President Bola Tinubu and Equatorial Guinean President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo on Wednesday evening in Malabo signed an agreement on Gulf of Guinea Pipeline Project, further affirming partnership for mutual development.

The agreement covered legislative and regulatory measures for the gas pipeline, establishment and operation, transit of natural gas, ownership of the gas pipeline, and general principles.

In his remarks at the event, President Tinubu, who is on a three-day official visit to Equatorial Guinea, said the signing of the agreement will open up new opportunities for gas exploration and employment.

The President stated that the two leaders had discussed issues related to the creation of employment, food security, multilateral relations, and conflict resolution mechanisms on the continent during a private meeting that preceded the signing of the agreement.

“Concerning Africa, conflicts and conflict resolution were discussed. We discussed various areas of conflicts and what we can do to promote peace.

“We talked about promotion of peace and stability in our countries, and growth and prosperity on our continent.

“In the same way that Europe and America have kept themselves and found a solution for their conflicts, we have to look at both inadequate capital, industrialization efforts, research and development programmes, and enlighten our people, navigate our way through problems.

“Instead of the crisis and conflicts that we see in the Republic of Congo, and others, we have to look inwards to solve problems ourselves,’’ the President said.

President Tinubu said the discussion with the President of Equatorial Guinea also covered challenges of security, African Continental Free Trade Area (ACFTA), and food security.

“We are all going for it. Within Africa and the African Union, we have resolved that we will work together to make sure that the solution to many of our problems in Africa comes from within,’’ the President concluded.

In his remarks, the President of Equatorial Guinea said bilateral relations with Nigeria over many years have been rewarding and emphasized the need to deepen cooperation across salient areas.

President Mbasogo said Africa’s vision of having a permanent seat in the Security Council of the United Nations is vital for the development of the continent, affirming that Equatorial Guinea will work with Nigeria to realize the objective.

The President of Equatorial Guinea said the signing of the agreement was strategic for Africa’s development.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar of Nigeria, and Mr. Simeon Oyono Esono, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Equatorial Guinea, also signed the agreement.

The Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Lateef Fagbemi, SAN; Minister of Defence, Muhammad Badaru Abubakar; Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo; Minister of State, Petroleum, Gas, Ekperikpe Ekpo, and Minister of Youth Development, Dr. Jamila Ibrahim- Biu were present at the signing of the agreement.

Chief Ajuri Ngelale

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

Binance’s global regulatory woes continue with the latest episode happening in Brazil where the largest crypto exchange in the industry is expected to pay a fine of $1.7 million for derivatives trading violations.  

Binance will be paying $1.7 million to the Brazilian Securities and Exchange Commission (CVM) as a settlement following an investigation into its unauthorized derivatives trading in the country.  

The development was announced by CVM via an official statement on its website spelling out the details of the case and the amount Binance is expected to pay.  

“ The Board of the Securities and Exchange Commission (CVM), in a meeting on 8/13/2024, analyzed proposals for the Term of Commitment of the following administrative sanctioning processes (PAS): 

1. PAS 19957.008369/2022–11: B Fintech Technology Services Ltda.
2. PAS 19957.008992/2023–47 : Gafisa SA, Guilherme Augusto Soares Benevides and Ian Masini Monteiro de Andrade.
3. B Fintech Serviços de Tecnologia Ltda presented a new proposal for a Term of Commitment to terminate PAS CVM 19957.008369/2022–11.

In a meeting held on 8/29/2023, the CVM Board decided to reject the agreement with B Fintech Serviços de Tecnologia Ltda, as it understood that the execution of the Commitment Term would not be timely and convenient. 

On 2/15/2024, a new proposal for a Term of Commitment was presented, and, after negotiations with the Term of Commitment Committee (CTC), the proponent committed to pay the CVM R$9,600,000.00. The PFE-CVM concluded that there is no legal impediment to the execution of the agreement. 

Therefore, the CTC considered it appropriate and convenient to accept the agreement. 

The Board followed the CTC’s opinion and accepted the signing of a Commitment Term with B Fintech Serviços de Tecnologia Ltda.” CVM Stated  

For context, B Fintech Technology Services Ltd. is a shell company operated by Binance in Brazil.  

In May 2023, a Brazilian court recognized that the company was part of Binance Group.  

CVM initiated the investigation into Binance’s operations in July 2020, accusing the company of offering derivatives trading services without the required licenses.  

Binance tried to settle the matter by offering a paltry settlement fee of $370,000 to CVM which was turned down.  

Both parties finally agreed on a $1.7 million settlement fee according to the official statement by Brazil’s CVM above.  

What to Know  

• Binance is facing a lot of regulatory challenges in Various countries at the moment given the size and reach of the crypto exchange. The regulatory challenges all seem to border on Binance operating in a country without getting officially approved by relevant authorities.  

• Binance recently had a spat with India which it appears to have settled. It just settled its case with Brazil but the crypto exchange is still at loggerheads with Nigeria over claims of Tax evasion and money laundering.  

[Nairametrics]

In this interview with Vanguard’s Law and Human Rights, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice of Ondo State, Dr. Kayode Ajulo, SAN, spoke on various issues including the recent #Endbadgovernance protest and its handlers and the rights of Nigerians to protest.
He also reviewed the tenure of the outgoing Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, even as he set an agenda for the incoming CJN, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, who is widely reputed as a no-nonsense judicial officer.

Excerpt:
Before the commencement of the last #EndBadGovernance protest, the government made spirited efforts to abort it. How does this align with people’s fundamental rights to freedom of expression, association and movement?

Away with all the sentiments expressed before during and after the protest, the basic issues at play which remains uncontroverted in any quarters is the government’s efforts to strike a balance between maintenance of public order and ensure the citizens’ rights as guaranteed by our laws in Nigeria and I didn’t see it from the perspective of the government trying to abort the protest.

Nigeria’s democratic growth, I must stress, depends on balancing public order and citizens’ rights and it is  government’s responsibility to maintain order while respecting people’s fundamental rights. People’s democratic right, I won’t say is sacrosanct, but constitutional and in this context of our discussion, freedom of expression is essential for democratic participation and accountability. Freedom of association is crucial for collective action and advocacy. Freedom of movement is necessary for personal and economic development and in doing this and permitting the protest, we must learn from history. As an undergraduate schooling in Nigeria, I participated in countless  protests that left some dead, some maimed and arrested, the last one, EndSARS, is still fresh as it got to a point that the protest turned into something else which borders on  issues of public order. And no responsible government will go to sleep particularly when the organisers of the protest were gracious enough to give adequate notices.

You will recall that some lawyers on behalf of government also went to court to obtain injunction to restrict movement of protesters to a certain location. Tongues wagged. In your view, what is the implication of such court order on the nation’s fledgling democracy?

This is a complex issue that touches on the balance between the right to peaceful assembly and the government’s responsibility to maintain public order.On one hand, the right to protest is a fundamental democratic freedom that should be protected. Peaceful protests play a crucial role in giving voice to citizens and holding the government accountable. Restricting the movement of protesters should  be seen as exercising the responsibility placed on government to maintain order and safeguard lives and property. The government also has a duty to ensure public safety and prevent potential violence or disruptions to daily life. Mass protests in this side of our world lead to unrest, property damage, or clashes with security forces. In this context, a court order restricting protest locations may be intended to facilitate the exercise of the right to protest while managing potential public order issues.

Ultimately, I believe this is a delicate balance that requires careful consideration of the specific circumstances. The implications for democracy depend greatly on how the restrictions are implemented and whether they are reasonable and proportionate to the situation. Overly broad or heavy-handed limitations could indeed be problematic for democratic freedoms.

And mind you, we all have some unique way of doing things, like in Ondo State, Governor Aiyedatiwa’s approach was to engage constructively with the people to find mutually agreeable ways while maintaining public safety. Transparent communication, good-faith negotiation, and a commitment to protecting fundamental rights, are crucial factors here.

What is your advice for protesters in future on how to coordinate protest without it being hijacked by hoodlums?

It’s everyone’s fundamental right to peacefully protest without affecting others’ fundamental rights. In future, it is essential and very imperative to prioritise careful planning, effective communication, and a strong commitment to peaceful, disciplined protest, these particularly require that law enforcement agencies, media and the authorities are involved.

It is not out of place to first engage government to seek any other alternative to the protest. For example, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State engaged with everyone, listened to them and proffered solutions to their complaints and in addition, as Attorney-General of Ondo State, a 24-hour Intervention Unit, Citizens Rights and Advisory Bureau, CRAB, was created  wherein people of the state come with their complaints and enquiries through our dedicated phone lines and other electronic devices to get across to the governor and his aides. By taking these steps, protesters can work to prevent their message from being overshadowed or hijacked by outside agitators.

It does appear many Nigerians were disappointed with Tinubu’s speech after the #EndBadGovernance protest, for not addressing the issues raised by the protesters. How will you react to this?

Presidential speeches and the public’s reactions to them can be complex topics, involving factors like messaging, leadership, and the broader socio-political context.

How President Tinubu’s speech is viewed is subjective depending on who is reviewing it. The essence of the speech is the Presidential reaction to the protest and my take home first is that the President acknowledged the protest and said his administration was ready to listen to, and address the concerns of the protesters. Do not forget that the President humbly made it bold to claim that he has heard their calls “loud and clear” and he promised to fix all the concerns raised. In my opinion, the message gives hope, quite reflective, while trying to sooth the nerves of the aggrieved Nigerians. And, above all, did the speech serve its purpose? I will say yes as the President connected with the people, gave clear directives, and no one is on the street as we speak.

Justice Ariwoola will bow out of the bench in a week’s time. Justice Kekere- Ekun will take over. How will you score the outgoing CJN?

Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, has an eventful tenure as Chief Justice of Nigeria. He assumed the role in 2022 after the sudden resignation of the previous CJN, Justice Tanko Muhammad. During his time as CJN, Justice Ariwoola presided over several high-profile cases and sought to address some of the challenges facing the Nigerian judiciary.

On the positive side, Justice Ariwoola is credited with efforts to improve the efficiency and transparency of court processes. He championed the increased use of technology and Human Resources in court proceedings. During his tenure, the apex court had its full constitutional number of 21 Justices and he pushed for faster resolution of cases. The judiciary also saw improved conditions for court officials under his leadership. During Justice Ariwoola’s tenure, the Supreme Court broadly demonstrated her independence and pro-people and progressive tendencies, as I shall never be quick to forget the President Vs National Assembly matter that I defended successfully before the full panel of the court, CBN’s Currencies Change matter, Local Government Autonomy and host of other cases that accentuated the very best of the Court.

However, Justice Ariwoola also faced criticisms on certain fronts. There were concerns raised about allegations of bias and undue influence in some instances which remain unproven. The judiciary continued to grapple with funding shortfalls and infrastructure challenges during his tenure. We should not also forget the image of the Judiciary today which begs for improvement.

Overall, Baba made many positive strides, but also fell short in fully addressing the very deep-seated problems facing Nigeria’s justice system. The incoming CJN, Justice Kekere-Ekun, will have her work cut out for her in continuing the reform efforts.

What do you know about the incoming CJN and what is your advice for her, going forward?

My noble Lord, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun,  is a highly respected jurist with over 30 years of experience in the Nigerian judiciary. She has served as a Magistrate, then rose to become a Judge, and finally a Justice of the Supreme Court since 2013. She is known for her legal acumen, fairness, forthrightness, and fortitude. I have had several opportunities to appear before her, and I see her as a no-nonsense jurist.

Justice Kekere-Ekun has a reputation for being tough but impartial, with a steadfast commitment to upholding the rule of law.
This will be instrumental in restoring public confidence in the judiciary.
In all sincerity, I consider myself too humble a minion to advise the esteemed Justice Kudirat Motonmori Kekere-Ekun, as she takes on the role of CJN.

However, I will humbly beseech her Grace to consider the following: To prioritize a holistic agenda of judicial reforms, addressing the systemic challenges of inadequate funding, infrastructure deficits, and case backlogs.

To steadfastly work towards enhancing public trust and confidence in the judiciary through unwavering transparency, unimpeachable accountability, and the most steadfast fairness in all judicial proceedings.

To foster a spirit of collaborative synergy between the judiciary, the legislature, and the executive, thereby resolving any tensions and safeguarding the independence of the courts.

To invest diligently in the capacity-building of judges and court staff, while leveraging technological innovations to improve efficiency and widen access to justice.

To champion initiatives that shall promote the noble ideals of gender equality and diversity within the hallowed halls of the judiciary, for this shall undoubtedly strengthen the institution.

It is my fervent prayer that, with her Grace, wealth of experience and her demonstrated commitment to the rule of law, she shall steer the Nigerian judiciary towards a future of unparalleled excellence, despite the significant challenges that lie ahead. Her steady and discerning leadership shall undoubtedly make a most profound difference.

[Vanguard]

Professor of Law, Sam Amadi, has said the now withdrawn Counter Subversion Bill was intended to be used in controlling Nigerians’ freedom of speech.

The Director of Abuja School of Social and Political Thoughts, Sam Amadi, said it was bad that the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, decided to invest time in drafting a bill that cannot contribute to the economic development of the country.

Amadi noted that under the current federal government, Nigeria is de-developing and stagnating economically and politically.

He stated this on Thursday while speaking on AIT’s Kakaki show. He argued that the language of the bill was embarrassing just like the intention.

He added that the reference made to China in the statement released by the Speaker’s aide on Wednesday was the same reference made by Aisha Buhari, former President Muhammadu Buhari’s wife.

He noted that China’s law on speech freedom could not be likened to the draft of the Counter Subversion Bill, now withdrawn. He said the bill was worse than Decree 2 of former military president, Sani Abacha.

Amadi said, “I was a little bit surprised, but not too surprised. I think that the contents of the bill, not just the intention, if you read the language, were too overbroad, even though the whole idea of the bill is problematic in terms of clear attempts to suppress freedom, basic freedoms, not even high-level freedom, basic ones.

“I was surprised at the point of the language, that was so broad, not legalistic as expected. I mean it, things like if you embarrass a public officer, not just at the level of president, they said local government, community leaders, if you embarrass them.

“And I was looking at the language of decree two under the military. This language was much harsher, broader, un-inclusive than even Abacha‘s language. It was horrible. How would anyone on planet Earth in Nigeria today that is under two lock trap, the lock trap of development?

“Nigeria is de -developing. We are not even talking about developing. Stagnant economic, stagnant social political structure. So you needed to unlock development. Why would such a country, its leaders, focus on very broad control of speech?

“Even in China, you know, let’s not forget that the former president’s wife talked about China’s regulation of speech as a model for us when they’re talking about hate speech. Sorry, when they talk about the social media view last under Buhari. They don’t have a kind of language, embarrass public officials.

“So it’s tragic that today a Speaker that has an array of very competent professionals around him would put his pen, his name, to such very disgraceful language of a deal.”

The former Imo State governorship aspirant under Labour Party emphasized that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has been trying to impose authoritarianism on Nigerians. He said the bill was a response to the last #EndBadGovernanceinNigeria protest.

“Let’s not forget intentment, which is basically a reaction against protest. But the language was too broad. So I was surprised by the language and that level of dissent into very authoritarian language, even beyond authoritarians.

“I mean, some authoritarians are smarter and more restrained in the bill they bring, but this is unbelievable. But I wasn’t surprised, really, also because there’s been a trajectory. Unfortunately, the APC, a party whose name suggests progressivism, since 2015 has had this romance with authoritarianism,” Amadi added.

[NaijaNews]

The maker of M&M’s and Snickers, Mars announced on Wednesday that it plans to acquire the snacks food company, Kellanova.

The all-cash transaction would value Kellanova which is behind snacks such as Pringles and Pop-Tarts at $35.9 billion, including debt

“In welcoming Kellanova’s portfolio of growing global brands, we have a substantial opportunity for Mars to further develop a sustainable snacking business that is fit for the future,” said Mars chief executive Poul Weihrauch in a statement.

The announcement comes as consumers feel the squeeze from rising costs of living, putting pressure on companies to rein in price hikes.

The move could also attract scrutiny from the United States’ regulators who have taken a tough stance on consolidations.

CFRA Research analyst Arun Sundaram, said he expects anti-trust attention, given the size of the deal against the current backdrop of rising food prices.

“However, we think the deal will ultimately go through, given the limited category overlap between the two companies,” he added.

CEO of Kellanova, Steve Cahillane told CNBC that both companies were in contact with US regulators and expected no difficulties.

“We have a chocolate factory. A chocolate factory can’t make Pringles,” Weihrauch added in the same CNBC interview. “We’re not too concerned,” he said.

The acquisition for $83.50 per share in cash “accelerates ambition to double Mars Snacking in the next decade, in alignment with global consumer demand trends,” Mars said.

This would bring two new billion-dollar brands, Pringles and Cheez-It, into its business. Already, the company said it has 15 billion-dollar brands.

“Snacking is a large, attractive, and durable category that continues to grow in importance with consumers,” Mars added.

Kellanova had net sales in 2023 of around $13 billion, and it is present in 180 markets with some 23,000 employees.

Shares of Kellanova closed 7.8 percent higher in the United States.

“The acquisition of Kellanova unlocks a significant opportunity for Mars to meaningfully compete with iconic brands in the growing category of salty snacks,” said analyst John Oh of research firm, Third Bridge.

Neil Saunders of GlobalData added that Mars has “virtually no presence” in the savory snacks category. But sales in the segment are growing at a faster pace than in confectionery, where Mars has a strong presence.

“With a 13.3 percent share of the worldwide confectionery market, it will become increasingly difficult for Mars to eke out further gains over the years ahead,” Saunders said. “The business needs to diversify.”

The Mars statement added that most of Kellanova’s snack brands outperform competitors, especially among Gen Z and millennial buyers.

The company added that the combined portfolio would also be suited to meet demand in fast-growing markets such as Africa and Latin America, given their supply chains and local operations.

The plan, according to Mars, is to grow Kellanova’s brands further.

The deal, which is anticipated to close in the first half of 2025, will need the green light from Kellanova shareholders and also will require regulatory approvals.

Mars plans to fully finance the acquisition via a combination of cash-on-hand and new debt, it said, adding that commitments have been secured.

Family-owned business Mars said it employs about 150,000 workers and has over $50 billion in annual sales.

In addition to its snacking and food products, the company is also active in the pet care industry. In 2022, Mars announced it had acquired Tru Fru, a whole-fruit snacking brand. Two years prior, it had completed the purchase of Kind North America, known for its healthier snack options.

[Leadership]

Indications have emerged that the total monthly pay of 99 non-principal officers of the Nigerian senate is above N2 billion.

One of them, Senator Abdulrahman Kawu Sumaila (NNPP, Kano), on Wednesday, confirmed that he receives about N21 million monthly as his perquisite for representing the people of Kano South Senatorial District in the 10th National Assembly.

The revelation by Kawu puts the total monthly package for all the 99 non-principal officers of the Senate at N2.079 billion.

The 10 principal officers of the 10th Senate are: President, Godswill Akpabio; Deputy President; Jibrin Barau; Majority Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele; Deputy Majority Leader, Lola Ashiru; Chief Whip, Tahir Monguno; Deputy Chief Whip, Nwebonyi Peter Onyeka; Minority Leader, Abba Moro; Deputy Minority Leader, Akogun Lere Oyewumi; Minority Whip, Osita Ngwu and Deputy Minority Whip, Rufai Hanga.

The earnings of the presiding officers of the National Assembly have been still not been known, with several other lawmakers in the past saying they do not know what those officers receive monthly, and that even the number of aides statutorily allowed for those category of officers were unknown to them.

Efforts by Daily Trust to get the breakdown of their monthly earnings yesterday were not successful as the Senate’s spokesperson, Yemi Adaramodu, neither answered calls nor replied to messages inquiring about the earnings of the principal officers, where were sent to his mobile telephone line.

There have been controversies in recent times over the actual salaries and allowances of federal lawmakers in the country.

Some former members of parliament like Senator Shehu Sani and representatives Muhammad Sani Zoro and Sergius Ogun had recently quoted different figures as emoluments of lawmakers, and also challenged those who are serving in the 10th National Assembly to make public what they earn.

Ogun, who represented Esan North-East/Esan South-East Constituency from 2015 to 2023, had disclosed last week that each member of the House of Representatives received N8.5 million monthly as running costs while he was in the parliament.

Sani Zorro, who had represented Gumel/Maigatari/Sule Tankarkar/Gagarawa Federal Constituency of Jigawa State in the House of Representatives from 2015 to 2019, however, challenged those currently serving to make public their entitlements. 

Senator Sani, who was in the Senate from 2015 to 2019, had said each senator received a monthly running cost of N13.5 million in addition to the monthly N750, 000.00 prescribed by the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC).

Also, former  President Olusegun Obasanjo recently criticised the federal lawmakers for allegedly fixing their salaries, describing the practice as “immoral.”

In response to Obasanjo’s accusation, however, the Senate spokesman, Yemi Adaramodu insisted that members of the National Assembly only receive what was allocated to them by the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC).

But reacting to Senator Sani’s claim, the Chairman of RMAFC, M. B. Shehu, had, in a statement on Tuesday, said each senator earns N1,063,860 in salary and allowances per month.

The RMAFC boss, however, stressed that the commission does not have the constitutional powers to enforce compliance with the proper implementation of the remuneration package of lawmakers. “This lacuna is, however, being addressed by the National Assembly,” he had stated. 

I earn N21m monthly running cost – Senator Kawu Sumaila

But in what seemed to be a contradiction of the RMAFC’s position, Senator Kawu Sumaila, in an interview on BBC Hausa on Wednesday, said that he receives about N21 million monthly.

Kawu, a former legislative aide to former President Muhammadu Buhari, said: “The amount that salary that each senator receives per month is less than N1 million. If there are cuts, it comes back to about N600,000.

“In the Senate, each senator is given N21 million every month as the cost of running his office”, he said.

He said the N21 million each senator receives is for all the activities, including domestic trips, purchase of daily newspapers, among other functions.

Former President Obasanjo had, on Friday in Abeokuta, Ogun State, while hosting six members of the House of Representatives, led by Ikenga Ugochinyere, who visited him, accused federal lawmakers of fixing their salaries and allowances; a claim both chambers had separately dispelled.

 “In your case, with all due respect, you’re not supposed to fix your salaries. But you decide what you pay yourself—the allowances that you give yourselves, including newspaper allowances.

“You give yourselves all sorts of things, and you know it is not right. It is immoral, yet you are doing it, the Senate is doing it, and you are beating your chests about it. In some cases, the executive gives you what you’re not entitled to. You all got N200 million (each),” Obasanjo had alleged.

Adjust your earnings with masses’ realities—SERAP, YIAGA, CHRICED

Reacting to the revelation by Senator Sumaila, some civil society organisations (CSOs) and analysts yesterday raised concerns over the “huge” pays being received by the legislators amidst the hardship in the land.

Executive Director, Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), Adetokunbo Mumuni, in a chat with Daily Trust, noted that Nigeria operates one of the world’s most expensive democracies without corresponding results.

“We cannot compare ourselves with any other nations in terms of the expenses incurred, whether annually or monthly. Legislators, especially senators, must reassess their earnings in line with the realities of the Nigerian nation,” Mumuni said.

He decried the huge disparity between the earnings of lawmakers and the average Nigerian, saying the N70,000 new minimum wage for Nigerian workers is a stark contrast to the N21 million received by senators.

“This situation needs urgent attention to prevent leaving future generations of Nigerians in a dire financial mess,” he added. Mark Amaza, Senior Communications Officer at Yiaga Africa, said even after 25 years of democratic governance, Nigerians still lack clarity on the earnings of their federal legislators.

He blamed the National Assembly for perpetuating “this opacity”, saying “Transparency and accountability are essential in a democracy, and the earnings of legislators should not be a closely guarded secret.”

Ibrahim Zikirullahi, Executive Director, the Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED), said the revelation by Senator Sumaila reinforced the need to reduce the cost of governance.

He said it was “unfortunate” that those entrusted with managing the nation’s resources appear indifferent to the needs of the people they represent.

“At a time when the majority of Nigerians are suffering from multi-dimensional poverty and severe hunger, it is disheartening to learn that such vast amounts are being spent on just 109 lawmakers while millions lack basic amenities like roads, electricity, and water,” Zikirullahi said.

He said the funds allocated to legislators could be better spent on public services such as schools and healthcare centres.

“Something drastic must be done to address social inequality in this country, starting with a significant reduction in the funds allocated to the lavish lifestyles of our political officeholders. The frequent calls by the government for citizens to make sacrifices amid Nigeria’s economic challenges will ring hollow if those in power continue to enrich themselves at public expense,” he said.

Some parts of Rivers and Bayelsa states will experience months of blackout after vandals destroyed thirteen Transmission Company of Nigeria’s towers along the Ahoada-Yenagoa 132kV Double Circuits.

Ndidi Mbah, General Manager of Public Affairs, TCN, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday.

The TCN urged the governments of Rivers and Bayelsa states to assist it in addressing the ongoing vandalism of its installations, which has become increasingly alarming and overwhelming.

This comes after vandals had earlier destroyed the same Ahoada-Yenagoa transmission line.

“Additionally, a new contract was recently awarded for the reinforcement of towers 19-31 on the Ahoada-Yenagoa line, where tower members had been vandalized and stolen.

“Despite these ongoing efforts, the recent vandalism of the thirteen towers presents a significant challenge to TCN,” it said.

The company said that the thirteen vandalized towers are located in several communities, including Okobe in Ahoada East, Emezhi 1 in Ahoada West, and Mbiama in Ahoada West Local Government Areas of Rivers State, as well as the Igbogene community in Bayelsa State.

“Given the extent of the destruction to the towers and the ongoing work on previously vandalized transmission towers, it may take several months for TCN to complete the rebuilding and stringing of the towers to restore power supply to the state”, TCN added.

TCN called for collaboration among security operatives, and host communities to tackle rising vandalism of critical electricity facilities in the country.

[DailyPost]

Police and  youths have blocked the All Progressive Congress (APC) Secretariat  in Makurdi, Benue state capital .

It is the fourth time  the APC  Secretariat will be put under lock and key.

This is coming ahead of Comrade Austin Agada- led State Working Committee (SEC) APC caucus meeting scheduled for Thursday.

The Benjamin Omakolo- led APC State Working Committee (SWC) has also scheduled a caucus  meeting for today in Makurdi to find tune arrangement for Local Governments elections .

Benue State Independent Electoral Committee ( BSIEC) scheduled October 5 for the polls in Benue state .

Details Shortly…

[TheNation]

Some of the recurring problems of poverty, corruption, vices, and the perennial decay in our society can be attributed to a hope decline. When people are no longer driven by hope, they stop trying. When they become convinced that nothing they do ultimately matters, they imprison their own agency; they look everywhere else for survival except within themselves. When they cannot find what they are looking for, they let things decay and die. When a people no longer have hope, the wellsprings that enliven their societies dry up.

People can survive environmental disasters, nuclear bombings, setbacks, poverty, and whatever lousy hand fate deals with them, but no society can beat a loss of hope. Hope is a self-motivating essence, an ethic, and a prerequisite for a society to keep advancing.

Two recent incidents in the country got me thinking about how people act when this source of self-directing agency has been toxified. The first was the vandalisation and looting of government establishments, including the ICT centre in Kano scheduled for opening the following week. The second was the protesters flying the Russian flag and openly calling for a coup. Both incidents look disparate, but they are connected by the embitteredness of people who are missing a vital ingredient and happy to destroy what subsists, even if only for the perverse delight of watching it all burn.

You look at the photograph of the protesters cum looters, and you see young men for whom the ICT centre spelt nothing but just another space where the scions of the oppressive ruling class will deepen the privilege that will further deepen the divide among them. They do not see any connection between what will happen in an ICT centre and their own future—not because they are blind, no—but because they are well-informed enough about the state of the country to know that very little of what it represents concerns their future. Without the hope that the outcome of the gatherings that will take place in that Kano centre will have any material impact on their future, why should such a place be allowed to stand?

People who still have some hope protest differently. They are mindful to preserve the symbolic objects of the administrative state knowing that, for all its faults, it still has enough integrity contained within it, to do right by them. Even when they are angry enough to destroy things, they are strategic. People who have lost faith that anything can be better will burn things just to be tickled by the dancing flames.

We can say the same of those carrying the Russian flag and baiting Vladimir Putin to come to their rescue. Call them deluded all you want, but do not overlook their driving outlook. Their misbelief is coming from somewhere. If they want a breakdown of democracy, it is because its meaning no longer corresponds to their desire to thrive. Democracy no longer spells freedom to be; it has become a four-year carnival during which we renew the power of our regular oppressors. What we call democracy in this part of the world is an ever-increasingly expensive venture with little or no returns. The sum of money an impoverished poor country like Nigeria regularly wastes on conducting poor elections that will inaugurate poor leadership is enough to make one despair. You can take away the flags, incarcerate the tailor who sowed it for them, and even try these protesters for sedition, but their mindset to destroy a country that has become oppressive will remain.

The easiest thing is to look at these people and dismiss them as blindly ignorant. But what if they are not? They have eyes and can see that the African countries recently overtaken by a coup are not faring any better. Since 2020, Africa has turned into the world’s coup belt. Some have been successful, others failed. But when was the last time anyone heard anything about these countries thriving under their new military overlords? Those looking for a coup in Nigeria are also people who live in regions ransacked by Boko Haram and banditry; they know the weaknesses of the Nigerian military. They know that the golden age of the military has passed and what now subsists is an institution heavily diminished by the Nigerian factor. Yearning for a coup, backed by Russia or not, cannot be simply because they are stupid enough to believe it will bring a radical change in their conditions; they just want to see the existing order burn.

In the wise in which they are looking for a strong man who can use their power to override reality, they are not all that different from their southern counterparts similarly waiting for Donald Trump to win the US presidency so he can magically wave a wand over the crises in different world zones. Neither Putin nor Trump considers them relevant to anything, but that will not stop them from fantasising that a higher transcendental power can put an end to this present darkness. It is a loss of faith in the country and its bureaucratic systems.

Some have been content to point out the complacency of these same coup seekers under the administration of Muhammadu Buhari where they serially went through enervating policies, but which they patiently endured. While this prejudice might be true, it is not enough to merely point out the obvious. We must also go beyond the simple and satisfying answers. To dismiss these people as little-minded bigots who assume that political power in Nigeria must begin and end with them will satisfy our prejudiced instincts but leave us no clearer on why things came to be the way they are now.

Why would those who suffered under a leadership whose connection to them was merely symbolic be zombified by the mere vicarious pleasure of seeing him as a representation of themselves in power? Is it that shallow political representation is the only citizenship claim Nigeria presently extends us? Buhari offered them nothing, and in fact, took everything from them. Yet, they could hardly be motivated to act on their condition until he was replaced. That itself is telling of the meaninglessness at the heart of what we call the Nigerian nation.

Now that all is calm again, our leaders need to think deeply about seeking ways to offer people hope in themselves and the nation. It is worth noting that the All Progressives Congress 2023 campaign slogan was “Renewed Hopefulness,” alluding to the 1993 election that also promised hope. One year later, I do not think anyone looks around them and sees a basis for hope renewal. If anything, the APC has drained the little hope that mobilised people. And that is a problem.

When people do not have hope, they also have nothing to lose. When people have nothing to lose, they also gain nothing. Everything around them decays and dies. Hope is not just a feeling or a sense of anticipation; hope is an ethic, freedom, and progress. When Apostle Paul says the greatest of the triumvirate of faith, hope, and love is love, it is because love culminates faith and hope. Without faith, one cannot hope; without hope, there is no faith; without both, one cannot love. People cannot love their country if they lack the hope that gives faith.

The greatest calamity that can befall a nation is not corruption, poverty, sickness, or disease; it is loss of hope. How a society demonstrates hope reflects its relationship to time—the past and the present as a means of charting the path toward a more auspicious future. When people are no longer hopeful of the possibilities that can unfold through their reason and action, they deactivate their moral agency and start an uninhibited acceleration toward decay.

Former Chelsea midfielder Mikel Obi has categorically stated that he will do his utmost to see compatriot Victor Osimhen sign for the London club, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The former Super Eagles captain, in a video posted on X, added that another club legend, Didier Drogba, was also in contact with the Napoli striker, as they hoped to convince him to make a switch to Stamford Bridge.

Osimhen’s future remains the subject of intense viral speculations ahead of the final weeks of the summer transfer window. The striker has asked to leave Napoli and has been linked with a transfer to Chelsea in a deal that would see Romelu Lukaku move the other way.

Chelsea have already signed a host of players this summer, including Pedro Neto, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Marc Guiu, and Filip Jorgensen, but appear ready to continue their spending spree, with the 25-year-old ranking prominently on their wish list to lead their line during the 2024/25 season.

Just a few weeks before the close of the transfer window, Mikel revealed that he would try and help the club land their primary target, whom he believed would be an instant hit in the English Premier League.

“We want somebody who can finish, score goals, the tap-ins. Someone like Erling Haaland,” Mikel said.

“That’s something Victor Osimhen will bring to Chelsea. I hope that Chelsea fans will finally see him come to the club. I’ll make sure I send him those text messages and calls, making sure Chelsea is his top priority! But it seems like he loves the club and wants to come to Chelsea.

“I’m sure he has all the big clubs wanting to sign him. I think if we can secure his signature, it would be fantastic for the club. He’s somebody who will get us goals, and that’s something that we need right now.

“A fantastic guy, a fantastic human being, and I really do hope he comes to the club, and I’ll try my best to make sure that happens. Didier is also speaking to him, sharing his own ideas and what the club means to us. We all want to see Victor come to the club.”

Osimhen has emerged as one of the most sought-after strikers in Europe, having been linked with moves to Chelsea, Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United, and Liverpool, among others, following impressive seasons with Napoli.

However, his hefty €130m remains the stumbling block, with PSG, among other suitors, backing off, leaving Chelsea as the only European club still keen on signing him.

[Punch]