According to our correspondent, the Federal Ministry of Finance has ordered that all directors who have spent eight years in the directorate cadre tender their notices for early retirement in accordance with the new tenure limit introduced for directors in the Federal Civil Service.

A memo signed by the ministry’s Director of Administration, Mariya Rufai, and dated August 3, 2023, was sent to all directors and heads of ministry units.

The Federal Government instituted a tenure policy for Permanent Secretaries in the newly revised rules. Though the rule states that Permanent Secretaries will now serve for four years, it also states that their tenure is subject to renewal based on performance evaluations. It also states that directors who serve for eight years must retire at the end of the period.

Our correspondent also learned that the Federation’s Head of Civil Service, Folashade Yemi-Esan, called for the PSR to be implemented immediately in a memo to all ministries.

Following her directive, the Ministry of Finance in the memo said;

I write to refer you to the “2021 Revised Edition” of the Public Service Rules which takes effect from 27th July 2023. Consequently, all Directors (SGL 17) who have spent eight years and above on the post are by this Internal Circular directed to submit their notice of retirement in line with Section 020909 of the revised PSR effective from the date stated thereof.

Accordingly, all affected directors are advised to commence the process of documentation with the Administration Department for compulsory retirement by virtue of the section under reference.

Furthermore, the Directors in question should formally hand over to the most senior officers in their respective Departments and surrender all official documents including Identification Cards as well as official vehicles (if any) before exiting.

Please bring the content of this internal circular to the attention of all concerned for strict compliance.

The Coalition for the Protection of Democracy (COPDEM) has cautioned lawyers representing the governing All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Tinubu at the ongoing Presidential Election Tribunal (PEPT) not to intimidate judges or the judiciary in general.

The warning comes 48 hours after the PEPT reserved its decision on the petition brought by Labour Party (LP) Presidential candidate Peter Obi against the proclamation of All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate Bola Tinubu as the winner of the February 25 election.

In their final written statement before the tribunal, Tinubu’s lawyers, led by Wole Olanipekun (SAN), stated that the FCT is the 37th state for election purposes and that any other interpretation would “lead to chaos, anarchy, and alteration of the very intention of the legislature.”

COPDEM, however, told media in Abuja on Thursday that Chief Olanipekun’s statement to the tribunal was a threat to justice and democracy.

The group’s spokesperson, Danjuma Garba Musa, said that Olanipekun’s submission could intimidate the Appeal Court justices hearing the case.

COPDEM, therefore, asked President Tinubu to disown and immediately dissociate himself from such anti-democratic aberrations if he was not party to it.

The group said:

The threat to the judiciary and the rule of law is a major concern in addition to the increasing public outcry over the high-handed removal of subsidy that has plunged more Nigerians into poverty.

Any threat to the judiciary is a threat to democracy, COPDEM believes in the rule of law and justice. Justice is the ultimate pillar of any democracy; it must be done and be seen to be done.

COPDEM is in support and advocates for the absolute independence and integrity of the judiciary as fundamental to the success of our democracy and for the peace and unity of Nigeria as a nation.

It is a threat to the judiciary and rule of law for a senior advocate of Nigeria to presume and invoke anarchy in Nigeria if the victory of his client Bola Tinubu is overturned by the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal (PEPT) before the whole world.

Former vice president, Atiku Abubakar, has advised leaders of Economic Community Of West African States (ECOWAS) to shelve the idea of military intervention in Niger Republic.

Recall that a military junta seized power in the West Africa nation last Thursday after a bloodless coup that ousted democratically elected president, Mohammed Bazoum.

In an emergency meeting on Sunday in Abuja, ECOWAS leaders orders the coupists to reinstate Bazoum as president within seven days or face military action.

Reacting to the unfolding developments, Atiku bemoaned the gale of coup in the sub region in recent years.

In a statement on Thursday, Atiku said “The military intervention in the Republic of Niger has created tension across the West Africa sub-region, and it is a development that has caused international attention to that neighbouring country of ours.

“The putsch is even more worrisome because the number of states that have witnessed military intervention in the last three years in the subregion is increasing.

“Of course, the world expects Nigeria to take up leadership in ensuring that the crisis of political leadership in the Republic of Niger is not just curtailed but also ensuring the restoration of democratic governance in that country.

“While the expectations that fall on Nigeria as the sub-regional leader is not a quick fix, it must be expressed that the role taken so far by the Economic Community of West African States has been commendable.

“As the ECOWAS continues to work towards reinstating democracy in the Republic of Niger, it must be reinforced that the regional body should not travel the road of military hostilities that may exacerbate the status quo.

“The crisis in the Republic of Niger requires diplomatic engagements, and that must mean that the channels for dialogue should be well sustained.

“While the world expects Nigeria to take a leading role in this process of peaceful conflict resolution, it must be clear to the military insurrectionists in the Republic of Niger that the world cannot afford to wait for too long before this crisis is resolved reasonably.

“This is undoubtedly a challenging time for the West African region. However, any actions taken towards the prompt resolution of the crisis in the Republic of Niger must prioritize democracy as the ultimate victor”

Embattled President of Niger Republic Mohamed Bazoum has called on African and World leaders to help restore his country’s democracy.

Naija News recalls that Bazoum has been in detention since the military overthrew his government on July 26.

In an article he wrote from detention which was published on Washington Post, Bazoum said the coup must end, and the junta must free everyone they have unlawfully arrested.

According to him, the act carried out by a faction of the military was unjustifiable.

The Niger Republic president said, “I write this as a hostage. Niger is under attack from a military junta that is trying to overthrow our democracy, and I am just one of hundreds of citizens who have been arbitrarily and illegally imprisoned. This coup, launched against my government by a faction in the military on July 26, has no justification whatsoever. If it succeeds, it will have devastating consequences for our country, our region and the entire world.

“Our government came to power through a democratic election in 2021. Any attempt to overthrow a lawful government must be opposed, and we appreciate the strong and unequivocal condemnations of this cynical effort to undermine the remarkable progress Niger has made under democracy. The United States, the African and European Unions, and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have been loud and clear: This coup must end, and the junta must free everyone they have unlawfully arrested.”

He added that contrary to claims by the military junta which toppled his government, the West African country has witnessed an unprecedented growth and development since he became president two years ago with no major attacks witnessed in the country.

“The coup plotters falsely claim that they acted to protect Niger’s security. They allege that our war against jihadist terrorists is failing and that my economic and social governance, including partnerships with the United States and Europe, has hurt our country.

“In fact, Niger’s security situation has improved dramatically — facilitated by the very partnerships the junta opposes. Foreign aid makes up 40 percent of our national budget, but it will not be delivered if the coup succeeds.

“To the south, where we face the terrorist group Boko Haram, there have been almost no attacks for two years, and refugees are returning to their villages. As a testament to this reality, our partners, including the U.S. Agency for International Development, are shifting their operations from humanitarian aid to development initiatives such as building sustainable energy, improving agricultural productivity and educating the next generation of Nigerien leaders.

“The country’s north and west have likewise suffered no major attacks since I took office in 2021. Thanks to our allies’ support and training from partners, including the Indiana National Guard, Niger is now the safest it has been in the past 15 years.

“Notably, Niger’s security situation is significantly better than that of our neighbors Mali and Burkina Faso, whose governments, both installed by military takeovers, support the illegal coup. Rather than addressing security concerns by strengthening their own capacity, they employ criminal Russian mercenaries such as the Wagner Group at the expense of their people’s rights and dignity,” he added.

He listed some of the successes achieved by his administration to include maintaining peace in the country and revitalising the economy.

He added, “My government has been similarly successful in terms of economic and social governance. After a slow recovery from covid-19 in 2021, our per capita growth rate more than tripled to 7.4 percent last year.

“2022 was Niger’s first year without a single school day lost to strikes from teachers or students. Workers did not go on strike in any major sector, and my administration signed landmark agreements with unions to create a safer and more stable working environment across the nation.

“In March, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken called Niger ‘a model of resilience, a model of democracy, a model of cooperation.’”

He added that within the period the military junta took over power, meaningful developments being experienced in the country are already being reversed.

“We cannot afford to lose this momentum. Recognizing the threat that Niger’s potential fall poses to the region, our neighbors in ECOWAS have announced unprecedented sanctions, including a ban on exports and imports of oil, and a suspension of cross-border financial transactions.

“These measures are already demonstrating what a future would look like under an autocratic junta with no vision or reliable allies. The price of rice rose by 40 percent between Sunday and Tuesday, and some neighborhoods have begun to report shortages of goods and electricity.

“In Africa’s troubled Sahel region, Niger stands as the last bastion of respect for human rights amid the authoritarian movements that have overtaken some of our neighbors. While this coup attempt is a tragedy for Nigeriens, its success would have devastating consequences far beyond our borders,” he said.

Bazoum warned that “the entire central Sahel region could fall to Russian influence via the Wagner Group, whose brutal terrorism has been on full display in Ukraine,” with the open invitation of the coup plotters.

He warned that Boko Haram and other terrorist movements will take advantage of Niger’s instability, and use the country as a staging ground to attack neighboring countries and undermine peace, safety and freedom around the world.

“They will ramp up their efforts to target our youths with hateful anti-Western indoctrination, turning them against the very partners who are helping us build a more hopeful future,” he added.

The Governor of Adamawa State, Ahmadu Fintiri on Thursday announced the appointment of forty-seven media aides.

Governor Fintiri made the announcement in a post on Microblogging platform, Twitter.

The governor expressed confidence that the team would serve the people effectively.

The statement reads; “I’m pleased to announce the appointment of the following members to constitute my media team:

SPECIAL ADVISERS:

1. Dr. John Ngamsa – Special Adviser Media and Strategy

2. Babayola Tongo – Special Adviser Media

SENIOR SPECIAL ASSISTANTS:
1. George Kushi – Senior Special Assistant Media and Publicity

2. Ijafiya Domiya – SSA Digital and Visual Communication

3. Sherif Alhassan – SSA Electronic Media

4. Muhammed Tukur – SSA New Media

5. Nurudeen Kama – SSA New Media

6. Pius Iliya – SSA New Media

7. Awal Hamza- SSA New Media

8. Thomas Terry – SSA Visuals (Photography)

9. Barrister Sunday Wugirah – SSA Public Affairs

10. Victor Dogo – SSA Social Mobilization

Special Assistants Social Media and Content Creation:

1. Mohammed Faisal

2. Miracle Musa

3. Abubakar Idris

4. Nafiu Abubakar

5. Prince Solomon Yakubu Tumba

6. Abdullahi Damare

7. Vandi Yusuf

8. Emmanuel Tumba

9. Jonathan Jude

10. Auwal Hamza

11. Jamila Tanko

12. Mohammed Rayan Yunuda

13. Paul Barnabas

14. Suleiman Garga

15. Zailani Abba Kawu

16. Elijah Sambo

17. Benan Wyclif

18. Nasir Kasim

19. Wali Ibrahim Facebook

20. Mamse Adamu

21. Muhammed Girei

22. Sani Garta

23. Emmanuel Lakami

24. Ibrahim Assad

25. Musa Elson

26. Hierarchy Harold

27. Micah Simon Tihze

28. Jameel Kolere

29. Joan Daniel

30. Jibril Musa

31. Halima Bala

32. Nacha Waziri

33. Ahmadu Hamidu

34. Ijabani Ijahu

35. Hamanbello Idris Special Assistant (Master Of Ceremony Government Events).

Meanwhile, Nigerians have taken to Twitter to react to the announcement of the Governor.

See some reactions to the development on Twitter below:

@sire_sommy, one Somto Anaerobic said: “47-man media team? Even Nollywood cast no reach like this!”

@Diadribs wrote: “I was scrolling down to see the end of the list ?”

@amudaDewale said: “How do you plan to reduce cost of governance with so much advisers on media only. Will they be operating Adamawa radio station or th station cos why do you need about 50 ppl? Haba”

@NwagweEverest wrote: “Maybe this man wants to open a media production company to rival Universal Studios.”

@iam_bussie said: “So you are Soo clueless you need 47 persons to handle your media department. At a time we are asking for trimming in cost of governance.Wahalai it can never be well with you people thinking you can use government coffers as a means to reward people.”

@leeyah2k wrote: “I will never understand this because this crew is highly unneeded ???”

@theamazaing_ama said: “This guy’s media team is larger than Zikoko, TechCabal & Stears put together with no prospect of generating revenue ?”

@Chydee wrote: “Lmfaoooooooo. The fact that he has all these people in his media team, and they still thought it was a good idea to post this means that they’re all grossly incompetent. Na that one pain me pass”

@OjiUgo_uwa: “These people in government are not interested in cutting down the cost of governance. I mean why does a state Governor need 2 Special Advisers, 10 senior special Assistants and 35 special assistants on social media kini kan ??‍♀️??‍♀️??‍♀️??‍♀️”

@okekecc: “Sir, you missed out some names, it should have been 100 appointees.”

@viqforlan: “Let’s say you even appointed 47 media aides, announcing it on Twitter shows you’re not reading the room or feeling the pulse of the nation.
It’s really a shame. You fell off.”

Medical leaders in federal hospitals have been directed by the Federal Government to apply a ‘no work, no pay’ policy towards striking members of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD).

The health authorities have also instructed these hospitals to maintain an attendance register for any resident doctors willing to continue working.

The directive was issued in a letter dated August 1, 2023, by Dr. Andrew Noah, the Director of Hospital Services.

Naija News recalls that resident doctors on the 26th of July, 2023 commenced an indefinite strike following the expiration of a two-week ultimatum issued to the government to meet their demands.

The doctors are demanding the implementation of the one-for-one replacement policy for healthcare workers; the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria to discontinue the downgrading of the membership certificate issued by the West African Postgraduate Medical and Surgical Colleges; the immediate payment of all salary arrears; the implementation of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure; a new hazard allowance; and the domestication of the Medical Residency Training Act; among others.

The government, in the letter, accused the striking of being insensitive.

The letter read, “The various conciliatory meetings by the Federal Ministry of Health, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment with government stakeholders, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, and the National Assembly have proved abortive.

“I am directed to inform you that the Federal Ministry of Health has instituted the policy of ‘No work, No Pay’ against the striking resident doctors in line with circular Ref. No.58598/8.1/II/182 dated June 22, 2016.

“I am further directed to request you to maintain an attendance register for all residents willing to work and furnish the ministry of such name on a monthly basis.”

The Secretary General of NARD, Dr Kelechi Chikezie in his reaction to the decision of the Federal Government said the directive was not unexpected.

Chikezie said, “We have seen the letter and we will meet as leaders of NARD to take a position on that.

“But that policy is not new to us, and we would not say we were not expecting it. However, the position of NARD will meet and take a position on it.”

Veteran Nollywood actor, Pete Edochie, has confirmed the marriage crash of his junior colleague, Chioma Chukwuka Akpota.

Naija News recalls that in 2022, rumours made rounds online that the thespian, who has been married for over fifteen years and very private with her union, is no longer with her husband.

Chioma also gave hints about the crash of her marriage at the time as all her social media posts always come with an emphasis on her maiden name, ‘Chioma Chukwuka’.

Despite the speculations online, the movie star failed to debunk or confirm the reports about her marriage.

Speaking during an interview with media personality, Chude Jideonwo, Pete frowned at the increase in divorce in the Nollywood industry.

The veteran actor said he was shocked by the news of Chioma’s broken marriage, stressing that people must understand that the marriage union is for better or worst.

In his word, “If you come to our Industry today, most of our ladies who got married 2- 3 years ago have all left their husbands, I was shocked that Chioma Chukwa had left her husband, Ireti Doyle, Tonto Dikeh. You take a vow when you are going to get married for better or worst, not for better or out. You will always think it’s greener on the other side, that is the mistake we all make”

Speaking about some of the ladies that have played his daughters in movies, Pete said he loves Genevieve Nnaji the most because she is exceptionally brilliant.

He said, “Of all the girls who had played my daughter in films, somehow it is Genevieve Nnaji I love most, I look at her as my daughter and she also sees me as a father, she is an exceptionally brilliant lady. I have not heard of her lately ever since I heard she is a little disturbed mentally, I don’t know whether it is true or false, I hope that one day she calls me and say I am ok.”

August, 18th has been fixed for the burial of the late Nollywood actor, Saint Obi, by his family.

Naija News reported that the thespian died on Sunday, May 7, 2023, in the home of one of his siblings at 13 Metropolitan Street in Tudun Wada, Jos.

The family of late Nollywood actor, Saint Obi disclosed details of his burial ceremony on Thursday, August 3rd.

The statement reads partly, ”The Nwafor family of Ogwa, Imo State cordially invites you as, Our Superhero goes home Obinna Nwafor Saint Obi, Our beloved husband, father, brother, uncle and son.

“The Furnal service and interment will hold at the Saint Obi’s family home, Umuezealaeze, Alaenyi Ogwa, Imo State.”

Meanwhile, filmmaker, Zik Zulu in reaction to the death of the veteran actor, exposed circumstances that led to his death in an article titled ‘Between Saint Obi’s Marriage and His Death’ where he alleged that the late actor’s marital life may have led to his demise.

The former president of the Association of Movie Producers of Nigeria noted in his article that Saint Obi’s stardom fetched him a “financially strong and powerful wife,” drawing him into a wedding that would “drastically alter the cause of his life.”

According to him, Saint Obi was always harassed by his wife’s siblings and this eventually led to the end of the marriage.

Okafor disclosed that the actor became sick in mid-2022 following their divorce sage and his health deteriorated before he was taken to his sibling’s home in Jos.

In a resolute stance, France has vehemently denounced the suspension of France 24 and RFI broadcasts in Niger.

France has once again emphasised its unwavering dedication to upholding the principles of press freedom, freedom of expression, and the protection of journalists worldwide. The nation stands firm in its commitment to ensuring the safety of those who play a vital role in delivering unbiased and diverse information, thereby fostering an environment conducive to robust public discourse.

In Niger, the press is facing measures that are part of a broader context of authoritarian repression orchestrated by those implicated in the attempted coup.

FOLLOWING the round-up of the group stage matches, three out of four of the African women’s football teams have scaled the hurdles from their respective groups to qualify for the knock-out stage of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Out of the four African representatives that qualified for the world cup, they are Morocco, Nigeria, South Africa and Zambia. Only Zambia failed to progress to the next round of 16.

The ICIR had reported that none of the four African teams won their opening matches, casting doubt on their strengths on the global stage.

But, The ICIR observed that out of the total 12 matches played by the African quartet at the ongoing FIFA women’s world cup in Australia and New Zealand, each one of them won at least one match apart from Morocco winning two in a row.

Results from the group stage revealed that African sides won 5, lost 4 and drew 3 matches.

Nigeria and Cameroon are the only two African countries that have reached the knockout stage in the past. Nigeria became the first African side to progress to the knockout rounds in the USA in 1999, while Cameroon matched them in 2015 later in Canada.

It is believed this is the first time Africa had more than two teams advance from the group stage at the Women’s World Cup. However, this feat falls in the context of the tournament’s recent expansion to include more teams.

Round of 16 encounters

All three African sides qualified as the second from their groups. Due to this, they will fight tough teams to get to the top.

As the group stage commences tomorrow, 5, August, African representatives have another barrier to break. South Africa will face the Netherlands on Sunday, August 6, while, the next day, Monday, Nigeria will slug it out against England.

On Tuesday, August 8, Morroco will square against France.

[ICIR]