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A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Thursday remanded some loyalists of the River State governor for their alleged involvement in the explosion that rocked and razed the Rivers State Assembly complex.
An explosion had rocked the complex of the state Assembly amid alleged moves by some lawmakers to impeach Governor Siminalayi Fubara on October 30, 2023.
Some loyalists of the governor were said to have been behind the incident.
No fewer than five of them were arraigned on Thursday before Justice Bolaji Olajuwon of the Federal High Court in Abuja.
They are Chime Eguma Ezebalike, Prince Lukman Oladele, Kenneth Goodluck Kpasa, Osiga Donald and Ochueja Thankgod.
In the 7 charges, the defendants were accused of committing alleged terrorism offences by invading, vandalising and burning down Rivers State House of Assembly during the wake of the political crisis that rocked Port Harcourt in October last year.
They were also accused of killing a Superintendent of Police, Bako Agbashim, and five police informants in the Ahoada community of the state.
The police informants alleged to have been killed are Charles Osu, Ogbonna Eja, Idaowuka Felix, Paul Victor Chibuogu, and Saturday Edi.
They are to remain in prison custody till February 2 when their respective bail applications will be determined by the Judge.
They were also accused of using various cult groups, namely- Supreme Viking Confraternity, Degbam, Iceland, and Greenland to unleash mayhem on the people of the state and their commercial activities.
They all pleaded not guilty to the allegations.
Although the immediate past factional Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon Edison Ehie, was not listed in the 7 counts terrorism charges, he was however represented in court by a Senior Advocate of Nigeria SAN, Oluwole Aladedoyin, on the ground that his name featured prominently in the alleged offences.
He challenged the allegations that he was at large alongside other suspects.
Justice Olajuwon did not however allow further arguments on the ground that he was not yet a defendant in the charges.
Shortly after the arraignment, the leader of the prosecuting team, Audu Garba, applied for a date for a full-blown trial of the defendants.
However, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria SAN, Lukman Fagbemi, who stood for Chime Eguma Ezebalike and Prince Lukman Oladele who are 1st and 2nd defendants, sought to move applications for their bail on the ground that they have been in police custody since last year.
The government lawyer, Audu Garba, vehemently opposed the reason that he had just been served with the bail applications and needed time to study them and file a counter affidavit.
Justice Olajuwon agreed with the prosecution lawyer that the bail applications were not ripe for hearing and fixed February 2 for the hearing of all bail applications.
Pending hearing and determination of the bail applications, the judge ordered that the five defendants be taken to Kuje Prison on remand and be returned to court on the adjourned date.
“The defendants are hereby remanded pending the hearing and determination of the bail applications,” he said.
[Punch]
Former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria(CBN), Sanusi Lamido Sanusi has backed the relocation of some departments of the CBN from Abuja to Lagos.
Sanusi said it was the right thing to do, saying those kicking against the relocation are playing dirty politics.
The former CBN governor stated this in a statement on Wednesday.
Recall that the CBN’s plan to relocate some departments and units to Lagos has been met with criticisms lately.
Some northern politicians kicked against the move, warning it would have political consequences.
But Sanusi, who was the 14th Emir of Kano said the relocation is an “eminently sensible move”.
According to him, moving certain functions to the Lagos office ( which is bigger than the Abuja head office) is an eminently sensible move.
He said he had it in mind to do the same thing while in office but didn’t have sufficient time to see it through.
Sanusi stated, “In my mind what I would have done was to move FSS and most of Operations to Lagos such that the two Deputy Governors would be largely operating out of Lagos or, even if they were more in Abuja , the bulk of their operational staff would be in Lagos.
“Economic policy, Corporate services and all the departments reporting to the Governor directly such as Strategy, Audit, Risk management, Governors’ office etc would remain in Abuja.
“It makes eminent strategic sense. And I would have done this if I had stayed.”
He dismissed the opposition against the policy as “absolutely unnecessary” because “The CBN has staff manning its branches and cash offices across the Federation.”
Sanusi added, “Moving staff to the Lagos office to streamline operations and make them more effective and reduce cost is a normal prerogative of management.
“The problem we have now is that many employees are children of politically exposed persons and their Abuja life and businesses are more important than the CBN work.
“The CBN is just an address for them and if they have to choose between their spoilt Abuja life and the job, they would gladly leave the CBN.
“All the more reason for the Governor to put his foot down and get rid of those elements they are dangerous for the bank’s future.
“The question of locating functions is a STRATEGIC and not tactical one. A proper analysis should be done to identify which roles are best suited to Lagos and which to Abuja. Once the logic is clear the people then follow. Non communication of strategic intent opens the door to mischievous misrepresentation and arbitrariness.
“I don’t like the idea of arguing that the office structure can not handle the staff numbers. I am sure Julius Berger would refute that if they wanted to engage.”
On how the relocation of staff should be done, he said, “Individual situations should be considered. As much as possible we should be empathetic. For example young mothers with kids in school who do not need to move can be prioritised to stay in Abuja or those with medical conditions etc.”
He advised the CBN not to bend to political pressure, saying it must push through decisions hoe matter tough.
He said, “My advice to the Governor is to go ahead with his policy. Once the CBN starts bending to political pressure on one thing it will continue doing so.
“Northern politicians will shout that this is moving from Abuja to Lagos. Abuja is a federal capital not a northern issue. So long as this is a principled decision the noise should be ignored.
“When i was about to license Jaiz bank there was a lot of religious noise from CAN etc. Even enlightened people like Okey Emelamah were going to sue me to court on religious grounds. I ignored it and licenced the bank. Nothing happened.
“A christian Governor after me licenced at least two more non- interest banks. No one is even noticing again.
“Ethnic and religious bigots will always shout. The CBN should rise above it and just do what needs to be done. It is a very unpopular and difficult job and the Governor needs to be tough.”
[Vanguard]
[PRESS RELEASE] Reaction To the False Information Peddled in Several Print and Electronic Media with The Caption: “Rivers Crisis: Court Strikes Out Suit Challenging Tinubu’s Intervention”
AdminOur attention has been drawn to a publication currently circulating in several print and electronic media with the above caption. We wish to make it categorically clear that the content of the said publication does not represent the true state of affairs.
To put the record straight, the action currently pending at the Federal High Court, sitting in Abuja is between Hon. Victor Okon Jumbo & 5 Ors. vs. The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria & 5 Ors., with Suit No.: FHC/ABJ/CS/1718/2023 (the “Suit”) and not at the Rivers State High Court, sitting at Port-Harcourt as falsely peddled.
The aforesaid suit first came up on Monday, the 22nd of January 2024 before Court 7 presided by Hon. Justice J. O. Abdulmalik (the “Court”). On the said date, the Plaintiffs’ Counsel moved two (2) respective Exparte applications: for substituted service on the Defendants and for interim injunctions against the Defendants. After hearing the Plaintiffs’ applications and considering same, her Lordship made an Order for the substituted service of the originating court documents on the Defendants. Also, the Court ordered all the parties in the suit to maintain status quo ante bellum, pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice in the suit. The matter was then adjourned to the 28th of February, 2024.
Contrary to the false news as publicized in the said Punch Newspaper, there was absolutely no time that the Court ever struck out the aforesaid Suit which is pending before the Court and same will come up for hearing on the 28th February, 2024.
Relatedly, the Court did not at any point of her rulings on the said Plaintiffs’ applications decline jurisdiction to hear the Plaintiffs’ applications or the substantive suit and never cited any judgment or ruling of Hon. Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, sitting in Abuja as mendaciously stated in the publication. Furthermore, there is no Plaintiffs’ Lawyer with the name Emmanuel Rukari and none of the Plaintiffs’ Counsel ever spoke to the Press or expressed any disappointment whatsoever with the Court’s decision/rulings.
The legal implication of the Court’s Order as regards the Plaintiffs’ second application is that all the parties in the suit should maintain the status/position in the matter as it was before the subsisting conflict arose between the parties in the suit. Finally, it is submitted that upon the service of the Originating processes, the Defendants have been put on notice of the claims of the Plaintiffs and given the nature of these claims, the Defendants, particularly, the Rivers State House and Assembly and the Executive Governor, have a legal duty and obligation to refrain from taking any steps that might overreach the court in its attempts to do justice in the Suit as held by the Apex Court in Doma v. Ogiri (1998) 3 NWLR Pt. 541 Pg. 246 @ 265 para. D-E where Oguntade JSC observed that:
“Where a suit is brought to enjoin certain activities and the Defendant/Respondent has notice, the hands of the Defendant/Respondent are effectually tied pending a hearing and determination even though no restraining order or preliminary injunction be issue”.
The general public is hereby advised to utterly disregard the mendacious news making the rounds on the captioned matter as the information as stated in this Press Release is the true and reliable state of affairs as regard the suit between Hon. Victor Okon Jumbo & 5 Ors. vs. The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria & 5 Ors., with Suit No.: FHC/ABJ/CS/1718/2023. Thank you.
Signed:
Dr. Olukayode Ajulo, San, Oon, Fciarb.Uk,
Principal Partner, Kayode Ajulo & Co. Castle of Law
Former Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) President, Mr. Olumide Akpata, has been relieved of his membership in the National Judicial Council (NJC), authoritative sources have confirmed.
The decision was communicated via a letter to the incumbent NBA President, Mr. Yakubu Maikyau SAN, signed by the Chief Justice of Nigeria and NJC Chairman, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola. He cited Mr. Akpata’s recent involvement in partisan politics as reason for the termination.
Sources close to Mr. Akpata indicate he was taken aback by the decision and believes it is beyond the powers of the Chief Justice of Nigeria to unilaterally remove a member of the NJC on grounds of political involvement.
His camp argues that this prerogative lies with the individual member. They cited the example of former NJC member and Bauchi State Governor, Mohammed Abubakar, who voluntarily resigned his role in 2015 to pursue his political ambitions.
While said to be deeply troubled by the turn of events, Mr. Akpata is reluctant to escalate the matter out of immense respect for the Chief Justice. However, should an amicable resolution not be reached internally, legal redress may be sought in the courts.
The move comes on the heels of Mr. Akpata’s open aspiration to contest the upcoming Edo State gubernatorial elections. During his tenure as NBA President he had past run-ins with the Body of Benchers over governance issues. He is also seen as belonging to the reformist faction of the NJC.
[src: TheNigeriaLawyer / CITY LAWYER]
The Nigerian Army has said it will conduct the screening and verification of children of deceased personnel for the award of scholarship.
A statement yesterday in Abuja by the Department of Army Administration said the screening would be held at the Army Headquarters Command Officers’ Mess 1 at Asokoro in Abuja.
The scholarship is one of the welfare schemes of the Nigerian Army aimed at guaranteeing primary, secondary and tertiary education of the children of personnel who died in active service.
The Nigerian Army urged new applicants and beneficiaries upgrading their educational level, as well as those absent from the 2022/2023 exercise to participate.
It said successful candidates would get the appropriate sponsorship funds for their respective educational level.
“The documents required for the exercises are: handwritten application for sponsorship containing the names of the children; a letter of admission of the beneficiary, and the last school report card/results of the beneficiary.
“Others are: a letter of confirmation from the school, the university or polytechnic where the child/beneficiary is a pupil or a student; a birth certificate of the beneficiary and the death certificate of the deceased personnel.
“Also required are: Part 2 Orders publication of death; Condolence Letter; Notification of Casualty Signal; Nigerian Army Application for sponsorship form duly completed by the last unit and formation headquarters of the deceased personnel.
“Four recent passport photographs of the beneficiaries; Passport photograph of the deceased personnel and bank account number and sort code and telephone number of the beneficiary’s surviving parent or administrator.”
The Nigerian Army added that those responsible for the screening could be reached through 08169355766, for any enquiry.
The Federal Government has clarified that the new conditions introduced as prerequisites for obtaining or renewing international passports were instituted to curb the acquisition of Nigerian passports by non-citizens.
The Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who stated this in Abuja while responding to questions from the media, emphasised that the passport is a security document exclusive to Nigerian citizens.
The new conditions, including the provision of a citizenship certificate, a date of birth certificate, and the National Identification Number (NIN), have become critical in verifying an applicant’s true citizenship.
He explained the rationale behind the Federal Government’s introduction of new prerequisites for obtaining or renewing international passports, noting that the new conditions would prevent non-Nigerians from acquiring the passport, disclosing that foreigners have exploited the inefficiencies of the previous system.
The Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the Minister, Babatunde Alao, said in a statement on Wednesday that Tunji-Ojo acknowledged challenges being faced by new passport applicants, assuring the public of an enhanced process in the coming weeks.
Speaking further on the motive behind the introduction of the new processes, Tunji-Ojo said the reform was aimed at simplifying the passport acquisition process for Nigerians by facilitating speedy online application, production, and passport collection.
“We have to introduce this new system in order to stop those non-Nigerians carrying Nigerian passports. Contrary to reports, the new process is working very effectively, and the hiccups recorded are only 4 per cent, which is a significant improvement for a system that is newly introduced, and I assure you that in the next one or two weeks we will have a near-perfect system.
“We have to improve our process of obtaining passports because a passport is a security document. This new system has improved accessibility, transparency, and efficiency,” the minister stated.
Looking ahead, the Minister outlined plans for contactless biometrics in passport renewal, affirming the government’s commitment to building a better future for Nigerians at home and in the diaspora.
Speaking on the observable change in cost for the 5-year passport, the Minister, however, noted that the new cost was agreed upon, taking a cue from the cost of the 10-year passport.
“We are building a future for Nigerians where things should be done in a better way. We changed the price of the five-year passport because the 10-year passport is N70,000; so, the one for five years should be half of that amount, which is N35,000. We are committed to making things better in our country,” the minister said.
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja police command has confirmed the arrest of another suspected kidnapper amid the growing insecurity in the nation’s capital city.
Speaking during a press conference yesterday, the FCT commissioner of police, Haruna Garba, disclosed how, on Sunday, the Iddo division received a distress call regarding armed men in a black Toyota Corolla vehicle who had shot the tires of a moving Prado jeep.
According to him, the jeep driver, Suleiman Sabo, was compelled to stop the vehicle while on his way home in the Sabon Lugbe area.
Sabo was then forcibly taken by the kidnappers, leaving his wife and car behind.
Garba said the police swung into action and successfully tracked down and apprehended the suspect.
“The effort paid off on January 21 when the DPO received information that something abnormal is happening in a particular house at Sauka village. The DPO moved in and cordoned the house; behold, the kidnapped victim was found with the suspect, armed with Mark IV rifle and 10 rounds of live ammunition,” Garba noted.
He added: “He was promptly arrested, and the arm recovered from him. The victim was rescued but with gunshot injuries.”
According to him, the victim has been admitted to a hospital and is currently undergoing treatment.
The police commissioner further mentioned that ever since the establishment of the police Special Intervention Squad (SIS), there have been no incidents of kidnapping reported in the Bwari region of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Garba stated that the police have successfully blocked all known routes used by bandits, particularly in the Bwari area council. Additionally, numerous individuals suspected of being involved in kidnapping and armed robbery have been apprehended, and their victims have been rescued.
Furthermore, Garba highlighted that the police have recovered various firearms and live ammunition, as well as vehicles that were previously stolen from victims.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has generated a substantial sum of N265 million from the sale of Nomination and Expression of Interest forms to 11 aspirants vying for the Edo State governorship ticket.
The party set the price for the Nomination Form at N30 million, while the Expression of Interest Form was pegged at N5 million, with exemptions made for female aspirants and those with disabilities, who were granted the Expression of Interest Form free of charge.
The deadline for the sale of these forms is today (Thursday), as per the schedule released by the party.
The PDP commenced the sale of forms on January 17, 2024, and January 27 was marked as the cut-off date for form submission by aspirants.
Among the 11 aspirants who have so far purchased the forms from the PDP national headquarters at Wadata Plaza, Abuja, are two women who were only required to pay for the N30 million Nomination form.
Notable figures in the race include Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shuaibu; former Chairman of Sterling Bank, Asue Ighodalo; and Blessing Igbinedion, daughter of the Esama of Benin Kingdom, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion. Other aspirants are Anselm Usiose Ojezua, Felix Akhabue, Martin Uhomoibhi, Umoru Hadizat, and Omoregie Ihama.
According to Punch, PDP has opted for the indirect primary method to select its candidate for the Edo State governorship election scheduled for September 21, 2024.
This method involves delegates who will cast their votes to decide the party’s flagbearer.
A high-ranking member of the PDP National Working Committee, who spoke to the platform anonymously, said “The PDP will not zone its ticket in Edo State. The NWC has also approved delegates and three ad hoc, indirect primary.
“It means members will elect delegates at ward and local government levels. These delegates will then move to Benin, the state capital, on February 22 to elect our party’s candidate.”
The PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, assured aspirants of a level playing field, stating, “What the aspirants and Edo State stakeholders should expect from our party is a free, fair, credible, and acceptable primary that the PDP is known for.”
Ologunagba in an interview with The PUNCH stated, “Edo State is a PDP state, and we will maintain it. So, we will not disappoint our members; the party leadership will follow due process and we are very sure that people will support our party in Edo State. We are ready.”
On the question of reducing the number of aspirants, he said, “What we do is always to have a conversation. The issue of pruning the number of aspirants will not come up because these are processes that will come up among members, and I am sure that is going on. So, we are prepared for the primaries, and the more, the merrier. It will be a fair process, and there will be no rancour.”
The governorship aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State, Asue Ighodalo, has reiterated that his ambition is not backed by Governor Godwin Obaseki.
Recall that on January 17, the former Chairman of Sterling Bank officially declared his intention to contest in the Edo State Governorship Election.
Speaking during an appearance on Arise News on Wednesday, Ighodalo said he is independent and not backed by the governor.
The PDP chieftain asserted that Obaseki could not compel him to do it as his third-term project because the governor had not informed him of any such plan.
He said: “Yes, I have indeed known Governor Godwin Obaseki for a long time, we are friends I met him at university. He’s an investment banker and I’m a lawyer, we have worked on the same sides or opposite sides of big corporate transactions.
“However, I’m not sure that if Gov. Obaseki is looking for a third term he will come to me. I’m fully independent, and I don’t see any way he can dangle me at the end of a rope. I’m loyal to the people of Edo State.”
Naija News reports that Ighodalo hails from Ewohimi in Esan South-East Local Government Area of Edo Central District, an area that Governor Obaseki wants power to shift to.
• For 30 alterations, NASS expends N24.8b in 24 years
• Lawmakers set for fresh rejig, as state police, VAT, electoral reforms top agenda
The National Assembly is set for a fresh amendment to the constitution – an exercise that has routinely cost the country an average of N1 billion yearly.
The Guardian findings showed that the review has been consistent in the last 24 years, with at least 30 alterations made to the 1999 Constitution and at the cumulative cost of N24.85 billion.
And in line with the tradition, both the Senate and House of Representatives will next week resume further amendments to the Constitution, with emphasis on State police, Value Added Tax (VAT), and electoral reforms.
The urgency of another amendment is not unconnected with the issue of VAT collection that has been generating a legal battle between the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and some state governments.
Specifically, Rivers and Lagos state governments had enacted laws and called for decentralisation of collection, while some states pushed for centralised pool. The case is still pending at the Supreme Court.
The two chambers would inaugurate separate committees to be led by deputy President of the Senate, Jibrin Barau and the deputy speaker, Benjamin Kalu, when they resume legislative activities from their three weeks Christmas and end of the year recess.
Although efforts to commence amendment to the 1999 Constitution began in the 4th National Assembly (1999 to 2003), actual exercise began in the 5th National Assembly (2003 to 2007) led by the then deputy president of the Senate, late Ibrahim Mantu. It was marred by reports of a third term agenda by the then administration of President Olusegun Obasanjo.
To date, every tenure of the National Assembly has initiated a fresh constitution amendment project for which some N4 billion is approved, to be appropriated and released based on N1 billion per year. This is in addition to some extra funds released to the committee for unforeseen expenditure.
Concerned lawyers, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and statesmen have argued that the perennial exercise of alterations to the constitution had amounted to mere waste of resources since the National Assembly had failed to achieve comprehensive review.
Issues such as rejig of the nation’s security architecture in the form of creation of state police, restructuring the Nigerian State and resource control agitations, are among several demands, which the 24-year-old constitution amendment exercise has not been able to resolve to the satisfaction of all.
Immediate past deputy president of the Senate, Victor Ovie Omo-Agege, who was also the chairman of the Senate’s committee on constitution review at the last Assembly, had at the peak of his committee’s frustration blamed the failure on governors whom, he claimed, had refused to allow the state Houses of Assembly to endorse the 44 bills sent to them.
The failure was later confirmed by the then Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, and former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, when they pleaded with the then Governor Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna State to persuade his colleagues to allow Houses of Assembly endorse the proposed alterations.
But the state Houses of Assembly rejected allegations of frustrating the Constitution review and accused the leadership of the National Assembly of resorting to blackmail, after failing to carry them along on key issues for amendments.
Speaking through the Conference of State Assembly Speakers, the Houses said the National Assembly rejected the state police option, which they canvassed.
To successfully alter any section of the Constitution, at least 24 of the 36 Houses of Assembly must approve the bill to that effect with two-thirds majority.
The new constitution review committees, according to findings, will address previous failures of the National Assembly by revisiting such issues as independent candidate to contest for an elective office; creation of state police; federal structure and power devolution; fiscal federalism and revenue allocation; judicial and electoral reforms; immunity for presiding officers of National and State Assemblies; full local government fiscal autonomy; state creation agitations, among others.
The new constitution review committees will also face the challenge of revisiting the age-long quests to separate the office of the Attorney General of the federation/state from the office of minister/commissioner for justice; change in procedure for the enactment of an entirely new constitution, which includes referendum; inclusion of basic education and primary healthcare in fundamental and justiciable human rights.
Other issues requiring attention are the inclusion of electoral offences as a ground to disqualify candidates from future elections; mandatory presentation of the yearly state of the nation address to a joint session of the National Assembly by the president; and removal of presidential assent to constitution amendment bills.
Lamenting the failure to achieve meaningful amendments to the constitution, the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA) has said that corruption and related problems are getting worse because of failure to remove and alter impediments in the Constitution against anti-corruption fight.
HEDA’s Executive Secretary, Sulaimon Arigbabu, had said that “Corruption is Nigeria’s issue and the root of the country’s problem. We are in dire need of a constitutional review. A lot of the things happening are because there are lacunas in the Constitution.
“All agencies are hindered by one thing or the other in that constitution. There are not enough provisions in the constitution to, at least, help to reduce corruption. It’s so unfortunate that those who have been saddled with the power to help make this happen are using such power to aid corruption rather than abate it.”
Arigbabu further lamented: “Some of the people whose corrupt cases were reported in the past have found their way into high offices in the country. Some have become governors, some have been appointed in high places, and these often happen because Nigerians tend to forget.”
Also reacting, Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) believes that the disagreement between the National Assembly and State Assemblies on some areas of the amendments arose from failure of the National Assembly to display responsive leadership.
It tasked Nigerians to demand that the National Assembly deliver on its assignment and give Nigeria an altered constitution for which billions of taxpayer’s money has been sunk.
HURIWA’s National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, explained that the discord showed the lack of seamless dialogue and partnership between the National Assembly and the State Assemblies.
“If the leadership of the National Assembly has been very effective and efficient over the last four years, it would have been so easy for both sets of legislators to have a meeting point and hammer out their differences.”
However, past constitution amendment exercises succeeded in some issues, which included the financial autonomy of the National Assembly, which gave it the power to draw its funds directly from the federation account, otherwise known as the first-line charge.
Sections 145 and 190 were amended successfully to compel the president/governor to transmit a letter to the National Assembly/State Assembly to enable their deputies to act whenever they proceed on vacation or are unable to discharge their functions.
Another amendment was the one that enables a person sworn in as president or governor to complete the term of an elected president or governor but disqualifies the same person from election to the same office for more than one more term.
Sections 135 and 180 of the constitution were amended to straighten the remaining term of office of a president/governor who won a rerun election to include the period already spent in office.
Amendments to sections 81, 84, and 160 of the constitution were also made to make the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) financially and administratively independent.
Section 156 of the constitution was amended to remove membership of a political party as a qualification for appointment into INEC, thereby insulating members from partisan politics.
Other successful amendments were effected to section 285 (5) to (8) to set time limits for the filing, hearing and disposal of election petitions to quicken justice, and sections 76, 116, 132, and 178 to provide for a wider timeframe for the conduct of elections.
There were also alterations to section 285 and the Sixth Schedule of the 1999 Constitution to reduce the composition of tribunals to a chairman and two members and the quorum to just a chairman and a member were also successfully done.
Other amendments included those on sections 66(h), 137(i), and 182(i) to delete the disqualification of persons indicted by an administrative panel from standing for election.
The stipulation of timeframes for filing, adjudication and disposal of pre-election lawsuits in order to quicken justice was also amended, and the reduction of age qualification for political offices (Not Too Young to Run Bill).
Also, amendments to sections 134, 179 and 225 of the constitution were made to extend from seven to 21 days the period within which INEC shall conduct a run-off election between the two leading presidential/gubernatorial candidates.
Sections 6, 84, 240, 243, 287, 289, 292, 294, 295, 216, 318, the Third Schedule and Seventh Schedule to the constitution were amended and a new section 254 inserted to make the National Industrial Court a court of superior record and equal in status to the Federal High Court.
Very recently, before the end of the Muhammadu Buhari administration, other constitution alterations were effected including state assembly, judiciary independence amendments.
Other alterations approved by the president are the removal of the railway, prison and electricity from the exclusive legislative list to the concurrent list.
Others are the alteration to regulate the first session and inauguration of members-elect of the National and State Houses of Assembly; and for related matters; the alteration to delete the reference to the provisions of the Criminal Code, Penal Code, Criminal Procedure Act, Criminal Procedure Code or Evidence Act; and for related matters.
Also approved is the amendment to exclude the period of intervening events in the computation of time for determining pre-election petitions, election petitions and appeals; and for related matters; alteration to provide for the post-call qualification of the Secretary of the National Judicial Council; and for related matters.
The amendment to delete the item “prisons” in the Exclusive Legislative List and redesignate it as “Correctional Services” in the Concurrent Legislative List; and for related matters was also achieved. Another amendment to move the item “railways” from the Exclusive Legislative List to the Concurrent Legislative List; and for related matters was successful too.
The constitution was also amended to allow states to generate, transmit and distribute electricity in areas covered by the national grid; and for related matters.
Also approved is the alteration to require the President and Governors to submit the names of persons nominated as Ministers or Commissioners within sixty days of taking the oath of office for confirmation by the Senate or State House of Assembly; and for related matters.
Another alteration was done to require the government to direct its policy towards ensuring the right to food and food security in Nigeria; and for related matters.
[Leadership]
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Nigerians have reiterated the importance of an accurate census in the country, saying the correct figures will help the country in planning for the citizens.
They noted that Nigeria could rank third largest in the world by 2050, after China and India, according to a United Nations forecast made in 2022.
Census was last conducted in Nigeria in 2006 and it has become imperative after almost two decades. Under administration of president Mohammed Buhari almost 90% preparation were for the conduct of Census and Housing Population in 2023 but shortly, the new administration led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu put it on hold.
Speaking with LEADERSHIP Aerga Godwin, a graduate of Mass Communication said that a reliable, credible, acceptable and successful census’’ will help government in planning purpose for development, especially in bolstering the social security programme that targets more vulnerable Nigerians.
He said, “The country’s inability to conduct a population census in the last 17 years has created an information vacuum as the data from the last census conducted in 2006 has been rendered out of date for planning purposes. It has therefore become imperative for the nation to conduct another national census to produce a new set of demographic and socio-economic data that will provide the basis for national planning and sustainable development.
“Population is a critical factor in a nation’s efforts toward achieving sustainable development. People are both the agents and beneficiaries of the development process. Knowledge of the national population in terms of size, distribution and socio-economic characteristics is required for planning purposes. This, therefore, makes the conduct of census an essential governance activity.
“With a projected population of 216,783,381, Nigeria is the sixth most populous country in the world and the most populous country on the African continent. Due to the rapidly growing nature of the population and large proportion of the youthful population, Nigeria is also projected to be the third most populous country in the World by the year 2050 after India and China.’’
Jemilu Mohammed, a resident of Kuje, Abuja said that the irregular and long interval of census taking in Nigeria has denied the nation the huge benefits of comprehensive baseline data for evidence-based decision-making.
[Leadership]
A woman simply identified as Zainab was delivered of a baby boy in the open in Mangu town of Plateau State as killings and destruction of properties continued unabated late into the night of Tuesday and yesterday, Daily Trust reports.
This is coming as some of the victims of the fresh violence that broke out in Mangu Local Government Area of the state continued to narrate their harrowing tales.
Also, leaders of Christian and Islamic religious groups are accusing the military and a vigilante group called Operation Rainbow of taking sides in the conflict.
It was gathered that the fresh attacks, which started early on Tuesday left many people dead, according to local sources.
Although security sources could not give official confirmation of the death toll, the Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) said it lost 13 of its members while the Mwaghavul Development Association (MDA) put the death toll of its members at 30.
Efforts to verify these claims were unsuccessful as the Nigeria Red Cross officials said they were focusing greater attention to providing humanitarian relief than counting dead bodies.
The attacks, it was gathered, continued on Wednesday morning despite the 24-hour curfew imposed on Tuesday by the state governor, Caleb Mutfwang.
‘My baby dropped on the street’
Zainab, who was heavily pregnant when the killings started, narrated how she was frightened by the deafening sounds of guns and the sight of people being killed, only to suddenly feel a sharp pain in her lower abdomen.
The 25-year-old mother of two said out of shock, her baby slipped out of her while she was standing in the open, oblivious of what to do.
“When I noticed that the baby was coming out, I knelt immediately to ensure the baby was safely delivered.
“There was no medical assistance, sterilized equipment, or conducive atmosphere. It was a neighbour who stopped to assist me as everyone else fled,” she said.
According to her, “There was no hospital nearby. Even right now, we couldn’t take the baby to hospital due to the curfew and my stomach has been hurting badly.
“Right now (Wednesday afternoon) there are gunshots everywhere and as for the baby, we haven’t even bathed him since we can’t even get hot water. I also haven’t taken hot water myself,” she narrated to one of our reporters via a phone call.
“As for my other children, I don’t know where they are; I don’t even know where my husband is,” she added. Shafa’atu, the only neighbour who stood back to help deliver Zainab’s baby also shared her version of the story with Daily Trust.
“It was in the process of running with the five orphans in my care that I saw her on the streets in a bad situation and everyone was running away. So, I decided to go and help her. I still don’t know the whereabouts of my husband and one of the orphans in my care,” she said.
Another woman, Maryam, narrated how she discovered the decapitated body of her husband.
“I could not (run?) because I had been sick for the past four months. But after fleeing to a seemingly safe place, we heard that our house was burnt, and my shop and belongings I bought in preparation for my son’s wedding worth millions of naira were burnt.
“So, I became worried about my kids and started calling my husband’s phone to know where he was. The phone kept ringing and no one to pick and thereafter, it was switched off.
“When I finally saw my kids, they also said they were looking for their dad. Then we met a woman who asked if I saw my husband, and she told me where she saw him but pleaded that I had to be patient because he had been killed,” she said. Husseina Salihu Maisaje, the sister of Maryam’s husband, also corroborated Maryam’s version of how they discovered that her brother was killed, and that they found his decapitated body burnt.
She said most of the women who escaped Tuesday’s attacks were looking for their children.
How violence escalated
Killings and burning of houses continued in Mangu on Tuesday, despite a 24-hour curfew imposed by the state government.
Governor Celeb Mutfwang, who hails from the troubled local government area, had imposed a curfew after fresh killings were recorded in the area.
But the crisis continued yesterday as residents of Mangu confirmed that gunmen stormed several communities, shooting at everyone in sight.
Suleiman Muhammad, a resident, of Mangu, told Daily Trust that: “At around 9:30am this morning (Wednesday), gunmen armed with sophisticated weapons came and started shooting sporadically. They burnt a lot of houses and schools including the Sunnah Islamiyya School, Islamic Nursery, Primary and Secondary School, Arewa Model Private School, Arewa College of Health, Mangu, and Audi Musa Memorial School, Mangu.
“Some persons were killed; they have overwhelmed the security personnel currently in Mangu. We are surrounded by the gunmen. They burnt down all the religious centres and houses in Anguwan Fyemawa, Anguwan Hayi, Anguwan Kwata, and Anguwan Maijirgi – all in ward 2 of Mangu”, he said.
Operation Rainbow accused of extrajudicial killings, arson
Muslims in some communities are accusing the state-owned security outfit code named ‘Operation Rainbow’ of extrajudicial killings and arson within Mangu town. Salisu Mu’azu, a resident of the Kwata community told our reporter that gunmen led by Operation Rainbow stormed their community around 9:30am yesterday and started shooting and burning of houses.
Another resident of Anguwan Fyemawa, Ibrahim Isa, also accused Operation Rainbow and a mob of invading their community.
He said: “There is lawlessness now in Mangu. Killings and gunshots are going on everywhere. We don’t know how many people have died. We have not been able to bury the corpses we have on the ground because of the situation. Now we are recording more deaths.” Musa Salisu, a resident of Hayi community in Mangu, also decried the activities of Operation Rainbow in his area.
He said: “We are begging the federal government to come to our aid. We are being killed; our houses are being burnt. Where is the security in Mangu? Is Operation Rainbow the only force we have to tackle this problem? Personnel of the Operation are only killing us instead of restoring peace.”
They’re hired killers – JNI
The Plateau State chapter of JNI has also accused Operation Rainbow of lop-sidedness in its operation.
A statement signed by the state Secretary of the group, Dr Salim Musa Umar, condemned the violence in Mangu, and called on security agencies to rise up to the occasion to salvage the lives and properties of the people in the area.
“Reports from Mangu town this morning are not encouraging, as places of worship and faith-based schools were torched and demolished while the killings continue. Residents are decrying the negative role of the state government’s security outfit codenamed ‘Operation Rainbow’, accusing them of glaring partisanship.
“Security agents should be on the lookout for possible infiltrators as it is widely alleged that some hired killers are on the prowl with the intent to carry out massive attacks on Muslims in the community. This is an act that shouldn’t be allowed to happen”, Salim appealed.
However, the Public Relations Officer of the security outfit, Panam Gongden, denied the allegations labelled against it.
He said, “Operation Rainbow belongs to everyone and it compromises of conventional police, immigration, Civil Defence and other security agencies.
“We wonder how some people will be accusing us of taking side. The dispatch of personnel is not done based on ethnicity or religion. It is a joined patrol. It is just baseless. People who have lost touch with what they are sent to do will definitely make such accusations”, he said.
Some members of Muslim communities in Mangu local government area have lamented the condition of the corpses recorded in the crisis, saying that the fluid security situation in the area does not allow them to bury their dead.
Adamu Abdulssalam, Deputy Chairman of the JNI in Mangu, said: “We have 13 corpses in the mosque but we cannot bury them. There is fear of taking the corpses to the graveyard for burial and they are now decomposing.”
We are going to fight – says CAN chairman
In a video that went viral, the Mangu LGA Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. Timothy Daluk, said yesterday that if the government did not listen to their plea, they were prepared to fight until the last drop of their blood.
The CAN chairman also said he would personally call a meeting of pastors to that effect, adding that they have tried all they could to ensure peace in Mangu but could not achieve such.
Rev. Daluk, who accused the Nigerian Army of lop-sidedness in their operation in Mangu, called for the withdrawal of all soldiers in the area, adding that their presence does not provide any positive impact.
In the trending video on social media, the religious leader called on the military to pack their loads and leave their communities.
Captain Oya James, spokesperson of the military team in the state codenamed Operation Safe Haven, did not respond to a message requesting for his response to the allegations.
Rev. Daluk said: “I am the CAN chairman of Mangu LG. I am here to report the situation in Mangu to the whole world to understand. What is happening in Mangu, at this particular point in time, the military are the ones chasing our people to allow militia to burn their houses. At this particular point in time, they have sent every Christian away from New Market.
“And they are leaving the Muslims to burn their houses. They said there is curfew but they only restricted the curfew to people within Christian domain. But the Muslim domain, they are free to move and do whatever they wanted to do. And not only that, the military has killed three of our young men in which I know. One is even from own Church. They killed one yesterday. And I reported to the security, he said he is a fake soldier.
“At first, he said I was lying, but when I proved to him beyond reasonable doubt, he finally accepted that he is not a fake soldier. I said it is the real soldier that killed him. Finally, he disappeared from the scene. Now that I am speaking to you, all of them have switched off their phones and they allowed the place to be burned and razed by the people and this is what is happening as I am speaking to you.
“People around Gindiri Junction, down from this side (pointing at a direction with his hand), their houses are now ablaze because the soldiers protected them and allowed them to burn people’s houses. They are not doing anything about it. So, we in Mangu LGA, as far as Christians are concerned, we don’t want the military in Mangu LGA. They should park their loads and go. We don’t want them. We don’t want them and we don’t need them because they have planned. They have been bought. They have been paid to carry out what they are doing. For that reason, I am calling on the whole world to understand that this thing should stop,” he said.
Earlier in the day, the CAN chairman said they were still collating the number of their killed members as well as those injured or displaced.
Rev Daluk said those injured were taken to Nanret Hospital in Mangu, but that they buried three dead victims yesterday (Wednesday).
According to him, some of the military personnel jumped through the fence of ECWA Church Number 1, Mangu, where he was, and then seized the light weapons some persons were carrying to protect the internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the premises, and also harassed some of the IDPs around.
Mwaghavul group expresses sadness, deplores security personnel
On its part, the leadership of the Mwaghavul Development Association (MDA) had expressed sadness at the breakdown of law and order in Mangu town.
This was contained in a statement by its Director of Public Affairs, Mr Lawrence Kyarshik.
“The Executive Governor of Plateau State, Barr Caleb Mutfwang yesterday, in a swift reaction to curtail the situation imposed a 24-hr curfew in Mangu, only for the Fulani to unleash mayhem on Kwahaslalek, leaving over 30 people dead, houses completely raised down and properties, including food items, destroyed with fire.
“One then wonders how these criminals operated without any resistance from the security personnel already deployed in the area. Sadly enough, a security alert received on Monday, 22nd had shown that there were pending attacks in Mangu and other places, yet these carnages went on unhindered.
“The MDA frowns at the activities of some of the military personnel who appear to be complacent in carrying out the constitutional duties they swore to protect all citizens of the country, irrespective of tribe and religion,” he said.
The spokesperson said the Mwaghavul Nation and Christians in Mangu have coexisted peacefully with Muslims in the area for decades, and that most of them are even brothers who have inter-married.
He decried that their brothers have however allowed bad elements to settle amongst them and used them against their own brothers and sisters.
No comment from military
The spokesperson of Operation Safe Haven, maintaining peace in the area, Captain Oya James, did not respond to inquiries by our correspondent regarding the current developments.
However, the Plateau State government said it was working hard to restore peace, not just in Mangu, but everywhere in the state.
Musa Ashom, Commissioner for Communication and Information, who could not give casualty figure said: “We condemn the destruction of properties in totality and will not be cowed into making sensational statements.
“Religious bodies should do more to preach peace, tolerance, and harmonious co-existence than invest so much energy in fanning the embers of disaffection and misleading the public”, he said.
[DailyTrust]
•Group alleges compromise by security agencies
Over 30 persons were killed and several houses destroyed, yesterday, in the Kwahaslalek and the surrounding communities, as gunmen defied the 24-hour curfew imposed on Mangu Local Government Area by the Plateau State government, on Tuesday.
Recall that Governor Caleb Mutfwang had declared a 24-hour curfew in Mangu, following the deteriorating security situation in the area, stressing that only persons on essential duties were allowed to move within the local government until further notice.
However, despite the curfew, gunmen stormed Kwahaslalek and its environs, killing more man 30 persons and destroying several houses and worship centres.
At the time of this report, the Sabon Layi area was the worst affected, as houses, worship centres and business premises were been razed, as citizens accused soldiers of aiding the carnage.
Though no information official confirmation, at the time of this report, a survivor, Hosea Ibrahim, said the skirmish at Mangu town was a decoy for the attack on the Kwahaslalek Community, not far from the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, permanent orientation camp at Jakatai, Mangu LGA.
According to him: “What happened at Sabon Gari and Mangu, on Tuesday, was just a distraction, so that people’s attention will be shifted away from the villages. For the second time, my village, Kwahaslalek (behind NYSC camp), was attacked at about 12.30am, leaving over 30 people, mostly women and children, dead, as houses were burnt and some persons left with gunshot wounds.
“At about midnight there was sporadic gunshots and women ran to one compound for safety. Unfortunately, the terrorists went there and killed them, while the men were keeping vigil outside the community. The victims were killed at a community leader’s house, where they ran for refuge. The Mairana, Kinat and other communities in Mangu Halle District, and those on the borders of Mangu and Barkin Ladi Local government areas are deserted now.”
However, a security personnel who preferred anonymity said, “Mangu town is calm but we were called in the early hours of today (yesterday) about a development around the communities close to the NYSC camp. Our people are there but the deed had been done. A lot of people were killed. The victims are mostly women and children. They had run to hide there because they thought the place was far and the attackers would not go there. But the attackers were conveyed in a vehicle and dropped there before they attacked.”
Other security personnel who also preferred anonymity confirmed the alleged complicity of some of his colleagues saying, “We tried to enter the communities at about 10 am but we could not because of the fire power. Some of us had to confront some of our colleagues from a sister agency because of the perceived bias attitude from them. We are security personnel, we have to keep sentiment aside and help where we can but when one arm gives the impression of bias, how do we solve the people?”
Meanwhile, the Convener, the Initiative for a Better and Brighter Nigeria, IBBN, Prophet Isa El-Buba has called for an urgent action against insecurity saying, “Security developments in Nigeria have remained alarming and worrying.”
Reactions
Reacting, Mwaghavul Development Association, MDA, the umbrella body of the major tribe in the Mangu LGA, faulted allegedly role played by some security personnel in the skirmish in the area despite the ongoing 24-hours curfew.
MDA’s Director of Public Affairs, Lawrence Kyarshik, in a statement said, ” The MDA is saddened by the current breakdown of law and order in Mangu town which begun on Monday 22nd and continued on Wednesday 24th January 2024 without any resistance from the Security. This unfortunate event is currently going on under the watchful eyes of the military who have failed to give protection to law abiding residents of Mangu.
“The Governor in a swift reaction to curtail the situation imposed a 24-hour curfew in Mangu Local Government only for the Fulani Jihadists to unleash mayhem on Kwahaslalek leaving over 30 people dead, houses completely razed down and properties including food items destroyed with fire. One then wonders how these criminals operated without any resistance from the security personnel already deployed in the Local Government.
“Sadly enough, security alert received on Monday 22nd had shown that there is pending attacks in Mangu and other places, yet these carnages went on unhindered. As if that is not enough, even within Mangu, the Muslims took advantage of the curfew to burn down houses, killing unsuspected persons and destroying properties and Churches.
“The MDA frowns at the activities of some of the military personnel who appear to be complacent in carrying the constitutional duties they swore to protect all citizens of the country irrespective of tribe and religion. Eye witness report has it that while the military send our people away, they watch the Muslims burn down houses seamlessly.
“We are losing confidence in the military each passing moment because their actions are clear that they have taken side. Consequently, we wish to demand for complete withdrawal of the military to be replaced with MOPOLS and NSCDC as the roles of the military in this conflict is highly suspicious.
At the moment our people are left at the mercy of God and the little they can do in self defense. The Mwaghavul nation and Christians in Mangu have coexisted peacefully with Muslims in Mangu for decades. Most of them are even our brothers who have also married our daughters. They have allowed bad elements to settle amongst them and used them against their own brothers and sisters. Remember, if you are a Mwaghavul Muslim and love Mangu LGA, you will not conspire with evil people against us.”
Similarly, the leadership of the Plateau Youth Council, PYC, called for the review of the security strategy and implementation to stem the tide of insecurity.
Chairman of PYC Mangu LGA, Dapip Stanley, among others, said “It is a disheartening to witness the lack of efficient response from the security personnel (military) in Mangu LGA. This inaction and failure to effectively address the deteriorating situation has resulted in a massive loss of confidence in their ability to protect and ensure the safety of the communities
“The continued brutality towards innocent residents by the military personnel, coupled with the lack of intervention from the security personnel, is not only exacerbating the current crisis but also creating an atmosphere of fear and helplessness among the populace residents of Mangu LGA.
On its part, the Jama’atu Nasril Islam, JNI in the state condemned the resurgence of violence in the Mangu town.
The Secretary of JNI in the state, Salim Umar, said “We call on the government and security agencies to intensify their efforts in securing the lives and properties of the inhabitants of Mangu and other flash points. All concerned should also do everything possible to prevent any possible escalation. Security agents should be on the lookout for possible infiltrators. All hands must be on deck and by all relevant stakeholders to restore peace and order in Mangu LGA and other affected communities. Peace is priceless. We all must strive to restore sanity in an open and unbiased manner by all stakeholders.”
Mutfwang declares 24-hr curfew in Mangu as tension erupts
Also yesterday, Governor Caleb Mutfwang declared a 24-hour curfew in Mangu local government area of the state, following the deteriorating security situation in the area, stressing that only persons on essential duties were allowed to move within the local government area until further notice.
Recall that early yesterday morning, armed men attacked some communities in the local government area, shooting and burning property, though it could not be readily confirmed the number of lives lost and those injured.
However, Vanguard gathered that those injured were conveyed to undisclosed hospitals in the area.
A resident, Ephraim Ishaya, said: “It started yesterday when a young man and woman were attacked by terrorists near the Mangu bridge. The matter was reported to the military at the check point, no action was taken.
”Mangu youths reacted, which led to reprisal from Muslim residents in Mangu. Houses were burned down, with gunshots all over the town.”
”Two worship centres (one Church and one Mosque) were burnt,” a security personnel who did not want to be named said.
Another resident, Josephine Habila, said: “The Church of Christ In Nations, COCIN Sabo Kaswa, and a Mosque at the Dawo area of Mangu were burnt.”
Abuja-based legal luminary, Dr. Kayode Ajulo SAN, OON, has expressed commendation for the selection of Chief Olayide Adelami as the nominee for Deputy Governor alongside Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa in Ondo State.
Ajulo also extolled Governor Aiyedatiwa's leadership for identifying a reliable and competent co-pilot, calling it a demonstration of Governor Aiyedatiwa’s readiness to elevate Ondo State to new heights. The legal luminary sees Akinlami as a capable partner, heralding good governance for the people of Ondo.
Describing Akinlami as a progressive technocrat with a commendable track record, Ajulo highlighted his extensive service to Nigeria's development. He said the former Deputy Clerk of the National Assembly and pioneer of critical departments at the Federal level possesses a wealth of experience poised to enrich Governor Aiyedatiwa's administration and contribute to Ondo State's advancement.
Speaking in Akure on Wednesday, Ajulo praised Akinlami's dedication to Ondo State, emphasizing his role as a pivotal figure in the establishment of critical departments in the country. He said "Chief Akinlami is one of the finest technocrats of Ondo State extraction. He was a pioneer staff of the Constituent Assembly which became the present-day National Assembly, and set up the Finance and Accounts Department of the National Assembly and the Accounts Department of the Petroleum Special Trust Fund among others. I personally know him as someone who loves Ondo State dearly, and he's one of our best ambassadors"
"Governor Aiyedatiwa deserves applause for recognizing an indigene of Owo, a testament to his respect for the entire Owo kingdom and a worthy tribute to Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu," remarked Ajulo.
Expressing appreciation for the Ondo State Assembly's unwavering dedication, Ajulo urged swift confirmation for Akinlami, emphasizing the significance of expeditious proceedings for the State's progress.
He also used the occasion to salute Late Governor Akeredolu and commends all Owo people for their contribution to the State, Nigeria and the world at large.