The brewery industry is now facing severe cost pressure as prices of local raw materials rise astronomically undermining their backward integration strategy. 

Industry stakeholders said the cost pressures coming from sorghum, wheat and others would remain elevated, driven by the impact of rising inflation, insecurity across agricultural belts in the country as well as other macroeconomic challenges.

The brewers had embraced a backward integration strategy to help them save money against imports due to exchange rate volatility.

However, the strategy has now started failing with local raw materials expenses by leading brewers increasing 113.6 per cent to N188.0 billion at the end first quarter of 2024, Q1’24, from N88.0 billion a year earlier, Q1’23, and the industry interim reports have indicated further rises in Q2’24 with no respite projected for this year.

Industry experts are now worried that the failure of the policy would lead to a return of massive importation of raw materials despite the foreign exchange implication.
This development, they also believe, amounts to another blow to Nigeria’s industrialization and employment generation.

Meanwhile, Vanguard findings have also shown that under the rising cost pressures, the top four leading Nigeria’s breweries resorted to bank loans to support cash-flow thereby accumulating credits amounting to N812.7 billion in the first quarter of the year, Q1’24.

The amount indicates almost 29 percent increase in borrowing quarter-on-quarter.

Financial information from the four leading manufacturing companies listed on the Nigerian Exchange Limited, NGX, shows that the finance cost (interest on borrowing) jumped by 191.2 percent to N125.5 billion in Q1’24 from N 43.1 billion in the corresponding period of 2023, Q1’23.

The affected companies are Nigerian Breweries Plc, Guinness Nigeria Plc, International Breweries Plc, and Champion Breweries Plc.

Commenting on the challenges facing the manufacturing sector in general, Chairman of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote raised the alarm over the latest interest rate of 30 percent which came at the backdrop of the hike in Monetary Policy Rate, MPR, as announced by the nation’s apex bank, the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, saying that it is detrimental to businesses in the country, adding that manufacturers cannot cope with it.

According to him, “But as all of us can testify, our manufacturing sector has declined over the years, and has largely failed to provide the jobs it was expected to create for our teaming youths. It has also increasingly lost the strong linkages it once had with our agricultural and mining sectors which, if it had continued would have resulted in increasing food security, and energy self-sufficiency.”

However, despite the hike in the price of their products, there has not been respite yet for the industry as cost of sales and economic hardship escalates resulting in huge losses recorded by major brewers both in the full year 2023 and in the Q1’24.

The rising inflation, declining purchasing power, naira depreciation coming along with scarcity of foreign exchange, hike in petrol prices, and higher tariff for electricity, among others, have compelled the brewery industry to increase the prices of their products to remain afloat.
But the industry analysts fear that the product price hikes imposed by the breweries may further reduce the demand for the products.

Losses

Meanwhile, the challenges have led the brewers to a combined loss after tax amounting N169.7 billion in the Q1’24, a massive 1034 percent rise from N14.9 billion recorded in the corresponding period of 2023, Q1’23.

In the Q1’24, the brewery industry recorded a combined Foreign Exchange, FX, loss of N272.9 billion, indicating a mind-blowing 1342 percent rise from the N18.9 billion they recorded in Q1’23, largely induced by the impact of the devaluation of the naira on their foreign exchange transactions from raw materials among others.

Also the industry’s cost of sales soared by 250.9 percent to N278.5 billion from N79.3 billion in Q1’23, while the net finance cost soared by 616.1 percent to N191.2 billion from N22.7 billion in Q1’23.

Increase in price of products

Nigeria’s inflation as of May this year stands at 33.95% according to National Bureau of Statistics, NBS. The brewery sector players are responding to this, by raising the price of their products.

Vanguard’s finding has shown that major brewery companies listed on the Nigerian Exchange Limited, NGX have raised prices of their products either directly or indirectly more than three times in one year and some twice in the first half of this year. 

For instance, International Breweries Plc has raised the price of its products two times this year. Just, in April this year, the company announced that its product price would increase with effect from June 1, 2024.

The notice, which was signed by its District Manager, West, Mr Hans Darfour, noted: “All orders created in the system before 23:59 hours of February 29, 2024, will be charged at the current prices.

“All invoices issued by (or after) 00:00 hours of March 1, 2024, will have the new prices, without any exceptions.

“The price on the invoice will depend only on the time and date of invoicing, regardless of when the order was placed. “We urge all our business partners to follow this price chain to keep up with the excellent sales growth in past months and, at the same time, maximise your profits.”

Guinness announced a notice for its increment titled, “Price increase by Guinness Nigeria Plc – Selected Brands,” signed by its Commercial Director, Mr. Olusanya Adesanya, stating: “Following the prevailing economic realities which have impacted significantly on the costs of our production materials and cost of doing business, this is to inform you that we plan to take a price increase on selected Stock Keeping Units, SKUs in our Beer and MSS category. 

“This new price structure will be effective from Wednesday, March 13, 2024, and further details will be communicated subsequently.”

Nigerian Breweries Plc approved a second price change in February, 2024 according to information from sources close to the firm.

International Breweries said it has increased prices of its various product offerings in Nigeria. The brewer said in a statement that reviewing prices in its portfolio has become necessary due to current market realities, and was done to serve its customers better.

Head of Sales of the company, Olaleye Abimbola, disclosed that it is confident that the decision to review the prices benefits all its partners.

Fallouts

In response to the difficult operating environment, Nigerian Breweries indicated plans for a company-wide re-organisation as part of a strategic recovery measure.

A letter signed by Nigerian Breweries’ Human Resources Director, Grace Omo-Lamai, and sent to the leadership of the National Union of Food, Beverage & Tobacco Employees (NUFBTE) and the Food Beverage and Tobacco Senior Staff Association (FOBTOB), stated that its proposed plan would include a temporary suspension of operations in two of its nine breweries. As a result, and by labour requirements, the company invited the unions to discussions on the implications of the proposed measures.

Commenting, Managing Director/CEO of Nigerian Breweries Plc, Hans Essaadi said: “We recognise and regret the impact that the suspension of brewery operations in the two affected locations may have on our employees. We are committed to limiting the impact on our people as much as possible by exhausting all options available including the relocation and redistribution of employees to our other seven breweries, and providing strong support and severance packages to all those that become unavoidably affected. We are also committed to supporting our host communities in ways that ensure they continue to feel our presence.”

Guinness Nigeria Plc, in Q1’24 recorded a loss after tax of N56.4 billion, and FX loss of N 37.0 billion.

Analysts’ comments

Analysts at Cardinalstone Research, while commenting on Guinness’s performance said: “We expect cost pressures to remain elevated, driven by the impact of rising inflation on locally sourced raw materials (e.g. sorghum) and foreign exchange volatility on imported products, notably the international premium spirits portfolio. Given that raw materials make up over 50.0% of the cost of sales, we envisage a compression in gross profit margin to 32.0% in full-year 2023/24 as against 34.1% in full-year 2022/23.”

Reacting to the development in the brewery industry, Clifford Egbomeade, Economy and Communications expert, said: “The poor performance and losses in the brewery industry in Nigeria can be attributed to various factors. One major challenge is the intense competition in the market, with several local and international players vying for a share of the market.

“The industry has also been affected by the harsh economic climate in Nigeria, which has led to a decline in consumer purchasing power and a shift towards affordable alternatives. Moreover, the industry has been impacted by the increase in excise duties and taxes, which has raised production costs and forced some brewers to increase prices. The industry has also been affected by the ongoing forex crisis, which has made it difficult for brewers to access foreign exchange to import raw materials and equipment.

“Unfortunately, some brewery companies in Nigeria might face closure or consolidation due to the challenging market conditions. Already, some breweries have begun to downsize or halt production, leading to job losses and economic hardship for affected communities and citizens alike.

Commenting also, David Adonri, analyst and Executive Vice Chairman, High Cap Securities Limited, said: “Their fortunes worsened after the government floated the Naira last year as many of them suffered FX losses that caused their balance sheets to become negative. Also, due to galloping inflation that had eroded the purchasing power of consumers and the high cost of production which has priced their products out of the reach of many consumers, the profitability of brewing companies has evaporated.

“Many consumers can no longer afford drinks manufactured by breweries. Due to consumer resistance, many traders in brewed drinks are suffering from loss of income. The quantum of tax that the government usually collects from breweries can no longer be assured. Many direct and indirect jobs have been lost due to the crisis in the brewery industry. The overall impact on the economy is the decline of the contribution of the industry to GDP.”

In his recommendation, he said: “ To avoid shutting down, many breweries are trying to re-capitalize to boost their working capital and extinguish short-term liabilities. IB Plc is currently running a Rights Issue while NB Plc is expected to hit the capital market very soon to raise capital. The breweries understand the huge potential of the Nigerian market and are determined to weather the storm. They know that the challenges are temporary and that their businesses will boom again when the economy rises to the new price level.”

Zenith Labour Party Chairman, Chief Dan Nwanyanwu, has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately release Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

Nwanyanwu made the call during a press briefing in Abuja, citing Kanu’s prolonged detention despite others involved in similar agitations being freed.

He questioned the justification for Kanu’s continued detention, emphasizing his denunciation of violent activities and commitment to peaceful means.

According to him, the federal government’s selective treatment of Kanu’s case is unjustifiable. It’s time to end this injustice and release him unconditionally.

He said, “The federal government’s selective treatment of Kanu’s case is unjustifiable. We need to question why Nnamdi Kanu remains in detention while terrorists roam free and negotiate without government oversight. Many who shared Kanu’s agitation have been freed, yet he remains detained. A significant number of people, including a notable religious leader before his passing, have called for Kanu’s release.

“Kanu’s continued detention raises questions. He was agitating like others but was abducted from Kenya and brought back here. Since his detention, he has denounced all activities that caused insecurity in the southeast. It’s evident that those involved in these activities were not from Kanu’s region. He has committed no offence; his only crime is asking for his people’s freedom.

“We are calling on the President to release Kanu. If not, let’s bring him to a public square and use him for barbecue, symbolically letting his enemies partake to close this chapter. There is no justification for Kanu’s continued detention. It’s an injustice that must be addressed immediately.”

Rivers State Crisis

Nwanyanwu also addressed the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State, where lawmakers who defected from their original parties are facing legal challenges.

He urged all parties to respect democratic processes and the rule of law, warning against actions that could lead to a state of emergency.

“Regarding the Rivers State crisis, we must respect democratic processes and the rule of law. The law is clear: leaving your party means losing your seat automatically. They tried to rejoin their old party through the backdoor, which is also not permissible.

“Demonstrations, allegedly sponsored by Abuja, have aimed to create mayhem to justify a state of emergency. We urge all parties to respect the law and avoid actions that could lead to a state of emergency,” he said.

FCT senator in 2027

Nwanyanwu also said that the decision of who becomes the senator for the FCT in 2027 lies with the voters, not the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

“He (Wike) cannot decide that (next FCT senator). Abuja voters will make their choice independently,” Nwanyanwu added.

National Minimum Wage/Cost of Governance

The Zenith Labour Party chairman commended the efforts of the Labour Minister and the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) in negotiating a new national minimum wage.

He called on President Tinubu to consider the welfare of Nigerian workers, who are the most patriotic group in the country.

Nwanyanwu criticized the high cost of governance, proposing a 50% reduction in salaries of elected officials and government appointees.

This, he explained, would free up resources for essential services and demonstrate the government’s commitment to austerity.

He said, “On the national minimum wage, I congratulate the negotiation efforts. The Honourable Minister of State for Labour and the NLC have shown patriotism. The President should consider their request with humility and a good heart. Nigerian workers, apart from the military, are the most patriotic group in this country.

“During President Babangida’s tenure, measures were taken to alleviate workers’ suffering. Similar efforts should be made today to cushion the effects of economic challenges on workers. The government must ensure that workers’ welfare is prioritized in meaningful and practical ways. We must avoid another strike due to delays in decisions on the minimum wage.

“Regarding the cost of governance, I urge President Tinubu to sign an executive order to reduce the salaries of all elected officials and government appointees by 50%. We cannot sustain the current high salaries while expecting economic stability. This reduction will demonstrate the government’s commitment to austerity and free up resources for essential services.”

President Bola Tinubu has called on Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to work towards establishing and sustaining a regional standby force for the security and economic advancement of the community.

Tinubu made the plea on Sunday, during the opening of the 65th Ordinary Session of the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government in Abuja.

Tinubu, who was re-elected at the meeting as the Chairman of the regional bloc, highlighted the practicality of a standby force in the face of growing security threats.

He also urged member states to commit more to providing the needed resources for securing the region.

He said, “The Regional Action Plan against Terrorism has enhanced cooperation on training, intelligence sharing, and humanitarian interventions. In addition to this, the Ministers of Finance and Defence met recently in Abuja to raise funds for activating the ECOWAS Standby Force to boost counter-terrorism efforts.

“Member countries are also displaying their commitment to combating insecurity by individually increasing their defence budgets in order to acquire necessary equipment and ensure preparedness.

“Let me underscore that a peaceful and secure society is essential for achieving our potential. As we move to operationalize the ECOWAS Standby Force (ESF) in combating terrorism, I must emphasize that the success of this plan requires not only strong political will but also substantial financial resources.

“We must, therefore, ensure that we meet the expectations and recommendations set forth by our Ministers of Defence and Finance, in order to counter insecurity and stabilize our region.’’ 

Speaking further, Tinubu advised ECOWAS leaders to leverage the capabilities of Nigeria’s National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC), which has been widely acknowledged as one of the best on the continent.

The President urged the management of ECOWAS to re-align and reposition its priorities by reducing overheads and setting up in-country steering committees.

He stated, “Difficult economic conditions and inconsistent payment of financial commitments to ECOWAS have contributed to the current plight. To ensure ECOWAS has adequate resources for its programmes and activities, I urge all member states to ensure full compliance with the Protocol on the Community Levy.

“Nigeria, under my leadership, is committed to leading by example in remitting its collected levies to the organization. Nevertheless, the ECOWAS management must also reduce its overhead expenditures and focus on programmes and activities that directly impact the lives of our citizens.

“I am aware of the progress report on the implementation of the ECOWAS Institutional Reforms. I therefore call on the President of the ECOWAS Commission to resume and expedite the conclusion of the second phase of the Institutional Reforms, aimed at reducing the organization’s operational costs.”

Tinubu also welcomed a new member of the Authority, Senegalese President, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, stressing that the recently concluded presidential election has been widely adjudged as free, fair, transparent, and credible.

He added, “Allow me to further extend warm congratulations to the Government and people of the Republic of Senegal for their steadfastness in the consolidation of democratic governance.

“Their recently concluded presidential election has been widely adjudged as free, fair, transparent, and credible. This achievement is a testament to our region’s commitment to the principles of democracy, good governance, and rule of law.”

A former presidential media aide, Doyin Okupe, has called for a political solution to the current upheavals in Rivers State.

Okupe, in an interview with newsmen in Lagos on Sunday, lamented that the current happenings in Rivers State are taking dangerous dimensions, describing the situation as a misfortune.

The former Labour Party (LP) chieftain said the happenings in the oil-rich state are about interests, and to resolve the issues, a political solution must be deployed.

He stated further that the crisis in the state was caused by disregard for rules and laws and shouldn’t have surfaced at all if laws were obeyed.

He said, “That is a total misfortune, and the real issue if we look at it properly, is that we do not obey our laws. if only we obey our laws, this situation cannot surface at all.

“The courts have to help, the judiciary must be consistent, fair and judge according to law, not any other sentiment.

“Let us all obey our laws and our rules and let the court adjudicate according to the law and anybody who flouts the law should pay for it.

“The way things are going in Rivers right now is dangerous, but a political solution is what I will suggest, as a very experienced politician.”

Okupe suggested that the interest of all aggrieved parties in the Rivers political crisis must be brought to the table and an acceptable middle ground agreed upon.

He said, “In all my years of politics, I have never seen anything in this world that a political solution cannot resolve in all political disagreements.

“Politics is about interest. What is the interest of A and what is the interest of B, and how can we marry them? That’s is all.”

Rivers State has been engulfed in a political crisis arising from a disagreement between the State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and his predecessor, who is the incumbent Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.

The rift has also divided the State House of Assembly into two factions, with both parties currently in court to get the law on their sides.

Popular socialite, Ismaila Mustapha, also known as Mompha, has responded after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC asked him to prove his allegations that they are the most corrupt agency.

This response comes in the wake of the EFCC’s claims that a colossal sum of N35 billion was discovered in his bank accounts.

Momoha, facing a money laundering case brought by the EFCC, in a post via Instagram wrote, “The most useless and corrupt Nigeria government agency @officialefcc.”

However, the EFCC, in a statement by the Head of Media & Publicity, Dele Oyewale, challenged Mompha to show proof that they are corrupt.

In a post via his Instagram page, Mompha said the fact that the anti-graft agency responded to him shows how it is “useless and jobless.”

He wrote, “My attention has once again been drawn to the social media tantrum of the efcc demanding that I prove corruption allegation against them. The fact that the commission, particularly their chairman could stoop so low to respond to my post shows clearly how useless, jobless the efcc is and how they waste taxpayers money on exchanging banters on social media.

“Now, I won’t bother to dwell on the trumped-up charges that was cooked up against me for personal gains by some of their corrupt officials and mere media trial because the fact speaks for itself but will rather dwell on how useless this commission under the leadership of the Chairman Cos why will the efcc on Friday, 5th of July, 2024 step outside of their constitutional duty and litter armed men on the streets of Lagos and Abuja all in the name of preventing citizens from protesting against the corruption being displayed by the Efcc, thereby infringing on their fundamental right to lawfully protest and preventing innocent citizens from going about their lawful business.

“Another example is beating up innocent citizens during their illegal and night raids ( we all saw what happened in Ondo state and recently in Lagos which the commission reluctantly admitted on its social media platform)
Now back to my case, the efcc claimed they have “overwhelming evidence of my involvement in money laundering”, however the question is; who is this faceless person I laundered money for?; does the person not have a name?; did you mention the name of the person in the trumped-up charges before the court?.

“Your commission is clearly the one drowning and clutching to any straw, when they quickly rushed to the media to post one side of the evidence of your witness in court when he was yet to be cross examined just to gain social media trend with my name, whereas all he said in court were lies with no evidential proof, which would all come to light on the next court date. To confirm how useless they are again ??? they will reply me again and i will be waiting with more proof ???? @officialefcc”

The Ebonyi State Chapter of the Labour Party (LP) has expressed confidence that only its presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi, can salvage the Nigerian economy from its declining fortunes.

LP made the assertion in a communiqué issued at the end of an expanded stakeholders meeting in Abakaliki, signed by Linus Okorie (Ebonyi South Senatorial Zone), Dr Ezeh Emmanuel Ezeh (Ebonyi North Senatorial Zone) and Emmanuel Nwobo (Central Senatorial Zone).

The party urged Nigerians to identify with its quest to take power and move the nation to greater heights.

The stakeholders also urged feuding party members to sheath their divisive swords in the overall interest of the Labour Party and target to better the lives of many Nigerians.

The communiqué stated, “The members of the National Transition Committee, NTC, of the Labour Party, Chief Fidelis Nwankwo, Rt. Hon. Linus Okorie and Dr Ezeh Emmanuel Ezeh, convened the stakeholders briefing with a view to informing members of the Labour Party, Ebonyi State Chapter, about the future political activities of the emerging Labour Party, which include mobilisation of new members and registration.

“The members of the NTC also shared details of the 2023 post-election reviews conducted by the national and state working committees of the party and consequently resolved as follows:

“That His Excellency, Mr. Peter Obi, remains the National Leader of the Party and he, Mr Obi, is bestowed with the appropriate competences to salvage the Nigerian economy from its declining fortunes.

“Stakeholders observed the need to support the National Transition Committee in her bid to conduct an all-inclusive state congress and national convention of the Labour Party, respectively.

“Furthermore, stakeholders urged feuding stakeholders of the party to sheath their divisive swords in the overall interest of Labour Party and our target to better the lots of Nigerians.

“That a united Labour Party, Ebonyi State Chapter, shall pursue vigorously the conversion and registration of new members into the party at the right and designated time and also set a target of 400,000 members.” 

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Mustapha Muhammad Inuwa, has asserted that the crisis rocking the party at the national and state level was lately fuelled by the FCT minister, Nyesom Wike, and former Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom.

Inuwa, the campaign director of Atiku/Lado in Katsina State during the 2023 general elections, made this known at a stakeholders’ meeting in Katsina where issues about the party’s crisis in the state were discussed.

A former national secretary of the PDP, Umar Ibrahim Tsauri, who chaired the meeting, vowed to do anything possible to salvage the party in Katsina before the upcoming congresses.

Also speaking at the meeting, Inuwa said Wike and Ortom are destabilising the opposition party in favour of President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 election.

He said, “It is a common knowledge that both Wike and Ortom have declared that they have no presidential candidate to support in the 2027 elections, but they endorsed President Tinubu.

“Their main aim was not to win election but to weaken the party (PDP) ahead of the 2027 election in favour of President Tinubu and that is why they are using stooges in the state to fulfil their mission.” 

Recall that some stakeholders in Katsina have accused a faction led by the 2023 governorship candidate, Yakubu Lado Danmarke, with the backing of the state caretaker committee appointed by the national working committee, of concealing the party Congresses forms.

During the WWE Money in the Bank event held in Toronto, Canada, John Cena confirmed that he will be stepping away from in-ring competition in the year 2025.

Cena specifically mentioned that his final appearances will take place at the 2025 Royal Rumble, Elimination Chamber, and WrestleMania 41, all scheduled to be held in Las Vegas.

Donning a ‘John Cena Farewell Tour 2025’, the 16-time world champion said: “I’ve been in the WWE for over two decades and in that time, I’ve seen incredible waves of prosperity like we got right now. WWE is the hottest ticket in town, no doubt, but I have also seen true hardship, that’s when no one knows your name, nobody wants to be your friend, and only the most dedicated and hardcore fans stand by your side.”

John Cena expressed his desire to participate in the transition of Raw to Netflix in January.

Cena entered the WWE scene in 2002. Nonetheless, starting in 2018, he has taken on a less full-time position within the company to concentrate on his acting projects.

A former national vice chairman (North-West) of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Salihu Lukman, has described former Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo and the likes of former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai as political orphans.

Lukman, who spoke of a proposed coalition among top political bigwigs in the country, listed El-Rufai, Osinbajo, former Minister of the Interior of Nigeria – Rauf Aregbesola, former Governor of Ogun State, Ibikunle Amosun and former governor of Ekiti State, Kayode Fayemi, among others seeking to occupy the nation’s top political seat via merger.

According to him, the APC leaders have been sidelined by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government and have been pushed to the peripheral edges of Nigerian politics.

Lukman, however, in a press release issued to the media in Abuja on Sunday, said the APC chieftain must bury their presidential ambition and focus on pushing for a better Nigeria.

He emphasized that as long as the goals of Nigerian politicians are confined to winning elections and installing new elected officials, Nigerian democracy will be incapable of combating the phenomenon of ‘state capture’, which is currently at an advanced stage of infiltrating the Federal Government.

He said: “Unfortunately, given the advanced stage of ‘state capture’ at the Federal level, most political leaders, including the leading opposition leaders such as Alh. Atiku Abubakar, Mr. Peter Obi and Sen. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso are all operating in isolation to one another. APC leaders such as former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Chief Rotimi Amaechi, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, Sen. Ibikunle Amosun, Mal. Nasir El-Rufai, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesole etc., who are more like political orphans on account of being excluded from the President Asiwaju Tinubu government, have been pushed to the peripheral edges of Nigerian politics.

“Although there are some indicative political activities taking place around some of these political leaders, it has not graduated to the level of commitment to building the kind of strong political parties capable of threatening the APC and President Asiwaju Tinubu, which is needed to guarantee the future of Nigerian democracy.

“Building strong political parties in the country capable of responding to the challenges facing citizens and reversing the phenomenon of ‘state capture’ at all levels is about political leaders agreeing to form a united front across all parties. Forming a united front is about recognising the shortcomings of individual leaders and being able to forgive misgivings of the past. The ability to forgive misgivings of the past is a fundamental requirement for political leaders to be able to orient themselves and provide the needed leadership for national reconciliation. The inability of APC, both under former President Buhari and now under President Asiwaju Tinubu, to orient itself on the path of national reconciliation represents one of the biggest political failures ever experienced in the country.”

Lukman emphasized the necessity of creating a united political front that can bring together leaders from all regions of the country, especially in light of the widening fault lines caused by the failure of the APC.

He said it is crucial that this new front garners widespread acceptance across Nigeria.

Lukman stressed that all political figures, including Atiku and Obi, should refrain from exploiting this opportunity to further their Presidential ambitions.

Similarly, he urged APC leaders like Osinbajo, Amaechi, Fayemi, El-Rufai, Amosu and others with aspirations for the Presidency to set aside their ambitions during the negotiations for the united political front.

The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, will swear in 12 judges into the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory on Wednesday, July 10, 2024.

According to Channels Television, this was disclosed on Sunday in a statement by the Director of Press and Information of the Supreme Court, Dr. Festus Akande.

The ceremony is scheduled to take place at the Main Courtroom of the apex court by 10am.

Meanwhile, among the 12 judges to be sworn in is the CJN’s daughter-in-law, Ariwoola Oluwakemi Victoria.

Here is the full list of all 12 judges:

1.Ariwoola Oluwakemi Victoria (Oyo State)
2.Ademuyiwa Olakunle Oyeyipo (Kwara State)
3.Bamodu Odunayo Olutomi (Lagos State)
4.Iheabunike Anumaenwe Godwin (Imo State)
5.Odo Celestine Obinna (Enugu State)
6.Hauwa Lawal Gummi (Zamfara State)
7.Sarah Benjamin Inesu Avoh (Bayelsa State)
8.Maryam Iye Yusuf (Kogi State)
9.Buetnaan Mandy Bassi (Plateau State)
10.Lesley Nkesi Belema Wike (Rivers State)
11.Ibrahim Tanko Munirat (Bauchi State)
12.Abdulrahman Usman (Taraba State)

Recall that on May 17, 2024, the National Judicial Council recommended a total of 86 judicial officers for appointment into federal and state courts across the country.

The recommendations were made by the council’s Interview Committee on Appointment of Judicial Officers of all Superior Courts of Record in Nigeria, during the NJC’s 105th plenary meeting held between May 15 and 16, 2024.

This was according to a statement issued by the council’s Director of Information, Soji Oye.