A members of the House of Representatives, representing Ikwuano, Umuahia North, and Umuahia South Federal Constituency, Hon. Obi Aguocha, has sought the intervention and support of former President Muhammadu Buhari over the release of Nnamdi Kanu from detention.

Aguocha’s who visited Buhari at his country home in Daura, Katsina State sought for his intervention and elicit his support for a political dialogue and constructive engagement that could engender a resolution of the salient issues surrounding the continued detention and trial of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and that could lead to his release on pragmatic national reconciliation considerations.

“For the missteps, utterances, and ill gestures of the past, especially on the part of my constituent and brother, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, I am deeply sorry.”

Aguocha further expressed his belief that a political resolution would not only address the grievances of parties on all sides but promote greater understanding and unity within the country.

In response, former President Buhari welcomed Hon. Obi Aguocha and commended his humility and dedication to serving his people.

He assured him that his approach was welcomed and that he would not be opposed to any political solution for Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s release.

Recall that Hon. Aguocha recently led a group of fifty (50) House of Representatives legislators across the political and ethnic divides to sign a letter appealing to President Bola Tinubu to direct the Honourable Attorney General and Minister of Justice of the Federation, Alhaji Lateef Fegbemi, SAN, to invoke section 174(1)(c) of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic as amended and section 107 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, in setting the pathway to reaching the desired outcome.

This meeting is part of a broad-based initiative aimed at securing a speedy political resolution of the issues surrounding Nnamdi Kanu’s detention and trial, and securing his subsequent release in the spirit of engendering dialogue and non-contentious approaches to resolving thorny national issues, in the understanding that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is willing, ready and able to embrace the new dynamic in joining hands across the country in building a new Nigeria where peace, equity, justice and prosperity shall reign.

Shehu Sani, a former senator representing Kaduna central, says politicians from the northern part of the country have not used political power for the benefit of their people.

Speaking in an interview with Channels Television on Sunday, Sani said the current situation in the north is a “product of the failure of governance and leadership” in the region.

The former senator said the northern region is battling the problems of insecurity, poverty, and out-of-school children despite the political power that the region has enjoyed in the country.

“The situation in the northern part of Nigeria today is a product of the failure of governance and leadership that has happened in the country for over four to four decades,” Sani said.

“Political power that ought to have been used by people who come from our own part of the country to improve the economy, better the lives of people, and address the problems of poverty, destitution, and underdevelopment has actually not been utilised for such purposes.

“We have some of the richest businessmen and politicians in the country, but the level of poverty you have seen is a reflection of what leadership and opportunity were used for.

“In all indices, the north lacks behind. Sometimes you ask what all these powers are being used for.

“If any person will compare what is happening in the north and the southern part of Nigeria will wonder what power is being used for.

“Power has been toxic to our people. It has not been used for the benefit of our people for a very long time.”

Despite leaving Nigeria for the UK two years ago, Sabitu Adams gets paid each month as a junior official at a government agency back home.

Adams, who now works as a taxi driver in the UK, had his name changed by a BBC report to protect his identity.

The taxi driver has yet to resign from his job in Nigeria.

Adams is one of the thousands of ghost workers, a rampant issue in the Nigerian civil service.
Each year, the government carries out biometric verifications and reels out numbers representing discovered ghost workers, and money saved.

But no one is ever announced to have been arrested or prosecuted.

Last week, President Bola Tinubu directed that all civil servants drawing salaries from the government after relocating abroad should be made to refund the money.

Tinubu also ordered that the culprits’ supervisors and department heads be punished for aiding and abetting the fraud while they were in charge.

Adams told the BBC that he was not worried about the president’s directives because he earned better as a taxi driver in the UK.

“When I heard about the president’s directive, I smiled because I know I am doing better here – and not worried,” the 36-year-old said.

The cab driver said he did not resign “in case I choose to go back to my job after a few years”.
Adams was quoted as saying he had an arrangement with his boss in Nigeria who is a “relative”.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, IRCC, has said over 71,459 Nigerians obtained Canadian citizenship between 2005 and 2024.

IRCC is a department of the government of Canada responsible for matters relating to immigration to the North American country, refugees, and Canadian citizenship.

The number places Nigeria in the 10th position on the list of new Canadian citizens by country of birth.

The data released by the immigration office showed that while new Canadians come from at least 196 countries and territories, the top 10 places account for nearly half of all new citizens.\

IRCC said the data highlighted the diversity of Canada’s new citizen population.

Irene Bloemraad, political sociologist and migration expert, told CTVNews that high levels of citizenship were good.

Bloemraad said research showed a correlation between holding citizenship and better economic outcomes.
“Canada stands out among other immigrant-receiving countries in the very high level of citizenship among immigrants in the country.

“High levels of citizenship are a good thing: research shows a correlation between holding citizenship and better economic outcomes, a greater sense of belonging to Canada and, of course, the ability to participate in elections and have a say in policy,” Bloemraad said.

The IRCC data revealed India as the leading source of new Canadians since 2005, with 536,279 individuals obtaining citizenship.

The Philippines follows closely behind with 395,694 new citizens, and China takes third place with 292,325.

Beyond these top three, a diverse range of countries contribute significantly to Canada’s growing citizen population.

Pakistan comes in fourth with 180,999 new citizens, followed by Iran (130,998), the United States (99,652), the United Kingdom (98,837), Syria (72,706), South Korea (71,939), and Nigeria with 71,459 new citizens rounding out the top 10.

Al Parsai, a Toronto-based immigration consultant, said the data underscored Canada’s commitment to multiculturalism and diversity.

Parsai said: “The consistent number of new citizens from countries like India and the Philippines reflects their significant contributions to the Canadian labour market and society.

“The rise in new citizens from countries experiencing conflict, like Syria and Ukraine, highlights Canada’s role in providing refuge and support to those in need.

 

“The fact that new citizens come from nearly 200 different countries and territories showcases Canada’s global appeal and inclusive immigration policies.”

In November 2023, Canada announced a new immigration-level plan for skilled workers, caregivers, families, and other classes.

In a statement released by the citizenship and immigration Canada (CIC), the North American country will target the admission of 485,000 new immigrants.

“In 2025 and 2026, Canada will look to welcome 500,000 new immigrants in each year,” CIC added.
The Canadian government said the immigration plans will be for economic, family, refugee, and humanitarian classes.

The Campaign for Democratic and Workers’ Rights, CDWR, has called on Ogranised Labour to immediately mobilise and declare a nationwide strike over the minimum wage and the recent hike in electricity tariff.

According to CDWR, Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, TUC, as the next step in the minimum wage struggle, should declare and mobilise widely for a 48-hour general strike and mass protest to demand a minimum wage not less than N200, 000 and the reversal of all anti-poor policies (privatization, deregulation, subsidy removal, electricity tariff hike etc). 

In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Chinedu Bosah, CDWR recalled that NLC and TUC had been at loggerheads with the government and private sector over a new minimum wage, and negotiation has been deadlocked for over three weeks and still counting, saying Government and Private Sector insistence on paying N60, 000 provoked the declaration of an indefinite strike which started on June 3rd 2024 but was suspended on the 4th of June, 2024.

The group contended that “The mass protest of mostly young people has just forced the Ruto-led government in Kenya to withdraw the IMF/World Bank-inspired tax increment policy. This example shows that it is also possible for Nigerian working people and youth to force the Tinubu-led government to reverse the prices of petroleum products, electricity tariffs, fee hikes in public schools, and all other neo-liberal capitalist policies, policies which would give some immediate respite to most Nigerians.

“CDWR calls on the leadership of NLC and TUC, as the next step in the minimum wage struggle, to declare and this time mobilise widely for a 48-hour general strike and mass protest to demand a minimum wage not less than N200, 000 and the reversal of all anti-poor policies (privatization, deregulation, subsidy removal, electricity tariff hike etc).

“However, given the recent failures of the NLC and TUC to seriously mobilise trade unionists and activists must themselves take steps to organise a campaign at grass roots level to both build support for the struggle and for the trade unions to have leaders who take their responsibilities seriously.
“Amongst the immediate demands should be the call for the inclusion of a demand that the minimum wage must be automatically adjusted in line with the rate of inflation and rising cost of living, minimum wage need not wait for four or five years before adjustment.”

This may forestall needless long negotiations and ensure wages do not fall behind the inflationary rate and poverty line. However, we should add that it will require a serious struggle to force the capitalist elite to agree to this and actually implement it as they will try to take back any concessions they have been forced to make.”

Nigerian singer, Burna Boy has again sold out the 80,000-capacity stadium in London.

The Grammy-winning singer on Saturday thrilled his audience with a spectacular performance at West Ham United’s London Stadium.

Burna Boy performed some of his hit songs including ‘City Boys’, ‘On Form’, and ‘Last Last’ while bustling concertgoers sang along.

The London concert was opened with comedy performed by Nigerian skit maker and comedian, Sabinus.

Also performing at the concert were several Nigerian music stars including Omah Lay, Phyno, Shallipopi, Odumodublvck, Seyi Vibez, BNXN, and Pheelz.

The Malian singer Salif Keita and the Swedish singer Snoh Aalegra were the international guest performers at the concert.

This is not the first time Burna Boy will be selling out a concert at the London Stadium.

In 2023, Burna Boy became the first African artiste to sell out the 80,000-capacity stadium.

Born Damini Ogulu, Burna Boy started to gain fame after releasing ‘Like to Party’, the lead single from his debut album ‘L.I.F.E’ (2013).

In 2021, the singer set a record in Nigeria after his fifth album ‘Twice As Tall’ won the ‘Best World Music Album’ category at the Grammy Awards.

Over the years, Burna Boy has performed and sold out some notable venues across the globe.

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), “to account for and explain the whereabouts of the over N100 billion ‘dirty and bad notes’ and ‘other large sum of cash awaiting examination’ which are kept in various branches of the CBN.”

SERAP, which made the call through a statement issued by its deputy director, Kolawole Oluwadare, said the allegations are documented in the latest annual report recently published by the Auditor-General of the Federation.

SERAP also urged him to “explain the whereabouts of the N7.2 billion budgeted for the construction of the CBN Dutse branch in 2010 and the N4.8 billion budgeted for the renovation of the CBN Abeokuta branch in 2009, and to publish the names of the contractors who collected the money but failed to complete the projects.”

SERAP urged him “to explain the whereabouts of the allegedly missing outstanding loan of N1.2 billion granted to the Enugu state government in 2015 and the outstanding loan of N1.9 billion granted to the Anambra state government between 2015 and 2016 and to fully recover and remit the public funds to the treasury.”

SERAP also urged him “to refer these grave violations of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended], the CBN Act and the country’s national and international anticorruption obligations to appropriate anticorruption agencies for investigation and prosecution, as appropriate, and the recovery of the public funds.”

In the letter dated 29 June 2024 and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said: “These grim allegations by the Auditor-General suggest grave violations of the public trust, the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution, the CBN Act, and national and international anticorruption obligations.”

SERAP said, “These grave violations also reflect a failure of CBN accountability more generally and are directly linked to the institution’s persistent failure to comply with its Act and to uphold the principles of transparency and accountability.”

According to SERAP, “These grave violations have seriously undermined the ability of the CBN to effectively discharge its statutory functions and the public trust and confidence in the bank. The CBN ought to be committed to transparency and accountability in its operations.”

The letter, read in part: “We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within 7 days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall take all appropriate legal actions to compel you and the CBN to comply with our request in the public interest.”

“Explaining the whereabouts of the missing public funds, publishing the names of those suspected to be responsible and ensuring that they are brought to justice and the full recovery of any missing public funds would serve the public interest and end the impunity of perpetrators.”

“According to the recently published 2020 audited report by the Auditor General of the Federation (AGF), the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has since 2017 been keeping over N100 billion [N100,672,999,000.00] ‘dirty and bad notes’, and other large sum of cash awaiting examination in various branches of the CBN.”

The Auditor-General fears that the ‘dirty and bad notes’ initially planned to be destroyed may have been ‘be diverted and re-injected into the economy.’”

“The CBN in August 2010 also reportedly budgeted N7.2 billion [N7,286,500,476.76] for the construction of Dutse branch building. The Dutse branch was due to be completed in November 2012 but the contractors have failed to complete the project.”

“The Auditor-General is concerned that the project may have been ‘awarded to incompetent contractor,’ and wants the ‘job completed without further delay.’”

“The CBN in 2009 reportedly budgeted N4.8 billion [N4,812,608,028.10] for the renovation of the CBN Abeokuta branch. The Abeokuta branch was due to be completed in 2012 but the contractors have failed to complete the project.”

“There is no significant renovation work on the site, several years after the proposed completion date. The Auditor-General is concerned that the project may have been ‘awarded to incompetent contractor,’ and wants the ‘job completed without further delay.’”

“The CBN also reportedly failed to account for the missing outstanding loan of N1.2 billion [N1,294,453,887.83] granted to the Enugu state government in 2015 and the outstanding loan of N1.9 billion [N1,994,383,561.64] granted to the Anambra state government between 2015 and 2016.”

“The Auditor-General fears the public funds may have been diverted. He wants the money fully recovered and remitted to the treasury.”

“Paragraph 708 of the Financial Regulations 2009 provides that, ‘on no account should payment be made for services not yet performed or for goods not yet supplied.’”

“Section 35(2) of the Public Procurement Act 2007 provides that, ‘once a mobilization fee has been paid to any supplier or contractor, no further payment shall be made to the supplier or contractor without an interim performance certificate.”

“Section 16(6) of the Public Procurement Act states that ‘all bidders shall possess the necessary professional and technical qualifications to carry out particular procurements; the financial capacity and adequate personnel to perform the obligations of the procurement contracts.’”

“SERAP notes that Section 15(5) of the Nigerian Constitution requires public institutions to abolish all corrupt practices and abuse of power.” Section 13 of the Constitution imposes clear responsibility on the CBN to conform to, observe and apply the provisions of Chapter 2 of the constitution.”

“Paragraph 3112(ii) of the Financial Regulations 2009 provides that, “Where a public officer fails to account for government revenue, such officer shall be surcharged for the full amount involved and such officer shall be handled over to either the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) or the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).”

“Nigeria has made legally binding commitments under the UN Convention against Corruption to ensure accountability in the management of public resources. Articles 5 and 9 of the UN Convention against Corruption also impose legal obligations on the CBN to ensure proper management of public affairs and public funds.”

“Nigerians have the right to know the whereabouts of the public funds. Taking the recommended measures would advance the right of Nigerians to restitution, compensation and guarantee of non-repetition.”

“The Nigerian Constitution, Freedom of Information Act, and the country’s anti-corruption and human rights obligations rest on the principle that citizens should have access to information regarding their public institutions’ activities.”

President Bola Tinubu has vowed that Nigeria under his watch shall not slither into an era of blood, sorrow, tears, and fears.

The President also declared that those who carry out wanton violence in the country will face the wrath of the law as his government will not allow them to evade justice.

Reacting to the recent terrorist bomb attacks, which resulted in the loss of lives and the maiming of other citizens in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State, President Tinubu, in a statement issued by his spokesman, Chief Ajuri Ngelale, said that the cowardly attacks by terrorists and criminal elements are isolated incidents.

The statement read: “President Bola Tinubu strongly condemns the bomb attacks, which resulted in the loss of precious lives and the maiming of other citizens in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.

“President Tinubu describes the attacks as desperate acts of terror and a clear manifestation of the pressure mounted against terrorists and the success achieved in degrading their capacity to launch offensives.

“The President declares that the purveyors of wanton violence shall have a certain encounter with justice, and that these cowardly attacks are only but isolated episodes as his government will not allow the nation to slither into an era of fear, tears, sorrow, and blood.

“The President states that his administration is taking necessary measures to secure citizens, emphasizing that efforts will be redoubled to ensure that those who trouble the nation, dispatching precious lives, and disrupting law and order are completely removed.”

President Tinubu condoled with the victims of the attacks, the families of the deceased, as well as the government and people of Borno State.

The former Chairman of the Special Presidential Investigation Panel for the Recovery of Public Property (SPIP), Okoi Obono-Obla revealed that the former President Muhammadu Buhari’s government shielded a former governor from prosecution over $200 million in offshore assets.

Obono-Obla made this revelation in an interview on Mic On Podcast.

He referenced several cases of high-profile corruption, expressing frustration over the lack of decisive action on the part of the government.

Noting the magnitude of corruption he encountered, Obono-Obla highlighted a specific case involving the recovery of extravagant assets.

He said, “For instance, there was this case where somebody had 80 brand new armored S-Class Mercedes Benz cars, along with houses, farms, motorcycles, and more, all discovered in a single location in Jabi.

“We intervened, questioned whether customs duties were paid on these vehicles. It turned out, they hadn’t,” he added.

Speaking on tax evasion, Obono-Obla said, “I wrote to the Federal Inland Revenue Service about these assets, questioning if taxes were paid. They confirmed no records of tax payments.”

He noted the panel’s proactive stance in securing a court order to take custody of the assets pending further legal proceedings.

The former chairman revealed efforts to investigate offshore assets linked to a former senator and governor.

He said, “Through the Panama Papers, we discovered offshore properties worth over £200 million belonging to a prominent former governor and senator.”

Recall that the former chairman submitted detailed reports to President Buhari and the Attorney General (Abubakar Malami, SAN) after the investigation.

But, Obono-Obla was reportedly sacked on August 15, 2019 during the President Buhari administration.

His sack letter said Obono-Obla would face “criminal prosecution on matters related to his alleged financial dealings, as uncovered by the ICPC upon investigation.”

“The government may ask the University of Jos to withdraw his law degree and the Nigerian Law School to debar him from practice,” the letter added.

Betty Irabor, a friend of Joke Silver, the husband to Olu Jacob, has said Olu Jacob is well, and alive, asking everyone to ignore the flying news of the actor’s death. 

Betty Irabor took to her X account on Sunday evening on 30th June 2024, to debut the rumor of the passing away of the veteran actor Olu Jacob 

In her tweet, she wrote, “Olu Jacob is well and alive.. pls ignore all rumors of his passing.”