FUBARA: END TO RASCALITY IS NEAR – WIKE’S CAMP REACTS TO SUPREME COURT RULING
FUBARA: END TO RASCALITY IS NEAR – WIKE’S CAMP REACTS TO SUPREME COURT RULING Rivers State House of Assembly Speaker, Martins Amaewhule, has stated that Monday’s Supreme Court ruling marks the beginning of the end for what he described as Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s ‘rascality.’Reacting to the court’s decision, which dismissed the Governor’s appeal, Amaewhule, in a statement released by his Special Assistant on Media, Martins Wachukwu, outlined the background leading to the Supreme Court’s verdict. Amaewhule recalled that on January 22, 2024, the Federal High Court, presided over by Justice J.K. Omotosho, ruled in favor of the legitimacy of the 27 lawmakers. Dissatisfied with the ruling, Fubara pursued an appeal at the Court of Appeal, which subsequently upheld the lower court’s judgment. Following the Court of Appeal’s decision, Fubara escalated the matter to the Supreme Court. However, the apex court dismissed the appeal, effectively bringing the legal battle to a close. He said: “The Supreme Court has spoken, and the people of Rivers State are elated with this judgement,” the Speaker declared; commending the five-man panel of Justices of the Supreme Court for upholding justice and reaffirming the rule of law. Expressing gratitude, Amaewhule acknowledged the support of Rivers State leaders, particularly the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, for standing by the Assembly throughout the legal process. He criticized Governor Fubara for allegedly withholding the Assembly’s statutory entitlements for nearly a year, stating that the move was an attempt to starve them of resources. According to him, Monday’s judgment has reinforced their trust in the judiciary, accusing Fubara of repeatedly disregarding court orders. He also cautioned that the Governor would be closely watched to see whether he complies with the Supreme Court’s ruling. Addressing concerns over vacant seats in the Rivers State House of Assembly, Amaewhule explained that one former member had passed away, another had abandoned their duties, and three additional seats were declared vacant due to absenteeism. He called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct elections to fill the vacant positions. Amaewhule further reminded Fubara of the injunctive orders issued by Justice Omotosho, which barred the Governor from withholding funds meant for the Assembly. He said: “The end to this rascality is very near,” emphasizing the Assembly’s commitment to fulfilling the mandate entrusted to them by the electorate. He also accused the Governor of spending taxpayers’ money for a year without proper appropriation, alleging that this was in defiance of the Federal High Court and Court of Appeal rulings.
POLICE RETIREMENT CRISIS FESTERS
POLICE RETIREMENT CRISIS FESTERS The simmering crisis in the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) is beginning to fester as senior officers who have clocked 60 years of age and those who have served 35 years in the force have refused to exit more than one week after they were ordered to retire. Findings by our correspondent at the weekend showed that the affected officers were still banking on the case instituted against the Police Service Commission (PSC) at the National Industrial Court of Nigeria where they are currently challenging the commission’s directive. However, speaking, the Commission said it was not aware that any police officer has refused to retire as directed. Some of the affected officers, who spoke to this newspaper on Sunday, submitted that they would not have considered a legal option against the PSC’s directive had it been the tenure of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, was not extended. “It is not today people started retiring from the police force, ours would not be the last, but what is good for the goose is also good for the gander. Some people may want to argue that the position of IG is political, the truth is that all of us are in the service. “It is not that Mr Egbetokun had exited the force before he was appointed. Look at the position of PSC chairman, that one is purely political but the position of IG should also follow civil service rules in order to allow other officers to grow,” one of the affected officers said. When asked to clarify whether they were challenging the IGP’s tenure extension in court, the affected officer said they weren’t challenging the top cop’s extension for now but the PSC’s directive that ordered them to retire. It would be recalled that the PSC at a meeting in Abuja earlier this month ordered the immediate retirement of all senior police officers who have either exceeded 35 years in service or are above the age of 60. The spokesman of the commission, Ikechukwu Ani, recalled that the Commission at its 24th Plenary Meeting of 27th and 28th September 2017, approved that the Force Entrants should have their date of appointment in the Force against the date of their enlistment. “The Commission has passionately revisited their decision and has come to the conclusion that the said decision in its intent and purpose contradicted the principle of a merger of service in the public service, and it is in violation of Public Service Rule No 020908 (i & ii) which provides for retirement on the attainment of 35 years in service or 60 years of age. “Accordingly, the Commission at its 1st extraordinary meeting of the 6th Management Board held today, Friday, 31st January 2025, approved the immediate retirement of those officers who have spent more than 35 years in service and those above 60 years of age,” Ani had said. But the force headquarters in a wireless message from the office of the Force Secretary and dated February 5, 2025, a copy of which was obtained by Daily Trust, directed the affected officers to stay action pending further directive. The signal partly read, “INGENPOL strongly directs all officers affected by the PSC’s directive to stay action, pending further directive. This directive should be strictly complied with.” FHQ compiles officers’ names above 60; IGP sets up disciplinary c’ttee However, a new twist came into the matter at the weekend as the police high command began compilation of names of the affected officers with a view to submitting the same to the police service commission for further action. It was learnt that the names were being compiled by a disciplinary committee set up by IGP Egbetokun. Sources familiar with the developments confided…
FG SEEKS REVERSAL OF MOTHER TONGUE POLICY IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS
FG SEEKS REVERSAL OF MOTHER TONGUE POLICY IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS The Federal Government has urged the National Council on Education (NCE) stakeholders to approve the reversal of the use of mother tongue as the medium of instruction from Primary one to six. The Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad, made the appeal at the 2025 Extraordinary National Council on Education Meeting in Abuja on Thursday. Ahmad also called on the council to approve the review of the national policy on education to restrict the use of mother tongue to Early Childhood Care Development and Education (ECCDE) and primary one. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the NCE had previously advocated for the use of the mother tongue of the immediate environment as the medium of instruction in the first three years of primary education. This policy aimed to preserve Nigerian languages and enhance foundational learning. However, the Federal Executive Council approved its implementation on November 30, 2022. The minister of state highlighted several challenges hindering the implementation of the policy. “Inconsistencies in policy execution, especially in urban areas and some parts of the country, impede implementation. We use English from the start, contradicting the policy. “With over 500 languages in Nigeria, implementation becomes complex, making it difficult to select a dominant language in multilingual communities. “Limited availability of instructional materials and textbooks, among other factors, hinders implementation,” she said. She added that the ministry and NCE must initiate a policy review to implement the necessary changes. The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, also advocated for integrating secondary education into basic education, extending it to 12 years. Alausa said this initiative aligns with global best practices and Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG4), which aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education for all. “Subsuming secondary education into basic education is necessary to improve access, retention, and completion. “By making secondary education a part of basic education, students will benefit from uninterrupted learning up to the age of 16. “This reform will also reduce dropout rates by eliminating financial and systemic barriers that currently prevent students from completing secondary education,” he said. Alausa further explained the importance of converting the Federal Science and Technical Colleges (FSTCs) into Federal Technical Colleges (FTCs). According to him, technical education facilitates the acquisition of practical and applied skills, enabling young people to develop an intelligent understanding of the increasing complexity of technology. “This transformation is not just a policy shift; it is a crucial step towards realigning our education system with the demands of an evolving economy and a technologically driven world. “Another major issue facing the nation is youth unemployment. Nigeria’s youthful demographic has over 60 per cent of the population under the age of 30. “In tackling this pressing issue, my administration introduced the TVET initiative, which aims to restructure and enhance technical and vocational education in Nigeria. “This will align educational outcomes with industry demands,” he said. Speaking on the incorporation of the 16-year minimum admission age policy for tertiary institutions into the NCE framework, the minister said this was necessary to standardise entry requirements for tertiary education. The meeting brought together commissioners for education from the 36 states and the FCT, heads of agencies, international organisations, and the Deputy Governor of Kano state.
KEMI BADENOCH WON’T MAKE GOOD PRIME MINISTER – MAJORITY UK CONSERVATIVE VOTERS
KEMI BADENOCH WON’T MAKE GOOD PRIME MINISTER – MAJORITY UK CONSERVATIVE VOTERS A new YouGov poll has revealed that most Conservative voters do not believe Kemi Badenoch would make a good prime minister, casting doubt on her leadership prospects as she nears 100 days at the helm of the party. The poll found that while 48 per cent of those who voted Conservative in the last general election see Badenoch as a potential prime minister, only 26 per cent believe she would perform well in the role. Among the wider electorate, just 14 per cent say she has what it takes to lead the country. Badenoch, who has taken a firm stance on immigration, faces scepticism from opposition voters. According to the poll, 39 per cent of respondents across Labour, Liberal Democrat and Reform UK supporters view her as untrustworthy, while 19 per cent consider her trustworthy. Additionally, 39 per cent of voters described her as unlikeable, compared to 24 per cent who see her favourably. Despite mixed perceptions, Badenoch retains some support among her party’s base. The poll found that 56 per cent of 2024 Conservative voters approve of her performance, while 17 per cent rate her leadership negatively. The findings come at a challenging time for the Conservative Party, as another recent poll indicated that the party has fallen to third place behind Labour and Reform UK in voter preference. Born in the UK to Nigerian parents, Badenoch has championed stricter immigration policies, recently proposing that immigrants should reside in the UK for at least 15 years before becoming eligible for a British passport. “Britain is our home, it’s not a hotel,” Badenoch said. “It’s time to tell the truth on immigration and propose real plans. I want to reduce immigration and make living here actually mean something. I’m announcing that the Conservative Party is going to do things differently.”
POLICE ADVICE ENUGU YOUTHS TO EXERCISE RESTRAINT OVER VIRAL VIDEO
POLICE ADVISE ENUGU YOUTHS TO EXERCISE RESTRAINT OVER VIRAL VIDEO The Enugu State Police Command, on Monday, urged the public to disregard a viral video depicting policemen allegedly assaulting a young man in Enugu for refusing to allow a phone search. The video generated a lot of reactions, with many calling on the police hierarchy to investigate the matter. However, the state police command, in a release by its Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, stated that a thorough review of the video revealed that the incident occurred over five years ago, on January 4, 2020. According to him, “The police officers involved were immediately identified, tried, and appropriately sanctioned following the disciplinary procedures of the Nigeria Police Force.” He said it was established that the video was deliberately recycled and recirculated to mislead the public and create unnecessary and unwarranted tension between the police and law-abiding citizens. Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, CP Kanayo Uzuegbu, in the release, warned those circulating the “malicious act to desist forthwith.”. He also reassured the public of the command’s commitment to professionalism, respect for human rights, and the rule of law.
POLITICIANS DON’T FIGHT, THEY ONLY ENTERTAIN – FAYEMI
POLITICIANS DON’T FIGHT, THEY ONLY ENTERTAIN THE PUBLIC – FAYEMI Former Governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi, has downplayed the perceived animosity among Nigerian politicians, describing it as entertainment for the public. The former governor spoke during his 60th birthday thanksgiving service in Isan Ekiti, his hometown. According to him, the notion of genuine political hatred among politicians especially those exemplified by social media is false. He said political differences or party affiliations do not translate to enmity, particularly among politicians from Ekiti State. “So, all these things you read on social media are for your entertainment. Many will wonder why Governor Segun Oni is here. “During his birthday, I spent the entire day with him, and Governor Ayodele Fayose too would have been here without hesitation if he was around”, he stated.He said the vision “we have always had is a state that will not be separated by political divide”. “We might belong to different political parties, but there is one party that we collectively belong to—that is the Ekiti Party, Ekiti Progressive Party—and our governor is carrying on with that,” he said.
I’M AVAILABLE FOR 2027 PRESIDENTIAL RACE – ADESINA AFDB BOSS
I’M AVAILABLE FOR 2027 PRESIDENTIAL RACE – ADESINA, AfDB BOSS The outgoing President of the African Development Bank, AfDB, Akinwumi Adesina, has hinted at running for the position of Nigeria’s president. The AfDB boss affirmed he is available for national service after his tenure at the bank concludes, specifically stating, “he will be available to serve in any capacity, globally, in Africa, anywhere, including his own country, Nigeria.” Adesina, also a former Minister of Agriculture during Ex-President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration, made this known in an interview with Arise Television’s news host, Rufai Oseni. It will be recalled that Adesina was first elected in 2015 to lead the continental funding institution, which was founded in 1964, and was re-elected President of the AfDB for a second term in 2020. Adesina stated that the only thing that gives him satisfaction and happiness is seeing the lives of people transform and change. When asked what’s next for him and whether he would run for president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Adesina answered: “You know, one of the things that I’m grateful for as a Nigerian: many, many years ago, when I was in graduate school in Nigeria, even after that, I had an opportunity to obtain a US visa. I was given a great visa, and I could have obtained US citizenship. “And I say, I didn’t want it, not because I don’t like America. My kids are Americans, and they were born there, but I remember telling a colleague of mine that this passport is a Nigerian passport, a green passport. “I cannot and will never trade it for anything. It gives me a lot of grief wherever I go. You know, with family, my kids are probably asked to go right through, and I’m asked to stay behind. They ask you all kinds of funny questions, where were you born, when do you hope to die? Or any kind of question, just to make sure that you don’t get it. “But I told this friend of mine that this part—God did not make a mistake in making me a Nigerian. He didn’t make a mistake in making me an African. I will live as a Nigerian, and I will walk by the special grace of God. But that passport, that green passport, will be respected just like everybody else in the world, right? “You don’t beg for respect. You earn respect. So, when you’re talking about, what will I do after, you know, I started listening to you by telling you that I always believe in the providence of God, the grace of God. I don’t see myself as more than just an instrument in the hands of God to help people. “Look, the only thing that makes me happy is nothing else than seeing the lives of people transform and change—that’s what gives me satisfaction. And so, as a result of that, you know, I will be available to serve in any capacity, globally, in Africa, anywhere, including my own country. “Yeah, you know, I remember one of those songs that I actually like in Nigeria is by my great singer, pop artist, Davido. And I think that song was, ‘I’m unavailable, dem no dey see me. I am unavailable.’ “So, but in the case where it comes to service of any kind, I would ask Davido to change that song—’I am available, they will see me.’ “I will. I’ll be available to serve in God’s hands for anything that God has in store for my life.”
HARDSHIP: CHRISTIANS NO LONGER ATTEND CHURCH, GIVE OFFERINGS – ANGLICAN ARCHBISHOP
HARDSHIP: CHRISTIANS NO LONGER ATTEND CHURCH, GIVE OFFERINGS – ANGLICAN ARCHBISHOP LAMENTS THE Archbishop of Ibadan Province, Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion, Dr. Williams Aladekugbe, has lamented that the economic crunch in the country has prevented Christians from attending services and giving offerings in churches. He said this while delivering the 1st Distinguished Alumni Lecture of the Department of Religious Studies, Faculty of Arts, University of Ibadan, in Ibadan, at the weekend. He noted that the hardship had compelled a cleric to call President Bola Tinubu and ask him to save people from the economic crises. Speaking on the topic, entitled “The faith once delivered to the saints in the context of contemporary socio-economic challenges”, held at the Otunba Subomi Balogun Conference centre, UI, he said: “The present economic hardship resulting from the removal of fuel subsidy is also having its effects on the Christians in Nigeria, as many families could no longer attend church services, some of those who manage to attend church services, have no money for offerings and other contributions in the Church. “It must be noted that Christians nationwide, along with the adherents of other faiths, are under economic pressure. This situation has forced a cleric to call on President Tinubu during the burial of Rotimi Akeredolu, the late governor of Ondo State by saying ‘You said it’s your turn, now save Nigerians from hunger’.” Aladekugbe, who is also the Bishop of Ibadan North (Anglican) Diocese, said: “In Nigeria, in the past, people had demonstrated against unfriendly policy bringing bad economy, it is not different today as groups of people have demonstrated from time to time to show their annoyance at the present economic policy of the government. “Till now, people are taking to the streets to demonstrate perhaps the government will change her policy. This time around, the series of demonstrations have failed as high costs of all things in the market persist. Nigerians call on President Tinubu to end hunger and hardship. “Groups, associations, clubs, traditional rulers, clerics and the general populace have been groaning under the economic policy of the present regime. There is no point hiding the fact that Nigerians are frustrated, hungry and angry. “The hardship, insecurity, poverty and unemployment in the country are such that no one can pacify anybody. The socio-economic reforms of the Federal Government have inflicted unparalleled hardship on Nigerians. The soaring cost of food has escalated the suffering of Nigerians and crime has greatly increased. “It has been observed that the present situation has become unbearable for Nigerians. People in different locations of the country are lamenting and discussing the future of Nigeria’s political structure as a result of present economic woes on social media, in the streets, and in club houses, voices are being heard that the faith of a common man has been affected. Some people are saying ‘God, where are you?’. “The clergy and the ministers of God have more to do at a time like this to save people from depression, loss of hope and probably from suicide. Lectures, sermons and teachings should be intensified to keep the faith of the Christians alive so that they can triumph over this period which is believed would be for a short period.” He explained that people exhibit various forms of fear based on the current situation but warned that faith should be cultivated as a step to attracting God’s divine intervention. The cleric said: “In the Nigeria of today, the people’s religious lives are characterised with fear of the enemies, fear of tomorrow, fear of the unknown, fear of poverty and fear of what has not happened but been imagined, all these seem unsolvable to the people because of the absence of faith. “Looking at the myriad…
CBN DIRECTORS FUME AS CARDOSO’S WOMEN EARN “OBSCENE” SALARIES
CBN DIRECTORS KICK AS CARDOSO’S WOMEN EARN “OBSCENE” SALARIES Senior staff members across the CBN’s 29 departments are fuming and grumbling over how women, arbitrarily brought in by Governor Olayemi Cardoso as consultants, have amassed enormous powers enabling them to sometimes issue directives to departmental directors. There is also widespread anger across the board over what some insiders describe as the “unbelievably high and obscene” compensation the consultants earn monthly. Mr Cardoso assumed duties as CBN governor on 22 September 2023. Some insiders said the women arrived with him that day at the bank. But some sources said the women only joined days later and have remained at the regulatory institution ever since, sparking suspicion and debate about their relationship with the governor, value to the institution, and huge monthly pay. The women at the centre of this raging controversy are Nkiru Balonwu, founder of The Africa Soft Power Group, and Daphne Dafinome, a chartered accountant and chief operating officer of Crowe Dafinone, a Nigerian accounting firm. There is a third “technical consultant” called Shola Phillips who joined Mr Cardoso’s kitchen cabinet from Citibank. But our sources said Shola’s presence and activities have not been as disruptive and controversial as those of her two colleagues just as the terms of her engagement are not immediately clear. The consultants are now mockingly called “Cardoso women” across the bank. One source giggled when our reporter requested a further explanation of the term. “You should be able to decode what that means yourself,” the official said. Directors at the CBN said Mr Cardoso arbitrarily hired the women as consultants without following laid down rules, with no terms of reference, deliverables or timelines for the delivery of their consultancies. For instance, they queried the hiring of Ms Balonwu as a corporate communication consultant when the CBN has an elaborate, efficient, and well-staffed corporate communication department led by a director and tasked with ensuring effective, timely and qualitative internal and external communication engagement and feedback. The consultants are now mockingly called “Cardoso women” across the bank. On the other hand, insiders said Ms Dafinone’s consultancy role is not clearly defined; she merely takes on any responsibility assigned to her by Mr Cardoso. Only recently, the governor tasked her with designing and implementing a controversial early exit programme to pay off at least 1,000 staff members into voluntary retirements. Mr Cardoso tapped her for this role while bypassing the bank’s human resources department, which is statutorily charged with developing and administering human capital management policies, functions and processes. Ms Balonwu and Dafinone as Fifth and Sixth CBN Deputy Governors The CBN has four deputy governors: Emem Usoro (Corporate Services Directorate), Muhammad Dattijo (Economic Policy Directorate), Philip Ikeazor (Financial System Stability Directorate), and Bala Bello (Operations Directorate). However, staff members now derisively refer to Ms Balonwu and Dafinone as the fifth and sixth deputy governors of the bank, saying the two have amassed so much power to be so called. Directors said the consultants now write memos on CBN letterheads, issuing directives even when they are unknown to the bank’s structure and organogram. “They said they are consultants, but they have permanent offices in the bank, and their consultancies have no end dates,” one director said. “I am tempted to say they are even more influential than the deputy governors. Their offices are on the eleventh floor, just like the governor’s. The deputy governors are on the tenth floor, below the so-called consultants. They even bypass deputy governors to give direct instructions to directors.” Another bank insider corroborated the director’s claim, saying he once overheard one of the women boasting that “if she draws a line at the bank, even the governor dare not cross it”. “I can tell you…
ANAMBRA NATIVE DOCTORS ON THE RUN OVER ARREST OF AKWA OKUKO
ANAMBRA NATIVE DOCTORS ON THE RUN OVER ARREST OF AKWA OKUKO Following me arrest of a self acclaimed billionaire Native Doctor Chidozie Nwangwu aka Akwa Okuko Tiwala Aki most of his colleagues are said to be on the run for fear of meeting the same fate. Recall that the Anambra state government had directed all Native Doctors to get registered with the state in order to profile those involved in providing charms and spiritual protections for kidnappers and ritualists.. The directive stated that after the ultimatum it would commence the arrest of those who failed to comply with the order, though it is not clear if Nwangwu was among the native doctors that got registered. It was gathered that a good number of native doctors have commenced relocations to other states while others were said to have dismantled their shrines to avoid being victims of the Agunechemba raid of their homes. This is coming as public outcry had greeted the offer of legal services to Nwangwu by Chief Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor accusing him of trying to disrupt on going investigations . According to one Mr Paul Onuachala,, there is no reason whatsoever for him to come into the matter since his client’s human rights have not been bridged . “My attention has been drawn to the recent publication by Chief Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor Esq” “In the publication purportedly signed by him, he cited statutes bothering on fundamental rights and kindred matters” “In my respectful view, Ejiofor’s unsolicited “defence” is far too premature at this stage” “Mr Nwangwu and others have been arrested. The right cause of action is to allow on going thorough investigation and possible charging of the arrested suspects. Lawyers at this stage of our criminal Justice system are expected to give to advise to suspects and not press statement or mounting unsolicited public defence” “Upon further review of Ejiofor Esq, statement, no mention of ill treatment or unprofessional conducts likely to attract public condemnation of this sort. It follows that, Agunechemba and Police must be allowed to perform her lawful duties” “These sort of unsolicited defence is likely to obstruct on going investigation and war against crime and criminality”he said.