The Federal Government says it has withdrawn the contempt of court proceedings against organised labour for embarking on a nationwide protest.
This is contained in a letter addressed to the lead counsel to the NLC, Falana and Falana's Chambers and obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja.
The letter dated Aug. 7 to Falana's Chambers was signed by the Solicitor General of the Federation, Mrs B.E. Jeddy-Agba.
NAN reports that the Federal Ministry of Justice had through the National Industrial Court (NICN) issued the leadership of organised labour summons on contempt of court for embarking on the protest.
NAN also recalls that organised labour had threatened to embark on a nation-wide strike from Aug. 14, if the Federal Government failed to withdraw its contempt of court charges.
Organised Labour had embarked on mass protest over anti-poor policies of government,especially the removal of subsidy that had brought untold hardship to Nigerians.
The letter reads: "kindly recall the exchange of correspondence between the ministry and your office on the need for compliance with the extant court orders, restraining industrial action of any kind on the part of the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress.
"The position of the ministry was informed by the need to safeguard the integrity of the court and prevent avoidable service disruption or damage to public facilities.
"Inspite of these exchanges/interventions, the labour unions on Aug. 2, proceeded with the industrial action through public pretests".
It also said the protest led to disruption of work and the eventual pulling down of the gate of the National Assembly.
"The foregoing, it said, prompted the ministry to initiate contempt proceedings by tiling Form 48 on the same 2nd August 2023 in accordance with Section 72 of the Sheriffs and Civil Process Act and Order 9 Rule 13 oftlwe Judgment (Enforcement) Rules.
"It is trite that issuance of Form 48 is just the starting point in contempt proceedings which will only crystalize upon the issuance of Form 49 and the consequential committal order."
It noted that upon the intervention of President Bola Tinubu and the decision of the labour unions to call-off their industrial action after meetings with the President and leadership of the National Assembly.
"The ministry did not proceed further with the contempt proceedings, which would have required the issuance of Form 49 within two days of thc issuance of Form 48.
"It is self-evident that the none-issuance of Form 49 as at Aug. 4, renders the contempt proceedings inchoate.
"You may therefore wish to advise or guide the labour unions on the practice and procedure of contempt proceedings.
"Also particularly to the effect that the issues or concerns raised by NLC in its communique on the proceedings, have been overtaken by events,"it said.
(NAN)
As consumers fill up their tanks, there’s growing concern over the looming possibility of petrol prices surging above N700 per litre in the near future. The reasons behind this impending increase are multi-faceted, stemming from a combination of factors that are sending shockwaves through the global oil market.
One significant contributor to the potential price hike is the drastic reduction in oil production by Saudi Arabia and other major oil-producing nations. These production cuts come at a time when geopolitical tensions, including the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, have already sent shockwaves through the oil market. The result? A staggering tripling of crude oil costs over a mere eight-week period.
Saudi Arabia, the world’s second-largest oil producer, has been playing a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of oil prices. By successfully reducing crude oil production and announcing further cuts, the nation aims to align with its ambitious Vision 2030 plan. This plan seeks to diversify Saudi Arabia’s economy, moving away from its traditional dependence on oil and creating new job opportunities.
To reinforce their objectives, Saudi Arabia has also made the strategic decision to decrease oil exports by a million barrels daily. These calculated moves are aimed at supporting higher oil prices, which in turn can bolster the nation’s economic transformation.
The ripple effects of these global events have been felt domestically in Nigeria as well. Challenges in the country’s fuel industry, coupled with delays in refinery projects and non-functional local refineries, have added to the complexity of the situation. However, there is a glimmer of hope on the horizon as President Tinubu has announced the projected commencement of production at the Port Harcourt refinery by December 2023.
Since the removal of petrol subsidies in May 2023, Nigeria’s petrol consumption has seen a noticeable decline. This decline coincides with a significant increase in monthly imports in West Africa, which jumped by a remarkable 56% in the second quarter of 2023. Daily petrol consumption has also dipped, standing at 46.38 million litres per month, down from the pre-subsidy removal figure of 65 million litres.
Market forces are playing a pivotal role in the increasing costs at petrol stations, a clear indication of the effects of deregulation. Mele Kyari, Group CEO of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), has pointed out that these market dynamics could lead to further fluctuations in petrol prices. The NNPCL’s oil swap deal, aimed at optimizing revenue, has faced its share of challenges, resulting in revenue losses, foreign costs, and escalated debts.
Despite these challenges, industry experts anticipate a potential silver lining: a potential reduction in petrol prices by N70 per litre once local refining operations reach full capacity. This projection is rooted in the anticipated benefits of the Nigerian government’s investment in functional refineries. Mike Osatuyi, National Controller of Operations for the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), expresses optimism that the completion of refinery refurbishments will significantly alleviate the pressure of imports and ultimately lead to more affordable fuel prices for consumers.
Finally, the spectre of petrol prices reaching N700 per litre reflects the complex interplay of global oil dynamics, production cuts, and domestic hurdles. As consumers prepare for potential price hikes, the prospects of market fluctuations and the promise of functional refineries will undoubtedly continue to shape the future trajectory of fuel costs in Nigeria.
Source: Legit.ng
The Senate may re-invite three ministerial nominees who were not confirmed by the chamber on Monday, pending security clearance.
POLITICS NIGERIA reports that the nominees are former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, Senator Abubakar Danladi from Taraba State, and former Nexim Bank Managing Director Stella Okotete.
Senate Spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu said on Tuesday that the chamber would re-invite the nominees if it is satisfied with their security clearance.
“If security is not satisfied, Senate cannot be satisfied. It depends on what security agencies and the person that nominates them say,” Adaramodu said on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily programme.
The Senate had on Monday approved and confirmed the ministerial nominations of 45 other appointees of President Bola Tinubu after a voice vote.
The 45 nominees cleared by the Senate are Festus Keyamo, Mariya Mahmoud, Lola Ade-John, Bosun Tijani, Isiak Salako, Tahir Mamman, Maigari Ahmadu, Zephaniah Jisalo, Shuaibu Audu, Yusuf Sununu, Bello Matawalle, Alkali Saidu, Ahmed Gwarzo, Atiku Bagudu, Simon Lalong, Ibrahim Gaidam, Aliu Abdullahi, Gboyega Oyetola, Heineken Lokpobiri and Tunji Alausa.
Others are Dele Alake, Lateef Fagbemi, Muhammad Idris, Ali Pate, Doris Uzoka, Dave Umahi, Wale Edun, Uche Nnaji, Adebayo Adelabu, Ekperikpe Ekpo, Hannatu Musawa, Musa Dangiwa, Nyesom Wike; Abubakar Kyari, Nkiruka Onyejeocha, Bello Muhammad, Badaru Abubakar, Joseph Utsev, Olubunmi Ojo, Betta Edu, Uju Kennedy Ohaneye, Abubakar Momoh, John Enoh, Iman Suleiman Ibrahim, and Yusuf Tuggar.
[PoliticsNigeria]
Niger’s junta appointed a transitional prime minister Monday according to a decree read on national television, more than a week after the military coup that toppled President Mohamed Bazoum.
The caretaker government, which calls itself the National Council for the Safeguarding of the Country, appointed economist Ali Mahamane Lamine Zeine, according to a decree by Gen. Abdourahmane Tchiani, the former commander of Niger’s presidential guard, who declared himself the head of a transitional government.
Zeine, 58, served as finance minister under Mamadou Tandja, who led the country from 1999 to 2010 after its return to civilian rule.
Zeine currently serves as the African Development Bank’s Country Manager for Chad.
Zeine, who previously served at the same institution and position in Ivory Coast and Gabon, is expected to lead consultations for the formation of a new government.
ECOWAS to Address Niger’s Political Crisis
The West African regional bloc the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is to hold another emergency summit on Thursday in Nigeria to address the political crisis in Niger after the military leaders ignored its ultimatum to cede power.
On Monday, the US State Department said it made direct contact with the coup leaders and had stressed the need to reinstate Bazoum and for Niger to revert to its “constitutional order.”
Bazoum was detained by members of the Presidential Guard on July 26, who later that evening announced the government takeover.
[BNN]
President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday inaugurated a Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms.
The President, inaugurating the committee at the Council Chamber of the State House, Abuja, challenged the members to improve Nigeria’s revenue and provide enabling environment for business to thrive.
President Tinubu remarked that the federal government cannot continue to tax poverty when it is supposed to promote prosperity.
President Tinubu had on July 7 given approval for the establishment of the Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, headed by a former Fiscal Policy Partner and Africa Tax Leader at PriceWaterhouseCoopers (PwC), Taiwo Oyedele.
The establishment of the committee was said to be in consonance with Tinubu’s promise to remove all barriers impeding business growth in the country.
[NationalDaily]
In a significant development, Senate President Godswill Akpabio unveiled the names of the chairpersons for the standing committees of the 10th red chamber on Monday.
The composition of the panels adheres to the Senate's standing rules, which outline the creation of both special and standing committees.
Below is the full list:
| SENATORS | COMMITTEE |
|---|---|
| Ahmad Lawan | Defence |
| Aminu Tambuwal | Housing |
| Sani Musa | Finance |
| Solomon Adeola | Appropriations |
| Adams Oshiomhole | Interior |
| Godiya Akwashiki | Airforce |
| Abdulfatai Buhari | Aviation |
| Aliyu Wadada | Public Accounts |
| Osita Izunaso | Capital market |
| Cyril Fasuyi | Establishment |
| Seriake Dickson | Ecology/climate change |
| Garba Maidoki | Legislative matter |
| Shehu Buba | National security & intelligence |
| Okechukwu Ezea | Ethics & public petitions |
| Sunday Karimi | Senate Services |
| Titus Zam | Rules & Business |
| Asuquo Ekpenyong | NDDC |
| Aliyu Bilbis | Communications |
| Mustapha Saliu | Agriculture |
| Orji Kalu | Privatization |
| Ireti Kingigbe | Women Affairs |
| Yemi Adaramodu | Youths and Sports |
| Jide Ipisagba | Petroleum downstream |
| Shehu Kaka | Special duties |
| Mohammed Monguno | Judiciary |
| Barinada Mpigi | Niger Delta |
| Gbenga Daniel | Navy |
| Adamu Aliero | Land Transport |
| Enyinnaya Abaribe | Power |
| Abdul-aziz Yari | Water resources |
| Banigo Harry | Health |
| Abubakar Sani | Foreign affairs |
| Akintunde Yunus | Environment |
| Lawan Usman | Education |
| Patrick Nwabueze | Works |
| Abiru Tokunbo | Banking |
| Isa Jubril | Customs |
| Elisha Abbo | Culture & Tourism |
| Victor Umeh | Diaspora |
Russian President Vladimir Putin stormed Burkina Faso on Tuesday for a private meeting with the country’s Interim military leader, Captain Ibrahim Traore.
It is yet unclear why the duo met, but speculations are that their meeting might not be unconnected with the ongoing crisis in the Niger Republic.
Naija News reports that the military junta in Niger, led by General Abdourahmane Tchiani, is still holding captive the democratically elected President Mohammed Bazoum, who was ousted weeks ago.
There have been concerns by international bodies and concerned stakeholders since Tchiani’s led junta could not reach an agreement with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) delegation regarding the restoration of democracy in Niger.
Also, the junta is planning to evict French and US troops from the country and end all Memorandum of Understanding agreements with France.
Reports, however, emerging on Tuesday speculated that Puttin’s meeting with Burkina Faso’s Traore could be part of the Russian President’s plans to meet with French-speaking West African countries ruled by the military.
Jackson Hinkle posted a short clip of the Russian leader’s meeting with Traore on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter.
@jacksonhinkle wrote, “Putin held a private meeting with the world’s youngest leader, Captain Ibrahim Traore of Burkina Faso.”
Naija News understands that Traore is the world’s youngest currently serving leader after becoming the interim leader of Burkina Faso following the coup on 30th September 2022, which ousted interim president Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba.
Mali and Burkina Faso have pledged their support to Niger since the latter severed its relationship with ECOWAS.
Niger Republic junta leaders have blocked a senior US official, Victoria Nuland from meeting the country’s elected President Mohamed Bazoum.
On 26 July 2023, a coup d'état occurred in Niger when the country's presidential guard detained President Mohamed Bazoum, and presidential guard commander General Abdourahamane Tchiani proclaimed himself the leader of a new military junta. Presidential guard forces closed the country's borders, suspended state institutions, and declared a curfew.
This was the fifth military coup d'état since the country gained independence from France in 1960, and the first since 2010. The coup was widely condemned by the international community and by the West African regional bloc ECOWAS, which is currently considering military intervention in the country
Nuland, who is the undersecretary of state said she met with the Nigerien military authorities on Monday, August 7, and that Bazoum is under “virtual house arrest”.
She also described the mutinous officers as unreceptive and unwilling to heed US calls to return the country to civilian rule.
“They were quite firm about how they want to proceed, and it is not in support of the constitution of Niger,” Nuland told reporters.
She characterised the conversations as “extremely frank and at times quite difficult.”
She spoke after a two-hour meeting in Niger´s capital, Niamey, with some leaders of the military takeover of a country that has been a vital counterterrorism partner of France and the US.
The meeting was with Gen. Moussa Salaou Barmou, a U.S.-trained officer, and three of the colonels involved in the takeover.
The coup´s top leader, former presidential guard head Abdourahamane Tchiani, did not meet with the Americans.
In speaking to junta leaders, Nuland said, she made “absolutely clear the kinds of support that we will legally have to cut off if democracy is not restored.”
If the U.S. determines that a democratically elected government has been toppled by unconstitutional means, federal law requires a cutoff of most American assistance, particularly military aid.
She said she also stressed U.S. concern for the welfare of President Mohamed Bazoum, who she said was being detained with his wife and son.
Islamic scholar, his wife, herbalist and 3 others arrested for allegedly hypnotizing and duping US-based man of over N105m
AdminOperatives of the Zone 2 Police Command, comprising Lagos and Ogun have arrested a popular Ikorodu-based Islamic scholar, Alhaji Afeez Uthman for allegedly hypnotizing and duping a US-based man of over N105 million.
The Islamic scholar was arrested alongside his wife, Alhaja Mushirafat Kekelomo, a herbalist and three other accomplices, who allegedly took part in the fraud.
Parading the suspects before newsmen on Monday, August 7, 2023, the Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of the zone, Muhammed Ali, said the alfa also abducted his victim’s wife and children and kept them in his house for about thirteen years.
“On July 17, 2023, Mr Animashaun Oluwasegun also known as Afeez Uthman brought a petition of Criminal conspiracy, compelling action by intimidation obtaining by false pretence, threat to kill, suspected ritualist, stealing, criminal charms and conducted to cause to breach of peace against one Alhaji Afeez Uthman Imole Ayo and Alhaja Mushirafat Kekelomo Salaam, Saheed Ajayi Uthma Temidayo Rashmon and others at large,” Ali stated.
"Based on the petition, the Assistant Inspector General of Police detailed detectives from the Zonal Anti-Piracy Unit who immediately swung into action and got the suspects arrested namely (1) Alh. Afeez Uthman Imoleayo, (2) Mr. Ramon Temidayo Uthman (3) Saidi Ajayi (4) Alhaja Monsurat Salami (5) Kikelomo ‘f’ and others who are still at large who conspired, abducted the complainant’s wife and children through which the total sum of One Hundred and Five Million Naira (105,000,000.00) was obtained with a written threat to kill the complainant and his family members
"The principal suspects, Alh. Afeez Uthman Imoleayo and his cronies also falsified the complainant’s children’s birth certificates and also compelled the complainant to relinquish all his properties to him,” the AIG added.
“Consequently, when the principal suspect, Alh. Afeez Uthman Imoleayo was interrogated, he admitted the allegations against him for obtaining the alleged sum of One Hundred and Five Million Naira (N105,000,000.00,”
He also converted Model 2004 Chevrolet Rain Blazer SUV valued $9,700 USD equivalent to Five Million, Six Hundred Thousand Naira (N5,600,000.00) and abducted the complainant’s wife and three children for twelve years, changed their vital documents such as birth certificates etcetera belonging to the complainant in connivance with his wife Alhaja Kikelomo and one Saidi Ajayi, his driver.
"The modus operandi of the suspect is by pretending to be a prayer partner with his victims as he is a strong member of an Islamic society called Ansarullai Youth at Ikorodu, Lagos.
"He uses spiritual concoction to bath and drink with the pretence that it will pave the way for his victims, and also make them take an oath that they should not disclose to anyone
"In the interim, investigation is still ongoing, suspects will be charged to court of competent jurisdiction, at the end of investigation, please.”
The 43-year-old Islamic scholar, however, denied the allegation levied against him, claiming that the victim voluntarily donated the said money for his religious activities.
“I did not force him (the prosecutor) to give me the money”
He also admitted that the victim changed the name on all his family’s vital documents to his but denied forcing the US-based man to do so.
“I was not happy when he changed the names on his property as well as the surname of his children and wife to my name,” the alfa said.
Senator representing Abia south, Enyinnaya Abaribe has said that the sit-at-home order given by Simon Ekpa, a self-acclaimed disciple of Nnamdi Kanu, has become a scheme for making money.
Appearing in an interview on Channels Television, Abaribe said Ekpa and his cohorts have refused to reverse the order because they are making profits from it.
He said;
“Last week, there was a hand-written message from him (Kanu). Of course, the man who is profiting from it, who is far away in Finland, denounced it and put more conditions saying they will never stop it until we (south-east leaders) see him in Finland.
“We can now see that because they profit from this, they are not going to stop it because it has become a money-making venture.
“We have seen adverts on the internet asking people to contribute money for the liberation of Biafra. Now, what do we do? We have to engage the government because there are also some subsisting issues on the ground.
“The court had granted him his freedom and the government applied to the same appeal court for stay of execution and appeal to the supreme court. The supreme court has not taken any decision.
“Part of the resolution is that we are going to engage everyone. We are going to engage the government at the same time on how we can make a solution that is favourable to all.”
More...
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has constituted a committee on Sustainable Action for Economic Recovery (SAfER).
The committee, the commissioner for information and orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, said it was in accordance with the governor’s promise made during a state wide address to the people of the state.
The committee, he said, was saddled with the implementation of various palliatives for the citizens of Oyo State, in the light of the hardship caused by the subsidy removal.
The committee is headed by the chief of staff, Hon. Segun Ogunwuyi, while the secretary is the commissioner for Budget and economic planning, Prof. Musibau Babatunde.
Other members included the commissioner for finance, Mr Akinola Ojo; commissioner for agriculture and rural development, Bar. Olasunkanmi Olaleye; commissioner for local government and chieftaincy matters, Mr Segun Olayiwola.
Also in the committee were are Oyelade; the special adviser, labour matters, Comrade Bayo Titilola-Sodo; senior executive assistant, general duties, Chief Bayo Lawal; theexecutive assistant, finance, budget, economic planning, Alhaji Kolawole Gafar.
Other members of the committee are the commissioner of police, Sunday Odukoya (rtd); senior special assistant, special duties, Miss Ololade Ajibola.
as Akpabio adjourns plenary till September 26
President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio on Monday night unveiled the list of Chairmen of Senate Committees of the 10th Senate.
Some of the fresh lawmakers made it to leadership of Committees tagged as juicy/ Grade A Committees. The beneficiaries include; Senators Adams Oshiomhole, (Interior); Sarafadeen Ali (INEC); Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong (NDDC) and Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua (Army).
Chairmen of the other Committees are former Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, (Defence); Aminu Tambuwal (Housing); Godiya Akwashiki (Airforce); Senator Fatai Buhari (Aviation); Senator Osita Izunaso (Capital Market); Senator Cyril Fasuyi (Establishment); Senator Seriake Dickson (Ecology/Climate Change); Senator Jide Ipinsagba (Petroleum Downstream); Senator Aliyu Wadada (Public Accounts); Shehu Kaka (Special Duties); Senator Patrick Ndubueze (Works); Senator Solomon Adeola Olamilekan (Appropriations); Senator Sani Musa (Finance), and Senator Tokunbo Abiru (Banking).
Former Kebbi State Governor, Adamu Aliero will chair Land Transport. Also announced as Chairmen were; Senator Gbenga Daniel (Navy); Senator Barinada Mpigi (Niger Delta); Senator Mohammed Monguno (Judiciary); Senator Ireti Kingigbe (Women Affairs); Senator Orji Uzor Kalu (Privatization); Senator Mustapha Sabiu (Agriculture); Senator Ikra Aliyu Bilbis (Communications); Senator Usaini Babangida (FERMA); Senator Ya’u Sahabi (Cooperation & Integration/NEPAD); Senator Shuaibu Salisu (ICT/Cyber Crimes).
Senator Isa Jubril will chair Customs Committee; Senator Elisha Abbo (Culture and Tourism); Senator Victor Umeh (Diaspora & NGOs); Senator Lawal Usman (Education); Senator Yunus Akintunde (Environment); Senator Ibrahim Bomai (FCT); Senator Sani Abubakar (Foreign Affairs); Senator Harry Banigo (Health); Senator Abdulaziz Abubakar Yari (Water Resources); Senator Enyinaya Abaribe (Power), and Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko (Local and Foreign Debts).
Checks revealed that Senator Yemi Adaramodu who was announced last month as Chairman, Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs will also chair the Committee on Youths and Sports.
Akpabio announced adjournment of plenary till September 26, 2023 for the lawmakers to observe their annual recess.
Shehu Sani, the former lawmaker representing Kaduna Central has alleged that ex-governors nominated for ministerial appointments by President Bola Tinubu represent the latter’s liabilities.
Recall Tinubu’s ministerial list sent to the Senate for screening and confirmation contained nine former governors, a development that has stirred mixed reactions among Nigerians.
Displeased by the development, the former lawmaker took to his Twitter handle Monday to condemn Tinubu’s move.
“The technocrats in Tinubu’s Government represent his assets, and the former governors in his cabinet represent his liabilities,” he tweeted.
A motion has been filed by President Bola Tinubu to prevent a federal court in the United States from releasing his university academic records to Atiku Abubakar.
This is according to a report by Peoples Gazette.
Tinubu in his motion is against the school releasing his university academic records to his principal opponent during Nigeria’s February 2023 presidential election.
Documents obtained by Peoples Gazette showed Mr Abubakar, on August 2, approached the States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois to issue a subpoena for Chicago State University to release Mr Tinubu’s school records, citing longstanding controversies around the Nigerian president’s background. Journalist David Hundeyin obtained records that showed a Bola Tinubu that attended Chicago State University in the 1970s was a female.
The CSU registrar’s office had told Peoples Gazette that it graduated a Bola Tinubu on June 22, 1979, but did not elaborate when pressed on whether the student was a male or female, much less if it is the same person now occupying Nigeria’s presidency.
Mr Abubakar told the court he was seeking the documents as part of discovery to strengthen his legal challenge against the declaration of Mr Tinubu as Nigeria’s president on March 1, 2023, following the hotly-contested February 23 election.
But Mr Tinubu quickly gathered his team of attorneys and asked to be added as an interested party in the suit, alleging that Chicago State University might be unable to fully protect his interest as the owner of the records being sought.
“Mr Tinubu should be allowed to join or intervene because he has a direct personal interest in records sought, his interests are not fully represented or protected by Respondent Chicago State University, and his interests will be affected if he is not permitted to join or intervene,” the Nigerian leader argued in his motion to join the suit filed on August 3 and submitted by his Chicago attorney Christopher Carmichael.
“Chicago State University stated that its obligation is satisfied by providing notice of the application and attempt to access the records. Chicago State’s position is that it does not have an obligation to oppose the application and, therefore, CSU does not adequately represent Mr Tinubu’s interests,” the filing said.
Consequently, Mr Tinubu argued that the records should not be released because they fell under a 1974 privacy law for American students.
Mr Abubakar’s lawsuit “indirectly seeks relief against Mr Tinubu by seeking his records that the federal and state governments have determined should be confidential. See 20 U.S.C. § 1232(g) (describing the purpose of the Federal Educational Records and Privacy Act of 1974 as to protect students from a school’s unauthorized release of a student’s records); 105 ILCS 10/6(a) (prohibiting the release, transfer, disclosure and dissemination of school student records),” the attorneys argued.
A federal judge had been assigned to the case, and both parties anticipated its expedited hearing and disposal, especially after Mr Abubakar argued that the Nigerian election petitions tribunal would deliver a verdict around September 21, 2023.
Mr Abubakar previously filed a suit before a county court in Chicago, Illinois, but withdrew it in order to file a more comprehensive case at the federal court, which prompted a county judge to dismiss the earlier case from the docket and cleared the path for Mr Abubakar’s federal complaint. Even though the county court handed off the case without prejudice, some Nigerian media outlets erroneously reported that Mr Abubakar’s substantive case was dismissed. But the Nigerian opposition leader’s filing showed he withdrew the case voluntarily to avoid any perception he was abusing the court process.
Mr Abubakar, of the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), welcomed Mr Tinubu’s motion to join the suit. His team of lawyers said their client did not oppose Mr Tinubu’s intention to join the suit, saying he was, in fact, previously told he should feel free to join.