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The 16 sacked members of the Plateau State House of Assembly, under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, have approached the Court of Appeal, seeking to set aside the earlier judgement of the same court that nullified their elections.
DAILY POST recalls that the Court of Appeal had nullified the election of all the PDP lawmakers in the State Assembly on the ground that their party lacked structure to sponsor candidates in the election.
However, the sacked legislators have insisted that they are still members of the House following the Supreme Court’s judgement affirming the election of Governor Caleb Mutfwang, whose case was also nullified at the Court of Appeal.
They believe that the Supreme Court’s judgement has vindicated them.
The sacked lawmakers, including Bala Fwanje Ndat and Datugun Paul Naankot, among others, in their motion on notice, with suit No: CA/J/33M/2024 and CA/J/31/M/2024, said pursuant to order 6 rules 1 of the Court of Appeal, 2021, they should be reinstated into the House.
This was part of their reliefs presented by their counsel, Garba Paul, SAN, who argued that both the election tribunal and the Court of Appeal lacked jurisdiction over the subject matter.
The sacked legislators said their ground as contained in the motions were predicated upon the fact that, “the judgement of the Court delivered on the 24th day of November, 2023, is a nullity.”
They are seeking “An order setting aside the decision of this Honourable court in appeal No. CA/J/EP/PL/SHA/62/2023, Dagogot Karyt Owen & Anor Vs Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), & Ors on 24th November, 2023, per E.O Williams-Dawodu, Abdul-Azez Waziri and E.O Abang, JCA.”
According to them, the Supreme Court judgement that validated the nomination and sponsorship of Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, suffices that the Court of Appeal should set aside its earlier judgement.
DAILY POST recalls that the lawmakers had made an attempt to return to the House of Assembly, a move that nearly triggered a political crisis in the state.
At the moment, members of the APC who are beneficiaries of the Court of Appeal judgement are yet to be sworn-in by the Speaker of the House, Gabriel Dewan Kudagbena.
The Speaker hinged his decision on conflicting court orders.
[DailyPost]
No fewer than 172 kidnap cases were recorded across the country in the past seven months.
Inspector–General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun gave the figure yesterday just as the Defence Headquarters(DHQ), said troops rescued 116 kidnapped persons in various parts of the country last month.
Egbetokun, at a news conference with strategic police managers at the Force headquarters in Abuja, added that 107 victims of kidnap were rescued by the police while 166 firearms and 41 vehicles were recovered during the seven weeks.
He put the number of persons arrested for various crimes in the past seven weeks at 814.
The IGP, who also said that 14 people, including two public officials, were apprehended during last weekend’s re-run and by-elections in some states, restated his assurance to Nigerians that kidnapping and other crimes in the country would be stemmed drastically.
His words: “Following from our last meeting held on the 18th of December, 2023, I am pleased to report that substantial progress has been recorded.
“Significant strides have also been made in maintaining law and order, combating criminal activities, including but not limited to kidnapping, armed robbery, banditry, insurgency and secessionist groups.
“Let us continue to support and uplift our officers, whose tireless efforts contribute significantly to the security and prosperity of our communities. It is important for us to address the concerns and fears of our fellow Nigerians regarding the security situation in our country. We understand the gravity of the challenges we face and the responsibility we bear in ensuring the safety and well-being of every citizen.
“I assure you that the Nigeria Police Force remains resolute in its commitment to protecting lives and property, and we are actively working to address the security threats facing our nation.
“By fostering stronger partnerships with communities, leveraging intelligence-led approaches, and enhancing our operational capabilities, we are dedicated to confronting these challenges head-on and restoring peace and stability across the country.
“The safety of our people is our utmost priority, and we pledge to continue undauntedly in safeguarding our beloved nation.
“During this period, we recorded 35 cases of terrorism/secessionist attacks, 302 cases of murder, 111 cases of armed robbery, 172 cases of kidnapping, 67 cases of banditry and 15 cases of unlawful possession of firearms.
“By executing some of the strategies and plans formulated at the last conference, the Nigeria Police Force arrested 814 suspects for their participation in various crimes, rescued 107 kidnap victims and recovered 166 various firearms, 1,074 ammunition and 41 vehicles.”
The police boss said the 14 persons arrested in connection with the elections would be handed over to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for prosecution.
The IGP frowned at the attitude of some police officers, which he said compounds the image of the Police Force.
He added: “At this juncture, I must emphasise that despite the aforementioned achievements and accolades, we must not lose sight of the pervasive atmosphere of insecurity and the malfeasance of some of our men and officers. Regrettably, we have some unscrupulous elements in our midst who often conduct themselves improperly, thereby bringing the Force into disrepute.
“These unscrupulous elements in our midst often disparage the good and hard work of most of us.”
“I hereby state categorically that it is our responsibility to ensure better service delivery through the strict supervision of our men and officers. It is incumbent upon us to lead by example and leave no room for the negative elements in our midst to thrive.”
DHQ: we arrested 266 terrorists, aborted theft of N2.8b worth of crude, others
Also in Abuja, the DHQ said troops neutralised 266 terrorists and arrested 463 last month.
It added that 447 assorted weapons and 6,697 ammunition, comprising 237 AK47 rifles, 26 locally- fabricated guns, 18 pump action guns, 55 Dane guns and 6,807 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo were recovered.
Other items recovered by the troops are 421 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 16 rounds of 9mm and 506 live cartridges.
Director of Defence Media Operations Edward Buba reeled out the figures during his bi-weekly news conference on the operations of the Armed Forces.
In the Southsouth, Buba said troops, recovered 1,832,150 litres of stolen crude oil, 523,799 litres of illegally refined AGO, 16,716 litres of kerosene and 5,200 litres of petrol.
According to him, the troops denied the oil thieves N2.8 billion, which was said to be the value of the products.
He added that 26 oil thieves were also arrested.
Buba advised terrorists/bandits and kidnappers to surrender or be killed, warning that there is no third option.
He said: “Needless to mention, these terrorists are left with only two choices, which is to either be killed or surrender.
“Our goal is to restore peace and security for citizens to have an enjoyable life. We will continue to do that despite the current circumstances.
“Troops will continue fighting with great effort, determination and sacrifice to bring about great results.
“Because our security challenges are mostly self- inflicted. It is pertinent to urge citizens to rise up to the challenge. It is time to stop the bleeding for healing to commence.
“ We urge all segments of society to take examples from our gallant troops in the frontlines fighting to achieve the goal of liquidating terrorists and insurgents across the country to restore peace and security.
“These men and women, are from all the nooks and crannies of our country, and act shoulder to shoulder as a united force to achieve a common cause of destroying camps of violence in the country.”
On a recent video of a soldier complaining that his N50,000 monthly salary was too small to enable him to visit his family, the Defence spokesman said: “The military is governed by its laws, regulations and guidelines, any personnel who contravenes them will be sanctioned accordingly.”
[TheNation]
The Federal Government on Thursday disagreed with the organised Labour on its threat to declare a nationwide strike in the next 14 days over the alleged failure of the government to implement the memorandum of understanding reached with the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress in October 2023.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, in an interview with The PUNCH, asked the unions to exercise restraint and allow the government to address their grievances.
He said, “We are calling on Labour to exercise patience. We will look at the grey area. Let them come and speak with us in the interest of our nation.
“We cannot afford to go on strike at this time. So we call on them and we are always to partner Labour for the progress and development of our country.”
Idris, however, declined to comment on whether the government would seek a court injunction to stop the strike.
After the removal of the fuel subsidy by President Bola Tinubu on May 29, 2023, the labour unions reached a 16-point agreement with the Federal Government on measures to cushion the pains of the subsidy removal on workers.
Among other things, the government agreed to pay N35,000 to all federal workers beginning from last September pending when a new national minimum wage is expected to have been signed into law.
The resolution provided that the wage award would be paid to the federal workers for six months while states were encouraged to extend the same benefit to their workers.
The Federal Government also pledged to provide 100 CNG buses nationwide to ease the high transportation costs.
The unions had threatened to declare a nationwide strike on October 3 but the move was suspended on the condition that the wage award, cash transfer, and some other resolutions must be implemented within 30 days effective from the day the MoU was signed.
However, the NLC and TUC in a joint statement on Thursday, accused the government of failing to fulfil its promises five months after the MoU was inked.
Labour faults govt
In a statement signed by the leaders of the two labour unions, Joe Ajaero and Festus Usifo, the organised labour expressed sadness that despite the passage of time, “The majority of these crucial agreements remain unmet or negligibly addressed, indicating a blatant disregard for the principles of good faith, welfare and rights of Nigerian workers and Nigerians.”
The organised Labour said it was giving the Federal Government 14 days from February 9 to February 14, 2024, to fulfil its part of the MoU with the unions.
The labour unions said that the agreement reached with the Federal Government was focused on addressing the massive suffering and the general harsh socioeconomic consequences of “the ill-conceived and ill-executed IMF/World Bank-induced hike in the price of PMS and the devaluation of the naira.’’
The movement said the dual policies had dire economic consequences for the masses and workers of Nigeria.
‘Nigerians suffering’
The statement read in part, “Widespread hunger is now ravishing millions of Nigerians, with the workers purchasing power significantly eroded, while insecurity has assumed an increasing dimension.
“Nigerians are left wondering where their next meals will come from and what tomorrow might bring. The level of panic and anxiety amongst the populace has become nightmarish unfortunately, in the midst of all these, it appears our government is bereft of appropriate measures to ameliorate the huge burden it has foisted on the citizenry.
“We wish to state that these agreements, which encompass a wide range of issues crucial to the well-being of Nigerian masses and workers, have not been honoured as pledged by the Federal Government.
“From wage awards, palliative adjustments to improved access to public utilities; to the meddlesomeness in the internal affairs of the National Union of Road Transport Workers and the interference by the Lagos State Government in union activities, the case of illegal and unlawful proscription of Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria.
“The government’s failure to uphold its end of the bargain is deeply regrettable and unacceptable to the Working people and the citizenry.”
The unions added, “Constrained by this development and recognizing the urgency of the situation and the imperative of ensuring the protection and defence of the rights and dignity of Nigerian workers and citizens, the NLC and TUC hereby issue a stern ultimatum to the Federal Government, to honour their part of the understanding within 14 days from tomorrow (today) the 9th day of February 2024.”
The Deputy General Secretary of the Nigerian Union of Banks, Insurance and Finance Institution Employees, Shola Aboderin, said his union members would join the industrial action.
“We are an affiliate of Nigeria Labour Congress, and it would sound irresponsible of NUBIFIE if we don’t join the strike after the 14-day ultimatum,” he said.
According to Aboderin, the members of the union have been lamenting the hardship in the country.
He said, “Recently, NUBIFIE issued a 14-day ultimatum to Heritage Bank that if they don’t add anything to the salaries of our members, NUBIFIE cannot guarantee our members would continue to work for them especially coming to work every day again which was on last week Thursday.”
Aboderin added that NUBIFIE was going to review the activities and the situation of things on Friday (today).
“Banks will be the first union to down tools after the 14-day ultimatum,” he added.
Also, the President of the Air Transport Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, Illitrus Ahmadu, hinted that the union members would comply with the decision of the TUC leadership.
“Our union is affiliated with TUC, so they must have decided on an important national issue. The leadership of NLC and TUC must have agreed on that before issuing such an ultimatum.
“But the truth is once they make a decision, it is binding on the affiliates like us. As of now, we have not been informed, and the secretariat has not been informed. Once they make decisions like this they get us informed.
“I guess they are just reacting to the hardship in the land. It’s a natural thing and most especially now that agencies are struggling financially,’’ Ahmadu noted.
The Executive Secretary of the National Association of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Marketers, Mr Bassey Essien, said the union would not join the strike.
However, Essien explained that the association’s LPG drivers would participate in the strike as members of the Petroleum Tanker Drivers, an arm of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers.
Essien also complained about the situation of things in the country as it affects the gas business.
“We have done our own share extensively nationwide to tell those in government, presidency, relevant authorities, the legislators, the press and all who care about the country that all is not well, especially the pains people are going through with cooking gas affordability,” he said.
Transport owners
The Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners said they would soon park their trucks if the government fails to address the hardship they are facing in doing their business.
NARTO National President, Lawal Othman, said though the association is not part of the NLC, the hardship facing its members would soon push them out of jobs.
NARTO is the umbrella organisation for all commercial vehicle owners in Nigeria engaged in the haulage of petroleum products, general cargoes, and the movement of passengers.
Othman said, “We are not members of NLC, but we have our own problems too. The hardship is much and that may force us to park our trucks. Everything is expensive, including spare parts and diesel. We are not making any profit, we will park our trucks.”
The Vice President of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders, Mr Nnadi Ugochukwu, “We have not been notified but I assure you that we would join the strike if we are notified about it because everybody is feeling the pain, there is nobody in the country that is not feeling the hardship.”
Customs agents
The founder of the National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents, Mr Lucky Amiwero, complained about the economy which he said is in a bad state.
He admonished the government to find robust solutions, noting that an industrial action would have grave repercussions for the nation.
“The country is in a very bad state. So, the government should try and see how things could be done properly. A lot of things have gone bad. What the labor is saying is that the government should look into this holistically and find lasting solutions.
“Once labour goes on strike, it would affect everyone. You know my members are not under NLC but some maritime workers are under labour,’’ Amiwero said.
Meanwhile, Nigerian Muslims under the aegis of the Jama’atu Nasril Islam, have warned President Bola Tinubu against treating the economic hardship in the country with levity, declaring that Nigerians are truly hungry.
The JNI is led by the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar lll, who is also the spiritual leader of Nigerian Muslims.
On Monday through Tuesday, angry youths and women took to the streets of Minna, the Niger State capital, and Kano to protest what they described as the rising cost of living.
Similar protests also erupted in Kogi and Ondo States.
Commenting on the economic situation, the organization in a statement issued by its Secretary-General, Prof. Khalid Abubakar-Aliyu on Thursday in Kaduna, asked the Federal Government to urgently address the challenges.
According to the JNI scribe, both the Federal and state governments needed to intervene before the situation worsened while demanding the immediate and unconditional release of those arrested during the Minna protest so as not to provoke Nigerians further.
The organization also frowned on hoarding and hiking the costs of essential goods and services, especially foodstuffs, especially as the Muslim Ramadan fast period was fast approaching.
The statement titled, ‘The need to address the inflation crisis in Nigeria,’ stated, “The current trying-time ordinary Nigerians are experiencing, occasioned by food insecurity, inflation, abject poverty and insecurity is distressing and calls for serious redress.
“The JNI under the leadership of His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, with all sense of responsibility calls on the Federal Government of Nigeria to urgently intervene over the difficulties Nigerians are passing through.
“This call is made over the excruciating pains citizens are airing in both print and electronic media, inclusive of social media, where in Minna, Niger State and Lokoja, Kogi State protests and other dissenting concerns were being raised.
“In the light of the troubling impact of hoarding and inflation on the availability and affordability of essential goods and services, particularly food items, the JNI is, therefore, compelled to raise its voice on the matter.
“We have been inundated with reports and pleas from ordinary Nigerians, expressing their anguish over the soaring prices of necessities.”
It added, “We urgently call on the FGN and state governments to intervene before the situation worsens. Likewise, all those arrested during the protests should be released and future recurrence be avoided through synergy and prompt interventions. This call has become necessary such that citizens would not be further provoked.’’
In a related development, the Niger State House of Assembly has commenced moves to establish the Price Control Board to regulate the price of essential commodities.
A bill for the PCB scaled first reading on Thursday following the presentation of the general principles of the bill by its sponsor, Alhaji Isa Etsugaie (APC-Agaie) at Thursday’s plenary.
Presenting the bill, Etsugaie said the board would the study market situation in the state to restructure the deteriorating supply and demand mechanism.
He added that the board would assess the delivery and distribution pattern of essential commodities to ensure that the people had a fair share of the commodities.
He said the board would also regulate the mode of distribution of essential commodities and monitor activities of the state supply company and other commercial organisations.
The lawmaker said the board would help to keep prices under continuous surveillance, interpret price movements, and relate them to other developments in the state economy.
He said the board would submit a report directly to the governor on the market situation all over the state among others.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the bill was thereafter, adopted by the house and passed through first reading.
Also, human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, on Thursday explained the rationale behind his suit against the Federal Government over the rising prices of commodities in the country.
Falana said the explanation became necessary following a move to challenge the order by the Federal High Court which directed the Federal Government to fix essential commodities by some lawyers.
A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos on Wednesday ordered the Federal Government to fix the prices of goods and petroleum products within seven days.
Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa specifically ordered the government to fix the price of milk, flour, salt, sugar, bicycles, and their spare parts, matches, motorcycles and their spare parts, motor vehicles and their spare parts as well as petroleum products, which includes diesel, Premium Motor Spirit and kerosene.
Falana in a statement said in justifying the exploitative status quo, some lawyers have said that the court order is not enforceable.
The senior lawyer explained that he approached the court to enforce the provisions of the Price Control Act.
He noted that the Price Control Act was enacted in 1977 by the ruling class based on the demand of the Nigerian people.
He stated, “The Price Control Act is an existing law that regulates and controls the prices of certain goods in Nigeria. The main purpose of this Act is to ensure that prices of essential goods remain affordable and accessible to the general public.
‘’It aims to prevent price exploitation and promote fair pricing practices. To control the prices of goods, the Federal Government established the Price Control Board, an agency under the Federal Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
‘’The Federal Government has also set up the Federal Consumer Protection Commission with the mandate of addressing consumers’ complaints, providing consumer education, and encouraging trade, industry, and professional associations to develop and enforce quality standards designed to safeguard the interests of consumers.”
Speaking further, the social crusader noted that in recent times, the Federal Government has stopped hiking electricity tariffs and telecom charges.
“Why has the NNPCL not controlling the prices of diesel and kerosene like the PMS (petrol)?” he questioned.
Speaking further, he noted, “If the FG could grant duty waivers of N16 trillion to Dangote, Honeywell, and co in five years, why is it difficult to control the prices of the goods imported into the country by the captains of industry?’’
“While lawyers and other privileged citizens can afford the rising cost of essential goods and services, the majority of poor people have been priced out of the market. Therefore, the Federal Government must intervene to control the prices of essential commodities in Nigeria,’’ Falana insisted.
The Nigerian Senate said it has uncovered $400 million in intervention funds domiciled in banks and other financial institutions for a couple of years.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Local Content, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, disclosed this during a session with the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB).
Akpoti-Uduaghan stated that out of the intervention funds uncovered, $30 million was budgeted for capacity building in oil and gas while $20 million was meant for women in oil and gas businesses. Another $50 million of local content development fund available for research and development in oil and gas industries was also domiciled in the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
The Senator questioned why the funds were lying fallow without Nigerians accessing them and called on the Nigeria Local Content Development Board, NCDMB to make the funding opportunities accessible to ordinary Nigerians.
According to her, the funds are capable of attracting oil and gas equipment manufacturers to Nigerian Oil and Gas Parks Scheme (NOGaPS) facilities, as well as increase access to affordable finance by the manufacturing entities.
But in his response, the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Engr Felix Ogbo, revealed that the $300 million meant for the Nigerian Content Intervention Fund was still domiciled in the Bank of Industry (BoI).
He said that the entire $300 million has been disbursed, adding that the total amount disbursed so far was $330 million, explaining that as beneficiaries pay, the money would be given to others who want to borrow.
[Vanguard]
… Decry worsening suffering, non-implementation of 16-point Oct. 2, 2023 agreement
The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, TUC, have issued a 14-day nationwide strike notice to the Federal Government.
Their grouse is the non-implementation of the 16-point agreement between organised labour (NLC and TUC) and the Federal Government on October 2, 2023.
Leaders of the NLC and TUC are sad that, despite organised labour’s efforts to ensure industrial peace, the government seems unperturbed by the mass suffering and hardship across the country.
The October 2 agreement was “focused on addressing the massive suffering and the general harsh socioeconomic consequences of the ill-conceived and ill-executed IMF/World Bank-induced hike in the price of PMS and the devaluation of the naira. These dual policies have had, as we predicted, dire economic consequences for the masses and workers of Nigeria.”
NLC and TUC, in a statement, lamented that “it is regrettable that we are compelled to resort to such measures, but the persistent neglect of the welfare of citizens and Nigerian workers and the massive hardship leave us with no choice.”
Effective February 9 (tomorrow), among others, the two Labour Centres said, “Constrained by this development and recognising the urgency of the situation and the imperative of ensuring the protection and defence of the rights and dignity of Nigerian workers and citizens, the NLC and TUC hereby issue a stern ultimatum to the Federal Government to honour their part of the understanding within 14 days from tomorrow, the 9th day of February 2024.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, has commended the officer in charge of the police tactical team attached to Area K, Marogbo, Lagos State Command, SP Rilwan Kasumu, and his team, for rejecting N4 million bribe while investigating a case of drug peddling and unlawful possession of ammunition.
Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, announced this in a post on his official X handle.
The team had arrested one Esther Newman Obiekezie, aka Candy, of No 6, Mojirade Street, Ilogbo Lagos, on 6th February, 2024, at her base where she sells illicit drugs called ice, and recovered a large quantity of the substance and some AK-47 live ammunition.
In the cause of the investigation, the duo of Akete Esther and Oke Okebalam, of Ajamgbadi Lagos, came to the station in Ijanikin, to solicit for the release of the drug peddler, Esther, and offered the sum of N4 million.
They also pleaded that the police should stop disrupting the illegal drug peddling business.
The police officer who frowned at the offer seized the cash and marked it as exhibit and arrested the duo for further investigation and prosecution.
The IGP reiterated the commitment of the Force to harnessing all available means and adopting professional anti-crime strategies to tackle all forms of crimes and criminality in Nigeria.
Communique Issued At The Extraordinary Meeting of the Ooni Caucus on the 4th of February, 2024 to address the emergency crisis of Insecurity/Kidnapping in the South West
AdminThe Caucus extends its heartfelt sympathy to the families, communities and the people and government of Ekiti state on the brutal and abominable killings of traditional rulers including the Oba of Koro in Kwara state; the horrific kidnappings of school children and their mentors and the recent violent assault on the peace, security and corporate integrity of Ekiti state, the South West and indeed all the six geopolitical zones.
We await the outcome of investigations into these reprehensible and criminally insane acts; and hold that culprits should be subjected to the wrath of law to its fullest extent
The Ooni Caucus requests the location of a Military Base to reinforce the extant security apparatus in the state, which had proven woefully inadequate
The Caucus join the urgent calls for a constitutional amendment towards the decentralisation of the Nigerian police with the specific objective of enabling the creation of state and community based policing. The decentralisation should be complemented with the cooption and collaboration of Ex-servicemen i.e. retirees from the Police, Military and Paramilitary Forces.
We call for the enhancement of the capabilities of the local law enforcement agencies domiciled in the 774 Local Government Areas through the office of the Divisional Police Officers
We commend the establishment of the Amotekun, the Pan South West Zonal security outfit and its conspicuous accomplishment in its short existence regardless of acutely inadequate resources at its disposal. We appeal to the state governments of the South West zone to double down on this initiative with the provision of ample resources and logistics support. We equally deem the activation of the Oodua Peoples Congress
OPC as of the essence and urgent imperative
Other notable pro-Yoruba communal security groups apart from OPC and Amotekun such as the one led by Chief Sunday Igboho should be equally encouraged and energised towards the strategic protection and defence of Yoruba Region.
There is the need to highlight the specific responsibilities of the government, communities and the private sector in the onerous task of securing our nation and its communities. The economic dimension to security calls for economic interventions especially skills development and job creation schemes to stem security threats arising from socioeconomic factors.
We call on the Southwest political leaders to stimulate and encourage
community-based security initiatives across every hamlet, village and town in Yoruba land. We need to protect our borders as well as identify and secure all our ungoverned spaces, especially forests and public utilities.
We urge leading lights and critical stakeholder groups from across the length and breadth of the region to snap out of their self-destructive complacency and indifference regarding the security of Yorubaland before it is too late. They should regularly liaise and consult with SW Governors to identify current security threats and articulate remedial actions.
Our royal fathers and leaders of traditional institutions should hold mandatory meetings among themselves to discuss and mutually agree actions that would promote and defend the Yoruba heritage. They need to be sensitised and alert to the risks of harmful land and property ownership practices that render Yoruba communities vulnerable to external threat and subversion.
In view of their strategic utility in the peace and security of their domains, we call for the strengthening and empowerment of the traditional rulers.
The institution must enjoy a level of autonomy commensurate with the huge responsibility they bear in the local communities.
We need to begin to ‘Name & Shame’ those individuals and institutions that have been found guilty of compromising and sabotaging Yoruba interests for parochial and selfish reasons.
It is incumbent on all our leaders to regularly embark on regular campaigns to educate citizens on security issues and the need to be vigilant and prepared
to effectively grapple with security threats and challenges.
We do not know for certain the security status of Mr Sunday Adeniyi Adeyemo, aka Sunday Igboho. We hold the view that he does not constitute a threat to the peace and stability of Nigeria in any way. He should, therefore, be accorded the freedom, rights, and privileges that are due to every Nigerian citizen. If he is not in Nigeria, he should feel free to return home at a time of his choosing
Finally, we find the need to prompt and remind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to redeem his pledge of support towards the decentralisation and devolution of powers in Nigeria.
Balogun Akin Osuntokun (Coordinator)
Dr Yomi Layinka (Secretary General)
Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has called for patience over the ongoing economic hardships being experienced in the country.
The governor said this during a briefing in Ilorin with different segments of the state on efforts of the government to ease things for the people.
The sessions, which lasted for hours, involved labour union leaders from the transport, artisans, market unions and students drawn from various backgrounds in the state.
In a statement signed by Rafiu Ajakaye, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, AbdulRazaq said that different federal government committees are working round the clock to plug the spiraling fall in the value of the naira and its impacts on consumer goods.
According to him, “We (governors) held a meeting on Tuesday afternoon which I joined through zoom, and it is a continuation of previous meetings. The government is launching programmes to checkmate the rising food prices.
“Our major problem is foreign exchange. We are getting US dollars from sales of crude oil, whereas we have low sales at the moment. We used to experience pipeline vandalism.
“But since the assumption of Tinubu’s government, production of oil has increased. Not only that, the government realised recently that the crude oil we are, and will be getting in the next six months or so had been sold in advance. So, they don’t get value for whatever they are selling now. But gradually, things will change and we need your support to understand us,” he added.
AbdulRazaq said the government is immediately working to force down the cost of key staple foods by releasing grains from the strategic reserve and distributing the same to the people at intervals.
The devaluation of the naira, the Governor noted “meant that merchants from neighbouring countries are mopping up grains from Nigeria.
“This is because it is far cheaper to buy from the country and then resell at higher prices in their own countries, especially in the West African sub-region”.
Acknowledging the spike in inflation, he urged the people to be patient adding that the government’s investments in gas-powered vehicles will manifest after their distribution in the coming months.
The Bank of Industry (BOI) has been appointed by the Federal Government as the executing agency of a N200 billion fund to support businesses across Nigeria.
The Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment (FMITI), recently established three funds totaling N200bn to support businesses across Nigeria.
The funds are the Presidential Conditional Grant Scheme (PCGS), The FGN MSME Intervention Fund and the FGN Manufacturing Sector Fund.
The BoI in a statement noted that the Presidential Conditional Grant Scheme (PCGS), is a N50bn grant scheme to support eligible Nano Business owners.
It noted that the Grant will be disbursed to a minimum of 1,000 beneficiaries (especially Women and Youths) per Local Government Area (LGA) in the 774 LGAs across the Nation and the 6 (six) Council Areas in the FCT, adding that the target nano businesses include traders, food vendors, ICT businesses, transporters, artisans, creatives, among others and beneficiaries are not required to pay back.
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The Nigerian currency, the naira, experienced a notable depreciation at the parallel market on Wednesday, falling to N1,500 against the dollar, a 3.45 percent decrease from the rate of N1,450 per dollar observed on Monday.
This recent slide underscores the volatility in the foreign exchange market, contrasting with a slight appreciation observed at the official window.
Bureau De Change operators (BDCs) in Lagos, pivotal players in the parallel market, have set the buying rate of the US dollar at N1,490 and the selling rate at N1,500, marking a N10 profit margin per dollar.
Meanwhile, at the official trading window, the naira saw an appreciation, closing at N1,418 to a dollar on Wednesday, up from N1,433 on Tuesday, reflecting a 1.05 percent increase in value.
The foreign exchange market dynamics, as tracked by the FMDQ Exchange, indicate fluctuations with the naira trading between a high of N1,510 and a low of N896.28, alongside a daily turnover of $203.93 million.
In a significant move on February 1, 2024, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) continued its efforts to reform the foreign exchange market by lifting the cap on the FX rate quoted by international money transfer operators (IMTOs).
This decision is part of a broader strategy to improve liquidity and ensure a more transparent pricing mechanism in the FX market.
CBN said, “For the avoidance of doubt, by this circular, the cap on allowable limit of -2.5% to +2.5% around the previous day’s closing rate of the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market is hereby removed.”
CBN instructed the money transfer operators to quote exchange rates based on the prevailing market rates at the FX market.
The country’s public sector unions are experiencing a financial crisis, with some struggling to fulfil their obligations to members and employees, including salary payments.
Naija News gathered that the Federal Government had seized the check-off dues deducted at source from the salaries of members of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and its counterpart, the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), from November 2023 until now.
It was also discovered that earlier last year, the government withheld the deducted check-off dues of these unions for several months until the NLC threatened a nationwide strike by May 20, 2023. Eventually, the Accountant-General of the Federation reluctantly released the money to the unions.
The situation appears to be repeating itself, as it has been discovered that the funds were processed for payment but later diverted before release.
Among the affected unions are the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE); Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU); Nigeria Civil Service Union (NCSU); Nigeria Union of Public Service Reportorial, Secretarial, Data Processors and Allied Workers (NUPSRAW); National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM); and Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN).
Vanguard’s investigations revealed that despite efforts by affected unions through the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council (JNPSNC) Trade Union Side, there have been no positive outcomes.
The matter was reportedly discussed during a recent meeting of JNPSNC in Nasarawa State, where the unions expressed grievances over the challenges resulting from the withholding of their statutory funds.
Additionally, the leadership of the trade union side of JNPSNC has petitioned President Bola Tinubu, seeking his intervention, but it has yet to be successful.
The NLC expressed strong concern over the situation and its broader implications for public sector unions. In a letter titled “Continuing Refusal To Release Check-off Dues Accruing To Public Sector Trade Union,” dated January 31, 2024, the NLC issued a warning, stating that the withholding of check-off dues accruing to trade unions constitutes interference in their activities.
The letter from the NLC, conveyed by its General Secretary, Emma Ugboaja, reads in part: “The Continuing unfortunate deliberate withholding and piecemeal release of Check-off dues accruing to public sector trade unions in the country has been brought to our notice by our affiliates in the sector.
“These unions have, therefore, accordingly expressed their grievances regarding this intentional withholding or partial release through the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System, IPPIS, platform. We understand that this illegal act was at the instance of the Minister of Finance.
“This practice is totally unacceptable and runs counter to the traditions and principles guiding our engagement as social partners within the nation’s Industrial Relations sphere. We have had cause to have written to the Minister of Labour last year on this, but the report reaching us speaks to its unfortunate persistence.
“We find it inconceivable that check-off dues, deducted at the source from the salaries of public sector workers, would be subject to withholding or released in a piecemeal fashion when salaries themselves are not owed or disbursed piecemeal.
“We wish to draw your attention to the fact that this worrying development deprives not only our affiliates but also national labour centres of the financial resources necessary for their effective operation as workers’ representative organisations.
“Such actions represent a fundamental threat to trade unions and trade unionism in Nigeria, given that financial stability is crucial for the functioning of our organisations. We do not want to believe that this may be part of the ongoing onslaught against workers and trade union rights in Nigeria.
“It is imperative to remind you that the withholding of check-off dues accruing to trade unions amounts to interference in the activities of these unions. This interference is explicitly condemned by Article 2 and 3 of the ILO Convention Number 87 on Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organise, as well as Sections 17 and 18 of Nigeria’s Trade Union Act, LFN, CAP T14.
“We must also stress that sitting on already deducted check-off dues amounts to the impounding or illegal hijack of monies belonging to the trade unions. We may be forced to begin to see this as an intentional misappropriation of funds that rightly belong to trade unions driven by other motives if nothing is quickly done to put an end to it.
“As the supervising authority over public financial flows in Nigeria, we trust that you will act promptly to rectify this anomaly to avoid creating unsavoury workplace outcomes.
“We have followed, as always, due process in handling this and have exercised unusual patience, but allowing this to continue may put undue strain on our relationship.”
NLC demanded that “the Accountant-General immediately direct and ensure the release of all withheld check-off dues accruing to trade unions in Nigeria’s public sector.
“We understand the gravity of this situation and sincerely hope for your swift and positive action to remedy this breach of our statutes. We may not be held responsible for any negative consequences that might arise if the check-off dues of Nigerian workers continue to be held hostage by the government.”
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has unveiled the final twelve aspirants that will battle for the party’s governorship ticket for the 2024 elections in Edo State.
The list was made known in a statement released in Abuja by the APC National Organising Secretary, Suleiman Arugungu.
The statement disclosed that of the 23 persons who initially indicated interest in the APC ticket, only 12 individuals have currently acquired the Expression of Interest and Nomination documents, which are valued at fifty million naira.
The twelve persons would face the party’s screening process in preparation for the APC primary election set to take place on February 17th.
The successful aspirants are the immediate past state Chairman of APC, Gideon Ikhine; ex-Minister of State, National Economic Planning, Clem Agba; senator representing Edo Central, Monday Okpebholo; erstwhile deputy governor, Lucky Imasuen, former governorship candidate, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu and lawmaker representing Etsako Federal Constituency, Anamero Dekeri.
Others are ex-Zonal Organising Secretary for South-South, Blessing Agbohmere; House of Representatives member, Dennis Idahosa, former permanent secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe; Col. David Imuse, Major General Charles Airhiavbere (retd) and Emmanuel Momoh.
The 7-man APC screening committee for the Edo primaries will be led by a former Minister of Sports and Special Duties, Prof. Taoheed Adedoja and they will be sworn in on Thursday at the party’s national headquarters in Abuja.
Another committee will be established to serve as the review team. Senator Ibrahim Danbaba will serve as the chairperson and Smart Iheazor as the secretary of the panel.
Other members are Senator Ibrahim Oloriegbe, Adeoye Adelakun, Darlington Dick, Lawal Kenken, Margaret Duru, and Sani
Meanwhile, the Screening Appeal Committee includes members such as Bisi Odewumi, Ngozi Ononiwu, and Abubakar Sidiq.
The Nigerian government has expressed regrets over the current food crisis in the country and, in response, reassured the citizens that it will release food items from the National Food Reserves as a strategy to lower food prices.
Naija News reports that this announcement was made yesterday by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris.
Idris, who spoke following a meeting of the Special Presidential Committee in Emergency Food Intervention, which was called upon by President Bola Tinubu, said the federal government is also in talks with some major millers and major commodity traders across the country to see what is available in their stores.
The meeting, organized by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, and the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, is part of the government’s efforts to address the increasing food prices in the country.
Idris further stated that the government will collaborate with major millers and commodity traders to ensure the availability of food items.
The minister said: “We just rounded off a meeting. It is a special presidential committee to address the issue of food shortage or lack of enough food on the table of most Nigerians.
“What I will tell Nigerians is that the President has directed that government needs to step in to stem this tide. The government will not fold its arms and see the way Nigerians are suffering in terms of the availability of these food items.
“Now, some of these will involve unlocking the foods that are available in most of the storage facilities (National Food Reserve) around the country. You know that the Federal Ministry of Agriculture has some food reserves. They are going to be made available to Nigerians.
“The government is also talking to major millers and major commodity traders, to also see what is available in their stores. To open it up, so the government will provide some intervention, discuss with them and provide some intervention to make this food available to Nigerians.”
He, however, alleged that some disgruntled Nigerians were taking advantage of the situation, adding that there is still food in this country.
Idris said: “What the government is noticing is that there is still food in this country. Some people are taking advantage of the situation, especially because of the high cost and the depreciation in the value of our currency that has led to the cost of these food items also going up.
“All these issues were discussed; the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (Yemi Cardoso) was at the meeting. The Minister of Finance and the Coordinating Minister for the Economy (Wale Edun) were there, and of course, the Chief of Staff and the National Security Adviser were there. The NSA was there because of some national security implications.
“All these have been discussed and like I said, this conversation or discussion is going to continue.”
Assuring that the Federal Government would continue to take steps to ameliorate the current situation, the Minister said: “This is just the beginning of that meeting. It is going to continue tomorrow (today) and the day after tomorrow. The government is very concerned about what Nigerians are going through, especially what happened in Minna yesterday (Monday). The government is taking some action to ensure that Nigerians have some relief in terms of the availability of food on their tables. Of course, this meeting is not by itself exhaustive. It’s just like I said, the beginning.
“I want to plead with you to understand with the government. By the time these meetings are concluded, we’ll be able to issue a definite statement on what the position of government is in this regard. But all I can say is that discussions are ongoing, and very soon, a solution will be in sight.”
Idris mentioned that certain actions are contingent upon the subsequent meeting regarding this challenging situation. He reiterated that the government is taking significant measures to ensure that Nigerians receive relief.
Naija News reports that the federal government’s decision is coming after the House of Representatives decried the state of hunger currently in Nigeria, appealing to the Federal Government to promptly unlock the food reserves and allocate grains to impoverished citizens.
Doing so, the lawmakers believe, will address the prevailing hunger crisis in the country.
The call was after the approval of a motion of utmost national significance, put forth by the elected representative of Ifo/Ewekoro Federal Constituency in Ogun State, Ibrahim Isiaka.
Isiaka, taking charge of the discussion, highlighted the challenging nature of the cost of living for Nigerians.
He expressed his concern over the escalating price of cement, despite having access to all the necessary raw materials for its production.