The President of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, has firmly stated that Nigerian lawyers will vehemently oppose any attempt by the UK government in Nigeria to infringe upon their legal services.
In a strongly-worded statement, signed by YC Maikyau, SAN, the NBA boss has called for an emergency meeting with senior lawyers to discuss the next steps.

Here is the full reaction from the President.

My attention was drawn to the news making round on a number of media platforms on the alleged signing of the Enhanced Trade Investment Partnership (ETIP) Agreement, between the governments of Nigeria and the United Kingdom. It was reported that this agreement seeks to enable cooperation between the two countries in areas such as financial and legal services. More bewildering is the stated provision that will allow lawyers from the United Kingdom to practice in Nigeria. Understandably, this news has generated tremendous disquiet within and outside the legal profession in Nigeria.

The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment was reported to have expressed delight over what she described as a “ground-breaking agreement” that will translate to ‘more money’ for Nigeria. The NBA finds this statement credited to the Honourable Minister ridiculous, unpatriotic, and uninformed. It is indeed unfortunate that this tragic reminder of our colonial past, is being gleefully celebrated at the highest level of the Government of Nigeria. What is more disheartening is the fact that a decision of this magnitude that adversely affects the wellbeing and livelihood of millions of Nigerians, could be taken without any consultation, especially with the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).

For the avoidance of doubt, the NBA had no foreknowledge or inclination of the text of the said agreement. We could not therefore have contributed to it.  I have since assuming office as President of the NBA clearly opposed any agreement that will compromise our legal space. At all the meetings I had with officials of the Law Society of England & Wales and the Bar Council of England & Wales, I never failed to note our opposition to a bilateral agreement between the Government of Nigeria and that of the United Kingdom on legal services. In the workshop I attended with Mr George Etomi on 5 October 2023, convened by the UK-Nigeria Working Group on Trade Policy, with officials of Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment in attendance, at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), King Charles Street, London, I made the point in unmistakable terms, that the NBA does not support any bilateral agreement with the UK on legal services. I emphasised that we are not yet at a place for such agreement, and that even if are to enjoy reciprocity with the UK (which is not an acceptable position), knowledge and skills gap is so wide that we cannot favourably compete with the lawyers from the UK. I made it clear that while there can be an agreement or discussion on other trade matters, legal services was not on the table.

We know for certain that the British Government will not undermine its own body of legal professionals in such spectacular fashion as this administration has done to the NBA in the matter of this agreement. It is truly tragic that while the government of the UK is seeking opportunities for its own lawyers beyond its constrained environment, the government of Nigeria is attempting to deprive Nigerian lawyers and their millions of dependants of means of livelihood. To embark on such a venture without recourse to the NBA is the height of insensitivity to the plight of the legal profession in Nigeria, and this is totally unacceptable.

We want to make it very clear that the ETIP agreement, in so far as it relates to legal services is unacceptable in its entirety. The NBA will take all necessary measures provided by our laws in support of our position on this matter. As a starting point, I have today convened a meeting of senior lawyers with a view to devising an appropriate litigation strategy. We intend to fully challenge the legality of this agreement all the way to the Supreme Court if necessary. This is without prejudice to other intervention measures that may be necessary to express our rejection of this agreement. I want to use this opportunity to call on all members of the NBA to brace up for the struggle ahead. The NBA under my leadership will not allow any incursion into our legal space.

Yakubu Chonoko Maikyau, OON, SAN

PRESIDENT

NIgerian nurses are currently agitated over the new circular by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, NMCN, which revised the guidelines for requesting verification of certificates for nurses and midwives to foreign nursing boards or councils.

They are demanding a review of the circular’s contents to avoid a situation where nurses’ progress and development are subjected to other professionals’ determination.

The development is coming amid poor healthcare infrastructure, funding, welfare, and working conditions in the health sector.

DAILY POST reports that the revised guidelines for requesting verification of certificates for nurses and midwives come amid the mass exodus of healthcare professionals, especially doctors, pharmacists, and nurses, which has been a burning issue in the country.

Recently, brain drain has become a serious challenge in Nigeria’s health sector, with the nation losing healthcare workers in droves to other countries.

This imminent crisis has overwhelmed government authorities, with no plan to tackle it wholesomely.

DAILY POST reports that the NMCN on Tuesday disclosed that over 42,000 nurses have left the country in the last three years to seek greener pastures in foreign countries. According to the council, over 15,000 nurses left Nigeria in 2023 alone.

Recall that earlier last year, the MDCAN disclosed that more than 100 members left the country within 24 months.

In addition, health officials say at least 5,600 Nigerian medical doctors have migrated to the United Kingdom (UK) in the last eight years.

Though complex and multifaceted, some factors, including low salaries, poor working conditions, lack of career opportunities, inadequate resources and infrastructure, political instability, and insecurity, have been attributed as the underlying causes.

Many have also blamed poor health sector funding as one of the reasons professionals are leaving the country, noting that the Nigerian government allocated less than five per cent of its annual budget to the health sector.

Seemingly worried by the imminent threat of brain drain in the nation’s health sector, the NMCN introduced revised guidelines for verifying nursing certificates to address the crisis.

DAILY POST reports that the NMCN had, in a recent memo dated February 7, 2024, outlined the revised guidelines and requirements to be met by all applicants seeking the verification of certificate(s) to foreign nursing boards/councils.

It said that applicants seeking verification of certificates to foreign nursing boards and councils must have two years of qualification experience and pay a non-refundable application fee.

The memo signed by the Registrar/Secretary General of NMCN, Dr. Faruk Umar Abubakar, was sent to the Commissioners/Secretary of Health Services; Chief Medical Directors/ Medical Directors; National President; Directors of Nursing Services; Heads of Department; Provosts & Principals; Coordinators; Zonal Officers; All States Ministry of Health & Federal Capital Territory, Abuja; University Teaching Hospitals/Specialist & Federal Medical Centre and National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives, National Headquarters, Abuja.

The circular was also sent to the Ministries of Health, Hospitals Management Boards, All States & Federal Capital Territory; All Universities Offering Nursing Programmes; Colleges of Nursing Sciences, Schools of Nursing & Midwifery, All Post-Basic Nursing Programmes; All Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria Zonal Offices.

It provided that, “Eligible applicants must have a minimum of two (2) years post qualification experience from the date of issuance of the permanent practising licence. Any application with a provisional licence shall be rejected outrightly.

“The Council shall request a letter of Good Standing from the Chief Executive Officer of the applicant’s place(s) of work and the last nursing training institution attended, and responses on these shall be addressed directly to the Registrar/CEO, Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria. Please note that the Council shall not accept such letter(s) through the applicant.

“Applicants must have an active practising licence with a minimum of six months to the expiration date. Applicants must upload Certificate(s) of Registration only. Notification of Registration is not acceptable.

“The applicant shall receive prompt notice via his/her email and dashboard on the status of the verification application.

“Please note: Processing of verification application takes a minimum of six (6) months. All applicants shall ensure that complete requirements are met before initiating verification application as incomplete documentation shall not be processed.”

DAILY POST reports that NMCN is the only legal, administrative, corporate and statutory body charged with performing specific functions on behalf of the Federal Government to ensure the delivery of safe and effective Nursing and Midwifery care to the public through quality education and best practices.

The council was mandated by law to regulate the standards of Nursing and Midwifery education and practice in Nigeria and to review such standards from time to time to meet the changing health needs of the society.

However, there are indications that nurses and other health workers have kicked against the new development, insisting the guidelines and requirements are typical of a denial of human rights.

The health workers stressed that there had never been any occasion where regulatory bodies asked for work experience or mandated years of service as a condition for verification.

As a protest against the policy, the nurses, under the aegis of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives, NANNM, Abuja and Lagos chapters, recently took to the street to express their disapproval of the new circular on certificate verification NMCN.

The nurses converged on the NMCN’s offices in Abuja and Lagos to express their dissatisfaction. They threatened a nationwide strike, describing the new guidelines as an effort to hamper their freedom.

The nurses and midwives were at the NMCN office protesting, singing, and carrying placards peacefully around the premises.

Some of the placards read, ‘Address unemployment among nurses, address quackery, address nurses welfare’.

Others are: ‘#No to verification rules,’ ‘Stop frustrating the Nigerian nurses,’ ‘We are going through a lot already, Protect nurses, protect healthcare,’ ‘NMCN, we say no to the verification rules,’ NMCN don’t reduce nurses.’

Meanwhile, some others took to social networks to protest against the policy.

For instance, a public health nurse, identified as @DTechNurse on X, said, “It is absolutely wrong to attach Nigerian nurses’ verification conditions to Chief Executive Officers who are always Medical Doctors.

“Nurses now await the approval of a medical doctor before they can make progress in their career. This decision has to be reversed.”

Also, @AlongeElijah wrote, “Nonsense!!! This is a denial of human rights, and it shall be informed to @ICNurses @WHO @UNHumanRights. Haven been verified by different nursing bodies around the world. There has never been an occasion where regulating bodies asked for work experience or mandated years of service”.

While reacting, the body of Heads of the Nursing Services Department and Principals of Schools in Federal Health Institutions (BOHNAPFHI) urged the Council to review the guidelines and delete any item likely to frustrate early verification of the licence issued to professional nurses by NMCN.

In a letter signed by its Chairman, Dr. (Mrs) Awoseemo Aderonke, addressed to the Registrar/Secretary General of NMCN, the association urged the council to review some contents of the circular to avoid a situation where the progress and development of nurses were subjected to the determination of medical doctors or other professionals.

According to the group, “verification of license issued by NMCN is to ascertain whether the one presented by the applicant is issued by it and not fake, stressing that it should have nothing to do with either character or working experience of the applicant.

“I am directed by the body of the Head of Nursing Department and Principals of Schools in Federal Health Institutions (Basic and Post) in Nigeria to request and urge you to review some contents of the circular to avoid a situation where the progress and development of Nurses are subjected to the determination of medical doctors or other professionals.

“Thus, affirmation of the character of graduands has to be attended by the head of the training institution, who is a professional nurse. While the license to practice should be verified by the issuer, that is, the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria. (NMCN).

“We would appreciate it if you could further review the guidelines and delete any item likely to frustrate early verification of the licence issued to professional nurses by NMCN. It is our opinion that verification of the license issued by NMCN is to ascertain whether the one presented by the applicant is issued by the NMCN and not fake. It should have nothing to do with either the character or working experience of the applicant.

“In addition, we humbly suggest that the NMCN should endeavour to carry nurse leaders along when taking such salient decisions in order to prevent regression.”

Over 42,00 nurses left Nigeria in three years – FG

Meanwhile, the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria has said that over 15,000 nurses and midwives left in 2023 to seek greener pastures in foreign countries.

The registrar of NMCN, Faruk Abubakar, made this known on Tuesday on Channels Television’s Morning Brief while fielding questions about the controversial new guidelines.

Justifying the revised guideline for nurse’s verification, Abubakar said the number of nurses leaving the country increases yearly.

“42,000 nurses left the country in the last three years. Last year alone, it was over 15,000; the number is increasing yearly”, he said.

When asked what the Council was doing to protect and improve the welfare of the nurses, he said the Federal Ministry of Health was working towards improving the nurses’ working conditions, allowances, and salaries.

“The FMoH and the honourable Minister of State (for health) are working hard to ensure a conducive working environment, providing state-of-art equipment and instruments to help them provide quality care for Nigerians.

“And I want to assure (you) that within a couple of months, a lot has been integrated and provided in 2024 that will improve the welfare of the nurses we are talking about. When talking about the salary they are talking about, I think it’s a general phenomenon, and I believe it’s a general thing.

“There is a lot of progress going on to review the salary, and nurses are also included in that policy. I think it’s a general phenomenon; all other sectors are also complaining, and the government is doing a lot,” he stated.

Speaking DAILY POST in an interview concerning the matter, Dr. (Mrs) Awoseemo Aderonke, the Chairman of Nursing Services Department and Principals of Schools in Federal Health Institutions, BOHNAPFHI, said her association was more worried by about the issue of professional autonomy.

Aderonke said the issue of asking for the certificate of character from the medical doctors hasn’t gone down well with BOHNAPFHI, adding that the development could take the nursing profession back to the stone age.

She suggested that even if there’s a need for such a recommendation it should be from a training institution.

According to her, there were steps that could be taken to ensure that the nation retained its young ones in the profession in order to serve their nation.

She said: “You know the group is the group of leaders in nursing, both in practice and education, for those of us that work in federal institutions in Nigeria. So it’s a group of my people, it’s a group of leaders that are ready to ensure that we uphold the standard of nursing profession and plan for better life for the younger ones and the future generations.

“Actually, I will say we are a body and we have an association, we have the umbrella association which is supposed to be the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives.

“And we have a branch of it that covers the federal health institutions. So the president and the chairman of those groups have been informed. They were copied concerning our own view as nurse leaders in federal institutions both in nursing practice and education.

“We don’t want to exceed anything outside our paper because very soon we are going to hold our meeting, our conference.

“And when we hold our conference, we will come up as a body to look at issues, because the interest of everybody and interest of the Registrar of Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, NMCN, and the entire nurse leaders is to ensure that the people – the citizens, they get the best at every point in time.

“With that at the back of our mind, I believe there are steps that could be taken to ensure that we are able to retain our young ones in the profession in order to serve their nation.

“The only issue that is being stressed by my own association is the professional autonomy because when they talked about Chief Executive Officer, CEO, and looking at Nigeria, the CEO in federal institutions for now are medical doctors.

“We are convinced and we know that the operation of our amiable Registrar is to ensure reforms and professionalism of nursing to get better on a daily basis because he has come up with many reforms, which we believe, every member of my forum will always drop caps for this action of the man.

“So, the issue of asking for the nurse’s character or certificate of character from the medical doctors doesn’t go down well with us because we cannot take our profession back to the stone age.

“Moreover, the nurses prepare these people. It’s expected that the head of the training institution, either the head of nursing department or nursing science department in our universities or the head of program in each of our various colleges of nursing sciences and principals of schools – are the one that are expected to comment on their character.

“What we are actually talking about is the verification of certificates. For you to have that certificate, you are expected to have gone to a certified training school, well accredited.

“When we talk about accreditation, we talk about all the resources in terms of personnel and infrastructure and all things that are there. And since they are adequate and the person is presented for the professional exam, and the person passed – the professional exam we are talking about is being organized by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria with the help of leaders in nursing education and practice, that means everything about it is about nursing.

“It’s expected that even if there’s a need for such a recommendation, it should be from a training institution. That’s what we are really emphasizing.”

Suggesting further on how the profession could retain its best, Aderonke said, “Another aspect of it I want us to talk about that we mentioned in our letter is that the Council has the responsibility to verify certificates; it’s the Council that issues the license and certificate. That means it is the issuer that has those responsibilities.

“The emphasis of our leaders, yes, we have the concern of our community.

“It is a personal decision, either for you to stay or want to go. I don’t believe you can coerce people but people can be encouraged in many ways. People can be motivated in many ways to stay. And part of the motivation is this professional autonomy that we are talking about.

“We can’t sell professional autonomy out. We can’t trade with it because that is what we have been doing and building in order to ensure that nursing as a profession also stands out as one of the best professional groups in the nation.

“I believe there will always be a way out. Yes, the interest of our people is very important, it’s dear to us. I know some people that are just encouraged that they want to stay. There are people that even traveled and they came back again, and they were able to bring the skills they acquired there for the benefit of the community.

“I think as we talk about the freedom of movement, if we put in some things to motivate them, to encourage some people, they could even say, ‘I want to go in the next two years’. When you’re being motivated, you can say ‘Okay, let me spend five years serving the land for me to go and explore’.

“This is what we are saying. Actually we are not attacking the Registrar. The Registrar is very amiable. He’s a man that listens to advice. But you know as leaders, sometimes you make decisions, you may look at things from different dimensions.

“That’s what we are battling with, even in education; people don’t want to come into academics again because there’s nothing really much motivating them. It’s not easy. If you go to many of our institutions now, many of our educators, for us to get lecturers, it’s not an easy matter.

“I believe if we have this motivation, when they go for workshops, you sponsor them. When they have to go for training – things that will develop them, you give them necessary support. Nobody will look out for other things.

“If you look at our country Nigeria, we are so much blessed. Look at our weather, climate and many other things. Look at our social setting – you rarely see people getting crazy, except some people that go into addiction or whatever. Because if I have something bothering me, I have somewhere to ventilate, you know, my colleagues will advise me.

“The federal government, state governments, private sector, and all the groups should motivate their personnel, not only the nurses but even the medical persons.

“When they are working with them, they need motivation. Everything is not about money; people need fulfillment. Yes, money is also very important to take care of your basic needs.

“Look at the situation of things in the country today but salaries still remain the same. The government should keep them motivated and accord them the honour.

“With this, one may not even feel the need to go out. The only thing that can take them outside the country is to acquire more skills to serve their community.”

Meanwhile, some members of the National Association of Nigerian Nurses are accusing the president of the association, Mr Michael Nnachi of compromise.

But all efforts made by DAILY POST to speak with Nnachi failed as he did not honour the interview time he scheduled with our correspondent.

[DailyPost]

Nigerian footballer Victor Osimhen has once again taken a stand against the cyberbullying of his colleague, Alex Iwobi.

Iwobi, who faced severe criticism from fans blaming him for the AFCON defeat, was forced to delete his social media account to escape the relentless trolling.

Super Eagles’ stars, including Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, have rallied behind Iwobi, expressing their love and support for the embattled player.

In a recent interview, Osimhen condemned the cyberbullying and called on Nigerian football fans to adopt a more constructive approach in expressing their opinions about players’ performances.

Osimhen emphasized the human aspect of football players, stating that they are not immune to the emotional toll of harsh criticism.

He urged fans to remember that footballers are people with feelings, and constructive criticism could go a long way in motivating players to improve their performance.

The Napoli striker pointed out the importance of fostering a positive environment for players, especially during challenging times.

Osimhen acknowledged that criticism is part of the game but stressed the need for it to be delivered in a manner that encourages growth rather than tearing down the morale of players.

Moreover, Osimhen revealed that the team has reached out to Alex Iwobi to offer support and encouragement.

He assured fans that Iwobi is resilient and remains committed to giving his best for the country in future competitions.

Osimhen urged fans to stand behind their national team and players, especially during challenging moments in the world of football.

See below;

A video of Ivorian goalkeeper Yahia Fofana has caused a buzz online after an unusual item, allegedly ‘Juju,’ was tied around his waist during AFON final match against the Super Eagles.

The video, which surfaced online, shows a black material tied around the goalkeeper’s waist with a white rope, leading to speculations among viewers.

The video, allegedly taken during the match, has fueled rumours and suggestions that the black material might be a fetishistic item, possibly voodoo or juju .

Video sparks speculation over Ivorian goalkeeper's alleged use of fetish item

The controversy has intensified as fans and observers question whether such alleged rituals could have played a role in the Ivory Coast team’s performance, particularly in the AFCON finals.

It is noteworthy that Within Nigeria has not independently verified the authenticity of the video.

Residents and property owners in Committee on Resettlement and Development Layout, popularly called CRD, in Lugbe, along Airport Road in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, have sent a passionate plea to President Bola Tinubu to save them from threats by the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) to demolish their homes and reallocate their lands to private estate developers.

In a “Save Our Souls” petition, copies of which were sent to several government authorities, including the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, and the National Assembly, the distressed residents said they have been subjected to incessant harassment and threats by officials of the Development Control Department of the FCDA working in connivance with the River Park Estate developer.

The residents said the latest experience was on Wednesday, February 7, 2024 when some of them returned home from work to find demolition notices pasted on the walls of their buildings by persons who claimed to be officials of the Development Control Department.

They said the notices informed owners of the affected houses that their properties have been marked for demolition within 21 days to make way for a Central Market in the area.

The notices read: “Demolition Notice. Plot No. Central Market (3785). District: Lugbe North. Cadastral Zone: E25. The Authority observed with dismay that the development or structure on plot … is defective and constitutes danger or nuisance to the public/adjoining plot. Take notice that you are given 21 days to comply by pulling down the structure or have the illegal development demolished in accordance with Section 61 of the Nigeria Urban and Regional Planning Act 1992.”

In the petition, copies of which were sent to the FCT Office of the Department of State Security (DSS), the residents expressed surprise that the Layout, which has been in existence since 1996 with fully developed properties, would suddenly be converted into a general market without the knowledge of residents and land owners.

Blaming the problem on the unholy connivance of some FCDA officials through the Development Control Department with a private estate developer, one Paul Odili to harass, intimidate, and illegally dispossess them of their properties, the resident urged President Tinubu and the FCT Minister to immediately wade into the simmering situation to avoid it imploding and resulting in avoidable multi-dimensional crises.

Since 2014, the residents said Mr Odili, through his firms, Houses for Africa Nigeria Limited; Jonah Nigeria Limited, and Paulo Homes Limited in River Park Estate, has been waging a series of illegal wars of conquest to achieve territorial expansion of his allocation into CRD land area.

“CRD layout, covering a land area of about 474 hectares, was created in 1996 by the FCDA to relocate and resettle persons affected by the dualization and expansion of the Airport Road within the Lugbe 1 area.

“Most of the lands in the CRD Layout were legally acquired from the FCDA. The layout was comprehensively designed with various infrastructures, including schools, hospitals, markets, town halls, recreational facilities, religious places of worship, police post, and other public institutions, etc.

“The area in contention, CRD Lugbe 1 Layout is identified in the Abuja Geographic Information System (AGIS) as Plot No. 0235, where land titles owners have fully developed and occupied since 1996,” the Chairman of the CRD Residents and Landlords Association, Abdulwasiu Mustapha, said in the petition.

Available information from the FCDA shows that Mr Odili and his private estate development firms, who were allocated part of the CRD area in 2017 by the then El-Rufai administration in the FCT, have so far acquired almost half of the area.

“Our lands were given to Paul Odili without due process of law or revocation of existing titles in clear violation of the rights of the property owners. Since then, our lives have been a living hell. This man has deployed all known means to forcefully sack us from our lands. He has deployed security agencies to constantly, harass, intimidate, threaten, arrest, and detain our people without any lawful excuse.

“He has demolished our homes, barricaded our roads, dug trenches around our houses, and fenced our community in without outlets to the rest of the world. We have written to virtually all public institutions for intervention without success. We have sought reprieve from the courts, but he has ignored every restraining court orders without any consequence.

“Today, we are still in court with him, while some of our people have obtained judgments against him, both at the High Court and Court of Appeal without abating his threats and harassment. We want the President and the FCT Minister to wade in and save us,” the residents cried out in their petitions.

Although following the latest assault by the FCDA on February 7 the residents went the following day to meet with the Director of Development Control, Mukhtar Galadima, to seek clarification on their action, the Chairman of the Residents Association said it was surprising that his promise to convene a meeting of all stakeholders in the crisis to discuss the issues was yet to materialize several days after.

Mustapha said residents who attended the meeting with Mr Galadima were surprised that instead of addressing the areas of breaches of the extant laws regarding building designs and structures, he claimed the CRD community has been re-designed, and that most of the fully-developed houses and structures fell within the road corridors and a central market.

The Chairman said Mr Galadima did not produce the re-designed CRD layout, or said when the redesign was done without the knowledge of residents, neither did he identify the beginning of the road infrastructure and where it would terminate.

“We have lost confidence and trust in the Director’s handling of the matter. We suspect he is playing the familiar script and antics of Mr. Paul Odili with the evil intention of dispossessing us of our valued properties. There is no way an important action such as redesigning CRD would be done fairly without the involvement of the existing residents since 1996.

“As most of the residents of the CRD community are public and civil servants with pensioners who used their meager life savings to raise a place for their families to live, we will resist every attempt to render us homeless and turn us into refugees,” the residents said.

Senator Ned Nwoko has urged the National Assembly to pass relevant legislation, such as the right to firearms, to guarantee further the safety of lives and property in Nigeria.

Mr Nwoko, who represents Delta North Senatorial District and is a member of the Senate Committee on Defence, made the appeal in an interview in Abuja on Tuesday.

The lawmaker said insecurity in the country informed his decision to introduce to the Senate an amendment bill to allow civilians to own firearms.

He said the permission for self-defence would, however, depend on stringent conditions and regulations such as comprehensive training.

“This approach ensures that firearms are in the hands of responsible individuals who understand the gravity of such ownership and are equipped to handle these weapons safely.

“Nonetheless, this approach necessitates a meticulous regulatory framework and oversight to prevent any adverse consequences and prioritise public safety above all else,” Mr Nwoko said.

“My bill on self-defence and firearms ownership regulation, currently listed in the Senate awaiting its first reading, deals with this pressing issue.”

Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has refuted claims made by governors of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that Nigeria’s economic condition is akin to that of Venezuela.

The statement came as a response to comments made by Bala Mohammed, the governor of Bauchi State and chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, during a meeting in Abuja on Monday, where he expressed concern over the country’s rising cost of living and the depreciation of the naira.

Governor Mohammed had drawn a parallel between Nigeria’s economic challenges and the situation in Venezuela, which as of January, reported an alarming inflation rate of 234 percent, placing it among the highest in the world.

He described Nigeria as “almost on the road to Venezuela,” highlighting the severe economic difficulties facing the nation.

Contrary to these claims, Minister Idris, in a statement on Tuesday, firmly stated that Nigeria’s economic situation does not bear resemblance to that of Venezuela.

The statement reads, “It is far-fetched when PDP governors, who are supposed to be major players in driving economic growth and prosperity for our citizens in their respective states, mischievously and falsely compare our current economic challenges to Venezuela.

“We want to state categorically that though our country is going through some rough patches, which are being addressed by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, our situation is nowhere near what is happening in Venezuela.

“The Nigerian economy is still very strong and is expected to record a 3% GDP growth this year. The economy is meeting financial obligations to lenders at home and abroad.

“The Nigerian government is running effectively, and our government can pay all its bills while maintaining a healthy trade balance with trading partners worldwide.”

“Nigerians should ask PDP Governors how far and how well they have utilised the increased revenue to better the lives of Nigerians in their respective states.

“It is on record that most States controlled by PDP owe workers and pensioners months of unpaid salary and pension arrears. The PDP Governors have defaulted in paying gratuities to their retired workers.

“It is also a fact that many of the PDP Governors have not paid N30,000 minimum wage to their workers since it took effect more than four years ago. All of these anomalies in their states contribute significantly to the economic pressure their citizens face.”

Idris said the PDP governors should support the federal government to revamp the economy.

Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Boss Mustapha yesterday said that ex-President Muhammadu Buhari’s signature was forged by those who withdrew $6,230,000 as authorised by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on February 8, 2023.
Mustapha, who testified in the trial of former CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele, said his signature was also forged.

The SGF emphasised that he knew nothing about the money said to have been withdrawn for the payment of foreign election observers.

Mustapha, who spoke as a prosecution witness, told a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Maitama that it was not the business of the Federal Government or the office of the SGF to request funds from the CBN for the payment of foreign election observers.

He said it was solely the responsibility of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deal with issues relating to election observers and other election-related matters.

A Deputy Director in the CBN, Michael Onyeka Ogbu, had told the court on Monday that the money was handed in cash to an official from the office of the SGF, named Jibril Abubakar, upon approvals by President Buhari and Emefiele, following a request by the SGF.

The prosecution is accusing Emefiele of being behind the withdrawal.

Led in evidence by prosecuting counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), Mustapha, dressed in a blue kaftan and a cap, identified Emefiele (who was seated in the dock) when asked if he knew who the defendant was.

Mustapha, who said he is a lawyer and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1980, said Emefiele was the Governor of the CBN when he served as the SGF from 2017 to 2023.

Asked if he knew anything about the transaction relating to the payment of the $6,230,000, he said: “I wish to state that, up until when I left office, I knew nothing about this transaction.”

Mustapha was then shown a document, marked as Exhibit PD7, said to be a letter from President Buhari, approving the payment and asked if he recognised the document.

Mustapha said he was seeing the document for the first time in the court.

He added: “On the face value of this document, having served (as the SGF) for five years and months, I can say that this document did not emanate from the office of the president.”

The witness explained that correspondence that has the seal of the President does not carry a reference number as the seal serves as the authority.

Mustapha added: “Looking at the signature, it is a faint attempt at reproducing President Buhari’s signature.”

The former SGF also faulted the document on the ground that it purported to convey a decision of the Federal Executive Council (FEC), which is not normally conveyed via letters.

He said: “I have looked at it. I have read it. Federal Executive Council decisions are not transmitted by letters. They are transmitted through extracts after conclusions are adopted.

“I am the custodian of the record of the Federal Executive Council. So, for that reason, the President will not be referring the conclusion of EXCO to me.

“In all the five years and seven months that I served, I have never heard of the term – Special Appropriation Provision – that was refered to here (in the letter).”

The witness said he was only familiar with appropriation, as provided by the Appropriation Act passed by the National Assembly and Supplementary Appropriation.

He also faulted the concluding part of the letter, saying that it was unusual for the President to end his letter to the SGF by saying: “Please, accept the assurances of my highest regard.”

Mustapha said being the President’s subordinate, his letter to the SGF can not end in that manner.

The former SGF also said the Nigerian government has no business funding foreign election observers.

He added: “That I know as a fact because I have managed two election circles. INEC has the sole responsibility in that area.”

On the claim in the letter that the decision to approve money for foreign observers was taken at the 187th FEC meeting held on January 18, 2023, the witness said it was not true.

He agreed that there was actually a FEC meeting on January 18, 2023, but that the meeting was presided over by the Vice President because the President was away.

The witness also said the issue of payment to foreign observers never featured on the meeting’s agenda, which he prepared as the SGF.

Mustapha said: “My role as the secretary is to prepare the agenda for the meeting and on that day, there was a 16-point agenda. There was no item on the agenda that has to do with payment to foreign election observers.”

When shown another document, marked: Exhibit PD6, said to be his letter conveying the presidential approval to the Governor of the CBN, Mustapha also faulted it.

He said: “To the best of my knowledge, this letter did not emanate from the office of the SGF. If it did not emanate from the office, then, I did not sign it. No, I did not sign it.”

Mustapha also explained why he said the letter was not from his office.

He said having not been privy to the internal operations of the CBN, he could not have written in the letter “Attention, Director, Banking Services.”

He also noted that the heading of the letter was defective, pointing out that the heading said: “Re: Payment for foreign election observers,” which presupposes that there was a previous correspondence.

Mustapha denied knowledge of any Special Task Force on Logistics, which the letter claimed was set up by the Federal Government, and Jibril Abubakar, a Principal Executive officer, who is alleged to be the coordinator of the task force.

He also denied introducing any Jibril or Jibril Abubakar to the Governor of the CBN as claimed in the letter.

Mustapha said: “Again, this letter did not conform to the standard in which we write letters in the office of the SGF.”

He said the reference in any letter from the office of the SGF is usually very clear and each paragraph is numbered.

He said neither the whole $6,230,000 nor part of it was brought to him.

On why he gave a specimen of his signature to the EFCC during his interrogation, Mustapha said: “I gave my specimen signature to the EFCC because they needed it for further verification since I denied the authorship of the letter allegedly written by me, that is Exhibit PD6.”

Under cross-examination by defence lawyer, Matthew Burkaa (SAN), Mustapha denied knowing Jibril Abubakar, who Ogbu claimed came to collect the money in cash.

He said no official of the CBN, Garki branch, where the money was paid out, contacted him to inquire if he knew the said Jibril Abubakar.

On whether he and Emefiele were not given the money, Mustapha who said he could only speak for himself, maintained that he was not given any money.

He said he had no discussion with Emefiele about any such money, adding that it is not the usual practice for the SGF to receive money from the CBN for election observers.

Mustapha stressed: “The issue of observers is that of the INEC. To the best of my knowledge, there has never been a request from the office of the SGF for money from CBN for election observers.”

Burkaa also cross-examined Ogbu, who while testifying on Monday, claimed that the money was processed for payment to Jibril Abubakar because of the approval of the President, which was conveyed by a letter from the SGF to the CBN Governor, accompanied by the CBN Governor’s endorsement and further instruction by the Director, Banking Services Department.

When asked if he saw Emefiele signing the document, he said no.

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Ogbu also said Jibril Abubakar’s BVN was not verified before the money was paid to him, and that they only worked with his work identity card as contained in the instructions for payment.

The witness defended the payment of the money, saying that he acted correctly and with due diligence and that the transaction was not fraudulent.

Ogbu, who is the Branch Controller in charge of the Garki branch, Abuja where the money was paid out, said his branch has CCTV and that there is CCTV footage of February 8, 2023, showing Jibril Abubakar who received the money.

The witness said he had seen the CCTV footage and that it showed the officer who counted the money and handed it to the receiver.

He said the CCTV footage also showed how Jibril Abubakar received the money and left the banking hall.

Ogbu added: “The footage showed the teller who paid, that is, the person called Usoro. Jibril was the person nominated by the SGF. He was the one authorised in the document to collect the money.”

He noted that the Controller of the branch where the money was paid and the Director of Operation are not standing trial because of the transaction.

Ogbu also said he was not aware that the Deputy Governor, Operations and Director, Bank Service Department, are standing trial.

He said: “I am not aware that the person who collected this money is standing trial.

“I am not aware that Boss Mustapha, the then Secretary to the Government of the Federation is standing trial in respect of this transaction.

“I did not pay any money directly to the defendant. I am not aware that part of the money is traced to his account.

“He (the defendant) did not call me to ask me to make the payment while he was the governor.

“My evidence that the defendant approved the payment is based on the documents presented to me, not that I saw him approve it.”

Ogbu maintained that he only acted based on what he saw on paper.