Uchechi Okwu-Kanu, wife of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, has urged the United Kingdom, UK, government to prevail on its Nigerian counterpart to release her husband.

Recall that Nnamdi Kanu has been detained since June 2021, when he was rearrested in Kenya and subjected to extraordinary rendition during the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.

In a statement on Thursday, Uchechi recalled a recent encounter with her son, stressing that Kanu’s absence is affecting their son’s life and causing him pain.

According to Kanu’s wife, the UK has always been the forebear of human rights and has a reputation for fairness, justice, and championing human rights.

Uchechi urged the UK government to urgently intervene in her husband’s case and accelerate his release from detention by the Nigerian government.

She wrote, “Over the weekend, after football games and other activities, our little one’s homework caught my attention.

“He was asked to extend a bit on a poem about the uniqueness of one’s self.”

“My son’s last paragraph read, no matter how much people think they know about our pain, nobody can feel the way I feel about the absence of my daddy in my life. Nor the exact pain it is causing us.

“The UK is the forebears of Human Rights. The UK has always had a reputation for fairness, justice and for being a champion of human rights.

“They played an important role in producing the Universal Declaration of Human Rights after the Second World War.

“Sadly, the recent governments have actively undermined this key legacy of their forebears.

“Help me push for the release of my husband, Nnamdi Kanu and other British citizens like him, who are in arbitrary detention and held hostage against their human rights.”

A 52-year-old man, Dr. Emmanuel Chimaobi Ugwumba was arrested by the Enugu State Police Command Operatives serving in the Anti-Kidnapping Tactical Squad, on September 28, 2024, for alleged child trafficking and forgery.

In a statement released, the command's spokesperson, DSP Daniel Ndukwe, said Ugwumba's arrest led to the interception of a public notice on an abandoned child he made, endorsed in the name of the Enugu State Ministry of Gender and Social Development as the director of OTZ, and published in the Daily Sun Newspaper of September 27, 2024.

Ndukwe said upon his arrest, he was found to be involved in child trafficking. One pregnant woman, the four-year-old publicised child and another two-year-old child, both female, were then rescued.

‘’Investigation revealed that the suspect, who claimed to be a graduate of medicine and surgery from the University of Jos, owns and manages Chima Hospital and Maternity located at Ugbaike Enugu-Ezike in Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area. It was further discovered that between 2017 and 2024, he conspired with an acclaimed staff of the Ministry and others at large to conduct anti-natal care and delivery of seven yet-to-be traced children from different mothers in the hospital.

The suspect was also found to be in unauthorised possession of different documents from the Ministry of Gender Affairs and unverified pest/vector certificates from the Enugu State Ministry of Environment and Mineral Resources.''

Ndukwe said the suspect has been arraigned in court and remanded in the Nigerian Correctional Custodial Centre pending a further hearing.

On Wednesday, Edward Adamu, the fourth prosecution witness in the trial of former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor Godwin Emefiele, testified at the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja that Emefiele lacked the necessary approval from the CBN Board for the 2023 redesign of the naira notes, as mandated by regulations.

Adamu is a former Deputy Governor of the CBN.

The witness said the design also deviated from what Emefiele claimed was approved by then President Muhammadu Buhari.

Led in evidence by prosecution counsel Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, Adamu disclosed that the usual process for currency redesign begins with the Director of Currency Operations submitting a proposal to the Committee of Governors (COG).

The COG then transmits the proposal to CBN Board for approval, with the final stage being the seeking of presidential endorsement.

He said Emefiele bypassed these procedures by simply calling for a COG meeting and presented what he claimed was a presidential approval and proceeded with the redesign, straightaway, a statement by the EFCC Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, said on Wednesday.

Adamu was quoted as saying, “I became aware of it in October 2022 when the governor informed us, the deputy governors, that he had gotten an express approval to redesign the currency.

“Then on the 26th October, 2022, we were formally informed of the presidential approval of the redesign, so that is what happened in October, then there was a formal announcement of the currency redesign.

“At the meeting, the governor showed us the approval of the president, by showing us the page where the approval of the president is. “Subsequently, there was a board meeting of the board of directors, where we were also informed of the presidential approval of the currency redesign.”

He further disclosed that the current designs of the notes fundamentally differ from what was originally approved, stating that Emefiele unilaterally made the changes. The redesign affected N200, N500, and N1000 notes.

When the defence counsel, Olalekan Ojo, SAN, sought to know if there had been instances where a presidential approval was gotten for an action before the CBN Board was informed, the witness stated that such was not the practice during his time at the apex bank.

Justice Maryanne Anenih discharged the witness from the dock at the end of the cross-examination and adjourned the matter till October 17, 2024 for continuation of trial.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s Lagos State government has lamented the state’s poor participation in military recruitment.

During a quarterly meeting with the Chairman and members of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) in Ikeja, the Secretary to the State Government, Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, noted that the state is lagging in terms in terms of military recruitmentas only a few individuals apply from the area.

Salu-Hundeyin stated this on Wednesday, stressing that the nation’s security is a collective responsibility and that serving in the military constitutes a significant contribution to the state and the country.

She expressed concern over the low enrollment of local youths in the military, particularly highlighted during the recent recruitment drive.

Furthermore, she noted that the Federal Government has mandated that military recruitment should be evenly distributed, with each state allocated 150 positions.

“We discovered that in the military in Nigeria, Lagos State has been seriously short-changed. We hardly have people there. So, we are looking at this opportunity now, that it should not escape indigenes again.

“The military is about the security of a nation, and the security of any nation must be everybody’s business.

“It should not be for a particular group only, but because everybody cannot wear uniform, the government, in its wisdom, now says those of you that want to do this job, you will apply.

“Unfortunately, in Lagos State, our children don’t like to join the military. They don’t see any reason they should be part of the army. If your state does not participate, you are short-changing your state,” Salu-Hundeyin said.

A Federal High Court in Lagos has dismissed a case brought by the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria that challenged the implementation of the Band A electricity tariff review by the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company and 11 other entities.

A statement by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission on Thursday stated that the judgment was delivered on Monday.

In the judgment, the court was said to have considered all the parties’ arguments and ruled that MAN’s suit was an abuse of the court process, being premature and without due regard to the provisions of Section 51 of the Electricity Act 2023.

“The court also held that MAN’s case disclosed no reasonable cause of action as it had not exhausted the dispute resolution mechanism.

“It thus held that the suit was not instituted with due process of law, and consequently struck out the case,” the NERC said.

The PUNCH recalls that MAN had challenged the minor review of the electricity tariff by the NERC and filed a lawsuit at the Lagos Judicial Division of the Federal High Court.

The manufacturers sought four reliefs: that due process stated in the Act for the review was not fulfilled before AEDC and the others applied to NERC for the tariff review on July 31, 2023.

It stated that regulatory requirements for tariff reviews were not followed before NERC issued the Supplementary Order of 3 April 2024 and the subsequently reviewed rate of May 6, 2024.

MAN also held that placing the burden of the tariff increase on only Band “A” feeders and leaving out other bands amounted to discrimination against such consumers.

It then noted that the defendants must comply with administrative procedures for tariff review before rightfully implementing the April and May Supplementary Orders.

NERC had objected to the suit stating that MAN’s case constitutes an abuse of court processes, being hasty and prematurely filed without following due process of the law.

Band A customers are premium customers with no government subsidies. However, they have the guarantee of at least, 20 hours of electricity supply daily.

With N209.50 per kilowatt-hour, manufacturers who fall under this category of customers said their tariffs have tripled, impacting production costs negatively.

The Joint Tax Board (JTB) has announced the approval of new rates for the issuance of national driver’s licences and vehicle number plates, set to take effect from November 1, 2024.

The revised rates aim to enhance the quality and security features of these identification documents, in line with international standards.

Under the new pricing structure, Nigerians will now pay N15,000 for a three-year motor vehicle driver’s licence, while a five-year licence will cost N21,000.

Motorcycle and tricycle drivers will face an increase as well, with a three-year licence priced at N7,000 and a five-year licence at N11,000.

For vehicle number plates, the new rates start at N30,000 for both standard private and commercial vehicle plates. Fancy number plates will cost N400,000, while motorcycle plates are priced at N12,000. Dealer vehicle number plates will be issued for N100,000.

The JTB has also adjusted prices for government-issued number plates. Government fancy vehicle plates will now cost N120,000, and standard plates will be N80,000. Motorcycle number plates for government vehicles are set at N50,000 for fancy options and N20,000 for standard.

According to the JTB, these adjustments will introduce improved security features, aiding in the identification process for both drivers and vehicles across the country.

Olusegun Adesokan, Secretary of the JTB, emphasized the importance of public awareness and education regarding the new rates. In a circular obtained by BusinessDay, Adesokan stated, “The secretariat has requested that the FRSC [Federal Road Safety Corps] notify the JTB of its public engagement and sensitisation plans. We believe that a robust engagement will ensure a seamless implementation of the revised rates.”

The FRSC is expected to spearhead the public sensitisation campaign ahead of the November implementation.

Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy Ohanenye, has appealed to Nigerians to give President Bola Tinubu time to fix the economic crisis in the nation.

Ohanenye made this appeal during a charitable event held in Awka, the capital of Anambra State, where she distributed palliatives to support the less privileged in the community.

The minister’s remarks came as she handed out 5,000 bags of 10 kg rice, 300 gas cylinders, and 500 bags of 50 kg fertilizers, aimed at easing the burden faced by vulnerable families in the area.

During her speech, Ohanenye acknowledged the difficulties many Nigerians are currently experiencing but emphasized that the government’s efforts to improve the situation would take time.

She expressed confidence in Tinubu’s leadership and commitment to transforming the country for the better.

The Minister stated, “I plead with you to be patient with the president. He is doing everything to change the negative practices that have crippled the nation’s economy. Just give the president time; in the next few months, things will begin to improve.

“He needs time to clean up the mess left by previous administrations. Honestly, things were bad before President Tinubu took office, and he is working hard to bring happiness to Nigerians.”

According to her, the Tinubu-led administration has introduced numerous social security initiatives aimed at uplifting Nigerians, especially the poor.

She encouraged individuals to submit their BVN so the government can plan and provide assistance to the less privileged.

“The BVN helps the government identify those who qualify for federal social security palliatives. The aid is meant for the poor, not the rich, who have cornered these resources over the years,” she added.

Before President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assumed office on May 29, 2023, fuel was priced at N198 per litre. Outlets of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Ltd (NNPCL) also sold fuel at this rate, although prices now vary by location.

However, in his inaugural address at Eagle Square, Abuja, Tinubu exclaimed “Subsidy is gone”, resulting in an instant increase in fuel price from N198 to N540 at NNPC outlets.

According to the president, fuel subsidy had become a clog in the wheel of progress and needed to give way for the country to survive. Tinubu, who said subsidy was fueling corruption, vowed to pump the money saved from it into others aspects of the economy.

“You have paid attention to the subsidy removal. Why should we in good heart and sense, feed smugglers and be Father Christmas to neighbouring countries, even though they say not every day is Christmas?  The elephant that was going to bring Nigeria to its knees is the subsidy. A country that cannot pay salaries and we say we have potential to encourage ourselves. I think we did the right thing,” Tinubu had told some monarchs who visited him at Aso Rock a month after subsidy removal.

FRESH INCREASE IN LESS THAN 2 MONTHS

On July 18, 2023, the pump price at NNPCL outlets rose from N540 to N617 per litre. This was when Nigerians were still trying to adjust the cost of living crisis occasioned by the increment. The Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPCL, Mele Kyari, had attributed the rise in pump prices to market forces.

According to him, the hike reflected the dynamics of a market-regulated pricing model.

Addressing journalists after a closed-door meeting with Vice President Kashim Shettima at the State House, Abuja, Kyari said, “They are just prices depending on the market realities. This is the meaning of making sure that the market regulates itself. Prices will go up and sometimes they will come down also.”

He debunked notions that the price increase was due to a shortfall in petrol supply.

13 MONTHS’ BREAK

Amid protracted fuel queues, NNPCL attributed fuel shortage to supply disruptions caused by outstanding debt obligations to international oil traders. The corporation did not disclose the exact amount owed to oil traders, but reports said the debt was to the tune of $6.8 billion. Before acknowledging being indebted, the oil firm had repeatedly told Nigerians that things were under control. However, the queue worsened and prices were inflated. In a statement on September 1, 2024, Olufemi Soneye,  NNPC spokesperson, said the corporation’s ability to sustain fuel supply was under threat.

Experts had, however,  told Daily Trust that the announcement was part of a game plan from the government, which may lead to 950/1,000 per litre price for petrol. They alleged that government officials had been pushing the narrative for weeks.

On September 3, 2024 NNPCL increased hiked pump price from N617 per litre to N897 per litre, an increase of over 45 percent.

FUEL PRICE HIKE NECESSARY – TINUBU

Addressing members of Nigerians in Diaspora Organization in China (NIDO China) and the Nigerian community at the China World Hotel, Tinubu had described the increment as one of the unprecedented steps aimed at reforming the country.

According to him: “Nigeria is going through reforms, and we are taking very bold and unprecedented decisions. For example, you might have been hearing from home in the last few days about fuel prices. But, can we help it? Can we develop good roads like you have here? You see electricity being constant in quantity and quality. You see water supply, constant and running, and you see their good schools. And we say we want to hand over a banner without stain to our children? What is the critical part to get us there if we cannot take hard decisions to pave the way for a country that is blessed and so talented?

WHERE WE ARE CURRENTLY

24 hours after Daily Trust reported a likely pump price increase as a result of  NNPCL’s exit as a middleman in the Dangote Refinery fuel purchase deal, NNPC increased pump price from N898 to N1,030 per litre, Previously, the NNPCL was the sole off-taker of fuel from Dangote Refinery. In the cause of doing this, the national oil company covered the price gap between the facility’s price and the selling price to retailers, absorbing a subsidy of N133 per litre. But in the quest to shift towards a fully deregulated oil market, it allowed marketers to deal directly with the refinery.

Marketers can now negotiate petrol prices directly under a “willing buyer, willing seller” arrangement, aligning with practices for other deregulated products such as diesel and kerosene.

WHAT NIGERIANS ARE SAYING ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Below are some of the reactions of Nigerians to the recent fuel price hike:

@Sthabbey: “This situation is becoming unacceptable. Nigerians deserve respect from @officialABAT and his administration. This is unwarranted, and our patience has been stretched to its limit.”

On X, @rolandjick267: “How do we survive? This is becoming too much.”

@qudus_kalas: “At this point they should just throw atomic bomb ? in the country make every body kuku kpai once and for all”

@Abubakar_tatari: “It’s getting out of hand , no sympathy for the masses . This regime is just heartless.”

@Chambez84: “Thank you Mr President for us. we like the suffering and I am happy about it. please suffer us more Nigerian love you.. I am suggesting for Nnpc to sell the fuel at 5000 per liter it will strengthen our economy.”

@El_khaleel: “Tinubu just take the price that you want it to be we tired with this your policies yesterday price is not todays price ??.”

@khalifakila: “Nigerians are very patient people wallahi. This can’t happen in other countries. Just wake up one morning and add price of PMS and life goes on.”

@Sirpascal: “Instead of Nigerians to benefit from dangote refinery , they’re paying more for fuel , even though crude is sold in Naira to him … Nigeria is not a place for the living ..”

On Facebook, Abdullahi Bala Muhammad said: “The president should call them to order bcos what they are doing these days is getting out of hand’s in fact they are pushing poor Nigerians to the wall and if they pushed back the things won’t be good to the government.”

Nurabros Ahmed: “Well let’s president Tinubu Knows that all this things that he is Rulling people with hardship suffernes day will come he will be Accountable to the Almighty Allah.”

Former Presidential aide, Bashir Ahmad has reacted to the worsening economic hardship faced by Nigerians under the Tinubu-led administration.

In a heartfelt post on social media platform X, Ahmad highlighted the struggles that numerous citizens are enduring silently during these challenging times.

“Truly, many people are struggling silently in these times of critical economic hardship,” Ahmad, who previously campaigned in support of Tinubu, lamented on Wednesday.

In his appeal, Ahmad called on Nigerians to extend support to those who have fallen into poverty as a result of the prevailing economic conditions.

He emphasized the importance of community solidarity, urging individuals to offer help even when it is not explicitly requested.

“Let’s extend a helping hand to as many people as we can, even when they don’t ask for it. Small acts of kindness can make a big difference. Encourage those in your circle to also do the same,” he advised.

Ahmad’s call for compassion comes on the heels of a recent announcement from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPCL), which saw fuel prices surge above ₦1,030 per litre.

The fuel price hike has exacerbated existing frustrations among Nigerians, with many taking to social media to criticize President Tinubu’s administration.