The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has just announced the reassignment of portfolios for two of his cabinet members.
The governor revealed the designations on Friday, during the ongoing 2023 Onboarding retreat program for the State Executive Council and Permanent Secretaries.
The theme of the retreat is ‘Navigating Government Excellence: The Leadership Role in Fostering the Rise of a Greater Lagos.
The governor reassigned Dr. Oreoluwa Finnih, formerly Special Adviser, on Health, as Special Adviser to the Governor on Sustainable Development Goals (SGDs).
Also, Abiola Olowu, formerly Special Adviser Ministry of Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, is reassigned as Special Adviser, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (Office of Mineral Resources).
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Earlier on Wednesday, the governor swore in 37 commissioners and special advisers.
The swearing-in ceremony, which was held at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Alausa, Ikeja, signalled the inauguration of the governor’s cabinet for his second term in office.
The Lagos State House of Assembly conducted a rigorous assessment of cabinet nominees, involving two screening phases that witnessed the rejection of some candidates.
Ultimately, they granted confirmation to a total of 38 nominees, solidifying the governor’s cabinet for his second term.
Notably, Tolani Akibu’s confirmation came less than a day before the momentous swearing-in ceremony.
Kaduna Electric, an electricity distribution company that serves Kaduna, Kebbi State, Sokoto State, and Zamfara State, has officially confirmed that a blackout affecting its operational areas resulted from a fire incident.
In a public notice released on Friday morning, signed by Abdulazeez Abdullahi, the Head of Corporate Communications, and posted on its X handle, the DisCo explained that the power outage occurred due to a fire that severely damaged key infrastructure at a transmission center in Birnin Kebbi.
The statement,
- “The Management of Kaduna Electric regrets to inform its valued customers in parts of Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara States that the power outage currently being experienced is a result of the unfortunate fire incident that gutted some critical power supply infrastructure at the Transmission Works Centre in Birnin Kebbi last night.”
The statement further noted that TCN has been notified and is assessing the extent of the damage and is committed to working on the damage.
It said,
- “Our counterparts from TCN are assessing the extent of damage to commencing necessary repair works. We deeply sympathize with the management and staff of TCN over the unfortunate development.”
- “We regret all inconveniences which the unintended service disruption has caused our customers.”
Backstory
Recall that yesterday a collapse of the National grid occur early on Thursday which plunged the whole country into darkness. However, it was restored late yesterday after remedial works were carried out by TCN.
The Minister of Power, Bayo Adelabu said the cause of the total blackout experienced on Thursday was as a result of a fire accident at the Kainji/Jebba station.
Barely a week after the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) protested against fees increase by the management of the University of Lagos, the institution has slashed its fees by an average of 10 per cent. The price review varies across departments.
Recall that the institution had increase its school fees by over 300 per cent.
But the management in a statement on Friday said it met with the executives of NANS and other faculty members on Thursday evening where the review was approved.
The NANS President Usman Barambu had put across the student’s demands which include the reversal of obligatory fees, reversal of hostel fees, and reinstatement of the Students’ Union Government in UNILAG.
The UNILAG Vice-Chancellor Folashade Ogunsola, said that the aim of the university was to deliver quality education to its students regardless of class, tribe, or creed.
It said, “Authorities of the University of Lagos led by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, on Thursday, September 14, 2023, had a meeting with the President of the National Association of Nigerian Students, Comrade Usman Umar Barambu accompanied by top officers of the Association and UNILAG Faculty leaders drawn from nine faculties of the University and College of Medicine.
“After careful evaluation of the issues raised by the students and management, the following consensus was reached at the meeting: Utility Charges for all categories of students were reduced to N15,000:00 from N20,000:00.
“The obligatory fees for new undergraduate students were reviewed from N126,325:00 to N116,325:00 for Courses without Lab/Studio and N176,325:00 to N166,325:00 for Courses with Lab/Studio.
“The obligatory fees for returning undergraduate students were reviewed from N100,750:00 to N80,750:00 for Courses without Lab/Studio; N140,250:00 to N120,250:00 for Courses with Lab/Studio; and from N190,250:00 to N170, 250:00 for Medical / Pharmacy students and students in Health Professions.
“The Convocation Fee to be paid by all final year students was reduced to N27,000:00 from N30,000:00. Hostels fees were reviewed as follows: For undergraduate hostels in Akoka and Yaba campuses, the fees were reduced to N43,000:00 from N90,000:00.
“For hostels in Idi-Araba campus, the fees were reduced to N65,000:00 from N120,000:00. The fees for Sodeinde Hall were reduced to N135,000:00 from N250,000:00.”
Air Peace founder and Chief Executive Officer, Allen Onyema, has cautioned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu against favouring Emirates Arline and Etihad at the detriment of local airlines.
Onyema said on Friday that he wants Nigerian airlines to be prioritized as the governments works out modalities of settling the long dispute between the UAE and Nigeria, which led to Emirates Airlines and Etihad suspending their operations in Nigeria and a subsequent visa ban in 2022.
The airlines suspended operations over trapped funds with the Central Bank of Nigeria. But Nigerian airlines also have millions of dollars trapped with the apex bank as a result of the country’s foreign exchange crunch.
Tinubu made steps to mend the diplomatic ties between the UAE and Nigeria which would normalize business relations- lifting of visa ban and resumption of the operations of Emirates and Etihad.
Onyema said on Arise TV, “I can’t say we feel shortchanged. I want to applaud first of all the fact that the president went out there to normalize relations between two countries which were hitherto friends.
“That is a very landmark achievement to me. We have a lot to gain together. On the aviation side, you see charity begins at home. It is true there are issues of trapped funds in Nigeria but the foreign airlines are not alone in it.
“The local airlines also have trapped funds with the Central Bank, not just the foreign airlines. So, the AON, we don’t want a situation where the foreign airlines are threatened in isolation. We have a case too. Just as they have trapped funds in Nigeria, we also have. These monies are in their bank accounts. They can change it though the I&E window, they can go through the Central Bank.
“We support that Nigeria should pay airlines of foreign origins their money but at the same time, the government should look into what is happening in the Nigerian government funds. Most of us have naira and dollars with the CBN and they have not given us our naira or dollars.
“So, are the Nigerian airlines different from the international airlines? We are the people that actually bring the jobs. All the foreign airlines put together about 30 of them do not have up to 100 Nigerians employed directly by them. They all use NAHCO and SAHCO. But most of us have about 6,000 workforce creating hundreds of thousands of jobs and moving the country around without these foreign airlines.
“We support the payment of foreign airlines but at the same time, the local airlines should be given their dues. Nigerian airlines are not weak what they lack is truthful government support.”
Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo at the signing of the Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASAL) with South Africa hinted that the Nigerian authorities are working out the details of the agreement with the UAE.
Keyamo hinted that he met with Emirate and Etihad over issues of the trapped funds and the need to give Nigerian flag carriers more flight frequencies.
“I made it clear that they will have to give our airlines reciprocal rights under our BASA. That is the point I insisted on, and they did say that any spot we need, they will give us as much as we give them those spots within Nigeria,” the minister said.
But the Air Peace boss said the Tinubu-led government should fight more to protect the interest of local airlines.
According to him, international aerospace politics is “so dirty” adding countries other than Nigeria fight to protect their flag carriers.
Onyema said, “Talking about BASA, you all were witnesses to what happened. Emirates will fly twice to Lagos and ones to Abuja. Etihad comes so it is over 20 flight frequencies.
“At the stop of the Covid issues, we wanted to go to even Sharjah and they refused us. At a time, Air Peace was begging for just one slot a week to Sharjah and they said there was no slot until I went to the Federal High Court in Nigeria to stop all the airlines from them from coming into this country before government wadded in. I then said I won’t go to Sharjah again; I must go to Dubai before they allowed us. This is international aero politics.
“It is so dirty. Nigeria is owing them, fine they should be paid. When they were pulling out, they realized if they pulled out the way they threatened, there was an Air Peace waiting behind to fill up the gap and the next thing was the visa ban.
“I applaud them because countries are supposed to protect their own and that was what they did. That is how countries function. But over here most times we sacrifice our own for other climes.”
The Debt Management Office (DMO) has disclosed that Nigeria’s total public debt soared to N87.38tn by the close of the second quarter of 2023.
This figure represents a substantial increase of 75.29 percent, equating to N37.53tn, when juxtaposed with the N49.85tn reported at the end of March 2023.
Components of Public Debt
The DMO, in its recent report, confirmed that this debt encompasses the N22.71tn Ways and Means Advances extended by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to the Federal Government.
As stated by the DMO,
- “Nigeria’s total public debt stock as of June 30, 2023, was N87.38tn ($113.42bn). It comprises the total domestic and external debts of the Federal Government of Nigeria, the thirty-six states, and the Federal Capital Territory.”
Furthermore, the DMO highlighted the significant addition to the Public Debt Stock, attributing it to the inclusion of the N22.712tn securitized Federal Government’s Ways and Means Advances.
Factors Contributing to Debt Growth
The report acknowledges that the expansion of Nigeria’s public debt is primarily due to various factors, including
New Borrowings- Both the Federal Government and sub-national entities have notably increased their borrowing activities from local and external sources.
Reforms- The report underscores ongoing reforms initiated by the present administration, along with potential reforms resulting from the recommendations of the Fiscal Reform and Tax Policies Committee, to enhance debt strategy and sustainability.
Breakdown of Debt
The report provides a detailed breakdown of Nigeria’s public debt. Domestic loans stood at N54.13 trillion while external debt was N33.25 trillion
The Supreme Court on Friday dismissed the appeal filed by the All Progressives Congress and its candidate in the last Enugu State governorship election, Uche Nnaji, challenging the victory of Governor Peter Mbah.
Mbah was the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party during the election.
The APC candidate, who polled a total of 14,575 against Mbah’s 160,895 votes, to place a distant fourth in the election, asked the court to disqualify Mbah; the Labour Party Chijioke Edeoga, and that of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, Frank Nweke Jr.
He claimed the candidates were not qualified to contest the election, having allegedly run foul of the asset declaration law among other reliefs.
Nnaji petition was dismissed by the Justice K.M Akano-led Enugu State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal on June 20, 2023.
Dissatisfied, Nnaji approached the court of appeal, praying it to send the dismissed petition back to the Tribunal for hearing and determination of the suit.
The Enugu Division of the Court of Appeal upheld the decision of the Tribunal and dismissed the suit, awarded the sum of N250,000 each against Nnaji and the APC.
Delivering judgement on the appeal, a five-member panel of the apex court on Friday held that the legal team of the APC and Nnaji filed an invalid brief of argument and failed to convince the court with cogent reason why the appellants’ incompetent brief should be allowed.
In the lead judgment, Justice Tijani Abubakar held that since the appellant’s brief was found to be invalid, the invalidity also affected the appeal in respect of which the appeal was filed.
He proceeded to dismiss the brief and appeal filed by the appellants.
[Punch]
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees believes the par party will get justice in the Supreme Court over the February 25 presidential election won by Bola Tinubu, the candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a 12-hour marathon judgement on September 6, the Presidential Election Petitions Court dismissed the petitions filed by PDP, the Allied Peoples Movement (APM); the Labour Party (LP) as well as their presidential candidates challenging Tinubu’s victory. The five-man panel led by Justice Haruna Tsammani not only dismissed the consolidated petitions of the PDP, the APM, and the LP, but it also clearly affirmed the victory of Tinubu, a former governor of Lagos State, in the presidential poll.
But a week after the ruling, the PDP BoT rejected the verdict, saying it would resist alleged attempts by the APC to foist one-party rule on Nigerians.
In a communique issued after the 75th meeting of the board in Abuja on Thursday, the acting Chairman of the BoT, Senator Adolphus Wabara, expressed confidence that the apex court has the capacity and courage to right the “wrongs” and correct the “errors” contained in the tribunal judgement in the interest of the unity, stability and corporate existence of the country.
“The BoT is confident in the capacity and courage of the Supreme Court to ultimately and decisively right the wrongs and correct the manifest errors contained in the Judgment of the PEPC in the interest of the unity, stability, and corporate existence of our country,” he stated.
“The BoT restates its rejection of the judgment of the Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC) in upholding the declaration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of the February 25, 2023, Presidential election, in spite of the evidence clearly pointing to the contrary.
“The BoT is also monitoring and studying the outcome of cases in various election courts with regards to their level of adherence and respect to the Rule of Law and evidence before such court.”
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai has arrested 12 suspected Boko Haram terrorists in Yobe State in its counterinsurgency operations in the North-East.
Also recovered from the terrorists were 50 jerrycans of the Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) popularly known as petrol and the Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) known as diesel as well as ₦3.1 million.
The Director Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, who on Thursday, gave a report on the ongoing military operations by the armed forces across the nation.
“Arrest of Suspected Terrorist Logistics Suppliers/Collaborator Between 4 to 8 September 2023, following intelligence reports, troops conducted operations in Jere, MMC, and Biu LGA in Borno State, as well as Gujba LGA Yobe State,” he said.
“During the operations, troops arrested 12 BH/ISWAP terrorists logistics suppliers, and collaborators. Troops recovered four AK-47 rifles, 32 rounds of 7.62mm special, three locally made guns, 10 magazines, three vehicles conveying food items, one mobile phone, 50 jerrycans of PMS and AGO, and the sum of Three Million One Hundred and Eighty-Six Thousand Naira (₦3,186,000.00).”
See the full report given by the defence headquarters below:
REPORT ON ONGOING MILITARY OPERATIONS BY THE ARMED FORCES OF NIGERIA AS AT 14 SEPTEMBER 2023
JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION HADIN KAI (NORTH EAST)
- Troops of Operation HADIN KAI arrested suspected terrorists’ collaborators in Jere, MMC and Biu in Borno State, as well as Gujba LGAs in Yobe State. Troops also ambushed and raided suspected terrorists’ hideouts in Konduga and Gwoza LGAs of Borno States. Troops offensive resulted in elimination of terrorists and recovery of arms and ammunitions.
- Details as follows:
- Arrest of Suspected Terrorist Logistics Suppliers/Collaborator Between 4 to 8 September 2023, following intelligence reports, troops conducted operations in Jere, MMC, and Biu LGA in Borno State, as well as Gujba LGA Yobe State. During the operations, troops arrested 12 BH/ISWAP terrorists logistics suppliers and collaborators. Troops recovered 4 AK47 rifles, 32 rounds of 7.62mm special, 3 locally made guns, 10 magazines, 3 vehicles conveying food items, one mobile phone, 50 jerrycans of PMS and AGO and the sum of Three Million One Hundred and Eighty-Six Thousand Naira (₦3,186,000.00)
- Ambush on Suspected BH/ISWAP Terrorist. On 5 September 2023, troops ambushed BH/ISWAP terrorist at a check point in Konduga LGA of Borno State. Troops made contact with the terrorists. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 12 terrorists while others fled. Troops recovered 5 AK47 rifles, 2 locally fabricated rifles, 2 dane guns, 30 rounds of 7.62mm special, 5 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 4 motorcycles and 3 cutlasses.
- Attack on troops by Suspected BHT/ISWAP. On 6 September 2023, suspected BH/ISWAP terrorists attacked troops in Askira Uba LGA of Borno State. Following a firefight, troops neutralized 7 terrorists while others fled. Troops recovered 27 rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammo, 20 rounds of 7.62 mm x 54 ammo and 42 empty cases of 7.62 mm x 54 ammo.
- Troops Attack on BH/ISWAP Terrorist Enclaves. on 7 September 2023, troops conducted offensive operation to terrorists’ enclaves in Gwoza LGA of Borno State. Troops made contact with terrorists and neutralized 25 BH/ISWAP terrorists. Troops recovered 8 AK 47 rifle, 27 rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammo, one Beretta pistol, 13 rounds of 9 mm ammo, 2 magazines, one dane gun, 4 mobile phones and 2 motorcycles.
SUMMARY
- Overall, troops of Operation HADIN KAI recovered; 17 AK47 rifles, 3 locally fabricated rifles, 3 locally made guns, one berreta pistol, 3 dane guns, 116 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 5 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 13 rounds of 9mm ammo, 20 rounds of 7.62 mm x 54 ammo and 42 empty cases of 7.62 mm x 54 ammo, 12 magazines, 50 jerrycans of PMS, 3 vehicles, 5 mobile phone, 6 motorcycles, 3 cutlasses and the sum of N3,186,000.00. Troops also neutralized 44 terrorists, arrested 21 and rescued 4 kidnapped hostages.
JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION SAFE HAVEN (NORTH CENTRAL)
- Troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN raided criminal hideouts in Barkin Ladi and Jos East LGAs of Plateau State. Troops offensive operation led to neutralized and arrest of terrorists, some suspected criminals were arrested in Jos South and Jos East of Plateau State. Troops operations also led to recovery of arms and ammunitions.
- Details are as follows:
- Raid Operation. Between 5 and 6 September 2023, troops in separated operations, raided terrorists hideouts in Barkin Ladi and Jos East LGAs of Plateau State. Troops neutralized 5 terrorists, arrested 7 suspected cattle rustlers and arms dealing syndicate. Troops also recovered 7 AK47 rifles, 6 Dane guns and 2 motorcycles.
- Troops Arrested suspected criminals. On 5 September 2023, following intelligence reports, troops arrested 4 suspected criminals in Jos South LGA of Plateau State. Troops also recovered a motorcycle.
- Troops neutralized terrorist. On 7 September 2023, troops conducted offensive operation and made contact with terrorist combatants in Jos East LGA of Plateau State. Following a firefight, troops neutralized 11 combatants while other fled. Troops recovered 5 AK47 rifles, 2 pistols, 5 locally fabricated rifles, 32 rounds of 7.62mm special, 15 magazines and 2 motorcycles.
SUMMARY
- Overall, troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN neutralized 16 terrorists, arrested 16 and rescued one kidnapped hostage. Troop also recovered 12 AK47 rifles, 2 pistols, 5 locally fabricated rifles, 6 dane guns, 32 rounds of 7.62mm special, 15 magazines and 3 motorcycles.
OPERATION WHIRL STROKE (NORTH CENTRAL)
- Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE conducted fighting patrol and arrested suspected terrorists in Guma LGA of Benue State.
- Details are as follows:
- Troops Arrested Suspected Terrorists. On 6 September 2023, troops conducted fighting patrol and arrested suspected terrorists in Guma LGA of Benue State. Troops recovered 7 AK47 rifles, 4 pistols, 10 rounds of 7.62mm special and 3 empty magazines. Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects belong to a syndicate that have been terrorizing the environment.
SUMMARY
- Overall, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE neutralized 15 terrorists, arrested 6 terrorists and rescued one kidnapped hostage. Troops also recovered 7 AK47 rifles, 4 pistols, 10 rounds of 7.62mm special and 3 empty magazines.
JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION HADARIN DAJI (NORTH WEST)
- The troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI rescued kidnapped hostages in Bukuyyum and Faskari LGAs of Zamfara and Katsina States respectively. Troops also arrested terrorists’ collaborators in Matazu and Jibia LGAs of Katsina State.
- Details are as follows;
- Rescue of Kidnapped Victims.
(1) On 5 September 2023, troops responded to information of terrorist’s abduction of locals in Bukuyyum LGA of Zamfara State. Troops mobilized to the general area and made contact with the terrorists. Following a firefight, troops neutralized 6 terrorists while others fled abandoning their victims. Troops rescued 4 kidnapped victims and reunited them with their families.
(2) On 8 September 2023, troops while on offensive patrol intercepted and rescued 3 civilian abductees in Faskari LGA of Katsina State. Troops also neutralized 7 terrorists. Preliminary investigation revealed that the victims escaped from terrorists captivity in Ungwa Doka of the same state.
- Arrest of Suspected Terrorists Informant/Gunrunner. Between 6 and 8 September 2023, following intelligence reports, troops arrested 2 suspected gunrunner and terrorists’ informant in Matazu and Jibia LGA of Katsina State.
- Air Interdiction. The air component of Operation HADARIN DAJI conducted interdiction and degrade terrorists’ groups, logistics bases and denied them freedom of action.
SUMMARY
- Overall, troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI neutralized 18 terrorists, arrested 5 terrorists and rescued 10 kidnapped hostages.
OP WHIRL PUNCH (NORTH WEST)
- Troops of Operation WHIRL PUNCH neutralized and rescue kidnapped hostages at Igabi and Chikun LGAs of Kaduna State. Troops offensive actions resulted in the arrest of suspected terrorists collaborators in Mokwa LGA of Niger State.
- Details as follows:
- Troops neutralized Terrorist. On 6 September 2023, troops on confidence building patrol made contact with terrorists in Igabi LGA of Kaduna State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 7 terrorist while others fled. Troops recovered 3 AK47 rifles and 10 rounds of 7.62mm special.
- Troops Rescued Hostages. On 7 September 2023, troops while on routine patrol intercepted terrorists in Chikun LGA of Kaduna State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 5 terrorists while other fled abandoning their victims. Troops rescued 7 kidnapped hostages. Troops also recovered one vehicle and 2 motorcycles.
- Arrest of Suspected Terrorists Collaborator. On 7 September 2023, troops at check point intercepted a driver conveying 399 IED detonator primers in Mokwa LGA of Niger State. The driver was transiting from Ibadan Oyo State to deliver items at Lagos Garage Mando Park in Kaduna State. Following the discovery, the sender was also arrested.
- Air Interdiction. The air component of Operation WHIRL PUNCH conducted air recce and air interdiction over Gidan Hassan and Amfu Hills denying the terrorists freedom of action.
SUMMARY
- Overall, troops of Operation WHIRL PUNCH eliminated 17 terrorists, arrested 3 suspected terrorists and rescued 7 kidnapped hostages. Troops also recovered 34 assorted weapons, 399 IED detonator primers, one vehicle and 2 motorcycles.
JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION DELTA SAFE (SOUTH SOUTH)
- Troops of Operation DELTA SAFE maintained momentum against the activities of crude oil theft. Troops destroyed several illegal refining sites and recovered stolen products. Troops also raided criminal hideout in Tai LGA of Rivers State.
- Details as follows:
- Troops Destroy Illegal Refining Sites. Troops discovered and destroyed 21 dugout pits, 56 boats, 138 storage tanks, 14 vehicles, 235 cooking ovens, 6 pumping machine, 2 mobile phones, 89 illegal refining sites and the sum of N13,950. Troops also recovered about 1,205,950 litres of stolen crude oil, 452,910 litres of illegally refined AGO, 22,650 litres of PMS and 3000 litres of DPK. Troops apprehended 45 oil theft.
- Cordon and Search Op. On 7 September 2023, troops conducted cordon and search operation on suspected criminal hideout in Tai LGA of Rivers State. Troops arrested 14 suspects and recovered 14 assorted weapons.
- Air Interdiction. On 4 September 2023, air component of Operation DELTA SAFE conducted air interdiction over Bille and Ijawkiri, respectively. Active illegal Illegal Refining Sites were sighted and subsequently acquired. The location was attacked with rockets and cannons destroying equipment and reservoirs.
SUMMARY
- Overall, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE destroyed 21 dugout pits, 56 boats, 138 storage tanks, 14 vehicles, 235 cooking ovens, 6 pumping machine, 2 mobile phones, 89 illegal refining sites and the sum of N13,950. Troops also recovered about 1,205,950 litres of stolen crude oil, 452,910 litres of illegally refined AGO, 22,650 litres of PMS and 3000 litres of DPK, one tricycle and 15 assorted weapons. Troops also arrested 59 suspected oil thefts and other criminal elements.
JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION UDO KA (SOUTH EAST)
- Troops of operation UDO KA offensive operations led to arrest of suspected criminals in Aba North and Owerri North of Abia and Imo States respectively.
- Arrest of Suspected Criminals. Between 4 and 6 September 2023, in a separate operation, following intelligence reports, troops arrested 6 suspected criminals in Aba North and Owerri North of Abia and Imo States respectively. Preliminary investigation revealed that 2 of the suspects were impersonating as NCS and NIS personnel.
SUMMARY
- In the conduct of operations, troops of Operation UDO KA neutralized 17 terrorists, arrested 11 suspected criminals and rescued 2 kidnapped hostages. Troops also recovered 10 AK47 rifles, 5 dane guns, 7 pump action guns, 4 magazines and 34 cartridges. All recovered items, arrested suspects and rescued hostages were handed over to the relevant authority for further action.
EDWARD BUBA
Major General
Director Defence Media Operations
The Nigerian Government has said the diplomatic imbroglio that engendered the aviation and visa impasse between it and the United Arabs Emirates (UAE) is yet to be addressed.
Recall that president Bola Ahmed Tinubu met with Sheik Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, on Monday in Abu Dhabi, to resolve the non-issuance of visa to Nigerians and other sundry issues.
After the meeting, Ajuri Ngelale, Presidential spokesman, had said both leaders reached a historic agreement, which resulted in the immediate lifting of the visa ban placed on Nigerian travelers.
He added that both Etihad Airlines and Emirates Airlines were to immediately resume flight schedules into and out of Nigeria, “without any further delay”.
But the UAE authorities did not say a word on the visa ban lift and resumption of flights by its airlines, raising concerns among Nigerians.
In its statement, the Middle East country said Nigeria and the UAE would work together to reinforce their ties and explore opportunities for further bilateral collaborations.
But speaking speaking during the Aviation Africa Summit in Abuja on Thursday, Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, disclosed that there was no timeframe for resumption of Emirates and Etihad flights that were put on hold amid the diplomatic row between
He state that the terms of agreements were being finalised.
He said: “So, we are beginning to work out all the tiny details. I have met with Emirate before I left UAE, and we are working out the details. We cannot say the time frame. Kicking off an airline operation again on a route, does not mean you will go and grab one empty plane sitting in a place.
“There is no idle plane sitting anywhere, they have to reschedule their flights and restart their routes again. All kinds of permission will be taken from local authorities and of course, I made the point in speaking with them and I made it clear that they will have to give our airlines reciprocal rights under our Bilateral Air Service Agreements (BASAs).
“That is the point I insisted on, and they did say that any spot we need, they will give us as much as we give them those spots within Nigeria.”
Wfe of human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, Funmi, Chief Afe Babalola’s daughter Mrs Folashade Alli, and constitutional lawyer, Dr. Kayode Ajulo have made the latest list for the Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) rank.
Along with them, Naija News gathered that 66 others made the list recommended for consideration by the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC).
The 69-man list, which was released in Abuja on Thursday by the LPPC, had other names like Abiola Oyebanji; Bomo Agbebi; Daniel Uruakpa; Felix Offia; Lawrence Falade, and Kingsley Obamogie, among others.
The committee said the names that were shortlisted were those that made it through the first and second stages of the selection process.
The committee said: “The LPPC, by this notice, announced the shortlisting of Applicants who qualified after the advocates 1st and 2nd Filtration Stages, Academic pre-qualification and Academic 2nd filtration exercise.
“Also, after the independent appeals hearing and chambers inspection, preparatory to the interview stage in the process for the conferment of the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria on the successful Applicants for the year 2023.
“All qualified shortlisted applicants are graded under two-category systems by the LPPC, namely advocates and academic applicants respectively.”
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The immediate past executive chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Muhammad Nami, has reacted to his dismissal.
Naija News reported that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu sacked Nami on Thursday, September 14, and his special adviser on revenue, Zacchaeus Adedeji, was subsequently appointed as the acting chairman of the tax commission.
However, Nami, in a statement issued on Thursday night, expressed appreciation to ex-President Muhamnmadu Buhari and President Tinubu for allowing him to serve the country for almost four years.
Nami extended his appreciation to the staff of FIRS, taxpayers and Nigerians for the corporation throughout his tenure.
He further listed their achievements in the commission and urged Nigerians to support Zacchaeus Adedeji.
The statement read, “My Appreciation To Nigerians.
“With utmost gratitude to the Almighty God, I want to extend my heartfelt appreciation to the erstwhile President, His Excellency Muhammadu Buhari GCFR, and the incumbent president, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, or the opportunity given to me to serve the country and humanity as the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) for almost four years.
“I want to extend my deep appreciation to the entire staff of the Service, our esteemed taxpayers, and Nigerians for believing in me and for the support and cooperation extended to me throughout my tenure.
“I want to record that the support and cooperation I received enabled my team to meet our target and set new records for tax collection in Nigeria.
“Even as I take my bow, we have so far collected more than N8 Trillion in eight months and would have set a new record of a minimum of N13 trillion at the end of this tax year.
“During the inauguration of the erstwhile Board Members of the Service, I promised to raise the country’s Tax-To-GDP ratio from 6% to 10% in 4-years. We already have achieved a Tax-to-GDP ratio of 10.86% within two years (i.e. as at December 31 2021.)
“I can, therefore, say that I am leaving as a fulfilled man knowing that I have served diligently. I am equally leaving a Service that is built on world-class best practices. Indeed, it couldn’t have been more fulfilling.
“I implore the staff, taxpayers, and Nigerians to extend the same measure of cooperation to the incoming Executive Chairman, Mr. Zacch Adedeji, to enable him to succeed. Tax collection is a sensitive matter that requires all hands on deck to achieve.”
The childhood friend of late Nigerian singer, Mohbad, identified as Prime Boy, has broken silence following the accusation of attacking the singer with ‘voodoo’ on Sunday after a show in Ikorodu, Lagos State.
Naija News reports that amidst the controversies surrounding Mohbad’s death, some people had alleged that his childhood friend had a hand in his demise as he reportedly used a ring to attack the singer, which led to his death.
However, in a post on his Instagram page, the young man denied the accusations, saying he had no reason to hurt the ‘KPK’ crooner.
The man confirmed they both met on Sunday in Ikorodu after Mohbad called to inform him about his return from Nairobi.
He said Mohbad made him meet many people in the music industry, including Bella Schmurda, who gave him a gold necklace worth N700,000.
He said, “I keep seeing a lot of rumours out there saying something happened on Sunday and maybe that led to the death of Mohbad. Nothing happened on Sunday. There is nothing that happened between me and my friend. Mohbad sent me a text on Saturday saying I should come to the Island.
“I was at Ikorodu when he called me. He said come, that he was back from Nairobi. I have a screenshot of the video. He always calls me. I gained a lot from Mohbad. So tell me, who will I gain from now. They are now saying I killed my friend. Why would I do that?
“I did not even fight with Mohbad. Do you know who Mohbad is to me? Mohbad is my childhood friend, my close friend.
“Mohbad gave me free access to be around people in the music industry, including Bella Schmurda. So tell me, who will be like my friend? And you are now saying I killed him. Anyone who said I killed my friend, God will judge that person except I have a hand in it”
On what transpired between him and Mohbad on Sunday, September 10, he said the deceased was drunk and angry after the Ikorodu show, and the wife can attest to everything that happened.
He said, “Me and Mohbad were on stage together. Mohbad was F*cking high that, day and I knew my friend was drunk…..so he sat down in the car after we came down from the stage. Mohbad sat down and his wife was in our middle. I don’t know anything that happened. He was just angry and saying he wanted to get down from the car.
“Please, I know nothing about it I did not even touch MOH he hit me I did not even do anything God knows his wife was there also and the Prado man and security please do not say what you don’t know make your investigation I did not have any issues with moh he called me all the time I don’t stay with them please and please I know nothing.”
The special investigator appointed by President Bola Tinubu and his support team are set to probe officials involved in alleged sharp practices at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and related entities
President Tinubu after suspending the Governor of the apex bank, Godwin Emefiele appointed Jim Obazee as a Special Investigator to probe the activities of the CBN and other related entities.
The President in a letter dated July 28, said the appointment of Obazee, relying on the fundamental objective outlined in Section 15(5) of the Nigerian Constitution, was in furtherance of his administration’s anti-corruption fight.
The acting Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun on September 6 deployed a four-man team of senior officers to support the special investigator to probe the activities of the apex bank and related entities.
The deployment was in response to a letter by Obazee dated August 18 requesting the IGP to deploy senior officers to his office to facilitate the smooth take-off and execution of his assignment.
In response, the IGP in a letter titled, ‘Deployment of Police Personnel’ with reference number TH:5361/FS/FHQ/ABJ/T.5/428, listed the deployed officers as DCP Eloho Edwin Okpoziakpo; CSP Celestine Odo; CSP Segun Aderoju and DSP Tijani A. Bako.
It was gathered that preliminary findings based on developed intelligence by the investigating team led by DCP Eloho are already causing sleepless nights to the top management at the CBN and NIRSAL.
A source who spoke with Daily Trust revealed that the investigators would be digging into the alleged allocation of about N600,000 monthly for the upkeep of the former MD’s dogs.
It was gathered that some close aides of the embattled ex-CBN governor and officials of other affected entities are jittery as the crack team is set to start quizzing them over some contracts at NIRSAL, as well as the CBN’s Anchor Borrowers Programme soon.
Among the contracts is that for the design, development, and hosting of the Jigawa State unemployed graduate database for NIRSAL which was first awarded to a company, Syspec Network Limited of No.20 Jalingo Shopping Complex, Jalingo, Taraba State.
The contract award letter dated May 23, 2016, with Reference Number: MD/PROC/013 was signed by the ousted Managing Director of NIRSAL, Aliyu Abdulhameed. It was said to have been re-awarded several times as a conduit.
The source stated, “The investigators are also set to unravel how the Anchor Borrowers funds were being kept as fixed deposits by parties close to the embattled CBN governor. This scheme was to allow parties involved to scoop the interest generated by the deposits.
“This development led to a significant delay in the delivery of fertilizers and other inputs to farmers, and by the time the inputs were eventually supplied, the planting season would have been over even as they (farmers) were expected to pay for the unsupplied inputs.”
The Anchor Borrowers’ Programme guidelines stipulate that upon harvest, benefiting farmers are to repay their loans with produce (which must cover the loan principal and interest) to an anchor, who pays the cash equivalent to the farmer’s account.
Another source revealed that among those involved in the fixed deposits racket is an aide of the ex-CBN governor (names withheld) who is said to have operated a total of 61 bank accounts that included 44 fixed deposit accounts and 2 treasury bills accounts.
Destruction Of Files, And Records At NIRSAL
According to Daily Trust, there are attempts by some of the officials targeted for investigation at CBN and NIRSAL to scuttle the process.
This is said to have led to the alleged destruction of office files, contract documents and related records.
Sources familiar with the investigation said among the destroyed office documents is a contract for the development of NIRSAL’s ICT Policy.
An insider who spoke on condition of anonymity said, “Although financial trails show payments made multiple times for the same contract, the record of this contract has disappeared from NIRSAL’s procurement department.”
Another source said that unless the investigation team deploys ways and means of obtaining the necessary contract records and documents, it may have hitches getting to the root of the matter.
The Head of Procurement at NIRSAL, Sheriff Salaudeen, speaking on the allegation, however, said the organisation does not destroy its files or other records.
President Bola Tinubu says he will work to ensure Nigerians are taken out of poverty.
A statement by Ajuri Ngelale, presidential spokesperson, on Thursday, said Tinubu spoke while receiving a 62-person delegation from Rivers state, at the State House, Abuja.
The delegation comprised leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT) and Siminalayi Fubari, governor of Rivers state, were part of the delegation.
The president said neither Rivers nor Nigeria has any business being associated with poverty, insecurity or under-development.
He assured that under his leadership, the narrative would be “permanently and positively changed”.
“We are not meant to be in a position to be poor. We will turn the tide! Somewhere, somehow in this storm, there’s a quiet and peaceful place for us. We will locate it,” the statement quoted Tinubu as saying.
“We are not lazy people. We are richly endowed. We just need to be our brother’s keeper, and good neighbours to one another.
“I am not a President that will give excuses. I will work hard for our nation with purpose, determination and dedication to create wealth for all Nigerians. We have no reason to be poor! We will not look back, we will run aggressively forward.
“Today, we may be swimming against the tide. But the waves will soon propel us forward from behind. We will achieve the goals and dreams of our forefathers. I am inspired by the nation of people I now lead.”
The president pleaded with the younger generation to be more patient with the processes of government and pledged to work hard for the country.
“I am the captain and chief salesman of the country. We have to reverse the trend and achieve possibilities within a short period of time. Our people have high expectations for us,” he said.
While speaking, Fubara told the president that the people of Rivers voted for him in the last elections based on their belief in fairness, equity and justice.
“This is the first time that Rivers State is truly feeling the impact of the federal government since the inception of democracy in 1999,” he said.
He also commended Tinubu for the appointments of Wike and Ngelale as the FCT minister and presidential spokesperson, respectively, as well as other sons and daughters of Rivers state into the boards and management of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and other institutions.