President Bola Tinubu will depart Abuja on Wednesday to begin a state visit to France in honour of an invitation from President Emmanuel Macron.

The Nigerian leader's three-day visit, which will focus on strengthening political, economic, and cultural relations and establishing more opportunities for partnership, particularly in agriculture, security, education, health, youth engagement and employment, innovation, and energy transition, promises significant benefits for Nigeria.

President Tinubu and his wife, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, will be received on Thursday at the 350-year-old French military museum, Les Invalides and Palais de l'Élysée, by Macron and his spouse, Brigitte, for initial ceremonies that will dovetail into bilateral meetings.

During the visit, President Tinubu and President Macron will harmonise positions on stimulating more interest in exchange programmes that focus on skill development for youths and improving their competencies in automation, entrepreneurship, innovation, and leadership.

Both leaders will participate in political and diplomatic meetings highlighting shared values on finance, solid minerals, trade and investments, and communication. They will also witness a session by the France-Nigeria Business Council, which oversees private sector participation in economic development.

Brigitte and Nigeria's First Lady will discuss the latter's passion for empowering women, children, and the most vulnerable through the Renewed Hope Initiative.

President Tinubu and his wife will be hosted at a state dinner by the French leader before their departure.

Top government officials will accompany President Tinubu on the trip.

Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
Information & Strategy

The Latin axiom “Corruptissima re publica plurimae leges” rings painfully true for Nigeria. It translates to “The more corrupt the state, the more numerous the laws.” This adage seems to encapsulate the nation’s convoluted legal landscape, a labyrinth of statutes that often serve as tools for manipulation rather than instruments of justice.

Nigeria, a nation blessed with abundant resources, has been plagued by endemic corruption for decades. This scourge has permeated every facet of society, from government institutions to the private sector. However, the problem isn’t merely the absence of ethical conduct; it’s also the overabundance of laws that are frequently ignored or selectively enforced.

The Nigerian legal system is a complex web of statutes, regulations, and by-laws. The sheer volume of legislation can be overwhelming, even for legal professionals.

So, let me address just one concern; our Tax Laws. The Nigerian government’s recent push for tax reform has ignited a firestorm of controversy, with proposed tax bills threatening to further burden an already struggling populace. The core of the issue lies in the perceived excessive taxation and the potential for increased government overreach.

At the heart of the debate are several key bills, including the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, the Tax Administration Bill, the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill, and the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill. These bills aim to overhaul Nigeria’s tax system, with proponents arguing that they will modernize the system and boost government revenue. However, critics contend that these measures will disproportionately impact the middle class and small businesses, further stifling economic growth.

One of the most contentious aspects of the proposed reforms is the expansion of the tax net to include previously exempt sectors and individuals. This has raised concerns about the government’s ability to effectively monitor and enforce these new taxes, potentially leading to increased corruption and bureaucratic inefficiency. Additionally, the proposed establishment of a new tax authority, the Nigeria Revenue Service, has sparked fears of increased surveillance and potential abuses of power.

The timing of these proposed reforms has also come under scrutiny, with many arguing that they are ill-timed given the current economic climate. With rising inflation, unemployment, and poverty rates, many Nigerians fear that additional tax burdens will further erode their purchasing power and exacerbate social unrest.

Meanwhile, sometime last week, a military convoy had an altercation with a civilian driving and overtaking, whatever the real story was, the civilian was brutalised, Nigerians then went ahead especially those justifying the military right to brutality to reel out laws— Overtaking Military Convoy: Consequences Under Nigerian Law

Overtaking a military convoy is a serious offense in Nigeria, punishable under various laws. This article examines the consequences of overtaking a military convoy under Nigerian law.

Relevant Laws

The Armed Forces Act (AFA) 2004: Section 119 prohibits obstructing or interfering with military operations, including convoys.

The Road Traffic Act 2004: Section 35 prohibits reckless driving, including overtaking military convoys.

The National Security Agencies Act 2004: Section 15 empowers security agencies to take necessary actions to maintain national security.

Consequences of Overtaking Military Convoy

Arrest and Detention: Security personnel may arrest and detain anyone who overtakes a military convoy.

Prosecution: Offenders may be prosecuted under the AFA, Road Traffic Act, or National Security Agencies Act.

Imprisonment: Conviction may result in imprisonment for up to 5 years (AFA) or 2 years (Road Traffic Act).

Fine: Offenders may be fined up to ₦50,000 (AFA) or ₦20,000 (Road Traffic Act).

Vehicle Confiscation: The vehicle used to overtake the convoy may be confiscated.

Tort Liability: Offenders may be liable for damages or injuries caused to military personnel or equipment.

Court Rulings

In Aoku v. State (2017), the Court of Appeal upheld a 5-year imprisonment sentence for overtaking a military convoy.

Precautions

To avoid consequences:

1. Exercise caution when approaching military convoys.
2. Maintain a safe distance.
3. Follow traffic rules and regulations.
4. Avoid reckless driving.

Conclusion

Overtaking a military convoy is a serious offense in Nigeria, carrying severe consequences under various laws. It is essential to exercise caution and respect military operations to avoid prosecution and punishment.

Apart from the precautions everything in the piece is at best hogwash, some of those laws don’t even exist, but sadly it speaks to the legal proliferation I am referring to which leads to several unintended consequences.

The nation suffers Legal Uncertainty as a result of conflicting Laws, the sheer number of laws often leads to inconsistencies and contradictions, creating confusion and uncertainty for citizens and businesses alike.

These laws have plenty Overlapping Jurisdictions, multiple agencies may have overlapping regulatory authority, leading to bureaucratic hurdles and delays. Whether it is LASTMA, or FRSC and federal and local roads, or it is sharia or canon law.

With Selective Enforcement, Law enforcement agencies may prioritize certain laws over others, leading to selective justice and undermining the rule of law.

These laws open the doors for Corruption and Abuse of Power, as opportunities for Bribery and Extortion, corrupt officials to demand bribes or extort money from citizens and businesses. Leaving rooms open for Impunity for the Powerful as wealthy and influential can often use their connections to circumvent the law or delay legal proceedings.

The sheer volume of laws can make it difficult to hold public officials accountable for their actions. Sometimes in corruption cases when citizens hear the judgments passed you wonder under which law.

Do I need to emphasize how these laws stifle innovation and entrepreneurship, hindering economic growth, as a result of these regulatory burdens with red tapism, bureaucratic hurdles and delays that discourage foreign investment and hinder domestic businesses, we hardly make progress.

All these laws make it difficult for businesses to plan and invest, leading to economic stagnation. When laws are not enforced or are selectively applied, citizens lose faith in the legal system and the government. Leading to erosion of public trust and cynicism and distrust.

Whether it is a tax law, or a traffic law, our laws need simplification and codification, we need to combine overlapping and contradictory laws into a more streamlined and coherent legal framework. Loads of review and repeal by identifying outdated and unnecessary laws to reduce the regulatory burden.

Currently there is no effective enforcement, by strengthen law enforcement agencies, with the resources and training they need to enforce the law effectively. Ensuring independence of the judiciary and protecting judges from political interference is paramount.

Then we need robust accountability mechanisms to hold public officials accountable for their actions.

Let me add that half of the problem of these laws are lack of public participation. Involve citizens in the law-making process to ensure that laws reflect their needs and concerns. Promote legal literacy to empower citizens to understand their rights and responsibilities, because just as the proposed tax bills have ignited a fierce debate across various sectors of Nigerian society, with civil society organizations, labor unions, and business groups voicing their concerns. The government continues to push for these reforms, the truth is that you cannot strike a balance between generating revenue and ensuring that the tax burden is distributed fairly and equitably with a populace that does not know what the law is about.

By addressing the root causes of the problem, Nigeria can break free from the cycle of corruption and create a more just and equitable society. The path to progress lies in simplifying the legal framework, strengthening law enforcement, and fostering a culture of accountability and transparency, will Nigeria win these legal cycles—Only time will tell.

Video-sharing platform Rumble announced that it plans to allocate up to $20 million in Bitcoin for its crypto treasury.

The video-sharing and cloud services company announced yesterday that its board has approved a strategy to diversify its corporate treasury by allocating up to $20 million of spare cash to Bitcoin.

“We believe that the world is still in the early stages of the adoption of Bitcoin, which has recently accelerated with the election of a crypto-friendly U.S. presidential administration and increased institutional adoption. Unlike any government-issued currency, Bitcoin is not subject to dilution through endless money-printing, enabling it to be a valuable inflation hedge and an excellent addition to our treasury,” said Rumble Chairman and CEO Chris Pavlovski.

The Chairman went further to reveal his vision for Rumble to become the leading video and cloud services platform for the crypto community.

“We are also excited to strengthen our ties with crypto and to bolster our efforts to become the leading video and cloud services platform for the crypto community,” Pavlovski added.

Rumble announces this move when Bitcoin is retracting and has failed to breach the $100,000 mark. Rumble however noted that the strategy is flexible and might be paused or discontinued at any time.

Rumble joins the ranks of Microstrategy and other corporate firms investing in Bitcoin and setting up strategic reserves. Microstrategy remains the largest corporate holder of Bitcoin.

The Business intelligence firm got into Bitcoin in 2020 during the lockdown and has grown its Bitcoin holdings to $386,700.

Other Firms investing in Crypto 

Rumble’s move to put $20 million into crypto is not an isolated case as several firms have also made moves to invest in crypto especially Bitcoin.

• These public companies are usually seeking to leverage Bitcoin and a store of value and hedge against inflation.
• Genius Group, an artificial intelligence firm, recently disclosed plans to invest $4 million to the crypto as part of its “Bitcoin-first” strategy.

Other firms include Anixa Biosciences, a cancer-focused biotech firm, which announced on Nov. 22 its decision to allocate a portion of its treasury to Bitcoin stressing the crypto asset’s ability to serve as a perfect hedge against inflation.

What to Know  

• Bitcoin is currently exchanging hands for $93,649 dropping from its peak $99,000 price level from days ago. Analysts still believe the asset will cross the psychological $100,000 barrier before the year ends.
• Microstrategy stocks are highly sought after due to its heavy investment in Bitcoin. The business intelligence firm has acquired the most of BTC and plans to buy even more over the next three years.

[Nairametrics]

Former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar has described the Rivers State Governor, Similayi Fubara as a restorer of the glory of the oil-rich state, saying, “he is the Moses of our time.”

Naija News reports that Atiku made the remarks in Port Harcourt through one of his aides, Hon. Dimeji Fabiyi who represented him at an event in commemoration of the United Nations Day Against Women-based Violence, organised by a body known as Nice Esther For All Foundation and hosted by its founder, Mrs. Nice Alameyeseigha.

According to Atiku, “Women have continued to be agents of positive change through generations. Our common destiny to a better future is only a reality when we give women the support and encouragement that they require to lead the charge for social reforms.”

“Today (Monday) , we are all seated here in the beautiful city of Port Harcourt. This gathering is itself a manifestation of positive change that was brought about by women’s action.

“In Rivers State, there is a leader called Governor Similayi Fubara, who possesses a manifestation of the prophecy of Moses, by being a restorer of peace and glory to his people,” Fabiyi said on behalf of Atiku.

Continuing, he remarked that, “Rivers State, we must all remember, has a long history of being the political capital of the South-south.

“The city of Port-Harcourt occupies a pride of place in our beautiful country and that is a fact that no one can deny.

“We give thanks to the Almighty God that He has chosen to add to the many blessings of Rivers State by making His Excellency Similayi Fubara the Governor of this great state today.

“One of the stories in the scriptures that both main religions in Nigeria have in common is the story of Moses. God favours the people of Israel and He sent Moses to deliver them from the wickedness of Pharaoh.

“The major lesson in the story of Moses is that Moses was raised in the palace of the Pharaoh. Anyone who knows that story very well will know that Governor Fubara is the Moses of today and that the people of Rivers State are God’s people.

“Today, in Port Harcourt, we have a governor who has flushed away the footprints of political godfathers who thought they could play God. And today, we are proud and certain that God is on our side, not just in Rivers State but also all over Nigeria.

“I am here to represent a true friend of Rivers State in the person of Atiku Abubakar. And I am happy to announce to everyone here present, that when the new dawn comes in Nigeria, it shall be remembered that Port Harcourt played the first part by standing strong against the tyrants of today.”

Fabiyi said further that Atiku specifically asked him to thank Governor Fubara for, “his enviable courage, doggedness and wisdom in the face of provocations, and also to assure the governor of his solid support in the his quest to make good impact in the lives of the people of Rivers State.”

Atiku further urged the people of Rivers State to stand firmly behind Governor Fubara as he leads them, saying: “Fubara is the Moses God has blessed you with to take you to the promised land and he must be supported by all in the mission.”

The former Vice President commended the effort of the organizers of the event for promoting seminars on non-violence against women, saying that he would have personally been at the event, which coincides with his birthday anniversary, but for his tight schedule.

“To our host of today, Dr. Nice Alameyeisigha, I recognize your efforts and appreciate you for what you’re doing. As my unapologetic supporter, if not for my birthday that coincides with this event today, I should have been there to honour you in person.

“I thank you immensely and appreciate you for being a shining light and strong voice in the advocacy for women and children development, care and empowerment. There is nothing like impacting humanity,” Atiku said.

[Naijanews]

The Monetary Policy Committee of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has voted to unanimously increase benchmark interest rate by 25 basis points to 27.50% from 27.25%

All 12 members of the committee were in attendance and voted unanimously for the raise.

Members also voted to retain the asymmetric corridor around the MPR at + 500 and – 100 basis points.

The meeting held on the backdrop of renewed inflationary pressures as the headline food and core measures rose year-on-year in October 2024

Reading out the decision of the committee, the CBN Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, said the committee was particularly concerned that all three measures also inched up on a month-on-month basis, suggesting the persistence of price pressures with attendant adverse impact on income and welfare of citizens.

Members therefore agreed unanimously to remain focused on addressing price developments.

He said while food prices remain a key contributor to the uptick, members commended the efforts of the federal government for the improved security especially in the north east of the country, which would likely improve food production.

The committee also noted the role of rising energy prices on the general price level due to its impact on factors of production.

Cardoso said the recent increase in the price of premium motor spirit, PMS has also impacted the cost of production and distribution of food items and manufactured costs.

The committee was optimistic that the full deregulation of the downstream sub sector of the petroleum industry would eliminate scarcity and stabilize price levels in the short to medium term.

[DailyTrust]

The 29th UN Climate Change Conference (COP29), held in Baku, Azerbaijan, wrapped up early Sunday morning with outcomes that left developing nations and activists disheartened. 

Touted as the “Climate Finance COP,” the summit fell significantly short of expectations, pledging just $300 billion annually by 2035 to assist vulnerable nations—far below the $1.3 trillion that experts had deemed essential.

Developing nations had called for $500 billion annually in the form of grants—not loans—to avoid deepening their debt crises. However, wealthy nations refused binding agreements and resisted taking historical responsibility for their outsized contributions to greenhouse gas emissions.

Mohamed Ali, Chair of the African Group of Negotiators, struck a pragmatic tone, acknowledging the limitations of the multilateral process.

“While not all aspirations are fully reflected, these commitments are not acts of charity. They are acts of survival, shared prosperity, and solidarity,” he said.

Ali invoked the Southern African principle of Ubuntu, underscoring the interconnectedness of humanity. “When Africa loses, the world loses. When Africa thrives, the world thrives,” he declared, urging nations to rise above divisions.

Fractures Within

Tensions among vulnerable nations surfaced when Nigeria’s delegation argued for reclassifying China and India as developed nations, aligning with the stance of wealthier countries.

This controversial move highlighted fractures within the Global South and weakened the unity of climate-vulnerable nations.

Adding to the discord, small island states and least-developed countries staged a dramatic walkout on Saturday, accusing developed nations of stalling negotiations.

Fossil Fuel Influence

A heavy presence of fossil fuel lobbyists—outnumbering most country delegations—drew sharp criticism. CEOs from major oil firms, including Aramco and BP, engaged in talks, prompting accusations of undue influence. Activists denounced the summit as a “fossil fuel lobbyist’s playground,” and Saudi Arabia openly opposed phasing out fossil fuels.

Instead, the summit focused on controversial solutions like carbon markets, geoengineering, and the promotion of fossil gas as “clean energy,” diverging from the momentum gained at COP28, where fossil fuel transition was a central theme.

China provided one of the few bright spots by introducing greater transparency on climate finance and signaling openness to voluntary contributions from the Global South. Meanwhile, the European Union attempted to mediate between factions, but wealthier nations’ reluctance to scale up contributions undermined these efforts.

Looking Ahead To COP30

Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has set high expectations for COP30, calling it the “turnaround COP.” Scheduled to take place in Belém, the summit will prioritize transitioning away from fossil fuels and protecting forests.

UNFCCC head Simon Stiell framed the $300 billion pledge as “an insurance policy for humanity” but warned it would only work if commitments are honored promptly.

For many, however, the modest outcome of COP29 feels like a betrayal. Sierra Leone’s Minister of Environment, Jiwoh Abdulai, encapsulated the prevailing sentiment: “This deal is too little, too late. Vulnerable nations will continue to bear the brunt of inaction.”

As the climate crisis accelerates, the fight for justice and accountability remains far from over.

This story was produced as part of the 2024 Climate Change Media Partnership, a journalism fellowship organized by Internews’ Earth Journalism Network and the Stanley Center for Peace and justice Security.

The House of Representatives has concurred with the Senate on the removal of the Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal, CCT, Umar Danladi.

This resolution was a sequel to a motion moved by the Majority Leader of the House, Julius Ihonvbere, on Tuesday.

Ihonvbere’s motion asked the House to invoke Section 17(3) of the Fifth Schedule of the 1999 constitution. He listed some of the offences of the CCT chairman, including a public brawl with a security guard at the Banex Plaza Shopping Complex in Abuja.

“Aware of the conduct of the Chairman, Code of Conduct Tribunal, who recently engaged in a public brawl with a security guard at the Banex Plaza Shopping Complex, which necessitated an invitation from the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions, and after his first appearance, where he admitted to having been involved in the brawl, he refused to attend subsequent sittings, thereby frustrating the efforts of the Committee to investigate the allegations against him,” the motion read.

Ihonvbere, in the motion, stated that Danladi Umar’s removal “seems to be the only way out to safeguard the sacred image of the Code of Conduct Tribunal, in line with the resolution of the 10th National Assembly to uphold the rule of law and sustain the ideals of corporate governance structure in Nigeria”.

Following the presentation of the motion, a constitutional point of order was raised by Mansur Soro that the House is not following the right procedure, noting that President Bola Tinubu ought to have written a letter to the House requesting the removal of the CCT chairman.

However, he was ruled out of order by the Speaker Tajudeen Abbas.

When the motion was put to vote, the “ayes” had it.

It would be recalled that a similar motion was moved, and passed in the Senate.

However, the resolution by the Senate was knocked by senior lawyers because of an error as the Senate used Section 157 of the Constitution, instead of Section 17(3) of the Fifth Schedule of the 1999 Constitution.

Earlier, the Senate corrected the mistake, and used the proper process to finalize the CCT chairman’s removal.

[DailyPost]

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will depart Abuja on Wednesday, November 27, for a three-day state visit to France at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron. 

The visit aims to strengthen political, economic, and cultural ties between Nigeria and France, with an emphasis on building partnerships in key sectors.

According to a statement issued on Tuesday by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, during the visit, President Tinubu and his wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, will participate in a series of high-profile events and engagements.

On Thursday, they will be received at Les Invalides, a historic French military museum, and at the Palais de l’Élysée by President Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron.

The two leaders are expected to hold bilateral discussions on key areas, including agriculture, security, education, health, youth engagement, innovation, and energy transition.

A significant portion of the talks will centre on creating opportunities for skill development, particularly for Nigerian youth, in automation, entrepreneurship, and leadership.

Additionally, the visit will feature political and diplomatic meetings, focusing on shared interests in finance, solid minerals, trade and investment, and communication.

Both presidents will attend a session of the France-Nigeria Business Council, a platform for private-sector collaboration in economic development.

The First Ladies will also engage in discussions, with Mrs. Macron set to hear from Senator Tinubu about her initiatives for empowering women, children, and vulnerable groups through the Renewed Hope Initiative.

The visit will conclude with a state dinner hosted by President Macron in honour of the Nigerian President and First Lady, underscoring the importance of the relationship between the two nations.

President Tinubu is expected to be accompanied by top government officials on this trip, reflecting the administration’s commitment to advancing Nigeria’s global partnerships and fostering economic growth.

The Nigeria Customs Service has said that West Africa has emerged as a notable destination hub in the global stolen vehicles trade network.

The service added that the network extends from Europe and North America to as far as South America and Australia.

The Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, disclosed this on Tuesday in Lagos while displaying some seized vehicles to journalists.
He added that in the last few months, the service has intensified its tracking operations against vehicle trafficking syndicates operating within the borders.

“According to INTERPOL reports, West Africa has emerged as a notable
destination hub in the global stolen vehicle trade network, which extends from Europe and North America as far as South America and Australia,” he said.

Adeniyi lamented that the challenge is greater in Nigeria, adding that date from the National Bureau of Statistics shows that between 2013 and 2015, only 54 per cent of stolen vehicles were recovered, “highlighting the scale and sophistication of this criminal enterprise.”
He stated that in a bid to address this challenge, the service initiated Operation Hot Wheels, a targeted enforcement initiative aimed at disrupting the flow of stolen vehicles into Nigeria through the ports and borders.

Adeniyi stressed that the platform was launched as a collaborative effort between the NCS, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, and Canadian authorities, “the operation focused on intelligence sharing, coordinated surveillance, and strategic interdiction.”

According to him, the growing incidence of stolen vehicles finding their way into the region has become a serious concern, as it not only undermines the region’s legitimate automotive market but also strains the security infrastructure.

He reiterated that recent intelligence from international law enforcement agencies further confirms that “our region has become a preferred
destination for internationally stolen vehicles, a trend that not only tarnishes Nigeria’s international image but also impacts our economy through substantial revenue losses and increased security spending.”

Giving details of the seizures, Adeniyi explained that a recent intelligence-led operation at Area II Command, Onne Port, led to the interception of a 40ft container with registration number, MRSU-5028706 that was declared to contain used vehicles and auto spare parts.
Adeniyi, however, lamented that a physical examination of the container
revealed three undeclared 2021 Toyota Highlander vehicles, “two in Navy Blue and one in Red colour.”

He emphasised that through collaboration with Operation Screen West Africa and Interpol, “two of these vehicles were confirmed to have been stolen from Canada.”

The CGC pointed out that the Federal Operations Unit Zone A also demonstrated exceptional vigilance with strategic interdictions at various locations in Lagos.

“The interception includes, one Mercedes-Benz G550 with Range Rover Sport valued at N506m, intercepted along Trinity Axis in Lagos, one Mercedes-AMG GT with Lamborghini Huracan valued at N630m, one Rolls Royce intercepted at Victoria Island, valued at N231m,”

“Others include, one Lamborghini 2019 Model recovered at Victoria Island, valued at N239m, two Range Rovers (2023 & 2018 models) intercepted along Lekki, valued at N267m,” the CGC stated.
The customs boss mentioned that at the Tincan Island Command, the service, through intelligence, intercepted three 2021 models of Toyota Highlander.

He stated that the various recoveries highlighted both the sophistication of transnational vehicle theft syndicates and their evolving concealment methods.

“The criminals now employ various tactics, including false declarations and use of containerized shipments, attempting to circumvent our detection systems,” he narrated.

Adeniyi reiterated that the operation exposed how stolen vehicles are being smuggled through the ports using legitimate cargo as cover.

He maintained that the success of these operations stems from an enhanced risk management system and strengthened collaboration with international partners.

Adeniyi stressed that working closely with Operation Screen West Africa, Interpol, and other international agencies, the service has significantly
improved their capacity to identify and intercept stolen vehicles.
“The interface between our systems and international databases has proven crucial in establishing the status of suspicious vehicles and enabling swift intervention,” he said.

He warned that the economic implications of this criminal enterprise are far-reaching and deeply concerning.

According to him, beyond damaging the legitimate automotive trade sector and international business relationships, it undermines President Tinubu’s economic reform agenda that aims to position Nigeria as a trusted hub for international commerce.

He lamented that the service is forced to divert substantial resources towards enhanced border management and rigorous verification processes – resources that should ideally be channeled toward trade facilitation initiatives and economic growth programmes.

“This criminal activity not only strains our operational capacity but also threatens the government’s efforts to attract foreign investment and establish Nigeria as a reliable partner in global trade,” he said.

The CGC added that the service will return the luxury vehicles to Canada.

[Punch]

From last week, continues the  narrative of how ammbassadors in other countries are accorded respect which enables them to rise to higher positions, including the presidency. This is unlike what obtains in Ngeria where our diplomats are treated with little or no respect 

Otto Von Bismarck, in 1859 was the Prussian ambassador to Russia and later to Paris in 1862 in the court of Napoleon III, he later became Prime Minister. George H. W. Bush (12 June 1924-30 November, 2018) was the 41st President of the United States of America. He was equally the 10th United States American ambassador to the United Nations from (March 1, 1971-January 18, 1973).

Mr. Benjamin William Mkapa (November 12, 1938- July 24, 2020) was Tanzania Ambassador to Nigeria in 1976. He was Tanzania Minister for Foreign Affairs from 1977 to 1980. In 1982, he served as High Commissioner to Canada and between 1983 and 1984 as Ambassador to the United States of America. 

He returned home in 1984 where he was again appointed Member of Parliament and Minister for Foreign Affairs. In 1992, he served as Minister for Science, Technology and Higher Education, prior to being elected President in 1995, and Chairman of his Party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi(1996-2006). He was re-elected President in 2000 for another five-year term.

There was Thabo Mvuyelwa Mbeki (82). He was the second post-apartheid South African President. He was the African National Congress, ANC, envoy in Nigeria between 1976 and 1978. He established the ANC presence that eclipsed that of its rival Pan Africanist Congress, PAC. While in Lagos, he formed strong friendship with the then head of state, General Olusegun Obasanjo and top civil servants, including Yahaya Abubakar, Permanent Secretary, Cabinet Office, Mr. Bisi Ogunniyi and others. 

Likewise, there are examples of those who have served in leadership positions yet ended up becoming ambassadors. Mr. Walter Frederick “Fritz” Mondale (January 5, 1928- April 19, 2021) was the 42nd Vice President of the United States of America, and served from 1977 to 1981 under President Jimmy Carter. He became the United States of America Ambassador to Japan between 1993 and 1996.

Mr. Salim Ahmed Salim was the Prime Minister of Tanzania between April 24, 1984 and November 5, 1985. He became the Secretary General of the Organisation of African Unity, OAU, between 1989 and 2001, later African Union special envoy on Dafur between 2004 and 2008. Mr. Kevin Rudd(67) is at present the 23rd Australian Ambassador to the United States of America. He was the 26th Prime Minister of Australia and served between June 27, 2013 and September 18, 2018. 

Nigeria in the past was never short of outstanding ambassadors. Almost all of them represented Nigeria without blemish. At the risk of offending many, let me mention some ambassadors we have had in the past. Joe Iyala, Tokunbo Awolowo Dosunmu, Joe Keshi, Lawal Abdullahi Kazaure, B. A. T. Balewa, Olu Adeniji, Oladele Akadiri, Olusegun Apata, G. Dove-Edwin, H. Harriman J. N. Ukaegbu, L. A. Fabunmi, A. G. P. Omotayo, S. A. Otuyelu, Segun Olusola, Ebun Oyagbola, Tobi Ogundipe, Olujimi Jolaoso, Christopher Kolade, Florentina Adenike Ukonga, Uzoma Eminike, Martine Gereng-Sen, Oladele Abiodun, Ijeoma Bristol, Laraba Bhutto, Sifawu Momoh, Zainab Ali Kotoko, Chigozie Obi Nnadozie, Francisca Olaide Marinho, Isaac Aluko-Olokun, Ignatius Chukuemeka Olisemeka, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, Oladele Akadire, Dapo Fawora, Olu Saanu, Olu Ibunkun, etc. They are countless.

Let us dwell on the pioneer ambassadors. 

Chief Julius Momo Udochi was the first Nigerian Ambassador to the United States of America(1960–1965). He was a Teacher (1931–1938); a Customs Officer in the Nigerian Civil Service 1938–1945; Assistant secretary, Nigerian Secretariat 1945–1947; Provincial Secretary, Nigerian Civil Service Union; Co-Editor The Nigerian Civil Servant (1939–1945). He was called to the English Bar as a Barrister at Law by the Middle Temple in 1950. 

He practised Law (1950–1960); was Chairman of the Federal Non-Government Teacher’s Salary Commission and a member of the Mission to the World Bank, 1958; Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association and member of the Committee on Legal Education, 1955–1959; member of the House of Representatives of Nigeria, 1954-1959 and 1965–1966; Attorney-General and Commissioner of Justice, Mid-Western State of Nigeria, 1967–1975.

To be concluded