Admin

Admin

The Southeast Senate caucus has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to appoint two more ministers from the zone.

They insisted that the two additional slots would make for equity, fairness and justice in the representation of all geopolitical zones in the present administration at the centre


This demand was contained in a motion moved by Senator Tony Nwoye (LP – Anambra North) on Monday night.


It was co-sponsored by the remaining 14 Senators from the Southeast.

Nwoye, in his lead debate, complained that the Southeast had the lowest ministerial representation among those nominated by the President, with only five.

They are Dr Uju Kennedy Ohaneye (Anambra), Nkiru Onyejiocha (Abia), Uche Nnaji (Enugu), Senator Dave Umahi (Ebonyi), and Doris Uzoka (Imo).

Nwoye insisted that President Tinubu’s action violated Section 5 (a) and (b) as well as Section 4 (1) of the Federal Character Commission Act Laws of the Federation, 2004.

He also said under-representation of the Southeast in the present government would not make for national unity and loyalty as enshrined in Section 14 (3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

He called on the Senate to prevail on the President to pick at least two additional ministers from the Southeast to balance the nation’s geopolitical representation in the administration.

Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, interrupted the Nwoye during his lead debate.

He promised that the leadership of the Senate would take up the matter with the President as soon as possible.

After a stormy screening session on Monday, the Senate deferred the clearance of three ministerial nominees.

They are former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, former All Progressives Congress (APC) Women Leader Stella Okotete (Delta) and Taraba State nominee Abubakar Danladi.

The remaining 45 nominees, screened throughout last week, were confirmed for deployment.

The screening of the last nominee, former APC Presidential Campaign Council spokesman, Festus Keyamo (SAN) (Delta), threw the Senate into a stormy session.

The spark was a motion by Sen. Darlington Nkwocha (Abia Central), which was seconded by Senator Eyinaya Abaribe (Abia South).

They demanded that Keyamo’s screening should be put on hold for disrespecting the 9th National Assembly when he was Minister of State (Labour and Employment).

After the rowdy session, the Senate moved into an executive session.

Akpabio, accompanied by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, made a brisk visit to Aso Villa. On their return, Keyamo apologised and was allowed to take a bow and leave.

The Senate returned to plenary for the confirmation hearing.

Those cleared are: Adebayo Olawale Edun (Ogun), Bello Matawalle (Zamfara), Adegboyega Oyetola (Osun), Simon Bako Lalong (Plateau), Dele Alake (Ekiti), Abubakar Kyari (Borno), Abubakar Momoh (Edo), Nyesom Wike (Rivers), Joseph Utserv (Benue), John Enoh (Cross River), Bello Mohammad (Sokoto), Mohammed Abubakar (Jigawa), Yusuf Tuggar (Bauchi), Uju Ohaneye (Anambra), Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo (Ondo), Nkeiruka Onyejeocha (Abia) and Betta Edu (Cross River).

Also confirmed are Sulieman Ibrahim (Nasarawa), David Umahi (Ebonyi), Ahmed Dangiwa (Katsina), Uche Nnaji (Enugu), Waheed Adelabu (Oyo), Mohammed Idris (Niger), Ali Pate (Bauchi), Doris Anite Uzoka (Imo), Lateef Fabemi (Kwara), Ekperikpe Ekpo (Akwa Ibom), Hannatu Musawa (Katsina), Ibrahim Geidam (Yobe), Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi (Niger), Hieneken Lokpobiri (Bayelsa), Alkali Saidu (Gombe), Tanko Sununu (Kebbi) and Atiku Bagudu (Kebbi).

Others are Abdullahi Tijani Muhammad Gwarzo (Kano), Bosun Tijani (Ogun), Mariya Mahmoud Bunkure (Kano), Iziaq Salako (Ogun), Tunji Alausa (Lagos), Lola Ade-John (Lagos), Tahir Mamman (Adamawa), Zephaniah Jisalo (Federal Capital Territory) and Uba Ahmadu (Taraba), Shuaibu Audu (Kogi).

The Presidency said the ministers-designate will undergo induction before they are sworn in.

Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Bishop Mathew Kukah, has identified religious tolerance, fanaticism, and injustice as some of the factors responsible for insecurity in the country.


Kukah stated this on Tuesday during the high-level town hall meeting organised by the Kukah Centre in collaboration with Global Right, a Non-Governmental Organisations, to help in promoting peace and security in North Western Nigeria.


Speaking at the event, he said the meeting became necessary looking at the recent happening in the region.


He further explained that sectionalism, fanaticism, injustice, and religious intolerance are responsible for insecurity in the country.

“You know most of this problem at times is as a result of proper understanding of our religion, when we are dealing with ourselves we should know we are dealing with Nigerians, not religion,” he stated.

The cleric noted that one cannot fight for God stressing that we shouldn’t quarrel on how we worship God.

He maintained that governments have a role to play not only by giving money but by providing effective communication in building dialogue.

He further urged stakeholders at the meeting to come together to form common front in curbing the menace saying insecurity know no religion.

On his part the Governor of Sokoto state Dr Ahmed Aliyu represented by the permanent secretary ministry of religious affairs, Alhaji Abubakar Toronkawa said his administration has made deliberate efforts in promoting peace in the state.

He reiterated that youth and women empowerment, job creation and frequent security meeting is part of the efforts put in place by his administration to tackle insecurity.

He further explained that his administration would support any initiative gear toward in promoting peace and social development.

Also speaking the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, represented by Sa’in of Kilgori Dr Muhammad Jabbi Kilgori thanked Kukah Centre and Global Right for organizing the meeting.

The monarch explained that bad governance, injustice, and inequality are some factors contributing to insecurity.

He charged those in authority to be fair in dealing with their subjects, saying they would give an account of their stewardship after leaving this world.

The Sokoto state commissioner of police Ali Hayattu Kaigama said police through community policing would continue to engage stakeholders in its effort at peace building.


He further disclosed that Nigerian police would partner with the Nigerian army and other sister security agencies in tackling insecurity bedevilling the country.

Anxiety, confusion and shock have gripped many residents, business and property owners at Kirikiri town in Apapa area of Lagos State as the beneficiaries of the Estate of the late Lawrenco Antonio Cardoso, have taken over possession following a consent judgement of the Lagos high court which ruled in their favour.

The land area covers about 50 acres with over 200 buildings comprising tank farms, offices, markets, mosque, and residential buildings already erected.

The exercise was sequel to the Terms of Settlement dated 18th day of June, 2014, and filed at the High Court Registry, Lagos, same having been duly signed by parties in the suit, as well as their Counsel.

Many residents were shocked when the beneficiaries of the estate, stormed the area with security agents to take possession of the land by pasting notices on all the buildings reading: “M/7P/2014 Possession taken today August 8, 2023 by Court Order.”

The notice warned that attempt to re-enter or any forceful re-entry into possession of the property or part thereof by anyone corporate or individual shall be an intentional violation of the said judgements and the lawful execution which shall lead to prosecution of the involved violator for criminal offence in the face of the said valid and subsisting judgements.

The legally recognised beneficiaries of the estate are Mrs. Olaitan Ogunfade, Mr. Emmanuel Adewale Shyllo, John Oloye Reis, and Mr. Francis K Adeojo (for themselves and as representing all beneficiaries of the Estate of late Lawrenco Antonio Cardoso)

While the respondents are Mrs. Stella Adedoyin Shonowo, Mrs. Bukola Amusan, Mrs. Adetokunbo Vera-Cruz , Mr. Lawrence Oluwatoyin Reis, Ms. Taiwo Shyleon, Ms, Winifred Cardoso, and the Probate Registrar, High Court of Lagos State

Justice Jumoke Pedro of the Lagos High Court had in a consent judgement in suit number M/7P/14 set aside all previous dealings in properties forming part of Lawrenco Anthonio Cardoso Estate without first obtaining Letters of Administration.

The judge stated that those appointed and recognised as Administrators of the deceased estate shall immediately apply to the Probate Registrar, High Court of Lagos State for the processing and issuance of Letters of Administration consequent upon which the Administrator — General of Lagos State shall cease from further management to the estate amongst all beneficiaries.

The order stated: “Upon the Terms of Settlement dated 18th day of June, 2014 and filed at the High Court Registry, Lagos on 18th day of June, 2014 same having been duly signed by parties in this suit and the learned Counsel for the parties.

“It is hereby ordered that judgment be and judge is hereby entered in this suit as follows: That all previous dealings in properties forming part of Lawrenco Anthonio Cardoso Estate without first obtaining Letters of Administration are hereby set aside.

“That the Administrator-General of Lagos State shall forthwith take possession of all properties comprised in or forming part of the Estate Pa Lawrenco Anthonio Cardoso (hereafter referred to a “the deceased estate”) and hand over same to the four persons listed hereunder upon their applying for letters of Administration in respect of the deceased estate from the 7 Defendant herein

“That the following persons that is to say: Mrs. Felicia Enitan Fetuga, Mrs. Stella Adedoyin Shonowo, Mr. Emmanuel Adewale Shyllon and Mr Lawrenco Oluwatoyin Reis are hereby appointed and recognised as Administrators of the deceased estate provided that they shall immediately apply to the 7th Defendant for the processing and issuance of Letters of Administration consequent upon which the Administrator — General of Lagos State shall cease from further management to the estate amongst all beneficiaries.

“That the appointed Administrators upon taking over the management and control of estate property; shall do so as Trustees for themselves and on behalf of all the beneficiaries and/ or descendants of Late Pa Lawrenco Anthonio Cardoso and shall see to the proper disbursement and sharing of accruals to the estate amongst all beneficiaries.

“That annual accounts shall be rendered by the Administrators to every beneficiary or as may be requested by any constituted authority.

“That the first charge on estate income shall be the payment of estate duty as may be assessed and settlement of professional fee and other obligations due to the solicitors herein.

“That all pending proceedings in relation to any estate property shall forthwith be taken over and prosecuted to conclusion by the Administrators appointed herein.


“That paragraphs 1 to 7 herein shall be the Judgement of this Honourable Court in this case even as parties agree to bear their respective cost.”

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has cleared its former National Chairman, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, and National Secretary, Iyiola Omisore, of corruption allegations and abuse of office.

APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, stated this on Tuesday while speaking with reporters after the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) meeting.

Recall that former APC National Vice Chairman for North-West, Salihu Lukman, had accused Adamu and Omisore of squandering N30bn realized from the sale of nomination forms for the 2023 elections.


But according to Basiru, Adamu, and Omosire have not been found guilty of any financial recklessness, adding that the proposed appointment of external auditors was not to probe any member of the party.

He said, “I think it is good to say we should not misrepresent the reasons for the resignation of our chairman. I don’t know where you got the financial recklessness you are talking about, with due respect.


“On the issue of external auditors, it has been the routine of our party to appoint external auditors, and it is a standard procedure and practice everywhere. It has nothing to do with the resignation of any officer of our party.


“And if you go back, there has not been a year that external auditors have not audited the party account.”

Also addressing reporters, the National Publicity Secretary of APC, Felix Morka, said consultations were ongoing on how to fill the vacant leadership positions in the party’s NWC.

He said, “Regarding the questions on the vacancies in the NWC, as you can imagine, we just came off NEC a few days ago, and consultations are ongoing at the moment.

“I think that in due course, we will be considering the question of filling the remaining vacant positions in the NWC.”

Troops of Sector 1 Operation Hadarin Daji have killed 10 armed bandits, rescued nine kidnapped victims and recovered a cache of ammunition in Zamfara State.
 
The Nigerian Army disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, August 8, 2023.
 
According to the statement, one female abducted victim was killed by bandits during gun battle with the troops while the rescued ones have been reunited with their families.  
 
“In a recent coordinated operation by troops of Sector 1 Operation Hadarin Daji in Zamfara state during the early hours of 8th August 2023. Troops of Forward Operating Base Danmarke acting on a credible information on armed bandits movement with some kidnapped victims from Sokoto state through Gadazaima village in Zamfara state,” the statement read.
 
The troops immediately mobilized for an offensive ambush operation within the village and made contact with the armed bandits that lasted for hours. Due to the troops fire power superiority which forced the Bandits to abandon the kidnapped victims and withdraw in disarray
 
During the fire fight, 10 armed bandits were neutralized while unconfirmed numbers of them fled with gunshot wounds. Additionally, in an attempt to escape troops onslaught, several of the bandits drowned in a swampy river while 2 were captured alive during pursuit by the troops
 
Consequently, after the encounter 6 AK 47 Rifles, 1PKT Machine Gun and 5 Magazines. Others include; 20 rounds of 7.62MM Special ammunition, 3 Mobile phones, 2 Solar Panels, 1 sewing machine were captured from the Bandits. Also, a sum of N2,410,000 recovered
 
The 9 rescued victims who are all from Sokoto state were successfully rescued. Unfortunately, 1 female abducted victim was killed by the bandits during the fire fight. 
 
All rescued victims were handed over to the appropriate authority to reunite them with their families.
 
Woman killed as troops rescue 9 kidnapped victims and neutralize 10 armed bandits in Zamfara
Woman killed as troops rescue 9 kidnapped victims and neutralize 10 armed bandits in Zamfara
Woman killed as troops rescue 9 kidnapped victims and neutralize 10 armed bandits in Zamfara
Woman killed as troops rescue 9 kidnapped victims and neutralize 10 armed bandits in Zamfara
Woman killed as troops rescue 9 kidnapped victims and neutralize 10 armed bandits in Zamfara
Woman killed as troops rescue 9 kidnapped victims and neutralize 10 armed bandits in Zamfara

 

The names of 45 confirmed ministerial nominees have been transmitted by the senate to the Presidency.

This was announced by the Senior Special Assistant on National Assembly Matters (Senate), Senator Abdullahi Gumel, on Tuesday, August 8.

Giving an explanation on why the number of ministerial nominees was increased to 48 as against 42 in the previous administration, Gumel said some of the ministries which were merged will now stand alone namely the Ministry of Works and Housing.

He also praised Senators for suspending their recess to screen and confirm the nominees.

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.

Some unknown arsonists have burnt down two houses belonging to the lawmaker representing the Ihiala federal constituency in the House of Representatives, Dr. Paschal Agbodike.

The houses at Mbosi in Ihiala local government area of Anambra state were burnt down at about 1am on Tuesday, August 8, and it caused pandemonium in the community as people ran out of their houses.

The houses consisting of a fully furnished duplex and a bungalow in the same compound, were completely razed down. It was also gathered that properties in the houses were looted.

Agbodike, a former deputy speaker of the state House of Assembly who confirmed the incident, said no life was lost.

The state police spokesman, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga who also confirmed the incident said;

“The area has been condoned and security operatives have been deployed in the area. There are ongoing surveillance efforts by the operatives.”

President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday, August 8, in Abuja, expressed his resolute commitment to break the vicious cycle of over-reliance on borrowing for public spending, and the resulting burden of debt servicing it places on the management of Nigeria’s limited government revenues.

Inaugurating the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, chaired by Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, the President charged the committee to improve the country’s revenue profile and business environment as the Federal Government moves to achieve an 18% Tax-to-GDP ratio within three years.

A statement released by Ajuri Ngelale, spokesperson to President Tinubu, said the President directed the Committee to achieve its one-year mandate, which is divided into three main areas: fiscal governance, tax reforms, and growth facilitation. He also directed all government ministries and departments to cooperate fully with the committee toward achieving their mandate.

President Tinubu told the Committee members the significance of their assignment, as his administration carries the burden of expectations from citizens who want their government to make their lives better.

''We cannot blame the people for expecting much from us. To whom much is given, much is expected. It is even more so when we campaigned on a promise of a better country anchored on our Renewed Hope Agenda. I have committed myself to use every minute I spend in this office to work to improve the quality of life of our people,'' he declared.

Acknowledging Nigeria's current international standing in the tax sector, the President said the nation is still facing challenges in areas such as ease of tax payment and its Tax-to-GDP ratio, which lags behind even Africa's Continental average.

"Our aim is to transform the tax system to support sustainable development while achieving a minimum of 18% tax-to-GDP ratio within the next three years. Without revenue, government cannot provide adequate social services to the people it is entrusted to serve. The Committee, in the first instance, is expected to deliver a schedule of quick reforms that can be implemented within thirty days. Critical reform measures should be recommended within six months, and full implementation will take place within one calendar year," the President directed

Recounting the President's sterling track record on revenue transformation, the Special Adviser to the President on Revenue, Mr. Zacchaeus Adedeji described the committee members, drawn from the public and private sectors, as accomplished individuals from various sectors.

''Mr. President, you have the pedigree when it comes to revenue transformation. You demonstrated this when you were the Governor of Lagos State over 20 years ago," the Special Adviser said

Chairman of the Committee, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele pledged the total commitment of members to give their best in the interest of the nation.

"Many of our existing laws are outdated, hence they require comprehensive updates to achieve full harmonisation to address the multiplicity of taxes, and to remove the burden on the poor and vulnerable while addressing the concerns of all investors, big and small," he said

As the removal of petrol subsidies bites harder, some factional Labour Party (LP) members have expressed support for President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies.

The decision was announced in a press statement issued on Tuesday by the factional Publicity Secretary, Dr Abayomi Arabambi, and titled “Beyond partisanship, applauds the federal government’s good governance and citizen-centred leadership programme.”


The faction urged Nigerians to work with Tinubu to boost the economy through the packages outlined in his first broadcast.

Dr. Ararambi stated that the president’s announcement of saving N1 trillion from subsidy removal to be deployed in key areas aligned with LP’s welfare and national policy vision.

He further said;


The president said the manufacturing sector would be further empowered to deliver goods and services to the country with an expansive view, and to this end, N75bn would be deployed to that sector between now and March next year. This is an 11-month timeline for implementation, assessment and results, from which a review would be done.

More rewarding and labour-friendly approach is the loan at a single-digit interest rate of nine per cent per annum. In spite of this, the policy extends the repayment period to 60 months.

The United States of America says it may be forced to use brute force and violent means to oust the military junta in Niger Republic.

The US acting Deputy Secretary, Victoria Nuland, in a special briefing on Niger made this known via a teleconference on Tuesday.


She warned the Niger junta that America may be pushed to be involved militarily if the country’s military rulers do not return to constitutional order.

She noted, “…There is still a lot of motion here on many sides with regard to where the governance situation will go.

Only A Legitimate Government Can Cut Ties With Us, France Tells Niger Junta
“So we will be watching that closely and there are a number of regional meetings coming up and consultations with allies and partners that we need to make.


“So we’ll be watching the situation, but we understand our legal responsibilities and I explained those very clearly to the guys (Niger junta) who were responsible for this and that it is not our desire to go there, but they may push us to that point, and we asked them to be prudent in that regard and to hear our offer to try to work with them to solve this diplomatically and return to constitutional order.”

Nuland noted that President Joe Bden has been in constant touch with President Tinubu, the ECOWAS Chairman as well as many other European allies.

“He’s also been in regular touch with President Tinubu of Nigeria, who is currently head of ECOWAS, with AU Chairperson Faki, and with a number of European allies with whom we work in Niger, particularly on counterterrorism.

“And all of this has been rooted in our shared values, including the sense of democracy, which was why it was so difficult, and remains difficult, to see the current challenge to the democratic order which began on July 26,” she stressed