prolonged suffering it imposes on the individuals and communities involved," he said.
He explained that the intent of the commission's ADRC was to look for a much peaceful, faster and cheaper way of resolving disputes in the oil and gas industry, particularly issues relating to host communities, to engender a conducive operating environment for operators.
Besides, Komolafe described the members of the new group as esteemed persons who are professionals and embody the core values of impartiality, expertise, professionalism, and dedication.
He stated that the body comprises eminent professionals with expert knowledge and/or technical experience in the oil and gas industry, including lawyers, retired judges, oil and gas industry experts, and other subject matter experts.
the Nigeria Labour Congress, (NLC), Comrade Abdulwaheed Omar, Professor Theophilus Ndubuaku, and Comrade Chris Uyot.
According to the letter, the senate is being represented by Senators Victor Umeh, Neda Imasuen, and Ireti Kingibe, while the House of Representatives is represented by Hon. Afam Ogene, Hon. Seyi Sowunmi, Hon. Sunday Umeha, Hon. Donatus Matthew, and Hon. Esosa Iyawe
The former governorship candidates of the party were represented by Ken Pela (Delta), Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour (Lagos), Jonathan Asake (Kaduna), and Edward Pwajok (Plateau). The members of the state Houses of Assembly in the caretaker committee included Hon. Edosa Richard, Hon. Harrison Oghara, Hon. Augustine Okezie, and Hon. Clinton Amadi
Representatives of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) in the committee were Mohammed Misau, Austin Jonah, and Sansa Omalara. According to the letter, the other members of the caretaker committee are Edwin Bafte Sajo, Nike Oshola, Aishat Madijiem, Ugoeze Caroline Onwubiko, and Dominic Essien.
L-R: Director of Finance and Operations, Lagos Free Zone, Mr. Ashish Khemka; Chief Executive Officer, Lagos Free Zone, Mrs. Adesuwa Ladoja; Special Adviser to the President on PEBEC and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole and Business Champions Lead, PEBEC, Mr. Temiloluwa Oluokun, during a courtesy visit of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council(PEBEC) delegation led by Dr. Oduwole to Lagos Free Zone ... yesterday.
Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, yesterday arrived Benin City , capital of Edo state as part of events lined up for the state governorship election slated for September 21.
According to the itinerary as announced by the commission in Edo, the INEC boss will
witness a mock accreditation in three locations, readiness assessment to INEC local government offices and attend an inter-agency consultative committee on election security.
He is also expected to embark on stakeholder engagement, meeting with members of staff, visit to the palace and signing of the peace accord by political parties.
Announcing the chairman's
arrival on Monday, the Edo State INEC Head of Voters Education and Publicity, Timidi Wariowei, said that Tuesday will be for readiness assessment visit to Ikpoba Okha, Egor, Oredo and Ovia North East LGAs, while the mock accreditation will take place at Western Boys High school and Idia college.
He said on Wednesday, the INEC boss will meet with
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), yesterday, announced the redeployment of branch chiefs, Air Officers Commanding (AOCs), Directors, and Commanders to enhance operational flexibility, inject fresh perspectives, and optimise leadership capabilities.
A statement by Deputy Director, Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force, Group Captain Kabiru Ali, listed those whose redeployment was approved by Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar.
They included Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Olasunkanmi Abidoye, who was redeployed from Defence Headquarters to NAF Headquarters as Chief of Standards and Evaluation; AVM Adeniyi Amesinlola, previously Commandant at the Armed Forces Resettlement Centre, now to serve as Chief of Transformation and Innovation at NAF Headquarters; and AVM Abubakar Adamu, now Group Managing Director of NAFIL Group.
Others were AVM Iboro Etukudo, appointed as Chief of Policy and Plans; AVM Francis Edosa, now Chief of Training and Operations; AVM Dalhat Ladan as Chief of Air Intelligence; AVM Suleiman
Usman, now Chief of Communication and Information Systems; while AVM Sayo Olatunde and AVM Lanre Oluwatoyin were to serve as Chief of Defence Policy and Plans and Chief of Defence Space Administration, respectively, at Defence Headquarters.
Also affected were AVM Ibikunle Daramola, previously Chief of Communication and Information Systems, reassigned as Chief of Civil-Military Relations; AVM Abiola Amodu, who served as Director General of Air Force Research and Development Institute, now Chief of Aircraft Engineering; and AVM Patrick Phillips, now Chief of Logistics. Additionally, AVM Elijah Ebiowe, was appointed as Air Officer Commanding (AOC) Tactical Air Command in Makurdi, while AVM Sunday Aneke, took over as the new AOC Mobility Command in Yenagoa.
Other newly appointed AOCs included AVM Abubakar Abdullahi, now overseeing the Air Training Command in Kaduna, and AVM Adeniran Ademuwagun appointed as AOC Logistics Command in Ikeja.
While congratulating the new appointees, Abubakar reiterated the essence of the
redeployment, which mainly allowed for strategic flexibility and resource optimisation for enhanced operational effectiveness of the NAF.
The CAS also emphasised the importance of leveraging deep and critical thinking in proffering strategies for addressing current security challenges.
stakeholders and also visit the palace while on Thursday the political parties will sign the peace accord just as the INEC chair is also expected to meets with the staff.
Wariowei said the security agencies and INEC meeting is meant to discuss about security issues relating the election.
"This is to inform the everyone that the chairman of the commission, Prof Mahmood Yakubu is in town. Please, note that based on the itinerary of the visit, Tuesday will be for the readiness assessment visit to Ikpoba Okha, Egor, Oredo and Ovia North East LGAs.
"Then Mock Accreditation at Western Boys High school and Idia college will hold by 1pm and we encourage journalists to follow the Chairman and cover these events," he said.
Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) women campaign council, led by Betsy Obaseki, yesterday continued its advocacy for competent leadership, making campaign stops across Uhunmwode,
Egor, and Orhionmwon Local Government Areas.
The group which aims to rally support for the PDP’s governorship candidate, Asue Ighodalo, and his Deputy, Osarodion Ogie, also highlighted the importance of women in the electoral process.
During a rally in Uhunmwode, the Edo first lady emphasised the need for voters to choose a candidate with the right experience and qualifications.
“When you have the kind of governor who has the brain, knowledge, exposure, experience from the private sector, has grown companies, managed people, and advised organisations globally, such a man is who we call ‘Man wey sabi,’” Betsy Obaseki stated.
At the event convened by the Edo State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Joan Oviawe, women from over 100 villages pledged their support for the PDP candidates.
In Egor Local Government Area, the atmosphere was elec-
tric as the women’s campaign train arrived at the Council Secretariat Hall.
Council Chairperson, Mrs. Eghe Ogbemudia, commended the efforts of the first lady, stating: “You can see today that I am succeeding in Egor Local Government Area because of her Excellency’s determination that women must not be intimidated in this state.”
The governor’s wife urged the women to prioritise competence in their voting choices.
“This election is different. It’s not about politics; it’s another opportunity to choose someone competent to lead us,” she said. The campaign also made a significant stop in Abudu, Orhionmwon Local Government Area, where Mrs. Ifueko Ogie, wife of the PDP deputy candidate, recalled her childhood in the area.
Also speaking , wife the PDP candidate added: “We fight for our husbands, but we fight for our children even more. This election is for our children’s future.
Alex Enumah in Abuja
Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, has called for the removal of the provisions of state pardon for corruption convicts from the country's constitution.
Fagbemi predicated his call on the grounds that when corrupt officials or individuals were made to face the full weight of the law, by serving out their full prison term, it would discourage others from engaging in corrupt practices.
The AGF warned law enforcement agencies against
shoddy investigations, stressing that prosecution agencies must have solid facts before inviting suspect for questioning.
He spoke yesterday in Abuja at a roundtable organised by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for State Attorneys-General (AGs).
“I will suggest in our next constitution review exercise that we expunge those found guilty of corruption from benefiting from powers of ‘Prerogative of Mercy’ to serve as a deterrent to others,” Fagbemi said.
In a statement by Special Assistant to the President on
Communication and Publicity, Office of the AGF and Minister of Justice, Mr Kamarudeen Ogundele, the minister also observed that the cooperation of all stakeholders, especially the AGs, was crucial in the fight against corruption.
He advised the AGs to eschew nepotism, political witchhunting, rivalry, and bigotry in the fight against corruption, just because they wanted to please their governors. He said there should be no basis for rationalising corruption or crimes.
Fagbemi said the AGs’ legal opinions on cases must be based
on the facts, adding, “We should not give in to public sentiments. In Nigeria, we are polarised along political lines.”
The AGF advised participants and anti-graft agencies to conduct thorough investigations of cases before arresting suspects to avoid media trial. He stated, “Let us be thorough and take our time before inviting someone for questioning. Don’t do a shoddy job and be quick to say we have caught a big fish. You will catch a big fish. If it is two or three big fish you are able to get in a year and you are thorough, it is alright.”
Adibe Emenyonu in Benin-City and Chuks Okocha in Abuja
The chances of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the September 21 governorship election in Edo State received yet another major boost on Monday with the defection of hundreds of members of other parties.
Those who decamped are notably from the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Labour Party (LP), the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and other fringe parties joining PDP in the state.
The defection occurred when the PDP, led by Governor Godwin Obaseki, the party governorship candidate, Dr Asue Ighodalo; his running mate, Osarodion Ogie, and other chieftains of the party, held campaign rallies at Egor and Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Areas of the state.
In another related development, the PDP strongly warned the All Progressives Congress (APC) over increased violence in Edo State, declaring that no one has monopoly of such violent activities and that there could be consequences
The PDP called the APC in Edo State to be ready to face the full impact of the wrath of the people of Edo State if it continues in its violent attacks and harassment of innocent citizens of the State
The party also called on women in the state to rise against Senator Adams Oshiomhole for his antiwomen utterances.
Meanwhile, speaking at the Olua Primary School Field, Uselu, venue of the campaign rally in Egor LGA, Governor Obaseki declared that he has done his best for the state and that Ighodalo and his running mate, Osarodion Ogie, will continue from
where he would hand over to them.
Obaseki said: "I have done my best. Ighodalo and Ogie will continue from November 12. We want progress. We want to move forward and not backwards. Looking at the people here, you see a lot of youths. I am not surprised because Egor is home of youths. We have the University of Benin and the Benin Technical College.
"September 21 is the most important election in Edo State. Don't make the mistake, for the sake of continuity, it must be PDP or PDP. Ighodalo is youth friendly, all his lawyers in his company are young lawyers.
"I have known him for 40 years and his very brilliant. So, no mistake on 21 because all the works in Egor local government area are too important to be allowed to stop. Go out early and vote and protect your votes."
This received thunderous applause. In his speech, Ighodalo promised to bring out the best in Edo youths by harnessing the potential of the youth in a very positive way for the good of all.
He said Edo doesn't need an illiterate who will bring insecurity to the state - a comment that elicited a thunderous roar of laughter.
His words: "We will work and work and work and bring out the creative potential of our youths in a way that it will benefit all. We don't need an illiterate who will bring insecurity.
"It's time to move forward. Ogie and I are very ready to work for you all. So, don't fear, don't worry, we're for you all. Prosperity has come for all. Just go out on the 21st and vote early and protect your votes."
Earlier, the PDP chairman in Egor, Chief Idenhen, welcomed the governor and the candidate.
He said the people of Egor are fully ready for the election and they will produce the best result in the state come September 21.
The council chairman, Hon. Eghe Ohbemudia, while welcoming the governor and candidate said Asue Ighodalo and Osarodion Ogie will continue with the good work Obaseki has started in the state as Egor is fully PDP.
Comrade Odion Olaye, a chieftain of PDP in the area and chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Edo State Chapter, charged the rally with glorious and melodious songs as the people were over charged with joy.
He said nobody can rig election in Egor, adding that PDP members cannot be intimidated by any police or anyone else. He predicted that Egor will be won by PDP and Asue-Ogie, PDP will be declared winner.
The Deputy Majority Leader, Edo State House of Assembly, Hon. Natasha Igbinedion, said for Edo State to move forward, Edo must vote Asue Ighodalo and Osarodion Ogie. She said: "Egor has already settled for PDP. The local government is fully united for PDP and Egor will not fail."
Hon. Ogbeide Ifaluyi, Commissioner for Digital economy, said Egor is 100% for PDP.
He enumerated the project done and completed by the Obaseki administration, noting that there is every need to vote PDP as Asue Ighodalo will complete all the projects still going on.
The Director General of the PDP governorship campaign council, Hon Matthew Iduoriyekemwen, charged the people to vote PDP and shouldn't make the mistake like the one of 2023 during the national elections.
PDP State chairman, Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, thanked the people of
Egor for coming out en-masse to welcome them and also charged them to come out en-masse to vote PDP
The high point of the rally was when hundreds of defectors led by Bright Omoruyi from the ADP, a former State House of Assembly candidate of the party, declared that the choice before the people is that of light and darkness.
He said they joined the party to ensure PDP wins the election and explained that he and his structure joined the party because the candidate is the best.
Promise Igbinevboh, a former APC chieftain, said he led his people to PDP because Asue Ighodalo is mentally, physically and academically sound.
Labour Party members from Ward 9, joined the party too, claiming that the election is between PDP and PDP, because there are no other candidates in the race.
At the Western Boys High School Field in Ikpoba Hill, venue of the rally in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area, home of the running mate, Ogie, turned to a carnival at the arrival of the governor, the governorship candidate and the campaign team.
The council chairman, Hon. Henry Osayande, assured that Ikpoba-Okha is 100 per cent for PDP because of Ogie.
While enumerating his various achievements, he declared that PDP is a progressive party and assured the governor and the candidate of 100 percent vote in Ikpoba-Okha LGA.
Commissioner of Physical Planning, Hon. Isoken Omon, also stated what had been said earlier and assured that PDP will win Ikpoba-Okha, advising the people to come out en-masse to vote the umbrella and defend until PDP is announced winner.
Hon. Henry Okunanrobo, former majority leader Edo State House of Assembly, said the people of IkpobaOkha are fully ready to vote and defend their votes.
Hon. Iduoriyekemwen, DG campaign council, said Ikpoba-Okha is the strongest force of PDP. He said PDP invested in Ikpoba-Okha both infrastructure and human capital development and now they have the deputy governorship candidate.
Governor Obaseki in his speech said he didn't go there to campaign but to thank the people and celebrate. He then listed the several projects in the area and concluded that only one government cannot finish all the job. So, he has brought Ighodalo and their son, Ogie.
He assured them that the election would be peaceful and nothing to fear. He enjoined them to go out and vote on 21.
Ighodalo on his part thanked the people for showing good examples as good hosts to the many companies in the areas. He said others will soon become like it. He enjoined them to go out on election day and vote.
Ogie in his speech raised two songs and the venue was charged. He then challenged them that in 2020, Ikpoba-Okha know what it delivered but he wasn't on the ballot. In 2024, he is on the ballot saying, "I leave the rest to you."
He drew a difference between PDP and the others. He asked them to come out early and vote for PDP.
Nomagbon Ogbomo, a former chieftain of the APC in Ward 10, said he was very happy to join the PDP because of their youthfulness unlike the APC where you have the old people who don't want to retire.
He said Obaseki has done well for ward 10 Ikpoba-Okha Okha which is one of the riverine areas by providing
Laleye Dipo in Minna
With 40 % of the total cattle in West Africa and over 150 million livestock, Nigeria can generate over N150billion annually from its export if the new Ministry of Livestock Development is well handled, a Senator in the 9th National Assembly from Niger State, Senator Bima Enagi has said. Senator Bima emphasised that export of livestock "can be the game changer" the nation needs to diversify from oil.
Addressing newsmen in Minna, Niger State on Monday, Senator
Bima lauded President Ahmed Bola Tinubu for establishing the livestock ministry saying that the policy will not only reduce to the barest minimum frictions between herders and farmers but be "the game changer" the country needs in its drive for foreign exchange".
Bima lamented that the country has not been able to participate in the livestock export sector and continues to import meat, skins and other dairy products largely due to lack of right policies, laws, and investment in the sector which the new ministry will correct.
Bima explained that he realised
the importance of the livestock sector especially in the area of revenue generation and provision of protein to the people which was why he sponsored the Bill"National Livestock Identification and Management Bureau Bill" - in the 9th Assembly which scaled through the 1st and 2nd readings.
He regretted that during the public hearing the then Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural development and its agencies raised some "misplaced concerns" that halted the progress of the Bill.
"It is therefore inspiring and reassuring to see the bold steps
being taken by our visionary President to frontally address the longstanding challenges in the livestock sector and promote an efficient and sustainable sector."
Bima said: "If knowledgeable, experienced and practical people are put to head the ministry, the sector will provide more job opportunities, improve the welfare of livestock farmers, prevent cattle rustling and clashes between farmers and herders, and also address food safety concerns and animal health."
In addition, he submitted that the ministry will provide international
market access, provide database of animals (from birth to the table) and on the macro level as well as diversify the economy.
Bima however suggested that: "There is an urgent need to create cattle grazing paths that will make this country the giant of Africa which we claim to be particularly in the agricultural sector".
The senator commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu "for the bold steps he has taken so far to reposition the national economy" and pleaded for support of Nigerians for the administration for the sustenance of democracy.
security, building jetty park to ease transportation and electricity to the people.
He said he led his people to the PDP to work and ensure PDP wins the forthcoming election.
Evang. Esther Ero, a former welfare officer of the APC, who led hundreds of followers to the PDP, said she and her people returned to the PDP because of Barr. Osarodion Ogie who she said is a man with an open heart. She said, she and her people are ready to work to ensure victory for PDP.
On his part, while addressing a press conference yesterday at the party national secretariat, the National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba said: "This warning is on the backdrop of continuing attacks, harassment and illegal arrest of innocent citizens of Edo State by APC leaders in connivance with certain compromised police operatives, as part of APC’s desperate bid to scare the people from coming out to vote and seize the opportunity to rig the September 21, 2024 governorship election.
"Since it became clear that the PDP Candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo is coasting to a landslide victory with the overwhelming support of over 68% of the expected votes, the APC and its candidate, Monday Okpebholo have been desperate to use violence and harassment to break the Will of the people of Edo State", he stated. According to Ologunagba, "It will be recalled that the PDP on Monday, September 2, 2024 alerted on how the APC in connivance with certain compromised security operatives have been harassing, arresting and detaining innocent citizens of Edo State, notable among whom are Mr. Kingsley Osahon who was arrested in Uromi, Mr. Odion Bright and Mr. Timothy Isibor who were arrested in Igueben.
Timothy Isibor: "On Wednesday, August 28, 2024, an attempt was made by the said APC-controlled operatives to arrest Chief Francis Inegbeniki, who recently defected from the APC to the PDP.
"Also last week Wednesday, September 4, 2024, the APC’s agent stormed the house of one Shina who decamped from the APC to the PDP three weeks ago and forcefully took him away while shooting sporadically to scare the people. On Tuesday, September 3, 2024 an attempt was made to pick Mr. Joel Aidamebor which was firmly resisted by the people.
"There are reports in the public domain that the APC has established a torture squad which has been picking innocent Edo citizens and taking them to unknown destinations.
adibe emenyonu in Benin-City Labour Party (LP) candidate in the September 21 governorship election in Edo State, Mr. Olumide Akpata, yesterday, described the state of affairs in the state as "desperate situation in need of serious intervention".
Akpata promised to turn things around for good and uplift the people's living conditions if elected.
He addressed journalists in Benin City on the party's experience after campaigning in the 18 local government areas of the state twice, to understand the mood of the people and what they were encountering as citizens of the state.
Akpata said his team discovered that several communities across the state lacked basic social amenities of life, citing Urhonigbe
and Eme-Ora that have not had electricity for the last 10 and four years, respectively. He said the report indicated that many of the communities lacked roads, schools, health centres, and other facilities.
The LP candidate stated, "The situation we saw is nightmarish, but this is the situation of the Edo people on a daily basis. The farmers are unable to evaluate their produce to the markets.
The situation is not only in the hinterland, the approach to Benin City, the state capital, all the roads are a nightmare, flooding everywhere.
"The state of affairs I have presented is the mis-governance of the APC and PDP that have been in the helm of affairs of the state for the past 25 years."
He stated that poverty had been weaponised, which in turn
made politics monetised, and cited many of the communities the party took its campaign to, where they demanded provision
of transformers, construction of their roads, and other facilities before they could give the party a listening ear.
Akpata said, "Our visit showed the government fell short. We have seen schools that are in such decrepit condi-
tions. Government at all levels have become transactional and abandoned their responsibilities to the people."
Says ‘night grazing is often a deliberate act to provoke conflict’
hammed Shittu in Ilorin
National President of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Alhaji Baba Othman-Ngelzarma, said the association had banned the use of underage herders and night grazing in the country.
alex enumah in Abuja
The federal government, yesterday, arraigned a traditional ruler in Osun State, Oba Taofeeq Olaposi Osunmakinde, and four others before the Abuja division of the Federal High Court. Osunmakinde, the Obawore of Ifetuntun in Ife Central Local Government Area of Osun State, and his co-defendants were arraigned by the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) on a two-count charge bordering on alleged illegal gold mining.
The other defendants were Sheu Mustapha, Sabiru Hashim, Danbaba Ibrahim, and Ade Olap Global Resources Limited.
They were specifically accused of conspiring with others at large on August 25, 2024, to engage in the illegal mining of gold at the Ogunlepo mining site in Lege community, Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State.
The alleged offence was said to be contrary to Section 3 (6) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act 2004 and punishable under Section 1(8) of the same Act. They were also alleged to have undertaken gold mining on August 25 without lawful authority, contrary to Section 1(8) of the Miscellaneous Offences
Act and punishable under the same Act.
However, all the defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges when read to them.
Counsel to the AGF, Toluwalope Ojo, thereafter, asked the court for a date to commence trial.
Although Ojo did not object to the bail of the accused persons, he requested the court to compel them to deposit their international passports with the court.
Counsel to the defendants, Vincent Ododo, who moved consolidated bail applications for his clients, pleaded with Justice Nwite to admit them to bail on various grounds.
Part of the grounds he cited was that the first defendant was a well-known traditional ruler and that the charges against them did not carry capital punishment. Ododo assured that the defendants would not fail to appear in court for trial.
In a brief ruling, Nwite admitted the defendants to bail in the sum of N20 million each with one surety in like sum. The judge ordered that the sureties must be residents of Abuja with ownership of landed properties and must produce a three-year tax clearance certificate.
In addition, Nwite ordered that
the defendants must deposit their international passports along with three copies of each of their recent passport photographs with Deputy Chief Registrar of the court.
Pending the perfection of their bail conditions, the judge ordered that the defendants be taken to Kuje prison on remand.
Othman-Ngelzarma stated that the ban became imperative in view of the persistent clashes between herders and farmers in many parts of the country.
He disclosed the ban at the weekend in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, during the inauguration of a new executive for the Kwara State chapter of the association.
The national president stated that the new directive would bring peaceful co-existence between the farmers and herders in the country.
Othman-Ngelzarma urged the new executive to prioritise harmony between the two groups.
He said, “We have instructed our members and the new executive to ensure that there is mutual understanding between pastoralists and farmers in Kwara State.
"No one should trespass on farmland or allow underage boys to graze cattle at night. This is unacceptable."
He added, "Night grazing is often a deliberate act to provoke conflict.
“Anyone engaging in night grazing is intentionally stirring up trouble. We do not support this practice, and if we catch anyone involved, we will personally hand them over to the security agencies for appropriate action."
He said the association recognised the value both farmers and pastoralists placed on their livelihoods, stating, “We understand that a cow is as dear to the heart of a pastoralist as crops are to a farmer.”
Othman-Ngelzarma lauded President Bola Tinubu's administration for creating the Ministry of Livestock, a move he believed would significantly boost the country’s economy.
He stated, “We have been advocating for this ministry for decades, and we appreciate President Tinubu for establishing it.
"If properly managed, it will transform the economy, attract foreign exchange, and save the country over $2 billion in importation costs.”
The MACBAN leader also addressed the growing insecurity in the country, which he described as increasingly complex and involving criminal activities, such as kidnapping and banditry. He called for a united front to combat the menace, stating that pastoralists are both perpetrators and victims of these crimes.
Othman-Ngelzarma said, “Criminality is criminality. Everyone involved should be treated equally. It is unfair to treat some differently in other parts of the country. We must all come together, including the media, to solve this problem.” He urged traditional rulers, security agencies, and non-state actors to define their roles in resolving the security challenges.
Deji elumoye in Abuja
Wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, yesterday paid a condolence visit to the wife of former President, late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, Hajia Turai Yar’Adua over the recent demise of her mother- in-law, Hajia Dada Yar’Adua.
Mrs Tinubu, who was at the Abuja residence of the former president in company of the wife of the Vice President, Hajia Nana Shettima; wife of the Speaker, House of Representatives; wife of the Deputy Senate President and
others, pointed out that the late matriarch of the Yar’Adua family lived a fulfilled life as evident in the quality of children she had.
The First Lady, according to a release issued by her Media Assistant, Busola Kukoyi, said: "A truly successful and fulfilled woman is not in the position she holds or wealth but how well she managed the family, train the children and leaves a legacy for the generations yet unborn.
“All of these, Dada was able to accomplish. She saw her grandchildren, great grand children. That is truly great”.
She urged Turai Yar'Adua to be strong as she will have to step into the shoes of late Dada Yar’Adua and carry on the legacies of the family.
She thanked the former First Lady for always being a pillar of support to both her and the wife of the vice president especially with her motherly advice.
“Despite our different political affiliations, we are one family. You have always been there to support me; your advice has always been invaluable,” the president’s wife stated.
Earlier in her remarks, Turai
Yar’Adua described her late mother-in-law as a friend and a sister who encouraged her in trying times. She thanked the First Lady and others on her entourage for the visit which she noted was a great encouragement to the family. Wife of the Vice President, Nana Shettima prayed for the repose of the soul of the departed, the family left behind and the nation as a whole. Also on hand to receive Mrs Tinubu were some of the children of former President Umar Yar’Adua and extended family members.
Email: deji.elumoye@thisdaylive.com
It’s about time Nigerians began to see the fight against corruption as national imperative and stop demonising the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Shola Oyeyipo writes.
Some discerning Nigerians have an understandably deep-seated misconception and misgiving about the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). This is not without concrete reasons.
An anti-corruption agency established to combat economic and financial crimes, some of its former helmsmen were controversially removed from office due to allegations of, ironically, graft. This has markedly engendered and entrenched a stark decline in trust and regard for the agency.
Indeed, the EFCC has an uncanny history of insider corruption whereby its bosses, otherwise the watchdogs, became hounded men for varying degrees of financial malfeasances.
The first and only woman to head the agency, Farida Waziri, was appointed in 2008 by the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.
However, her tenure was dogged by startling allegations of attempting to dismiss cases of corrupt individuals and failing to secure convictions for high-profile cases involving former governors already instituted by her predecessor.
She was sacked by President Goodluck Jonathan in November 2011, citing national interest as the reason for her dismissal.
Waziri was succeeded by Ibrahim Lamorde, who sadly died in May, 2024 after a brief illness. He was 62 years old. A retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Lamorde served as the third substantive chairman of the EFCC between 2012 and 2015.
A few months before his fourth anniversary in office, Lamorde was asked by former President Muhammadu Buhari to proceed on terminal leave.
At the time, the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public petitions was investigating a petition written by one Mr. George Uboh, alleging that Lamorde diverted the sum of N1 trillion being stolen money recovered from a former Governor of Bayelsa State, Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, and former Inspector-General of Police, Tafa Balogun.
The heist reportedly occurred when Lamorde served as the pioneer director of operations of the agency between 2003 and 2007, and when he was acting chairman of the commission in 2008. Alas, nothing came out of the petition until Lamorde passed.
Similarly, Lamorde’s successor, Ibrahim Magu, appointed in an acting capacity, left under a mottled cloud of corruption allegations. However, the Senate refused to confirm him, citing unfavourable security reports.
When he returned for his confirmation hearing in 2017, the senate once again rejected his nomination as the substantive chairman of the EFCC after the Department of Security Service (DSS) reaffirmed its position that he lacked integrity to lead the country’s anti-corruption agency.
But he remained in office at the behest of President Buhari and without parliamentary approval for five years. In July 2020, Magu was suspended from office because of a groundswell of corruption allegations.
The DSS report that nailed him stated, among others that, “The Police Service Commission found Magu guilty of action prejudicial to state security – withholding of EFCC files, sabotage, unauthorised removal of EFCC files, and acts unbecoming of a police officer and awarded him severe reprimand as punishment.” He was subsequently arrested and suspended from office.
Until his appointment to replace Magu, Abdulrasheed Bawa was zonal head of the Lagos office of EFCC, and he had no formal police training, making him the
first non-policeman to chair the EFCC and the youngest.
Bawa, then 40 years old, was appointed substantive chairman in February 2021. Like his predecessor, Bawa’s tumultuous reign culminated in his indefinite suspension by President Bola Tinubu in June, 2023 and subsequent arrest by the DSS for alleged financial improprieties and gross abuse of office. He was released after four months in custody.
The foregoing underscores the revolving door nature of how EFCC bosses leave office except for its pioneer chairman, Nuhu Ribadu, whose controversial removal from office was not based on corruption allegations.
It does bear asserting that no matter how pious, every EFCC boss is a marked man. Safe to say that there is sustained, concerted, and well-oiled machinery by corrupt elements to bring EFCC bosses to an ignominious end.
Like Magu said when he was
absolved of all allegations, “I am a victim of corruption fighting back, but I am happy that recent events are revealing the truth to Nigerians.”
Therefore, the fight against corruption, especially as deep-seated as Nigeria’s, is a national security imperative. It is not a fight that would be left to the agency in charge alone.
During the release of a policy memo against corruption in 2021, United States President Joe Biden, said, “Fighting corruption is not just good governance. It is self-defence. It is patriotism, and it’s essential to the preservation of our democracy and our future.
“Corruption eats away at the foundations of democratic societies. It makes the government less effective, wastes public resources, and exacerbates inequalities in access to services, making it harder for families to provide for their loved ones.
“Corruption attacks the foundations of democratic institutions, drives and intensifies extremism, and makes it easier for authoritarian regimes to corrode democratic governance.”
Biden elaborated on the need for col-
An anti-corruption agency established to combat economic and financial crimes, some of its former helmsmen were controversially removed from office due to allegations of, ironically, graft. This has markedly engendered and entrenched a stark decline in trust and regard for the agency. Indeed, the EFCC has an uncanny history of insider corruption whereby its bosses, otherwise the watchdogs, became hounded men for varying degrees of financial malfeasances.
laborations by all and sundry and directed “departments and agencies to make recommendations that will significantly bolster the ability of the U.S. government to combat corruption…
“The United States will lead by example and in partnership with allies, civil society, and the private sector to fight the scourge of corruption.”
If the American president could call on the civil society and private sector to join the government in fighting corruption, it behoves the Nigerian government to also call every Nigerian, whether in Langtang or Lagos, Aba or Abeokuta and everywhere in between to support the agency in achieving its mandate.
Instructively, the executive chairman of the commission, Ola Olukoyede, while outlining his agenda upon assumption of office in October, 2023, said he came with three objectives: focus on the mandate of the EFCC, pursuit of transparency and accountability, and building the image of Nigeria.
To achieve these, he called for collective responsibility and greater emphasis on preventive frameworks against graft.
He said, “We need to get to a point in Nigeria where we come together on the same page and believe that corruption is a cankerworm to our development. We must also create an atmosphere of transparency and accountability. And we must help as an anti-corruption agency to build the image of Nigeria.”
Thus, whether Nigerians love to hate the EFCC or not; or do not trust it because of its chequered past, they cannot turn a blind eye to its anti-graft efforts and activities. There will always be pushback from corrupt elements. It is Nigerians’ responsibility, not just the agency’s, to see through the veneer of untruths and blackmail and come together to fight a common existential enemy.
PReSidenT OF THe COURT OF aPPeal, HOn. jUSTiCe MOniCa dOnGBan-MenSeM
‘There are some videos of 1974 where we had fuel queues, which are still here. Dangote Refinery fuel will eliminate all fuel queues in Nigeria, improve the health of everybody, and make sure there’s consistent supply to the market. It will also bring the real demand of PMS, no paper transactions.’ - Alhaji Aliko Dangote, GCON
‘….Please, note that, we Nigerians are hungry. Find a way of reducing the price of fuel, find a way of keeping our country secure.’ - Bishop Matthew Kukah, Catholic Bishop of the Archdiocese of Sokoto
Lingering Fuel Crisis
Before I delve into the word for today, I cannot but express the displeasure of Nigerians on the matter of the lingering fuel crisis. It was rather nauseating watching the Minister of State of Petroleum, Mr Lokpobiri, after their meeting with the Vice President last week, making incoherent excuses that don’t seem to add up, in a bid to assure Nigerians who are going through so much hell, that fuel would soon be available, while the CEO of NNPCL, Mr Mele Kyari looked on. Again, I hold President Tinubu to his November 2023 warning that non-performers would be sacked, so that they do not constitute themselves as clogs in the wheels of Nigeria’s progress. I repeat that, it appears that it is time for those running the oil sector to go home. Keeping them in their jobs, cannot be more important than the welfare of millions of Nigerians, who can no longer afford to feed because of the inflation caused by the increase in fuel price and the non-availability of the product. Let those who know how to drive, get into the the driver’s seat!
I have never worked in the oil industry, but does common sense not tell one that if NNPCL has allegedly run up a $6 billion debt with fuel suppliers and they are unwilling to extend any more credit to them and supply them fuel, it goes without saying that NNPCL should have been breaking down the door of Dangote Refinery (DR) to send crude oil there to be refined, in order to make fuel readily available to Nigerians, that is, if they had even the slightest bit of concern for the well-being of Nigerians. Instead, a foolish campaign of calumny was mounted against DR, raising false allegations about DR’s product! Oil is the main source of revenue for Nigeria, and therefore, it is bizarre that running of such a vital sector should be left in the hands of those, who by their actions, appear to be inept. There is no better time than now, for the Tinubu administration to decide that some things are too crucial to be used for paying back political debts, or to satisfy APC, or other reasons unrelated to capacity to perform on the job - such things must be put in the hands of those who have the expertise to operate them. Clearly, this is not the case with the Nigerian oil sector.
And, this reminds me of the social contract that Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala discussed, at our recently concluded 2024 NBA-AGC. Not only must offices, particularly the crucial ones, be populated with only those who have the know-how, Government must be committed to fulfilling the Fundamental Objectives and Directive Principles of State Policy contained in Chapter II of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended in 2023) (the Constitution) particularly Section 14(2)(b), the security and welfare of the people which is the primary purpose of Government. Section 16 of the Constitution, the economic objectives and achieving them, is synonymous with the welfare of the people. A hungry man, they say, is an angry man, not a happy one (see Section 16(1)(b) of the Constitution). And, Nigerians are rather unhappy. The fact that the pump price of fuel has increased, isn’t helping matters.
Students are planning a protest against economic hardship on September 15, while the #EndBadGovernance Protesters have already given advance notice of their next outing on October 1, 2024. A month after the last protest, the most pertinent question to ask, is how gainfully Government has used the intervening period between the last protest which ended on August 10 and now, to alleviate the suffering of Nigerians, and address some of the legitimate concerns raised by the #EndBadGovernance Protesters.
Court of Appeal’s Proposals for the Amendment of the Constitution and Electoral Act 1) Section 187 of the Constitution
Last Wednesday, I read an article in This Day Newspaper about some of the Court of Appeal’s proposals for the amendment of the Constitution and the Electoral Act 2022 (EA). Their first port of call is the amendment of Section 187(1) of the Constitution, so that as in the Bayelsa State case of PDP v David Lyon, Biobarakuma DegiEremienyo & Ors (2020) LPELR-49734(SC) per Ejembi Eko, JSC, the joint ticket of a Gubernatorial candidate or Governor-elect will not be vitiated as a result of the disqualification of the Deputy Gubernatorial candidate or Deputy Governor-elect by a court of competent jurisdiction. That Section 187 of the Constitution should also be amended to allow the Governor, Governor-elect or Gubernatorial candidate the luxury of nominating another Deputy, if there’s a disqualification of the extant one. Though the article was silent on the Presidential ticket, it wouldn’t be illogical to assume that such amendment could also apply to Section 142(1) of the Constitution, as it relates to the joint ticket of the President
“While some welcome the amendment to Section 187 of the Constitution, citing the unfairness of what amounts to punishing the Governor who hasn’t committed any offence, for the sins of the Deputy…. What offence then, would the Governor be charged with committing, because the Deputy forged his own documentation, that he should be penalised?”
and Vice President.
I’m sure that we all recall that the Supreme Court upheld the judgement of the trial court sacking Mr Degi-Eremienyo, on account of his presentation/submission of forged/ false documentation to INEC. People have asked me many times why the court was able to sack Mr Degi-Eremienyo then, based on the PDP’s allegation that he presented forged documentation and therefore, stood disqualified by virtue of Section 182(1)(j) of the Constitution; but that, following the 2023 elections, there was no disqualification of candidates based on allegations in rival parties’ election petitions that some candidates were not constitutionally qualified to run, because of the presentation of questionable documentation to INEC. But, the truth is that, in the 2023 petitions, had the courts disqualified anyone based on allegations of submitting false documentation brought by XYZ Party against ABC Party, and disqualified an ABC Candidate based on XYZ’s petition, such decision would have been perverse. This is because Section 31(5) of the Electoral Act 2010 which was the law in force at the time of Degi-Eremienyo’s case, was amended in the 2022 EA. Section 31(5) of the 2010 EA allowed ‘Anyone’ to bring such allegations of questionable documentation before the Federal High Court, while Section 29(5) of the 2022 EA amended the aforementioned Section 31(5) to restrict ‘Anyone’ to only fellow ‘Aspirants’ who participated in the primaries of the same political party with the candidate being accused.
In short, by virtue of the new Section 29(5) of the EA, only an Aspirant for the same position in ABC Party can sue an ABC Candidate at the Federal High Court on the documents presented/submitted, not later than 14 days from the date of the occurrence of the event complained of, and not a Candidate from XYZ Party (see Section 285(9) of the Constitution).
Section 148(1)(a) & (b) of the 2002 Electoral Act, only the Presidential election petition appeal lay to the Supreme Court, while all other petitions terminated at the Court of Appeal, including that of the Gubernatorial election petitions. But, by virtue of Section 246 of the Constitution, the Gubernatorial election petitions now also lie to the Supreme Court.
Reverting to the old system where only the Presidential election petition appeals lie to the Supreme Court, will definitely decongest the Apex Court’s overcrowded docket, and let the Justices concentrate on more important appeals. Why should all pre-election matters get to the Supreme Court, when not all substantive election petitions get there? Presently, the case of X of ABC Party who submits a forged WAEC Certificate to INEC in his bid to run for Plateau State House of Assembly, can be fought as a pre-election matter from the Federal High Court all the way to the Supreme Court, but an election petition brought by Y of XYZ Party against X for the same House of Assembly seat terminates at the Court of Appeal! How so?
On the definition of Aspirant, see Ardo v Nyako 2014 10 N.W.L.R. Part 1416 Page 592 at 624-625 per John Inyang Okoro, JSC; Oli v INEC & Ors (2023) LPELR-60587(SC) per Helen Moronkeji Ogunwumiju, JSC.
While some welcome the amendment to Section 187 of the Constitution, citing the unfairness of what amounts to punishing the Governor who hasn’t committed any offence, for the sins of the Deputy (an antithesis to the principles of equity and justice), Section 36(8) of the Constitution provides inter alia that a person can only be found guilty of committing an offence known to law. What offence then, would the Governor be charged with committing, because the Deputy forged his own documentation, that he should be penalised?” It is for these reasons, that they believe that a Governor should be able to nominate a replacement Deputy. Others however, oppose the amendment on the ground that, if candidates and their political parties fail or neglect to do their due diligence on candidates/running mates before they are selected and presented formally to INEC with their documentation, then they shouldn’t be given a second bite at the cherry when such candidates are declared unfit by the courts. That, in fact, Section 29(8) of the EA prescribes a N10 million fine upon conviction, for the presentation of a candidate who doesn’t meet the Section 29 qualifications.
2) Section 246 of the Constitution
The Court of Appeal also proposed that Section 246(3) of the Constitution be amended, so that not only appeals arising from the National and State Houses of Assembly terminate at the Court of Appeal, Gubernatorial election petitions and all pre-election matters should also terminate there. Back in the day, for example, by virtue of the
However, this issue of expanding the subjectmatter jurisdiction of the Court of Appeal is intertwined with the issue of the process of appointment of Judges and their elevation to the higher Benches. Nigerians have lost most of their confidence in the Judiciary, and with the Court of Appeal’s reputation for delivering conflicting, and sometimes perverse judgements, a case in view being that of the Plateau Lawmakers, they therefore, prefer to exhaust all levels of appeal, getting some comfort from the Apex Court. At the risk of sounding like a broken record, the testimony of former NBA President, Olumide Akpata, that Judges who were being considered for elevation to the Court of Appeal, were not conversant with the most basic legal principles like ‘Lis Pendens’; who can blame anyone for not wanting their fate to be determined by those who may not be well equipped to decide their cases?
If the jurisdiction of the Court of Appeal is to be expanded to be the final arbiter on Gubernatorial election petitions and all pre-election matters, then there must be a rejigging of the process of recruitment of judicial officers right from the beginning, be it Magistrate, Judge, Kadi or Customary Court Judge, so that only the brightest and the best are chosen. Apart from promotion tests and interviews, judicial officers must be grilled on their judgements which must contain all the elements of a good judgement, and not just because they are someone’s relative or protégé. These kind of measures, along with serious sanctions for corruption, will inspire confidence in Nigerians, and set a better stage for the expansionary proposals of the Court of Appeal.
3) Section 285 of the Constitution
As for the amendment of Section 285 which sets the timelines for the determination of pre-election matters and election petitions, the whole section must be reviewed holistically, vis-à-vis the holding of Primaries to the substantive elections and swearing in, if the object is that all litigation concerning elections must be completed before swearing in, unless of course the dates set for submitting forms to INEC, holding Primaries and elections are changed, so that all litigation will end timeously. But, this may not be practical because, based on the timelines set in Section 285, elections may have to be completed a year before, to be able to complete all litigation before swearing in.
Or will a combination of reviewing the dates that Primaries and elections will hold, and necessary amendments of the EA, including Section 285 of the Constitution reducing all the time lines be more ideal? For example, Section 285(6) & (10) allow 180 days for pre-election matters and election petitions at first instance - this time frame can be reduced. Presently, for instance, in the case of the Gubernatorial election petition which goes through three stages - Tribunal, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court, the Tribunal will be concluded at least three months after swearing in, while the other two rounds of appeal will be completed early the following year - 349 days or so in total, approximately one year. Even a pre-election matter would probably be completed around the time of swearing in, if not after.
Conclusion
Definitely, it is time to clean up our somewhat messy electoral laws and process, and the time to do so is now, before the Primaries commence in 2026 and elections in 2027. The cycle of ignoring important matters till the last minute, then adopting a hurried fire brigade approach to tackle them, resulting in the making of vital mistakes and omissions which then become the centre for national debate after the fact, happens every election. This is the time for that debate, that will lead to concrete timeous action.
Facts
The Respondent was one of five persons arraigned before the High Court of Adamawa State by the Appellant on a five count charge of criminal conspiracy, culpable homicide punishable with death, inciting disturbance, mischief by killing or maiming animals and causing disappearance of evidence punishable under various sections of the Penal Code, Laws of Adamawa State 1997). The Respondent pleaded not guilty and the matter proceeded to trial. The Appellant called six witnesses in proof of the charge against the Respondent, while the Respondent testified as the sole witness in his defence. At the conclusion of trial and after adoption of final addresses by respective counsel for the parties, the trial court delivered judgement wherein it convicted the Respondent on all the counts and sentenced him to death and terms of imprisonment.
Aggrieved, the Respondent filed an appeal at the Court of Appeal, by an amended notice of appeal containing seven grounds of appeal. One of the grounds of appeal questioned for the first time the competence of the motion to prefer the charge filed at the trial court by the Appellant and the charge by which proceedings were commenced at the trial court, for failure by the Counsel who filed the motion and the charge to sign either of them. The Respondent distilled two issues for determination in its Appellant’s brief before the Court of Appeal, as to whether the proceedings conducted before the trial court was not a nullity, and whether the prosecution proved the case against the Appellant to justify his conviction and sentence by the trial court.
After hearing the appeal, the Court of Appeal delivered its judgement in which it held that the charge against the Appellant and the other co-accused persons was fundamentally defective, for failure by Counsel who filed the motion to prefer the charge and the charge itself to sign the same. The Court of Appeal also held that the trial court committed a deluge of errors in its evaluation of the evidence led by the Appellant, and the evidence led by the Appellant on each of the five counts did not meet the threshold of proof beyond reasonable doubt required in a criminal charge. The Court of Appeal allowed the appeal, set aside the judgement of the trial court and discharged and acquitted the Respondent.
The Appellant was dissatisfied with the judgement of the Court of Appeal; hence it filed an appeal against it at the Supreme Court.
In its resolution of the Appeal, the Apex Court considered the following issue raised by the Appellant for determination:Whether the lower court was not in error when it held that the matter was not initiated before the trial court by due process of law and upon fulfilment of a condition precedent to the exercise of jurisdiction, thereby rendering the whole exercise a nullity and yet went ahead and discharged and acquitted the Respondent.
Counsel for the Appellant submitted that the Court of Appeal was wrong, when it declared the trial an exercise in futility and discharged and acquitted the Respondent. He argued that an objection to any formal defect in a charge must be taken immediately it is read to an accused, especially where he is
In the Supreme Court of Nigeria Holden at abuja On Friday, the 21st day of June, 2024 Before their lordships
John Inyang Okoro adamu Jauro emmanuel akomaye agim Obande Festus Ogbuinya Habeeb adewale O. abiru Justices, Supreme Court SC/CR/413/2020 Between
THe STaTe
JeRRy GIdeON
aPPeLLaNT And
ReSPONdeNT
(Lead Judgement delivered by Honourable Obande Festus Ogbuinya, JSC
represented by a Counsel, and asserted that the Respondent did not raise the objection to the charge timeously as it was raised at the Court of Appeal for the first time. He submitted further that the Respondent was not misled or misinformed by the defect in the charge, as to amount to a miscarriage of justice. He argued that the lower court ought to have ordered a retrial of the case. Counsel cited AMADI v FRN (2008) 12 SC (PT. II) 15.
In response, Counsel for the Respondent contended that an issue of jurisdiction can be raised at any stage of the proceedings, and only a competent charge can confer jurisdiction on the trial court. He referred to UMANAH
“....the incompetence of the charge/information pollutes the purity of the other processes and proceedings, inclusive of the judgement, and, ipso facto, renders them incompetent….. it would be ultra vires the authority of the lower court to order a retrial on an invalid charge supplicated by the Appellant, and the proper order which the law clothed the lower court with the jurisdiction to make was to strike out the case”
v ATTAH (2007) ALL FWLR (PT. 346) 40. Relying on MADUKOLU v NKEMDILIM (1962) 2 SCNLR 341, he submitted that a charge being an originating process can only be competent if it is signed, as it is a condition precedent to the arraignment and trial of an accused person. He insisted that the failure to sign the application to prefer the charge and the charge was a fundamental defect that could not have been waived or overlooked, as it went to the jurisdiction of the trial court to hear the case.
The Court held that an issue of jurisdiction, which is the blood, lifeline and heartbeat of adjudication, can be raised at any stage of the proceeding, even for the first time in the Supreme Court, and the parties cannot by waiver, consent, collusion, indolence, compromise, acquiescence or estoppel, or any guise, vest jurisdiction on the court where none exists.
The Court held that it is rudimentary law that the appropriate time to object to any defect in a charge or information is when it is being read and before plea, and if an accused person delays or fails to register his opposition to a charge before plea is taken, the law deems him as having acquiesced in the irregularity and it is not an issue that can and should
be taken up on appeal for the first time; however where the defect in a charge is so fundamental that it goes to the jurisdiction and competence of the court, the doctrine of waiver of right to objection vaporises and takes to flight. The Apex Court held that the issue of signing and endorsement of an originating process is not a matter of procedural law but a requirement of substantive law which cannot be waived, and which can be raised even at the Supreme Court for the first time, and it is irrelevant that the party complaining did not show that it suffered a miscarriage of justice or prejudice by such non-signing of the court process.
The Supreme Court held further that an originating process, like writ of summons, originating summons and notice of appeal, must be signed by a legal practitioner who prepared it, in order to infuse validity into in. In other words, an originating process not signed by a legal practitioner is infested with incompetence with the attendant liability of expunction, as the incompetence divests the court of the jurisdiction to adjudicate over the action. The Apex Court held that this position of the law applies with equal force, mutatis mutandis, to a charge or information which is an originating process in criminal law, and referred to its decision in STATE v ISIJOLA (2003) (PT. 1884) 417 at 449 that a criminal charge which is not signed by the Attorney-General or an authorised officer in his department, would be fundamentally defective for the purpose of initiation of criminal proceedings before the court.
The Court held that a charge or an information being an originating process, like a writ of summons, an originating summons or a notice of appeal, is the foundation upon which all other processes and proceedings are hinged on in a criminal matter, it follows therefore, that the incompetence of the charge/ information pollutes the purity of the other processes and proceedings, inclusive of the judgement, and, ipso facto, renders them incompetent.
The Apex Court found that the failure of the Appellant’s Counsel to sign the charge constitutes a serious feature that drains the trial court of the requisite jurisdiction to entertain the criminal case; moreover, the non-endorsement of the charge is an ample demonstration that the charge was not initiated by due process and upon fulfilment of the condition precedent for the exercise of the trial court’s jurisdiction over the same.
The Court however, held that it is not in sync with the criminal jurisprudence to formally discharge and acquit the Respondent who had not gone through the crucible of criminal trial on the merits, on the footing of proceedings that were enveloped in a nullity and de jure, non-existent in the sight of the law. The Court held further that in the same vein, it would be ultra vires the authority of the lower court to order a retrial on an invalid charge supplicated by the Appellant, and the proper order which the law clothed the lower court with the jurisdiction to make was to strike out the case. The Court however held that, nonetheless, the minor error committed by the lower court in the discharge and acquittal of the Respondent is a negligible error which is not sufficient to clothe the Appellant’s appeal with any atom of success.
Appeal Dismissed.
Representation
Z. Y. Musa, SSCI, Ministry of Justice, Yola, Adamawa State for the Appellant. S. S. Obende with Simon Wilson and W. S. Aboki for the Respondent.
Reported by Optimum Publishers Limited, Publishers of the Nigerian Monthly Law Report (NMLR)(An affiliate of Babalakin & Co.)
Femi
Solaja
Table-toppers Nigeria, still basking in the great-feel of their 3-0 defeat of the Benin Republic’s Cheetahs, will this afternoon take on Rwanda’s Amavubi (Wasps) at the refurbished 45,000-capacity facility in the heart of Kigali in a Matchday 2 encounter of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign, from 2pm Nigeria time.
Speaking ahead of the clash in Kigali today, Interim Head Coach of the Super Eagles, Augustine Eguavoen, insisted yesterday that Nigeria’s mission in the Rwandan capital is to pick all three points.
Eguavoen started his fourth stint with the Super Eagles on a fabulous note, with the three-time African kings decimating Benin Republic’s Cheetahs 3-0 in Uyo on Saturday. The 58-year-old intends to continue along the win-and-smile path when
(AFCON)
Ma’gascar 1-1 Comoros
E’Guinea 2-2 Togo
Niger 1-1 Ghana
Uganda 2-0 Congo
Burundi 0-1 Senegal TODAY
Rwanda v Nigeria
Gabon v. CAR
Botswana v Egypt
C’Verde v. Mauritania
Benin v Libya
Liberia v Algeria
Chad v CIV
Zambia v S’Leone
Guinea v Tanzania
Eswatini v. Mali
Moz’bique v. G’Bissau
Namibia v. Kenya
Zimbabwe v. Cameroon
S’Sudan v. S’Africa
B’Faso v. Malawi
UEFA NATIONS LEAGUE
France 2-0 Belgium
Israel 1-2 Italy
Montenegro 1-2 Wales
Norway 2-1 Austria
Slovenia 3-0 Kazakhstan
Turkey 3-1 Iceland
The Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the 8th National Youth Games, tagged Asaba 2024 has promised to showcase Delta’s rich tradition as the opening ceremony of the Games holds Wednesday. Delta is hosting the 8th National Youth Games after staging the 7th edition in 2023. This year's Games, which started yesterday 9 will run till September 19 at Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba.
Nigeria confront Rwanda at the Amahoro National Stadium, Kigali on Tuesday afternoon.
“We play to win all the time, because Nigerians expect their team to win all the time. And because we have a team with great personnel, we play every team with respect but we don’t get intimidated by any. Our objective for Tuesday’s game is the three points,” insisted the ex-international.
Eguavoen is happy with the new spirit in the Nigerian camp as all the 23 players are hungry to play to win for the country.
News from Eagles’ Radisson Blu Hotel camp in Kigali confirmed that all the players are fit and ready, meaning that goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali should be expected to start, alongside captain Ekong, Semi Ajayi and Calvin Bassey at the heart of defence, while Olaoluwa Aina and
Bruno Onyemaechi will be wingbacks. Wilfred Ndidi will possibly anchor the midfield that will have Alex Iwobi or Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, while Ademola Lookman, Victor Boniface and Samuel Chukwueze could still start at the fore.
While also speaking at the prematch post conference at the Amahoro Stadium on Monday, Super Eagles Captain, William Troost-Ekong echoed Eguavoen’s earlier mission statement: “We are here for a purpose. With Coach Eguavoen, who has coached the team before, we all feel like a
family. We will play for each other and go for the three points that will establish us at the top of the table,” concludes the Centre-back who recently moved to the Saudi Pro League side, Al-Kholood.
However, the hosts are not likely to give up and allow the Amavubi to be steamrolled by the Super Eagles. Their German Coach, Torsten Spittler, has roused the country of 13 million people to believe that the Amavubi can torpedo Nigeria, Libya and Benin Republic, and earn their first ticket to the Africa Cup of Nations since 2004.
He flaunts an impressive record though, having led the team to win three of their last eight matches, drawing four and losing one.
Spittler intends to set defenders Claude Niyomugabo, Fitina Omborenga, Ange Mutsinzi, Jean Claude Niyomugabo and Christian
Ishimwe against Nigeria’s twin-terrors Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen, who both concocted the three goals that deflated Benin Republic in Uyo at the weekend. In the midfield, Olivier Niyonzima, Bonheur Mugisha and Jean Bosco Rubineka can prove a handful on their day, and at the fore, Spittler has implicit confidence in Gilbert Mugisha, Bienvenu Mugenzi and Innocent Nshuti, who got the team’s equalizer against Libya in Tripoli last week.
Tuesday’s encounter is the first of four battles between the Eagles and the Amavubi in the next 12 months, with the two teams to clash again in November in Nigeria in the final round of this qualifying race, and then do a home-and-away in the 2026 FIFA World Cup race with the Wasps also hosting Nigeria first in March next year.
Ghana's quest for a successful 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign hit another roadblock on Monday as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Niger Republic in their second Group F qualifier.
The match, played at the Stade Municipal de Berkane in Morocco, saw the Black Stars struggle to find their rhythm and ultimately share the spoils with their determined opponents.
The game started with a cautious approach from both sides, but it was Niger who created the first real chance.
Boubacar Hainikoye's powerful shot from distance was well saved by Lawrence Ati-Zigi in the 17th minute.
However, against the run of play, Ghana managed to break the deadlock just before halftime.
Alidu Seidu's effort from outside the box took a deflection and found its way past the Niger goalkeeper.
In the second half, Ghana had
several opportunities to extend their lead, but they were unable to capitalize on them. Mohammed Kudus and Inaki Williams both saw their efforts denied by the impressive Abiboulaye Hainikoye. Niger, on the other hand, remained resolute and continued to press for an equalizer. Their persistence paid off in the 81st minute when Oumar Sako headed home from a corner kick to level the score.
The goal came after a scramble in the box and deflated Ghana's hopes of securing a victory. With just one point from two matches, Ghana's qualification hopes are now hanging by a thread. Their next challenge will be against Sudan in October, and they will need to significantly improve their performance to have any chance of progressing to the tournament to be hosted by Morocco.
Chairman of the LOC, Chief Solomon Ogba, said that Wednesday's opening ceremony would capture a variety of things, particularly the rich tradition of the people.
"Delta State has a very rich tradition and we are going to display some of them on Wednesday. As you all know, sports and music goes together. Some of our top musicians will be on ground to thrill the young athletes and visitors on Wednesday," Ogba stated.
Over 5,000 athletes from different states of the federation are taking part in the Games.
Meanwhile, traders in Asaba and environs are excited with the business opportunities the event presents, and are thankful to the Delta State Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, for his commitment to sustaining the hosting of the Games in Asaba.
Some of the traders had already stationed their wares and stuff, both
Perfect Record for First Bank, Customs as Phase 1 of NBBF/Zenith Bank
It was perfect results for record title holder of the NBBF/Zenith
Basketball team losing their third game of the campaign against
First Bank with just one point as the game ended 52-51 points. Dolphins recorded their fifth victory of the phase, defeating Delta Force 52-41 points with Bayelsa Whales also recording a win against First Deepwaters, 44-31 points. The host, Sunshine Angels beat IGP Queens 37-35 points as they all look forward to the Phase 2 of the season.
within and outside the premises of the Stephen Keshi Stadium, since Friday, September 7, and through the weekend, awaiting the arrival of the contingents.
Many of the traders said they had been anticipating the games, to take advantage of the huge business opportunities it presents for them.
"As you can see, we are already setting up and the stadium environment is already bubbling with various businesses as we await the arrival of the state contingents," one of the traders who simply identified herself as Ugochi enthused.
"You know, business is about numbers and you can imagine the possible business prospects and turnover with the convergence of over 5,000 athletes and officials for about ten days presents here. This is outside the thousands of spectators who will be flocking in daily for the period of the competition.”
Some of the items on display are diverse. They range from foods, drinks to clothes, shoes and electronic gadgets, devices and accessories, sundry fashion stuff, household items, artifacts, etc.
Lobi Stars began their outing in the 2024/2025 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), with a goalless draw against Akwa United.
Despite the commendable performance from the 'Alia Boys', the Promise Keepers held their opponents to a draw at the Lafia City Stadium.
The game failed to produce the
Coming on the heels of Super Eagles convincing 3-0 victory over Benin Republic in Uyo on Saturday, State Governor, Pastor Umoh Eno, has been commended again for the return of the state’s women’s football team, Ibom Angels, to the top echelon of the Nigeria Women league.
On Sunday in Calabar, Ibom Angels defeated Osun Babes 2-0 in a match that guaranteed their promotion.
After being relegated last season, Ibom Angels arrived the Calabar zonal play off involving 19 teams with only two promotion slots available.
Playing in Group B1, Ibom Angels won all their four matches and capped it with the Sunday victory over Osun Babes leaders of A2
“In a quick reaction, Akwa Ibom
desired spark as both sides fired blank in a keenly contested tie. Late in the second half, Ahmadu Liman of Lobi Stars thought he had given his side the opener when he fired the ball into the net from close range, but the referee called it offside. The visitors were resolute to hold their hosts to a draw to conclude the round of matches for match day one.
State’s Commissioner for Youth Development and Sports, Sir Monday Uko, said: “Give it to the Governor. He made it possible. Nowhere in this country will you see a governor supporting four teams and that is our lot in Akwa Ibom.
“ Akwa Utd, Dakkadda, Ibom Youth and Ibom Angels are well funded and supported and the evidence are the results that you are seeing,“ he said.
An elated Coach Edwin Okon corroborated the story. “ In Calabar, we lacked nothing and that allowed us to concentrate. I thank His Excellency for the enabling environment.” He also appreciated the sports commissioner and his players for “putting smiles on the faces of Akwa Ibomites.”
Matters arising from the February 13th, 2020 judgement of the Supreme Court on the Bayelsa State Governorship election, nullifying the election of david Lyon on account of his deputy, Biobarakuma degi-eremienyo’s disqualification, have refused to die. Like the proverbial dodo, it keeps resonating, almost haunting Nigeria’s judicial landscape relentlessly. This reverberated at the Court of appeal last week, when the President of the Court, Hon Justice Monica dongban-Mensem urged the Legislature to amend the Constitution to stop Governorship designates suffering the loss of their mandates in the event that their deputies are disqualified. as unsettling and controversial as this subject-matter is, it has the potentials of creating a huge political divide in the nation. Professor Mike Ozekhome, SAN; Chief Ferdinand Orbih, SAN; Chief Anthony Aikhunegbe Malik, SAN; Daniel Kip and Dr Mudiaga Odje critique the Court of appeal’s proposition that Section 187 of the Constitution should be amended to allow a Governorship Candidate, Governor-elect or Governor nominate another deputy in case of disqualification. Will this proposal fly with the National assembly? Will it bring the much deeded panacea to the political conundrum that has since sometimes affected State Gubernatorial elections?
Should Disability Affecting a Gubernatorial Running Mate, Nullify the Entire Ticket?
Prof Mike Ozekhome, SAN
This poser is prompted by the recent proposal by the Court of Appeal at a Workshop, to change the existing status quo graphically illustrated by the case of David Lyon in Bayelsa State in the last but one electoral cycle. That position itself owes much to the earlier decision of the Supreme Court in the face-off between former President Olusegun Obasanjo and his Deputy, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, when the Apex Court famously compared the relationship between the holders of such a joint ticket to siamese twins. The Apex Court held that they sink or swim together. The fresh proposal by the Court of Appeal to the Constitution, is to the effect that a Governor whose Deputy has been disqualified by a competent court of law should be sworn in and allowed to nominate another
running mate.
What is curious, however, about the proposal is its source: why is it coming from the intermediate appellate court and not the political class itself, or the Apex Court that decided the locus classicus on the issue, that is, the case of PDP & 2 ORS v BIOBARAKUMA
DEGIEREMIENYO (2020) LLJR-SC?
In that case, the Supreme Court had on Thursday, February 13, 2020, sacked David Lyon of the APC as Governorelect of Bayelsa State barely 24 hours to his inauguration. The sight was heart-rending, beholding the disqualification of an already duly elected
“What is curious, however, about the proposal is its source: why is it coming from the Intermediate appellate court and not the political class itself, or the Apex Court that decided the locus classicus on the issue….”
Governor who was physically at the Yenagoa Stadium, practising his parade salute steps and swearing-in rituals for the following day when he was expected to take office. Lyon sniffed power but never enjoyed it for infractions committed not by him, but by his running mate, Degi-Eremienyo.
The 5-member Apex Court led by Justice Mary Peter-Odili had nullified Lyon’s election because his said deputy, Biobarakuma DegiEremienyo, had presented false information to INEC. The Apex Court, per Ejembi Eko, JSC, held as follows:
“Section 31(5) of the Electoral Act compliments Section 182(2)(j) of the Constitution. It empowers any person who has reasonable grounds to believe that any information given by a candidate (like the 1st Respondent in the affidavit, that is, Form (F001) submitted by that candidate, is false, to file a suit at the Federal High Court of a State or FCT against such person seeking a declaration that the information contained in the affidavit is false. The sanction for presenting to INEC Form (F001) containing false facts about the personal particulars or information of the candidate, by virtue of Section 31(6) of the Electoral Act is an order issued by the HighCourt disqualifying such candidate from contesting the election. The sum total is that the joint ticket of the 1st and 2nd Respondent sponsored by the 3rd Respondent, was vitiated by
the disqualification of the 1st Respondent. Both candidates disqualified are deemed not to be candidates at the Governorship elections conducted in Bayelsa State.”
Given the centrality of relevant provisions of both the Constitution and the Electoral Act to the decision of the Apex Court in the locus classicus on the issue, it is clear that any change to the status quo will invariably entail amending both provisions, especially the Constitution, to clearly indicate that only the specific candidate who is found to have lied on oath, submitted forged particulars or otherwise violated the legal requirements for his eligibility or qualification for the office concerned will be affected, and not his or her innocent partner under a joint ticket such as Governors/their Deputies and President/ Vice President. The proposed amendment to Section 187(1)(a) of the 1999 Constitution reads:
“The removal of a Deputy Governor or Deputy Governorship candidate on account of qualification or disqualification by a court or Tribunal, shall not affect the election of a governorship candidate or Governor-elect”. Section 187(1)(b) of the proposed amendment provides that:
“If a deputy governor or deputy governorship candidate is removed by a court or Tribunal, the governor or governorship candidate shall have the right to nominate another person as deputy-governor or deputy governorship candidate”.
Governors/The Deputies In the case of Deputy Governors, Section
191 of the Constitution provides as follows:
“(1) The Deputy Governor of a State shall hold the office of Governor of the State if the office of Governor becomes vacant by reason of death, resignation, impeachment, permanent incapacity or removal of the governor from office for any other reason in accordance with Section 188 or 189 of this Constitution.
(2) Where any vacancy occurs in the circumstances mentioned in subsection (1) of this section during a period when the office of Deputy Governor of the State is also vacant, the Speaker of the House of Assembly of the State shall hold the office of Governor of the State for a period of not more than three months, during which there shall be an election of a new Governor of the State who shall hold office for the unexpired term of office of the last holder of the office.
(3) Where the office of the Deputy Governor becomes vacant –
(a) by reason of death, resignation, impeachment, permanent incapacity or removal in accordance with a Section 188 or 189 of this Constitution;
(b) by his assumption of the office of Governor of a State in accordance with subsection (1) of this section; or (c) for any other reason, the Governor shall nominate and with the approval of the House of Assembly of the State, appoint a new Deputy Governor.”
The President/Vice-President
In the case of the President and Vice-President, the provisions of which are in pari materia with those dealing with governor and deputy governor, the face-off between former President Olusegun Obasanjo and his erstwhile deputy, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, is notorious for its antecedent circumstance. It will be recalled that following the spectacular fall-out between the two men, former President Obasanjo was reported to be planning to remove Vice President Atiku as his vice. The latter pre-empted his removal by challenging it in court all the way to the Supreme Court. The apex court held (ATTORNEY- GENERAL OF THE FEDERATION & 2 OTHERS v ALHAJI ATIKU ABUBABAKAR & 3 OTHERS, S.C.31/2007, delivered on the 20th April, 2007) that since both of them were elected together in a joint ticket, their fates were tied together in the sense that President Obasanjo could not suo moto discard or dump Atiku at will.
This might seem to be slightly at odds with the situation in DEGI-EREMIENYO’S case above referred which was decided by the same Supreme Court. Upon closer look however, it becomes clear that the similarities are more apparent than real. This is because unlike in the Atiku/Obasanjo scenario, the Bayelsa case involved a pre-election anomaly in the documents submitted to INEC in furtherance of a candidate’s eligibility to contest and election on a joint ticket. By contrast, former President Obasanjo and Vice-President Atiku had already crossed that hurdle, having been successfully elected and sworn into office as President and vice president, respectively. There was no challenge ab initio to the validity of their joint candidacy vis-a-vis the statutory and constitutional requirements to stand for office. This is the crucial difference.
Consequently, the scenario in both cases is clearly different. It would have been otherwise if the candidate of another party had challenged either former President Obasanjo or Atiku on the same or grounds similar to that of DegiEremienyo in Bayelsa. Hence the truism in the principle that a case is only authority for what it actually decides and it should not be quoted for a proposition that seems to flow logically from it: O’ODUA INVESTMENT v TALABI (1997) IONWLR pt.523 pg. 1 per Kutigi, JSC, as he then was.
Is the Coury of Appeal on a Sound Wicket? I dare say the proposal by the intermediate appellate court is correct in all its ramifications because the question is, is it fair that the bad half of a joint candidacy should taint the entire ticket
to the point of disabling both candidates, one culpable, the other innocent? Should the one bad apple in the cart so spoil the pair and make both uneatable? Is that really the intention of the makers of the Constitution which stipulates for two candidates – the substantive one and his/her running mate? Does any post- election disability which afflicts one of the occupants of the relevant offices invariably affect and disqualify the other? If for instance, the Deputy Governor of a State (or the Vice-President) is indicted and successfully impeached by the Legislature, will that automatically affect and disqualify his or her principal, the Governor or the President, as the case may be? The obvious answer is no. This, it is submitted, is the key to unraveling the wisdom or propriety of the proposal by the intermediate appellate court.
I humbly submit that the mere fact that a Deputy-Governor or Vice-President is impeached does not translate to the Governor or President being automatically disabled and disqualified from continuing in office. That would be a travesty and indeed an aberration, as it would be manifestly unjust. Accordingly, there is no reason why any legal mishap which befalls their running-mates in the run-up to the election should disqualify them. To hold otherwise would be taking the myth of their joint ticket too far. This is neither desirable nor contemplated by the framers of the Constitution. It is in this light that the Court of Appeal 's well thought out proposal must be seen – a veiled, but valiant effort to upturn David Lyon’s case through legislative intervention by preventing a situation which had done manifest injustice to an innocent Governor-elect.
In other words, both candidates should stand and fall on their own merit and fate as individuals. Any defect, infraction, anomaly or misconduct which taints or afflicts any of them should be endured only by him or her alone and no other. To hold otherwise would be tantamount to awarding guilt and punishment by association; an unjust form of vicarious liability in criminal matters. Such a situation is abhorrent and constitutes an anathema to our criminal justice system (See section 7 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015; section 36 of the Police Act 2020; and, ODOGWU V. STATE (2013) 14 NWLR pt. 1375 pg.74).
Notwithstanding that electoral and pre-
“In PDP v DEGI-EREMIENYO (Supra), Mr Lyon’s Governorship victory in the Bayelsa 2019 Gubernatorial election, evaporated on the altar of the sin committed by Mr Degi-Eremienyo who gave
election matters are sui generis, there is no reason why a different set of rules should apply to gubernatorial and presidential candidates and their running-mates. Such discrimination is patently and unjustifiably unfair. To that extent, I respectfully submit that it violates the right to equal protection of the law under Article 3(2) of the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights.
See FAWEHINMI v NNPC (1998) 7 NWLR Pt. 559 pg. 598 at 616; ABACHA v FAWEHINMI(2000) 6 NWLR pt. 660, pg. 228; IGP v ANPP(2007) 18 NWLR pt.1066 pg. 457 at 500; and, Black’s Law Dictionary, 8th edition. Page 554. I applaud the Court of Appeal.
Professor Mike Ozekhome, SAN Should Disqualification or Non-Qualification of a Deputy Governor Affect the Governor?
Chief Ferdinand Orbih, SAN, FCArb
The Court of Appeal dropped a bombshell on the electoral jurisprudence of Nigeria, in proposing an amendment to Section 187(1) the Constitution to the effect that the disqualification or non-qualification of a Deputy-Governor should not affect the Governor-elect or Governorship candidate of a political party. The proposed Section 187(1) (a) should read thus:
“the removal of a Deputy-Governor or Deputy-Governorship candidate on account of disqualification or nonqualification by a Court or Tribunal, shall not affect the election of a governorship candidate or governor-elect.”
To give teeth to the proposed amendment, the Court also proposed a new Section 187(1)(b) to the effect that a Governor or Governor-elect should have a right to choose a new Deputy-Governor or Deputy-Governorship candidate if a deputy-governor of deputy-governorship candidate is removed by a Court or Tribunal. The proposed amendment is herein reproduced as follows:
“if a deputy-governor or deputygovernorship candidate is removed by a Court or Tribunal, the governor or governorship candidate shall have the right to nominate another person as deputy-governor or deputy-governorship candidate”.
Before we proceed to analyse the pros and the cons of this bombshell of proposed amendment, it is perhaps, not only necessary, but also important to refresh our minds about the extant law about disqualification of a deputy-governor elect or deputy-governor by a Court or Tribunal in order to appreciate why the proposed amendments are nothing short of the revolutionary.
The Extant Law on Disqualification of a Governor and his Deputy Section 187 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) provides as follows:
(1).Nomination and election of the Deputy Governor (1) In any election to which the foregoing provisions of this Part of this Chapter relate, a candidate for the office of Governor of a State shall not be deemed to have been validly nominated for such office unless he nominates another candidate as his associate for his running for the office of Governor, who is to occupy the office of Deputy Governor; and that candidate shall be deemed to have been duly elected to the office of Deputy Governor if the candidate who nominated him is duly elected as Governor in accordance with the said provisions. (2) The provisions of this Part of this Chapter relating to qualification for election, tenure of office, disqualifications, declaration of assets and liabilities and Oath of Governor shall apply in relation to the office of Deputy Governor as if references to Governor were references to Deputy Governor. The Courts have been consistent in their interpretation of the constitutional provisions, pertaining to the joint ticket of a Governor and his deputy. They stand or fall together. The rationale behind this stance is not far fetched, in that if a Governor cannot validly be nominated without a running mate as Deputy-Governor, it follows that if running mate is disqualified, the ticket becomes incomplete, and as a result, becomes automatically invalid. This was dramatically and tellingly brought to fore in the celebrated case of PDP & ORS v DEGI-EREMIENYO & ORS (2020) LPELR49734(SC) (Pp. 8-16 paras. D-D)
In that case, the PDP and its governorship candidate, Mr Diri filed a suit against Messrs Lyon, Degi-Eremienyo and INEC, seeking disqualification of the APC deputy-governorship candidate for the November 16th, 2019 governorship election in Bayelsa State. They claimed that Mr Degi-Eremienyo gave false information in his CF 0001 Form submitted to INEC. The Supreme Court in its judgement sacked David Lyon of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as governor-elect, less than twenty-four hours to his swearing in as Governor, on the ground that his deputy, Biobarakuma Degi-Eremienyo presented false information to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). In the eyes of the Supreme Court the governor-elect and his deputy were glued together like a set of inseparable Siamese twins. Consequently, the Supreme Court concluded the judgement as follows:
“The sum total is that the joint ticket of the 1st and 2nd Respondent sponsored by the 3rd Respondent was vitiated by the disqualification of the 1st Respondent. Both candidates disqualified are deemed not to be candidates at the governorship election conducted in Bayelsa State. It is hereby ordered that INEC, (the 4th Respondent herein) declare as winner of the governorship
election in Bayelsa State, the candidate with the highest number of lawful votes cast with the requisite constitutional (or geographical) spread. The 4th Respondent (INEC) is hereby further ordered to forthwith withdraw the certificate of return issued to the 1st and 2nd Respondent, and issue certificate of return to the candidate who had the highest number of lawful votes cast in the governorship election and who also had the requisite constitutional (or geographical) spread." per Ejembi Eko, JSC (Pp. 8-16, para. D-D)”
The Implication of the Amendments Proposed by the Court of Appeal
As we saw in PDP & ORS v DEGI-EREMIENYO & ORS (Supra), the Supreme Court could not perform any legal surgery to separate Mr Lyon from his deputy-governor elect- Mr Degi-Eremienyo. Since Mr Eremienyo could not swim because of the false information contained in his INEC Form, Mr Lyon was compelled to sink with him. The stance of the Supreme Court that in PDP & ORS v DEGI-EREMIENYO & ORS (Supra), on the point that a governor and his deputy hold a joint ticket, is in perfect fidelity with extant constitutional provisions dealing with the subject. However, if the recent proposed constitutional amendments are passed, a governorship candidate or governor elect shall no longer be adversely affected if his running mate (the deputy-governorship candidate or deputy-governor elect) is disqualified for any reason. In PDP v DEGI-EREMIENYO (Supra), Mr Lyon’s Governorship victory in the Bayelsa 2019 Gubernatorial election, evaporated on the altar of the sin committed by Mr Degi-Eremienyo who gave wrong information to INEC. Even though as we opined earlier, the case was decided according to law, the decision was not in accord with common sense. It never makes sense, that a man should undergo punishment for a crime committed by another. The principle of vicarious liability, only operates in the realm of civil law. Vicarious liability is defined as the imposition of liability on a person for actionable conduct of another, based solely on a relationship between the two persons such as the liability of employee or principal for the tort of an agent. See FIRST BANK OF NIGERIA PLC v ERNEST ONUKWUGHA (2005) 16 NWLR (PT. 950) 120 at 155 - 156." Per SHUAIBU, JCA.
The principle that there is no vicarious liability in the realm of criminal law, is enshrined in our jurisprudence by a long unbroken chain of decided authorities. In In APC v PDP & Ors (2015) 15 NWLR (Pt. 1481) 1 at Pg. 73, the Supreme Court of Nigeria had per Fabiyi, JSC stated inter alia, thus:
"It is basic that there is no vicarious liability in the realm of criminal law. Anyone who contravenes the law, should carry his own cross. The 4th and 5th Respondent cannot therefore, be found answerable to the alleged crimes committed by their unknown soldiers and policemen in an election petition".
In Adams v The State, Hon Justice Danjuma, JCA espoused the principle lucidly in the following terms:
"I cannot fathom any concept of vicarious liability in criminal responsibility under the Criminal Law of Nigeria, as there is none! A party is a party criminis if he falls under any of the parties to the commission of an offence as enshrined in Sections 7 and 8 of the Criminal Code, failing which he cannot by mere notion of vicarious liability be held accountable for the alleged criminal acts of any other person including even his own proved and ascertained agents where he is proved to be the Principal”.
Conclusion
The Court of Appeal’s proposed amendments to Section 187 of the Constitution, seek to separate the joint nature of the ticket of a Governor and his deputy in such a manner that the disqualification of a Deputy Governor by a Court or Tribunal will not automatically lead to the disqualification of a Governor or
Governor-elect. We saw the devastating adverse consequence of the current state of the law in the case of PDP & ORS v DEGI-EREMIENYO & ORS (Supra), where a man who was given a popular mandate in a governorship election by people, had his mandate retrieved and given to another person by the Supreme Court on account of an offence committed by his running mate.
The proposed amendments are steps in the right direction, as they will permanently cure the mischief embedded in the current state of the law and the Constitution that gave birth to the decision in PDP & ORS v DEGI-EREMIENYO & ORS (Supra) and other similar cases.
If a man cannot be held liable for an offence committed by his wife and vice versa, a mother or father cannot be held liable for the offence committed by their children or vice versa, brothers or sisters cannot be held responsible for offences committed by their siblings, why should a Governor or Governor elect be disqualified on account of the disqualification by a Court or Tribunal?
It is on this note that we commend the Court of Appeal and its President, for this very positively bold step to amend the provisions of Section 187 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Chief Ferdinand Oshioke Orbih, SAN, FCArb, KSG, Constitutional Lawyer
Governorship Sword of Damocles: A Bird’s Eye View of the Proposals for Constitutional and Electoral Reforms by the PCA
Anthony Aikhunegbe Malik, SAN
Introduction
The Retreat put together by the “Joint National Assembly Committee on Electoral Matters” in collaboration with the “Policy And Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC)” could have passed silently as another everyday well-worn signature jaw-jaw that characterises discourses in the Nigerian Public Service and Civil Society Organisations, save for the presence of one Special guest invited to the event,
"The proposed amendments are steps in the right direction, as they will permanently cure the mischief embedded in the current state of the law and the Constitution that gave birth to the decision in PDP & ORS v DEGI-EREMIENYO & ORS (Supra) and other similar cases"
and her proposals.
The Special Guest at the event was the current President of the Court of Appeal of Nigeria, Honourable Justice Monica DongbanMensem (PCA), whose proposals embody some insightful constitutional and statutory reforms in our electoral law and jurisprudence presented at the event have continued to reverberate and dominate discourses within the electoral and legal spheres. This piece, therefore, is one’s modest punditry, to the national interest and consciousness raised by the said proposals.
A good and pertinent starting point, in my respectful view, will be an attempt at finding a correlation between the PCA and her interest in electoral reforms in Nigeria. Only but a few who operate or ply their trades within the corridor of the law or electoral enterprise, may be aware that My Lord, the PCA, has the exclusive constitutional responsibility of appointing and constituting the panels for both the National and State Houses of Assembly Election Tribunals. Additionally, it is His Lordship’s exclusive prerogative to determine who and who sits on Governorship Election Tribunals across the country. Furthermore, with the designation of the Court of Appeal as the court of first instance in the determination of an election petition challenging the election of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the role of the PCA in the Constitution of the Panel to hear the petition as a trial court, again further adds to the pride of place that the PCA occupies in the nation’s electoral sphere. It did not, therefore, come as any wonder that the PCA has so much on her chest and up her sleeves, in the agitation for the nation’s electoral governance system, that one year after the 2023 General Election in Nigeria, My Lord the PCA, could not afford but to pour out her heart in what she may have conceived as effective remedies for the clogs that have for long bedevilled the nation’s electoral legal process.
While speaking at the opening session of a two-day workshop organised by the “Joint National Assembly Committee on Electoral Matters” in collaboration with “Policy And Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC)” the PCA advocated for an urgent review of some sections of the 1999 Constitution with a view to strengthening our unstable electoral jurisprudence. My Lord cited some incongruities in the provisions of the law regulating the electoral process as the elixir for the far-reaching proposal. Among the Sections of the law identified are, Sections 187, 233, 246, and 285 of the Constitution and Paragraph 85(2) of the First Schedule to the Electoral Act, 2022 (as amended). She particularly noted that Section 285 of the Constitution is either a process of poor legal draftsmanship, or a desire that was not properly expressed and appreciated.
Although the PCA presented a bouquet of proposals for constitutional amendments, this piece, however, shall be limited in scope to the proposal as it relates only to Section 187 of the Constitution with a view to determining the propriety or otherwise of the proposals.
Section 187 of the Constitution in Particular Section 187 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended relates to the nomination of Deputy Governor. It provides as follows: “In any election to which the foregoing provisions of this part of this Chapter relate, a candidate for the office of Governor of a State shall not be deemed to have been validly nominated for such office unless he nominates another candidate as his associate for his running for the office of Governor, who is to occupy the office of Deputy Governor; and that candidate shall be deemed to have been duly elected to the office of Deputy Governor if the candidate who nominated him is duly elected as Governor in accordance with the said provisions”.
(2) The second limb of the provisions of this Section relates to qualification for election, tenure of office, disqualifications, declaration of assets and liabilities, and Oath of Governor to apply to the office of Deputy Governor as if references to Governor were references to Deputy Governor.
In seeking for an amendment to the provisions of Section 187 of the Constitution under reference, the PCA pushes for the insertion to the said Section, a new subsection (1) (A) & (B) that should state clearly that the disqualification or non-qualification of a deputy governor shall not affect the governor-elect or governorship candidate of a political party. According to the PCA, the proposed Section 187(1)(A), should read thusly: “The removal of a deputy-governor or deputy-governorship candidate on account of qualification or disqualification by a Court or Tribunal, shall not affect the election of a governorship candidate or governor-elect.
“Section 187 (1) (B) If a deputy governor or deputy-governorship candidate is removed by a Court or Tribunal, the governor or governorship candidate shall have the right to nominate another person as deputy-governor or deputy-governorship candidate.”
Upon a thorough examination of the afore-referenced constitutional proposal, it is not difficult to observe that indeed, Section
187 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) is of a wayward allegiance to the true spirit of the Constitution, requiring therefore, an urgent need for an amendment, just as several other constitutional provisions are currently yearning for amendments, either for reason of incongruity with the spirit underlying the provision in the Constitution or for inelegance in draftsmanship.
Now, overtime, the provisions of Section 187 (1) & (2) have come up for interpretation before the courts, the Supreme Court inclusive, where, curiously, the courts have maintained unanimity in their positions in the interpretation of that piece of legislation to suggest that the validity of a governorship candidature is dependent on the qualification of his associate (the running mate) who will emerge Deputy Governor upon the return and declaration of the governorship candidate as the winner. Sadly, a scrutiny of the provisions of Section 187 (1) & (2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) which has now been made a whipping boy of the amendment proposal, does not contain any shred of indication nor a pointer to any suggestion that the validity of a governorship candidature lies with the competence or qualification of his associate). For a strange reason that one cannot attempt to fathom in a public forum as this, the courts have come with the strange and ruinous interpretation of those provisions as indicated above, by which not a few, have had their hard-earned candidature or victory, crushed on the altar of that strange interpretation.
Furthermore, the said provision of Section 187 of the extant Constitution currently stands wearing the toga of that interpretation, when read with other constitutional provisions relating to the office of the Deputy Governor, grossly offends the underlining spirit of the Constitution that underpins the creation of the office of Deputy Governor. Take, for instance, Section 188 read together with Section 191 of the Constitution of the Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) vests on the Deputy Governor the right to assume and hold the office of the Governor upon the removal of the substantive Governor by reason of the process of impeachment, death, resignation permanent incapacity.
The Court of Appeal in UMAHI & ANOR v PDP & ORS (2022) LPELR-58994(CA) on who qualifies for the office of Governor of a state, opines, per HARUNA SIMON TSAMMANI, JCA (now JSC) (Pp 66 - 67 Paras D - A), thus:
"Now, the offices of the Governor of a State and Deputy Governor of that State are creations of the Constitution, which is the grundnorm that regulates the conduct of government. Thus, Section 176 (1) of the Constitution stipulates that there shall be for each State of the Federation, a Governor. The qualifications of a person to be elected Governor of a State are laid down in Section 177 of the Constitution. Where a person qualifies to contest for the Governor of a State, he will be declared duly elected if he satisfies the requirements of Section 179(1) (a) and (b), or 179(2) (a) and (b), or 179(3) (a) and (b), or 179(4) (a) and (b) of the Constitution. The equivalent provisions of the Constitution relating to the office of Deputy Governor of a State are Sections 186 and 187 (1) and (2)."
The question that begs for an answer therefore, is why should the same provisions of Section 187 (1) &(2) of the extant Constitution, circumscribe the competence of the candidature or qualification for the office of Governor of a state to his nomination of an Associate (who will contemporaneously emerge as Deputy Governor upon successful emergence of the candidate as Governor, when the same Associate does not go down with the Governor in the same circumstances where the Governor is up against the odds that warrants his removal but saved in such circumstances to go on to the benefit of the provisions of Section 191 of the
Constitution to proceed to assume and hold the office of Governor?
While the above scenarios could be explained away on the basis that removal of both the Governor and his deputy in one fell swoop, could trigger a constitutional crisis, it however does not explain why the candidature for the office of Governor of a state will remain inchoate, dependent on and complemented by the valid qualification of his associate, who is inferior in the hierarchy of office to that of the office of Governor of a State.
The above scenarios played out in a sadder dimension, in PDP & ORS v DEGI-EREMIENYO & ORS (2020)
LPELR-49734(SC) when the candidature and victory of David Lyon who had been returned elected Governor-elect of Bayelsa State was invalidated a few days to his inauguration and assumption of office. This was in spite of an earlier decision of the apex in WADA & ORS v BELLO & ORS (2016) LPELR-47015(SC) where it was held that qualification for governorship of a Sate is as contemplated under Section 177 and 182(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).
Having regard to the factual realities that party politics in Nigeria, nay, Africa, come with diverse intra-party interests of various stakeholders within the political party sponsoring a candidate to the office of Governor of a State by reason of which the nomination of deputy governorship candidature is not usually at the absolute discretion of the governorship candidate, and in further juxtaposition with the attendant humongous resources required in the prosecution of electioneering, it will only amount to pretentious justice to still continue to retain the provision that circumscribes the validity of a governorship candidature to the qualification of his associate, otherwise variously referred to as, “Running mate” or “Deputy governorship candidate”.
Conclusion
Finally, it will be a disservice to let off the submission on the note that appears to suggest a hook-line-and-sinker agreement with the position of My Lord, the PCA, without making the point that my agreement with His Lordship’s proposal
“The Court of Appeal’s call for reform, highlights the need to amend the Constitution to protect governorship candidates from disqualification due to the actions of their deputies."
is on principle that a piece of legislation for which a judicial interpretation has been given wears the colour and toga of that judicial interpretation, requiring therefore, only but a legislative action for its amendment. Otherwise, all things considered, the nation does not need to go through the tortuous route of legislative amendment of the Constitution for a wrong interpretation given to it by the very judiciary now proposing same, when the courts can achieve the same result by a reversal of its current position on the interpretation of the much-beleaguered Section 187 (1) & (2) of the extant Constitution by sheer ingenuity of creative and or purposive interpretation of the Section to reflect the people’s spirit, or what the German legal philosopher, Friedrich Carl Von Savigny, refers to as “Volksgeist” Methinks that the option of judicial activism preponderates over the proposed constitutional amendment route. While I am not unaware of the near eye-of-the-needle-Camel-passage requirement procedures of our court in reversing itself, methinks that by the privileged position occupied by My Lord, the PCA, she is in a better position than anyone else, to take up the gauntlet and be the chief proponent of this option by proposing to her brother Justices at the Apex Court, to do the needful whenever the opportunity for a pronouncement which attunes more with justice presents itself.
Chief Anthony Aikhunegbe Malik, SAN
The Disqualification of Deputy Governorship Candidates: A Call for Constitutional Reform by the Court of Appeal
Daniel Kip
Introduction
constitutional amendment to address this burning issue. This article delves into this issue, examines its broader implications, and highlights the need for reforms.
Case Law
In the recent Court of Appeal judgement in Oyetola & Anor v INEC & Anor (2023) CA/ABJ/CV/1099/2023, the court took a bold step to tackle the situation where the disqualification of a deputy governorship candidate led to the invalidation of the entire ticket, resulting in the disqualification of the governorship candidate. The ruling was reminiscent of the David Lyon v Douye Diri and Biobarakuma Degi-Eremienyo & Anor v People’s Democratic Party & Ors (2020) 1 NWLR (Pt. 1706) 391 case in Bayelsa State, which highlighted the electoral risk posed by the actions or inactions of deputy governorship candidates.
In the Bayelsa case, David Lyon, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), was disqualified after winning the election. His deputy, Biobarakuma DegiEremienyo, was found to have presented forged certificates to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The Supreme Court held that since the governorship and deputy governorship tickets were one and inseparable, the disqualification of the deputy also affected the governor. Lyon lost his victory, and the People's Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Douye Diri, was declared the winner.
Interestingly, In Oyetola & Anor v INEC & Anor (Supra), the Court of Appeal in a bold departure from the Supreme Court's precedent, questioned the fairness of disqualifying a governorship candidate due to issues related to their deputy, particularly in cases involving academic qualifications, forgery, or other disqualifying grounds. The court opined that disqualifications that arise from the conduct of deputy governorship candidates should not automatically nullify the entire ticket.
In our political history as a nation, Nigeria has borne witness to numerous court rulings that have shaped the trajectory of our political landscape. However, only a handful of such rulings have had the seismic impact on the political class, like those disqualifying a deputy governorship candidate and, in turn, nullifying the entire ticket. These rulings have not only shaken the political class, but have also sparked intense debates about the fairness of punishing a governorship candidate for the failings of their running mate. Such judgements have changed the course of elections, overturned hard-won victories, and left political parties grappling with the unintended consequences of an intertwined ticket system. This issue has become a lightning rod for calls for urgent constitutional reforms. The Court of Appeal, in a bold move, has called for an urgent
The crux of the Court of Appeal's argument is that the Nigerian Constitution needs to be amended to separate the fate of the governorship candidate from that of the deputy governorship candidate, in cases of disqualification. The court held that, while the Constitution binds the governorship and deputy governorship candidates as a joint ticket, this provision is prone to abuse and can lead to unintended consequences. It is important to note that the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), Section 187 requires that governorship and deputy governorship candidates run on the same ticket. This means that their fates are tied together. The courts have historically upheld this provision, as seen in the Lyon v Douye Diri case, where the disqualification of the deputy also affected the governor. However, the Court of Appeal argued that the current constitutional framework
does not adequately protect the governorship candidate, who may be innocent of any wrongdoing, but loses their position because of the deputy's disqualification. The call for constitutional amendment is thus, aimed at preventing governorship candidates from being penalised for the mistakes of their running mates.
The court’s call is supported by other notable case laws, including:
1. Action Congress v INEC (2007) 12 NWLR (Pt. 1048) 220: The Supreme Court upheld that the relationship between a governorship candidate and his deputy is inseparable, as they run on a joint ticket.
2. Labour Party & Anor v INEC (2009) LPELR-8864 (CA): This case emphasised the principle that once a deputy governorship candidate is disqualified, it affects the entire joint ticket.
3. Degi-Eremienyo v People’s Democratic Party (2020) 1 NWLR (Pt. 1706) 391: This case reaffirmed that the disqualification of a deputy governorship candidate renders the entire joint ticket void.
The Need for Constitutional Reform
The joint ticket principle as established under the 1999 Constitution and interpreted by the courts, has created a situation where the fate of a governorship candidate is intrinsically linked to their running mate. While the intention of the framers of the Constitution was likely to create a seamless governance process, where both the governor and deputy governor work together as a unit, the practical realities have revealed a potential for miscarriage of justice.
The Court of Appeal's judgement in Oyetola & Anor v. INEC & Anor (2023) calls for a separation of the ticket, particularly in situations where the governorship candidate is innocent of the disqualifying conduct. This position is supported by a growing consensus that the current constitutional provisions place undue risk on governorship candidates.
Proposed Constitutional Amendment
The Court of Appeal’s call for reform, highlights the need to amend the Constitution to protect governorship candidates from disqualification due to the actions of their deputies. The proposed amendment could include:
1. Separation of Responsibility: The disqualification of a deputy governorship candidate should not automatically lead to the disqualification of the governorship candidate, unless it is proven that the governor was complicit in the disqualifying conduct.
2. Independent Verification of Candidates: There should be stronger mechanisms for independently verifying the credentials of both governorship and deputy governorship candidates before the election, to prevent postelection disputes.
3. Re-run Elections for Deputy Candidates: In cases where a deputy governorship candidate is disqualified, the governor-elect should be allowed to nominate a new deputy, subject to the approval of the electorate or the legislature.
Conclusion
The Court of Appeal’s recent judgement in Oyetola & Anor v INEC & Anor (Supra), has reignited the debate on the fairness of disqualifying a governorship candidate due to the actions of their deputy. As seen in the Lyon v Douye Diri case and other cases, the current constitutional provisions are ripe for reform. The call for constitutional amendment is timely and necessary, to ensure that governorship candidates are not unfairly penalised for the misdeeds of their deputies.
It remains to be seen whether the National Assembly will heed the call for reforms, and make the necessary changes to the Constitution to address this pressing issue. Nonetheless, the Court of Appeal’s judgement has brought much-needed attention to the matter, and may be the catalyst for future changes to Nigeria’s electoral laws.
Daniel Kip, Immediate Past NBA Assistant General Secretary
Dr Akpo Mudiaga Odje
Where Either One is Disqualified, Both are Deemed Disqualified Under the Constitution Introduction
This issue has arisen again on the front burner, following the recent attempt to amend and reverse the above caption this proposing, that where a Deputy Governor is disqualified and/or unqualified on grounds of academic insufficiency or otherwise, same should not also disqualify an otherwise qualified and elected Governor.
Logical as this decision may sound, with the profundity of respect, that conclusion will divest the electorates the right to elect their own Deputy Governor, if he is replaced by another person nominated solely by the Governor. The prolific Wali, JSC held infra that “a Governor and his Deputy Governor both have their respective supporters who voted both of them simultaneously under the provisions of Section 187(1) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution as amended”. Thus, the germane Section pungently accentuates to wit "187(1)....... candidate for the office of Governor of a State shall not be deemed to have been validly nominated for such office unless he nominates another candidate as his associate for his running for the office of Governor, who is to occupy the office of Deputy Governor, and that candidate shall be deemed to have been duly elected to the office of Deputy Governor, if the candidate who nominated him is duly elected as Governor." 187(2) posits thus:
"The provisions of this Part of this Chapter relating to qualification for election, tenure of office, disqualifications, declaration of assets and liabilities and Oath of Governor shall apply in relation to the office of Deputy Governor as if references to Governor were
“The crux of the Court of Appeal's argument is that the Nigerian Constitution needs to be amended to separate the fate of the governorship candidate from that of the deputy governorship candidate, in cases of disqualification."
references to Deputy Governor".
Governor and His Deputy Run on One Ticket
Having thus had the benefit to ruminate the law on this matter as adumbrated above, it becomes legally axiomatic that a Governor for the purposes of elections is deemed to also be a Deputy Governor, and a Deputy Governor also deemed to be a Governor as well.
In other words, both are the same sides of a coin. The Supreme Court had the veritable opportunity to pontificate the law on this issue, in the crystallised case of INEC v PDP 1999 11 NWLR PT 624 174 AT 249 Paras E -F. In that case, Wali JSC ruled that the Governor and his deputy run on one and the same ticket. That they are intertwined by the Constitution like biological siamese twins, and each must thus, possess the same requirements to contest for their offices, as well as also having their own supporters too. So, where one fails to meet his own constitutional requirements, he/ she will afortiori, disqualify the other.
This position was further judicially augmented by the Apex Court in the Diri v Lyon case, arising out of elections conducted in Balyesa State for the office of Governor. It was found as a fact, that the Deputy Governor was disqualified after the Governor Lyon was elected, on grounds of falsification of identity and lack of academic qualifications. Thus, the Court, as expected, also disqualified Lyon, the Governor-elect, because of his Deputy's disqualification.
It must be highly emphasised that, these decisions are premised on the clear and unambiguous provisions of the said Section 187 of the 1999 Constitution. And, the law is well tested and rested, that the Courts should give words used in a statute, (such as in our Constitution), and that are clear and unambiguous like Section 187, their literal and natural meaning.
Emordi v Igbeke 2011 9 NWLR (PT 1751) 24 AT 35 Paras, per Fabiyi, JSC; Obiuweubi v CBN 2011 7 NWLR(PT 1247,465 AT 491 Paras E, per RhodesVivour, JSC.
Flowing from the above, the only legal ground to contend otherwise, is to amend Section 187 thereof, to separate and set different qualificationsT for both the Governor and the Deputy Governor to be qualified for their offices. Be that as may, it is forcefully postulated that this distinction in office as that office will thus require different qualifications from that of the Deputy Governor to succeed the Governor.
So, there has to be a fresh election to that office of Governor again. Thus, anytime a Governor dies whilst in office, there will be a fresh election, rather than the Deputy Governor succeeding him as is operational now under our Constitution.
We appositely therefore, propound that any attempt by a court to extricate the Governor from the leprous hands of his Deputy Governor in contesting for elections under the present Constitution, is merely a welcome obiter and ought not be followed as a ratio decidendi to be applied, for as long as the said Section 187 remains in force.
An amendment, as suggested above, may
offer succour to a Governor, but at the same time, inflict devastating impact on government and governance. This is because anytime a Governor is declared unqualified to the office, there must be a fresh election as the Deputy Governor cannot succeed him, as both offices will require different qualifications to be elected.
I think this is the danger the present Section 187 seeks to cure, no matter the injustice it will cause to an elected Governor.
New Proposed Amendment to Section 187 to Protect the Governor Where his Deputy Governor is Disqualified This is of one of the raison d’etre of this presentation. The new Section 187 seeks to protect the Governor from the disqualification of his Deputy. And, that such a disqualification will not affect the candidacy of the Governor. Brilliant as this idea may seem, it has the effect of disenfranchising the electorate who hitherto voted the replaced Deputy Governor, from voting in the new Deputy Governor, as that power will be given to the Governor to nominate a replacement.
This is a setback on this proposed amendment, and, as such, weakens the peoples power in a true Democracy Section 187 of the Constitution is a Political Decision Based on Public Policy
We recall the proficient Elder Statesman, Okwadike Chukwuemeka Ezeife, former Governor of Anambra State posited that : "Deputy Governors are Spare Tyres", meaning sarcastically and humorously that the Deputy Governor can only come on board if one of the tyres of a car goes burst! That is to say, on the death or removal of a Governor. So, this the political decision implanted and embedded in Section 187, in order to prevent the conduct of a fresh election anytime a Governor dies whilst in office, because such will overstretch both the electorate and the regulator (INEC), including inflicting severe financial burden and deep logistics on the Government. And, the present amendment will disfranchise the electorate.
Conclusion
As the dispute raging continues on this apparently politically sensitive issue, one wonders as a critical closing remark, as to how a differentiation of the qualifications of the Governor and his Deputy Governor for election, will positively impact or benefit our people?
If both candidates and their political parties play by the rules and implant transparency and honesty into their operations, there will be no need to amend the said Section 187, as the parties will ensure that whoever they are fielding as a Deputy Governor meets all the requisite requirements for that office, than selling same to Highest Bidding Deputy Governor who they know risks disqualification after the election of the Governor.
Dr Akpo Mudiaga Odje LLD, LLM (London)(Merit); Constitutional Lawyer; Member of the British Council
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
Revenues earned by electricity Distribution Companies (Discos) in Nigeria in the second quarter of 2024, spanning April to June, rose almost 40 per cent to N433 billion during the period, on the back of the recent tariff increase for Band ‘A’ customers in the country.
This is coming amid rising complaints by electricity consumers, especially in Abuja, that they were being arbitrarily migrated to Band ‘A’ without the 20 hours power supply they are entitled to under the band.
But data sourced from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) indicated that while for the whole of Q1, 2024, the 12 power distributors raked in N291.6
billion, the revenues continued to rise after the tariff hike on April 3, hitting N433 billion three months later.
After about two years of tariff freeze in the power sector, the federal government had in April increased the rate paid per kilowatt hour (kwh) of electricity from about N68 to N225 for Band ‘A’ customers, who it said consistently enjoyed 20 hours of supply daily.
Announcing the increment in Abuja, the power sector regulator stated that only about 15 per cent of the over 12 million registered power customers would be affected by the new decision.
According to NERC, the decision to raise tariff was meant to relieve the federal government of the burden of
paying N240 billion per month and N2.9 trillion per year as electricity subsidy.
The latest THISDAY assessment of commercial performance by the Discos showed that in April, the power distributors raked in N142.92 billion, N139.23 billion in May and N150.86 billion in June.
This meant that Discos in Nigeria made an additional revenue of N42.4 billion in April after NERC’s decision on Band ‘A’ customers, that is, about 42.29 per cent increase compared to the previous month of March before the tariff increase was effected.
The increment had seen a rise in tariff from less than N70 to N225 for kilowatt hour for the premium customers. That amount has now
fallen to N209, after a further calculation of the dynamics in the cost of producing a kilowatt.
In April, NERC listed the top three revenue collectors as Ikeja Electric with N29.4 billion, Eko Disco with N24.93 billion and Abuja Disco with N22.92 billion.
The least performing Discos in terms of revenue aside the new Aba Disco, which had a collection efficiency of 73.12 per cent at (N1.41 billion), were Yola Disco (N1.10 billion), Kaduna (N5.01 billion) and Jos ( N6.05 billion).
In May, the NERC data indicated that N191.65 billion was billed, while N139.23 billion was collected, with collection efficiency at 72.65 and dipping by 7.32 per cent compared to the previous month.
During the month, the highest earner was Ikeja Disco with N26.92 billion, followed by Eko Disco with a revenue of 23.92 billion and Abuja Disco which raked in N22.97 billion in May.
In the same vein, in June, the last month of the quarter under consideration, while a total of N176.57 billion was billed, N150.86 billion was collected, with collection efficiency of 85.44 per cent during the month, rising by 12.80 per cent.
As usual, Ikeja Disco took the lead in terms of revenue collection with N30.06 billion, followed by Eko, which made N26.37 billion and Abuja distribution company which collected N24.29 billion.
This collection was out of the total N29.34 billion billed by Ikeja,
raising its collection efficiency to 102.44 per cent; Eko Disco billed N27.16 billion, obtaining a collection efficiency of 97.07 per cent, while Abuja had a total billing of N27.94 billion, with a collection efficiency of 86.97 per cent. Historical data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), recently showed that in 2020, the total revenue made by the Discos was N526.77 billion, while in 2021, it rose to N761.17 billion. Similarly, in 2022, the power distributors raked in about N828 billion, more than rounding the figure off in the 12 months of 2023, with N1.1
Peter Uzoho
The average volume of petrol consumed in Nigeria has risen to 50 million litres per day, up from about 46.38 million litres in July 2023, two months after subsidy was removed by the current administration.
The surge in petrol consumption despite the ravaging scarcity of the product at the filling stations in Nigeria has been attributed to the return of smuggling activities fuelled by subsidy payment.
Head of Public Affairs, Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority
(NMDPRA), Mr. George Ita, disclosed the new consumption figure in a response to THISDAY’s inquiry.
Ita stated this while dispelling speculations that daily fuel consumption in the country had hit 60 million litres to 65 million litres.
“Now, I can confirm to you that our daily consumption hasn’t surged up to anywhere near these (60 million to 65 million litres) levels.
Average consumption is 50 million litres daily,” Ita said.
He, however, sidestepped the question on the return of smuggling of petrol to other neighbouring African countries, arguing that
only the security agencies that man Nigeria’s international border points had the power to address such issue.
In July last year, NMDPRA had announced that the country’s petrol daily consumption figure stood at 46.38 million litres, due to subsidy removal by the federal government.
The Chief Executive of NMDPRA, Mr. Ahmed Farouk, who disclosed this at the time, said that the figure represented a 35 per cent reduction when compared with the 65 million litres per day, prior to subsidy removal.
According to him, an average truck out on a daily basis for petrol
consumption, after announcing subsidy removal on May 29, reduced to 46.38 million litres.
“The current daily consumption has drastically reduced as against 65 million litres, which was the daily consumption before subsidy removal.
“In January, it was 62 million per litre; February, 62 million per litre; March, 71.4 million per litre; April, 67.7 million per litre; May 66.6 million per litre; June, 49. 5 million per litre and July, 46.3 million per litres,” Ahmed said then.
Officially, petrol price is now N897 per litre, following the recent price increase by the Nigerian National
Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) but many filling stations in the country are selling between N930 to N950 while in some locations, the pump price hovers between N1000 and N1400 per litre.
NNPC had also stated that the current petrol pump price is not yet the actual market price, noting that the price will keep adjusting until it reflects the international price of the commodity, meaning that more price increases could take place any time soon.
However, petroleum products marketers and analysts have argued that part of the reasons for the current
scarcity of petrol in Nigeria and the return of smuggling to neighbouring African countries was because of the reappearance of subsidy and the re-emergence of the NNPC as the sole importer of petrol.
Chief Executive Officer of Swift Oil Limited, Stillian Mitakev, told THISDAY, exclusively that the only solution to the scarcity and smuggling is for the government to deregulate petrol pricing and allow the market to determine the pump price.
Peter Uzoho
Some energy experts and top officials of critical entities in Nigeria’s economy have called for application of best sustainable practices in the exploration, production and utilisation of oil and gas products in the country in order to save the environment from emissions.
The experts made the submissions at a webinar titled, “Transitioning Away from Emissions, Not Oil and Gas,” which was organized by the Nigerian Institution of Petroleum Engineers (NiPeTE) in collaboration with the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry Professional Practice Group (LCCI PPG).
Highlighting the role of oil and gas in global emissions and possible solutions, a former Executive Commissioner in charge of Development and Production, at
the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Dr Nuhu Habib, noted that while oil and gas production contributes to emissions, it was not the largest source of global greenhouse gases.
Habib opined that oil and gas would remain key drivers of the global economy for at least the next 50 years.
He pointed out that oil and gas account for only about 15 per cent of industrial emissions, emphasizing that the real challenge lies in addressing the broader industrial activities that contribute to greenhouse gases.
In his remarks, President and Chairman of Council, LCCI, Mr. Gabriel Idahosa, highlighted the significant emissions from gas flaring and other petroleum activities in Nigeria, which exacerbate climate change and affect public health.
He called for innovative approaches to decarbonize the economy while maintaining the growth and stability provided by oil and gas resources.
Idahosa noted that the oil and gas sector was vital to Nigeria’s
economy, accounting for about 90 per cent of export revenues and approximately 60 per cent of government revenue.
In her contribution, the National Chairman of NiPeTE, Prisca Kanebi, emphasized the importance of
Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) and Female Seafarers Association of Nigeria (FESAN) have tipped Maritime Writes Project (MWP) initiative to address the decline of seafarers and maritime workers in the nation.
Both organisations made this submission at the just-concluded 2-day MWP 2024 bootcamp in Lagos themed: “Protecting Heritages in the Blue Economy.”
The Maritime Writes Project is a not-for-profit organisation that holds Creative Writing workshops annually to guide children, youths and women of all ages, within and around littoral communities in Nigeria and Africa, to author fiction that is hinged on the Blue Economy. The project debuted in 2021 with 21 participants making it to its very first Creative Writing bootcamp after scaling through an entry selection stage.
Speaking at the MWP bootcamp, the President General of MWUN, Comrade Adewale Adeyanju delivered a presentation on, ‘The Struggle and Strides of The Union in Nigeria’s Blue Economy.”
Adeyanju, who was represented by the Union’s Deputy Secretary General, Comrade Oniha Erazua, stressed that there has been a decline in number of people developing careers in the maritime sector globally, especially in seafaring.
His words: “There is a decline in seafarers, dockworkers, among other aspects of maritime. This is beautiful catch-them-young initiative is bound to stimulate interest in the sector. As someone who has spent several years in the sector, I can confidently say that a career in shipping and other aspects of maritime will be gratifying.”
Also speaking, the President of FESAN, Koni Duniya, represented by Dise Koni Duniya, represented by a Marine Engineer, Dise Youdeowey, posited that the shipping industry holds numerous rewarding opportunities for participants, especially women.
Group Business Editor
Eromosele Abiodun
Deputy Business Editor
Chinedu Eze
Comms/e-Business Editor Emma Okonji
Asst. Editor, Energy
Emmanuel Addeh
Asst. Editor, Money Market
Nume Ekeghe
Correspondents
KayodeTokede(CapitalMarkets)
James Emejo (Finance)
Ebere Nwoji (Insurance)
Reporter Peter Uzoho (Energy)
While disclosing that only 2% of the global seafaring workforce are women, Dise emphasized the need for equity and balance in the industry even as she inspired the participants with the profiles of several successful Nigerian female seafarers.
On his part, the Associate Director, Global Operations & Industry Engagement, Maritime Anti-Corruption Network (MACN), Vivek Menon, stresses the need for attitudal change in the Nigerian maritime industry, specifically to curb corruption.
On her part, the Convener/ Project Coordinator, MWP Bootcamp, Ezinne Azunna, observed that the MWP is set to release 3 volumes of compendiums of short stories written by participants in the first three editions of the bootcamp.
balancing global greenhouse gas reduction goals with Nigeria’s development needs.
In his remarks, Planning and Commercial Senior Officer, Gas and Power Investment Services, Nigerian National Petroleum
Company Limited (NNPC), Dr Mohammed Malami, called for the strategic integration of lowcarbon technologies and improved operational efficiency to reduce emissions without eliminating oil and gas entirely.
Olawale Ajimotokan
Computer makers, HP said it had that it made use of over one billion pounds of recycled materials in its products and packaging since 2019.
The company’s Senior Vice President, Product Design and Sustainability, Stacy Wolff, disclosed this in a statement.
Wolff said HP deploy increasing amounts of recycled materials such as plastics, identify sustainable materials for future products, design devices for easy repair and recycling and
create products with longer lifespans and potential for second lives.
He gave an example of the HP Dragonfly laptop, which was designed a little over five years ago, that uses a mere seven grammes of recycled plastic.
He said 100 per cent of personal computers, workstations, displays and HP original toner cartridges contain recycled content.
According to Wolff, the Dragonfly notebook that was released in 2023, now contains large amounts of recycled aluminium
and magnesium, post-consumer recycled plastic, as well as oceanbound plastic.
“The definition of good design is always evolving, ideally anticipating changes rather than reacting to them. Consumer demand for sustainable products is a good example of how public expectations shape product design.
“We know people around the world prefer devices that have as little impact on the environment as possible; we also recognize that sustainable design is a must
to keep our planet habitable for human beings, “ he said. He also warned that if the current trend of using plastic, a material used to manufacture most products, including electronic devices, continues, by 2050 yearly plastic production could reach 1.1 billion metric tonnes.
This he said would not only be unsustainable in terms of climate impact, but will be dangerous for the world’s ecosystems because the material breaks down into microplastics.
Oluchi Chibuzor
The United Nation Women, Nigeria, has charged governments at all levels to accelerate investment in gender equality in order to achieve development in the country.
The Country representative to UN Women Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ms.
Beatrice Eyong, stated this recently in Lagos.
Delivering her closing remarks at the just concluded three-day Southwest zonal coordination platforms meeting, Eyong stressed that issues of gender are more of collaboration to bring about solutions and socioeconomic development.
According to her, “We are 60 percent not able to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) . And amongst the goals, the central one is SDGs 5, which is gender equality. So as long as we are not able to accelerate gender equality, we will not be able to accelerate the Sustainable Development Goals.
“We want this message to go down to the states. We want this message to go down to the local government authorities, that if we want to accelerate our development, we should invest in promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment. That is why we are here.”
Executive Chairman of Mainland Oil & Gas Limited, and Chrisnak Group, Dr Chris Igwe, has provided the global business community, especially Nigerian investors with great insights into driving organic business growth in a depressed economic environment.
lgwe gave the insights in a lecture he delivered at the School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) at the Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, United States, with the topic, “Contemporary Issues Related To Governance,
Entrepreneurship And Energy Development in Nigeria.”
In the lecture, the oil marketer used his companies as reference cases to demonstrate how private enterprises, in harmony with good regulatory agencies, could be a crucial avenue for engaging Nigeria’s burgeoning population.
He pointed out that investors aspiring to explore the wealth of opportunities in the Nigerian business environment needed to embrace compliance and foster partnerships and collaborations with government agencies and regulators in order to drive mutually beneficial growth.
He also tasked players in the petroleum industry to cultivate the necessary capacity, capability, networks, and partnerships to not only survive but thrive in the dynamic Nigerian energy landscape.
Igwe declared that positive working relationship with the Nigerian government entails incorporating community stakeholder relations through employment opportunities and sustainable development initiatives in all industry operations.
Citing the example of companies under the Chrisnak Group, Igwe stated, “We prioritize
talent development, recruiting and grooming individuals from within these communities, while upholding the highest standards of governance and sustainability throughout our value chains.” However, chief host and Chairman of African Focus Area at John’s Hopkins University, Prof. Peter Lewis, commended Igwe for the lecture, noting that his presentation provided business players with great insights into the Nigerian operating environment. He also applauded the guest lecturer on his business success and the growth of the Chrisnak Group.
Former First Lady of Ondo state and Founder of Bemore Foundation, Dr Betty AnyanwuAkeredolu and the Vice Chancellor of Dominican University, Ibadan, Professor Jacinta Opara have underscored the important role of technology in empowering young girls.
The duo made their submissions while delivering remarks at the closing ceremony of Bemore Summer Bootcamp in Ibadan, Oyo state earlier today.
Speaking, the Dominican University VC who also doubled as the Chairman of the occasion praised the former First Lady for the ideation of the bootcamp noting that her impact will be felt for generations to come.
Jacinta went further to say: “This bootcamp has been more than just a series of sessions and activities. It has been a journey—a journey of selfdiscovery, learning and growth. The Bemore Empowered Girls’
Foundation is Africa’s largest STEM+E (Science, Technology. Engineering, Mathematics and Entrepreneurship) project. The skills acquired here, whether in ICT, renewable energy, science, leadership, or personal development, are invaluable tools that will serve these girls throughout their lives.”
In her remarks, Dr Betty Akeredolu encouraged the graduands to make good use of the tools they have been given
and not sell them. She said, “You have been equipped with tools namely a brand new laptop and a solar home system to facilitate the change process in any area of your choosing, DON’T SELL THEM!. I will be heartbroken if you do! Make good use of them to make your life better. The curriculum of BEMORE bootcamp is designed to make you an income earner as soon as you step out of the camp. SEIZE THE MOMENT!.”
Stories by Nume Ekeghe
etranzact and the Enterprise Development Centre – EDC, Pan Atlantic University) have partnered to conduct a survey to ascertain the level of knowledge and readiness of operators of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises towards Artificial Intelligence (AI).
At the launch of the partnership at etranzact office in Lagos recently, the Managing Director/ CEO of eTranzact International, Mr. Niyi Toluwalope, noted that the partnership promises to shape the future of the Nigerian economy, as the results obtained from the survey would be useful to the government at both State
and federal level, policymakers, investors, industry watchers and other strategic stakeholders, who would use the information for planning, decision making and policy design.
He said, “Today, we are igniting a movement that will prepare our Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMES) for the rapidly evolving world of Artificial Intelligence (Al). Our collaboration with the Enterprise Development Centre (EDC) to champion the Al Readiness Survey is a testament to our commitment to driving innovation and ensuring that no business is left behind in this digital era.
He said, “As a catalyst for national development and an equalizer, Al represents the next frontier in this ongoing revolution. By assessing the readiness of our SMEs and MSMES for Al integration, we are laying the groundwork for a future where Nigerian businesses can compete on a global scale”
On his part, the Director for Programs and Partnerships at Enterprise Development Centre, Dr. Olawale Anifowose, said, given the ever dynamic business environment with modern technology, it’s imperative for Nigeria to join the rest of the world to embrace AI given the enormous benefits embedded.
Kecam Technologies, a leading Indigenous IT firm based in Lagos, has announced the launch of a revolutionary PDF Editor, Foxit PDF Editor an innovative solution set to redefine document management and organisational workflows across various sectors.
Vice Chairman of Kecam Technologies Limited, Bonny Mekwunye, in a statement highlighted the significance of Foxit PDF Editor, stating: “Foxit PDF Editor is designed
to address the needs of individuals and businesses concerned with cost-effective documentation and efficient workflow organization.” He emphasised that the suite optimises document workflows by offering a comprehensive range of features, including advanced editing, secured eSigning, collaborative tools, and AI-driven functionalities.
Mekwunye further elaborated on the benefits of Foxit PDF Editor, citing its cost-
effectiveness and user-friendly interface. “Foxit offers a solution that enables knowledge workers to create, edit, fill, merge, organise, redact, and analyse PDF documents with ease,” he stated.
He further noted that key features setting Foxit PDF Editor apart from its competitors include its robust security measures, with significant cost savings attributed to enhanced security updates and consistent support services.
Global Brands Magazine (GBM), has named Transcorp Hotels Plc the Best Hospitality Service Provider in the Hotel/ Hospitality Awards 2024.
The Nigerian Exchange (NGX)-listed company is the owner of the iconic Transcorp Hilton Abuja and Aura by Transcorp Hotels, an online platform for booking accom-
modation and experiences.
Transcorp Hilton Abuja, the flagship property of Transcorp Hotels Plc is ranked number one on the international review platform Trip Advisor in customer satisfaction and value for money. This new award by GBM reinforces the Company’s industry leadership.
Transcorp Hotel in a state-
ment noted that in receiving this award, Transcorp Hotels Plc has solidified its position as a trailblazer in the Nigerian hospitality sector. The company continues to lead with a robust system that not only meets but exceeds industry standards, making it a beacon of excellence in the HOTEL/HOSPITALITY sector in Nigeria.
Oluchi Chibuzor
Ishk Tolaram Foundation, as part of demonstrating its commitment to advancing Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in Nigeria has graduated 300 unemployed youth from its skill hub programme.
Speaking at its annual vocational skilling graduation and conference in Lagos, Programme Director at Ishk Tolaram Foundation, Oje Ivagba, commended the tenacity of the 300 graduates for participating in the programme.
For her, the conference with the theme, “Advancing TVET in Nigeria: Standardisation, Curriculum Development, and Certification,” stressed the need to align TVET
programs with industry demands and global standards.
Ivagba noted that Ishk Tolaram Foundation would continue to call for continued collaboration in ensuring a lasting impact on vocational education in Nigeria.
“This event shows our organization’s commitment to enhancing the quality of life in Nigeria through skills development and health interventions. We celebrate the tenacity of over 300 youth who transitioned from unemployment to meaningful employment after completing the Foundation’s vocational skills training program.”
“The conference also
celebrated the graduation of over 300 youths from the Ishk Skills Hub, who completed training in various vocational skills.
Thirty-one outstanding graduates received the Ishk Award for Excellence, recognizing their exceptional dedication and skills application throughout the program,” Ivagba stated.
The event featured representatives of Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB), Nigeria Employers Consultative Association (NECA), Nigerian Association of Small Scale Industrialists (NASSI), National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), and the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment.
The Feed Industry Practitioners Association of Nigeria (FIPAN) has announced the election of Dr. Ayoola Oduntan as its new President.
“This leadership change marks an important moment for FIPAN as the association continues its commitment to driving forward the development and sustainability of Nigeria’s feed industry, which remains a critical pillar of the country’s agricultural sector,” it said in a statement.
Oduntan expressed his appreciation for the trust placed
in him by the association and reaffirmed his commitment to addressing the industry’s most pressing challenges. He emphasized the need for greater collaboration within the sector, stating, “The future of our industry depends on our ability to work together, innovate, and create a more resilient and efficient feed production ecosystem. My focus will be on ensuring that FIPAN provides the support and leadership necessary to achieve these goals.”
“In line with this vision, Dr.
Oduntan plans to forge strategic alliances with key agricultural associations, such as the Maize Association of Nigeria (MAAN) and the Nigeria Soybean Association, as well as other key commodity groups.
“These partnerships aim to enhance stakeholder networks, streamline supply chains, and improve access to essential raw materials. Such collaborations are expected to address raw material sourcing challenges and improve overall industry efficiency,” the statement added.
Kayode Tokede
Japaul Gold & Ventures Plc has disclosed that it has secured approval from the Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC) on their Special Placement of eight billion units of new Shares at N2.50k to run pari-passu with the existing shares. This translates into N20 billion worth of new capital to the company listed on the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX). Commenting at a press briefing
yesterday, Chairman, Japaul Gold & Ventures, Mr. Jegede Paul said the company’s new shares has been listed on the NGX at N2.50 per share. Japaul was incorporated in 1994 but started its business in 1997 as a private company.
He expressed further that, “Initially, it operated as an oil servicing company, supporting international oil companies by providing Offshore Logistics services such as chartering of sea going Vessels, Barges and Accommodation Barges.
“The Company also engaged in dredging and quarry operations in the Mining business since 2005 till date. Due to low patronage of IOCs generally to Oil Servicing Companies, which Japaul is not left out, a strategic decision was made by Japaulin year 2020 to diversify into mining of Gold and other Solid Minerals, having identified the great potentials in the Mining Industry in Nigeria.”
He noted that Nigeria is so blessed with more than 44 different Minerals including Gold
in different parts of the Country, and Japaul has been strategically positioned to start the business of mining Gold and other Minerals with the vision of having both Gold produced and Gold reserve in excess of 100million ounces between now and year 2034.
Continuing, Paul stated that, “Japaul has many exploration licenses in different parts of the country and Mining Leases in different Gold fields. The Company is now being reorganized structurally by KPMG with the
objective of becoming a world class Gold Mining Company, not only in Nigeria but across the Globe.
“Presently, Japaul has 637,000 Inferred Reserve ounces of Gold, which worth $1,551,095,000 on its Mining Leases that it has acquired. To this end, the Company has been able to come up with the means of financing further Exploration and to commence the preliminary development of the Gold field, with the already made clear plan to commence
Gold production before the end of 2025.”
Commenting as well, Managing Director, Japaul Gold & Ventures, Mr. Akin Oladapo said, “ The Company’s transition into the Mining Sector is aimed at establishing a niche for the organisation across the value chain of the Global Mining Business. As a result of this strategic shift, the Company changed its name from Japaul Oil & Maritime Services Plc to Japaul Gold & Ventures Plc in the year 2020.
Deji Elumoye, Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja and Laleye Dipo in Minna
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Niger State Command, said refusal of the driver of the truck conveying passengers and cows to heed the warning of one of his passengers was responsible for the high casualty in the tanker explosion along Lapai-Agaie road in Niger State last Sunday.
President Bola Tinubu and his wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, commiserated with families of victims and the Niger State government over the explosion, which claimed 48 lives and many livestock.
Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) said no fewer than 48 people, including 50 cows, died in the explosion, just as a crane, pick-up van, and another vehicle completely were
burnt in the Sunday inferno.
NSEMA said the remains of the deceased were given mass burial in Agaie town also on Sunday.
FRSC, in a statement, disclosed that one of the passengers in the truck alerted the driver of the vehicle that there was fire from the fuel tanker, but the driver responded that it was "mere tyre that was burning".
Sector Commander of the corps, Mr. Kumar Tsukwam, said in the statement, "It was gathered that the trailer that conveyed humans and cows was alerted by one of his passengers of the fire at their front but in response he (driver) said it is just mere tyre that was burning.
"On reaching the engulfed tanker, immediately (the truck) was also engulfed and consequently the two other vehicles were engulfed, leading to the death of 35 persons
instantly and two others injured died at the hospital (totalling) 37.”
Tsukwam also blamed the accident on "over speeding" adding, "The tanker from Lagos on transit to Kano loaded with fuel was on top speed, lost control, fell down, and (was) engulfed with fire.”
He said 18 people were injured and were rushed to the hospital but one of them died in the hospital.
NSEMA Public Relations Officer, Hussain Ibrahim, said the evacuation of the burnt vehicles from the scene of the accident had been handed over to the Agaie Local Government Area, adding, "We (NSEMA) will give them some assistance."
Tinubu, in a release by his Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, commiserated with the families of the dead and injured victims.
He also sympathised with the
Francis Sardauna in Katsina
Former Nigerian Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, has commended Governor Dikko Umaru Radda's efforts in restoring peace in 24 local government areas of Katsina State.
Abubakar, who disclosed this on Monday in Katsina while consoling late President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua's family over the demise of Hajiya Dada, said farmers had
returned to their farms in the state.
He explained that the restoration of peace in the 24 local governments by the administration would tackle the threat of hunger and boost economic activities of the state.
“I want to commend him
(Governor Radda) for the effort he has done in bringing peace back to Katsina State and indeed to Nigeria. I remember very well when he took over, there were about 24 local governments under threat
out of the 34 local governments.
“But so far, he has been able to bring peace back to these 24 local governments. I have seen that farmers have gone back to their farms so the threat of hunger is overcome,” the former Nigerian leader said.
He, however, extended his condolences to the Yar'Adua family, the government and people of the state over the death of Hajiya Dada, who died last week, praying: “May Allah accept her in Al-jannah."
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has attributed the drift in prospective economic development of the state to mismanagement.
The governor, however, assured that the state under his watch would be restored and transformed to its rightful position as an enviable and economically viable State.
Fubara disclosed this yesterday, while inaugurating the new board of the Rivers State Investment Promotion Agency at the Government House, Port Harcourt.
Addressing the inaugurated board, Fubara charged them to deploy their wealth of experience
and expertise in different fields to restore the lost economic glory of the state.
He pointed out that although the state was blessed with enormous natural resources of oil, gas and improved Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), much still needed to be done to develop the state, stressing that the Investment Promotion Agency was strategic to achieving the desired economic development in the state.
The governor, who restated the commitment of his administration to fulfill the promises of developing every sphere of the state's economy, enjoined the new agency to concentrate on agricultural development,
manufacturing and production, wealth creation and employment, assuring that he will provide all the necessary support for them to succeed.
"People were leaving other places to come and stay, live and do business here. It got to a time when things turned around, maybe will I call it expansion of the state, because normally development comes with its own challenges.
“But in the other hand it is not really the cause, it was a mismanagement of our blessing. Channeling our blessings into the wrong cause, and this in one way or the other, set Rivers State to become pitiable economically.”
owners of shops affected by the tragedy and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured.
The president commended the federal and state emergency agencies for their swift response and similarly commended the good-spirited Nigerians, who mobilised to the scene to assist victims.
He pledged continued support for efforts aimed at providing relief to those affected.
Tinubu directed relevant federal agencies in transportation and road infrastructure to redouble their efforts and work with state
leaders and Nigerian workers who speak out on the crushing hardship they are batting with caused by the irresponsible acts of the government that has turned deaf ears to the groaning of the people that they are governing.
"The last we know, Nigeria is still a democratic nation, so why is the government witch-hunting and trying to silence those that speak out to protest their deplorable state of living and economic hardship?"
NUEE said Ajaero represented the Nigerian workers and the common man on the street, adding that the act of the government signified trampling on masses and is tantamount to beating a child and preventing the child from crying.
"An injury to Com. Joe Ajaero is an injury to all Nigerian workers and Electricity employees in particuar. Nigeria is our collective country, our leaders should not make us live ike slaves that cannot express themselves in our country.
"We demand unequivocal and unconditional release of Com. Joe Ajaero without any harm meted to him. We are using this medium to put all our members on alert for further directives," the union said.
Also, the United Action Front of Civil Society frowned at what it termed, “the needless show of force by the operatives of the DSS in abducting Ajaero in a gestapo manner.”
A statement by the National Coordinating Secretariat, United Action Front of Civil Society, Mallam Hamisu Santuraki, stated that the DSS has for no reason “broken the civil and conventional practice earlier adopted by the police as touching security issues with well-known high-profile citizens and leaders of the people like the President of the NLC by
governments to enhance the safety and security of travellers and residents.
Mrs Tinubu, on her part, commiserated with Governor Mohammed Bago and the people of the state on the loss of lives and property.
In a release she personally signed, the first lady stated, "My thoughts and prayers are with you all, especially the people of Agaie Local Government Area, Niger State.
"I pray that Almighty Allah grants the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives the strength and fortitude to bear the
extending invitations to them rather than employing dehumanising tactics such as forceful abduction against them to embarrass and intimidate them like common criminals.
"As a matter of fact, Comrade Joe Ajaero is a huge leader of both the labour movement and the masses of Nigeria given his popular position as the President of the NLC and therefore deserves to be treated with profound decorum and courtesy.
“Consequently, security issues with him should be handled with due process and not with gestapo tactics displayed by security agents today to cause national chaos
"For us in the organised civil society and pro-democracy movement of Nigeria, the abduction of Ajaero today is brash and indecent on the part of Nigerian security operatives and should be condemned by all Nigerians.
“We therefore wish to unequivocally condemn this needless rascality employed by the DSS today against the President of the NLC which has already generated shockwaves through the length and breadth of the country and may lead to mass resistance and civil disobedience in the country if Ajaero is not released immediately by the State."
Similarly, the group condemned the alleged invasion of SERAP’s office.
It “demanded the immediate release of the NLC President and retreat from the office of SERAP to avoid undue collision with the Nigerian civil society. However, as a major Pillar of the Labour and Civil Society Front, LCSFront.
"We wish to call on our allies nationwide to immediately commence national consultations on how best to halt the growing police State in Nigeria as evidenced by the massive repression of civil and democracy
painful loss. May Allah grant them all Aljannah Firdaus.”
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammad Idris, expressed sorrow over the incident.
Idris stated, "My thoughts and prayers are with all those affected during this painful time. I, therefore, join the people of Niger State and the whole of Nigeria in mourning this profound loss. "May the souls of the departed rest in peace, and may God grant their families the strength and fortitude to bear this immeasurable loss."
space by state agent in Nigeria."
In its reaction, Air Peace Airlines Limited denied being behind Ajaero’s arrest and explained why there was an attempt to link the indigenous carrier to the labour leader’s arrest.
In a statement signed by its spokesman, Omotade Makinwa, the airline said, “Air Peace Airline expresses deep concern over recent media reports regarding the arrest of the President of the NLC in connection to a petition filed by the airline in September 2023. This development, which has led to negative publicity, does not reflect the current relationship between Air Peace and the NLC.
“It is important to clarify the events leading up to the petition. On the 3rd of May, 2023, the NLC disrupted Air Peace operations as part of a broader conflict with the Imo State government. Although Air Peace had no involvement in the dispute between the NLC and the Imo State government, our airline was unfortunately used as a tool to exert pressure on the government. This unlawful disruption of our services caused significant financial losses and impacted the travel plans of many Nigerians across multiple states.
“In response to this disruption, Air Peace’s legal team submitted a formal petition against the NLC to the Nigerian Police. Despite our repeated efforts to follow up on the petition, the Police failed to take prompt action.
“However, over a year later, the Nigerian Police have chosen to act on the original petition, which has now led to the alleged arrest of the NLC president. Before this arrest, the airline and the NLC had already reached an amicable resolution, and Air Peace had withdrawn its petition, allowing a positive working relationship to resume between the two organisations.”
L-R: Members, College of Medicine of the University of Lagos (CMUL) 1967/74 Set, Dr. Dare Demuren; Prof. Oye Adeniran; President, UNILAG Alumni Association, Dr. Ifeoluwa Oyedele; Member of CMUL, Dr. Chris Otigbo;Chairman, Organising Committee 50th anniversary ,CMUL, Prof. Oladapo Ashiru; Members, Prof Ademola Oremosu; Dr. Ladi Awosika; Prof. Nathaniel Salako, Prof. Ewan Alufohai, and Prof. Jelili Akinwande, at the 50th post graduation reunion ceremony of CMUL, 1967/74 Set in Ikoyi, Lagos… recently
John Shiklam in Kaduna
Two nurses and unspecified number of patients have been reportedly abducted by bandits at the Primary Healthcare Centre at Kuyallo, Birnin-Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna state.
Musa Alhassan, one of the leaders of the vigilance group in the area said the bandits invaded the health care centre at about 9.00a.m yesterday. He said their target was the Government Day Secondary School in the locality, apparently to abduct the students.
to the nearby healthcare centre.
“The bandits came to the school around 9:00am, but when they discovered that the school was empty, they went to the healthcare
According to him, when the criminals discovered that there was nobody in the school, they headed
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Denca Global Courier (DGC Express), Dr. Queen Onyinye Okpa, has offered a compelling perspective on the future of Africa’s export in response to recent projections by the World Trade Organisation (WTO).
Following WTO forecast that African exports will grow by 5.3 per cent in 2024, Okpa stated that this is a pivotal moment for the continent’s economy, stressing that sustaining the growth requires strategic initiatives to address challenges in the global trade landscape.
She said: “The WTO’s outlook on Africa’s exports is encouraging, but the real challenge is in ensuring that this growth translates into meaningful economic uplift across the continent.
“The gap between rising exports and declining imports, as highlighted in the report, indicates that increased export activity hasn’t fully translated into higher income and consumption for African nations. To change this narrative, we need to focus on value addition, innovation and diversification in our export portfolio.”
Goldberg, Nigeria’s premium lager beer, has announced the fourth edition of the Goldberg Omoluabi Day, Set to take place tomorrow, Wednesday, 11th September 2024.
It said this year’s event reaffirms Goldberg’s unwavering commitment to preserving and promoting the rich culture of our people.
“Themed “Omoluabi to Yato” celebrating those who are made different, the 2024 Goldberg Omoluabi Day is a tribute to the ethos of values such as Integrity, Composure, Bravery, Hardwork, respect and so on. The term
“Omoluabi” embodies the essence of a person with strong moral character, while “Oyato” refers to an exemplary individual who stands out for their contributions to society. Together, these words highlight the distinctiveness of not just the Yoruba people and their deep-rooted values but even beyond the Yoruba tribe,” it said.
Commenting on the 2024 Goldberg Omoluabi Day, Senior Brand Manager of Goldberg, Kunle Aroyehun, said: “Goldberg is deeply committed to celebrating and preserving our rich cultural heritage.
Raheem Akingbolu
As part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, TDS Hitech Solutions Limited, a fast-growing system integrator in information technology (IT) solutions, connectivity, and renewable (solar) energy, has paid a courtesy visit to Little Saints Orphanage Home to impact the innocent children and set a tone for future collaborations.
According to a statement issued by the solution company, the team had during the visit actively engaged with the children
and staff, learning about their daily experiences, challenges, and aspirations. In addition to donating essential food items and consumables, the firm was said to have installed a Zola Edge Solar Home System to ensure continuous energy access for the orphanage. The system includes a Solar panel, Flex Max controller, eight units of DC bulbs, 24in DC TV and a main module comprising an inverter and lithium battery, designed to provide reliable, uninterrupted power to a main section of the facility.
centre and abducted two female nurses and several patients.”
Spokesperson of the Kaduna state police command, Mansir Hassan, could not be reach for
reaction when contacted on telephone. Kaduna state is among the North-west states battling with security challenges.
On September 5, 2024, bandits
invaded Mani community, located near the Indomie factory in Rido ward of Chikun Local LGA of the state and abducted 19 people, mostly women and children.
Blessing Ibunge in port Harcourt
The Rivers State Police Command yesterday paraded suspects arrested for involvement in child trafficking and other criminal acts in the state.
Parading the suspects who are mostly women at the Police
Headquarters on Moscow Road, Port Harcourt, the state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, said the command also arrested syndicate responsible for “One Chance” incidence in Port Harcourt and its environs.
She explained that the child trafficking including a man and two women were arrested by
Oluchi Chibuzor
The President of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Dr. Daniel Okoh, and the Prelate of Eternal Sacred Order of the Cherubim and Seraphim Church Worldwide, (ESOCS), Dr. David Bob-Manuel, have said that the
operatives attached to the Ubima Divisional headquarters for kidnap of a year-old baby and attempted murder of the mother in a bush in the area.
Iringe-koko further revealed that the arrest followed a complaint from a middle aged woman on August 25, 2024, at about 6.35a.m, indicating that “one Queen Orlu, 20 years was seen lying unconscious in Omeka Farmland at Ucheabuor.” She said: “Operatives immediately mobilised to the scene where the victim was met in a pool of blood with multiple injuries all over her body and her intestines protruding out of a cut on her stomach.
current economic realities in the country are biting harder on Nigerians.
The two Christians leaders stated this at the 7th Induction Anniversary of Bob-Manuel and media launch of ESOCS’s centenary plan held in Lagos recently.
Commenting on the current hardship in the country, the CAN president warned that Nigerians are becoming impatient, adding that the federal government must urgently reduce the prices of fuel products in the country.
According to him, “We have never had it so high in the history
of Nigeria, and it is biting hard not only on the poor but also on the rich. And I pray that those in governance and those in authority will do something very quickly and drastically to reduce the prices of fuel products so that the poor can actually survive.
Segun Awofadeji in bauchi
Bauchí State Governor, Senator Bala Abdukadir Mohammed has relieved his Commissioner for Health, Dr Adamu Sambo, of his duty.
This was as Governor Mohammed also announced
the scrapping of the Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs following the Supreme Court Judgement granting autonomy to local government across the country.
Mohammed announced the removal of the commissioner yesterday shortly after
presiding over the State Executive Council meeting in Bauchí.
The dropped commissioner was noticeably absent during the council meeting.
The governor explained that he was dropped, not for non-performance, but as part of efforts to reposition the administration.
He said that that the Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs would not appoint a Commissioner to replace Ahmed Aliyu Jalam who died in a fatal road crash recently.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon Tajudeen Abbas, has lauded the history and purpose that inspired the establishment of the Indonesia/Africa Parliamentary Forum (IAPF), describing it as an admirable “footprint of our common development heritage, a great challenges resolver, and mutual risks mitigator for all countries involved.”
In a statement, while speaking at the 2024 crosscontinental Forum held in Bali, Indonesia, he emphasised that a united approach to “our global challenges for development, benefits everyone mostly because solutions are harnessed from multiple knowledge and experiences, such that IAPF offers in rich abundance.”
The speaker, who was ably represented by Hon Uche Okonkwo of Idemili North and South federal constituency in Anambra State, as the Head of the Nigeria delegation to the forum, was elated that the theme and focus for this year was on practical sustainable options to overcoming real bottlenecks to greater humanity, in critical areas as food security, education, health and production investments.
Bennett Oghifo
The Advisory Board of The Nigeria Prize for Science, yesterday, announced a team of three scientists as winner of the of the 2024 edition of the prize.
Members of the team,
announced by the Board at a press conference in Lagos yesterday are: Eni Oko, Olajide Otitoju, and Meihong Wang.
The trio was recognised for their pioneering work on “Process Intensification Technology for Greenhouse Emission Control in Power
Generation and Industry for Sustainable Fuel Production (PIC-FUEL)”.
At the press conference, the board noted the importance of the 2024 competition theme: “Innovations and Technologies for Reducing the Effect of Climate Change,” which underscored
the need for urgent solutions to environmental challenges.
According to the Chairman of the Advisory Board, Professor Barth Nnaji, the innovation could significantly reduce harmful emissions from power plants and factories while creating cleaner, greener fuels.
Dike Onwuamaeze
The President and Council Chairman of the Chartered Institute of Directors Nigeria (CIoD), Mr. Tijjani M. Borodo, has tasked women directors to advocate policies that would
promote gender equality in the workplace.
Borodo gave the task during the CIoD’s “2024 Women Directors Conference” with the theme ““Leading in a Disruptive Age: Opportunities in Emerging Technologies, DEI & ESG.”
He said that “women directors can advocate policies that promote gender equality in the workplace, such as equal pay, parental leave, and flexible work arrangements.
“Women directors can play a crucial role in driving
ESG initiatives within their organisations by understanding the risks and opportunities associated with ESG factors, and therefore helping organisations to develop a sustainable business strategy that aligns with the values of its stakeholders.
TUESDAY
abati1990@gmail.com
“Nigerians have for far too long been denied justice and the opportunity to get to the bottom of why they continue to pay the price for corruption in the oil sector. Rather than pursuing public policies to address the growing poverty and inequality in the country, and holding the NNPC to account for the alleged corruption and mismanagement in the oil sector, your government seems to be punishing the poor” --SERAP’sDeputyDirector,KolawoleOluwadare, callsonPresidentTinubutoreversethearbitrarypetrolpricehike,andprobeNNPCL.
“Bros, you dey craze. I watch you dis morning, you just dey yarn, You just dey craze. You just dey troll Una dey drink something for that una programme? Una dey mad?”
“What is the matter, uncle?”
“Don’t Owain me? How can you go on television and give the faintest impression that Buhari is a better economic manager than Tinubu? This is the thing about you, Yoruba people, you don’t know when to be loyal to your own people You do not know when to say this is our own and we need to stand by him, when he needs us.”
“I am sorry. I don’t get what you are saying”
“I am saying that Tinubu needs all the support he can get right now from among his own people. It looks bad to have on TV, any Yoruba man or woman condemning their own. You have a responsibility to defend your own person”
“I don’t get your drift. I am educated enough to reject what you are suggesting.”
“And I am telling you that this is Nigeria. Whatever Tinubu does with the Nigerian economy, you have to stand by him. He is one of us. He cannot do any wrong. Whatever anybody says about the economy, it is our son that is there, and we, Yorubas have a reputation for knowing anything about the economy. Ibos are traders. They know commerce, even if they end up dominating other people’s homesteads. Hausa-Fulanis think power is their birthright. They will come into your community and they will try to take over everything. Yorubas think they are the wise ones in the room. They will carry their shoulders high thinking they are the ones that know it all, on whose shoulders everything hangs but at the end of the day, they get deceived. Igbos claim that they are the lords of commerce. They are in every community in Nigeria, plying trade. What I am trying to say is that this country no balance. The people who think they are wise and smart, are actually stupid. The stupid people are the wise ones.”
“Is that why you will go on television and say Buhari is wiser than Tinubu? And that Yoruba people are stupid, and they do not know how to manage the economy?”
“Okay, Bros. I did not mean it that way. I was just saying that Yoruba people are supposed to be Nigeria’s best economic managers. We have been in charge for about one year now. Bros, how market? It is enough time for Buhari to sit back and laugh at the expense of the same Yoruba people who think that when it comes to the economy that they know it all. Let me confess to you: I feel grossly embarrassed. I am ashamed.”
“Stop embarrassing yourself. Buhari and his Fulani people caused this problem. They messed up the country. Tinubu is trying to clear up the mess. The problem with Nigeria is the mess that Buhari caused. It has nothing to do with Tinubu. Buhari was sleep-walking for eight years. You have a President who is active. The Jagaban himself and you are going back to the sleepy crowd. I disagree vehemently with you.”
“My brother go and sleep. I am telling you how Yoruba people behave. Economy, Na we know am. Economy na we sabi. Go and fix the economy. Look, if we want to tell ourselves the truth, this economy was not this bad under Buhari. Go and fix it.”
“Try and be fair. Buhari caused the problem”
“Fix it. That is why we voted for you. You APC people said you will renew our hope. Renew it.”
“Your hope is being renewed. What the government says is that the people of Nigeria must be prepared to make some sacrifices. I don’t even like this narrative about Yoruba, Igbo and Hausa-Fulani. There are over 250 ethnic groups in this country. We must put an end to ethnic politics in this country.”
“We are the people being asked to make sacrifices. How much sacrifice is the government making? Or
the people in government? They are riding yachts. They are busy buying new aircraft. They are busy travelling all over the world. I tried to buy fuel. I had to pay more money. Schools are resuming, after the holidays. They have increased school fees. I wanted to buy suya. Ordinary suya oh. They said the price has gone up. Transport fares have increased by about 50%”
“NLC will take care of that. Labour Congress is on top of it. Labour says the NLC has been betrayed.”
“Which NLC? Which Labour? Are you aware that Joe Ajaero has been arrested?”
“Who arrested him?”
“The Nigerian Government”
“Are you sure?”
“I read it in the papers. The DSS arrested him. I hear he is now in the custody of the Nigeria Intelligence Agency. The NIA.”
“What do they say his offence is?”
“I never hear oh”
“Why are these people perpetually looking for trouble? Are you sure there are no fifth columnists inside this government? I am beginning to worry oh. You have not solved one problem, you go and create another.”
“I agree with you. Joe Ajaero is a very small irritant. This is not the time to go after him. He is a Labour Leader. He can say what he likes. He can be ignored.”
“They say he is financing terrorism. He is not above the law. No man is above the law.”
“Then you ignore him because of the followership that he commands. If you have to do anything, you do it underground. Nobody will believe you if you want to do anything then you do it under the cover, never in the open.”
“We are talking about terrorism. The law does not work that way.”.
“We are talking about the leader of the largest Labour union in the country. Do you want to burn down the country?”
“My attitude is that nobody is above the law”
“Fine. Detain Nigeria’s Labour leader then. What I am saying is that a country cannot fight on all fronts at the same time.”
“Tinubu is not fighting the country. He is saying this country has gone so bad, it has to be fixed. He is saying organised Labour must not hold this country to ransom. He is saying he won the election in 2023, and he would not allow Obidients and Atiku and his followers to sabotage this country, claiming to be opposition. This is where we are. Try and be patriotic.”
“Which Nigerian law says to be patriotic you
have to be a Tinubu lackey? Tell me.”
“We are saying don’t follow the opposition. Be a man”
“I am not a man. I cannot pay school fees. I cannot fund basic things. I am in pains. Don’t tell me to be a man. How can I be a man in this country?”
“Be a woman then. Your wife can feed you, if she can”.”
“What kind of talk is that?”
“Be the woman. That is what Nigeria today calls for. If you have a woman who can, then humble yourself.”
“Is that what Tinubu is supposed to reduce us to?”
“Life is like that sometimes.”
“No wonder Ajuri Ngelale left them. He told them to keep their job. He walked away from it all.”
“I am of the view that you do not know what you are talking about. Ajuri Ngelale is the luckiest man who ever occupied the position of Presidential Spokesman. He was not just spokesman. He was Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Change. He was Chairman of the Federal Government Project Evergreen Initiative. No other person in that position was ever so garlanded.”
“And he will abandon all of that?”
“It is not everybody that would rather die in a government job. He has asked us to respect his family’s privacy. He talked about family medical issues. Can we all just respect his privacy and personal“Couldspace?” this be a case of the demons in Aso Villa chasing Ajuri Ngelale?”
“I have no comment”
“Demons in the Villa.”
“What are you talking about?”
“There is a spiritual side to that Villa. Anybody that goes in there is no longer recognizable.”
“I have nothing to say.”
“So who do you think will take over Ajuri’s job? Who is the demon that will step into his shoes?”
“They have more than enough people in that place falling over themselves to take over the job. You don’t have to worry about that.”
“Do you think that it is normal that the same Tinubu who used to lead pro-democracy protests will stand by and allow protesters to be charged for treason under his watch?”
“Tinubu is not the judiciary. He wants the judiciary to do its work. Find something else to say.”
“Oh God Oh God. Okay, is Tinubu happy that we the people of Nigeria cannot find fuel to buy?”
“I understand fuel is now available in the filling stations across the country. You drive in, you buy. Willing buyer, willing seller”
“At what price?”
“I refer you to Section 205 of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) of 2021)
“Rubbish. I am not interested in any useless Sections of the law. Is Nigeria better today than it was a year ago? We can’t buy diesel. We can’t buy fuel. Lagos, the country’s commercial center is a ghost town because the people cannot get or buy fuel. Section whatever. Is that what will feed my“Efamily?” lo fo kan bale”
“Egbon. Did I hear you right?”
“E lo fo kan bale”
“God. God. God.”
“E lo fo kan bale. There is renewed hope”
“No. I don’t see hope. Not to talk of renewed hope. I sewar to God Almighty anytime there is another call for protest in this country, I will carry placard and go out.”
“Fine. When you get arrested and you are charged for treason, just know that you are on your own. I have always told you. You cannot fight government. After government it is God. Fight government and live with the consequences.”
“To hell with Government”
“And with God too”
“I did not say that. Don’t put words in my mouth.
I will never say to hell with God.”
“It is God that has chosen Tinubu as President of Nigeria. God is forever right. He is all-knowing. Nigerians must learn neve r to fight God.”
“I don’t discuss religious issues. There is too much mumbo jumbo in that arena”
“Are you aware that all the churches will be filled to the brim this Sunday? The same people who cannot find fuel to go to work, they will get fuel to attend Church and enough money to give to Pastors”
“Good for them”
“Many of the congregants will even go with jerry cans of fuel for the Pastors”
“One day, the Pastors and God will meet face to face. I believe in the concept of Judgement Day. Let God judge every man according to his deed.”
“I think President Tinubu should start by paying tribute to the Paralympics athletes who have just done Nigeria proud in Paris. These are the kind of people we want to see on the National Honours List. Not office holders. Not traditional rulers.”
“I agree. I am impressed. Even if this is Nigeria’s worst outing at the Paralympics since Barcelona 1992. We did better in Athens, London, Tokyo and elsewhere, but at least this one, we came home with seven medals. Congratulations to Nigeria’s Paralympic team. I want to specially recognize Oluwafemiayo and Eniola Bolaji. They made history.”
“I want to add that there is ability in disability. Nigeria’s main team went to the main Olympics. What did they come back with? Zero. Odo. Nothing. Physically challenged people went to represent Nigeria, they returned with medals. I predicted it. In this country, the blind see, the deaf hear, people who have their faculties all intact are the enemies of national progress. Nigeria is a living paradox.”
“There are still people in this country who can see and hear. I know a few. Things are not as bad as you paint them.”
“Like who, please?”
“Austen Eguavoen. he just led the Super Eagles to beat the Cheetahs of Republic of Benin. He did not allow Gernot Rohr and his team to cheat us. We beat them 3-0.”
“When Eguavoen and the Super Eagles qualify for both the AFCON, and the World Cup, that is when we can talk. For now, I am just watching. They are in Rwanda. Let them bring us victory from Rwanda too.”
“What of the U-20 Falconets? They are in the group of 16. They are making us proud in the FIFA U-20 tournament.”
“I want to see them in the finals. Nigerian women are always better than the men.”
“You are a pessimist. I need you to see Nigeria in a positive light.”
“I do. I do. It is just that sometimes this country get on your nerves.”
“I know your problem. I know why you are in a foul mood. It is time for children to return to school. You have to pay school fees. And the fees have gone up. But think of all the positives in this country. Dangote Refinery for example. Soon, there will be fuel in every filling station. Dangote is a Nigerian like you. He has done something for his country. You can do something too. You can be a positive force for progress. Stop whining. This country belongs to all of us.”
“Dangote?”
“Yes. Dangote.”
“Are you sure Dangote is happy he has done something for Nigeria right now?”
“Don’t worry yourself. Everything will be resolved.”
“Really?”
“I think so. No be Nigeria?”
“I dey vex. Country hard no be small.”
“Don’t worry. You will be able to eat suya again if that is your problem. And you will get fuel in your car. Don’t take out your anger on other people” “I dey vex, no be small”