A Nigerian, Okechukwu Iwuji, alongside two others, has been convicted and jailed for advance fee and money laundering scheme involving over $2m.
An attorney from the US Attorney’s Office, Guam, Shawn Anderson, announced that 38-year-old Iwuji and the other convicts fraudulently obtained approximately $2,600,000 by inducing Guam-based investors to pay bogus fees for a multimillion-dollar inheritance.
The other convicts are Sally Roberto, 56, from Santa Rita; Monique Jones, 49, from Dallas, Texas.
They were on Tuesday and Thursday sentenced for their crimes.
Iwuji, a Nigerian citizen, who previously resided in Orlando, Florida, was sentenced to 45 months imprisonment; three years supervised release, ordered to pay $475,710 in restitution, a $100 mandatory assessment fee, and a $475,710 forfeiture money judgment, after previously pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
“This far-ranging conspiracy preyed on 60 victims, nearly all of whom live in Guam,” Anderson said in a statement published by the US Attorney Office.
“These scams are difficult to investigate and prosecute due to the interstate and transnational nature of the criminal activity. Our success in this matter is the result of a team effort across multiple jurisdictions, with outstanding leadership by prosecutor David. We will continue to pursue the collection of restitution for those harmed by the defendant’s conduct. The public must remain vigilant against this type of fraud,” Anderson added.
As part of the conspiracy, Iwuji obtained at least $475,710 of victim funds from Roberto and other co-conspirators and transferred some funds to third party-Nigerian bank accounts.
Sally was sentenced to 33 months imprisonment; three years supervised release; ordered to pay $1,030,990 in restitution, a $3,900 mandatory assessment fee, and a $1,030,990 forfeiture money judgment.
Mekayda was sentenced to 36 months imprisonment; three years supervised release; ordered to pay $387,160 in restitution, a $1,600.00 mandatory assessment fee, and a $801,210 forfeiture money judgment.
Monique was sentenced to 48 months imprisonment; three years supervised release; ordered to pay $578,130 in restitution, a $2,700 mandatory assessment fee, and a $1,111,280 forfeiture money judgment.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation Agent, Special Agent Steven Merrill, said that the FBI would closely monitor similar cases and ensure that the perpetrators were brought to justice.
“This sentence should make the public aware that these types of advance fees, associated with inheritance scams, will be investigated by the FBI and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
“If it is too good to be true, it probably is,” Merrill said.
Nigeria’s average daily consumption of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), popularly called petrol, dropped to 52 million litres in July, as against a national consumption figure of 64,964,000 recorded on June 30, 2023, data obtained from Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has shown.
According to the agency, the land-based stock and closing stock – less dead stock – of petrol was 1,120,487,848 litres as of the end of July 2023, and marine stock, which included berth and offshore availability, was 521,035,645 litres.
According to the data, the total stock – less dead stock – was 1,641,523,493 litres. However, depot dead stock was 83,637,781 litres. Total stock, inclusive of dead stock, was 1,725,161,274 litres. The land-based days’ sufficiency was 21.55 days, while marine days’ sufficiency was put at 10.02 days, and total days’ sufficiency cumulatively stood at 31.57 days.
The total stockless dead stock was put at 1,641,523,493 litres. Depot dead stock was 83,637,781 litres and total stock, inclusive of dead stock, stood at 1,725,161,274 litres.
Conversely, on July 1, land-based stock of PMS was 1,059,330,321 litres, while marine stock at berth and offshore stood at 826,447,740 litres. Total stock – less dead stock – was 1,885,778,061 litres, while depot dead stock was 83,095,042 litres.
Total stock, inclusive of dead stock, stood at 1,968,873,103 litres. Land-based sufficiency was 16.31 days, marine days’ sufficiency was 12.72 days and total days’ sufficiency was 29.03 days.
As of July 1, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) had 293,380,735 litres in stock. Members of Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN) had 91,202,643 litres, while Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria had 753,825,183 litres.
On days’ sufficiency, the data said Nigeria had land-based days’ sufficiency of 21.55 days as of the end of July, while marine days’ sufficiency was 10.02 days, which brings the total days’ sufficiency to 31.57 days.
Directors in ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) of the Federal Civil Service, who were to proceed on compulsory retirement since July 27 having spent eight years at their positions, have stayed put, in contravention to a new rule.
Checks by LEADERSHIP reveal that the no fewer than 500 directors affected by the new rule are yet to comply.
The new stipulation that such affected directors should give way followed the revised Public Service Rule (PSR) and circular issued by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr. Folashade Yemi-Esan, last month to heads of MDAs, directing them to ensure compliance with the new rule and the revised PSR.
The revised PSR was unveiled last month at a public service lecture held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. According to the Head of Service, its implementation kicked off immediately with the launch.
“Following the approval of the revised Public Service Rules by the Federal Executive Council on the 27th of September, 2021 and its subsequent unveiling during the public service lecture during the commemoration of the 2023 Civil Service Week, the PSR has become operational with effect from 27 July, 2023. You are, therefore, to ensure full compliance with all provisions of the Public Service Rules, 2021. Please, ensure strict compliance with the contents of this circular,” the Head of Service stated.
The circular noted that the new rule, which seeks to give room for deputy directors within the Federal Civil Service some of whom have been stagnated on Grade Level 16 for about a decade, to rise to the cadre of director, would see over 500 directors across the civil service on Grade Level 17 who have spent more than eight years in their positions proceed on compulsory retirement.
For instance, following the circular from the Head of Service, the director of Administration, Federal Ministry of Finance, Maria Rufai had in an internal memo, dated August 3, directed affected directors in the ministry to hand over all government official property to the next most senior officer in their respective departments and proceed on immediate retirement.
Consequently, all affected directors were advised to begin the process of documentation with the Administration Department for compulsory retirement by virtue of the section under reference and to formally hand over to the most senior officers in their respective departments as well as surrender all official documents, including Identification Cards as well as official vehicles (if any) before exiting.
Another stipulation contained in the revised PSR is that Permanent Secretaries shall now hold the office for a term of four years which can be renewed upon satisfactory evaluation of performance on the job.
While there seem to be commitments to the directive in the ministries, the required compliance has been in gross deficit in the departments and agencies.
Three directors in the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) have since retired in tandem with the new rule.
Further checks however show that many of the affected directors, especially those in departments and agencies of government have only observed the new rule in the breach.
In one of the anti-graft agencies, it was gathered that all of its five directors affected by this federal government directive are still clinging onto their offices.
Similarly, following a failure to comply with the new policy in the ministry of Information and Culture, a fresh directive was issued on the need for compliance on August 17.
LEADERSHIP recalls that moves to revise the PSR began in August 18, 2011 when the government of President Goodluck Jonathan constituted a Presidential Committee on the Restructuring and Rationalisation of Government Parastatals, Commissions and Agencies, headed by former Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Stephen Oronsaye.
The committee submitted its report on April 16, 2012, recommending the reduction in the number of federal agencies from 263 to 161; 38 agencies to be abolished; 52 agencies to be merged, and 14 to revert to departments in ministries, all to reduce cost of governance in the country.
In April 2014, President Jonathan ordered the establishment of a White Paper implementation committee on the report of the committee.
Though a White Paper on the report was issued and published in March, 2014 and was followed by the White Paper Implementation Committee, inaugurated in May, 2014, the succeeding Muhammadu Buhari government, in a curious twist, outrightly suspended all action on the implementation for over six years until it lately began moves in November 2021 towards the implementation of the White Paper with the inauguration of two sub-committees to review the main report and the document proper.
The two sub-committees which were given six weeks to conclude their work and submit reports, came up with the revised PSR which would reset the tenure of federal permanent secretaries and a new retirement directive for directors in MDAs with an implementation date that commenced on July 27, 2023.
Speaking at the inauguration of the two sub-committees in Abuja on November 4, 2021, Boss Mustapha, the immediate past Secretary to Government of the Federation (SGF), said the non-implementation of the White Paper on the Presidential Committee on the Restructuring and Rationalisation of Government Parastatals, Commissions and Agencies was hugely bleeding the federal government of its scarce resources, adding that one of the areas of concern to successive federal governments “has always been the increasing cost of governance without seeming concurrent productivity in the quality of service delivery.”
The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Folashade Yemi-Esan, had in a circular addressed to all Permanent Secretaries, Accountant-General of the Federation, Auditor-General for the Federation and Heads of Extra Ministerial Departments to start implementation of the revised public service rule from July 27, 2023.
The revised PSR 020909 stated that “A director or its equivalent by whatever nomenclature it is described in MDAs shall compulsorily retire upon serving eight years on Tenure Policy on the post; and a Permanent Secretary shall hold office for a term of four years and renewable for a further term of four years, subject to satisfactory performance and no more.”
The director of information for the head of the service of the federation, Mohammed Ahmed, who could not give figures on the number of affected directors, said that the rule cuts across all the public services in Nigeria.
Ahmed said as far as a civil servant is up to eight years in any MDA as a director, or whatever nomenclature it is called, he or she must retire and go.
Already, the Ministry of Information and Culture has issued a fresh circular directing directors affected by the new Public Service Rule (PSR) 2021 to immediately exit the service.
In a circular addressed to “All Directors/Heads of Unit” of the Ministry of Information on behalf of the Permanent Secretary by Ms. Equere E (HRM), the affected directors were instructed to hand over to their next in line following the revised PSR.
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Femi Fani-Kayode has warned that Nigerian border states might be vulnerable to terrorists’ attacks.
Fani-Kayode said Sokoto and Lagos States might be vulnerable to ISIS and ISWAP terrorists’ attacks if Niger Republic and its allies opened up their corridors to the terrorists.
He warned that some of these terrorists have infiltrated Niger State and some States in the Southwest.
Tweeting, Fani-Kayode wrote: “If Niger Republic and her allies deliberately open a corridor for the elements of ISIS, AQIM, ISWAP etc to move into Benin and Togo, ECOWAS’ weakest link, then the whole of Nigeria’s western borders, from Sokoto to Lagos, would be vulnerable to terrorist attacks.
“Already some of the elements have penetrated into Niger State, around Borgu and Shiriro, very close to Benin Republic and some states in the South West of Nigeria.”
…Junta warns against foreign intervention
…Talks between ECOWAS, Niger’s junta yield little result —Official
..Says deep divisions exist within the presidential guard
…Notes majority of soldiers at presidential complex’ll flee if ECOWAS attacks
…Pope calls for peace in coup-hit Niger
The Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, has rejected the three-year transition plan proposed by Niger Republic’s military junta.
It will be recalled that the coup leader, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, had at a meeting with ECOWAS delegation, led by General Abadulsalami Abubakar, retd, in Niamey on Saturday, promised the military government would return Niger Republic to democracy in three years.
Abdel-Fatau Musah, ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, told BBC in an interview, yesterday, that the proposal was unacceptable to ECOWAS, setting the ground for a military operation.
Meanwhile, thousands of Nigeriens flooded the streets yesterday declaring support for the military junta.
Their demonstration came against the backdrop of ECOWAS’ insistence on invading the country to rout out coupists should diplomacy fail to restore ousted President Mohamed Bazoum to power.
The rally came on a day an official of the government in Niger said talks between the ECOWAS delegation, led by former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, retd and the junta achieved very little result.
The official also noted that already, there are deep divisions within the presidential guard, which ousted President Bazoum, saying should ECOWAS launch an attack on Niger Republic, the majority of soldiers in the presidential complex would flee.
This is even as Pope Francis yesterday canvassed a diplomatic solution to the political crisis.
The demonstrators chanted slogans hostile to former colonial power, France and especially ECOWAS, which is considering a potential military operation to reinstate elected President Mohamed Bazoum if ongoing negotiations with coup leaders fail.
The Sahel state’s new military leaders have officially banned demonstrations but in practice, those in support of the coup are allowed to go ahead.
The demonstrators waved placards, saying “stop the military intervention” and “No, to sanctions”, in reference to the financial and trade restrictions imposed by ECOWAS, four days after the coup on July 26.
Yesterday’s pro-coup rally was accompanied by musicians praising the new military regime, according to AFP.
The latest in a string of pro-coup rallies came a day after the new military ruler in Niamey warned that an attack on Niger would not be a “walk in the park.”
‘No wish to confiscate power’
General Abdourahamane Tchiani also said in a televised address at the weekend that he did not wish to “confiscate” power and that a transition of power back to civilian rule will not go beyond three years.
Niger’s new leaders have accused France, a close Bazoum ally, of being behind the anti-coup stance taken by ECOWAS, which again at the weekend made a fresh push for a diplomatic solution.
According to AFP, after ECOWAS chiefs of staff met in the Ghanaian capital, Accra, on Friday, the 17-nation bloc said it had agreed on a date for a potential intervention but nonetheless sent a diplomatic delegation to Niamey at the weekend, led by General Abdulsalami Abubakar.
Niger television showed delegation members shaking hands with Bazoum, who remains in detention.
It also broadcast footage of Abubakar speaking to Tchiani but the content of the exchange had not been made public.
In his televised address on Saturday, Tchiani alleged that ECOWAS was “getting ready to attack Niger by setting up an occupying army in collaboration with a foreign army”, without saying which country he meant.
The coup leader, Tchiani, however, warned that the military and people of Niger would defend the country should ECOWAS go ahead with its invasion plan.
Talks between ECOWAS, Niger’s junta yield little, official tells Associated Press
However, an official in Niamey, Niger Republic’s capital, said on condition of anonymity yesterday that weekend’s two-hour meeting between Niger’s new military regime and a delegation from the West African regional bloc, ECOWAS, yielded very little result.
It was the first time head of the junta, Gen. Abdourahmane Tchiani, met with ECOWAS delegation after rebuffing previous attempts.
Saturday’s meeting was a last-ditch diplomacy scramble by ECOWAS to resolve the crisis peacefully and followed last week’s announcement that 11 of its 15 member states had agreed to intervene militarily if democratically-elected President Bazoum was not released from house arrest and reinstated.
The bloc’s three other countries under military rule following coups, Guinea, Mali and Burkina Faso, were not included.
The latter two had previously warned they would consider intervention in Niger an act of war.
The official noted that during the weekend talks, Tchiani pushed for the lifting of economic and travel sanctions imposed by ECOWAS after the coup, saying Niger’s population was suffering because of them.
‘’The junta said they were under pressure, at times striking a conciliatory tone and apologizing for past disrespect towards the bloc, while also defiantly standing by its decision to overthrow Bazoum and unequivocal about him not returning to power.
“Tchiani also repeatedly expressed concerns that its former colonial ruler France, which has some 1,500 troops in the country and had been providing training and conducting joint operations with Niger’s military, was actively planning an attack,” said the official.
According to the official, Niger was seen by many Western countries as the last democratic partner in the region they could work with to beat back a growing jihadi insurgency by militant groups linked with al-Qaeda and the Islamic State.
He noted that France, the United States and other European nations had poured hundreds of millions of dollars into shoring up Niger’s army, adding that the coup had been seen as a major setback.
He quoted Sahel experts as saying it was not surprising that nothing came from Saturday’s meeting as each party was trying to show they were open to discussions when chances of an agreement were slim.
“ECOWAS and the rest of the international community want to restore President Bazoum and the junta is not on this agenda.
“The next step will be military confrontation … What we don’t know is when this confrontation will take place, how it will go, and what the consequences will be,” the official quoted Seidik Abba, a Nigerien researcher and Sahel specialist and president of the International Centre for Reflection for Studies On the Sahel, a think tank based in Paris, as saying.
Shortly after the meetings Saturday, Tchiani went on state television and laid out a roadmap for the country, saying it would return to civilian rule within three years and that details for the plan would be decided within 30 days through a national dialogue set for immediate launch.
“I am convinced that we will find solutions to all the challenges we face and that we will work together to find a way out of the crisis, in the interests of all,” the official said.
However, Aneliese Bernard, former U.S. State Department official who specializes in African affairs and is now director of Strategic Stabilization Advisors, a risk advisory group, said the transitions for Niger’s multiple previous coups were shorter, stressing that a three-year timeline was unprecedented said .
“What we’re seeing in the region is the emergence of trends just to military rule,” she said.
But some Nigerien soldiers don’t think Tchiani will last three months, let alone several years.
A soldier, who worked directly with Bazoum before the coup, and did not want to be named for fear of his safety, told the AP on Saturday that there were deep divisions within the presidential guard, the unit that overthrew Bazoum.
The soldier noted that of the nearly 1,000 soldiers at the base on the presidential complex, majority of them would flee if ECOWAS attacked, adding that Tchiani would be overthrown in a few months.
According to Andrew Lebovich, a research fellow with the Clingendael Institute, Tchiani is widely unpopular in security circles within Niger and is seen as having reached his current post because of former President Mahamadou Issoufou’s patronage, rather than through his own connections and battlefield achievements,
“While the (junta) has presented a unified public face, it is a partnership of branches of the armed forces that have competed for status and resources in the recent past,” he said.
Pope calls for peace in coup-hit Niger
Meanwhile, Catholic Pontiff, Pope Francis 11, yesterday made case for a diplomatic solution to the political crisis in Niger Republic.
“I am following with concern what is happening in Niger, and join the bishops’ call in favour of peace in the country and stability in the Sahel.
“I join with prayer the efforts of the international community to find a peaceful solution as soon as possible for the good of everyone,” said said Pope Francis while addressing the faithful in St Peter’s Square after his Angelus prayer.
Recall that the coup leader in Niger Republic, General Tchiani, had said on Saturday in a televised address any attack on his country would not be a walk in the park, promising that any transition of power to democratic rule would not go beyond three years.
This is against the demand of ECOWAS which wants immediate restoration of democratic rule in the country, coupled with the reinstatement of ousted President Mohamed Bazoum to power.
[Vanguard]
Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana SAN at the weekend demanded for the release of former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Abdulrasheed Bawa, having spent 67 days in the detention of DSS without any charges and trial.
According to Falana, Bawa’s remand order has since expired.
He said Bawa’s detention is against the provisions of section 493 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act(ACJA) 2015, or section 35 of the Constitution of Nigeria to authorise the detention of a criminal suspect for 67 days without trial. Under the Act, the cumulative lifespan of a remand order is 56 days.
He said, ” Sometime last month, I had cause to demand the immediate release of Mr Godwin Emefiele, the suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and Mr Abdulrasheed Bawa, the suspended Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission from the custody of the State Security Service.
In the alternative, I requested the Federal Government to charge the two detained suspects before a court of competent jurisdiction, if there was evidence that they had committed criminal offences.”
[DailyPost]
Following the success of a 2022 U.S. Consulate Public Diplomacy grant, a first-year student of Marine Sciences at the University of Lagos, Ms. Oluwadamilola Sansadeen, travelled to the United States this summer for a training program on permaculture and sustainable food systems.
Sansadeen, a volunteer project manager at an agriculture nonprofit –– ProtectOzone Sustainable Livelihood Initiative –– received two months of mentorship from Dr. Jeremy Cowan, an assistant professor of sustainable food production systems at Kansas State University.
In addition to gaining practical skills and knowledge on creating sustainable and resilient agricultural systems, she completed the Permaculture Design Certificate Course at the College of Agriculture, Kansas State University and interned at the Willow Lake Student Farm of the university.
Sansadeen operating a tractor at Kansas State University’s Willow Lake Student Farm.
Sansadeen described her experience at the university as valuable, as it provided her with the unique opportunity to collaborate with multiple agricultural stakeholders in Kansas’ thriving permaculture community.
“Embracing sustainable agriculture paves the path ahead on creating a food secure Nigeria,” Sansadeen said. “During my time at Kansas State University, I learned how to operate farm implements. I do not even know how to drive a car yet, but I can operate a tractor.”
U.S. Consulate Public Affairs Officer Joe Kruzich noted that the collaboration between the U.S. university professor and the Nigerian undergraduate underscores the U.S. government’s enduring commitment to fostering academic exchange.
Sansadeen (left) with U.S. Consulate Public Affairs Officer Joe Kruzich during a debriefing session upon her return to Nigeria from Kansas State University.
“By connecting a bright young mind from Nigeria with a prestigious U.S. university, we are not only fostering academic and cultural exchange but also promoting innovative solutions to shared global challenges,” Kruzich added.
Dr. Cowan, Sansadeen’s mentor and assistant professor of sustainable food production systems at Kansas State University, said he was proud to support her aspirations to make a difference in the field of permaculture.
Sansadeen (middle) during her internship at Kansas State University’s Willow Lake Student Farm.
“Sansadeen was an asset and a joy to have in our permaculture design certificate course and in her volunteer efforts at Kansas State University’s Willow Lake Student Farm. She brought a completely new perspective to both programs, introducing Kansans to her Nigerian culture. Her presence and impact here are already missed,” Dr. Cowan added.
[Guardian]
Immediate past governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-rufai on Sunday shared lyrics from one of Bob Marley’s songs in a cryptic message on his official X (Twitter) account.
El-Rufai stated that the late musician Bob Marley is one of the most talented musicians of all time and inspired his love for reggae music.
The lyrics partly reads: “Man to man is so unjust, children/ Ya don’t know who to trust/ Your worst enemy could be your best friend/ And your best friend, your worse enemy/ Some will eat and drink with you,” the former governor wrote on X.
“Thank God, we’re past the worse/ Hypocrites and parasites (hypocrites and parasites)/ Will come up and take a bite (will come up and take a bite)/ And if your night should turn to day/ A lot of people would run away/ And who the cap fit let them wear it!/ Who the cap fits let them wear it!”
The now-viral tweet has continued to generate reactions on social media.
In a veiled response to El-rufai’s tweet, a former senator representing Kaduna Central Shehu Sani posted, “I have turned him into a Rastafarian and Reggae artist…yeah man.”
Recall that El-rufai was among the 48 ministerial nominees forwarded by President Bola Tinubu to the Senate.
However, the former Kaduna state governor and two other nominees were not confirmed by the senate; the senate stated there were “adverse” security reports against el-Rufai, and he must wait for clearance.
[Vanguard]
A country slightly bigger than Texas is projected to match the US population by 2050 — and it shows how radically the world is changing
Admin- According to new estimates, Nigeria is expected to nearly double its population in the next 27 years.
- Nigeria's stunning growth is also indicative of the growth of the African continent.
- The rise is in contrast to a growing number of countries that will experience population declines.
The annual United Nations designation is not only a chance to recognize "the dreams of all 8 billion of us on our planet," as UN Secretary-General Antnio Guterres put it in a blog post on Tuesday, it's also a chance to take stock at just how rapidly the world around us is shifting.
In just the past 12 months, the world's population topped 8 billion people for the first time, and India overtook China as the most populous country in the world. But even as the global population hits new milestones, one of the buzziest discussions is around the "Great People Shortage," as writers here at Insider have termed it. According to projections, China, Japan, Germany, and even the US are facing the possibility of population decline by 2100 — which could come with some serious economic challenges.
In contrast to the countries facing the possibility of an aging, shrinking populace, other parts of the world are set to take the baton of population growth in the coming decades. Perhaps the most notable of these rapid-risers is Nigeria.
As recently as 1982, Nigeria had fewer than 80 million people and was outside the world's 10 most populous countries. In the 41 years since, Nigeria's population has nearly tripled to 225 million, moving up to sixth on the list. And that is not expected to slow down.
According to the most recent UN projections, Nigeria will nearly double its population again by 2050 to an estimated 377 million. In the process, the country will leap-frog Pakistan and Indonesia and end up in a virtual tie with the US as the third most populous country in the world. That's incredible for a country that is just a bit bigger than the area of Texas.
An outline of Texas overlaying a map of Nigeria.Google Maps
Nigeria's stunning growth is also indicative of the African continent. According to the UN estimates, five of the eight countries expected to make up half of the world's population growth over the next 27 years are in Africa. In an interview with Africa News, Tighisti Amare, the Deputy Director of the Africa Programme Chatham House in London, pointed out that Africa is the fastest-growing continent and the youngest, noting that 70% of the population is under 30.
"The population growth is, of course, partly explained by improvement in level and access to public health," Amare said. "That has led to decrease in child mortality. And that by itself is good news. And the other good news is that also by having a young population, most African nations do not have the burden of a large elderly population that relies on taxes and pensions, which can be a strain on the economy as well."
She also noted that because of such a young population, countries like Nigeria are producing more workers in the tech industry, increasing the possibility that the solutions for issues that impact Africa, such as climate change, are developed domestically.
While there are plenty of positives, there are also plenty of development issues that come with such a rapidly expanding population. Michael Herrmann, an economic adviser with the United Nations Population Fund, told Africa News that without proper planning, it could be difficult to care for, educate, and employ a population growing that fast.
"They have decided to meet the needs of people in terms of education, of health care, housing, food, water, energy, security," Hermann said. "They want to create full employment for the people, and a growing population can raise the stakes in these efforts. It makes it harder to achieve these objectives, to achieve social progress, and also it might come with growing pressures on the environment."
Regardless of how Nigeria and other fast-growing African nations handle their explosive growth, World Population Day gives us a chance to reflect on the dramatic human shifts that will reshape our globe in the decades to come.
[africa.businessinsider]
President Bola Tinubu has approved the redeployment of Engr. Abubakar Momoh from the Federal Ministry of Youth to the Federal Ministry of Niger Delta Development.
The Federal Ministry of Youth is to be re-assigned to a Minister-Designate soon.
The Ministers-Designate allocated to the Federal Ministries of Transportation, Interior, and Marine & Blue Economy have been reshuffled as follows:
(A) H.E. Adegboyega Oyetola is redeployed as the Honourable Minister of Marine & Blue Economy
(B) Hon. Bunmi Tunji-Ojo is redeployed as the Honourable Minister of Interior
(C) Hon. Sa’idu Alkali is redeployed as the Honourable Minister of Transportation
Furthermore, both Ministers of State in the Oil & Gas sector are now domiciled in the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources with the following designations:
(i) Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri is the Hon. Minister of State (Oil), Petroleum Resources
(ii) Hon. Ekperipe Ekpo is the Hon. Minister of State (Gas), Petroleum Resources
The President approves the renaming of the Federal Ministry of Environment and Ecological Management as the Federal Ministry of Environment.
All aforementioned changes take immediate effect by these directives of the President.
[thenewsnigeria]
More...
“Send Palliative Through Nigerian’s NIN, BVN, Not Governors; Make Refineries Work” – Ojajuni Tells FG
AdminOndo State governorship aspirant of Labour Party, Prince Eniola Joseph Ojajuni has slammed the Federal Government over the recently approved palliative saying poverty should not become a weapon to fight the poor.
This was contained in a statement signed by Abiodun Aderonmu, Secretary of Gubernetorial Campaign Council (PEJO GCC), on Saturday.
The council said the government needs to ‘stop the idea of robbing Peter to pay Paul or condemn the life of the common man to Palliative’.
The statement read, “We love our dear country, and that is why we would consciously speak about her many trials and the need to find a permanent and lasting solution to what has become a negative narrative with our country.
“Poverty should not become a weapon to fight the poor. Palliative is not a response kit for party members. Nigerians can not be convinced less of the tactics of the political class.
“You beg for their votes with a pack of Noodles, grinded pepper, and garri and leave them to rot away in penury, and if those who are the conscience of the society fights for them, you would release “peanuts” and call it Palliatives but the big question is, is that what you also get.
“We should stop this idea of robbing Peter to pay Paul or condemn the life of the common man to Palliative.
“The lockdown has told us that our government is nothing else but wicked for the want of a better word. Why would such an enormous amount be shared as palliative while we would still spend the money paying for the hardship brought by the hike in fuel price. What would it cost to fix our refinery?
“If we do which to share palliatives, why not use our NIN and BVN or of what use is the pain Nigerians went through to ensure that they were captured by the same.
“To set the record straight, governors in the past have hijacked federal government palliatives like governor Akeredolu of Ondo State did where he took hold of a palliative meant for 300 persons in Ondo State to cut it down for just 100 persons.
“For us at PEJO Gubernetorial Campaign Council (PEJO GCC), getting the refinery fix should be a priority because billions were spent by the Buhari administration where students who were at home observing the lockdown were said to be feed and school and nobody interrogated this.
“Palliatives will remain another government abracadabra where funds are leased without any commensurate results for the same.
“Our refinery must work. Buhari and Silva should be asked what is happening with the Port Harcourt refinery they deeped us into in debt for promising to fix.
“Nigerians are survivors and would sort things out for themselves if the government does the needful.”
The only surviving member of the old People’s Democratic Party PDP in Sokoto state and former Minister of water resources, Barrister Mukhtar Shehu Shagari has formerly dumped the party for All progressives Congress APC.
Shagari who was a former Minister of water resources in the administration of former president Olusegun Obasanjo formerly received APC membership card from the hands of the party secretary Abubakar Yabo in company other state APC executives.
Shagari the longest serving Minister of water resources in the cabinet of former president Obasanjo was a founding member of the People’s Democratic Party PDP and has been in the party for over 25 years not until August this year when he decided to adjust his seat to APC.
Those who care to speak on the former Minister’s recent detection to APC blamed the national body the party for not being fair and just to Shagari couple with his utmost respect and loyalty to the party leadership.
They argue that, all contemporaries of the former Minister in the PDP have since dumped the party including the former vice president Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and PDP 2023 Presidential candidate who was in ACN and APC before he later make u-turn back to his former Party to seek Presidential ticket.
The state APC secretary Alhaji Abubakar Yabo confirmed that the former Minister and former Deputy Governor of the state has received his Party membership card which qualify him as dully registered member of his new party.
The defection of the former Deputy Governor has put a lots of insinuations going round the state that, Shagari who is well known for his conservative political ideology will remain in the PDP even if he will be the last man standing.
Shagari’s membership of the APC reads ” All progressives Congress APC Justice, peace and Unity. Registration form, “Mukhtar Shehu Shagari (CFR) SOKO/SGR/014/26001 dated 27th May 2023.
The Sokoto state leadership of the PDP while reacting to the defection of the former Minister described the action of the former Deputy Governor as an act of betrayal to the pay made a minister for 6 years and that, the former Minister left the party alone without his followers.
According to the publicity secretary of the party Alhaji Hassan Sahabi Sanyinnawal, the defection of the former Minister would not in anyway weekend the perty or change anything in the state party structures, as PDP remained the only and most formidable opposition in the state, adding that the Ambassadors of the Party at both state and national Assemblies are the most vibrant and credible representatives of the people of Sokoto state.
Bandits Will Have Free Reign In Nigeria If ECOWAS Invades Niger — National Missioner, Abdurrahman Ahmad
AdminHe also warned that it is not in the best interest of Nigeria at this point to fight Niger because it is like declaring war on ourselves.
Abdurrahman Ahmah, the National Missioner, Ansar-ud-Deen Society, has warned that if ECOWAS embark on a military intervention in Niger Republic to restore democracy, bandits will have free reign and intensify their cross-border attacks.
Recall that he recently led a delegation of Islamic scholars to meet with Niger’s coup leader, General Abdourahamane Tchiani.
The meeting aimed to pave a peaceful path to reinstate President Mohamed Bazoum, who was overthrown on July 26, 2023.
Under the leadership of Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu, the Economic of West African States (ECOWAS) has warned of potential military intervention if diplomatic negotiations falter.
In pursuit of diplomacy, Tinubu appointed a team, headed by ex-Nigerian leader Gen Abdulsalami Abubakar, to engage with the junta in Niamey.
However, the coup leaders declined the meeting upon the team’s arrival.
In a recent TV interview, Ahmad shared insights from his Niger visit.
He stated that the junta felt betrayed, primarily because Nigeria cut off Niger’s electricity supply without hearing their side.
Ahmad said, “He (Tchiani) said it was under the heat of the anger that they reacted the way they did and asked for forgiveness repeatedly.”
He also warned that it is not in the best interest of Nigeria at this point to fight Niger because it is like declaring war on ourselves.
Speaking on what is at stake if ECOWAS goes to war, Ahmad said, “Nigeria has perhaps the longest border with the Niger Republic. About seven northern states share a border with the Niger Republic.
“These are the same people who speak the same language, share the same culture and have historical and cultural ties that date back to 100 years. It is not in the best interest of Nigeria at this point to fight Niger because it is like declaring war on ourselves. That is number one.
“Two, northern borders are very porous and it is sometimes very difficult to patrol and monitor. It will be an opportunity to strengthen insurgency, for bandits to have free reign and intensify their cross-border attacks.
“Three, the President is not yet 100 days in office and we think that it is not going to be in the best interest of this administration to start a war that may be fought differently; so, as religious leaders and patriots, we thought that we should make this contribution to national cohesion.”
Stop Wike, Umahi, Others From Collecting Life Pensions Or Face Legal Action - SERAP Tells Tinubu
AdminSocio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged President Bola Tinubu to publicly instruct former governors who are now serving as ministers in his administration to stop collecting life pensions, exotic cars and other allowances from their states.
SERAP urged him to “instruct the former governors to immediately return any pension and allowances that they may have collected since leaving office to the public treasury.”
This was made known in a statement on Sunday signed by SERAP Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare.
The former governors who are now ministers in the Tinubu administration include Badaru Abubakar; Nyesom Wike; Bello Matawalle; Adegboyega Oyetola; and David Umahi. Others are: Simon Lalong; Atiku Bagudu; and Ibrahim Geidam.
In the letter dated 19 August 2023 and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said: “The appointment of former governors who collect life pensions while serving as ministers is implicitly forbidden by the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended] and the country’s international legal obligations.”
SERAP said, “You would be acting in the public interest by stopping former governors now serving as ministers in your government from collecting life pensions, especially given the current grave economic realities in the country.”
The letter further read, “If the ministers that the president appoints are those who collect life pensions rather than serve the public interest, then that may show little about the conduct and integrity of the ministers, but speak volumes about the exercise of presidential power of appointment.”
“Nigerians will judge you in part by the conduct, integrity and honesty of the ministers that you appoint to work in your government. Ultimately, the success of your government would depend on the conduct of the ministers that you appoint.”
“While many pensioners are not paid their pensions, former governors serving as ministers get paid huge severance benefits upon leaving office, and are poised to enjoy double emoluments on top of the opulence of political office holders.”
“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.”
“The exercise of your power of appointment ought to reflect ethical and constitutional safeguards and requirements, and the fundamental principles of integrity and honesty.”
“Stopping the former governors from collecting double emoluments would be entirely consistent with the proper exercise of your constitutional power to appoint ministers.”
“Stopping the former governors from collecting life pensions would ensure that the country’s wealth and resources are used for the common good and benefit of the socially and economically vulnerable Nigerians rather than to satisfy the opulent lifestyle of a few politicians.”
“Instructing the former governors now serving as ministers in your government to stop collecting life pensions from their states would also improve public confidence in the integrity and honesty of your government.”
“Constitutional oath of office requires public officials to abstain from all improper acts, including collecting life pensions, that are inconsistent with the public trust and the overall objectives of the Constitution. A false oath lacks truth and justice. The oath statements require the oath takers to commit to uphold and defend the Constitution.”
“According to our information, the following former governors are now ministers in your administration: Badaru Abubakar (former governor of Jigawa State and Minister of Defence); and Nyesom Wike (former governor of River State and FCT Minister).”
“Others include: Bello Matawalle (former governor of Zamfara State and Minister of State for Defence); Adegboyega Isiaka Oyetola (former governor of Osun State and Minister of Transportation); and David Umahi (Minister of Works).”
“Others are Simon Bako Lalong (former governor of Plateau State and Minister of Labour and Employment); Atiku Bagudu (former governor of Kebbi State and Minister of Budget and Economic Planning); Ibrahim Geidam (former governor of Yole State and Minister of Police of Affairs.”
“The states currently implementing life pensions for former governors reportedly include Jigawa, Kebbi, Jigawa, Ebonyi, Yobe, and Rivers. Many of these states owe workers’ salaries and remain the poorest in the country.”
“Several of the pension laws in these states include provisions for six cars every three years, a house in Lagos worth N750 million, and another in Abuja worth N1 billion, unrestricted access to medical attention, and pensionable cooks, stewards, and gardeners.”
“Other provisions 100 per cent annual salaries of the incumbent governor, security operatives and police officers permanently assigned to former governors.”
“SERAP notes that in your inaugural speech as president you promised that your administration will be guided by ‘the principle of the rule of law, a shared sense of fairness and equity’, and that ‘Nigeria will be impartially governed according to the constitution.’”
“These commitments are consistent with your constitutional duties under sections 5, 130 and 147, and oath of office, under the Seventh Schedule to the Constitution of Nigeria 1999 (as amended).”
“By the combined reading of these provisions, your government has a legal obligation to appoint as ministers former governors whose conduct is entirely consistent and compatible with constitutional and international legal requirements.”
“These constitutional provisions also require you to instruct the former governors to stop collecting life pensions and to return any pensions collected to the public treasury.”
“The country’s international legal obligations especially under the UN Convention against Corruption also impose a legal commitment on public officials to discharge a public duty truthfully and faithfully.”
“Life pensions for former governors serving as ministers are entirely inconsistent and incompatible with the Nigerian Constitution and the country’s obligations under the UN Convention against Corruption.”
“The convention specifically in paragraph 1 of article 8 requires you and your government to promote integrity, honesty and responsibility in the management of public resources.”
“Furthermore, Justice Oluremi Oguntoyinbo in a judgment dated 26 November, 2019 also indicated that double emoluments for former governors are unacceptable, unconstitutional and illegal. Indeed, former governors collecting life pensions while serving as ministers would clearly amount to taking advantage of entrusted public positions.”
“‘Public function’ means activities in the public interest, not against it. The alleged collection of life pensions by former governors now serving as ministers amount to private self-interest or self-dealing. It is also detrimental to the public interest.”