In December 2023 when armed men attacked his Dungwel community, in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, Manji Le’an moved from there to stay with his uncle at Mangu town.
Though his house at Dungwel was not burnt, he said he was worried by the threats the attackers pose to the community, hence the need to relocate to a safer place.
Now, the recent attacks in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State have put more burden on him. He said his blood pressure has gone up, having managed to escape unhurt with his uncle as their neighbours set his uncle’s house ablaze.
This is the account of one of the survivors of Wednesday’s attack on Mangu which claimed over 30 lives, with several houses razed.
Le’an said: “I left Dungwel on December 13, last year, to stay with my uncle in his house near EKAN Primary School in Mangu town. I thought I will have peace there but as we speak, we have moved to Angwan Mission to stay with some relatives because my uncle’s house was burnt by his Muslim neighbours, on Wednesday. We managed to escape unhurt but we heard and saw them rejoicing that we had been burnt in the house.
“Three days ago, some Fulani herders attacked some Mwaghavul youths around the Sabon Gari area. The youths in that area protested against the action and were moving towards Ruga, (a Fulani settlement) to iron out the matter.
“Before we knew it, the Muslims settling at Sabon Kaswa (new market) started attacking their Mwaghavul neighbours, asking why the people would go to Ruga.
“The natives asked if they were supporting the actions of the Fulani herders that always attack the people and they said yes. The situation degenerated, leading to the burning of houses and the COCIN Church at Sabon Kaswa.
“The thing was snowballing from one place to the other and it got to our area around EKAN Primary school where our Muslim neighbours also joined in burning houses.
“When the thing started in our area, we locked ourselves in the house because we didn’t think they will want to harm us but surprisingly, we heard our neighbours asking if we were in and when they confirmed it, they started throwing things on the zinc, breaking the windows as the rampaging youths approached.
“When we saw that the house was on fire, we sneaked out through the back door without a pin as the attackers were gathered at the front.
“As we were walking away, we could hear them saying in Hausa language, “mun kona baban dake cikin dakin,” meaning we have burnt Baba inside the house, referring to my uncle. We are still shocked that this could happen and my BP has gone up. We are waiting for the curfew to be lifted, so I can take my uncle to join his son in Jos.”
The violence has been controlled and the curfew enforced at the time of this report. The poor network in the area is limiting communication but some natives say there is rising threat in some communities in Panyam district of Mangu.
‘Fulani herders killed our boys’
Another survivor, Longji Fwangmun from Aloghom 1 community which was among the communities attacked last year, said: “The Fulani herders killed some of our boys who were returning from a mining site.
“Our people came out to confront them but soldiers came and escorted them and their cows to their settlement but within a short time, some IDPs taking refuge in Mangu were passing and they attacked them. They managed to escape and brought the report to us.
“This provoked our people who made efforts to go back to Ruga. My brother and I joined others to go there but the soldiers returned and tried to stop us while the Fulani herders retreated to Derkong, a Muslim community where they hibernate and come out to attack people.
“When some of our boys refused to step back, the soldiers opened fire and a bullet hit and killed my brother, Joel.
“While we were running, I couldn’t return to my village, so I went to my brother’s house at Kwahaslahir where we witnessed a complete destruction of property. The COCIN Church and houses were burnt. Julius clinic was also burnt and we heard patients were there.
‘’I can’t say if the patients were killed but I had to sleep in the bush at night so that I will not be burnt in the house. I managed to dodge the Fulani herders, Muslim youths and soldiers to return to Mangu where I am speaking with you from.
We’ve arrested 9 suspects – Police
Meanwhile, the Assistant Inspector General of Police, AIG, Zone 4, Ebong Eyibio, through the State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Alfred Alabo, said nine suspects had been arrested in connection with the incident.
“I have ordered the deployment of additional Special Intervention Personnel to Mangu LGA to be commanded by the Area Commander, Pankshin, to restore normalcy in that area. The command is grateful to inform you that the situation as at today, is under control and so far, nine suspects have been arrested.
‘’Exhibits recovered from them include dangerous weapons such as machetes, kegs containing petrol, and other items. The area remains highly secured by security forces and strict compliance to the curfew is being complied with.
“We called on the leadership of both faiths to call their followers to order and ensure total compliance with the government-imposed curfew. Both parties have promised to comply in the interest of peace in their communities. So far, over 10 corpses have been recovered from various locations, two injured persons currently receiving treatment at the hospital, one car and 10 houses were burnt down.”
We won’t tolerate further security breaches – Gov Mutfwang
Also, Governor Caleb Mutfwang, denounced the recent security breach that claimed numerous lives in Kwahaslalek community and various parts of Mangu LGA
A statement by his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Gyang Bere, said the governor will not tolerate any further breakdown of law and order in any part of the state and urged security agencies to intensify their efforts to “guarantee absolute peace across the state.”
Bere said: “The governor extends heartfelt condolences to grieving families, affected communities, and those injured in the unfortunate incidents. Governor Mutfwang further conveyed sympathy to the residents of Mangu LGA and other affected communities, and urged them to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious activities for swift intervention.
“However, he implored the communities involved to refrain from taking the law into their hands, and restated the state government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring the security of all citizens. He acknowledged the crucial role played by security agencies in restoring calm and called for continued collaboration between them and the government to provide maximum protection to all citizens.”
Tension in Kerang as security men kill woman, shoot 3 others
In spite of efforts to contain the insecurity, security men allegedly shot and killed one Rejoice Puttu at Kerang community in Mangu LGA, a sibling and community members confirmed.
The elder brother to the deceased, identified as Clifford, told Vanguard on phone that the sister was killed this afternoon (yesterday) while returning from the farm.
He said: “The military men just shot dead my younger sister, Rejoice Puttu, this afternoon opposite COCIN RCC Kerang. She was coming back from the farm without knowing that military men from the Air Force Base in Kerang came to town in the name of enforcing the curfew.
“They saw some okada men going about their businesses, they started beating and shooting sporadically in the name of scaring people. When my sister heard the gunshots she turned to run but they shot her in the back and she died on the spot. The community boys and some policemen tried to convey her to the Pebang hospital but she had already died.
“My younger brother was macheted by the same military men at Mangu town yesterday when he was making efforts to leave Mangu for Kerang. He was taken to the hospital and he didn’t even know that our sister had been killed until I called to inform him.
‘’My worry now is that we are not able to go pick her corpse to the mortuary and the people at Pebang hospital are calling us to come.
“I am looking for a way of getting a security escort to go there to retrieve her corpse. The world should know that the military is going from house to house hunting people, with cutlasses, I have posted my sister’s corpse on social media for the world to see what the military is doing to my family.”
Another resident, Joshua Plangdi, confirmed he witnessed the situation and added: “Apart from Rejoice who died, three other boys were shot and are now in the hospital. People are just sitting in front of their houses and different sets of security personnel from the Air Force Base and Mangu town are coming in to harass us. It was their bullet that killed Rejoice and injured others.”
NIO calls for restraint over killing of members
Reacting to the present state of affairs in the area yesterday, the Ngwang Ishi O’Tarok, NIO, one of the tribes in Plateau State, called for calm, following the burning of five members of the Tarok family in Mangu, and asking that no one takes the law into one’s hands.
Nangor Ndam, the National Secretary of NIO in a statement, said: “The attention of the NIO leadership has been drawn to various social media platforms about the burning alive of a Tarok family of five in Mangu yesterday, following the unfortunate outbreak of crisis.
“NIO wishes to inform Tarok sons and daughters that the leadership of NIO, led by Amb. Nanpon Sheni, is fully aware of this incident and has been in contact with the security agencies handling the investigations.
‘’The NIO President has also been in touch with his counterpart, the President of the Mwaghavul Development Association, MDA, for a full briefing on the situation in Mangu.
“The leadership of NIO calls on all Tarok sons and daughters to remain calm and law-abiding, while investigations continue. There should be no cause for retaliatory action as security agents are on top of the situation.
‘’NIO assures the Tarok Nation that it shall continue to work to protect them and their interest in full
collaboration with appropriate security agencies.”
We remain neutral-DHQ
Following accusations in a trending video that Wednesday’s attack and killing of over 30 persons in Mangu LGA and burning of houses, despite the curfew in place, was made possible because of collaboration by security agencies, Defence Headquarters, DHQ, yesterday, said the military remains neutral and committed to protecting the lives and property of law-abiding citizens.
A statement by Brigadier Gen Tukur Gusau, Director of Defence Information, denied the allegations made in the video saying “we will deal with anybody found disobeying the law without bias or prejudice.”
While calling on the public to support ongoing military operations aimed at decimating non-state actors operating in these troubled areas of the state”, the defence scribe said: “We will not be distracted by baseless accusations and remain steadfast in our commitment to restoring peace and security.
The statement read: “The attention of the Defence Headquarters, DHQ, has been drawn to a malicious video made by the Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Mangu Chapter, Reverend Timothy Daluk.
“The video has been circulating in the media, aiming to malign military personnel deployed to address the security challenges in the Mangu general area.
“The video made baseless and untrue accusations, claiming that the military is biased and supports a particular group against others.
“We categorically state that these accusations hold no truth, are malicious and lack any reasonable foundation.
“It is important to recall that on 23 January 2024, there was a breach of security in the Mangu municipal area, resulting in the Government of Plateau state declaring a 24-hour curfew.
“Troops of Operation Safe Haven were reinforced in Mangu to enforce the curfew and bring the situation under control, thereby preventing its spread to other areas.
“The troops have carried out their duties professionally and in accordance with the rules of engagement.
“They have successfully arrested criminals involved in looting and burning of properties, as well as recovered weapons.
“It is deeply disturbing that a religious leader, who is expected to demonstrate high levels of moral judgment and truthfulness, has resorted to spreading falsehoods about the military and its personnel.
“We strongly caution individuals involved in making malicious comments against the military to cease such acts.
“Henceforth, any person found spreading falsehoods will face constitutional redress, regardless of their status in society.”
DHQ to invite CAN chairman accusing military of aiding killings
In the viral video, Daluk said: “I am here to report the situation happening in Mangu Local Government for the whole world to understand. What is happening in Mangu at this particular point in time, the military are the ones sending our people away for the militia to burn their houses.
“At this particular point in time, they have sent every Christian away from the new market, thereby leaving the Muslims to come and burn their houses.”
However, responding following an inquiry, the Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Edward Buba, said: “DHQ is in the process of reaching out to him to come and substantiate the claims. It is not unusual for emotions to cloud people’s judgment when they have been confronted with a very traumatising experience.
“We will get to the bottom of his allegations after we have an audience with him. All the same, the military will continue to discharge its duties professionally and in line with the best international standards.”
Reps Speaker to meet Tinubu, seeks end to Plateau killings
Disturbed by the rising killings, speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr Tajudeen Abbas, said it is devastating to read the news about renewed attacks and hostility in communities around Mangu LGA.
He said he would meet with President Bola Tinubu on the matter, adding that the House will take a strong position when it resumes from the Christmas and New Year break next Tuesday.
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Abdullahi Krishi, the speaker said “enough is enough” on the Plateau killings.
Speaker Abbas added that on resumption on January 30, 2024, the House will kick-start plans to organise a security submit to find lasting solutions to the security challenges in the North and other parts of the country.
[Vanguard]
As a way of building the capacity of learners on creative thinking, Ogun State government has trained 500 selected senior secondary school students on computer literacy to create content, towards enhancing digital knowledge.
Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, while speaking during the opening of a 4-Day capacity building for the students, tagged, ’’Build-A-Thon Programme’’, organised by the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, in conjunction with the Ministry, said the initiative was an avenue to take the state to a greater height.
Prof. Arigbabu, in a statement made available to newsmen by Mr. Ayoola Obadimu, Press Officer, MOES&T, pointed out that the training would provide opportunities for the students to develop their talents, relate and learn from one another, share experience, as well as become technology experts, hinting that the training was ongoing simultaneously in Imo and Maiduguri states and be replicated in all the 517 secondary schools in the state.
"If we develop children in this way, most of our problems will be easily solved. To me, this is the beginning of many good things to happen in the country. We want to catch the students young, starting from this stage; they are being developed as critical thinkers, problem solvers and technology experts", he said.
Also speaking, Minister for Communication, Innovations and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, represented by his Special Assistant, Mrs. Banke Ajagunna, stated that the event would enable students get more involved in technological revolution.
Earlier, Director of Education, Science and Technology in the Ministry, Mr. Sunkanmi Ogunpola, explained that the programme was introduced to create an avenue where teenagers could grow up to be problem solvers.
Two of the benefiting students, Oluwatomi Talabi of Anglican High School, Ibara and Anjolaoluwa Adebowale of Lafenwa High School, both in Abeokuta, appreciated the Federal and state governments on behalf of other learners for the laudable initiative, describing the programme as an agenda to secure the future generation of the country.
[PRESS RELEASE] Tinubu’s administration owes Nigerians an explanation for the NNPC $3.3bn emergency loan
AdminIn what appears to be a landmark economic decision of the Bola Tinubu-led administration, the Federal Government last year, precisely on August 16, 2023 through the Nigeria National Petroleum Company (NNPC) secured a $3.3 billion emergency crude repayment loan, which according to the NNPC, was to help give support to the Naira and stabilize the Foreign Exchange market.
The curious thing about this transaction is that up till now, the Federal Government continues to keep mum about it, and the only information available to the public on the mega deal is coming only through unofficial sources from the NNPC.
The deal is supposed to be a crude-for-cash loan arranged by the African Export-Import Bank.
According to information available, a Special Purpose Vehicle called Project Gazelle Funding Limited is driving the deal, and it was incorporated in the Bahamas.
The SPV is the borrower while the NNPC is the sponsor, with an agreement to pay with crude oil to the SPV in order to liquidate the loan at an interest rate that is a little over 12 per cent.
What is even more confounding about this deal is why the Federal Government would register a company in the Bahamas, knowing full well the recent scandal of the Paradise Papers that involved that country.
Curiously also, Nigeria’s current Barrels Produced Daily (BPD) is 1.38 million, and according to the Project Gazelle deal, Nigeria is to supply 90,000 Barrels of its daily production, starting from 2024 till it is up to 164.25 million barrels for the repayment of the loan.
Now, this is where the details get disturbing because Nigeria’s benchmark for the sale of crude per barrel in 2024 is $77.96. A simple multiplication of that figure by 164.25 will give us a whooping $12bn.
It is on this note that we are calling on the Federal Government to speak up on this shady deal.
It is inconceivable that the Federal Government will lead the country to take a loan of $3.3b with an interest rate that is not more than 12 per cent, but with estimated repayment amounting to $12bn.
That is a humongous differential of about $7b between what is in the details of the deal on paper and what indeed is the reality.
There are questions to be answered on the integrity of this deal, and we earnestly request the Federal Government to talk directly on these cloudy details behind the deal.
We therefore demand, on behalf of the ordinary people of Nigeria, that the Federal Government provides answers to the following questions.
1. Has the Federal Government accessed the loan?
2. Is the loan in the government’s borrowing plan as approved by the National Assembly?
3. Who are the parties to the loan, and what specific roles are they expected to play?
4. What are the conditions to the loan, including tenor, repayment terms, the collateral, and the interest rate?
5. And, lastly, why register an SPV in the Bahamas knowing the recent scandal of the country’s notoriety for warehousing unclean assets?
Signed:
Atiku Abubakar
Vice President of Nigeria, 1999-2007
25th January, 2024.
Nigeria’s currency fell to a record low of N1,416 per dollar at the parallel market following strong demand amid shortage as traders hoard the available dollars.
This indicated a 15.19 percent depreciation year-on-year when compared to N1,200 at the beginning of the month.
“Some people are hoarding the dollars waiting for when the demand will be high. Again, the market is uncertain of the next action by the government, a trader who gave his name as Aliu said.
At the official foreign exchange (FX) market, naira weakened by 0.41 percent as the dollar was quoted at N882.24 on Wednesday as against N878.61 closed on Tuesday at the Nigerian Autonomous Foreign Exchange Market (NAFEM), data from the FMDQ showed.
During the intraday trading on Wednesday, currency dealers quoted one dollar at N1,313, (high) on the spot and N700 lower rate. However, the rates were stronger than N1,336.05 and N701 per dollar respectively quoted on Tuesday.
The daily foreign exchange market turnover declined marginally by 3.18 percent to $56.60 million on Wednesday from $58.46 million recorded on Tuesday.
Yemi Cardoso, the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, on Wednesday declared that the national currency, the naira, is currently undervalued. Speaking at the launch of the NESG 2024 Macroeconomic Outlook report, he outlined the bank’s commitment to stabilizing the currency through genuine price discovery.
Cardoso emphasized a coordinated approach with fiscal measures to expedite the process, stating, “We believe that the naira is currently undervalued, and coupled with coordinated measures on the fiscal side, we will expedite genuine price discovery in the near term. This coordinated approach will contribute to a more balanced and stable exchange rate.”
Highlighting collaborative efforts, he pointed to initiatives ensuring that all foreign exchange (FX) inflows pass through the Central Bank.
This coordinated effort, he said, would greatly enhance the bank’s FX flows and contribute to the accretion of reserves.
Cardoso attributed the expected stability in the foreign exchange market for 2024 to the reduction in petroleum products imports and the recent implementation of a market-determined exchange rate policy.
He said, “This reform is designed to streamline and unify multiple exchange rates, fostering transparency and reducing arbitrage opportunities. The resulting consistent and stable exchange rate will not only boost investor confidence but also attract foreign investment, elevating Nigeria’s appeal to global investors.”
[BusinessNg]
The social media group, Meta, has rolled out new features that will place further restrictions on how teens receive messages on Facebook and Instagram.
The company said the new measures being rolled out today build on its earlier policy restricting people above 19 from messaging teens who are not following them.
Meta said it is now turning off teens’ ability to receive DMs from anyone they do not follow or are not connected to on Instagram including other teens by default.
In addition, Meta is also making its parental controls more robust by allowing guardians to allow or deny changes in default privacy settings made by teens. Previously, when teens changed these settings, guardians got a notification, but they couldn’t take any action on them.
What Meta is saying
Announcing the new features to protect teens on its social media platforms on Thursday, Meta said:
- “To help protect teens from unwanted contact on Instagram, we restrict adults over the age of 19 from messaging teens who don’t follow them, and we limit the type and number of direct messages (DMs) people can send to someone who doesn’t follow them to one text-only message.
- “Today we’re announcing an additional step to help protect teens from unwanted contact by turning off their ability to receive DMs from anyone they don’t follow or aren’t connected to on Instagram – including other teens – by default.
- “Under this new default setting, teens can only be messaged or added to group chats by people they already follow or are connected to, helping teens and their parents feel even more confident that they won’t hear from people they don’t know in their DMs.
- “This default setting will apply to all teens under the age of 16 (or under 18 in certain countries). Those already on Instagram will see a notification at the top of their Feed letting them know we’re making these changes to their message settings.”
The company added that it is also making these changes to teens’ default settings on Messenger, where under 16s (or under 18 in certain countries) will only receive messages from Facebook friends, or people they’re connected to through phone contacts, for example.
More parental control
Meta first launched parental supervision on Instagram in March 2022 and since then has continued to add new features to help involve parents more in their teens’ online experiences.
These include the ability for parents to set time limits and schedule breaks, to understand when their teen blocks or shares they have reported someone, and to be notified when their teen changes their settings. The company is now adding more features.
“Now, parents using supervision will be prompted to approve or deny their teens’ (under 16) requests to change their default safety and privacy settings to a less strict state – rather than just being notified of the change.
For example, if a teen using supervision tries to change their account from private to public, change their Sensitive Content Control from “Less” to “Standard”, or – now – tries to change their DM settings to hear from people they’re not already following or connected to, their parent will receive a notification prompting them to approve or deny the request,” Meta said.
[Nairametrics]
British media and hospitality company, Time Out, has ranked Lagos above Melbourne, Australia; Naples, Italy; Singapore; Miami, US; Dubai, UAE; Beijing, China; Montreal, Canada among others, in its best city to visit list.
It ranked New York city as number one city in the world while South Africa’s Cape Town placed second in the list that contained 50 cities.
The firm which ranked Lagos as the 19th best city to visit in the world, said it drew its conclusion from a survey of more than 20,000 city dwellers around the world, along with its network of editors.
The criteria used to rate the cities include food (quality and affordability), culture, nightlife, how the city makes people feel, strong community vibes, access to green space, historic sites, and much more.
“Whether you’re a staunch mainlander or from Lekki, there’s something for everyone in Lagos, Africa’s most populous city. Posh Victoria Island continues to deliver a trifecta of swanky resorts, food haunts, and nightlife.
“Lekki is for the brunchers – make Maple Lagos your first stop. On the mainland, Kuti’s Bistro in Ikeja, owned by the legendary afrobeat family, serves up reliably delicious food and hosts parties, karaoke and games nights.
“And then there are the beaches – hit up Oniru Beach for some fun in the sun, but be sure to bring naira for this private beach. For those who live for the night, Hard Rock Cafe Lagos provides a massive indoor-outdoor playground with top artists including DJ Obi (‘Obi’s House’ on Mondays), who set a Guinness World Record in 2016 for a 240-hour marathon set,” it said about Lagos.
Melbourne, Australia; Naples, Italy; Singapore; Miami, US; Bangkok, Thailand; Lima, Peru; Budapest, Hungary; Beijing, China; Dubai, United Arab Emirates; Montreal, Canada and Glasgow, UK ranked 19th to 30th respectively. Accra, Ghana, the other African country in the list was ranked 44th ahead of Marseille, France (45); Taipei, Taiwan (46); Istanbul, Turkey (47); Osaka, Japan (48); Hong Kong, China (49) and Vancouver, Canada (50).
[DailyTrust]
48 hours after the change of leadership in the Ogun State House of Assembly, Governor Dapo Abiodun has broken his silence on the crisis rocking the state’s legislative body.
The crisis in the Assembly consumed the former Speaker, Olakunle Oluomo, on Tuesday, as he was impeached and replaced by Oludaisi Elemide.
Reacting to the development, the governor agreed with the Assembly that the legislators reserve the right to choose whoever pleases them as their leader in the legislative arm of the government.
Speaking through a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Kayode Akinmade, on Thursday, the governor also acknowledged that the crisis in the Assembly had lasted for a while.
“There had been internal wrangling in the Assembly that had persisted and degenerated despite several interventions.
“ It is the prerogative of members of the House of Assembly to choose their leadership in line with the constitution and the law guiding the conduct of the Assembly.”
It will be recalled that the former Speaker was impeached on Tuesday after he was accused of high handedness, lack of focus and transparency, arrogance, poor leadership style, financial misappropriation and inciting members against themselves.
The governor, however, added that the government was working with the party, All Progressives Congress, APC, with the intention to resolve all contending issues.
The statement added, “Working with the leadership of our Party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Government intends to see all the contending issues resolved in a democratic, fair, and just manner.
“The Ogun State Government notes that the Honourable Members have openly stated that their grouse is not with the Governor, whom they again pledged their loyalty to.
“Given that the Ogun electorate gave us a mandate to represent their best interests and deliver democratic dividends that will significantly improve their well-being, the Ogun State Government, along with the Party leadership, have intervened to ensure that whatever disagreement members have is resolved peacefully and amicably, so that the delivery of democratic dividends to our people will not be hampered in any way.”
[DailyPost]
The Nigerian military has identified several factors contributing to the recent crisis in the Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba stated that herder militia, cattle rustling, and a combination of other factors were responsible for the crisis that engulfed the town.
He said this on Thursday, January 25, while addressing a news conference in Abuja on the activities of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
However, he said that to control the situation, Special Forces had been sent to state hotspots.
General Buba said: “The situation was triggered by a number of factors including the attempted cattle rustling and the killing of a Mangu man by herder militia.”
He claimed that on January 22, 2024, it was reported that a guy on a motorbike down the road collided with a herd of cattle crossing the road.
He said: “The herders reportedly killed the man on the spot. Consequently, militia mobilised and attacked residents in the early hours of 23rd of January.”
When attackers invaded Kwahaslalek village, a hamlet in the Mangu Local Government Area, approximately thirty people were killed, several more were injured, and numerous buildings were set on fire.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang has since imposed a curfew on the LGA.
[TheNation]
A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Thursday remanded some loyalists of the River State governor for their alleged involvement in the explosion that rocked and razed the Rivers State Assembly complex.
An explosion had rocked the complex of the state Assembly amid alleged moves by some lawmakers to impeach Governor Siminalayi Fubara on October 30, 2023.
Some loyalists of the governor were said to have been behind the incident.
No fewer than five of them were arraigned on Thursday before Justice Bolaji Olajuwon of the Federal High Court in Abuja.
They are Chime Eguma Ezebalike, Prince Lukman Oladele, Kenneth Goodluck Kpasa, Osiga Donald and Ochueja Thankgod.
In the 7 charges, the defendants were accused of committing alleged terrorism offences by invading, vandalising and burning down Rivers State House of Assembly during the wake of the political crisis that rocked Port Harcourt in October last year.
They were also accused of killing a Superintendent of Police, Bako Agbashim, and five police informants in the Ahoada community of the state.
The police informants alleged to have been killed are Charles Osu, Ogbonna Eja, Idaowuka Felix, Paul Victor Chibuogu, and Saturday Edi.
They are to remain in prison custody till February 2 when their respective bail applications will be determined by the Judge.
They were also accused of using various cult groups, namely- Supreme Viking Confraternity, Degbam, Iceland, and Greenland to unleash mayhem on the people of the state and their commercial activities.
They all pleaded not guilty to the allegations.
Although the immediate past factional Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon Edison Ehie, was not listed in the 7 counts terrorism charges, he was however represented in court by a Senior Advocate of Nigeria SAN, Oluwole Aladedoyin, on the ground that his name featured prominently in the alleged offences.
He challenged the allegations that he was at large alongside other suspects.
Justice Olajuwon did not however allow further arguments on the ground that he was not yet a defendant in the charges.
Shortly after the arraignment, the leader of the prosecuting team, Audu Garba, applied for a date for a full-blown trial of the defendants.
However, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria SAN, Lukman Fagbemi, who stood for Chime Eguma Ezebalike and Prince Lukman Oladele who are 1st and 2nd defendants, sought to move applications for their bail on the ground that they have been in police custody since last year.
The government lawyer, Audu Garba, vehemently opposed the reason that he had just been served with the bail applications and needed time to study them and file a counter affidavit.
Justice Olajuwon agreed with the prosecution lawyer that the bail applications were not ripe for hearing and fixed February 2 for the hearing of all bail applications.
Pending hearing and determination of the bail applications, the judge ordered that the five defendants be taken to Kuje Prison on remand and be returned to court on the adjourned date.
“The defendants are hereby remanded pending the hearing and determination of the bail applications,” he said.
[Punch]
Former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria(CBN), Sanusi Lamido Sanusi has backed the relocation of some departments of the CBN from Abuja to Lagos.
Sanusi said it was the right thing to do, saying those kicking against the relocation are playing dirty politics.
The former CBN governor stated this in a statement on Wednesday.
Recall that the CBN’s plan to relocate some departments and units to Lagos has been met with criticisms lately.
Some northern politicians kicked against the move, warning it would have political consequences.
But Sanusi, who was the 14th Emir of Kano said the relocation is an “eminently sensible move”.
According to him, moving certain functions to the Lagos office ( which is bigger than the Abuja head office) is an eminently sensible move.
He said he had it in mind to do the same thing while in office but didn’t have sufficient time to see it through.
Sanusi stated, “In my mind what I would have done was to move FSS and most of Operations to Lagos such that the two Deputy Governors would be largely operating out of Lagos or, even if they were more in Abuja , the bulk of their operational staff would be in Lagos.
“Economic policy, Corporate services and all the departments reporting to the Governor directly such as Strategy, Audit, Risk management, Governors’ office etc would remain in Abuja.
“It makes eminent strategic sense. And I would have done this if I had stayed.”
He dismissed the opposition against the policy as “absolutely unnecessary” because “The CBN has staff manning its branches and cash offices across the Federation.”
Sanusi added, “Moving staff to the Lagos office to streamline operations and make them more effective and reduce cost is a normal prerogative of management.
“The problem we have now is that many employees are children of politically exposed persons and their Abuja life and businesses are more important than the CBN work.
“The CBN is just an address for them and if they have to choose between their spoilt Abuja life and the job, they would gladly leave the CBN.
“All the more reason for the Governor to put his foot down and get rid of those elements they are dangerous for the bank’s future.
“The question of locating functions is a STRATEGIC and not tactical one. A proper analysis should be done to identify which roles are best suited to Lagos and which to Abuja. Once the logic is clear the people then follow. Non communication of strategic intent opens the door to mischievous misrepresentation and arbitrariness.
“I don’t like the idea of arguing that the office structure can not handle the staff numbers. I am sure Julius Berger would refute that if they wanted to engage.”
On how the relocation of staff should be done, he said, “Individual situations should be considered. As much as possible we should be empathetic. For example young mothers with kids in school who do not need to move can be prioritised to stay in Abuja or those with medical conditions etc.”
He advised the CBN not to bend to political pressure, saying it must push through decisions hoe matter tough.
He said, “My advice to the Governor is to go ahead with his policy. Once the CBN starts bending to political pressure on one thing it will continue doing so.
“Northern politicians will shout that this is moving from Abuja to Lagos. Abuja is a federal capital not a northern issue. So long as this is a principled decision the noise should be ignored.
“When i was about to license Jaiz bank there was a lot of religious noise from CAN etc. Even enlightened people like Okey Emelamah were going to sue me to court on religious grounds. I ignored it and licenced the bank. Nothing happened.
“A christian Governor after me licenced at least two more non- interest banks. No one is even noticing again.
“Ethnic and religious bigots will always shout. The CBN should rise above it and just do what needs to be done. It is a very unpopular and difficult job and the Governor needs to be tough.”
[Vanguard]
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[PRESS RELEASE] Reaction To the False Information Peddled in Several Print and Electronic Media with The Caption: “Rivers Crisis: Court Strikes Out Suit Challenging Tinubu’s Intervention”
AdminOur attention has been drawn to a publication currently circulating in several print and electronic media with the above caption. We wish to make it categorically clear that the content of the said publication does not represent the true state of affairs.
To put the record straight, the action currently pending at the Federal High Court, sitting in Abuja is between Hon. Victor Okon Jumbo & 5 Ors. vs. The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria & 5 Ors., with Suit No.: FHC/ABJ/CS/1718/2023 (the “Suit”) and not at the Rivers State High Court, sitting at Port-Harcourt as falsely peddled.
The aforesaid suit first came up on Monday, the 22nd of January 2024 before Court 7 presided by Hon. Justice J. O. Abdulmalik (the “Court”). On the said date, the Plaintiffs’ Counsel moved two (2) respective Exparte applications: for substituted service on the Defendants and for interim injunctions against the Defendants. After hearing the Plaintiffs’ applications and considering same, her Lordship made an Order for the substituted service of the originating court documents on the Defendants. Also, the Court ordered all the parties in the suit to maintain status quo ante bellum, pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice in the suit. The matter was then adjourned to the 28th of February, 2024.
Contrary to the false news as publicized in the said Punch Newspaper, there was absolutely no time that the Court ever struck out the aforesaid Suit which is pending before the Court and same will come up for hearing on the 28th February, 2024.
Relatedly, the Court did not at any point of her rulings on the said Plaintiffs’ applications decline jurisdiction to hear the Plaintiffs’ applications or the substantive suit and never cited any judgment or ruling of Hon. Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, sitting in Abuja as mendaciously stated in the publication. Furthermore, there is no Plaintiffs’ Lawyer with the name Emmanuel Rukari and none of the Plaintiffs’ Counsel ever spoke to the Press or expressed any disappointment whatsoever with the Court’s decision/rulings.
The legal implication of the Court’s Order as regards the Plaintiffs’ second application is that all the parties in the suit should maintain the status/position in the matter as it was before the subsisting conflict arose between the parties in the suit. Finally, it is submitted that upon the service of the Originating processes, the Defendants have been put on notice of the claims of the Plaintiffs and given the nature of these claims, the Defendants, particularly, the Rivers State House and Assembly and the Executive Governor, have a legal duty and obligation to refrain from taking any steps that might overreach the court in its attempts to do justice in the Suit as held by the Apex Court in Doma v. Ogiri (1998) 3 NWLR Pt. 541 Pg. 246 @ 265 para. D-E where Oguntade JSC observed that:
“Where a suit is brought to enjoin certain activities and the Defendant/Respondent has notice, the hands of the Defendant/Respondent are effectually tied pending a hearing and determination even though no restraining order or preliminary injunction be issue”.
The general public is hereby advised to utterly disregard the mendacious news making the rounds on the captioned matter as the information as stated in this Press Release is the true and reliable state of affairs as regard the suit between Hon. Victor Okon Jumbo & 5 Ors. vs. The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria & 5 Ors., with Suit No.: FHC/ABJ/CS/1718/2023. Thank you.
Signed:
Dr. Olukayode Ajulo, San, Oon, Fciarb.Uk,
Principal Partner, Kayode Ajulo & Co. Castle of Law
Former Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) President, Mr. Olumide Akpata, has been relieved of his membership in the National Judicial Council (NJC), authoritative sources have confirmed.
The decision was communicated via a letter to the incumbent NBA President, Mr. Yakubu Maikyau SAN, signed by the Chief Justice of Nigeria and NJC Chairman, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola. He cited Mr. Akpata’s recent involvement in partisan politics as reason for the termination.
Sources close to Mr. Akpata indicate he was taken aback by the decision and believes it is beyond the powers of the Chief Justice of Nigeria to unilaterally remove a member of the NJC on grounds of political involvement.
His camp argues that this prerogative lies with the individual member. They cited the example of former NJC member and Bauchi State Governor, Mohammed Abubakar, who voluntarily resigned his role in 2015 to pursue his political ambitions.
While said to be deeply troubled by the turn of events, Mr. Akpata is reluctant to escalate the matter out of immense respect for the Chief Justice. However, should an amicable resolution not be reached internally, legal redress may be sought in the courts.
The move comes on the heels of Mr. Akpata’s open aspiration to contest the upcoming Edo State gubernatorial elections. During his tenure as NBA President he had past run-ins with the Body of Benchers over governance issues. He is also seen as belonging to the reformist faction of the NJC.
[src: TheNigeriaLawyer / CITY LAWYER]
The Nigerian Army has said it will conduct the screening and verification of children of deceased personnel for the award of scholarship.
A statement yesterday in Abuja by the Department of Army Administration said the screening would be held at the Army Headquarters Command Officers’ Mess 1 at Asokoro in Abuja.
The scholarship is one of the welfare schemes of the Nigerian Army aimed at guaranteeing primary, secondary and tertiary education of the children of personnel who died in active service.
The Nigerian Army urged new applicants and beneficiaries upgrading their educational level, as well as those absent from the 2022/2023 exercise to participate.
It said successful candidates would get the appropriate sponsorship funds for their respective educational level.
“The documents required for the exercises are: handwritten application for sponsorship containing the names of the children; a letter of admission of the beneficiary, and the last school report card/results of the beneficiary.
“Others are: a letter of confirmation from the school, the university or polytechnic where the child/beneficiary is a pupil or a student; a birth certificate of the beneficiary and the death certificate of the deceased personnel.
“Also required are: Part 2 Orders publication of death; Condolence Letter; Notification of Casualty Signal; Nigerian Army Application for sponsorship form duly completed by the last unit and formation headquarters of the deceased personnel.
“Four recent passport photographs of the beneficiaries; Passport photograph of the deceased personnel and bank account number and sort code and telephone number of the beneficiary’s surviving parent or administrator.”
The Nigerian Army added that those responsible for the screening could be reached through 08169355766, for any enquiry.
The Federal Government has clarified that the new conditions introduced as prerequisites for obtaining or renewing international passports were instituted to curb the acquisition of Nigerian passports by non-citizens.
The Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who stated this in Abuja while responding to questions from the media, emphasised that the passport is a security document exclusive to Nigerian citizens.
The new conditions, including the provision of a citizenship certificate, a date of birth certificate, and the National Identification Number (NIN), have become critical in verifying an applicant’s true citizenship.
He explained the rationale behind the Federal Government’s introduction of new prerequisites for obtaining or renewing international passports, noting that the new conditions would prevent non-Nigerians from acquiring the passport, disclosing that foreigners have exploited the inefficiencies of the previous system.
The Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the Minister, Babatunde Alao, said in a statement on Wednesday that Tunji-Ojo acknowledged challenges being faced by new passport applicants, assuring the public of an enhanced process in the coming weeks.
Speaking further on the motive behind the introduction of the new processes, Tunji-Ojo said the reform was aimed at simplifying the passport acquisition process for Nigerians by facilitating speedy online application, production, and passport collection.
“We have to introduce this new system in order to stop those non-Nigerians carrying Nigerian passports. Contrary to reports, the new process is working very effectively, and the hiccups recorded are only 4 per cent, which is a significant improvement for a system that is newly introduced, and I assure you that in the next one or two weeks we will have a near-perfect system.
“We have to improve our process of obtaining passports because a passport is a security document. This new system has improved accessibility, transparency, and efficiency,” the minister stated.
Looking ahead, the Minister outlined plans for contactless biometrics in passport renewal, affirming the government’s commitment to building a better future for Nigerians at home and in the diaspora.
Speaking on the observable change in cost for the 5-year passport, the Minister, however, noted that the new cost was agreed upon, taking a cue from the cost of the 10-year passport.
“We are building a future for Nigerians where things should be done in a better way. We changed the price of the five-year passport because the 10-year passport is N70,000; so, the one for five years should be half of that amount, which is N35,000. We are committed to making things better in our country,” the minister said.