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The Cross River State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Mr. Abubakar Robert Ewa is dead.
Ewa passed on Wednesday evening at the Arubah Specialist Hospital in Calabar, the Cross River State capital.
As at the time of filing this report, members of the Cross River State Executive Council and other aides of Governor Bassey Otu are gathered at the facility to mourn with the deceased family.
He was present at the state’s executive council meeting earlier on Wednesday which was presided Governor Otu.
Ewa served as Secretary and later, Chairman of the Boki Local Government Council. He also served as Special Adviser Community Relations and Secretary of the Anti-Deforestation Task Force.
The newly elected factional President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Jackson Omenazu has vowed to stop at nothing in order to secure Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s freedom.
Omenazu said the restoration of peace in Igbo land rests upon Kanu’s release.
In a statement he personally signed on Wednesday, Omenazu said “I stand resolutely prepared to exchange my freedom, my liberty, and, if need be, my very life, in pursuit of the release of our brother, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.”
He stressed that Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex socio-cultural organization of over 80 million Igbos across the globe, was unwavering in its conviction to explore every conceivable avenue to secure Kanu’s liberty.
“We recognize the historical precedents set by the Yoruba leadership exemplified in the release of Sunday Igboho, where steadfast solidarity and bold diplomacy carved pathways to justice.
“It is incumbent upon us, as guardians of our cultural heritage, to adopt a similar resolute approach, employing innovative and discreet tactics rather than the ineffective, superficial measures that have characterized our past engagements.
“In pursuit of this noble cause, Ohanaeze Ndigbo will embark on a strategic collaboration with all religious organizations active within Igbo land, be they Christian, Muslim, traditional, or Jewish.
“We shall consecrate the last weekends of each month throughout 2025 as sacred times for prayer, supplication, and ordinances.
“We will earnestly seek the countenance of Chukwu Okike Abiama (God Almighty) imploring divine intervention in the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, other prisoners of conscience in the country for restoration of peace throughout our homeland.
“As the leader entrusted with the voice of our people, I vow with utmost commitment to this cause.
In the spirit of true leadership, which is defined not by titles but by sacrifices made for the collective good for all humanity.
“I declare: I am prepared to sacrifice my personal liberty and comfort for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. This is not just an aspiration; it is an oath I solemnly take as I assume my role as President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide,” he noted.
The Ohanaeze President urged President Tinubu to listen to the cries of the Igbo people, just as he offered himself as a guarantor “for Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s cooperation post-release, ready to ensure that his return catalyzes healing and reconciliation rather than discord.”
“We must not allow fear to hinder our collective responsibility—a fear that unfounded in all political calculations because the stability of the Nigeria government will not be destabilized for single action based justice in this instance.
“The challenge before us is profound, yet it is not insurmountable.
“The advocacy for Kanu’s freedom only serves to underscore the need for a unified front.
“This sacrifices must be counted as steps toward justice—let us not shy away from this noble endeavor.
“I call upon every Igbo individual, every leader, and every citizen of goodwill to rally together in this quest for justice.
“Let us remember the sacrifices of our forebears who fought valiantly for our rights and freedoms,” he further stated.
Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, has said the controversy surrounding the ministerial ordeal of former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, does not concern the Progressives Governors’ Forum (PGF).
Naija News reports that Sule, while featuring on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday, clarified that El-Rufai remains a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) despite the National Assembly’s rejection of his ministerial nomination in August 2023.
Sule, a member of the PGF, stated that the circumstances leading to El-Rufai’s nomination and rejection were outside the purview of the PGF or the Nigeria Governors’ Forum.
The governor further emphasised that the president and other relevant agencies are solely responsible for decisions regarding ministerial appointments.
He said, “El-Rufai has not left our party; he is still part of our party.
“What led to his El-Rufai’s nomination, what led to his rejection by the Senate or by the security agencies, to be honest with you, are not issues we discussed either at the Progressives Governors’ Forum or even the Nigeria Governors’ Forum. They are not issues because what doesn’t concern us, we can do nothing about it.
“It is the prerogative of Mr President to nominate whoever should be his minister, and he nominated. Also, there are agencies including the National Assembly that either confirm or reject, and they rejected (him).”
The newly appointed permanent secretary of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Dr. Ibrahim Kana, has clarified that there was no mandate to revive the controversial ‘Nigeria Air’ deal with Ethiopian Airlines.
Dr. Kana made the clarification in a statement following the rumours making the rounds that federal government may have decided to revive the deal between Nigerian Air and Ethiopian Airlines.
Recall that a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos State in 2024 nullified the sale of 49 per cent equity stake in Nigeria Air to Ethiopian Airlines.
Kana, while addressing concerns regarding the revival of the National Carrier project, emphasised that future considerations for a national carrier will depend on favourable conditions and presidential guidance.
He pledged loyalty to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and expressed commitment to enhancing Nigeria’s aviation sector through teamwork and innovation, aiming for a bright future reflective of national aspirations.
According to him, “It is with great honour and a deep sense of responsibility that I address you today. As we chart the course for the continued growth and development of Nigeria’s aviation and aerospace sector.
“Since my inaugural statement on Monday at the hand-over ceremony, I have been inundated with inquiries about my reference to the revival of the National Carrier Project.
“For the avoidance of doubt, I never said that there is a mandate to revive the botched Nigeria Air deal with Ethiopian airline. I received no such instruction. I was only referring to the general vision of the administration to still consider a national carrier project if it is favourable to the country and under the guidance and directives of Mr. President and the honourable minister of aviation. I hope this clarifies all the ambiguities surrounding my earlier statement on this issue.
“On a personal note, I pledge absolute loyalty to the honourable minister and remain dedicated to working closely with him to drive the ministry’s agenda forward. Together, we will ensure that the future of aviation in Nigeria is bright, innovative, and reflective of the aspirations of our great nation.”
The Lagos State Special Offences Court, on Wednesday, dismissed an application filed by former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, challenging the court’s jurisdiction to entertain the $4.5bn and N2.8bn fraud charges brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
Justice Rahman Oshodi, in his ruling, held that the court had the jurisdiction to try Emefiele and his co-defendant, Henry Omoile.
The judge, however, struck out four of the 26 counts filed by the EFCC against the defendants for lack of jurisdiction.
Justice Oshodi explained: “Allocation of foreign exchange without reason is not defined as an offence under any written law. The objection to counts one to four succeeds and is hereby struck out.
“The objection challenging the court’s territorial jurisdiction over counts eight to 26 fails and is hereby dismissed.
“The prosecution has established sufficient territorial nexus in this case.”
The judge subsequently adjourned the case for trial continuation on February 24, 2025.
The EFCC had arraigned Emefiele on 26 charges, bordering on abuse of office and illegal allocation of $4.5bn and N2.8bn.
At the last adjourned date on December 12, 2024, Emefiele’s counsel, Mr. Olalekan Ojo (SAN), argued that the court lacked jurisdiction to hear the case in Lagos.
Ojo contended that the alleged offences, including abuse of office, fell outside the territorial reach of the Lagos Special Offences Court.
He also argued that the charges violated Section 36(12) of the Nigerian constitution, asserting that the alleged offences were not legally recognised under Nigerian law.
Furthermore, Ojo emphasised that since the Lagos State House of Assembly does not have legislative authority over matters on the Exclusive Legislative List, Section 73 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State (2011), under which counts one to four were filed, cannot apply extraterritorially to the alleged abuse of office by Emefiele.
Ojo added that a court’s territorial jurisdiction is limited to the geographical area within which its authority can be exercised and urged the court to strike out counts one to four of the amended charges filed by the EFCC on April 4, 2024.
In response, EFCC counsel, Mr. Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), argued that the court had the authority to hear the case.
Oyedepo contended that the alleged crimes were economic and financial in nature, falling within the EFCC’s jurisdiction.
He also maintained that substantial evidence supported Lagos as the appropriate venue for the trial.
According to Oyedepo, the subject matter of the charges clearly fell within the court’s jurisdiction since the offences were committed within its territorial reach.
He noted that evidence and witness testimonies pointed to Lagos as the proper location for the trial and argued that the objections raised by Emefiele’s legal team lacked factual or evidential support.
Following the arguments, Justice Oshodi initially adjourned the case to January 7, 2025, for a ruling on the application challenging the court’s jurisdiction.
However, the ruling was not ready on that date, prompting an adjournment to Wednesday, January 8, 2025.
The case has now been adjourned to February 24 and 26, 2025, for the continuation of trial.
A truck loaded with granites, on Wednesday, lost control and rammed into roadside traders, killing an unknown number of victims and injuring many others at Eleyele Junction, Ibadan, Oyo State.
Most of the victims were said to be petty traders at the Eleyele bus stop.
An eyewitness stated that the truck, coming from the opposite direction, initially hit the group of roadside traders before barreling into a motor park, where it rammed into waiting passengers, leaving many injured.
The eyewitness described the chaotic scene, emphasising the devastation and panic that ensued.
The driver of the truck fled the scene in an attempt to avoid being mobbed by people, further complicating the aftermath of the tragedy.
Rescue operations are currently ongoing, and authorities have stated that the exact number of casualties remained unknown as they were working to clear the wreckage.
Emergency responders were focused on removing the truck to prevent additional accidents and to restore normal traffic flow in the area.
The Oyo State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Rosemary Alo, who confirmed the tragic incident, stated that the roadside traders had previously been warned about the dangers of conducting their businesses in the area.
“If they had heeded these warnings, we could have potentially reduced the number of casualties,” she remarked.
Alo also indicated that efforts would be intensified in collaboration with the local government authorities to enforce a ban on street trading in the vicinity, with the aim to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The operatives of the Nigeria Police Force intercepted a white Peugeot J5 bus with registration number – KMC 283 ZJ along the Abuja-Kano route with 59 children suspected to have been trafficked from Kano State.
The police operatives, led by Deputy Superintendent of Police Sarki Umar, intercepted the suspects on January 6, 2025, at about 3:30pm while heading to Nasarawa State.
Police said the kids, aged between 4 and 12, came from different families and were being transported by one Idris Usman to a male resident in Nasarawa State.
Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, CP Olatunji Disu, said some arrests have been made, saying the police will ensure that the children are returned and reunited with their families.
CP Disu also said the driver, Usman, who claimed to be a teacher with over 40 years of experience, travelled to Kano State to convene the children en route to Nasarawa State under the pretext of training them.
The driver of the vehicle operates with his motor boy, Al Hassan Ibrahim, who is also from Kano State.
The FCT Police Commissioner said, “This incident has been classified as a case of suspected child abuse and trafficking, given the circumstances and the absence of proper documentation or parental consent for the movement of the minors.
“At present, the suspects, the vehicle, and all the children are in custody while a thorough investigation is underway.
“The Police Command is working closely with the FCT Social Development Secretariat (SDS) to ensure that the children are safely reunited with their families and to bring all those involved in this act to justice,” the CP said.
He reiterated the police commitment to protecting vulnerable groups, particularly children from exploitation and abuse in line with the Child’s Right Act 2003.
Disu also appealed to parents and guardians to remain vigilant and ensure the safety of their children.
A 52-year-old man, Samuel Dada, has been brought before an Ado-Ekiti Chief Magistrate’s Court for allegedly defrauding 12 persons of N14.6 million.
The defendant was said to have swindled his unsuspecting victims of the humongous amount under the pretense of securing American visas for them.
The prosecutor, Inspector Akinwale Oriyomi, told the court that Dada is suspected of committing the offenses of forgery and fraud, saying there is probable cause to order his remand at the correctional custody in Ado-Ekiti,
Oriyomi said the suspect defrauded the 12 victims including one Olugbemi, and Dele under false pretenses of procuring American visas and job opportunities for them.
The suspect, according to the prosecutor committed the crime within the Magisterial District between January and November 2024.
The offence, Oriyomi said is punishable under Section 376(2)(b) of the Criminal Law of Ekiti State 2021 and Section 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offenses Act, 2006.
Counsel to the defendant, Adunni Olanipekun, prayed the court to admit his client to bail, promising that he would not jump bail.
The Chief Magistrate, Mr. Abayomi Adeosun, granted bail to the defendant in the sum of N20 million with two sureties in like sum, adding that the sureties must have landed property within the district.
He subsequently adjourned the case till January 31 for hearing
The National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has described as unfortunate and misleading claims attributed to the former governor of Anambra State and presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi, alleging threats to his life.
Ganduje, in a statement he personally signed on Wednesday, described the claims by Obi as sheer mischief and outright falsehood, which would have been ignored if not for the need to refute such a baseless narrative.
The APC National Chairman expressed displeasure over the claim shared on Mr. Obi’s verified official X (formerly Twitter) account, labelling it as a malicious lie aimed at seeking attention and playing the victim for emotional blackmail.
Ganduje further stated that Obi’s accusations stemmed from a misrepresentation of remarks made by the APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, during an interview on AriseNews Channels’ ‘ThisDay Live’ on Saturday, January 4, 2025.
He stated unequivocally that at no point did Morka threaten the former Anambra governor or his family.
“By falsely claiming that Morka threatened his life, Mr. Obi has libeled Morka in the extreme and incited his online supporters to issue death threats against Morka and his family,” Ganduje said.
He emphasised that as a public figure, Obi has a responsibility to provide accurate and truthful information, adding that spreading falsehood undermines public trust.
Ganduje noted that Morka was simply discharging his duties as the National Publicity Secretary of the APC, holding opposition actors accountable for their statements, as is expected in a democratic setting.
“Morka’s comments during the interview were strictly in response to a question referencing ‘prophets of doom’ and ‘voodoo economics.’ Nothing in his statement constituted or suggested a threat to Obi or anyone else,” he clarified.
The APC chairman further underscored the importance of free speech, a right protected by Nigeria’s Constitution, which applies equally to all Nigerians, including members of the ruling party and therefore called on Mr. Obi to refrain from misinformation and to accept criticism as part of the democratic process.
“Does Mr. Obi expect the APC to fold its arms and allow the opposition to propagate falsehoods without any response?” Ganduje queried, stressing that the APC will continue to counter baseless allegations with facts against the Tinubu led government.
He stated that the party stands by the position of the National Publicity Secretary in his effort to defend the federal government and set the records straight against disinformation by desperate politicians.
Ganduje reiterated the APC’s commitment to upholding democratic principles while holding opposition actors accountable when necessary.
Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Daniel Amah, once celebrated for rejecting a $200,000 bribe nearly three years ago, has converted to Islam in a private ceremony held at the palace of 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II.
The event, which took place on Tuesday, saw Amah formally embracing Islam and adopting ‘Muhammad’ as his new name.
Speaking during the ceremony, Emir Sanusi II urged the newly converted Amah to seek Islamic knowledge and observe the core tenets of the religion, including the five pillars of Islam: belief in Allah, daily five-time prayers, fasting during Ramadan, pilgrimage to Mecca, and Zakat (charitable giving).
Addressing Amah in Hausa language, the Emir prayed for Allah’s guidance for him, expressing hope that he would excel as a devout Muslim. He also advised Amah to maintain his exemplary character and to remain respectful and obedient to his parents, regardless of their religious beliefs.
LEADERSHIP recalls that Amah first gained national recognition in April 2022 as the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Nasarawa Police Division in Kano State. He rejected a $200,000 bribe offered by armed robbery suspects involved in the theft of over N300million. The suspects, led by Ali Zaki, had trailed and robbed a Bureau De Change (BDC) operator who was in possession of $750,000 cash.
In recognition of his integrity, the Police Service Commission (PSC) promoted Amah from Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) to Assistant Commissioner of Police on November 10, 2022. Additionally, he received the prestigious 2022 Public Service Integrity Award from the then President Muhammadu Buhari.
The award followed a recommendation by the then chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Prof. Bolaji Owasanoye, in a letter dated September 13, 2022.
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He lamented that the ruling class are disconnected from the realities of ordinary Nigerians, blaming the hardship in the country on their negligence.
Al-Mustapha made these remarks shortly after a meeting with former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai.
Speaking during an interview with DCL, the former Chief Security Officer to late General Sani Abacha noted that many are yet to grasp the full extent of the harm caused by the ruling class.
He said, “Even among the educated elite, many do not understand the level of damage done to the country. Those living in Abuja or other privileged locations often dismiss such concerns as mere exaggeration. They are unaware of the suffering of the people because they live in comfort, traveling by air and being welcomed with fanfare, oblivious to the struggles around them.”
Speaking on his recent meeting with El-Rufai, Al-Mustapha explained that it was part of a collaborative effort by patriotic Nigerians to seek solutions to the nation’s challenges.
He clarified that their discussions transcended partisan politics, focusing instead on Nigeria’s future.
“It was a meeting of like-minded individuals deeply concerned about the state of the nation. As the leader of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), I discussed Nigeria’s future with El-Rufai and other stakeholders, seeking ways to lift the country from its current predicament,” he said.
Al-Mustapha emphasized the need for collective action, irrespective of political affiliations, to address the country’s pressing issues and chart a path towards recovery and development.
[NaijaNews]
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has detained ten officers of its Lagos Zonal Command following investigation regarding some missing items linked to them.
The officers, who were arrested last week on the directives of the Executive Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede are answering questions relating to the theft of some operational items for which that they could not be accountable.
EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale stated that investigators are making good progress.
He stressed that those found culpable will be subjected to internal disciplinary processes.
[Leadership]
The Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Mele Kyari, has expressed gratitude to Allah for the privilege to grow from an Almajiri school pupil into becoming the head of NNPCL.
In a post via X on Wednesday to celebrate his 60th birthday, the NNPC Boss expressed appreciation for the “exceptional” privilege given to him by former President Muhammadu Buhari and President Bola Tinubu to serve as the last Group Managing Director of the NNPC and the pioneer CEO of the NNPC Ltd.
In the post, he stated that reflecting backwards alone cannot account for the profoundly eventful life he has spent on earth.
According to him, walking through good and bad times, travails and triumphs, pains and happiness, fails and successes, and many more are the events that only the sufficiency of Allah will explain.
Kyari stated: “Allah, by his grace, spared my life to this exceptional day, making it my 60th year from birth, even much earlier on the Hijri calendar.
“I am profoundly grateful to my country for giving me the opportunity to grow from an Almajiri (Tsangaya) school pupil to become the CEO of Africa’s largest energy company.
“Even more particular, I deeply appreciate the exceptional privilege given to me by Presidents Muhammadu Buhari and Bola Ahmed Tinubu to serve as the last GMD of the NNPC and the pioneer CEO of the NNPC Ltd.
“Reflecting backwards alone can’t account for the profoundly eventful life I spent to this date, walking through good and bad times, travails and triumphs, pains and happiness, fails and successes and many more that only the sufficiency of Allah will explain.
“At this milestone, I feel the obligation to serve with even greater conviction and with elevated expectation of eternal recompense so deeply pleasing.
“I am hugely indebted to my family for being nearly absent for most of my later years serving our nation and the common good.
“My deep appreciation to my family, friends and associates, my colleagues at work and my teachers (western and of Almajiri extractions), and many unmentioned people who account for many of my accomplishments, unconditional support and my overall wellbeing.
“This is a turning point, and I seek forgiveness from anyone I might have hurt unintentionally or unavoidably.”
[DailyTrust]
The Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, has confirmed that Nigeria’s telecommunications tariffs will soon increase.
He, however, assured Nigerians that it will not be the 100 percent that telecom operators are pushing for at the moment.
TIjani disclosed this at the end of a stakeholders meeting with Mobile Network Operators, MNOs on Wednesday in Abuja.
He said that very soon, the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, would approve the new tariffs and make it public to Nigerians.
“You have seen over the past weeks that there has been agitation from some of these companies to increase tariffs. They are requesting a 100 percent tariff increase.
“But it will not be by 100 percent. We are still looking at that study, and NCC will come up with a clear directive on how we will go about it.
“We want to strike the balance as a government to protect our people but also protect and ensure that these companies can continue to invest significantly.
“We need to ensure that as a sector, we get our acts together and ensure that from the regulation side, we put the right regulations in place that can ensure the growth of this sector.”
The minister also noted that the federal government would no longer leave investments in infrastructure in the sector to private companies alone.
“As a country, over time, we have left this investment in the hands of the private sector. They typically invest where they can see returns in the short to medium term.
“We will not want this conversation to just be about tariff increase. I think what the world is talking about today is meaningful connectivity.
“You want to have access to very good quality service.
“A part of it that the consumers may not be aware of is the investment that needs to go into the infrastructure that is used to deliver these services,” he said.
The Executive Vice-Chairman, EVC, of the NCC, Dr Aminu Maida, said the meeting with stakeholders was about the sustainability of the industry.
“We have looked at all of these factors, and that is why, like the minister said, it is not likely that we are going to approve a 100 percent tariff increase.
“I know that Nigerians are agitated to hear the exact percentage approved. There is still some stakeholder engagement that we are going through, but you will hear from us within a week or two.”
He said that the NCC had put a number of tools and instruments into place by revising its quality of service regulations for compliance service quality.
He noted that the MNOs must comply with simplified templates to show Nigerians charges per minute for voice calls, SMS, and a megabyte of data.
“We are moving away from the regime where you will have a main rate, and then you will now have a bonus that is at a different rate.
“It makes it often complicated and difficult for Nigerians to actually understand what they are being charged for.
“This is one of the things that, when we took a lot of time over the past year looking at data, there was this agitation that the MNOs are stealing our data,” he said.
Earlier, DAILY POST reported that Tijani was meeting with telco stakeholders amid increased pressure for a telecom tariff hike.
Meanwhile, telecom subscribers had also urged telcos to consider alternatives to tariff hikes.
This comes as telcos, including MTN and Airtel, had recently written to the NCC for fresh tariff hike approval.
DAILY POST recalls telcos recently threatened a shutdown of the sector if telecoms tariff hike is not approved.
Meanwhile, telecom subscribers had also urged telcos to consider alternatives to tariff hikes.
[DailyPost]