It has become imperative to highlight the disturbing pattern of harassment, unlawful arrest, and the kidnap of chieftains of the Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) across the three (3) senatorial districts of the State by some policemen suspected to be from the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) in Abuja who are believed to have been paid huge sums of money by the All Progressives Congress (APC).

These police officers allegedly led by one CSP Ibrahim Angbasa, have been operating outside the scope of their job, carrying AK-47 rifles and other dangerous weapons and moving around the State in Hummer buses and Hilux vans, to harass and abduct our party chieftains across the State.

These policemen are said to be deployed by one DC Sanusi Muhammad of the IRT, Force Headquarters, in Abuja.

Another police officer, DC Patrick Ejedawe, from Uromi, Edo Central, popularly called “Citadel”, is also said to be in active connivance with these unauthorized police officers to carry out these dastardly acts in the State.

These policemen have since the onset of their sinister operations arrested some of our party members, including Mr Amos Tom, and Hon. Kingsley Osahon, the Councillor representing Ward 10 in Esan North East Local Government Area, along with several others whose whereabouts are currently unknown.

We are also aware that they have compiled a list of prominent PDP chieftains from across the State’s three senatorial districts, and even procured fake court warrants of arrest with names of PDP members, whom they plan to abduct to weaken the PDP ahead of the forthcoming gubernatorial election scheduled for September 21, 2024. Among the names believed to be on this list include, Chief Odion Olaye, Chief Francis Inegbiniki, Chief B. Olukoga, Mr Festus Osaigbovo,Dr. Kelly Inedegbor, Chairman of Esan North East Local Government Area, among others whose identities have yet to be confirmed.

It is rather unfortunate that while the PDP is diligently working, moving from ward to ward and local government to local government actively campaigning across various platforms, articulating their programmes and initiatives for the people of Edo State, the APC is attempting to weaponize the police against the people because they know they have a defective and unmarketable candidate and cannot win under any circumstance in a free, fair and credible election. Their only strategy is to use what they term federal might to harass and intimidate opposition parties into submission in their quest to secure electoral victory through subterfuge.

The Police officers, who are being compromised to do the wishes of the APC, must remember that they are funded by tax payer’s money and must not allow themselves to be used by the APC against the people, in pursuit of their selfish political gains. The Nigeria Police is for all Nigerians and not for some powerful members of the ruling Party at the Federal Government.

At the *RALLY * held in one of the Senatorial districts, the former Deputy Governor, Hon Philip Shuaibu was boasting and issuing threats to the PDP, daring them to come out that day if they have two “heads”.

He even boasted that only one act from him has sent the PDP hiding, and further said there are SCENES 2-5 loading.

This has given credence to our shouts that what the APC sponsored and committed at the airport and on airport road in Benin on 18/07/2024 the day he came to try to violently take over office, was scripted from Abuja with the APC gubernatorial candidate.

It is pertinent to note that the days in which political parties win elections by wanton intimidation are far gone and Edo people are going to stand firm in resistance to any form of harassment and intimidation by any group or persons, no matter how highly placed.

We also want to categorically state that the Nigeria Police Force is not on the ballot for the September 21 governorship election in Edo State, as it now appears to us that we are now contesting against the APC/ The Nigeria Police.

It is therefore important that they, in the interest of peace and security in the State and country, read the mood of the nation and conduct themselves professionally as we approach the elections and ensure that they maintain law and order which is their constitutional responsibility.

We believe that this devious resort to harassment and intimidation is a recipe for anarchy and we are therefore calling on the Inspector General of Police, AIG, Zone 5, the Edo State Commissioner of Police, and other security agencies to step in and stop these harassments and intimidation by these suspected band of APC police operatives believed to be on illegal duty, to prevent a descent to anarchy in the State.

We also call on Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), other stakeholders and the international community to turn their attention to Edo State and take note of this rather disturbing pattern of harassment and intimidation by the police as sponsored by the APC in the build-up to the Edo State Governorship election slated for September 21.

Efforts must be intensified to monitor activities leading up to the elections to ensure that government institutions, especially the police, do not undermine the wishes of the people at the polls.

As a responsible Party and campaign Organization, we shall continue to abide by the rules of engagement as spelt out in the constitution and the Electoral Act.  We will continue to market our candidates to the Edo People and resist every form of harassment and intimidation by any institution or agency of GOVERNMENT.

One thing is sure, come September 21, Edo people will come out en-masse to show their resolve to remain under the umbrella of the PDP in the State by casting their votes for the party’s candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo and will stay to defend their votes, and no amount of threat, intimidation and harassment will stop the people or hinder the defeat that awaits the APC at the polls.

Hon. Matthew A Iduoriyekemwen

Director General

Asue/Ogie Campaign Management Council

The book, An Imperfect Storm: A pandemic and the coming of age of a Nigerian institution, written by the immediate past Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, with his wife Vivianne Ihekweazu, Managing Director of Nigeria Health Watch, is a memoir written like a fast-paced thriller, which will keep you turning the pages, not just because it captures the tense and trying COVID-19 years, but for its down-to-earth narration – peppered with suspense and revelatory intrigue.

It grips you in an exciting ride to that climactic realization that, perhaps, the unseen hands of the Almighty Creator had prepared an ordinary hardworking Nigerian to lead his compatriots in a life-or-death fight against a strange pandemic of global dimension.

In this book of 27 chapters, divided into four distinct periodic and thematic parts (The Gathering; Synchronicity; Attenuation; and Full Circle), there is so much information crammed into 263 pages, that anyone from any discipline would certainly encounter a key that opens the door to personal reflection. 

Granted, the COVID-19 pandemic affected all of us, and so could be the common denominator for every reader. But I am persuaded to believe that there is something magnetic about a man and or a woman that carries on a mission with passion. Ihekweazu’s single-minded devotion to his life work and professional calling, as depicted in every fabric of the account, sparks a light that warms the reader from the beginning to the end. He was able to take us on a virtual reality ride into his personal life, the way only a gifted story teller could do.

In chapter seven “Blueprint for fighting pandemics”, I felt goose pimples as I read his experience during the 2017 meningitis outbreak in Northwest Nigeria, caused by the bacteria Neisseria meningitides serogroup C. He narrated how the lack healthcare infrastructure caused ‘scales of idealism to fall from his eyes’. 

“Centre’s providing care were comprised of essentially of people, even children, being treated underneath trees whose branches held infusion bottles, the intravenous lines swaying carelessly in the wind while attached to the patients,” he recalled.

I could relate. This was almost the exact picture of the situation when I worked in Bagega, Zamfara State in 2010, during the lead poisoning public health emergency. In fact, I chuckled when I read that when images of children receiving medication under the shade provided by trees were published on the front pages of most dailies, without the expected outrage. 

He expected condemnation and a demand for accountability; but there no none. He was shocked that there was no public outcry and no allocation of resources to address the situation. This was the exact sense of outrage that overwhelmed me in Bagega which led to the #SaveBagega campaign when I demanded for fiscal transparency in government’s intervention in the endangered community back in 2011. 

Then, ten years later, I activated the same #FollowTheMoney campaign to ensure that monies budgeted for COVID-19 were deployed transparently.

An Imperfect Storm ushers you into the life of a man and his mission. Starting from the cradle in Hamburg, Germany, to the classroom in Nsukka, Nigeria, we encounter a boy who initially wanted to be like his medical doctor father; and who, after doing all in his power to specialize as a surgeon, was finally pushed by fate to public health. The same fate joined him with a life partner who helped shape his career, from London to Johannesburg, and then to Abuja when he was appointed to head the infant Nigeria Center for Disease Control.

In 2016 when he assumed office, the NCDC had no legal mandate as a government establishment (which means no funds to function); had no strategic plan; had less than seventy staff; had no website; and had no reference laboratory. Hence, An Imperfect Storm, solves the riddle of how such a fledgling institution with a ragtag staff and scanty infrastructure was able to seamlessly morph into the well-oiled machine that drove Nigeria’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic within the space of three years. 

During the uncertain days of the pandemic, those updates from NCDC to our phones and social media handles had a soothing effect on the jarred psyche of anxious Nigerians. One never, for one moment, imagined that the agency was actually a baby in the bureaucratic world – now being forced to become an emergency mother to all of us.

In the chapter “The interface of politics and policy” the book, through a concise and clear narrative, like surgical blades, wades through the conspiracies that defined the lockdown days in 2020, especially the one surrounding the COVID-19 related death of late Chief of Staff to former President Muhammadu Buhari, Mallam Abba Kyari. 

Indeed, one could say that the book is the first authoritative account dispelling several pandemic-related conspiracies – including the one about the Infectious Diseases Bill. 

Similarly, in chapter 15, ‘The consonance between clinicians and academics”, we see how the pressure inflicted by the pandemic – dying patients, stalled economies and public panic – set off medical quackery that dominated global conversations and nearly derailed response efforts. In Nigeria there were three major waves of such ‘fixes’ and pseudo-scientific theories. They were the hydroxychloroquine theory; the Madagascar cure; and the zinc and ivermectin medications.  

An Imperfect Storm makes it clear that it was not only about contact tracing, testing and isolation; the NCDC and its indefatigable staff led by a determined public health expert must have to communicate with the right tone, language, and message, that informed Nigerians of the situation while allaying their fears and providing reassurances.

In the book, I saw a man who was able to show that managing the public health response to the COVID-19 pandemic was indubitably the most difficult professional challenge he had faced in his career. I also saw a woman giving all in her world to support her husband, and enable him achieve to optimum capacity in service to nation. It is a tale of love, fear, faith, service and patriotism woven into one buffet of literal clarity.

Personally, I was inspired to discover that I share similar leadership philosophy and style with the author. Just like Ihekweazu revealed, I also see my staff as colleagues, and I always make them, “forget that I’m the DG/CEO”. I want their opinion, to understand their motivation and assess their understanding of their responsibilities.

Additionally, the chapter on “Bureaucratic battles” was a mirror of sort to see my own career and the challenges I faced as a young Nigerian perceived by some ‘elders’ to be trying too hard to make a change. Ihekweazu, with his progressive and inclusive methods at the NCDC, came face to face with some reactionary forces that did not want him to shake the table, so to speak. As he wrote, “whispers circulating along the corridors of the ministry indicated that I was a ‘young’ man who was ‘pushing too hard’ and not ‘carrying everyone along’”. 

Fortunately, with his actions, appearance, strategic planning and commitment to excellence, he was able to deliver results and establish the NCDC as one of the most respected public health agencies in the world, leading to more countries following Nigeria’s lead in setting up a national public health institute.

What was left out? I feel the memoir is incomplete without the Ihekweazu’s taking us into their vision for a personal project (Foundation) that would leverage their experience and networks to give a legacy value to their country, Nigeria. Secondly, I must mention that his alternating time-line style of writing has a dramatic effect that could be better explored through a movie script in order for his COVID-19 story to go beyond a documentary. 

All things considered, An Imperfect Storm is worth a space in every library in the nation and beyond. Importantly, as the World Health Organization just declared the MPox an international health emergency, we now have a resource in An Imperfect Storm to guide us as the threat evolves. 

Hamzat Lawal (Hamzy!) is a renowned activist and campaigning currently mobilizing, organizing and leading a group of young people in bringing needed changes across African communities using Follow The Money. He is currently the Chief Executive of Connected Development (CODE). 

Crafting a tribute to someone as towering as Aremo Olusegun Osoba is akin to navigating a labyrinth of accolades where every path seems well trodden. Whether you aspire to extol baba Osoba as a Journalist, a Politician, a Statesman, or as the embodiment of a man who lives life to the fullest whilst enriching humanity, each facet of his persona has already been immortalized in praise. Indeed, in the chronicles of journalism and politics in Nigeria, the name Aremo Olusegun Osoba will always resonate and reverberate with distinction. He just turned 85.

In the grand tapestry of Nigerian journalism and politics, Aremo stands tall. This is a man whose life and career are the epitome of integrity, character and an unwavering commitment to public service. Born on July 15, 1939, in the quaint town of Egbatedo, Ogun State, to Pa and Madam Jonathan Babatunde Osoba, his journey from humble beginnings to the pinnacle of journalism and politics is nothing short of legendary. As we celebrate this remarkable man, it is fitting to recall the words of John Quincy Adams, the 6th President of the United States of America: “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” Chief Osoba embodies this sentiment in every respect.

THE JOURNALISTS’JOURNALIST

"Journalism is the first rough draft of history," wrote Philip Graham (former co-owner of the Washington Post), a sentiment that resonates profoundly in the career of Chief Olusegun Osoba. His journey into the realm of journalism began in 1964 as a trainee reporter with the Daily Times; and from those early days, his meticulous attention to detail and commitment to uncovering the truth quickly set him apart. Within two years, his diligent reporting on crime stories had established him as a force to be reckoned with. By 1966, he was already serving as the diplomatic correspondent for the Times.

Osoba’s rapid rise within the journalistic ranks is a testament to his unparalleled skills and work ethic. By 1968, he had ascended to the role of news editor. Barely three years later in 1971, he was appointed Deputy Editor of the Sunday Times. A year later, he became the deputy editor of the Daily Times. His editorial acumen was so clear and authoritative that by 1975, he had reached the pinnacle of his journalistic career as the Editor of the very respected and influential Daily Times of Nigeria. In this role, he championed investigative journalism and social justice, guiding his team with the wise saying that “The pen is mightier than the sword.”

Aremo's contributions were not confined to Nigeria. As a stringer for international media giants such as Newsweek Magazine, the BBC, The Times of London, and the United Press International News Agency, Chief Osoba’s journalistic prowess garnered international acclaim. His commitment to truth and integrity transcended borders, earning him the well deserved title of “the journalists’ journalist.” This was not just a moniker, but a recognition of his exceptional contributions to the field of journalism.

Aremo's career reflects the ethos of Edward R. Murrow’s (renowned American broadcast journalist) assertion: “To be persuasive, we must be believable; to be believable, we must be credible; to be credible, we must be truthful.” His work consistently embodied these principles, maintaining an unwavering commitment to accuracy and integrity in reporting. His tenure as Editor of the Daily Times was marked by a relentless pursuit of truth, regardless of the challenges and dire consequences. He was not afraid to confront the powerful or expose wrongdoing. He embodied the journalistic principle that “Journalism can never be silent: that is its greatest virtue and its greatest fault. It must speak, and speak immediately, while the echoes of wonder, the claims of triumph, and the signs of horror are still in the air.”

One of Chief Osoba’s most significant contributions to journalism was his advocacy for investigative reporting. He believed that journalism should serve as a watchdog for society, a sentiment echoed by the saying, “A good newspaper, I suppose, is a nation talking to itself.” His editorial leadership skills saw the Daily Times become a beacon of investigative journalism, tackling myriads of issues ranging from corruption, governance, to social injustice. His ability to uncover and report the truth earned him deep respect and admiration from peers and the public alike.

Chief Osoba’s influence extended beyond his editorial duties. He played a crucial role in mentoring the next generation of journalists, instilling in them the values of ethics, accuracy and objectivity in their work. His commitment to these principles was unwavering, even in the face of adversity. He understood the power of the written word and used it to effect positive change, thus demonstrating that “The function of the press in society is to inform, but its role in a democracy is to safeguard the liberties of the people.”

In recognition of his outstanding contributions to journalism, Osoba received numerous awards and accolades globally. His work with international media organizations further underscored his global impact. As a stringer for Newsweek, the BBC, The Times of London, and the United Press International News Agency, he brought Nigerian stories to the world stage, highlighting the complexities and nuances of the country’s socio-political landscape. His international recognition was not just a personal achievement, but also served as a testament to the high standards he set for Nigerian journalism, thus mirroring Nigeria to the world in glittering colours.

A STATESMAN OF GREAT REPUTE

“Public service must be more than doing a job efficiently and honestly. It must be a complete dedication to the people and to the nation,” remarked Margaret Chase Smith (first woman to serve in both Houses of the United States Congress). Osoba’s transition from journalism to politics was seamless, driven by a deep seated desire to serve and uplift his community. In 1992, he was elected Governor of Ogun State on the platform of the Social Democratic Party (SDP); and in 1999, he was re-elected on the platform of the Alliance for Democracy (AD).

Aremo Osoba’s governance was characterized by transparency, accountability and a focus on infrastructural development. His administration undertook significant projects aimed at improving the lives of the people. One of his notable achievements was in strengthening, expanding and building on the already established Ogun State Polytechnic which provided thousands of young Nigerians with opportunity to access higher education. The Polytechnic was formally conceived in 1980 as Ogun State Polytechnic during the military administration of Brigadier Harris Eghagha; but formally established by Chief Bisi Onabanjo’s administration. This initiative aligns with the idiom, “Teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime.” Osoba understood that education was the cornerstone of sustainable development and worked tirelessly to ensure that all educational institutions in Ogun State were adequately funded and managed.

His administration also prioritized healthcare in recognition of the truism that, “Health is wealth.” Under his leadership, the state’s healthcare system saw substantial improvements, with hospitals and clinics being adequately staffed and equipped to meet the needs of the teaming populace. His commitment to improving the state’s infrastructure was evident in the numerous road projects and public works undertaken during his tenure, ensuring that Ogun State had the necessary facilities to support its growing population.

Beyond these tangible achievements, Chief Osoba’s governance style was marked by a commitment to the hallowed principles of democracy and good governance. His administration was known for its transparency and accountability, earning him the respect and admiration of the people of Ogun state and Nigeria at large. He believed in the power of public service to effect positive change, a belief that was reflected in his policies and actions. His tenure as governor was a testament to the idea that “Leadership is not about being in charge. It is about taking care of those in your charge.”

Chief Osoba’s influence extended beyond the borders of Ogun State. His role in the Nigerian Constituent Assembly in 1988 was pivotal, as he contributed to shaping the country’s future, even though the 1989 Gen. Ibrahim Babangida's Constitution that emerged from it never saw the light of day. I was present with the Aremo at the Vision 2009 which was an economic forum to propel Nigeria to become one of the most developed countries of the world by the year 2020. His unquantifiable contributions can never be forgotten. At the 2014 National Confab, peopled by 402 delegates from all aspects of the Nigerian society, Osoba shone like a million stars in tackling the delicate issues of the day. He is on record to have severally called for implementation of the over 600 recommendations that were arrived at in re-engineering Nigeria. There has been none. His involvement in the International Press Institute and the Commonwealth Press Union further highlight his commitment to promoting press freedom and protecting the rights of journalists worldwide. His contributions were recognized with the Nigerian National Honor of the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON), a testament to his invaluable service to the nation.

His international engagements underscored his global influence. As a member of the International Press Institute, Chief Osoba was instrumental in advocating for press freedom and the protection of journalists. His work with the Commonwealth Press Union highlighted his commitment to upholding the principles of free and fair journalism on a global scale. His efforts were not just about defending the rights of journalists, but also about ensuring that the public had access to accurate and unbiased information.

Chief Osoba’s legacy as a statesman is one of dedication to public service and commitment to hallowed democratic principles. His governance in Ogun State set a standard for future leaders, demonstrating that it is possible to lead with integrity and focus on the welfare of the people. His contributions to national and international bodies further highlight his commitment to the principles of democracy, transparency and accountability. His works have left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s political landscape, inspiring future generations to pursue excellence in public service.

Chief Olusegun Osoba’s life and career are a testament to the power of ambition, resilience and integrity. His journey from a humble background to the heights of journalism and politics is a beacon of inspiration for all. As Ralph Waldo Emerson (an American essayist, lecturer, philosopher, abolitionist and poet who led the Transcendentalist movement of the mid-19th century) once said, “Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” Chief Osoba not only followed this path but also blazed a trail for future generations to follow.

His unallowed dedication to truth, justice and the welfare of his people has left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s history. Chief Osoba's contributions to journalism and politics will be remembered for generations to come, inspiring countless individuals to pursue excellence and integrity in their endeavors. His legacy is a shining example of what can be achieved through hard work, dedication and an unwavering commitment to one’s set principles.

In reflecting on Aremo Osoba’s career, one is reminded of the saying, “A life of integrity is the most fundamental source of personal worth.” His life remains a testament to this truth. From his early days as a journalist to his tenure as governor, and thence as a nation builder, he has consistently demonstrated the power of integrity and dedication to public service. His story is not just one of personal success, but also of profound impact on the lives of Nigerians.

Chief Osoba’s legacy is one of excellence and true service. His contributions to journalism have helped shape the media landscape in Nigeria and beyond; while his political career has set a benchmark for transparency and accountability in public and governance. As chairman of the Governing Board of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ), he played a crucial role in shaping the future of the profession, ensuring that the next generation of journalists upholds the highest standards of ethics and accuracy.

His work with the International Press Institute (IPI) and the Commonwealth Press Union (CPU) further highlight his commitment to promoting press freedom and protecting the rights of journalists worldwide. Osoba’s influence has since extended beyond his professional achievements. He is widely known for his humility, generosity, gregariousness, incandescence and utmost devotion to his family and community, embodying the saying that, “True leadership is about serving others, not being served.”

Aremo’s legacy will continue to shine and inspire future generations, reminding us that with hard work, integrity and dedication to one's, chosen cause, we can achieve greatness and make a meaningful impact on the world. Happy birthday to a man of character, valour and integrity. Happy celebration to an uncommon politician; a journalist’s journalist; a distinguished elderstatesman; a patriot and a detribalized Pan-Nigerian.

President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman as the Executive Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).

Professor Usman is a renowned scholar with qualifications from two Islamic centres of excellence -- the University of Madinah and Peshawar University, Pakistan.

He is also well-grounded in Hajj operations, having served as the Chairman of Kano State Pilgrims Board, and successfully superintended the operations of the largest quota of state pilgrims in the country.

The appointment is subject to confirmation by the Senate.

The President expects the new Chairman of NAHCON to discharge his duties with integrity, transparency, and utmost fidelity to the nation.

Chief Ajuri Ngelale

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of a new management team for the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC).

The new members of the management of the company are as follows:

(1) Engineer Jennifer Adighije -- Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer

(2) Engineer Abdullahi Kassim -- Executive Director (Generation)

(3) Engineer Bello Babayo Bello -- Executive Director (Networks)

(4) Mr. Emmmanuel Umeoji -- Executive Director (Corporate Services)

(5) Mr. Omololu Agoro -- Executive Director (Finance & Accounts)

(6) Engineer Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama -- Executive Director (Strategy & Commercial) 

(7) Barrister Steven Andzenge -- Executive Director (Legal Services)

The new NDPHC Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Jennifer Adighije, is an experienced engineer with vast competencies across management functions in the private and public sectors. 

She holds a master's degree in Wireless Networks & Telecommunications from Queen Mary University of London, UK, and a bachelor’s degree in Electrical/Electronics Engineering from the University of Lagos, Nigeria.

The President expects the new members of the management of the company to deploy their expertise and experience to drive NDPHC's mandate of effectively managing the National Integrated Power Projects (NIPP). 

Chief Ajuri Ngelale

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

Sometime in March 2018, Senator Shehu Sani, from Kaduna State and a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress, blew the whistle over the jumbo salaries and allowances of federal legislators in Nigeria. Senator Shehu Sani had, in an interview with the News Magazine, on the 8th of March 2018 revealed that “each senator receives N13.5 million monthly as running cost in addition to over N750,000.00 monthly consolidated salary and allowances”.

The disclosure led to the institution of Suit No FHC/L/CS/790/2018- Monday Ubani v The Senate & Ors at the Federal High Court where the plaintiff challenged the constitutional validity of the humongous salaries and allowances of the legislators. Two NGOS, the Socioeconomic and Accountability Project (SERAP) and Enough is Enough (EIE) filed similar suits in the same court where they prayed for the annulment of the total package of N14 million per month for a Nigerian Senator. Both Chambers of the National Assembly mounted a vigorous defence of the salaries and allowances fixed for the legislators by themselves.

In a landmark judgment delivered on June 4, 2021 in the consolidated suits, the trial judge, Justice Chuka Obiozor declared that the the Senate, the House of Representatives and the National Assembly service Commission “have no power, close or semblance of power and cannot determine, direct, command and/or instruct the 2nd defendant (RMAFC)) or any person howsoever, to make, determine and/or fix the salaries, wages, remuneration, running cost or allowances of the 3rd and 4th defendants.”

Having ruled that the RMAFC (2nd defendant) is the only body responsible for determining the salaries, remuneration and/or allowances of the National assembly or political office holders, the court held that “In line with Section 32 (b)(d) of part 1 of third schedule of the Constitutional of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended, the 2nd defendant should forthwith downward review and fix the salaries, remuneration or allowances of the 3rd and 4th defendants to reflect the economic realities in the country.

In utter contempt of the orders of the Federal High Court, the current leadership of the National Assembly increased the salaries and allowances of a Senator from N14 million to N21 million per month. This was confirmed last week by a member of the 10th Senate and Senator representing Kano South senatorial district of Kano State on the platform of New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Abdurrahman Kawu Sumaila who revealed that he earns approximately N21million monthly in salary and allowances. The lawmaker made this revelation while speaking to BBC Hausa Service.

Apparently embarrassed by Senator Sumaila's disclosure, the National Assembly leadership has said that the N21 million is the "running cost" of each Senator per month. The defence is a careless attempt to pull wool over the eyes of Nigerians. It is pertinent to point out that the running cost of parliament is the total money spent regularly to make the organization working.

In the 2024 Appropriation Act, the National Assembly appropriated N370 billion on running costs and contingency for the Senate and House of Representatives in the 2024 Appropriation Act. The breakdown of the running costs, contingency, etc are as follows:

i. N36.7 billion for the National Assembly Office;
ii. N49 billion for the Senate;
iii. N79 billion for the House of Representatives;
iv. N12.3billion for the National Assembly Service Commission and
v N20.3 billion for Legislative Aides.

In addition, the sum of N70 billion was approved for the "working conditions" while N57 billion was spent on buying SUVs for the members of the National Assembly at N160 million per member. The constituency projects of each senatorial district will gulp N500 million while those of the Senate President will attract N4 billion.

However, there is no provision whatsoever for monthly payment of N21 million running costs to every Senator in the 2024 Appropriation Act. To that extent, the payment is illegal. Furthermore, since the running cost was not fixed by the Revenue, Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission, it is unconstitutional and contemptuous of the valid and subsisting order of the Federal High Court.

The lawmakers should comply with the law of the land. Otherwise, we shall soon embark on contempt proceedings
as the legislators are not above the law of the land.

Having just enacted the Minimum Wage Act that stipulates N70,000
for workers, the jumbo emolument of N21 million for federal legislators will compound the crisis of inequality in the country.

Femi Falana SAN,
The Chair,
Alliance on Surviving COVID-19
and Beyond (ASCAB),

The $8.2bn Paris Olympics were an exuberant celebration of the spirit of sports.

The stunning opening ceremony along the river Seine saw Aya Nakamura, the sumptuous Malian-French singer influenced by Afrobeats and Caribbean zouk — who had been widely vilified by racist Gallic politicians and talking heads before the Games as not really being “French” — steal the show with a glittering performance, spoilt only by a French military band prancing around her.

The real significance of these Games was the way they exposed the role the Black Atlantic — the citizens of the European-led transatlantic slave trade between the 15th and 19th centuries — has played in shaping global culture through migration. Africa and its global diaspora in the Americas, the Caribbean and Europe dominated these Olympics, as they have previous Games.

These global Africans are true symbols of the globalisation of cultural identities. Athletics is the jewel in the Olympic crown, and citizens of the Black Atlantic triumphed in much of the track and field competition. Global Africans helped the US, Britain, Jamaica and Canada finish in the top seven nations in athletics, while Kenya took second place. The US finally ended Jamaica’s 16-year dominance of the sprints.

African-American sprinter Noah Lyles won the closest Olympic 100m final, before seeking in his bronze-winning 200m race to steal the thunder of Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo — who became the first African to win a sprint gold, in a continental record — by dramatically announcing that he had Covid-19.

It was an emotional victory for the humble Tebogo, who dedicated the victory to his recently deceased mother: the pillar behind much of his success. Lyles learnt the hard way that it takes more than trash-talking to enter into the pantheon of global African Olympians such as Jesse Owens and Carl Lewis, who each won four gold medals at the 1936 Berlin and 1984 Los Angeles games.

Three Afro-Cubans — Jordan DÍaz Fortun (Spain), Pedro Pichardo (Portugal), and Andy DÍaz Hernández (Italy) — swept the triple jump medals. Jamaican discus-thrower Roke Stona won gold in an Olympic record. Ugandan 10,000m runner Joshua Cheptegei and Ethiopian marathoner Tamirat Tola broke the Olympic record, as did the African-American 4 x 400m quartet, with Rai Benjamin (400m hurdles) and Quincy Hall (400m) also bagging individual golds. Kenya’s Emmanuel Wanyonyi stormed to victory in the 800m. African-American three-time 110m hurdles world champion Grant Holloway finally won Olympic gold.

Outstanding performances among the women included Kenya’s Faith Kipyegon’s historic third consecutive Olympic gold in the 1,500m (a new games record), adding a silver in the 5,000m behind Kenya’s Beatrice Chebet, with Ethiopian-Dutch athlete Sifan Hassan — who later broke the Olympic marathon record in clinching gold — winning bronze. Senegalese-Belgian heptathlete Nafissatou Thiam similarly won three consecutive Olympic golds.

African American Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone broke her own 400m hurdles world record, and 100m sprinter Julien Alfred (St Lucia), 400m runner Marieldy Paulino (Dominican Republic) and triple-jumper Thea LaFond (Dominica) all won their small Caribbean islands’ first gold medals. Harvard-educated Jamaican-American biologist Gabby Thomas won gold in the 200m, as well as in the 4x100m and 4x400m relays. Kenyan-born Bahraini 3,000m steeplechaser Winfred Yavi won gold in an Olympic record. Nigerian-German shot-putter Yemisi Ogunleye won gold on her last throw.

Elsewhere, this was the Games in which African-American Simone Biles — among the greatest Olympic gymnasts with seven gold medals — achieved redemption. After having had to withdraw from the Tokyo Olympics with a very public mental breakdown, she won three golds and one silver in Paris. Algerian Kaylia Nemour won Africa’s first Olympic gymnastics gold. SA’s Tatjana Smith won a swimming gold. The US’s men and women “Dream Teams” predictably swept the basketball, with LeBron James, Steph Curry and Kevin Durant memorably rolling back the years.

• Adebajo is professor and senior research fellow at the University of Pretoria’s Centre for the Advancement of Scholarship.

Story highlights 

• The deregulation of meter pricing has led to a significant increase in meter costs, with some three-phase meters now selling almost at N250,000.
• This has raised concerns not only about availability but also affordability, especially for consumers still subjected to estimated billing.
• While energy experts agree that this move may help address the metering gap in the country, they caution that it does little to tackle the broader challenges posed by high inflation and the rising cost of living.

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission’s (NERC) move to deregulate Meter Asset Providers (MAP) was hailed as the much-needed solution to the country’s persistent metering gap crisis.

However, this silver bullet has come with a price, and not just figuratively. The soaring cost of prepaid meters has added a new layer of burden for the average Nigerian household, making the dream of escaping the trap of estimated billing feel like an increasingly distant hope.

For millions of Nigerians, the sharp rise in metering costs from about N80,000 to over N200,000 in just one year has become as burdensome as the problem it was meant to solve: eliminating estimated billing.

Four months ago, NERC introduced a promising policy to deregulate both meter prices and providers, embracing a willing-buyer, willing-seller system aimed at opening up the market. This move was intended to empower customers, allowing them to obtain meters from any approved vendor without relying on the DisCos.

While this policy appeared commendable on paper, it has brought new challenges.

The most pressing of these is the increase in meter prices, exacerbated by the prevailing economic conditions and rising inflation.

According to the National Bureau of Statistics, the number of customers on estimated billing has surged from 5.83 million in Q4 2023 to 6.43 million in Q1 2024, marking a significant 10% rise.

These figures represent millions of households striving to escape the cycle of overbilling and other abuses by their distribution companies, only to find that the path to obtaining a prepaid meter has become even more difficult.

Latest Meter Prices  

Following the announcement by NERC, DisCos and their meter providers partners have declared new meter prices, pointing to the deregulation policy and ailing economic conditions.

None of the new prices is below N100,000, a very sharp increase from the former price announced by NERC in September 2023.

According to the new prices by DisCos, the cost of a single phase meter rose from N81,975 to about N125,000, depending on the DisCo and the vendor the customer is purchasing from.

Different DisCos announced different prices from N120,00 for a single-phase meter to about N240,00 for a three-phase meter, a sharp increase that has made struggling Nigerians question their choices in obtaining meter and estimated billing.

The average prices announced by distribution companies across the country are as follows.

Abuja DisCo:  

Single Phase Meter — Between N105,000 to  N131,000

Three Phase Meter — N198,000 to N220,000

Kaduna DisCo: 

Single Phase Meter — Between N120,000 to N132,000

Three Phase Meter — Between N206,000 to N215,000

Ikeja DisCo: 

Single Phase Meter — Between N120,000 to N125,000

Three Phase Meter — N213,000 to N225,000

Eko DisCo: 

Single Phase Meter — Between N117,000 to N135,000

Three Phase Meter — Between 145,000 to N247,000

This increase in price is true for all the eleven DisCos across the country.

How Nigerians are responding to the new meter prices 

For Nigerians already grappling with soaring inflation, skyrocketing living costs, and the recent hike in electricity tariffs for Band A customers, the sharp increase in meter prices feels like an added weight to their already overwhelming burdens.

Beyond the persistent challenge of availability, there’s a pressing concern about the purchasing power of consumers—many of whom are struggling to make ends meet in today’s harsh economic climate.

A lingering question is the stability of these meter prices, especially with the deregulation of the Meter Asset Provider (MAP) scheme.

Ifeoma Ugbe, a Lagos-based energy expert, said NERC typically announces price hikes at regular intervals, sometimes within a year. But with deregulation, the situation becomes even more uncertain.

“Deregulation means prices will fluctuate based on market realities, so we can’t expect them to stay the same for long,” she said. 

For customers who spoke to Nairametrics, the recent price increase has been met with frustration and concern.

Mr. Adetunji, a resident of Isolo, Lagos, expressed his disappointment, explaining that his household had been attempting to secure a prepaid meter for over a year before the price hike. “Now, we have to pay the new price. We don’t have a choice. And it’s not even as if the meter is readily available,” he lamented.

Usman Johnson, a landlord in Wuse, Abuja, shared a similar sentiment, noting that the increased cost of meters would only discourage customers like himself from obtaining one.

“Where do they expect us to find the money? First, you have to wait endlessly to get the meter, and now we’re expected to pay more. It feels like this government just enjoys raising prices on everything—tariffs have gone up, everything has gone up. It’s becoming increasingly difficult for the common man,” Johnson said. 

In Maryland, along Ikorodu Road, Mrs. Elizabeth Okiro, a store owner, shared her experience. She and other shop owners had been pooling funds to purchase five meters from their distribution company, only to discover that prices had increased significantly.

“Imagine spending over N1 million just to buy meters in this tough economy. We decided we’ll have to wait because after paying, you still have to cover installation costs. The economy is simply harsh. Our landlord eventually advised us to stop contributing—the cost is just too high,” Okiro explained.  

Her store is one of about 20 in the plaza, meaning most tenants are forced to remain on estimated billing.

Deregulation of MAP won’t ease the burden of the Masses  

Energy expert Ifeoma Ugbe argues that deregulating the Meter Asset Provider (MAP) scheme alone may fall short of solving the challenges in the power sector.

“While the government aims to bring in more liquidity and investment, it is crucial that this is done with the interest of the masses in mind,” she says.  

Ugbe emphasized that for any reform to truly benefit the public, it must strike a balance between attracting investors and ensuring affordability for everyday consumers.

Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu has set an ambitious target: to eliminate estimated billing by the end of the year.

But this goal appears increasingly out of reach. Recent data from Q1 2024 indicates that estimated billing rose by 10%, affecting over six million households.

The federal government plans to address this with the move to purchase 3.5 million meters this year to bridge the metering gap.

However, with around seven million customers still unmetered, significant challenges remain.

This has raised concerns that the government may resort to tariff hikes and a stronger emphasis on cost-reflective pricing.

Lawyer and energy expert Nonso Ikechukwu warns that such a strategy could place a further strain on consumers. “For most Nigerians, higher tariffs are simply unaffordable,” Ikechukwu states. 

He also highlights that rising inflation and currency instability will likely push meter prices even higher, potentially undermining the government’s plans.

“If meter prices continue to climb, it’s hard to see how this policy will succeed,” Ikechukwu adds, questioning whether the measures will actually ease the burden on ordinary citizens.

 [Nairametrics]

There was no approval by the National Assembly before the procurement of the new presidential jet for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Daily Trust’s findings have revealed.

Late in June, an online news platform reported that the Nigerian government had acquired an Airbus A330 aircraft from a German bank.

According to PREMIUM TIMES, the German bank had seized the aircraft from an unnamed Arabian prince and businessman, who reportedly failed to pay hundreds of millions of dollars he owed the bank.

Officials of the Presidency, according to the online news platform, had “kept their lips shut” about the planned purchase of a new aircraft for the Presidential Air Fleet.

And since then, there has not been any official statement from the Presidency on the matter.

The actual cost of the aircraft is yet to be ascertained. A report earlier by Premium Times had said it was learnt that government was negotiating to acquire it for $100 million.l, but said it could not establish th actual price it was procured.

Speaking on the matter during a plenary session of the upper legislative chamber, however, Senate President Godswill Akpabio said the request for purchase of the craft had not been tabled before the parliament, but that once done, members would consider and approve it.

“We care about the president and we care about the Nigerian people. We will approve things that will benefit the Nigerian people”, Akpabio had said then, in respect of the bid to acquire the presidential aircraft.

Akpabio, who alleged that the National Assembly was being “blackmailed” over the matter, said: “But I can tell you that when you hear stories such as the death of the vice president of Malawi as a result of a defective plane, and then the death of the president of Iran as a result of defective aircraft; we shouldn’t ever sit and allow such to be at the ocean. It wouldn’t be.

“The Senate is very responsible. The National Assembly is very responsible. We will look into issues that will benefit the governance of the country.

“Irrespective of anticipatory blackmail, because those people know very well that something like that might come in the future; and if it’s a necessity, the Senate will look into it.

“But there is nothing like that before us now”, he said pointedly.

Nothing was heard about the matter until the recent controversy broke about the seizure of three Nigerian aircraft by a Chinese firm, acting on an order of a French court.

The French court had ordered the seizure of the three jets amid a long-standing dispute between Zhongshan Fucheng Industrial Investment and the Ogun State government, over a massive industrial park that was to be developed to attract investors.

The planes were said to be undergoing  “routine maintenance” at the time of the seizure.

Meanwhile, the Chinese firm said on Friday that it had released, “as a gesture of goodwill”, the Airbus A330 for President Tinubu to travel for a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron.

It was not immediately clear whether it was the same aircraft President Tinubu would use for his trip to France today.

A presidential spokesperson yesterday confirmed to Daily Trust that the new aircraft was purchased for the president.

“That is settled. Something that is now released (referring to the seized aircraft Airbus A330). If it was not purchased, how could it be withheld by the Chinese company? There’s no controversy around it. Almost everything has been concluded and it was out in the media”, the aide who declined to be named said.

On whether an approval was obtained from the National Assembly before the procurement of the presidential jet, the spokesperson said, “There was a story that the National Assembly directed that the aircraft should be procured for the President. There are a number of windows to the National Assembly.”

The government official also hinted that the aircraft could have been purchased under the Service Wide Vote, which he said, may not require the parliament’s assent.

Our National Assembly correspondents found that though the House of Representatives Committee on National Security and Intelligence led by Satomi Ahmed had, earlier in June, recommended a new aircraft be procured for the president, the lawmakers did not approve it before they proceeded on their annual recess on July 23.

No approval request from the president for the procurement of a new presidential was considered on the floors of both the Senate and the House of Representatives.

The House of Representatives had, on July 23, passed the supplementary bill which sought to raise the 2024 Appropriation Act from N28.7 trillion to N35.06 trillion.

The chairman of the House Committee on Appropriation, Abubakar Bichi, who presented the harmonised joint Senate and House report on the budget, had said, “As you can see, we have passed the N6.2 trillion budget of Mr President, the budget of Renewed Nope.

“N3.2 trillion is for capital expenditure; while about N3 trillion will go to the current. And as I said last time, the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway is a critical road infrastructure that Mr President wants to actualise.”

We’re not aware of approval for new presidential jet – Lawmakers 

Some lawmakers, who spoke to our reporters on condition of anonymity yesterday, said the National Assembly neither considered nor approved any request for the procurement of a presidential jet before proceeding on recess.

A credible source in the Senate said: “At no time was deal discussed at the plenary meeting. It was not tabled. But then, there is the probability that the president had sent the letter.”

Another source also said he was not aware of any approval by the Senate for the purchase of a new presidential jet.

“The last time we heard something about the new aircraft was when the Senate president, Akpabio, said no communication about it yet from the Villa, but that the National Assembly would not hesitate to approve it.

“I read it in the media that the aircraft had been purchased, and as I speak with you, no one has denied that the deal was sealed,” he said.

A member of the House of Representatives also told Daily Trust yesterday that no correspondence from the president was presented to them about the purchase of a new aircraft for the president.

He said: “We’ve not seen anything in the main budget or the supplementary budget about the purchase of a new presidential aircraft. Another thing is that, there is no detail of the supplementary budget passed. So, we don’t know whether it is in the 2024 supplementary budget because we have not been availed with the detailed breakdown. It was presented as a lump sum.

“We don’t know about the purchase of the aircraft because it was not presented to us and we have not seen any details about it. So, we cannot say anything. So, I won’t have any comments until I see the details”.

It can’t be true – NSA’s spokesman

When contacted on telephone last night, the spokesman of the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Zakari Mijinyawa, told one of our reporters that it could not be true that the new presidential plane was purchased without an approval of the National Assembly.

“It cannot be true. This is the time I am hearing this whether in government or outside government,” he said.

Later in a telephone call to Daily Trust, Mijinyawa said he was informed by someone “within the system” that the purchase by captured in the Service Wide Vote.

Presidency, Defence ministry, Senate, Reps mum

The Special Adviser to the President on Senate Matters, Senator Bashir Lado, did not respond to WhatsApp and text messages seeking his comment. His phone line was busy several times one of our reporters called yesterday.

The chairmen of the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Yemi Adaramodu and Honourable Akin Rotimi respectively were contacted yesterday by Daily Trust via phone calls and text messages to confirm whether or not the purchase of the new presidential jet was authorized by the legislature, but they did not oblige.

In the same vein, the chairmen of the Senate and House Committees on Appropriations, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola and Honourable Abubakar Bichi respectively, neither answered phone calls nor replied to messages sent to their mobile lines telephone mobile line for enquiries.

Several calls and a text message to Mati Ali, the media aide to the Minister of Defence, Abubakar Badaru, were also not answered.

[DailyTrust]

The family of one Mr Okechukwu Ani, Onungeneoma Ugbuawka in Nkanu East LGA of Enugu State has accused the Police in Enugu State of shielding some suspects allegedly involved in child trafficking.

In a petition dated August 5, 2024, addressed to the Inspector General of Police through their lawyer, Samuel Abazie, the family accused the Enugu State Police Command of releasing the suspects allegedly linked to the abduction and selling of their child.

According to the lawyer, “It is the case of our client that his son, Master Godwin Ani, was kidnapped by Mr. Peter Chiadikaobi Igiri, who is currently awaiting trial at the Enugu Custodial Centre of the Nigeria Correctional Services (the prisons).

”During investigations, Mr. Peter Chiadikaobi Igiri confessed that he soId Master Godwin Ani to Mrs. Caroline C. Ani who in turn sold the child to an unknown person.

“According to our client, Mrs. Caroline C. Ani was released on bail upon arraignment mainly because there was no evidence linking her to the crime since she denied not to have any dealings with Mr. Peter Chiadikaobi Igiri who is linking her to the crime and also because of how highly connected she is.

“However, during the course of interrogations, it was discovered that Mr. Peter Chiadikaobi Igiri has maintained a business relationship as a kidnapping and child trafficking syndicate with Mrs. Caroline C. Ani, who together have successively sold countless children.

“After the release of Mrs. Caroline C. Ani on bail, investigations revealed that Mr. Chiadikaobi Igiri,within the same time he kidnapped and sold Master Godwin Ani, also dispossessed his own wife of their three Children (Two female and one male) and sold them together with Master Godwin Ani to Mrs, Caroline Ani who in conjunction with Mrs. Chinelo Nwosu who resides and works at the University Teaching Hospital Port Harcourt and Mrs. Ebere Ani, as it is usual with their business,sold the children to yet-to-be-identified traffickers.”

“Further during investigations, it was discovered that one Mrs. Chibuzo Iheoma Okereke,who is a nurse at the Nursing Unit of the University Teaching Hospital Port Harcourt, paid the sum of N850,000 (Eight hundred and fifty thousand) naira only, to the account of Mrs. Caroline Ani as payment for selling the youngest baby (3 months) of the kidnapped children to her. The said money was discovered in the statement of account of Mrs. Caroline C. Ani which is with the Police.

“The said 3 months baby, whose name is Chimsidili Igiri the last born of Peter Igiri,was recovered from Mrs. Chibuzo Iheoma Okereke at University Teaching Hospital Port Harcourt, and the latter has confessed to buying the child from Mrs. Caraline Ani. She (Chibuzo Iheoma Okereke) was also arrested with Mrs. Chinelo Nwosu, the daughter of Mrs. Caroline Ani and who acts as liaison between Mrs.Caroline and her prospective buyers from Port Harcourt,” he further alleged.

The lawyer told the IGP that notwithstanding the alleged gamut of evidence linking Mrs Caroline C. Ani to the crime, the police in Enugu State “refused to re-arrest Mrs. Caroline C. Ani, and Mrs. Ebere Ani, her daughter in-law, who was identified by Mrs. Chibuzo Iheoma Okereke to have transported the kidnapped children, including the son of our client, Master Godwin Ani, from Enugu to Port Harcourt.

“Regrettably, it turns out that Mrs. Caroline C. Ani who sold master Godwin Ani is equally a person of means and notable amongst the nobles in Enugu State.”

He said it would be against public policy and may engender public displeasure should Mrs. Caroline C. Ani and Mrs. Ebere Ani be allowed to go scot-free.

The family urged the IGP to order the immediate re-arrrest of the said suspects “based on the new evidence against them in the docket and knowledge of the police.”

Meanwhile, DAILY POST reached out to the Public Relations Officer of the Enugu State Police Command, DSP Daniel Ndukwe for reaction.

He asked: “Who’s the petition written to”, with DAILY POST responding “IGP”.

Ndukwe made no further reaction as of the time of filing this report.

[DailyPost]