THE Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has promised to dialogue with cattle breeders before going ahead to enforce the ban on cattle rearing in Abuja’s city centre.

Wike also revealed plans to provide alternative means of transportation before enforcing the ban on commercial motorcycle operators in the city centre.

The minister made the disclosure while addressing journalists on Saturday after inspecting some ongoing road projects in parts of the nation’s capital.

He promised that his administration was committed to building a capital city that Nigerians could be proud of.

[NaijaTimes]

Tuareg-dominated separatist groups said on Saturday that they had inflicted heavy losses on the Malian military in an attack in the troubled country’s centre.

The rebels said they had counted 98 dead soldiers.

The claim came in a statement from the Permanent Strategic Framework which is dominated by the Coordination of Azawad Movements (CMA), an alliance of predominantly Tuareg separatist groups.

The rebels also said they had wounded dozens of soldiers, taken five prisoner, while losing seven of their own fighters.

The claims made by rebels, and all sides involved in the fighting, are difficult to verify because of the remoteness of the affected areas.

Access to independent sources is complicated by the conflict.

The Malian army had only acknowledged an assault on one of its camps in Dioura in the Mopti region on Thursday, without giving further details.

Despite the official information blackout, images and claims linked to the incident quickly spread online.

If confirmed it would mark the CMA’s most southerly operation since it resumed attacks against the Malian army in the north of the country at the end of August.

The north of Mali has seen a resumption of hostilities by the CMA and an intensification of jihadist attacks against the Malian army.

Operations have targeted several army positions.

The upsurge in violence coincides with the ongoing withdrawal of the UN mission, pushed out by the junta that took power in 2020.

[AFP]

The Mayor of Chicago, Brandon Johnson, has sent a congratulatory message to Nigerians as the country celebrates its 63rd Independence Anniversary.

Naija News reports that today, October 1, marks another historic milestone since Nigeria got her independence in 1960.

Sending love from the City of Chicago, Mayor Johnson, urged Nigerians not to forget those who fought for the independence and contributed to its accomplishment.

The Mayor of Chicago’s Independence Day message to Nigeria reads: “Hello everyone, it’s Brandon Johnson, Mayor of the greatest city in the world, the City of Chicago.

“It is truly my honour to wish you all a Happy Independence Day.

“October 1st, 1960, marks a significant and cherished milestone in Nigeria’s history. Since gaining Independence, Nigeria has continuously demonstrated strength, resilience and an incredible spirit.

“Let us remember those who have paved the way for Nigeria’s independence as we celebrate the contributions and accomplishments of Nigerians right here in the City of Chicago and across the globe.

“I hope that you will celebrate Independence Day with your family, gatherings of festivities, of course, wearing your green and white with pride.

“So, on behalf of Chicago, I am wishing you a Happy Independence Day, Nigeria.

“Have a great evening, everyone, Thank you.”

[NaijaNews]

In a bid to prevent the looming nationwide indefinite strike declared by organized Labour, the federal government has again extended an invitation to Labour leaders for another discussion scheduled for 2 pm today, October 1st, at the State House in Abuja.

The State House meeting that was slated for Friday, September 29, between government officials and Labour representatives didn’t take place because the organized Labour group declined to participate.

In a memorandum from the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Director Emmanuel Igbinosun, representing the Minister, addressed the President of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), scheduling the meeting to take place in the State House’s Chief of Staff’s Conference Room.

• The statement read: “Further to my earlier correspondence on the above subject, I once again bring greetings from the Honourable Minister of Labour and Employment.
• “I am directed to invite the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) for a meeting with the Government on the above subject scheduled as follows; Date:- Sunday, October 1st, 2023; Time:- 2 pm; Venue:- Aso Villa Conference Room of the office of the Chief of Staff to Mr President.
• “Please be assured as always of the kind regards of the Hon. Minister of Labour & Employment”, the memorandum said.

The meeting is expected to be attended by the national leadership of both the NLC and that of the Trade Union Congress (TUC).

The government’s representation at the meeting will include the Chief of Staff to the President, Hon Femi Gbajabiamila, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Hon Simon Lalong, the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Hon Nkiruka Onyejeocha, and various other high-ranking government officials.

More details later…

[Nairametrics]

The United States District Court in Northern Illinois, has ordered the Chicago State University (CSU) to release the academic records of President Bola Tinubu to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

The development came after a U.S Judge, Nancy Maldonado, adopted all the ruling of Magistrate Judge Jeffrey Gilbert of the U.S. District Court, ordering the immediate release of the academic records of Tinubu by the CSU.

Tinubu had objected to the Magistrate Judge Jeffrey Gilbert ruling ordering the immediate release of the academic records by the CSU.

According to the President, releasing the documents with deposition would cause him severe harm because they were private to him and would not be admissible in the ongoing petition against him in Nigeria.

Atiku, who contested the February 25 presidential election on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has been seeking Tinubu’s academic records to establish that he presented a forged certificate to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

However, in her ruling on Saturday, Maldonado said the decision of a lower Federal Magistrate judge on September 19 was appropriate and adopted it in full.

“The Court overrules President Tinubu’s objections to Magistrate Judge Gilbert’s recommended ruling, and therefore adopts the ruling in full. Mr Abubakar’s application is therefore granted,” the judge ruled.

She also gave CSU until noon on Monday to release the documents and the deposition of officials of CSU completed by 5pm CDT on Tuesday.

“In light of the pending Supreme Court of Nigeria deadline, represented to the court as October 5, 2023, and based on CSU’s representations that it is ready to comply with the discovery requests and produce a witness, the court sets an expedited schedule for completion of discovery,” the judge said.

She warned that any attempt by Tinubu to appeal the judgement in the district would no longer be tolerated as Abubakar must transfer the collected evidence to the Nigeria’s Supreme Court for use in an ongoing election petition case by October 5.

However, she said Tinubu is free to file his appeal directly before the Seventh Circuit, an appellate court overseeing Illinois and nearby states.

[DailyTrust]

The Federal Government on Sunday distanced itself from a N50 billion planned non-prosecution plea bargain with former Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Godwin Emefiele.

Emefiele was reported to have entered into a plea bargain with the government on condition of surrendering N50 billion to facilitate his early release from the custody of the Department of the State Services, DSS.

The plea bargain was also said to be aimed at cancelling the trial of the former CBN chief on series of charges comprising money laundering, breach of Public Procurement Act and abuse of office.

However, on Sunday, the Attorney-General of the Federation, AGF, and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi, said there is no iota of truth in the alleged plea bargain deal.

Fagbemi, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, said neither his office nor the Presidency has had anything of such nature with Emefiele.

The position of the Federal Government was made public in a statement by the Director of Information in the Federal Ministry of Justice, Mrs Modupe Ogundoro.

The statement reads in part, “The attention of the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice has
been drawn to a report by Sahara Reporters alleging that the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Godwin Emefiele and the Federal Government of Nigeria, have agreed to a non-prosecution plea bargain arrangement.

“The report further alleges that Mr. Godwin Emefiele and the Federal Government of Nigeria, represented by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, have signed a non-prosecution plea bargain agreement and that the agreement is awaiting the signature of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“The Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice hereby states clearly that these reports are completely false.

“It would be noted that the legal team representing Mr. Godwin Emefiele had expressed their intention in court at the last hearing to initiate a plea bargain
arrangement.

“However, no such arrangement has been reached with Mr. Godwin Emefiele or his
representatives.

“We wish to advise the media and members of the public to kindly disregard the said false report.

“The Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice will continue to take all actions in the interest of the Nigerian public.”

[DailyPost]

The Christian Association of Nigeria, on Sunday, congratulated the country on the occasion of her 63rd Independence Day anniversary with a call on the Federal Government to stabilise the economy.

According to the association, the recent fall of the Naira against major world currencies, particularly the dollar, has seriously affected Nigerians.

CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, stated these in his Independence Day message.

The FG, he said, should also do more to combat terrorism and banditry in Nigeria.

He said, “This significant milestone reminds us of the progress we have made as a nation and the challenges that lie ahead. As we reflect on our journey, we urge the government to prioritise addressing the pressing economic challenges and the escalating state of insecurity in our beloved country.

“CAN acknowledges the need for urgent measures to stabilise the Nigerian economy. The recent fall of the Naira against major world currencies, particularly the dollar, has had a profound impact on the lives of ordinary Nigerians.

“We call on the government to implement sustainable economic policies that will bolster our local currency, stimulate investments and revitalise key sectors.”

The statement read further, “By fostering an enabling environment for entrepreneurship and providing necessary support to small and medium-sized enterprises, we can create jobs and alleviate poverty, ultimately improving the quality of life for all citizens.

“Moreover, the escalating state of insecurity, especially in the South East region, demands immediate attention. We express deep concern over the spate of violence and bloodshed that has plagued communities, leading to loss of lives and displacement of innocent citizens.”

The Christian association implored the “government to intensify efforts in combating terrorism, banditry, and all forms of criminal activities”

It added that adequate resources should be allocated to security agencies and called for collaboration with local communities.

It noted that in fighting terrorism, intelligence gathering must be strengthened.

“Restoring peace and security is vital not only for the affected regions but for the entire nation, as it will enable people to return to their farms, fostering food security and sustainable development.

“Furthermore, we emphasise the need for unity and national cohesion. Nigeria’s strength lies in its diversity, and we must harness this diversity for the common good of all citizens. Together, we can build bridges of understanding and foster an environment where all citizens feel valued and protected.”

CAN encourages the government to prioritise quality education and healthcare which are “fundamental rights that must be guaranteed to every Nigerian. By investing in these critical sectors, we empower our youth with knowledge and skills and ensure the well-being of our citizens, particularly the vulnerable.”

Okoh said CAN was aware of the ongoing negotiations between the FG and labour unions regarding the removal of fuel subsidies.

He advised both parties to find a balanced solution that minimises the impact on vulnerable Nigerians.

Okoh said, “The removal of subsidies is a significant economic adjustment with far-reaching consequences. We understand the government’s reasons but acknowledge the resulting distress and hardship.”

“In conclusion, as we celebrate Nigeria’s 63rd Independence anniversary, let us not forget the challenges that confront us.

“CAN remains committed to promoting initiatives towards a prosperous and peaceful Nigeria. By doing so, we can achieve sustainable development, foster peace, and create a nation where every Nigerian can thrive,” he said.

[Punch]

Last week Thursday, David Umahi, Nigeria’s Minister of Works locked out several workers of his ministry for reportedly resuming late to work. For over 5 hours there was confusion in and around the ministry as the workers in turn locked all entrances into the ministry thereby stopping the minister from getting out of his office. Since his appointment a few months back, Umahi has been one of the few ministers seen in different parts of the country carrying supervision to the point of assignment.

Like his predecessor, Babatunde Fashola, he has been actively engaged in the inspection of federal projects in parts of the country. Unfortunately, workers at the ministry of Works do not appear to have bought into the aggressive posture of minister Umahi to promptly deliver on the promises of the new administration. While some of the workers reportedly   have the habit of coming late to work, many others have been found to close early from work making it difficult for the minister to get relevant information for pursuing certain assignments.

The battle between the minister and his workers which we hear was later resolved brought to the fore several issues affecting Nigeria’s development. First, what gives workers who came late to work the audacity to question their indictment?  Are those good workers? This question presupposes that there is a failure on the part of the ministry to provide an enabling environment for the workers to resume work early every day. But then, how come it is the minister himself who is essentially the political head that is personally responsible for the supervision of staff who have units, sectional and divisional heads? 

Where were such heads that day? What this second question suggests is that the ministry is not functioning appropriately. In others words, the use of a ministry to achieve the goals of government is not institutionalized. Otherwise, it is not the minister that should handle staff matters. The minister did what he did because Nigeria is yet to move away from the strong men philosophy to that of strong societal institutions.

In advanced democracies, what keeps society going is strong institutions that are always on hand to ensure the survival of society – that has been the fortune of the United States which our people are used to citing. In a country where a leader becomes ungovernable as Donald Trump sought to be after his defeat at the last American presidential elections, it was the nation’s strong institutions that held him in check. Except Nigerians assiduously purse the strategy, they will continue to have strong men who get into office and hold every other person including the constitution hostage. Against the background of the antecedents of David Umahi, especially in his days as Ebonyi state governor, he is not likely to be one of those to help the country escape from the notion of strong men who in the guise of governance operate as tyrants and dictators. Umahi as governor exercised so much power, that he once arrested a caterer for preparing poor food for a state party.

It is indeed difficult to forget in a hurry how David Umahi operated as governor of Ebonyi state. It is not only that he did not tolerate criticisms, he quite often criminalised political dissent, now and again personally directing the arrest of supposed offenders in the state. He even on one occasion expelled two journalists from operating in the state. Like most governors, he pocketed the legislature and the law enforcement agents in his state. During the Coronavirus pandemic, the state house of assembly made an omnibus law titled ‘Coronavirus and Other Dangerous Infectious Diseases & Related Matters Law 005’ of 2020 under which Umahi locked up a journalist for reporting the outbreak of Lassa fever in Ebonyi state. The journalist was promptly arrested by the police on the orders of the then governor Umahi. However, the relevant medium declined to retract the report because it was a public interest story sourced directly form the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control NCDC.

Umahi was not alone in the business of power monopoly in his days as governor, there were others who locked up critics for allegedly insulting certain leaders. In 2020, the police in Katsina state arrested 3 persons for allegedly using the social media to insult former president Buhari and ex-governor Masari. In other climes, leaders ignored such lowly-placed critics because leaders ought not to have such time for the poor who show anger over their poverty. It was perhaps the only option opened to them to ventilate their grievances by insulting their leaders. In Cross River State where former governor Ben Ayade could be described as pettier than others, the law enforcement agents were instigated to lock-up one critic for insulting a relation of the governor. Painfully, when these executive-induced arrests are made, the accused are locked up without trial until the relevant excellency feels satisfied. Under the circumstance, the claim that we are a democracy is false. The point to be made is that the institutions of government must be allowed ample discretion to meet their mandates according to the rule of law.

When a powerful office holder takes the law into his hands, it is hardly possible for other bodies to work harmoniously with him. It is hoped that at the ministry of works, where minister Umahi purportedly played the role of senior prefect the other day, he did not come along to the ministry with some personal aides who may have since distorted the established processes and procedures in the ministry by usurping the functions of the regular staff. What usually happens from experience is that such aides are placed at strategic points where they determine who sees or does not see the minister. In many cases, such aides take over the work of the official staff such as secretary and others who are then rendered redundant. Such a practice is in fact part of the grand design to consolidate the strong-man philosophy. Of course this would be counter-productive as some staff will begin to work at cross-purposes with usurpers whom they see as the powerful agents of the minister.

The situation is more complicated in government parastatals which a minister is expected to supervise especially in the absence of a Board of Directors. The term ‘mother-ministry’ which evolved some years back is what is used to make parastatals virtually accountable to everyone in the relevant ministry. In my days as the Director General of the National Orientation Agency NOA, Information Minister Jerry Gana only gave me financial support rather than take over my role as the Chief Mobiliser of the federation for every government activity such elections and the national identity card project. This enabled me to execute my functions without hindrance. In 2002, I organized a rally in Ado Ekiti where all political parties, traditional rulers and leaders of thought were brought together to openly reach an agreement to eschew political violence in the coming elections. The next day, the minister sent me a letter of commendation and a presidential directive for a similar rally to hold at government expense in the other 5 geopolitical zones.

The story of support has since changed in several agencies. In the last 8 years, ministers complicate the work of agencies. Although the National Broadcasting Commission NBC would for decency sake not openly indict the supervising minister of information, it was obvious that the strong-man tactics of former minister Lai Mohammed would more than any other thing account for the draconian approach of the NBC to broadcast stations featuring daily fines and threats of revocation of licenses. Now that the current Information Minister is a tested journalist, government is more likely to enjoy greater professional service from the public media as distinct from the timidity of the last 8 years. As former minister Frank Nweke Jnr would attest, giving ample room to the NTA to perform well did not derogate from his elevated position, rather, it enhanced it. Such an approach leaves societal institutions viable and strong in the interest of continuity in the service to society. Umahi should try it at the ministry of works.

Blue Band is probably Nigeria's most beloved and favourite home grown margarine. It has earned its pride of place with those memorable commercials since the 70s and its sponsorship of national TV sitcoms, Blue Band margarine won our childish hearts for all time. Thanks to NTA Benin. Some of us took time to spread it on bread and with delight demonstrated how it was eaten mimicking our child-peers in the adverts. Just like the 30 million Nigerians that watched NTA News at that time, Blue Band could not be wrong.

Yet when the makers of Blue Band margarine decided to bring a new variant of the product that had a mark of easy spread on bread, some mischief makers attempted to puncture the reputation of the brand by posting a video of how the margarine didn't melt in boiling water even though it wasn't verified.

The bad marketing video against the margarine brand spread like wild fire on the internet. And please, based on the principle of criminal defamation, any person in Nigeria can actually be arrested and prosecuted for intentional damage to the reputation of a corporate interest. But Unilever, the owners of the brand at that time did not go after the mischief makers who were trying to run down their new product. Despite having the resources to track down the cyber goons, the company deployed a tactic that remains a marvelous example of how to respond to negative campaigns against a company's product.

The company simply deployed one of its expatriates (probably its Managing Director) who explained in the media how the new variant of the margarine had less cholesterol, packed with more vitamins and how, whatever reaction it has in boiling water was normal and in the healthy interest of the consumer. It also emphasized that the new variant was better for bread while the regular one was best for making cakes and other pastries. This position was corroborated by other experts including the regulator, NAFDAC.

So rather than losing customers, confidence in the product was not only restored, it’s sales have continued on the increase to date. In fact, for me, there is always a container of Blue Band in my home and office on account of my confidence and loyalty to the brand.

The recent reaction of ERISCO to the negative commentary on its Nagiko tinned tomatoes brand was woeful. The company deployed its resources, pounced on the Nigerian woman who published her assessment of their product, got the police to arrest her and moved her to Abuja to face prosecution. The somewhat angry Managing Director of the tinned tomatoes company went further on the media to issue threats of fire and brimstone against the woman promising to punish her with a lawsuit of 5 Billion Naira. Even after causing her arrest and detention. What a disastrous corporate response!

Many Nigerians who didn't know that tinned tomatoes usually contained some safe amount of sugar, have now known and they are united in sympathy for the woman against the product. In fact they now generally suspect all tinned tomatoes products as having too much sugar and colouring. Unfortunately for the company, its threat against the woman is not only hollow because it was within her right to publish that her fair assessment of the product. She is even in a position to sue the Nigeria police and the Erisco company for damages running into millions of Naira. I trust Inibehe Effiong to properly guide her.

Babatunde Irukera of Federal Competition & Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has never disappointed in his role as the chief consumer protector in Nigeria. His position on the matter has been quite commendable.

The crux of this writing is to show how important a strategic public relations response can help a company and its products especially in times of crisis of negative campaigns.

The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) must continue to emphasize the importance of having certified public relations practitioners for government and private institutions in their own interests. The recent PR blunders by the President Tinubu's spokesman who is not a professional public relations manager attests to the reason why the NIPR Act prohibits the practice of Public Relations without certification.

ERISCO may have money but it has missed surely the road of good public relations in its own interests.