A retired military officer, General Ishola Williams, said the immunity clause in the 1999 Constitution empowers politicians to be corrupt.

Williams stated this in an interview on Channels Television on Friday.

According to him, acts the law shields politicians from arrest and prosecution for fraudulent offences while in office.

He said the 1999 Constitution is corruption-prone because it provides immunity for crooks once they assume elective offices and “immunity gives room for impunity”.

“That constitution is corruption-prone. Why is it corruption-prone? Immunity is equivalent to impunity.

“So, any constitution that has immunity is creating institution for impunity because you bring a crook into government and you say: ‘Oh, this crook because he has come into government, he is now a saint, so anything he does, leave him until he leaves.

“What then happens? The governors become kleptocrats and demigods in their states, approve any amount they like and nobody audits them. If you ask accountants, they will tell you that everybody is auditable except God, but not in Nigeria.”

According to Section 308 of the 1999 Constitution, no civil or criminal proceedings can be instituted against the President, Vice President, the 36 state governors and their deputies. The section also states that they can’t be arrested or imprisoned.

He said politicians since 1999 have been blaming General Abdulsalami Abubakar for the 1999 Constitution but politicians themselves don’t want to correctly amend the constitution because “of the powers that it gives them, and the greed and the selfishness.”

“If not for corrupt government officials, by now Nigeria should be competing with South Africa because we have the brain power.”

He said Nigeria should develop a tailor-made economic solution like the Asians, and not blindly follow the economic template of the West.

General Ishola said the leaders of the First Republic were selfless and sacrificial unlike the “characterless” ones in government at the moment.

Speaking on why he resigned after the June 12, 1993 annulment, the retired General said, “coups are not necessary.”

“The case of coup or no coup in the Nigerian setting, any military officer in his right sense knows that it doesn’t work because it is temporary in nature and that is the mistakes that those boys in other West African nations like Mali and co have been making.

“The only person who only understood this was Abdulsalami Abubakar. He was there within 11 months and he handed over power because he knew that it (the military) can’t solve the problem of Nigeria,” he said.

“After the civil war, I reflected about why we fought the civil war and I couldn’t find any cogent reason except that two lieutenant colonels got us into the war – one was smart and the other was not, one was prepared, political ambitious, the other one was just following his career,” he added.

General Ishola urged civil society organisation to organise conferences and promote awareness about followership responsibilities to get good governance and demand accountability from leaders.

According to him, “the followership of Nigeria has the greatest responsibility”.

“I believe that the military was wrong at that time. But the interesting thing is the followership. Look at every country in Africa, whenever the military takes over, people go into the streets and rejoice. 

“Nobody has been able to ask that question why the people rejoice whenever the military takes over. It is because the followers choose the wrong leaders and the leaders take advantage of the irresponsibility of the followers,” he said.

South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa was re-elected for a second term on Friday after his humbled ANC cobbled together an unprecedented coalition government.

Lawmakers in Cape Town voted overwhelmingly to put Ramaphosa, 71, back in office for another five years after the May 29 general election that produced no outright winner.

“I accordingly declare honourable M.C. Ramaphosa duly elected President,” Chief Justice Raymond Zondo said after the votes were counted.

Last month’s election marked a historic turning point for South Africa, ending three decades of dominance by the African National Congress of the late Nelson Mandela.

The party that led the struggle to end apartheid won only 40 percent of the vote and, for the first time, lost its absolute majority in parliament.

It has now struck a deal to form what it calls a government of national unity.

ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula said on Friday the broad coalition brings together a majority of the 18 parties that won representation in the 400-seat National Assembly.

These include the centre-right Democratic Alliance (DA), the Zulu nationalist Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) and other smaller groups.

Ramaphosa was re-elected by fellow MPs with 283 votes in a secret ballot.

He saw off a last-minute challenge by Julius Malema, the firebrand leader of the radical leftist Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), whose candidacy gained 44 votes.

Ramaphosa will be sworn in next week in Pretoria and then unveil his new cabinet.

Earlier, Zondo had opened the parliament’s first sitting, swearing in MPs in batches ahead of votes on the election of a speaker and deputy speaker.

The first post went to the ANC’s Thoko Didiza and, in a first sign the power-sharing deal was working, the second went to the DA’s Annelie Lotriet. Both are women.

 ‘Illegal’ 

Lawmakers cast their ballot one by one in a lengthy ceremony held in a Cape Town convention centre, as the parliament building is being rebuilt after a 2022 fire.

EFF members took the oath wearing red overalls and in some cases rubber boots and plastic construction worker helmets.

They declined to support the incoming administration, having refused to countenance joining an alliance with right-wing or white-led parties.

“This is not a government of national unity, this is a grand coalition between the ANC and white monopoly capital. History will judge you harshly,” Malema said after conceding defeat.

Graft-tainted former president Jacob Zuma’s new party uMkhonto weSizwe (MK), which came third in the May 29 election, has disputed the results and its MPs boycotted Friday’s sitting.

“The sitting of the national assembly today as far as we’re concerned is illegal and unconstitutional,” MK spokesman Nhlamulo Ndhlela told AFP.

A former trade unionist turned millionaire businessman, Ramaphosa will preside over a government combining radically different political views.

The ANC is a historically pan-Africanist, progressive party of the left that has overseen welfare and economic empowerment programmes for poor, black South Africans.

The largest coalition party, the DA, pushes a liberal, free-market agenda. Smaller parties that are understood to have agreed to join the government range from the left to the far right.

“At the heart of this government of national unity statement is a shared respect and defence of our constitution and the rule of law,” DA leader John Steenhuisen said.

 No easy road 

The agreement extended to Johannesburg’s Gauteng province and KwaZulu-Natal.

Zuma’s MK won the most votes in the latter but was left empty-handed as coalition members managed to get a wafer-thin majority of 41 out of 80 provincial councillors.

Steenhuisen added that the coalition agreement included a consensus mechanism to deal “with the disagreements that will inevitably arise”.

“This is not the end of the process. And the road ahead will not be an easy one,” Steenhuisen said, explaining that the two-week deadline imposed by the constitution to form a government did not leave enough time to iron out all details.

Ramaphosa first came to power in 2018 after Zuma was forced out under the cloud of corruption allegations.

Under his watch South Africa suffered from record power cuts, the economy languished and crime remained rife. Unemployment is at almost 33 percent.

He will now have the arduous task to bridge conflicting views within government to turn around South Africa’s economic fortunes.

“Rapid, inclusive and sustainable economic growth” was listed as a top priority in a draft of the coalition deal.

GDP grew by only 0.6 percent in 2023 and was down 0.1 percent in the first three months of 2024.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on Friday said they will collaborate to tackle cybercrime and other emerging criminal threats.

EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, and FBI Director, Christopher Wray, met in Abuja on Friday to strengthen their partnership. Wray led a team of top FBI officials, while Olukoyede was accompanied by senior EFCC officials.

Disclosing this in a statement, EFCC spokesman, Dayo Oyewale, said the two agencies have had a long-standing relationship, and this meeting aimed to take their partnership to the next level.

“We have had a relationship over the years and this is a reflection of how stronger than ever we are looking forward to taking our partnership to higher and higher levels in tackling threats that affect the people of Nigeria and the people of the United States,” the FBI director was quoted as saying.

“We have had close partnerships in shared values and focus and I want to say thank you for the wonderful partnership. Thank you for your hospitality and in particular for the partnership that exists between the FBI and the EFCC across a wide range of threats that we face together.”

On his part, the EFCC chairman highlighted the commission’s new direction, focusing on prevention, public enlightenment, and e-procurement to tackle contract and procurement fraud.

Olukoyede stated, “We value the partnership between the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, FBI. Over the years, this partnership has existed and it is for mutual benefit.

“We have to acknowledge that we have benefitted from your manpower and capacity development programmes, which have added value to the capacity of our operatives and our Academy.

“We also want to thank you for the technical support that you have provided over the years for the EFCC and by extension, Nigeria.”

The Zamfara State Government has commenced the payment of N30,000 minimum wage to workers in the North-Western state.

This followed a meeting the state governor, Dauda Lawal, held with the leadership of labour unions where he pledged to commence the payment of the minimum wage in June.

Disclosing this in a statement on Friday, the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, said Zamfara civil servants started receiving their June salary on the 12th, ahead of the Eid-ul-Adha celebration. He said before now, civil servants were being paid a paltry N7,000 monthly, adding that the current administration is determined to see to the welfare of workers.

“The Zamfara state government, led by Governor Dauda Lawal, has disbursed the June salary to support workers in preparing for the upcoming Eid celebration,” the statement read.

“This is in line with the fulfilment of the promise made by the governor last month to implement the N30,000 minimum wage.

“Before now, civil servants in Zamfara received a minimum wage as low as seven thousand naira.

“The government has been worker-friendly since its inception, ensuring the payment of three months withheld salaries, leave grants, owed gratuities, and timely payment of salaries.

“The government will continue to make further efforts to reform and rejuvenate the Zamfara civil service.”

President Bola Tinubu has approved the reconstitution of Governing Councils and Boards of federal universities, polytechnics and colleges of education.

This was contained in a statement on Friday by the Permanent Secretary, General Services, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Nnamdi Mbaeri.

He noted that approval was given for the effective management of Nigerian tertiary institutions across the country.

Recall that the president had ordered the review of the governing councils and boards after public outcry that their nominations did not reflect the Federal Character principle.

The President had assured that the review would take into consideration national spread and ensure every part of the country is adequately represented.

Among those appointed is the former governor of Osun State and pioneer chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Chief Bisi Akande, who is appointed to chair the Governing Council of the University of Ibadan (UI), Oyo State.

A renowned lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Wole Olanipekun, was appointed to lead University of Lagos (UNILAG); a former Governor of Bauchi State, Isa Yuguda, also will chair the governing council of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN); and a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Yayale Ahmed, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria (ABU).

Joy Emordi, a former senator, was also appointed to chair the council of the Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education, Owerri, Imo State.

The list comprises five names each for 51 universities, 35 polytechnics, and 22 colleges of education.

The naira depreciated in the parallel section of the foreign exchange (FX) market on Friday.

At the Lagos street market, currency traders, also known as bureau de change (BDC) operators, said the naira depreciated to N1,485 against the dollar.

The black market traders put the buying price of the dollar at N1,460 and the selling price at N1,485 — leaving a profit margin of N25.

This represents N5 or 0.34 percent depreciation compared to the N1,480/$ reported on May 10.

At the FMDQ Exchange, a platform that oversees official foreign exchange (FX) trading in Nigeria, the local currency depreciated by 0.44 percent or N6.48 to N1,482.72/$ on Friday — from N1,476.24/$ on May 13.

The dollar traded as high as N1,490/$ and as low as N1,390 during trading hours. 

The daily FX market turnover stood at $183.47 million.

At the current FX rates, the gap between the official window and the parallel market is N2.28.

On June 5  Fitch Ratings, a global rating agency, projected naira will end the year at N1,450 to a dollar.

Gaimin Nonyane, director, Middle-East and Africa sovereigns, at Fitch Ratings, said despite the volatility experienced by the naira since its floating in June 2023, there are expectations that the fluctuation will reduce by the third quarter (Q3) of 2024.

Nonyane projected a gradual depreciation of the naira in 2025, adding that this depends largely on the foreign exchange reform’s momentum.

The Flamingos have qualified for the 2024 U-17 Women’s World Cup after beating Liberia 6-1 on aggregate. 

Harmony Chidi’s strikes, one goal in each half, ensured Nigeria won the second leg of the encounter 2-0 at the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja on Friday.

The first leg of the encounter had ended 4-1 in Nigeria’s favour, meaning Friday’s victory gave the Flamingos a 6-1 aggregate win to seal their ticket for the competition later in the year. 

En route to booking a ticket for the tournament, Coach Bankole Olowookere’s girls scored 25 goals.

They smashed the Central African Republic 12-0 on aggregate in the second round of the qualification series.

The team followed that up with a 7-1 aggregate win over Burkina Faso in the next round.

This year’s U-17 Women’s World Cup will run from October 16 to November 3, 2024, in the Dominican Republic.

Led by Coach Bankole, Nigeria finished third in the last edition held in India in 2022, the second African side to earn that feat after Ghana did so in 2012.

Germany thrashed 10-man Scotland 5-1 as the Euro 2024 hosts kicked off the tournament in style in Munich on Friday, the start of a journey they hope culminates in a record fourth continental title.

Florian Wirtz struck the opening goal 10 minutes in and Jamal Musiala soon doubled Germany’s lead with an emphatic finish.

A greatly awaited night for Scotland went from bad to worse before half-time when Ryan Porteous was sent off for a two-footed challenge on Ilkay Gundogan, with Kai Havertz tucking away the resulting penalty.

Niclas Fuellkrug powered in a fourth midway through the second half after coming on as a substitute and not even a late own goal from Antonio Ruediger could spoil an otherwise perfect start to the campaign for Germany.

There was even time for Emre Can to add a fifth goal with the final kick of the game.

Disastrous Scottish Start

Scotland could surely not have envisioned such a disastrous beginning, but they must regroup quickly with games to come in Group A against Switzerland and Hungary.

After three successive failures at major tournaments, including back-to-back group stage exits at the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, this was a strong statement of intent from an experienced Germany side.

It is Germany’s first men’s major tournament as hosts since the 2006 World Cup, and they are looking to recreate the magic that helped rekindle the passion for the national team after a spell in the international doldrums.

Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann had spoken of his players’ hunger to atone for the failures of recent times, with the outlook improving and optimism gradually increasing since his appointment in September.

His counterpart Steve Clarke on the other hand urged Scotland to “fear no one” going into the country’s second straight Euros after more than two decades in the international wilderness.

Almost right away Germany took the game to a Scotland side who arrived in Munich with only one win from their past nine matches — an unimpressive 2-0 victory over lowly Gibraltar last week.

Scotland goalkeeper Angus Gunn alertly blocked from an offside Wirtz, but Germany did not wait long in grasping the match by the scruff of the neck.

Toni Kroos, coaxed out of his Germany retirement earlier this year, pinged a ball out to Joshua Kimmich, who teed up Wirtz to sweep in from the edge of the area as Gunn could only help the shot in via the post.

Kroos will hang up his boots for good after the tournament, but with him and Gundogan running the Germany midfield they bring a level of knowledge and maturity few can match.

Gundogan threaded a pass through the Scotland defence to Havertz, who worked it back towards Musiala, the Bayern Munich attacker created himself space to crash a strike into the roof of the net.

Germany were initially awarded a penalty as Musiala went down in a heap after getting caught between Ryan Christie and Kieran Tierney, but referee Clement Turpin deemed the foul occurred outside the area after consulting the touchline monitor.

That merely delayed Germany’s third goal, which did eventually come from the spot following another VAR review that led to Porteous being sent off for a crude challenge on Gundogan, who was chopped down attempting to convert the rebound from his own header.

Havertz calmly sent Gunn the wrong way and drained any remaining optimism from Scotland’s once boisterous and sizeable travelling contingent of supporters.

Scotland tried to limit the damage in the second half, but there was no stopping Fuellkrug’s thumping drive into the top corner within a few minutes of his introduction as a replacement for Havertz.

Fuellkrug had the ball in the net a second time, but fortunately for Scotland they were spared further misery when he was ruled offside.

The only bright spot for Scotland came three minutes from time as Ruediger inadvertently diverted Scott McKenna’s header past goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.

But there was still more punishment to come as substitute Can curled home from 20 yards right at the death to cap a glorious night for the Germans.

The Federal Government has declared Monday 17th, and Tuesday 18th June 2024 as public holidays to mark this year’s Eid-ul-Adha celebration.

Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr Aishetu Gogo Ndayako who disclosed this in a statement on Friday in Abuja said the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government.

She said the minister congratulated thr Muslim Ummah both at home and in the Diaspora on this occasion.

Tunji-Ojo called on the Ummah to continue to imbibe the spirit of peace, kindness and sacrifice, as exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim (Peace be upon Him) and to also use the period to pray for unity, prosperity and the stability of our country.

“The Minister assured that the Administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR is committed to safeguarding the  lives and property of all Nigerians.

“While wishing the Muslim Ummah a happy Eid-ul- Adha celebration, the Minister advised all Nigerians to take responsibility in the resolve to hand over a prosperous Nigeria to our children”, the statement added.

Colombian singer Shakira Mebarak has expressed her admiration for Afrofusion star Burna Boy and the Afrobeats genre.

Shakira, 47, shared her thoughts during a recent cover shoot with Rolling Stone, where she discussed her lifestyle recommendations and musical influences.

Afrobeats has emerged as one of Africa’s most significant cultural exports in recent years.

In 2023, the genre reached global prominence, with top Nigerian artists like Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy hosting some of the most successful concerts worldwide.

During the interview, the “Waka Waka” hitmaker described her music style as “eclectic, honest, and real,” noting her particular fondness for Afrobeats.

Shakira singled out Burna Boy as her favorite artist, stating that she listens to his songs frequently.

Shakira also mentioned her appreciation for Tyla, the rising South African singer.

“If I could explain my taste of music in three words I would say eclectic, honest, and real. In my car, whether I am driving at night, I love anything Afrobeats. I like Tyla, I like Burna Boy, anything Afrobeats but I love Burna very great,” she said.

Shakira made her recording debut with Sony Music Colombia at the age of 13. She began to gain fame in Hispanic countries with her albums ‘Pies Descalzos’ in 1995 and ‘Dónde Están los Ladrones?’ in 1998.

Her single ‘Whenever, Wherever’ broke into the English-language market with her fifth album, ‘Laundry Service,’ in 2001, selling over 13 million copies worldwide.

The Colombian star married Gerard Piqué, a former FC Barcelona defender, in 2011, and they have two children together.

In June 2022, Shakira and the ex-footballer announced their breakup in a joint statement.