[Reuters]

The Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, has announced his decision not to ban mining activities in the state, despite the recent explosion in Bodija, Ibadan, which he attributed to illegal mining.

This statement was made while updating the public on the situation following the blast that affected areas including Bodija, Agbowo, Eleyele, and Orogun.

The governor, addressing the incident, explained that the explosion was caused by illegal miners who stored explosive devices in a building in the Bodija area.

Despite this, Governor Makinde emphasized that the state government would not ban mining activities.

He assured residents that his administration is effectively managing the situation, with support from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Furthermore, Makinde mentioned that the government had made arrangements for temporary shelters to accommodate the victims and their families affected by the explosion.

When asked during an interview on Channels TV Politics Today if he was considering banning mining in the state following the incident, Makinde said, “My approach has been a little bit different.

“I will not go out to ban mining activities because there are people who are legally mining in the state. They may be international investors. You will give the impression that this is a lawless environment where we will not obey our contracts, what we signed with people.

“It is a difficult route to take. When we are swimming through the situation we have found ourselves, we will not have a knee-jerk reaction to the issue.”

says subsidy to gulp N1.6tn in 2024

The federal government, through the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, has approved a new cost-reflective tariff increase for the electricity distribution companies in Nigeria.

This is as the commission stated that the electricity subsidy will gulp N1.6 trillion in 2024.

NERC disclosed this in a Multi-Year Tariff Order for DisCos uploaded on its official website on Wednesday.

The commission said the new MYTO for DisCos takes effect from January 1 2024.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of NERC, Sanusi Garba, who explained the development to journalists in Abuja on Wednesday, said the federal government would spend 30 billion monthly, amounting to N1.6 trillion, on electricity subsidies in 2024.

The implication is that for any N150 electricity bill, the federal government will pay N90 while consumers will bear the remaining fraction.

Enugu Electricity Distribution Company, EEDC, will get N128.92bn, Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (N223.26 billion), Yola Electricity Distribution Company (N64.48 billion), Benin Electricity Distribution Company (N140.85 billion), Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (N199.841 billion), the Eko Electricity Distribution Company (N198.78 billion) and Ikeja Electricity Distribution (N238.201 billion).

NERC stated that electricity tariff adjustments would be made monthly to avoid rate hike shock.

“If we have determined that you should be paying N150 and the Federal Government says you should pay N60, it will pay the difference. Then that is what it is, and the government would now provide the money.

“One of the new things in tariff order is, to avoid rate shock, we will now be doing the minor tariff review very frequently, like every month,’’ he said.

In the last days of 2023, a report emerged of a planned electricity hike on January 1, 2024.

However, the apex regulatory body denied the claim of electricity tariff hike.

Barely two weeks ago, the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, insisted on electricity subsidy payments at the time of review of the implementation of cost-reflective tariffs.

He said, “We’re reviewing the implementation process of a cost-reflective tariff while ensuring continued government subsidy for vulnerable members of society”.

Adelabu disclosed that the federal government spent N700 billion on electricity tariffs in 2023.

The development showed that Nigerians must battle with the new electricity pricing template amid heightened headlines and food inflation.

DAILY POST reports that headline and food inflation increased to 28.92 per cent and 33.93 per cent, respectively, in December 2023, according to the National Bureau of Statistics.

The Abia State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has described as primitive, the invasion of All Breaking News (ABN) Radio/TV, Umuahia, by police operatives.

The police operatives arrested a guest on a live programme during the incident.

The Abia NUJ council in a statement made available to journalists in Umuahia, said that the invasion should be condemned by well-meaning Nigerians.

In the statement signed by Victor Ndukwe, the Abia NUJ Chairman and Adaeze Ralph Igbokwe, the association recalled how policemen invaded FLO FM in Umuahia to arrest a guest invited for a live programme, some years ago.

The association also recalled how men of the Nigerian Military invaded the NUJ Press Centre in Umuahia in 2017, where they beat up journalists and destroyed their working equipment.

“These attacks refuse to take into account, the robust relationship the media in Abia has fostered with security agencies in the state over the years.

“We want to state categorically that these attacks are in bad taste, designed to harm the media industry as they have the propensity to make media houses endangered zones for guests invited to live programmes and muzzle plurality of opinions which oil democracy.

“In an era when live programming has become the fashion in broadcasting, arresting guests who honour invitations to live programmes translates to a systematic but crude means of putting the media out of business occasioned by resultant damages to costly, sensitive equipment and scaring people away.

“We call on the police hierarchy in the state to reign in their men and put a stop to such ill-motivated attacks.
The Council aligns with the management of ABN TV in their demand for unreserved apology from and replacement of damaged equipment by the police,” the NUJ said.

The statement noted that both the police and the media are working for the good of the Nigerian society.

Former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, appeared in court on Thursday to request a variation of his bail conditions.

He is seeking a review of certain terms in his existing bail conditions.

Emefiele is currently facing trial on six counts related to procurement fraud amounting to N1.2 billion.

He was released from Kuje Correctional Centre on December 23, 2023, 34 days after being granted bail by the judge.

Justice Hamza Muazu of the FCT High Court is presently hearing arguments on the matter, and further details will be provided shortly.

Details later…

Former lawmaker Senator Shehu Sani has claimed that security agencies in some African countries sharing borders with Nigeria are more serious in discharging their duties than those in Nigeria.

The former Senator, who made the claim in a post on his official X handle on Thursday, questioned why citizens in countries like Benin Republic, Niger, Chad and Cameroon are not being kidnapped for ransom.

According to him, security operatives in those countries are more professional, leading to the safety of their citizens.

He lamented the worsening security crisis bedeviling the nation at the moment, saying kidnapping is becoming a lucrative business.

The post reads, “If ransom is not paid to kidnappers, the lives of the hostages are at risk. If ransom is paid to kidnappers, it encourages other kidnappers to abduct more and makes the business of kidnapping more lucrative.

“Families of the victims of kidnappings will do anything to get their loved ones released in the event of the helplessness and hopelessness of the security agencies.

“Why are there no kidnappings for ransom in Benin Republic, Niger, Chad and Cameroon? Because their security agencies are more serious and professional in the execution of their duties”.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has intensified its pursuit of former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, filing a fresh 20-count amended charge against him at the FCT High Court on Thursday.

The latest development comes two months after Emefiele’s initial arraignment on six counts related to procurement irregularities in awarding a contract to April 1616 Investment Limited.

In August 2023, the anti-graft agency brought charges against Emefiele, Sa’adatu Yaro, and the company for violating the Procurement Act during the purchase of vehicles.

The EFCC initially amended the charges in November, dropping the co-defendants and reducing the charges against Emefiele to six.

He pleaded not guilty and was granted bail by Justice Hamza Muazu on November 22, 2023.

The bail conditions included a N300 million bond, two sureties with property in Abuja’s Maitama district, surrender of travel documents, and restricted movement within the city.

However, the EFCC’s pursuit seems far from over. The EFCC lawyer, Rotimi Oyedepo, informed the court of the new 20-count filed against Emefiele just yesterday.

Emefiele’s lawyer, Matthew Burkaa, requested time to review the updated charges. Consequently, Justice Muazu adjourned the case until tomorrow for rearrangement.

NAN

The Nigerian Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has long been entrusted with the critical responsibility of preventing, investigating, and prosecuting financial crimes. However, recent developments have raised concerns about the Commission's focus and operations, warranting a thorough reassessment of its mandate and effectiveness.

Regrettably, it appears that the EFCC has strayed from its primary functions, engaging in what can be described as political posturing. It has prioritized high-profile cases and media sensationalism over its core objectives, compromising its ability to diligently pursue and bring to justice the real perpetrators of economic and financial crimes.

There is a growing apprehension that the EFCC has become overly preoccupied with media trials, theatrics, and grand gestures, rather than adhering to the rigorous standards and procedures necessary for effective investigation. This approach has led to hasty actions, inadequate evidence gathering, and subsequent dismissal of cases by the courts, undermining the pursuit of justice.

A recent incident that exemplifies these concerns is the alleged pursuit of Zamfara State Governor, Gov. Lawal, by the EFCC while his case was still pending before the Supreme Court. However, following his victory in the apex court, the EFCC swiftly shifted its focus to his political rival, Former Governor Bello Mohamed Matawale, who now serves as the Minister of State for Defence.

The Commission has reportedly accused him of involvement in financial crimes. The timing and circumstances surrounding this accusation raise legitimate questions about the EFCC's impartiality and its commitment to due process.

Furthermore, it is essential to inquire about the EFCC's inaction during the mandatory screening of the recently appointed minister, where his past activities were expected to undergo thorough review.

The origin of the petition and the credibility of the accusers must be scrutinized to ensure that the EFCC's actions are not driven by ulterior motives or baseless claims. Stringent procedures should be in place for submitting petitions, and comprehensive forensic investigative patterns should be employed when dealing with such cases. This will safeguard against the EFCC embarking on fruitless pursuits and ensure that its efforts are focused on genuine and substantive cases.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission plays a pivotal role in combating corruption and financial crimes. However, it is crucial to critically evaluate its operations, address shortcomings, and reinforce its commitment to its original purpose. This process necessitates collaboration between the EFCC's leadership, relevant government bodies, civil society organizations, legal experts, and the media.

Through open dialogue and collective efforts, we can restore public trust, enhance transparency, and strengthen the EFCC's capacity to effectively tackle economic and financial crimes.

Dr Olukayode Ajulo, OON, is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria.

As the February 28th deadline date for the linkage of National Identity Number (NIN) with Subscribers Identification Number (SIM) approaches, long queues have returned to NIN centres in Lagos.

This is even as agents at local government areas (LGAs) are demanding as high as N8,000 from Nigerians, who do not want to join the long queue, LEADERSHIP learnt.

LEADERSHIP’s visit to some LGAs in Lagos state, confirmed the return of crowds and extortion between N5000 and N8000 per applicant for the service.

For instance, at Igando-Ikotun Local Council Development Area (LCDA), LEADERSHIP correspondent was approached by some women who claimed they could help with her registration, without her joining the queue, for a fee of N8,000.

Residents (who also want to do their NIN) at Igando-Ikotun LCDA told LEADERSHIP that the women also collected N8,000 from each of them.

“The women then directed us to the LCDA at Isheri, where we were given the NIN form to fill and were told not to tell anybody we paid money for NIN registration. Even when NIMC officials do not attend to us early, we should wait patiently as we will be attended to before the end of the day,” one of the residents told LEADERSHIP.

Upon arriving at Isheri, our correspondent noticed the huge crowd of residents, waiting for their turn to get registered, including those who had initially paid N8,000.

For instance, a lady told our correspondent that she paid N5,000 to an agent yesterday, yet, she hasn’t been attended to. “It is like that guy has duped me. I don’t even know if he is an agent here. I am calling his number but it is not going,” she stressed.

LEADERSHIP also visited Kosofe LGA, Lagos state, and confirmed the return of the long queue. The most affected were students who were lamenting their inability to get registered, considering the fact that the deadline for WAEC registration is 31st of January, 2024.

For instance, a student of Ojota Secondary School, Ojota, Lagos (name withheld) told LEADERSHIP that he is yet to register for his WAEC, as NIN is one of the criteria for registration.

“I had to skip classes last week, just to get registered. I was told to come today (Tuesday, 16th of January, 2024), to collect my NIN, but there is no network. I will come as early as 7:00 am tomorrow, as the queue is frustrating,” the student lamented.

To alleviate the sufferings of his classmates, who are yet to commence the process, the student, however, appealed to NIMC to give access to third-party agents to fast-track the process.

Meanwhile, NIMC had earlier issued a statement warning Nigerians not to pay anyone to obtain a NIN or e-ID card, as they are free.

The statement reads partly: “Beware of fake social media accounts (Facebook, WhatsApp, Twitter, etc.) posing as official NIMC or “fan” pages asking you to make payments to them to get your NIN, NIN Slip or e-ID card for you – you data could be acquired and used for criminal activities. Beware of Fraudsters posing as NIMC Agents or Staff. Do not pay money to anyone offering to help you speed up the NIN enrolment process or get the National e-ID card for you. You have to enrol and collect your card, when it is ready, yourself.”

On third party agents, the commission had stated that third-party agents would need to revalidate their licences, to ensure the highest standards of data security and compliance.

The revalidation exercise is part of NIMC’s commitment to driving operational efficiency and ensuring compliance with the highest standards of data security. The exercise will also ensure seamless NIN enrolment and provision of modification services whilst it eliminates infractions.

NIMC however, assured Nigerians that the revalidation exercise will be concluded in the shortest possible time, as all necessary resources have been deployed to ensure its quick conclusion.

Consequently, the commission apologised for any inconvenience encountered at all Front End Partner (FEP) centres in the process of NIN enrolment during the revalidation exercise.

“To ensure that this exercise does not affect the general public, NIN enrolment, data modifications, and other NIMC-offered services are ongoing at all NIMC centres in the local government and state offices nationwide whilst we are working on a contactless solution for diasporans,” it added.

[Leadership]