FEATURES
Canvasses youth participation in anti-graft war
CAN, Sultan, Ooni, EFCC chair, others list ways to combat menace
President Bola Tinubu has taken a firm stand against the unjust stereotyping Nigerians as inherently corrupt.
He expressed the view at a forum, with the theme, ”Public Engagement on Youth, Religion, and the Fight Against Corruption,” organized by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, in Abuja.
The event also marked the launch of an Inter-Faith Manual and Fraud Risk Assessment Project for MDAs.
Tinubu, who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, commended the EFCC for serving as a moral compass and persistently awakening the nation’s conscience.
He flayed the unfairness of labeling all Nigerians corrupt, based on the actions of a few, stressing that the country was home to diligent and honest people.
In clear terms, the President rejected the blanket mislabeling that taints the reputation of majority of Nigerian citizens.
While highlighting the global contributions of Nigerians in significant fields, such as Artificial Intelligence and medicine, the President noted that such gross misrepresentation failed to reflect the true essence of a nation composed of diverse and resilient people.
He said: “Over the decades, Nigerians have been victims of mislabelling. Such gross misrepresentation fails to reflect the true essence of our diverse and resilient nation.
”The association of internet crimes with the entire Nigerian populace lacks statistical evidence and does not align with the sociology of everyday Nigerians.
”Our nation comprises hardworking, honest citizens who contribute significantly to various fields globally, from Artificial Intelligence to medicine.
“While we reject blanket stereotyping that undermines the majority upholding principles of integrity and diligence, we must face the fact that we function in an interconnected world where cybercrimes have evolved into a global phenomenon.”
President Tinubu acknowledged the global threat of cybercrimes and assured the EFCC of the government’s unwavering support in their battle against digital offences.
He highlighted the establishment of a Students Loan Board to support young Nigerians financially, thus discouraging them from engaging in unlawful activities.
“Our message to the youth is clear: the horizon is wide, and opportunities abound across various sectors,” he said.
The President urged the youths to take advantage of these lawful prospects and contribute to the nation’s prosperity.
He also called on religious leaders to serve as pillars of guidance and charged MDAs to work closely with the EFCC to streamline governance processes and ensure resources were used judiciously for the benefit of all citizens.
In his remarks, CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, echoed concerns over corruption’s detrimental effects, emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts to reverse the trend.
“Corruption remains one of the major challenges we have in our country today. I would like to urge government at all levels to strengthen the justice system in Nigeria to indict and discipline any established act of corruption in order to give strong support to this campaign against corruption in our dear nation,” he said.
The Archbishop reminded everyone that the youths did not create corruption but are being influenced by it.
The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, in his remarks, emphasized the importance of appointing officials with unblemished records to combat corruption effectively.
He said: “For any government to effectively combat corruption, the first step lies in the appointment of government officials. Great care must be taken in selecting individuals for these positions in order for the government to succeed.
“These appointees must have no history of criminal activities. If someone with a known history of corruption is appointed and it is believed that they will suddenly change within the span of four years, then there is a fundamental misunderstanding. The appointment of government officials must be treated with utmost seriousness.
“To the EFCC chairman: you were nominated by the executive, confirmed by the Senate, and the judiciary knows what you’re doing. Your intention to seek approval from these three bodies is highly commendable, and they must support you as they are the ones who put you in that position.
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, called for dialogue and structural reforms to address systemic issues and foster societal values.
“Let us engage in dialogue and change the current structure, following the example set by the chairman of the EFCC, by publicly involving and discussing issues, such as youth, religion, and the fight against corruption. We need to thoroughly engage with one another to identify the root of the problem.
“The fundamental issue is that we cannot survive with the current state of affairs in Nigeria. It is simply not possible. Anyone claiming otherwise is not being truthful. Even if we were the most intelligent people in the world, it would still be impossible.”
On his part, EFCC chairman, Ola Olukoyede, said the agency was committed to prevention strategies and collaboration with faith-based organizations to combat corruption.
“With all modesty, we have been effective in deploying our enforcement powers in tackling various forms of financial crimes, including grand corruption and cybercrimes.
”Our conviction profile and record of asset recovery are unmatched by any other agency. But rather than abate, these crimes appear to have festered, suggesting that a change of approach might be imperative.
“This realization commends a reconsideration of the commission’s anti-graft strategy with a new focus on prevention in line with the popular dictum that prevention is better than cure. It is also in tandem with the recommendations of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption, UNCAC,” he said.
The proprietor of the Apostolic Faith Group of Schools, Emure Ekiti, Gabriel Adesanya, on Wednesday, lamented that kidnapped pupils and staff members of the school were being subjected to a series of maltreatment by their abductors.
Adesanya who spoke to The PUNCH on Wednesday, said whenever the kidnappers called the parents, the children were flogged and heard crying in the background.
He added that the kidnappers insisted on the N100m ransom they demanded on Tuesday and threatened that they would take drastic actions against the schoolchildren and the workers who were abducted on Monday.
On Monday, gunmen operating on the Emure-Ekiti — Iporo Ekiti road attacked a bus conveying over 25 pupils of the school home after closing hours.
The Principal of the secondary section of the groups of schools, Boje Olanireti, had on Tuesday told The PUNCH that although there were over 25 pupils in the bus, five were taken away.
According to her, the schoolchildren were being taken to Iporo Ekiti, when the tyre of the bus was shot by the hoodlums and five of them and four workers in the school were abducted.
The schoolchildren were abducted on the same day, gunmen killed two Ekiti monarchs-the Onimojo of Imojo, Oba Olatunde Olusola, and the Elesun of Esun Ekiti, Oba Babatunde Ogunsakin, while the Alara of Ara Ekiti, Oba Adebayo Fatoba, narrowly escaped.
The traditional rulers were returning from a function in Kogi State when their vehicles ran into the suspected kidnappers who were operating on the highway between Ipao and Oke Ako in the Ikole Local Government Area of Ekiti State.
Pupils flogged
Giving an update on the fate of the schoolchildren, the school proprietor, Adesanya, in an interview with The PUNCH, said, “The kidnappers have started to maltreat the abductees and it is causing a series of problems right now. They called the parents of the pupils who were abducted and the husband of one of the women. We were told that during their calls, they heard how they were flogging the children and the way they were crying to call the attention of the parents.
“They also threatened them to provide the ransom as early as possible or they would do and undo. They have called close to five relatives so far. They called the mother of two of the kidnapped pupils and asked how much she had gotten so far, but she replied that she did not have anything yet. The husband of the female worker they called said his wife complained that they were maltreating her and the children.”
Gabriel said the kidnappers were using their phones and not the phones of their victims.
“Those that were called discovered that it was not the phones of the abductees that they were using. They were using different numbers to call,” he added.
Our correspondent gathered that the activities in the school had been put on hold due to the incident, while all the private schools in the Eporo also closed down to sympathise with the school.
A source in the community told our correspondents that tension brewed on Tuesday after some youths in the community barricaded the roads to protest over the incident.
“The young men in the community barricaded the road and made sure that nobody passed through the place. But when the security operatives got there, I think they were able to calm down. The parents also met with the traditional rulers who assured them that efforts were ongoing to secure the release of their children.”
Meanwhile, the Ondo security outfit codenamed, Amotekun, has deployed 100 of its personnel to join the search for the kidnapped victims.
Amotekun commander in the state, Chief Adetunji Adeleye, said this while parading 31 suspected criminals arrested in Akure on Wednesday.
He added that the security outfit was acting on the order of the Ondo state governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
He said, “The governor of our dear state, Hon Lucky Aiyedatiwa has ordered that we deploy Amotekun personnel to work with their counterpart in Ekiti to secure the release of the pupils and arrest the killers of the monarchs,
“A couple of hours ago, we had an unfortunate incident in Ekiti and the governor of Ondo State directed we moved in the interest of brotherliness to assist in the security situation in Ekiti State. We deployed 100 personnel to assist the Ekiti command.
“We’ve been there in the last 48 hours. Some arrests have been made and we will continue until the perpetrators of such dastardly acts are arrested.”
Gov laments
Meanwhile, the state Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, while addressing the traditional rulers at an emergency meeting on Wednesday, said, “This is an emotional moment for all of us. I have never heard of a situation like this, most especially in Ekiti. I know that Ekiti has never been conquered”.
Oyebanji, who said that Ekiti State traditional rulers had always been at the forefront of the defence of the citizens, said, “This state has been peaceful, they want to soil our reputation, but God will deliver us.
“I want to remind our royal fathers, we had this kind of attempt on us years ago, and Ekiti obas stood in unity. This is the time for us to invoke the spirit of Ekitiparapo.”
The governor described Ekiti parapo as collaboration and unity among the communities to defend themselves.
“This is not the first time it has happened; during the Kiriji War, our royal fathers came together to secure this place.
“When we were fighting for state creation, they came together to fight and we got the state created. So, if our peace is threatened, the monarchs are the custodians of culture and tradition and two of them have been murdered.
“There is a need to collaborate with security agencies to ensure that it does not happen again. Part of the steps we have taken is to meet with our traditional rulers to collect intelligence from them. I want to assure the people of Ekiti that this government will protect them,’’ he stated.
In a communique signed by Oba Ilori-Faboro at the end of the traditional rulers’ meeting, the monarchs condemned “the sacrilegious and brutal killing” of two of their members and the kidnap of school children and their teachers in Emure-Ekiti as they called on the Federal Government to deploy more security personnel to Ekiti.
They also called on the government at all levels to ensure the perpetrators were apprehended and made to face the wrath of the law in no distance time.
The traditional council chair noted that members had been directed to take all necessary measures to ensure that all forests currently occupied by bandits and kidnappers in the state were combed immediately to rid them of the criminals.
The communique stated, “Council appeals to all regular and native security systems to work together to end all manners of criminalities in the state. Council demands that the state government should empower the traditional rulers with adequate resources to police and secure their domains.
“Council appeals to all Ekiti home and abroad not to panic nor apprehensive as drastic measures will be collaboratively taken to ensure Ekiti is secured. Council calls on patriotic Ekiti indigenes all over the world to generously support their communities to provide local security arrangements to protect lives and property in all communities,” it stated.
In a related development, the Ondo State Security Network Agency also known as Amotekun, on Wednesday said it had sent 100 of its men to join Ekiti State Amotekun in a bid to rescue abducted school children.
The commander of the Ondo Amotekun, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye disclosed the development while parading some suspected criminals in the state at the headquarters of the command in Akure the state capital.
Adetunji said, “ A couple of hours ago, we had an unfortunate situation in Ekiti State and the Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa directed that we should move to the state in the interest of brotherliness to assist in the security situation in Ekiti State.
Ondo Amotekun deployed
“We deployed about 100 personnel to Ekiti State to assist them and we have been there in the last 48 hours, some arrests have been made and an investigation is still ongoing on those that we arrested and we will continue to arrest until the perpetrators of such that deadly acts are fished out.”
The commander opined that the only solution to kidnapping was the creation of state police, urging the Federal Government to create state police to tackle the menace.
“The straight solution to this insecurity in the country especially in the South-West is for the Federal Government to put in place the grassroots state police. With state policing, we will be able to go grassroots, and it will be easy for us to track down all these criminals in our society.
“The panacea to solving the security breaches and problems is the state policing.
“We should not forget that Amotekun is both conventional and unconventional security, but the issue of weapons, once the issue of state policing is approved, there would be no limitation to the equipment they can use in combating crimes.”
In a related development, the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde again called for the establishment of state police, noting that it had become imperative to surmount the insecurity challenges facing different parts of the country.
He noted that Amoteku was borne out of the refusal of the Federal Government to approve South-West governors’ demand for the creation of state police.
The governor’s media aide, Olanrenwaju, in another statement, said Makinde spoke when he received the Conference of Speakers of State Legislators, South-West Chapter, led by its Chairman and Speaker of Ekiti State House of Assembly, Adeoye Aribasoye.
He said, “I want to observe that you need to all come together, irrespective of the political party that brought you into office. This is a demonstration that the electioneering period is over and you need to have everybody pulling together to govern and deliver the dividends of democracy to our people.
“A lot of people may not know that before we launched Amotekun in this state, some of us governors went to the Federal Government and asked to be allowed to set up state police for our various states but we did not get that approval during the time of President Muhammadu Buhari.
“I disagreed at that particular time and still disagree to date that the states are not in the position to maintain state police. I have never seen where the Federal Government went to a particular state and gave the police everything they needed. So, the states are already maintaining the police.So, the issue of being unable to maintain state police will not arise again. Give us the responsibility first and see if certain states will be able to maintain it or not.
“But since we could not get state police, we settled for Amotekun. All the state assemblies in the South-West passed a common law for its establishment. So, we have to be pushing for state police, and you lawmakers have a role to play to make that a reality.”
Earlier, the Chairman of the Conference, Aribasoye, described Makinde as a dynamic governor, while he also lauded his efforts in re-engineering the state through various developmental projects.
In attendance were the Chairman, Nigeria Conference of Speakers and Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly,Adebo Ogundoyin; Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Olamide Adesanmi; and the Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Adewale Egbedun.
Also, the Nigeria Union of Local Government Council said it should be allowed to carry out community policing in all the local government areas to protect its citizens.
The body also called for urgent measures to tackle various challenges bedevilling the country.
The union disclosed these in a communiqué signed by its President Ambali Olatunji, and the General Secretary, Isah Gambo, during the National Executive Council meeting held in Abuja on Wednesday.
They noted that the use of community policing would help curb banditry and kidnapping, urging the Federal Government to take immediate action on its plea.
NULGE noted “We call for urgent measures to tackle the multifaceted challenges threatening the nation’s stability.
“We emphasize the necessity for collaboration among federal, state, and local government authorities as well as the active involvement of community leaders, traditional rulers, and religious heads in developing comprehensive strategies to combat insecurities in Nigeria
“The Local Government should be allowed to carry out community policing activities in protecting lives and properties of their citizens within their jurisdiction.
“This will lay to rest banditry, incessant killings, kidnapping, and all other vices. Therefore, NEC-in-session calls on the Federal Government to take prompt action.”
The union appealed to the FG to consider licensing modular refineries to have the capacity to refine crude oil, which “in turn creates employment and rural development in Nigeria,” they said.
NULGE emphasized the importance of reviewing and adjusting minimum wages for Nigerian workers, urging relevant authorities and committees to “expedite action and to conclude the process before the expiration of Minimum Wage Act that will expire by March 2024.”
Furthermore, the body said “The NEC-in-Session calls for an upward pension allowance review of retirees in Nigeria to the tune of 100 per cent for them to be able to cope with their challenges.
“The session calls for prompt intervention from the Federal Government to all 774 Local Governments across the nation to enable them to perform their statutory functions as detailed in the 4th Schedule of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended.”
Zamfara Inaugurates Community Protection Guard As Northwest Governors Rule Out Negotiation With Terrorists & Bandits.
AdminThe Zamfara State government stepped up its war on insecurity in the area as Governor Dauda Lawal on Wednesday formally unveiled the Community Protection Guards (CPG), designed to complement the efforts of the regular security forces.
The ceremony at the Trade Fair complex in Gusau, the state capital, attracted the six other governors from the North-West: Jigawa, Kebbi, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, and Sokoto.
A statement by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, noted that the government is utilizing a multi-faceted and multi-dimensional approach to addressing security challenges in the state. According to the statement, “last year, Governor Dauda Lawal approved the engagement of 5,200 guards across the 14 Local Government Areas.
Today (Wednesday), 2,645 Community Protection Guards graduated in the first batch.
“In his remark at the graduation ceremony, Governor Dauda Lawal said his administration embarked on the arduous task with a commitment to gradual reforms across all sectors of the state’s economy, to instill sanity and accelerate development. “While we make these efforts, the lofty goals we set out to achieve will remain a mirage as long as the formidable challenge of insecurity remains unaddressed.
“This informed our decision to, among other things, establish the Community Protection Guards, known as Askarawa Zamfara. “The steering committee for establishing the Community Protection Guards traversed the 14 Local Government Areas and screened eligible volunteers for enrollment into the outfit.
“We believe that the bulk of the challenges we face as a state and region are born out of severe neglect in advancing public policy to serve the socio-economic expectations of our people. “We will never take for granted the message of the people of our state through their votes in March 2023.
“Today, therefore, the first batch of the Community Protection Guards, 2,645, is graduating. “These young, energetic, and vibrant personnel have undergone rigorous training, extensive drilling, and an understanding of the rules of engagement, amongst other skills. “These will assist them in the due discharge of their responsibility of partnering, assisting, and working with the security agencies to defend our communities.”
The statement also quoted the Katsina State Governor, Dr. Dikko Radda, who is also chairman of the North-West Governors Forum, as reaffirming their joint decision not to engage in negotiations with bandits. Radda said that, “we have gathered here today with a common purpose: to unite against banditry and insecurity in the North-West. “Regardless of political affiliations, we are committed to never negotiating with bandits. In his remarks, Chairman of the occasion, a former National Security Adviser, Gen. Aliyu Muhammad Gusau (retired), praised the state government for establishing the CPG.
The Nigerian British Chamber of Commerce, NBCC, has charged the federal government to urgently mop up excess cash in circulation as well as curb inflation which closed last year at 28.92 percent.
Speaking at a media briefing in Lagos, President of NBCC, Mr. Ray Atelly, said that a lot of the well-run companies in Nigeria are beginning to struggle to meet their obligations.
He stated: “This is quite ominous. Who knows what may happen next. Whatever the solution may be, government must act with urgency like never before.”
He said it is time to stop printing Naira and worsening money in circulation, recommending, “Let us instead start mopping up excess cash and start curbing 28.92 percent inflation. How can money supply grow from 53.1 trillion in January 2023 to 78.7 trillion in December of same year without a corresponding increase in Gross Domestic Product, GDP?”
Atelly said the only way to save Nigerians from further agony is by treating the threat posed by hunger and idleness in the country.
He added that it is important to provide export incentives so as to start exporting in good numbers and earning forex.
He said: “It is time to Produce. Let us produce with rudimentary tools and upscale as we go along. Produce as a National policy and flood our markets with made in Nigeria manufactured goods. It is time to wake up from the dream that Nigeria is a rich country”.
“It is time we stopped importing tradesmen from Benin Republic, Togo and Ghana while our youths engage in mischief without future direction. It is time we implemented a population policy that can reduce our population growth rate of 2.4 percent far below our GDP growth of 2.5 percent. Real development cannot take place under such a static situation. We can achieve five percent GDP growth if it becomes a national agenda”.
In a move to further boost liquidity in the foreign exchange market, the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, has ordered banks to limit the Net Open Position, NOP, of their foreign currency assets and liabilities to 20 per cent of shareholders’ funds.
NOP defines a bank’s risk exposure to its foreign exchange-denominated assets.
The order was contained in a January 31, 2014, CBN Circular referenced: TED/FEM/PUB/ FPC/001/ 001, issued yesterday.
The directive is expected to shore up the fortunes of Naira in the foreign exchange market while curtailing excessive trading and possible abuses by dealers.
But the Naira traded sideways yesterday, depreciating in the parallel market while appreciating in the official market. The development resumes the growing spread between the two markets which has drastically bridged two days ago.
The circular which was signed by the Director of Trade and Exchange, Dr. Hassan Mahmud, as well as, Mrs. Rita Sike, for Director of Banking Supervision, was titled, “Harmonization of Reporting Requirements on Foreign Currency Exposures of Banks”.
According to the new CBN prudential requirements, “Banks whose current NOP exceeds 20 per cent short and 0 per cent long of their shareholders’ funds unimpaired by losses are required to bring them to prudential limit by today, February 1, 2024.
“Banks are also required to have adequate stock of high-quality liquid foreign assets, i.e. cash and government securities in each significant currency to cover their maturing foreign currency obligations. In addition, banks should have in place a foreign exchange contingency funding arrangement with other financial institutions.”
Other requirements include: “Banks should borrow and lend in the same currency (natural hedging) to avoid currency mismatch associated with foreign currency risk.
“The basis of the interest rate for borrowing should be the same as that of lending i.e. there should be no mismatch in floating and fixed interest rates, to mitigate basis risk associated with foreign borrowing interest rate risk.
“With respect to Eurobonds, any clause of early redemption should be at the instance of the issuer and approval obtained from the CBN in this regard, even if the bond does not qualify as tier-2 capital.
“All banks are required to adopt adequate treasury and risk management systems to provide oversight of all foreign exchange exposures and ensure accurate reporting on a timely basis.
“Banks are expected to bring all their exposures within the set limits immediately and ensure that all returns submitted to the CBN provide accurate reflection of their balance sheets.
“Please, note that non-compliance with the NOP limit will result in immediate sanction and/or the suspension from participation in the foreign exchange market.”
Basis of new requirements
The CBN said that the new requirements have become necessary due to the growing foreign currency exposures of banks through their NOP.
It said that the development had created an incentive for banks to hold excess long foreign currency positions, which exposes banks to foreign exchange and other risks.
The apex banks also issued a new guideline for rendering monthly returns on Net Foreign Assets.
It includes: Holding of foreign currency; in their various denominations; balances held with foreign banks, placement with foreign banks; balances held with branches and offices abroad; treasury securities of foreign governments; and other financial instruments in foreign currency, as well as, other foreign assets not captured above.
Analysts speak
Giving insight into the new forex policy, analysts at Commercio Partners, a Lagos based finance and investment house, said it has potential to tame the current pressure on the exchange rate while bridging the supply and demand gap.
They stated: “The circular emphasizes that banks exceeding the specified Net Open Position (NOP) limits need to adjust their positions by February 1, 2024. This adjustment could lead to a sudden influx of forex into the market as banks liquidate their net long positions. The increased supply of foreign currency may put downward pressure on its value in the short term.
The circular intends to discourage speculative activities and encourage banks to sell forex into the market. If banks comply, it could lead to an immediate reprieve for the forex market and potentially trigger currency appreciation. Investors might witness a strengthening of the local currency against major foreign currencies, including the dollar.
“Banks in Nigeria have been profiting from forex revaluation gains. The new regulations may impact their profitability, especially if they are holding significant net-long positions that need to be liquidated. Banks may need to adjust their strategies to comply with the guidelines, affecting their revenue streams.
“Currency appreciation resulting from banks complying with the circular could contribute to overall economic stability. A more stable forex market enhances predictability for businesses, investors, and consumers, fostering a favourable economic environment.
“In conclusion, the CBN’s circular is a significant regulatory intervention aimed at curbing speculative practices in the banking sector. The impact on liquidity and the economy will depend on the extent to which banks comply with the guidelines and how swiftly the market adjusts to the new regulations.
“In the coming days, it is crucial to closely monitor market monitor market reactions, compliance levels among banks, and any potential ripple effects on broader economic indicators.”
Naira falls to N1,490/$ in parallel market
Meanwhile, the naira which has been under pressure since last week hit a new low yesterday depreciating to N1,490 per dollar in the parallel market from N1,470 per dollar on Tuesday.
However, the naira appreciated to N1,455.59 per dollar in the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NAFEM).
Data from FMDQ showed that the indicative exchange rate for NAFEM fell to N1455.59 per dollar from N1,482.57 per dollar on Tuesday, indicating N26.98 appreciation for the naira.
Consequently, the gap between the official and parallel market exchange rates widened to N34.41 per dollar yesterday from N12.57 per dollar on Tuesday.
[Vanguard]
The Commonwealth has appointed former President Goodluck Jonathan as the head of its Election Observation Mission to Pakistan’s general elections.
The election is billes to hold on February 8, 2024.
This was disclosed by Jonathan’s aide, Ikechukwu Eze, in a statement, on Wednesday.
The Commonwealth of Nations, often simply referred to as the Commonwealth, is an international association of 56 member states, the vast majority of which are former territories of the British Empire from which it developed.
Jonathan served as Nigeria’s President on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party from 2010 to 2015.
“Jonathan will be leading a group of multidisciplinary experts from across the Commonwealth to observe the elections in Pakistan and offer an independent and comprehensive assessment of the electoral process,” the statement partly read.
The Commonwealth Secretary-General, Patricia Scotland, in a letter commended Jonathan for agreeing to undertake the assignment, adding that “the Commonwealth Observer Group would benefit from his leadership, experience and wisdom.”
The Commonwealth Secretariat, in a statement, expressed that the 13-member Observer Group is due to arrive in Islamabad on February 1, 2024 and will remain in the country until the electoral process is completed.
Scotland added, “I am grateful that the former President of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, has once again accepted our invitation to serve as Chair of an election observer group. The team of observers will assess the conduct of the process as a whole and, where appropriate, make recommendations for the further strengthening of the electoral system.
“It is hoped that these recommendations will be of benefit to the people and government of Pakistan in strengthening their electoral processes. The Commonwealth Secretariat would be ready to assist with this process, if deemed necessary.”
She also called on all stakeholders, including political parties and their supporters, to contribute to a peaceful election in keeping with the Commonwealth values.
According to Scotland, members of the observer group will be stationed across the country all through their stay.
“The COG will be supported by a team from the Commonwealth Secretariat led by Mr. Linford Andrews, Adviser and Head of the Electoral Support Section,” it added.
The Commonwealth further stated that while in Pakistan, members of the observer group will also meet with a wide range of stakeholders, including representatives from political parties, election officials, the media and civil society groups.
According to Commonwealth, members of the COG will observe and consider all aspects of the election process across Pakistan- from the opening of polling stations and the voting process to the counting of ballots and announcement of results on election.
It added that “following election day, the group will hold a press conference and issue an interim statement with its preliminary findings.
“A final report, which will include recommendations to help improve future electoral processes, will be presented to the government of Pakistan and the Election Commission. The report will also be shared with other stakeholders.”
The Directorate General, Immigration Office, Belgium, Mr Freddy Roosemont, has disclosed that about 30 percent of Nigerian Migrants seeking Asylum in the country hails from Edo state.
Mr Roosemont disclosed at an event organised by the Immigration Office of the Kingdom of Belgium in Collaboration with Pathfinder Justice Initiative (PJI), in Benin, Edo capital, on Wednesday.
He described the issue of Asylum seeking from Nigerians as worrisome.
“30 percent of Nigerian asylum seeker are from Edo, 20 percent from Lagos and the remaining 50 percent are from other states in Nigeria.
“In 2022, about 370 Nigerians sought for Asylum while in 2023, about 360 also requested Asylum.”
According to him, some of the asylum seekers came to Belgium by legal means while others came through the Mediterranean Sea.
He explained that the high rate of people from Edo involved in human trafficking when compared to other states in Nigeria and necessitated the awareness creation about safe migration in the state.
Roosemont said jobs market in Belgium were already saturated, advising Nigerians not to fall victims of human trafficking in the name of helping them get jobs in Belgium.
He said about 5,000 Nigerians were living legally in Belgium, saying they are in support of legal migration.
Earlier, the Executive Director, PJI, Ruth Benson-Idahisa, solicited support from Non Governmental Organisations in creating awareness about safe migration initiative.
The speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Mohamed Tunis has expressed concern over the implication of illegal mining on the region’s economy, security, and environment.
Tunis who spoke at the opening of a seminar on illegal mining and its implications in the ECOWAS region in Sierra Leone, said the threat of illegal mining in the ECOWAS Region is having far-reaching implications on the fabric of the region.
He stressed that the complex interplay of security, social-economic dividends, and environmental impact on the soil and waters, have emerged as pressing concerns that demand immediate investigation and finding sustainable solutions.
He said the situation has necessitated the need for the community to pay more attention to the mining sector.
Citing the situation in Nigeria, the outgoing Speaker said, that nearly 80% of mining in northwest Nigeria is being carried out illegally, which has increased conflict since 2014, spreading across Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, and Zamfara states.
The Speaker further explained that the Community is only raking in a meagre sum from the sector despite the huge potential.
With reference to the contribution of the mining sector to the GDP of some Member States, Tunis said, the ECOWAS Vision 2050 document indicates that Ghana benefits 7.5%, Burkina Faso 10.2%, Ivory Coast 4%, while Nigeria receives only 9%.
He further said, that with a properly regulated mining sector, various economies would be far more impactful.
“The threat of illegal mining in the ECOWAS region is having far-reaching implications on the security, socio-economic environmental fabric of the region. Despite the potential of the mining sector to positively impact the lives of community citizens, the complex interplay of security, social-economic dividends, and environmental impacts on the soil and waters have emerged as pressing concerns that demand immediate investigation and finding sustainable solutions.
“A careful revision of the numbers available to us provides a compelling need to give attention to the region’s mining sector. As an example, nearly 80% of mining in Northwest Nigeria is being carried out illegally, which has increased conflict since 2014, spreading across Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi and Zamfara States.
“Referring to the contribution of the mining sector to the GDP of some Member States, the ECOWAS Vision 2050 document indicates that Ghana benefits 7.5%, Burkina Faso 10.2%, Cote d’Ivoire 4%, while Nigeria receives only 9%. With a properly regulated mining sector in the region, it is expected that our various economies would be far more impactful.
“Furthermore, illegal mining of precious minerals in West Africa has succeeded in not only depriving Member States of much-needed revenue to grow their economies through improved GDP but has also created instances of instability through banditry, kidnapping, thuggery, and in some cases insurgency.”
He therefore said the Seminar is part of the efforts of the regional Parliament to examine the implications of illegal mining in the region.
“Therefore, to examine the phenomenon of illegal mining, as well as its socio-economic, security, and environmental implications on the advancement of Member States, the leadership of the Parliament found it befitting to dedicate the last Parliamentary Seminar of the Fifth Legislature to the topic.
“We expect that at the end of the seminar, we will have a greater appreciation of the regional mining frameworks and challenges to their implementation and make recommendations where regional collaboration can be fostered to boost the sector.”
Also speaking, Sierra Leonian head of delegation, Veronica Kadie Sesay said, the Western Region of Africa is overwhelmed with a sharp increase in illicit mining which is posing a serious challenge to economic growth, revenue mobilization, environmental management, security, and safety for residents.
She said that it is unfortunate that despite Africa’s huge mining potential, the continent continues to endure challenges to muster desperately needed revenue.
“Rouge miners connive with locals and indulge in illicit extraction of our minerals deposit using very crude and dangerous methods thereby undermining government policies,” she said.
The Sierra Leone Head of delegation Hon. Sesay said the negative ramifications are not only limited to stifling revenue acquisition, but also environmental degradation that exposes the residents to health hazards and impedes other livelihood activities.
She said that deforestation, soil erosion, water pollution, flooding, and reduced farming opportunities are only a few implications of unregulated mining.
Popular Nollywood actress Toyin Abraham is facing a frustrating battle against piracy after her latest film, “Malaika,” was illegally leaked online. In response, the Lagos State Police Command has taken action, charging six suspects in court for their alleged involvement in the crime.
The suspects, identified as Kehinde Oseni, Adekunle Segun, Adebiyi Sodiq, Oseni S. Akano, Agboola Motunrayo, and Adebiyi Suliat, face charges of stealing intellectual property, conspiracy, and attempting to obstruct justice.
“Malaika” premiered in Lagos on December 17, 2023, and made its nationwide theatrical debut on December 22. However, shortly after its release, pirated copies of the film began circulating online, causing significant financial losses for Abraham and the movie’s producers.
The Federal Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) in Ikoyi, Lagos, identified and apprehended six individuals suspected of being responsible for the piracy. Spokesperson Aminat Mayegun announced the charges against them, citing “conspiracy, infringement on intellectual property, piracy, and cyber-related crimes” for their alleged use of cyberspace to illegally broadcast the film.
According to Mayegun, a criminal complaint was filed by Abraham and Seun Olayemi, the co-producer of “Malaika.” All six suspects were arraigned on Tuesday, January 31st, at the Chief Magistrate Court 1 in Tinubu.
Toyin Abraham has spoken openly about the emotional toll the piracy ordeal has taken on her, including experiencing panic attacks and hospitalization.
She urges fans to support legitimate platforms for watching films and condemn the spread of pirated content.
[Leadership]
Police operatives in Ogun have arrested one Abdul-Azeez Ibrahim (A.k.a Butcher), a student of Tai Solarin University of Education University,(TASUED) Ijagun Campus with seven guns and assorted charms.
The TASUED student was paraded alongside other suspects recently arrested during recent operations by the Ogun Police Command at the State Headquarters, Eleweran on Tuesday.
According to the police, ‘Butcher’ a 28-year-old Student of Department of Library and Information Science 2023/24 academic session was a member and the Armourer of Aiye Confraternity.
The Police said his gang has been terrorizing and launching series of attack on innocent students of the institution.
Ogun Police Commissioner CP Mustapha Abiodun Alamutu told journalists that in the course of fishing out criminals perpetrating evils in the campus, Abdul-Azeez was traced to his hideout where firearms were recovered from his room.
Meanwhile, the Butcher told journalists that he is not the owner of the charms.
He claimed the charms belonged to one Rasaq, a cobbler in the house where he squatting with one Caleb.
He said when he saw the guns on the 16th of January 2024,he told Rasaq about it and he promised to come pack them before the police came to raid the house
On the same vein, three policemen were paraded for extortion of innocent members of the public through a POS operator.
He said one Kashimao Emmanuel of Tasued Ijebu-Ode reported at the station that while he was driving, he came across a gang of four armed men and one of them was putting on a Police round neck camouflage, while 3 others were on mufti.
They demanded for his phone, which he calmly declined. In the process, one of them fired a shot into the air and that was when he complied. They entered into his car and took him away towards Sagamu expressway, on getting to Ososa, they made a u-turn to Ijebu-ode, where a sum of Three Hundred and Twelve Thousand naira was forcefully transferred from his account to an Opay account no. 9097829766.
Upon the receipt of the report, the DPO quickly made a call to the Opay account number where it was discovered that the Opay account number belongs to a POS operator in Ijebu-ode.
The DPO then gave instruction that on no account should the POS operator give out the money transferred to him to anyone who comes for it. More so, the operator should tactically delay anyone who comes for the money pending his arrival.
On getting to the POS shop at Ibadan garage, one Force No 513707 Cpl Idowu Sunday attached to Ijebu-Ife was met waiting to cash the money and was promptly arrested.
While taking him to the station, he sighted his accomplices. namely AP/No 341113 Inspector Taiwo Kolawole, AP/No 309292 Inspector John Ogbe both were attached Ijebu-Ife division, and one civilian, Adesiyan Mathew who happened to be the driver was also arrested.
araded were suspects arrested for kidnapping, armed robbery, rape and ritual killing.
More...
A Lagos man, Richard Saviour has been sentenced to life imprisonment for sexually assaulting his wife’s 14-year-old niece and infecting her with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).
An Ikeja High Court has presided over by Justice Oyindamola Ogala sentenced Saviour to life imprisonment after concluding that the evidence provided by all the prosecution witnesses were corroborated and considered the truth.
Lagos State Counsel, Mr Ola Azeez, called three witnesses to prove the prosecution’s case while the convict testified in his defence during the trial.
Ogala said that the evidences of the victim were corroborated by the Investigating Police Officer (PW1) and Social Worker from the state Ministry of Youth and Social Welfare (PW3).
According to her, these established the offence of defilement against the convict.
She said: “The testimony before the court clearly depicts the ‘evil’ perpetrated on this young girl and how she was abused both mentally and physically by the defendant and his wife for years.
“Revealing how she indeed ‘cried out’ for help and was betrayed by those who were supposed to help and support her.
“It is imperative to state at this juncture that the actions of the principal of PW2’s school and the social worker (PW3) are commendable as same eventually brought some succor and relief to PW2, who unfortunately has been permanently ‘scared’.
“Having carefully considered the entirety of facts before the court, it finds that in this instance, the prosecution has satisfactorily proved the one count information the defendant stands faced with.”
Ogala said that the mien of Richard Savious was desperate to distant himself from the allegation by denying the offences.
She said that again, PW2 succinctly narrated what she stated had transpired between herself and the defendant which the defendant denied.
“The defendant in his evidence before the court indeed narrated how PW2 (the survivor) had at one instance, after running from home to avoid a beating from his wife, ran to the station and he was subsequently informed that PW2 accused him of molesting her.
“The court finds that the totality of the testimony of the defendant who testified in his defence calling no additional witness is in essence a denial of the allegation without more.
“He offered no reliable explanations to the charge aside attempts to depict PW2 as a stubborn girl and one who stole from himself and his wife,” she added.
The judge said that when the police took the victim to the Mirrabel Centre, she was tested and found to be HIV positive.
Thereafter, she was transferred to Mary’s Home Orphanage and looked after with the help of Positive Action for Treatment Access, a Non Governmental Organisation.
According to the judge, the Mirabel Centre record of PW2’s genital findings are that her hymen was absent with slight whitish vaginal discharge and concluded that the finding is consistent with repeated vaginal penetration which lends credence to the facts stated by PW2.
The judge, hence, convicted the defendant on the charge of defilement by unlawful sexual assault and sentenced him to life imprisonment in the Correctional centre. (NAN)
Nigerian dancer and singer Korra Obidi has decided to speak on why she admitted cheating on her ex-husband, Justin Dean.
The dancer shared her reasons for coming forward with this deeply personal revelation, shedding light on the complexities of their relationship.
Recall that Korra Obidi admitted in an interview in 2022, that she had cheated on her husband in Nigeria before relocating to the United States to be with him.
However, the mother of two revealed in a recent interview with News Central, that she made the revelation because she couldn’t bear to live with the secret.
Why I don’t feel myself anymore – Wizkid addresses concerns trailing his ‘appearance’ at UK event
She emphasized that many new insights had come to light as a result of her confession, adding that she didn’t regret doing so.
She said:
“If I had not said what I said, if I had not come through with my truth, it wouldn’t have brought out all the truths that came to light.
“As you saw on the blogs, I admitted to that [cheating]; he [my ex-husband] admitted to a lot of things. So it was like we were both doing these things.
“And we would have been living in a lie to please the public. And how long can you do that? So I would never regret saying I was having commitment issues before I came to America. I never said this [my ex-husband] is the only man I’m going to be sleeping with for the rest of my life.
“So I dabbled. I admitted to it openly. And a lot of people insulted me for it but at the end of the day, I would never live with a secret to death.”
A popular church, Household of David Church, situated at Adeniyi Jones Street, Ikeja Lagos, was gutted by fire on Wednesday morning.
This was confirmed to Vanguard by the National Emergency Management Agency, saying the fire was successfully put out.
NEMA disclosed that the fire began around 11 am at the rear of the church, and was noticed by passersby who drew the attention of the indoor workers.
The disaster management agency also said that no injury or casualty was recorded in the fire incident.
The statement by NEMA read, “A fire outbreak at Household of David Church located at Surulere Industrial Road, off Adeniyi Jones Ikeja Lagos occurrence has been successfully put out by responders.
“The fire which started at about 0011 hours at the rear of the church was not noticed by the church workers but by passersby who drew the attention of the indoor workers to the incident.
“No one sustained injury or casualty recorded.
“The church had organised a 5-day crusade starting from this evening by 1700 and ending on the 4th of February, 2024.
“The premises were said to have been leased, insured, and hired by the Church.
“It was found out that due to the expected turnout of congregants for the crusade, the Church workers had been trained by the Fire Service to prepare for any eventualities.
“Agencies on ground are NEMA, Lagos State Building Control Agency, Lagos Emergency Management Agency, State Fire Service and the Police.”
One Bakare Ayobami has been arrested for allegedly purchasing a car with bogus bank transaction, the police in Ondo State have said.
The 22-year-old committed the crime in Owo local government area of the state last October.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Funmilayo Odunlami-Omisanya, made the disclosure in a statement on Wednesday in Akure, the state capital.
He said the cybercrime case was reported to the police on October 26, 2023, adding that the suspect involved is from Ode Irele in Irele Local Government Area of Ondo State.
Lagos govt issues 30-day ultimatum to churches, mosques, clubhouses in residential areas
He disclosed that the suspect duped Mr Filani Oluwaseun and Mr Ogbaguwa Oluwasola who jointly own a car dealership shope at Ikare Road, Owo.
He explained that Ayobami had on October 20, 2023 at about 1800hrs bought a Toyota Corolla 2006 model of N4,650,000.00 from the duo using a fake bank alert.
He said through intelligence gathering, police operatives attached to Special Anti-Kidnapping Squad, arrested Ayobami Bakare and his accomplice, one Abdullahi Abubakar, aged 26 in Ekiti.
The vehicle was recovered in Osogbo alongside another Toyota Camry 2014, he stated.
“The stolen vehicle was recovered in Osogbo, Osun State, while another Toyota Camry 2014 model valued at N6.2 million suspected to have been stolen, was also recovered from the suspect.
“Other items recovered include one iPhone 12 Pro Max valued at N600,000 and one iPhone 14 Pro, all purchased with fake transfer,” he said