The House of Representatives on Thursday rejected and sent back the representatives of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa; Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt-General Taoreed Lagbaja; Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, and Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla and the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun on the ground that the security chiefs should appear in person.

The representatives were introduced into the Chamber after a motion was moved by the House Leader, Julius Ihonvbere (APC, Edo) which was seconded by Aliyu Sani Madaki (NNPP, Kano).

After their self-introduction, Benjamin Kalu, the deputy speaker, objected, saying although the representatives were competent in their capacities, they would not be allowed to speak on behalf of their principals being it private sector or public sector, they must come in person.

“Mr Speaker, I want to move the motion, that chief executives, be it private sector or public sector, must come in person. I want to pray that we don’t break this sacred tradition of our House lest we be taken for granted.

“I therefore move that this sectoral engagement be suspended until the leaders of the agencies that we invited who are our friends, who are working for Nigeria, people we are proud of, come. They should come to address us, take our questions, and explain certain things to us,” Kalu said.

After the Deputy Speaker’s motion which was seconded by Nnolim Nnaji, the Speaker, Abbas Tajuddeen, put the motion to a voice vote and was adopted by the House.

The speaker said “Our dear brothers, you have emphatically heard from the House, that this House does not encourage, does not accept representation, particularly at this high-level engagement.

“We thank you for coming. Please convey our message to your service chiefs, that we understand the tight schedules they have and we are willing to adjust to reschedule this engagement to Tuesday next week for them to appear in person” Abbas said.

The Service Chiefs were to meet the parliament on their constitutional responsibilities to ensure the security of lives and property as well as the territorial integrity of the nation as part of the Sectorial Debates introduced by the House according to Order 17, Rules 1(3) of the Standing Orders of the House.

In anticipation of the meeting with the service chiefs today, the Speaker had on Wednesday instructed that the Order Paper for today be made light to give more time for the interaction.

Spokesperson of the House, Akin Rotimi had earlier last week informed that the ‘Sectoral Debate’ Series was introduced by the House to provide political appointees and key government officials an opportunity to brief members of the House of Representatives about the policies and programs of their respective MDAs.

[BusinessDay]

The Labour Party has clarified that it has no plan to merge with the Peoples Democratic Party.

The clarification was given on Thursday.

PDP’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar had on Tuesday, suggested that opposition parties need to merge to defeat the ruling APC in the next presidential poll.

LP spokesman, Obiora Ifoh while reacting to Atiku’s suggestion in a statement on Thursday said the party has not discussed any merger

Ifoh said Atiku’s call “was only a proposal and every Nigerian should be interested in making democracy work in Nigeria and that what we have presently is an autocracy”.

“There was nowhere in the response that the purported merger between LP and PDP was mentioned,” Ifoh emphasised.

Meanwhile, the APC faulted Atiku’s merger plan saying he was still struggling to come to terms with reality after his loss at the presidential poll

In a statement by the National Publicity Secretary of APC, Felix Morka said the PDP should focus on resolving its internal party crisis.

Global investment bank Morgan Stanley has disclosed that the interventionist policies of former President Muhammadu Buhari triggered economic bottlenecks and hindered the private sector’s ability to grow.

Some of the interventionist policies according to Steven Quattry, an analyst at Morgan Stanley included multiple foreign exchange windows and fuel subsidies regime.

Quattry, in the report titled ‘Market Outlook: Nigeria’s New Dawn’ which was published on the bank’s website on Wednesday, disclosed that the last eight years have been difficult for Nigerians.

“Yet for the average Nigerian, the last eight years were incredibly difficult. The interventionist policies of former president Muhammadu Buhari namely, multiple foreign exchange rates and fuel subsidies—led to economic bottlenecks and hindered the private sector’s ability to grow.

“The country was one of the fastest-growing economies in the world from 2001 to 2014, but during Buhari’s term grew only 1.4% on average a poor showing, considering the 2.8% growth in the working-age population. 

“Over that same period, the average Nigerian saw their annual income shrink by nearly a third, from $3,222 U.S. dollars to $2,200. By contrast, Kenyans saw their incomes rise by more than 40%.”

The report sees an opportunity for growth in the country’s economy in the next few years once the policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu begin to bear fruit.

“In the next two to three years, once the current administration has succeeded in reversing the harmful policies and economic malaise of the past eight years, Nigeria could witness a sharp upturn in economic growth.

This is likely to present investors with opportunities in local equity markets, especially in the telecom, consumer goods and durables sectors”.

[Ripples Nigeria]

Reality TV Star, Bella Okagbue, has revealed that she would simply “move on” if her boyfriend, Sheggz doesn’t marry her.

She reiterated that it wouldn’t be a big deal for her, stressing that Sheggz doesn’t have one of her kidneys.

She revealed this while answering questions from fans during a question-and-answer session on Instagram recently.

A fan asked: “Bella, what if Sheggz no marry you, hope you won’t feel bad after everything o?” to which Bella replied, “Everything? Does he have one of my kidneys?

“I will move on like you all move on. That’s why we all have exs.”

Recall that the duo fell in love during the Big Brother Naija Level Up Season, in 2022. They celebrated their relationship anniversary, earlier this year.

[pNigerian Tribune]

The Abia State Government has shut down 197 private schools in the state for operating below minimum standard.

The Commissioner for Information and Culture, Okey Kanu, stated this while briefing journalists on the outcome of this week’s Executive Council meeting.

Kanu said that the closure of the schools was in line with the determination of the government to reform the education sector.

He made it public that about 900 schools have so far been inspected in the ongoing school inspection exercise.

“The inspection of schools is ongoing and as at the last count, about 900 schools have been inspected. A few of the schools are not so lucky, they failed the test of the required standards and they were shut down.”

He equally said that the government has directed the staff of ASUBEB to relocate from the office explaining that “just last week, as a proactive government ,staff of ASUBEB were evacuated from that building because the integrity of that building, the structure was suspicious.”

He added that government was doing everything possible to provide a permanent solution to that development.

[Channels Tv]

This time last year, more than 37,000 delegates and over 150 nations gathered in Egypt’s Sharm el-Sheikh for the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP27). That meeting concluded with a historic decision to establish and operationalize a loss and damage fund. It was a breakthrough that marked the climax of decades of pressure from climate-vulnerable developing countries, many of which are in Africa.

This year, the 28th United Nations Conference of Parties on Climate Change (COP 28) is scheduled to take place from November 30 to December 12, 2023, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), with its theme anchored on reducing emissions through climate change mitigation and just energy, building climate resilient societies, and investing in solutions to counter the effects of climate change.

Undoubtedly, COP28 comes at a decisive moment for international climate action. Temperature records are repeatedly being broken by significantly wide margins and climate impacts manifested in unprecedented wildfires, floods, storms and droughts worldwide. Scientists have noted that the earth has been warmer in 2023 than in any other year on record. Clearly, much more has to be done to fast-track the energy transition and reduction of emissions before 2030 to limit global warming to 1.5° C (2.7° F) above pre-industrial levels.

Undoubtedly, COP28 comes at a decisive moment for international climate action. Temperature records are repeatedly being broken by significantly wide margins and climate impacts manifested in unprecedented wildfires, floods, storms and droughts worldwide. Scientists have noted that the earth has been warmer in 2023 than in any other year on record. Clearly, much more has to be done to fast-track the energy transition and reduction of emissions before 2030 to limit global warming to 1.5° C (2.7° F) above pre-industrial levels.

It is for this reason that countries around the world are developing and/or expanding their climate action strategies and solutions to save them from climate disasters. Nigeria has not been an exception in terms of an increase in disastrous events such as drought, desertification, erratic rainfall patterns, sandstorms and devastating floods. Farmlands, infrastructure and settlements have been destroyed. For instance, in 2022, a flood killed at least 662 people, injured 3,174, displaced about 2.5 million, and destroyed 200,000 houses. This brings us to a critical question: what should be Nigeria’s expectations and how do we ensure that we align our climate priorities with the goals set by COP28 in order to get a large share of our climate needs met?

As an ardent follower of Nigeria’s preparations for COP meetings over the years, I’ve discovered that we look at COP meetings in the context of what they should deliver to us as a country and in isolation from our other developmental activities. However, I believe that COP meetings are framework events where resolutions are taken to feed into or on other activities of every country party to the UNFCCC. The starting point is that Nigeria’s position is already captured in Africa’s common climate position as posited at the Africa Climate Summit held in September. At that summit, African countries adopted the Nairobi Declaration on Climate Change and Call to Action, a strong declaration proclaiming African States’ unified stance on climate action ahead of COP28. The implication of that is negotiations are not expected to be country by country, but more on a continental basis. This is without prejudice to the fact that updates will be taken from respective countries on their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

Nigeria’s expectations will only become meaningful when Nigeria has prepared itself to amortize the benefits of opportunities that COP28 presents. We know our priorities in terms of the impact of climate change facing us as a country. We must be very alert to the windows of opportunities that COP28 will present. Where internally we do not as a country have in place structures and strategies that will facilitate our taking advantage of these opportunities arising from the decisions and resolutions taken at COP28, we will only have ourselves to blame. Unfortunately, this has been the case in several instances in the past. Most times, we are ill-prepared as a country for these opportunities. Thus, when they come to the fore, we are never able to interface our priorities with decisions taken at the relevant COP meeting.

To put my comments in context, by now we should be clear on what it is that we need to develop our capacity for renewable energy investment, bearing in mind that we are grappling with critical energy crisis. The upcoming COP28 will not on a platter of gold place solutions to our energy crisis at our feet. The responsibility is on us to analyze where we are, and what we need to do to develop our capacity for renewable energy because that’s the energy investment the world is extensively adopting.

So, one priority we must diligently build upon in line with expectations from COP28 is how to tackle our energy crises with renewable energy. This priority aligns with one of COP28’s goals of fast-tracking the energy transition and slashing emissions before 2030 and climate finance. For example, Nigeria’s Renewable Energy Master Plan (REMP) seeks to increase the supply of renewable electricity from 13% of total electricity generation in 2015 to 23% in 2025 and 36% by 2030. Renewable electricity would then account for 10% of Nigerian total energy consumption by 2025. What structures are on the ground to actualize this lofty aspiration? What is the government doing with the private sector to ensure that this aspiration becomes a reality? For me, we still have a long way to go. Although the appeal for renewable energy sources has grown exponentially in the pursuit of climate change mitigation, the appeal will not by itself translate to reality. We must make REMP a functional mechanism if we hope to amortize the benefit of relevant climate financing opportunities that may result from COP28.

Additionally, it is vital that we ponder upon how we can achieve a coordinated economic development plan that is climate-positive driven and allows for a just transition. It is easy for us to brand ourselves as “climate advocates”. We equally must not fail to understand the global politics of climate change. A new report by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) has posited that governments still plan to produce more than double the amount of fossil fuels by 2030. The report revealed that this would put a well-managed and equitable energy transition at risk. The 2023 Production Gap Report featured twenty major fossil-fuel-producing countries including Nigeria, Australia, China, Canada, India, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the US, and the UK. What is going to be just for Nigeria is a phased transition against rushing ourselves into thinking that we can shut down extraction and use of fossil fuels overnight. The country would be grounded. We must recognize that climate change impacts are real and then be faithful to a plan of action that allows for just transition. At the end of the day, a phased transition is what will deliver a climate-resilient country to us.

Recall that COP27 concluded with a resolution to establish and operationalize a loss and damage fund. COP28 aims to build on that premise. In August, Vice President, Kashim Shettima revealed that the country’s vision and expectations for COP28 will include increased climate action on many fronts, particularly increased and accessible climate finance. He added that the Federal Government will also focus on the operationalization of the $100 billion Loss and Damage funding.

I agree that one of our priorities should be the Loss and Damage Fund. In a keynote address I gave in Abuja last month, titled “COP 28: Loss and Damage Fund and the Quest for Sustainable Climate Finance Mechanism”, I spoke extensively on the climate problems we are facing as a country and the imperatives of the Loss and Damage sustainable climate finance. Nigeria’s participation in COP28 must unlock the operationalization of $100 billion Loss and damage funding while advocating for increased climate action and equitable climate finance distribution. Generally, developing countries need financial resources, as well as technology transfer and capacity-building, to help them reduce emissions, adapt to climate change and address loss and damage. Nigeria as a developing country has faced disasters that fall within the purview of loss and damage. How well Nigeria will fare in being able to benefit from the fund when it is up and running, will depend on the quality of its data in respect of loss and damage suffered. In the absence of data that can meet the rigour of transparency, accountability and inclusiveness, we may be met with serious obstacles. We must ensure that we do not put ourselves in such hopeless and helpless situation. This is another example of the internal preparation that I earlier made reference to.

Just recently, President Dr. Sultan Al Jaber heralded the successful conclusion of a vital United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) meeting on the implementation of the Loss and Damage Fund, held in Abu Dhabi. The Transitional Committee broke deadlocks and found common ground to deliver clear recommendations. After all, all eyes had been on the Transitional Committee since they began interacting with critical stakeholders March 2023. Now, parties must seal the deal in Dubai and fulfill obligations on the Loss and Damage Fund. The agreed recommendations are set to be socialized with national governments ahead of COP28, so the fund can be activated and capitalized.

I see a huge ray of hope here and we must be ready to tap into the Fund and precisely show what we aim to utilize the fund for, and not play to the gallery. It would be a shame for us to waste money from the Fund and not allow it to serve the interest of the intended beneficiaries. Over the years, our government has not been strategic. Our Ministries and other relevant agencies of government must coordinate and properly harmonize their activities in ways that will enable them tackle climate change head-on. The government needs to understand that the Loss and Damage Fund will never be enough and it will be accessible to only countries that are well-equipped and positioned.

By and large, when we look at COP28, it should not be looked at in isolation, but as a country with an African climate position. We should adequately prepare to utilize those windows of opportunity with the resolutions of COP28 and align our priorities with such expectations. The homework we need to put in place lies in setting our priorities well. Priorities such as having relevant data, capacity building, unified framework for easy access for Loss and Damage Fund, national cohesive partnerships with industries, the private sector, and consistent climate change policies. COP28 are critical for meeting the impacts of climate change and advancing a sustainable future for decades to come. Globally, expectations are high and of course, the sense of urgency. Nigeria must emerge from this conference with an invigorated sense of purpose, stronger and strategic partnerships, and a lucid roadmap to a sustainable future.

Olanrewaju A. Fagbohun is a Professor of Environmental Law and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, (SAN). He consults for RouQ and Company Legal Advisory Services and Environmental Law Research Institute. He served as the 8th substantive Vice-Chancellor of the Lagos State University (LASU) and is a National Productivity Order of Merit Award Winner (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).

The Chairman of De Wayles Group of Companies, Chief Emonena Wayles Egukawhore, has congratulated Senator Douye Diri over his re-election as the governor of Bayelsa State.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had last Monday announced the results of the election which he held last Saturday and declared Diri as the winner.

Diri, who contested on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), defeated his All Progressives Congress (APC) opponent and others in the election which was adjudged as peaceful.

Egukawhore in a statement issued yesterday affirmed that Diri’s victory did not come as a surprise but as a clear attestation of the faith, trust and confidence the people of Bayelsa State reposed on him.

According to him, “On behalf of myself and my family, I join the Grassroots Movement for Good Governance to congratulate Senator Diri on his re-election as the governor of Bayelsa State.

“Your victory at the polls did not come as a surprise, and it is a clear attestation of the faith, trust and confidence the people of Bayelsa State repose on you on account of your accomplishments in the last four years.

“Little wonder that you garnered wide acceptance and support across ethnic and political divides as the preferred anointed choice to continue to spearhead the prosperity agenda for the people of Bayelsa State, the Ijaw nation and Nigeria in general.”

[ThisDay]

A mother identified as Sharifa Noma alongside her newborn twin daughters were recently burnt to death in Sokoto State.

According to sources, the woman put to bed at home around 2:30am on Tuesday.

“After losing too much blood, her family decided to take her to the hospital for possible blood infusion,” the source said.

Their vehicle was said to have rammed into a road block erected by bandits along Ruwa wuri-Bugawa road in Tangaza local government area of Sokoto.

The bandits opened fire on the vehicle and the driver lost control after which the vehicle hit a tree and burst into flames.

“The driver, the mother and one of the twin sisters were burnt to death,” the source added

A resident of the community simply identified as Kabiru noted that, other passengers including the other twin sister escaped with injuries and were currently receiving treatment in the hospital.

When contacted, spokesman of the Sokoto Police Command, ASP Ahmad Rufa’i, said he could not confirm the incident as he had not been briefed.

He promised to call back as soon as he gets information.

The Senate has confirmed the appointment of Dr. Aminu Maida as the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC).

This followed the presentation and adoption of a report of the Committee on Communication by the Chairman, Sen. Bilbis Ikra (APC- Zamfara) at the Committee of the Whole on Thursday.

Presenting the report, Ikra urged the Senate to consider the request of President Bola Tinubu for the confirmation of Maida for appointment as NCC Chairman.

He said the request was in accordance with Section 8 (1) of the Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC) Establishment Act, 2003.

He said the committee had screened Maida, saying that he passed all security clearance, possessed the requisite qualifications, professional experience, competence and regulatory capacity to further ensure the success of the NCC.

He therefore urged the Senate to approve the nomination.

The Senate thereafter confirmed the appointment of Aminu Maida, as Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC.

[Guardian]

The Federal Government has revealed that it is set to commence the construction of 34,500 housing units in thirty states of the Federation including Kano, Lagos, Rivers, Borno, Enugu, Nasarawa, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). 

This disclosure was made by the Federal Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Musa Dangiwa on Thursday while delivering his keynote speech at the ongoing 12th Meeting of the National Council of Lands, Housing and Urban Development held in Kaduna.  

According to the Minister, the construction of the 34,500 housing units which is slated to commence before December is the Phase 1 of the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates and Slum Upgrading Programme.  

Dangiwa further explained that the 34,500 housing units would consist of 1, 2 and 3-bedroom affordable multi-level flats and bungalows for low-income earners, as well as high-end detached bungalows, terraces and duplexes for high income earners in thirty states and the FCT.  

The Housing Minister also stated that the Federal Government have already mapped out several options to ensure to make the housing units are easily affordable by Nigerians upon completion.

He listed the options to include Rent-to-Own, Public Rental, Mortgage Loans, and where applicable, outright sale.   

Nationwide Slum Upgrading Programme  

Arc. Musa Dangiwa also revealed that the Federal Government intends to upgrade a total of 26 slums in the  Six (6) regions of the country, including the Federal Capital Territory.  

The Minister stated that the project would ensure the provision of access roads, water supply, solar street lights, drainages, and several other ancillary services that would improve the living standards of the slum dwellers.  

• In his words, “This project would ensure the provision of key infrastructure and ancillary services including access roads, water supply, solar streetlight, drainages, sanitation and waste management services etc., that would improve the living standards of the slum residents in the project sites and the urban poor in general.” 

[Nairametrics]