Several state Police Commands in the northern part of the country have begun the prosecution of arrested protesters during the 10-day #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria nationwide protest.
While the protests were relatively peaceful in the South, it turned violent in the North with several lives lost, property worth billions of naira destroyed, leading to the declaration of curfew in no fewer than five states.
The protests, which held from August 1-10, was against the rising cost of living, which has been fueled by fuel subsidy removal, surging inflation at a 28-year high and government economic policies that pushed the naira to a record low against the dollar.
At least 17 persons were reportedly killed in Abuja, Kano, Niger, Borno, Kaduna and Jigawa, and several others injured on the opening day of the protest with Amnesty International condemning the use of deadly action against the protesters and accusing the security operatives of killing at least 21 protesters.
Police arrested protesters, some of whom waved the Russian flag, in Kano, Kaduna, Gombe, Katsina, Yobe, Bauchi, Borno and Jigawa as the demonstrations assumed a violent dimension, announcing that they would be duly prosecuted.
1,135 for trial
Findings by our correspondents show that at least 1,135 arrested persons during the protest would be charged to court beginning from Monday (today).
On Sunday, the Yobe State Command said it would arraign 108 persons, who were arrested for various offences, including violating the imposed curfew during the hunger protest.
DSP Dungus Abdulkarim, Police Public Relations Officer, Yobe Command, stated that the apprehended suspects would be brought before the court to face charges related to their alleged involvements in the protests.
Many of the accused individuals, who were first arraigned August 8, denied the charges against them, setting the stage for further legal proceedings on Monday (today), Abdulkarim added.
“Monday, August 12, 2024 has been earmarked for the continuation of the case, where those facing charges will have the opportunity to either accept or contest the allegations.
“Should they choose to accept the charges, they will undergo a summary trial presided over by a judge at the Magistrate Court in Damaturu, Yobe State.”
In Kano, a total of 632 persons arrested for alleged destruction of property during the anti-hunger protest in the state and were remanded by a Kano State Mobile Court since last Tuesday will appear in court on August 19, The PUNCH learnt.
Several public and private facilities, including the Kano State Printing Press, Nigerian Communications Commission, Kano State High Court and a number of vehicles parked within the premises were vandalised and looted.
Popular supermarket in the city, Barakat Stores, was among the worst hit with a reported loss of over N5bn to the hoodlums.
The arrested persons were charged with criminal conspiracy, theft, unlawful assembly, inciting disturbance, trespass and mischief by fire.
A mobile court, which sat at the premises of the Kano Police Command Headquarters at Bompai, was presided over by three senior judicial officers, Senior Magistrate Ibrahim Yola, Senior Magistrate Hadiza Bello and Chief Magistrate Abba Dandago respectively.
After the remand order, the court adjourned sitting until August 19 for hearing.
Earlier, the state’s Director Public Prosecution, Salisu Tahir, had informed the court that the defendants committed the alleged offences on August 1, the opening day of the protest.
He alleged that on the same date the defendants, during the protest, trespassed and vandalised government and public property in the state.
“The defendants broke into people’s shops and looted their goods,” the DPP told the court.
The prosecutor said that the offences contravened the provision of sections 97, 287, 229, 336, 349 and 247 of the Penal Code.
While some of the defendants pleaded guilty, others pleaded not guilty to the charge.
After the court sitting, the state Attorney General and commissioner of Justice, Haruna Dederi, told journalists that the State Government set up three mobile courts within the premises of the State Police Command to prosecute the defendants.because of their large number.
In Gombe, 14 protesters out of the 111 suspects arrested were freed on Saturday 14 by a special court presided over by the Gombe State Chief Judge Justice Halima Mohammed.
The freed protesters, who were charged for unlawful assembly and other crimes, were initially arraigned within the Gombe Medium Custodial Centre on Friday but subsequently released on grounds of ill health and being underage.
Defence counsel Saidu Muazu-Kumo confirmed this to one of our correspondents on Sunday.
The 97 others still in custody will appear in court on Tuesday and Thursday, Muazu-Kumo stated.
Flag tailor charged
In the same vein, the Kaduna State Police Command announced that 25 protesters arrested on the first day of the protest, who were remanded in a correctional centre in the state, would be charged to court along with an additional 39 others, including the tailor who allegedly sewed the Russian flag, after investigations were completed within the week.
According to the command’s PPRO, ASP Mansir Hassan, the protesters were promptly arraigned in court following their arrest.
Also, the Bauchi State Police Command confirmed the arrest of over 50 protesters in the state.
The state commissioner of police, Auwal Mohammed, stated this while giving an update on the protest in the state.
“More than 50 protesters, including women, have been arrested by the Bauchi State Police Command following the protest in the state capital,” he said.
Mohammed confirmed that the protesters were arrested following their violent behavior during the protest. He said that they were arrested for breaches of law and order and for not getting police permission before embarking on the demonstration.
According to him, 45 protesters had been charged to court while the minors among those arrested would be counseled to avoid jeopardising their future of becoming better citizens.
The Katsina State Police Command Public Relations Officer, ASP Abubakar Sadiq, told one of our correspondents that that first batch of protestesters – 64 of them – have been charged to court.
“Yes, we have charged them to court and the first batch was 64. They were all charged between Monday and Friday last week,” he said.
The Niger State Police command has revealed that 23 protesters, who were arrested in the state, were taken to the Niger State Criminal Investigation Department.
“All suspects were transferred to SCID Minna for further investigation and they will be arraigned in court for prosecution as soon as the ongoing investigation is concluded,” Abiodun Wasiu, the Niger command PPRO, stated.
He added that several stolen items were recovered from the persons arrested.
“The following items were recovered from the suspects: wooden bench/office chairs, car side mirror, extension wire, reflective jacket, ceiling fan, table calculator, laptop and generator, ceiling sheets and office television. The items were returned to the LGA secretariat.”
The protest turned violent in Suleja and Tafa Local Government Areas in the state, leading to the reported killing of six protesters and the partial burning of Tafa LGA secretariat.
The Borno State Police Command confirmed that it arrested 97 individuals in the Maiduguri metropolises during the nationwide protest, which left four people and scores injured in the state.
The Command Public Relations Officer, ASP Nahum Daso, who confirmed this to The PUNCH, said they are yet to fix a date for the suspects to be tried.
Of the 97 arrested protesters, seven include social media influencers who were arrested for inciting violence and insulting government officials, religious leaders, and traditional figures, while another seven individuals were apprehended for displaying foreign flags, which posed a perceived threat to national security.
Daso added that the remaining 83 suspects were arrested across various locations in Maiduguri for vandalism, theft, arson and rioting.
“They were arrested for vandalism and theft at the WFP Warehouse on Baga Road, including office supplies and food items, removal of interlocks, flower vessels, streetlights and pedestrian bridge barricades at Bulumkutu, Lagos Street, Gwange and Baga Road, damage to vehicle windows and burning of tyres on major roads, vandalism of offices and vehicles at Mechanical Village and looting at the UNHRC facility on Baga Road,” Daso stated.
Daso said police recovered several items from the suspects, including two packs of Hilltop tea, one air conditioner, two office chairs, seven foreign flags, three bags of NPK fertilizer, half bag of cannabis, one sewing machine, 30 blankets, one water dispenser, one control switch set, ashes of tires, one office table, and iron rods.
In the FCT, the police did not announce the number of protesters arrested during the End Bad Governance protest, but Amnesty International and a Civil Society Organisation, Enough is Enough, said over 50 protesters were arrested across the Federal Capital Territory.
The FCT command spokesperson Josephine Adeh could not be reached on the matter as calls to her line indicated it was not reachable. She was yet to respond to a message sent to her while filing this.
However, a police source said those arrested with no involvement in any criminal activity during the protest were being released after being profiled.
Meanwhile, human rights activist and National Coordinator of the Take It Back Movement, Juwon Sanyaolu, condemned the trial of the protesters, noting that they would equally challenge the police in court and ensure the release of everyone arrested.
Sanyaolu said the Tinubu-led administration had outdone former President Muhammadu Buhari in areas of rights violation and in clamping down freedom of expression and free press.
“No doubt, the Tinubu government has now outdone former President Buhari in the areas of rights violation, having nothing but hatred for freedom of expression, and free press. We do not only condemn the actions of the police as an unfortunate ploy to criminalise dissent, we are also prepared to challenge the police in court, and ensure everyone who is arrested on the account of protests are released. No one will be left behind.”
Similarly, Omole Ibukun, Initiator, Creative Change Centre, under the Network of Abuja Left Groups, condemned the trials, stating that any attempt to try the protesters would result in a resumption of the protests.
He added that spates of violence during the #EndBadGovernance protests were in response to repression by security agencies, noting that such response to the agencies’ repression was understandable.
“Any attempt to try protesters will only mean a resumption of the protests very soon. No protester should be tried for protesting. Any violence or vandalism that occurred during the #EndBadGovernance protest was triggered as a response to the violent repression of the protests by the Nigerian government, using the police, Army and other paramilitary forces. Such response in self-defence or in defiance to an unconstitutional repression by the state is very understandable.
“Any country that understands patriotism and wishes to imbibe it in the citizens will not try those protesters. The trial stands condemned. If the government tries peaceful protesters, the government is simply calling for the next round of protests to be violent enough to match the state violence that the masses have experienced this time,” he said.
‘Eight Years Of Buhari Was Just A Waste For The North And Nigeria’ – AYCF President, Yerima Shettima
AFOLABI
The National President of the Arewa Youths Consultative Forum (AYCF), Yerima Shettima, has described the eight years in office by former President Muhammadu Buhari as a waste for the northern region and the entire country.
He submitted that the North has been neglected for so long by the previous leaders and the people of the region have been pushed to the wall.
Shetimma made the submission in an interview with Vanguard which was published on Sunday.
He described the eight years of the Buhari government as a waste, adding that the decision of the northern people to join the recent #EndBadGovernance protest provoked the people and if the leaders do not do the needful, worse protests may happen in the future which will consume everybody.
According to him, President Bola Tinubu only inherited the challenges in the country and the frustrations of the people.
“It is a clear indication that, over time, the North has been neglected by its previous leaders, who didn’t do the needful. They left the people frustrated. Already, there is poverty and we have said it countless times that the governors are supposed to be doing better than they are doing. We were privileged to be at the helm of affairs in this country, but our leaders have not done enough.
“They planted what we are reaping today. The eight years of Buhari was just a waste for the region and the country. Tinubu inherited the problem. And this is the consequence of the wasteful leadership of the Buhari era. That is what provoked our people to be deeply involved in the demonstrations.
“If the leaders cannot do the needful, they will see the worst protests shortly where everybody will be consumed,” Shettima said.
The AYCF president, during the interview, also debunked reports in certain quarters that the reason for anger in the North is because appointments by the government do not favour the region.
He said while the north is suffering injustice from the appointments by the Tinubu government, the problems in the region are more than the issue of appointments.
He said: “It is not about appointments. It is about poverty and hunger in the land compared to the South. This is in addition to the recent policies by (the Tinubu) government.
“Even when the government tried to provide succour, some people among the northern elites ensured it didn’t get to the people. Only recently, we learnt that money was given to the governors by the Federal Government to give to the people, but nothing was disbursed until the Federal Government opened up.
“There should be synergy between the Federal Government and states. And if anything for the people comes to the state, it must get to the people. This is the implication of not allowing the people to feel the impact of any government at any level and not the appointments.
“Of course, the appointments do not do justice to the North, and we have raised the issue. What baffles some of us is that most of the appointments are given to people who are not in touch with the people. They give appointments to the elites, who have no track record of having anything to do with the masses. They never believed in the masses and had nothing to do with them.
“How do you expect the masses to feel the impact when such people are given appointments? The government has to look inward. There are people who, if you want to give appointments, you will look at their track record – they should be people who live with the masses.
“You don’t have to give appointments to people who are far from the masses. They shouldn’t be people who have nothing to do with the people and expect governance to get to the people. This is part of the mistakes this administration is making.
“The same thing happened during the administration of Buhari. The same mistake is happening again. Can people endure this hunger in the next three years? It is impossible. That is why we have seen this level of reaction in the North.”
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has confirmed that it sold foreign exchange (FX) to banks worth $876.26 million at ₦1,495 per dollar.
According to a statement dated August 7, signed by Omolara Omotunde Duke, CBN’s director of the financial markets department, the apex bank said the auction aimed to reduce demand pressure in the FX market and promote price discovery.
The CBN said the transaction was conducted through a retail Dutch auction system (rDAS).
According to the apex bank, while bids valued at $876.26 million from 26 banks qualified, bids from six banks were disqualified.
The CBN said four banks missed the deadline and two did not provide bids in their submitted templates.
Below is the full list of successful and unsuccessful bids.
SUCCESSFUL BIDS
1. Access 79,092,862.79
2. Citi 12,001,875.89
3. Coronation 4,474,753.38
4. Ecobank 5,320,365.25
5. FBN 228,994,949.57
6. FBN Quest 5,089,359.92
7 Fidelity 43,616,742.68
8. FSDH 1,999,399.52
9. Globus 11,070,395.30
10. Greenwich 17,21.40
11. GTB 29,543,429.06
12. Jaiz 16,708,748.35
13. Keystone 4,635,899
14. Lotus 4,024,818.31
15. Nova 2,098,539.51
16. Parallex 548,052.17
17. Polaris 10,440,523.75
18. Providus 11,453,580.97
19. Signature 551,753
20. Stanchart 28,429,525.73
21. Sterling 14,397,359.41
22. Taj 19,107,550.88
23. Titan 790.78
24. Union 13,268,519.66
25. Unity 616,138.33
26. Zenith 267,862,855.69
Total 815,362,006.30
DISQUALIFIED BANKS
1 UBA 13,213,785.91 Late submission
2 FCMB 178,652,316.84 Late submission
3 Stanbic 57,857,408.12 Late submission
4 Wema 21,940,547.84 Late submission
5 Suntrust 7,379,787.50 No bid rates
6 Rand 0 No bid received
Total 279,043,846.21
A Senior Special Adviser on Digital and New Media to the president, O’tega Ogra has claimed that naira redesign policy introduced by former Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Godwin Emefiele is the cause of hunger and economic hardship in the country.
The presidential aide made the claim on Arise TV.
Ogra argued that the naira redesign policy stopped a lot of farmers from going to farm to plant, hence the reason for limited food output.
In October 2022, the former CBN boss, Emefiele introduced the naira redesign policy where ₦200, ₦500 and ₦1,000 old notes were replaced with new notes. The CBN also announced a plan to end the use of the old notes by January 31, 2023.
Speaking on the policy Ogra said, “The most important thing is to realise what it takes to end hunger and guarantee food security in Nigeria. It is not a magic wand. The president has said on countless occasions that he does not want to look behind and lay blames.
“But let us situate things properly. At the beginning of last year, we had the naira redesign. That Niara redesign ensured that a lot of farmers did not go to farms to plant and all that.
“It simply meant we had limited food output at the end of last year.”
Ogra said the president is importing equipment from Belarus, Brazil and the US for mechanized farming.
“We cannot use short-term solutions for long-term problems and you know the problem of food security has bedeviled this country for a very long time.
“Nigerians need to understand that this is a process. The president has also opened the borders for the importation of food items for six months in the first instance and from grains to other staples that Nigerians eat. We do hope that this will bear fruit,” he added.
Poland has denied that its nationals who were arrested by security operatives in Kano, Nigeria, waved the Russian flag.
The detained Poles were arrested on August 6 in Kano for allegedly displaying Russian flags during the #EndBadGovernance protest held by some Nigerians against economic hardship in the country. Also arrested were six Spanish nationals.
The spokesperson for the Department of State Services, Peter Afunanya, at a meeting of diplomats in Abuja, said the Poles were arrested “because of where they were found during the protests and for displaying foreign flags.”
However, the Polish foreign ministry denied the allegation.
The ministry, according to a Polish international news network, TVP World, said the six students and their lecturer did not participate in the protest but “merely took photos.”
Sunday PUNCH gathered that the students and their lecturer were on an exchange programme at the Bayero University, Kano.
The Poles were said to be students of African Studies at the Oriental Studies Faculty, University of Warsaw.
They left Poland for Nigeria on August 1 and were scheduled to return to their country early September.
The University of Warsaw Press Officer, Anna Modzelewska, said getting the students released was the top priority of the institution.
Modzelewska was quoted by TVP World as saying, “Freeing the UW [University of Warsaw] students is our priority. “We must do everything in our power for that to happen as quickly as possible.”
She added that information was being gathered on the charges against the Poles, disclosing that the University’s Rector, Alojzy Nowak, was in contact with the detainees.
The Polish government, through its Deputy Foreign Minister, Jakub Wisniewski, had on Friday pleaded with Nigeria to release the detainees.
On if they waved the Russian flag, he said, “I personally find this claim hard to believe. We are urging for their safe return home, where their loved ones are anxiously waiting for them.”
Efforts by our correspondents to speak with the Student Affairs and Quality of Teaching of the university, Professor Sławomir Żółtek, proved abortive. Calls put across to his phone number were not answered.
A former Director General of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Professor Bola Akinterinwa, asked the Polish authorities to be patient.
He said, “The Polish government has to be patient and allow the investigation to be completed. The fact is that the security forces did not go to the school to arrest the students; they were picked up along the street during the protest and it is in the right place for the Nigerian government to investigate. It is only after investigation and they (Polish government) feel that the students didn’t get justice that they can intervene. Will they release the foreign students and not release Nigerians arrested?”
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress in Poland, Omooba Ayoola, has pleaded with President Bola Tinubu to release the six students and their lecturer.
Ayoola, who is based in Warsaw, begged Tinubu to use his good offices to facilitate the release of the students and their lecturer in the spirit of deepening bilateral cooperation between the two countries.
In a statement on Saturday, Ayoola said, ‘’It is regretted that the Polish nationals were found at the wrong place and at the wrong time.
“However, these students are said to be in the country for academic exchange programmes and we should guide against what can hinder deeper academic cooperation in between the two countries.
“I, therefore, plead that in the spirit of deeper bilateral cooperation, President Tinubu should please passionately look into this disturbing issue and help these students to regain their freedom so that they can focus on their primary purpose of coming to Nigeria”.
Lagos billionaire-kidnappers: Police identify another key gang member, uncover details of last operation
AFOLABI
Described as the sharpest shooter, marksman in the gang
Details of final operation before Ladipo Market raid
Detectives from the Special Squad Unit of the Lagos State Police Command have uncovered the identity of a key member of the notorious gang of billionaire kidnappers killed during their raid at Ladipo Market last month.
Previously, only one gang leader, the prominent Nollywood actor/producer Prince Henry Ode from Port Harcourt, had been identified, together with about four members of his colleagues in the film making industry. who were also involved in the violent confrontation with the police.
Extensive Case Files in Lagos
Recent investigations led by CSP Kehinde Oni revealed a staggering 42 case files related to the gang’s operations across various police stations in Lagos.
“It was a shocking discovery,” CSP Oni remarked. “The sheer volume of evidence against the gang underscores the extent of their criminal activities.”
Details of the Final Operation
Before their raid on Ladipo Market, the gang had kidnapped a wealthy female supermarket owner from Ago Okota, extorting N68 million in ransom.
CCTV footage from the supermarket showed an informant, later identified as Uzoamaka, entering the store to scout the area. “Our investigation revealed that Uzoamaka played a crucial role in this operation,” said a police source. “He was seen in the footage ensuring the coast was clear before the gang moved in.”
Notorious Sharpshooter
Uzoamaka is renowned in criminal circles for his exceptional marksmanship and specialized training in arms handling.
“He was known as one of the sharpest shooters in the criminal world,” said another police official. “His skills were highly regarded, but we had no idea he was connected to the kidnappings in Lagos until now.”
During the Ladipo Market operation, Uzoamaka fired the first shot when a decoy car blocked the gang’s path. “The shot he fired was intended to intimidate and eliminate anyone obstructing their escape,” explained CSP Oni. “It struck the car’s headrest but narrowly missed our officer.”
Ongoing Investigation
Detectives continue their efforts to identify all victims involved in the Ladipo raid. However, families of the deceased have been reluctant to come forward.
“We’re working tirelessly to uncover the full extent of the gang’s operations,” stated a police insider. “It’s clear that many have been hiding information, but we’re confident that further investigation will expose everything and reveal the complete truth.”
Media
Video: Lagos billionaire-kidnappers: Details of final operation before Ladipo Market raid pic.twitter.com/LTTeG2ooeu
— Vanguard Newspapers (@vanguardngrnews) August 10, 2024
‘Probe $1.5 Billion World Bank Loan To States, $3 Billion Chinese Loan’ – SERAP Urges Tinubu
AFOLABI
President Bola Tinubu has been charged by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), to direct the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) and appropriate anti-corruption agencies, to promptly and thoroughly investigate the spending of $1.5 billio World Bank loan obtained by the 36 states and Abuja for poverty reduction and social protection across the states.
SERAP said, “Suspected perpetrators of corruption and mismanagement should face prosecution as appropriate, if there is sufficient admissible evidence, and any proceeds of corruption should be fully recovered.”
SERAP also urged him to direct Fagbemi and appropriate anti-corruption agencies to promptly investigate the alleged mismanagement of the Chinese loans of $3.121bn obtained by the Federal Government.
In the open letter dated 10 August 2024 and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said, “Ensuring accountability for the spending of World Bank loan and Chinese loans would build trust in democratic institutions with the ultimate aim of strengthening the rule of law.
“Impunity for corruption in the management of World Bank loans and Chinese loans will continue as long as high-ranking public officials go largely unpunished for their alleged crimes.
“It is by pursuing these allegations and taking the evidence before the court that the truth will be revealed and justice best served.
“There are reports that the $1.5bn World Bank loan to the 36 states and Abuja and the $3bn Chinese loans obtained by the Federal Government may have been mismanaged or diverted, and in any case remain unaccounted for.
“Investigating and prosecuting allegations of corruption and mismanagement in the spending of World Bank loans and Chinese loans would be entirely consistent with the Nigerian Constitution, and the country’s international anti-corruption obligations.
“We note that while a governor may enjoy immunity from arrest and prosecution, he does not enjoy immunity from investigation. Any criminal allegation against a sitting governor can and should be investigated pending the time the governor leaves office and loses immunity.
“The findings of such investigation can also be the basis for initiating impeachment proceedings against the governor.
“Your government has the legal obligation to ensure accountability for the spending of the loans obtained from the World Bank and China. SERAP is concerned about the continuing lack of transparency and accountability in the management of World Bank loans and Chinese loans obtained by the states and the Federal Government.
“We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within 7 days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall consider appropriate legal actions to compel your government to comply with our request in the public interest.
“SERAP is concerned about years of allegations of corruption and mismanagement in the spending of World Bank loans and Chinese loans obtained by Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Government as well as the entrenched impunity of perpetrators.
“These allegations have undermined the ability of governments at all levels to address the debilitating poverty and economic inequality across the states and the Federal Capital Territory.
“Section 15(5) imposes the responsibility on your government to ‘abolish all corrupt practices and abuse of power’ in any part of the country. Section 15 defines ‘government’ to include the government of the federation, or of any state, or of a local government council or any person who exercises power or authority on its behalf.
“The Nigerian Constitution and human rights treaties to which Nigeria is a state party impose obligations on your government to probe and prosecute allegations of corruption in the spending of World Bank loans and Chinese loans, and to ensure access to justice and effective remedies for victims of corruption.
“Allegations of corruption and mismanagement in the spending of these loans and other loans have rendered already impoverished citizens incapable of satisfying their minimum needs for survival.
“Prevention of corruption in the spending of World Bank loans and other loans are serious and legitimate public interests. There is a legitimate public interest in ensuring justice and accountability for alleged corruption and mismanagement in the management of these loans.
“According to our information, the World Bank on 15 December 2020 approved a $1.5 billion loan for Nigeria’s 36 states and Abuja for social protection and strengthened state-level COVID-19 response. The loan aims to help the states and Abuja build a resilient recovery post-COVID19 and to reduce poverty.
“Specifically, the loan aims to increase access to basic education, quality water and sanitation services; improve primary healthcare; and increase the coverage and effectiveness of social assistance programs, promote women’s empowerment and reduce maternal and child mortality across the states.
“The $1.5 billion World Bank loan is for two projects. The first is Nigeria Covid-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus – Program for Results (Nigeria CARES) which aims to help increase access to social transfers and basic services, as well as provide grants to poor and vulnerable households. The project is financed through an International Development Association (IDA) credit of $750 million.
“The second is the State Fiscal Transparency, Accountability and Sustainability Program for Results (SFTAS), which aims to help increase the efficiency in spending, strengthen revenue mobilization, and enhance accountability in public resource management to strengthen state-level COVID-19 response.
“The project is financed through an International Development Association (IDA) credit of $750 million.
“According to the Debt Management Office, the total borrowing by Nigeria from China was USD$3.121 billion, as of March 31, 2020. The USD$3.121 billion loans are for 11 projects including the Nigerian Railway Modernization Project (Idu-Kaduna section); and Abuja Light Rail Project.
“Others include the Nigerian Four Airport Terminals Expansion Project (Abuja, Kano, Lagos and Port Harcourt), Nigerian Railway Modernization Project (Lagos-Ibadan section) and Rehabilitation and Upgrading of Abuja – Keffi- Makurdi Road Project.
“According to the Debt Management Office, Nigeria’s total public debt stock, including external and domestic debts, increased by ₦24.33 trillion in three months alone, from ₦97.34 trillion ($108.23 billion) in December 2023 to ₦121.67 trillion ($91.46 billion) as of March 31, 2024.
“The debt represents external and domestic loans obtained by the Federal Government, the 36 state governments and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).”
Barring any last-minute change, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun of the Supreme Court is set to emerge as the next chief justice of Nigeria (CJN).
If she assumes the office, Kekere-Ekun would become the second female justice in Nigeria to hold the exalted position after Mariam Aloma Mukhtar, who was CJN between July 2012 and November 2014, spending 28 months in office.
The current occupant of the office, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, who assumed office on June 27, 2022, will formally bow out on Thursday, August 22, 2024, after attaining the mandatory retirement age of 70 years.
As the most senior justice of the Supreme Court after Ariwoola, Justice Kekere-Ekun is favoured to clinch the position.
The incoming CJN, who is 66 years old, may stay up to four years compared to the average of two years most of her predecessors held the position.
After 11 years at the Supreme Court, Justice Kekere-Ekun will not only become the next CJN but also head the National Judicial Council (NJC), which oversees the appointment, promotion, and discipline of judges across the country.
Justice Kekere-Ekun was born on May 7, 1958 and obtained her LL. B in 1980 from the University of Lagos and LL.M from the London School of Economics and Political Science in November 1983. She was called to the Nigerian Bar on 10th July, 1981.
From 1985 to 1989, she was in private practice and was later appointed a Senior Magistrate Grade II, Lagos State Judiciary in December 1989. She was appointed a judge of the High Court of Lagos State on July 19, 1996. She served as the chairman of the Robbery and Firearms Tribunal, Zone II, Ikeja, Lagos, from November 1996 to May 1999.
Kekere-Ekun
Kekere-Ekun was elevated to the Court of Appeal on 22nd September, 2004, where she served in various Divisions and as the presiding justice of two Divisions of the appellate court (Makurdi and Aku) in 2011 and 2012, respectively.
She was elevated to the Supreme Court of Nigeria as the fifth female justice of the apex court and sworn in on Monday, July 8, 2013.
She has attended numerous courses and seminars within and outside Nigeria and received several merit awards.
Justice Kekere-Ekun is also a life Bencher, a member of the International Association of Women Judges and its president.
LEADERSHIP Sunday reports that the judiciary has been in the eye of the storm, notably since the country returned to democratic rule in 1999.
With Justice Kekere-Ekun assuming office in the next few weeks, the succession battle in the Supreme Court may be rancour-free for the first time in five years.
Justice Walter Onnoghen, who served as CJN between 7th March, 2017 and 25th January 2019, left controversially after he was accused of failing to declare his assets.
His successor, Justice Tanko Muhammad, who assumed office on 25th January, 2019, followed almost the same pattern after his fellow justices accused him of unfair treatment, particularly in the area of their welfare. He voluntarily resigned on the grounds of ill-health on 27th June, 2022.
The CJN is the head of the government’s judicial arm. He presides over the country’s Supreme Court and the National Judicial Council.
The outgoing CJN (Ariwoola) was appointed acting CJN on 27th June, 2022 upon Justice Tanko Muhammad’s resignation and was confirmed by the Nigerian Senate on 21st September, 2022.
The Supreme Court of Nigeria is the highest, and its decisions are final. The president nominates the CJN upon the recommendation by the NJC, and is subject to confirmation by the Senate.
The CJN holds office at the pleasure of the Nigerian constitution and can only be removed from office due to death or on attainment of age 70, whichever comes first, or by impeachment by the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which requires a super majority of the Senate members.
Short Stay In Office Based On Rules – Senior lawyers
In the last 15 years, seven CJNs have presided over the affairs of the nation’s judiciary, which is about an average of two years each for the occupants of that office.
Lawyers have, however, lamented the short stay in office of the CJNs.
According to them, an average of two years in office is not enough to bring about the needed reforms in the country’s judiciary.
However, some senior lawyers who spoke to LEADERSHIP Sunday were quick to assert that the CJN’s office is not a political appointment.
According to them, it is regulated by law.
A former attorney-general and commissioner for justice in Imo state, Chief Chukwuma-Machukwu Ume (SAN), said the apex court is not a political party whose programmes and policies are personal.
According to him, the CJN is an administrator and is not expected to bring his agenda to run the court.
“The court is regulated by law, and the law is the law; there is nothing you can do about it. The Supreme Court is not a political party where one man is expected to bring his agenda to the table after winning election,” he said.
Another lawyer, Barrister Abdul Balogun, said rules for succession to the CJN’s office have already been laid down.
“Laws and rules guide the judiciary, and any attempt to deviate from them is a call to lawlessness, which will negatively impact the country’s judiciary.
“In the judiciary as a whole, it is a laid down rule that the most senior assumes office upon a vacancy in the leadership of any court from the customary court to the Supreme Court. So, any attempt to deviate from that is a call for chaos in the system,” he said
In the last 15 years, the country has produced seven CJNs. While some of them left an indelible mark in office and in the minds of Nigerians with their policies and reforms to the country’s judiciary, others had their tenures characterised by controversies.
Aloysius Iyorgyer Katsina-Alu (2009- 2011)
From his very first day in office, there was controversy after he was sworn in by his predecessor. He was the first CJN to be sworn in by his predecessor, Justice Idris Legbo Kutigi (rtd), due to the unavailability of the then ailing President Umaru Yar’Adua, who did not hand over powers to then Vice President Goodluck Jonathan.
Yar’Adua never returned to the country until his death. Justice Katsina-Alu’s tenure as the CJN was also marked by his controversial battle with the then President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Isa Ayo Salami (rtd), who the NJC later suspended.
Dahiru Musdapher (2011-2012)
His tenure as CJN was crisis-free; rather, he brought some reforms that impacted positively on the judiciary. Some of his reforms are still being implemented today. The Jigawa State-born Musdapher was appointed Chief Justice Nigeria on August 27, 2011, and sworn in by former President Goodluck Jonathan on August 29, 2011.
He served as Chief Judge of Kano State between 1979 and 1985.
Musdapher, a native of Babura town, served as a member of the Court of Appeal between 1985 and 2003 and later joined the Supreme Court.
During his tenure, he admitted that the judiciary needed radical surgical reforms and called on all Nigerian judges to rise above the daunting challenges by restoring hope and confidence in the judicial system.
MARIAM ALOMA MUKHTAR (2012 – 2014)
Justice Mukhtar could be described as a judge who came, who saw and, to an extent, reinvigorated the fervor to stamp out the burden of corruption that has, in no small measure, weighed down the scale of justice in Nigeria.
She spent barely 28 months in office. She took over from Justice Dahiru Musdapher on July 15, 2012.
Undisputedly, no administration in the judiciary ever attempted to fight corruption like Mukhtar, during whose short regime about seven judges were sacked.
Remarkably, no woman had attained that position since 1963, when the Federal Republic of Nigeria was proclaimed, and Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe became its first President.
The situation deteriorated to the extent that an ex-CJN and a sitting president of the Court of Appeal publicly poked themselves over an alleged plan to subvert justice in a gubernatorial dispute involving Sokoto State.
Consequently, on July 11, 2012, while answering questions from the Nigerian Senate, Justice Mukhtar admitted the presence of bad eggs at the top echelon of the judicial arm of government, even as she vowed to fight and expose such persons before her exit from office.
A few days after she assumed duties, Justice Mukhtar reviewed 337 petitions filed against judicial officers before the NJC.
Hence, it was not surprising that seven justices were sacked within two years of her tenure.
MAHMUD MOHAMMED (2014 – 2016)
Justice Mohammed was also less controversial in his about two years in office as CJN.
He was born on November 10, 1946, in Jalingo, Taraba State.
He studied for his Bachelor’s degree in Law (LL.B) at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, graduating in 1970. After that, he attended the Nigerian Law School in Lagos and was subsequently called to the Bar in 1971.
He began his career in the public service with the Ministry of Justice of the defunct North-eastern and Gongola States and served on the Gongola Bench.
WALTER ONNOGHEN (2017 – 2019)
Justice Onnoghen began his tenure as CJN on a controversial note and ended it on the same note. When he was appointed in acting capacity, it appeared that former President Muhammadu Buhari never wanted him to become the substantive CJN as it took him several months to confirm his appointment.
In fact, it was Professor Yemi Osinbajo (SAN), the former vice president who acted as president when Buhari was away on a medical trip, that confirmed Onnoghen’s appointment.
Midway into his tenure as CJN, he was accused of corruption and removed from office after he was asked to resign.
His resignation from office followed the recommendation of the NJC for his early retirement. The recommendation was sent to Buhari, who readily accepted it.
Justice Onnoghen faced trial at the Code of Conduct Tribunal over allegations of false declaration of assets.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) also accused the former CJN of receiving illicit payments and bribes from lawyers. He denied all the allegations.
Not a few Nigerians read political undertone in his tribulation, especially as the 2019 general elections were fast approaching.
IBRAHIM TANKO MUHAMMAD (2019 – 2022)
Like his predecessor, Justice Tanko Muhammad assumed office on a controversial note and also exited under questionable circumstances.
After Justice Onnoghen was eased out, many believed it was to prepare Justice Muhammad to become the CJN. Some believed the former president tainted Onnoghen with a corruption tag to make way for Muhammad, also a northerner.
Like Onnoghen, he could not finish his tenure, but due to ill health.
There was confusion in the media over his resignation. However, after many weeks of denial and confusion, it was later confirmed that he resigned as CJN on health grounds.
Shortly before his resignation, he officially reacted to the allegations of uncaring attitude levelled against him by his fellow justices in the apex court.
In his first official reaction, he admitted that the Supreme Court, like any other establishment in the country, had been hit by a devastating economic crunch and the court’s leadership under him could no longer meet some of its obligations to the justices, especially in welfare.
OLUKAYODE ARIWOOLA (2022 -2024)
Justice Ariwoola took the oath of office as the acting CJN at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on June 27, 2022.
He is, arguably, one of the finest CJNs the country has produced with his policies and programmes for the judiciary. However, like some of his predecessors, his tenure is fraught with controversies, especially as the judiciary under him came to be seen as being in the pockets of the political class.
In fact, retiring Supreme Court justices in his tenure used their valedictory speeches to lampoon the judiciary under his watch and so many Nigerians have lamented that the present judiciary dispenses judgement rather than justice.
Whoever takes the mantle after Ariwoola will have a herculean task repairing the battered image of the judiciary in order to restore the confidence of the people in that arm of government.
The Supreme Court of Nigeria, in a landslide judgement on local government autonomy, ordered that the four-year tenure enjoyed by executives be extended to the offices of all local government chairmen across the country.
This is contained in the Certified True Copy (CTC) of a judgement delivered by Justice Mohammed Garba and six others on May 11, 2024.
Garba said that some states have, by their various illegal actions, starved the local government councils in their states to the extent that most of them cannot exercise their constitutional powers or perform their statutory functions.
The Justice described the situation of the LGA in the country as “one tier of government’s inhumanity to another tier of government.”
Garbage said that LGAs in Nigeria, unlike branches of incorporated bodies or entities, are constitutionally the third tier of government in the Federation.
According to him, their political and financial independence is duly guaranteed by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).
The Justice said that Section 2(2) of the Constitution provides that “Nigeria shall be a Federation consisting of States and a Federal Capital Territory.”.
He further stated that 36 states in the country are specified, in alphabetical order, by Section 3(1) of the Constitution.
He said that Section 3(6) of the Constitution provides that “there shall be 768 local government areas in Nigeria,“ while Section 1(2) of the Constitution provides that “Nigeria shall not be governed, nor shall any person or group of persons take control of the Government of Nigeria or any part thereof, except in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution.”.
The Justice, however, said that in respect of the six Area Councils of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, there is template legislation by the National Assembly.
He said that by way of sections 108, 109, 110, and 113 of the Electoral Act (2022), the dissolution (tenure of area councils), the vacation of seats of members, removal of the chairman or vice chairman, recall, etc. were addressed. And elections to the area councils are promptly conducted or held by the Independent National Electoral Commission.
“It is, therefore, unfortunate that some states do not even bother about conducting elections into local government councils as required by the relevant laws of their Houses of Assembly.
“Under Section 135(3) of the Constitution, the tenure of four years for the president, provided for by Section 135(2) thereof, shall be extended for periods not exceeding a period of six months at any time by a resolution of the National Assembly if it is not practicable to hold elections.
“By the same token, by a law of a State House of Assembly, the tenure of local government councils can be legally extended for any reason, such as insecurity or war, if it becomes impracticable or impossible for elections into the local government councils to be conducted.
“The mandate given to an elected local government council is the mandate of the electorate of that local government area, and if the tenure is extended, it is the people’s mandate that is extended.
“If the tenure of a local government council is truncated, as it is the norm now, it is an illegal termination of the electorate’s mandate, and it is not to be encouraged but roundly condemned.
“By the doctrine of separation of powers, it is the constitutional duty or function of the Legislature to make laws, which include amendments and repeals, and the duty of the judiciary is to interpret the laws to achieve the intended purpose of the legislation,” he said.
The one million-man march planned by leaders of the #EndBadGovernance protest flopped on Saturday across the country due to low turnout.
In different parts of Nigeria, protesters shunned their usual meeting points, which had been occupied by security agents.
Organisers of the protest had said the march would signal the end of the 10-day protest against economic hardship.
In preparation for the march, security agencies deployed operatives into cities as roadblocks were mounted.
Low turnout in Abuja
The security situation was the same on Saturday as the police mounted barricades on all roads leading to Eagle Square, the venue where the protesters intended to converge for the protest.
Although protests were held in the Lokogoma and Apo areas of the FCT, the turnout was noticeably lower compared to previous events.
The protest waned in the FCT after security forces targeted leaders, arresting and shooting at protesters.
After there was calm, protesters returned to the streets.
The youth, who began their demonstration as early as 7 am were chrousing ‘End hunger’ and ‘Reverse fuel subsidy removal,” among others.
Rivers police patrol
In Rivers, protesters were absent on the streets of Port Harcourt and its environs.
It was the third day in a roll that residents refused to come out over fear that the demonstration would be hijacked by hoodlums.
This came as operatives of the Rivers State Police Command embarked on a show of force with huge presence in strategic parts of the state.
The state spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, in a statement on Friday night, had said some miscreants were planning to hijack the one million-man march to loot and attack peaceful residents.
One of our correspondents, who monitored the state on Saturday, reported that cops were seen in patrol vans as security was intensified.
Police patrol vans were also mounted at the gate of the Federal Secretariat, while several operatives hung around in vigilance in the event of any untoward incident.
When contacted, one of the supporters of the protest, Gogo Wellington, said he did not show up due to fear of violence.
He recalled with bitterness how some persons tried to attack some protesters.
“For that reason, we decided not to come out to avoid any clash.
“We hope that the government will be up and doing and immediately address the problems,” he added.
Kaduna, Kano, Katsina stop protest
The News Agency of Nigeria reported that residents of Kaduna, Kano and Katsina States shunned the one-million-man nationwide protest.
NAN added that hordes of people were seen going about their business activities.
Markets, motor parks, supermarkets and other economic activities were going on unfettered.
Commercial motorists and motorcyclists were also busy conveying passengers to and from their various destinations.
The Kaduna State Government insisted that unverified processions were not permitted in the state for reasons of public safety and security.
The state Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Mr Samuel Aruwan, gave the warning in a statement on Saturday.
In Kano, some of the residents of Kano metropolitan local government areas said they would not participate again in any form of protests in the state.
The police and military personnel were also deployed in strategic locations in the state.
In Katsina, protest organisers complied with the order issued by the police and the state government that banned all forms of protests and unlawful assembly.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Abubakar Aliyu, said the order was still in force across the state.
He said the measure was aimed at preventing further escalation of violence, vandalism, and looting of private and public property.
Edo residents shun demonstrations
The Civil Society Organisations, organisers of the #EndBadGovernance protest in Edo State, could not gather people for a rally on the final day of the protest.
The group, which had chosen Ring Road as its protest venue, withdrew from the protest on the third day, stating that they would review their strategy.
The state capital, Benin, was peaceful on Saturday, with residents going about their business unhindered.
Oba Market and Lagos Street, the major commercial hubs, experienced a surge of activity as people conducted their transactions.
Similarly, Uromi in Edo Central and Auchi in Edo North were also peaceful, with no protests taking place in those areas.
Kola Edokpayi, speaking on behalf of the Concerned Civil Society Group in Edo, confirmed that there were no plans to resume the strike on Saturday.
Plateau protesters meet gov
Meanwhile, a coalition of youths in Plateau State presented its demands to the state Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, on Saturday, for transmission to President Bola Tinubu.
A representative of the group, Mr Sam Ode, stated that the demands required the input of both the state government and the Federal Government.
“For the state government, we demand an immediate reduction in the cost of governance. We also request an explanation of how the various palliatives and funding from the Federal Government are being utilised.
“We further call on the state government to implement the minimum wage recently signed into law by the president and to reduce the school fees of tertiary institutions.
“For the Federal Government, we urge the president to end corruption, reverse the pump price of fuel to N300, and also reverse the hike in electricity tariffs,” Ode said.
Ondo gov candidate arrested
Meanwhile, men of the Ondo State Police Command have arrested no fewer than nine youths who took part in the #EndBadGovernance protest in Akure, the Ondo State capital on Saturday.
It was gathered that the protest, which happened at the NEPA Roundabout area in Akure, the state capital, was disrupted by men of the state police command.
According to one of the protesters, Tope Temokun, some of those arrested are the governorship candidate of the African Action Congress, Kunle Ajayi; Patrick Owolabi, Oluwatobi Akinkuotu, Kolawole Kumuyi and Olalekan Oladehinde.
He said, “The arrest that took place is highly condemnable and stands condemned. If the police has any evidence of violence from the protesters, it should come out with it.
Group threatens to continue protest
But a group, Nigerian Patriotic Front Movement, Northern chapter, threatened to begin an indefinite protest after the curfew in the state is lifted.
The Secretary of the NPFM, Anas Adamu, said the group would resume the protest because the President, Bola Tinubu, failed to address their demands 10 days after the commencement of the nationwide protest.
He said, “We are all aware that Nigeria is facing a major governance and economic crisis, which the government of President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has, in 15 months, exacerbated.”
Protesters consider suing FG
The Director of Mobilisation, Take it Back Movement, Damilare Adenola, said the group would reconvene to review its strategies.
He said, “It’s indeed concerning that the government hasn’t implemented any of the organisers’ demands yet. After today, we need to regroup and reassess our strategy. Here are a few possible next steps: Continue to build momentum through online campaigns and social media engagement. Organise targeted advocacy efforts, meeting with key stakeholders and policymakers.”
Adenola said the group would also be considering lawsuits or petitions to demand the needed reforms.
One of the organisers, Juwon Sanyaolu, said he was certain there would be another round of protests.
He said, “We will go back to our internal organs, consult with Nigerians, and other organisers on the next step of actions. But one thing is certain: we will be returning to the streets, and very soon.”
On his part, the Initiator of Creative Change Centre, Omole Ibukun, stated that his group would step up its awareness, mobilisation, and collective actions through other means and prepare for another round of protests should the government refuse their demands.
‘Release all detainees’
The Osun State Civil Societies Coalition said another round of protests was coming if the Federal Government did not reverse the removal of subsidy on petrol and electricity.
The coalition, which is an umbrella body of 30 organisations in the state, also called for the release of all protesters arrested and detained by the security operatives.
The chairman of the OCSC, Waheed Lawal, said broader and well-organised protests would be held if the President didn’t return subsidy and ensure the release of these detained protesters.
Youths seek justice
A group of youths under the aegis of the Take It Back Movement, on Saturday, held a protest march in Osogbo, Osun State, demanding an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths of some protesters.
The group assembled at Olaiya Junction, Osogbo, as security operatives took over Freedom Park, earlier planned to be the convergence point.
After moving to Olaiya Junction, Osogbo, the protesters, armed with a large banner with the inscription, ‘End bad governance in Nigeria,’ were addressed by their spokesperson, Victor Lijofi.
They later moved through Fagbewesa Street and returned to their take-off point before dispersing.
But despite the presence of the protesters in the area, there was a free flow of traffic and business activities went on unhindered.
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Twenty-seven states and the Federal Capital Territory have yet to set up committees to implement the recently approved N70,000 minimum wage.
The states are Plateau, Kebbi, Sokoto, Nasarawa, Bayelsa, Delta, Osun, Ekiti, Zamfara, Benue, Enugu, Taraba, Gombe, Kogi, Enugu, Adamawa, Niger, Anambra, Imo, Ebonyi, Oyo, Akwa Ibom, Bauchi, Katsina, Kaduna, Cross River and Yobe.
However, seven other states — Kano, Kwara, Ogun, Borno, Jigawa, Ondo, and Abia — have set up implementation committees. Only Lagos and Edo claimed to have started paying the minimum wage.
Recall that President Bola Tinubu signed the new minimum wage into law on July 29, 2024, after meeting with leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria.
Lagos, Edo
Speaking with our correspondent on Saturday, the Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, said the state had been paying more than the minimum wage before it was passed into law.
He said, “When you look at the minimum wage that was paid in Lagos before, the least state worker earned about N77,000. So, if they said the minimum wage is now N70,000, we have no problem with it at all because Lagos has been paying more than that, and we will continue to pay.”
The Edo State Government also said it had started paying the minimum wage.
Kwara, Kano, others set up committees
On August 1, 2024, Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara State, who also doubles as the Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum, set up an 18-member tripartite committee to work out modalities for the new minimum wage payment.
The Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Rafiu Ajakaye, said the committee, comprising representatives from the state government, labour unions, and the Organised Private Sector, had started meeting.
Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano also set up an advisory committee on the new minimum wage, while the Jigawa State Government set up a 10-man minimum wage committee on Thursday, August 8.
Similarly, the Borno State Government recently inaugurated a 22-member panel, while the Ondo State government said its committee on the new minimum wage was working hard to ensure its implementation.
The Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, also said the state set up a committee a few months ago to advise the government on the matter.
He said, “Oyo State government set up a committee a few months ago, comprising labour stakeholders and government officials, to advise on the implementation of the minimum wage.”
The Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, on Friday, said the state set up a committee before the Federal Government signed the bill into law.
“We are making provisions for the salary increase in line with the new minimum wage,” he added.
We can’t pay – Gombe, Kogi
However, the Gombe State Governor and Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum, Inuwa Yahaya, said the lean allocation to the state would make it difficult for him to pay the new wage.
Speaking on Tuesday during a meeting with stakeholders on the nationwide protest, ‘#EndBadGovernance, Yahaya said, “I cannot pay the N70,000 minimum wage, and I suspect many other states are in the same predicament.”
Similarly, the Kogi State Commissioner for Finance, Ashiwaju Ashiru Idris, said no date had been fixed for the implementation of the minimum wage by the state.
Responding to our correspondent’s inquiry, the commissioner said he had no information about when the state would commence payment.
We’ll negotiate – Plateau, Kebbi
Plateau State Commissioner for Information, Musa Ashoms, however, said the government would make its position known on the matter after negotiating with organised labour.
The Kebbi State Governor, Dr Nasir Idris, also said his administration was ready to have a fruitful discussion with the state union leader on the new minimum wage.
His Chief Press Secretary, Ahmed Idris, while speaking with one of our correspondents on the telephone, said, “By the grace of God, our governor will sit with the labour union and come out with modalities to ensure that he puts a smile on the faces of the civil servants.”
During a recent town hall meeting on the nationwide protest, Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, also promised to pay the new minimum wage.
He said, “On our part, I want to assure you that the Sokoto State Government is ready to implement the new National minimum wage as approved by Mr. President. Undoubtedly, our country is facing quite a number of challenges that include economic downturn, inflation, cost of living, as well as insecurity, among other challenges.”
Speaking with our correspondent in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital, on Wednesday, the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Abdullahi Sule on Public Affairs, Peter Ahemba, explained that the state government had rolled out plans to begin the payment.
The Chief Press Secretary to the Bayelsa State governor, Daniel Alabrah, also told our correspondent on Thursday in Yenagoa that Governor Douye Diri had earlier in the year, during the Workers’ Day celebrations, declared that the state would pay any amount agreed upon by the Federal Government and labour.
But he pointed out that the state government may not pay any arrears because the new minimum wage bill was only recently signed into law by the president.
We’ll set up committee soon – Osun, Delta, Benue
Speaking with Sunday PUNCH, the spokesperson for the Osun State Governor, Rasheed Olawale, said a committee for the implementation of the minimum wage would be set up next week.
He said, “Mr Governor has before now said Osun will pay the minimum wage as he is committed to the welfare of the workers and the people generally. A committee on the implementation of the minimum wage will be set up next week. We are committed to it.”
The Delta State Government also said it would set up a committee for the new minimum wage.
The state Commissioner for Information, Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza, stated this in an interview with one of our correspondents on Saturday.
Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue also said that his administration would pay the new minimum wage, and block every leakage to ensure its smooth implementation.
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), has confirmed that some officials of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) have been arrested over the ₦90 billion hajj subsidy.
The spokesperson of the commission, Demola Bakare, told TheCable that some NAHCON officials were arrested by the commission on Wednesday for “refusing to honour an invitation” by the anti-graft agency.
Bakare debunked the claims that ICPC shutdown NAHCON’s office, emphasising that the commission operates within legal boundaries.
He declined to name the arrested officials, noting that they were assisting the commission with useful information.
Bakare said, “We are investigating officials of the National Hajj Commission because they either failed or refused to honour the invitation. We therefore paid them a friendly visit.
“We didn’t shut down the commission as reported by some journalists. ICPC operates within the confines of the law.
“Officials arrested, which I can’t name, were released on bail and would henceforth be helping the investigation process until concluded.”
The spokesperson of NAHCON, Fatimah Usara, while speaking on the arrest, said it was not unusual for officials to be queried after hajj operations.
She said, “Some of the commission’s relevant staff had been making presentations to the ICPC when demanded.
“And this is a thing that the commission considers normal because it happens after every hajj until any doubt is cleared. It’s nothing new.
“The Head of Procurement had an invitation which he didn’t honour so two days ago, on Wednesday precisely, the ICPC sent the relevant officers to him, him alone.
“In fact, NAHCON accommodated them to wait for him to report to work, which they did. And when he came, they left together. No one entered any office at all. They waited outside.”
‘Tinubu Not Ready To Listen To Us, We Are Coming Back In Millions’ – Protesters Reveal Fresh Plan
AFOLABI
Organizers of the Take It Back movement protest have vowed to return to the streets soon with a 10-million-man protest across the 36 states of the federation.
This declaration comes following the end of the 10-day series of nationwide protests against economic difficulties in Nigeria.
Naija News reports that the group had commenced the nationwide protest on Thursday, August 1 and wrapped up today, Saturday, August 10.
The demonstrators have taken to the streets in Abuja and various other cities, advocating for the reinstatement of the fuel subsidy and a reduction in electricity tariffs, among other issues.
The protesters, today, remained steadfast with their demands, holding placards and banners with slogans such as “Reinstate a corruption-free fuel subsidy,” “Rent should be paid monthly,” and “Nigerians are weary of ineffective leadership.”
They, however, expressed dissatisfaction with President Bola Tinubu’s apparent disregard for their concerns, despite their persistent presence on the streets for a full ten days.
Speaking on behalf of the protesters today, activist, Abiodun Sanusi, indicated that while the movement would pause its demonstrations for the time being, they would return with an even larger and more resolute assembly if their demands continue to be ignored.
“Earlier on, we declared 10 days of rage to end bad governance in Nigeria. However, it is now clear that President Bola Tinubu is not ready to listen to the demands of Nigerians.
“Today is the final day of the 10 days of rage, but we are promising the Nigerian government and President Tinubu that we will come back until he accedes to our demands.
“We will return to the streets, and this time, we will be more than this. We will be declaring a 10-million-person march across the 36 states of Nigeria and the FCT,” Sanusi said.
Naija News reports that nationwide protests were characterized by violence, as security personnel employed lethal measures against demonstrators and journalists in Abuja, Kaduna, and various other states.
Also, the Nigerian Army acknowledged that they inadvertently caused the death of a teenage boy, Ismail Mohammed, during a protest in Zaria, Kaduna State.
EXPLAINER: Grant, loan or palliative? What to know about N570bn Tinubu said was released to states
AFOLABI
On the fourth day of the #EndBadGovernance nationwide protest, President Bola Tinubu addressed Nigerians in a televised speech.
The president addressed several issues in his speech, including his achievements in office, and defended his policies.
As part of efforts by his administration to ameliorate the hardship being experienced by Nigerians, Tinubu said “more than N570 billion has been released to the 36 states to expand livelihood support to their citizens, while 600,000 nano-businesses have benefitted from our nano-grants. An additional 400,000 more nano-businesses are expected to benefit”.
But five days after Tinubu’s speech, Seyi Makinde, Oyo governor, said the federal government did not give his state any money.
Makinde, in issue 95 of his periodic newsletter, said Oyo only got reimbursed for the funds the state invested in the NG-CARES initiative.
Makinde said it became necessary for him to clarify a “concerned citizen” who referenced Tinubu’s speech and asked him (Makinde) what he used the funds for.
“Let me state categorically that this is yet another case of misrepresentation of facts. The said funds were part of the World Bank-assisted NG-CARES project — a Programme for Results intervention,” Makinde wrote.
“We were reimbursed funds (N5.98 billion in the first instance and N822 million in the second instance). We invested in the three result areas of NG-CARES.
“The Federal Government did not give any State money; they were simply the conduit through which the reimbursements were made to States for money already spent.”
WHAT IS NG-CARES?
In 2020, due to the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and as a response to the hardship caused by the pandemic, the federal government, under the leadership of Former President Muhammadu Buhari, sought a concessional loan from the World Bank to the tune of $750 million on-lending to the 36 states and FCT.
Concessional financing provides organisations or companies with access to capital at favourable terms. This can include lower interest rates and longer repayment periods. A concessional loan is extendable on softer terms and typically has long grace periods.
The loan was to implement a two-year short-term emergency response programme named the Nigeria COVID-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES) between 2021 and 2023.
The programme seeks to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 crisis in three key result areas:
- increasing cash transfers and livelihood support to poor and vulnerable households
- increasing food security and safe functioning of food supply chains for poor households
- facilitating recovery of MSEs while strengthening institutional support for coordination and delivery through a separate Investment Project Financing (IPF) component.
According to the plan, out of the $750 million, each state can access up to $20 million, the FCT $15 million, and the Federal CARES Support Unit (FCSU) $15 million.
The initiative is financed through the Programme for Result (PforR) at the state level and FCT, while the federal level is funded by the Investment Project Financing (IPF).
In the programme document dated November 13, 2020, the World Bank said Nigeria is central to its mission of eliminating global poverty and that the programme is “fully aligned with the forthcoming World Bank 2020–2024 Country Partnership Framework (CPF) for Nigeria, as well as Nigeria’s Economic Reform and Growth Plan for 2017–2020 and theGovernment’s Economic Sustainability Plan (ESP) to respond to the economic crisis induced by COVID-19”.
IS NG-CARES A GRANT?
No.
The World Bank intervention is a loan to the state governments and has to be paid back.
In fact, the Programme for Results (PforR) nature of the initiative means that states invested their funds in advance, only to be refunded after auditing and verification of expenditure by the global bank.
In 2021, Foluso Okunmadewa, task team leader of NG-CARES for the World Bank, said the programme was designed in such a way that the states would spend their own money in the first batch.
“Each state should be able to earn 20 million dollars within a space of two years. I used the word earn because it is a programme for results approach. It is not as if the money will be given to the states and the state will now have to spend it. No! Then Independent Verification Agent will go and look at the results and on the basis of that, the states will be reimbursed,” Okunmadewa said.
In the Oyo state instance, the programme was domesticated as Oyo-CARES, Lagos-CARES for Lagos state, and in Borno, it is BO-CARES.
In May 2023, Okunmadewa said the government was on track to secure a one-year extension to access the loan.
TheCable cannot independently verify the repayment terms and plan, but in January, Abubakar Bagudu, minister for budget and economic planning, said the loan carries about a one percent interest rate.
“It is important to note that these loans come from the International Development Association, carrying an interest rate of about 1%. However, the federal government is nearing the limit of borrowing under these low-cost loans. Therefore, swift disbursement and timely debt repayment are crucial to maintaining access to these affordable funding sources in the future.” Bagudu said.
HOW MUCH DID STATES GET?
Mohammad Idris, minister of information and national orientation, said so far, the 36 states and the FCT have received a total of N570 billion collectively, contrary to claims that each state got the said amount.
He said N135.4 billion was released in December 2023, and N438.36 billion in July 2024.
“What the States and the FCT collectively received in reimbursements between the end of 2023 and July 2024, under the World Bank-supported #NGCARES program, is a total of N573 billion naira,” he wrote in a post on X.
Idris’ X post buttresses Makinde’s submission that the funds referred to in Tinubu’s speech were indeed reimbursements financed through a loan from the World Bank and not a support grant from the federal government to the states.
The deal was secured, and the initiative took effect in 2021 under the Buhari administration.
From a breakdown of the July reimbursements made available on the NG-CARES website, Zamfara state got the highest at N49,182,347,834 billion while Ogun state had the lowest at N2,125,069,028 billion.
For the December reimbursement, Abdulkarim Obaje, NG-CARES national coordinator, said: “The top three best-performing states in this Second Round of Assessment are Nasarawa, which earned N13,697,828,496.96, Cross River N10,944,747,818.84 and Zamfara N10,231,055,267.82”.