Dons EzeFIVE POLICEMEN RETURNING FROM EDO ELECTION DIE IN ROAD CRASH
FIVE POLICEMEN RETURNING FROM EDO ELECTION DIE IN ROAD CRASH The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Kano State Command has confirmed the death of five police officers in a fatal road crash while returning from Edo State, where the governorship election was recently held. In a statement issued by the FRSC spokesperson, Abdullahi Labaran, it was also confirmed that ten other individuals sustained injuries in the crash. The incident occurred on the Kano-Zaria Road, near Karfi Village. Preliminary investigations by the FRSC obtained by News360 Nigeria revealed that the accident was caused by excessive speeding, which resulted in the driver losing control of the bus and crashing into a stationary trailer. Following the incident, the FRSC Sector Commander, Ahmed Mohammed, cautioned drivers against the dangers of excessive speeding, overloading, and other traffic violations. He emphasized the importance of adhering to traffic regulations to prevent further loss of life on the nation’s roads.
THE AUDACITY OF “GO TO COURT”: THREAT TO FREE, FAIR ELECTION IN NIGERIA
THE AUDACITY OF “GO TO COURT”: A THREAT TO FREE, FAIR ELECTION IN NIGERIAIt is no more news to Nigerians who are exposed to the media that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has encouraged aggrieved politicians in Edo State to seek resolution through the judiciary following the recent governorship election. While this call might have emphasized the importance of utilizing legal avenues while maintaining the integrity of the democratic process to address disputes to some Nigerians, to this writer, it is not. The reason for having an opposing view on the issue cannot be farfetched as it is an impunity that is been taken too far to the detriment of Nigerian democracy.In recent years, the phrase “Go to court” has become a recurring refrain in Nigeria’s political landscape, especially following contentious elections. What was once a neutral option for addressing grievances has now evolved into a shield of impunity, a defiant declaration made by political elites to justify electoral misconduct. This audacious stance is a growing menace, threatening the foundation of free and fair elections in Nigeria.Nigeria’s democratic system, still evolving, has always been susceptible to election-related conflicts. However, recent election cycles have seen an alarming rise in the use of “Go to court” as a smug response to accusations of election rigging, voter suppression, and other irregularities. Political actors, armed with powerful legal teams and financial muscle, appear increasingly indifferent to the electoral process. In their minds, elections are no longer determined by the will of the people but by how well they can maneuver the courts to affirm their desired outcomes.This practice not only undermines the spirit of democracy but also emboldens those with resources to manipulate the judiciary to their advantage. For ordinary Nigerians, this sends a chilling message: elections are a mere formality, and their votes do not really count. Political campaigns are reduced to performances, while the real contest takes place in backdoor meetings with lawyers and judges.What this does to the psyche of the electorate cannot be overstated. For a country that has worked hard to shake off the shadows of dictatorship and military rule, the repeated disrespect for electoral integrity brings us dangerously close to democratic collapse. Voters may eventually lose interest in exercising their franchise, feeling that their voices are lost in the machinery of judicial politicking. This electoral apathy could deal a fatal blow to Nigeria’s democratic future.The judiciary should be the guardian of democracy, upholding justice and fairness when elections are disputed. But in Nigeria, the courts are increasingly seen as the final battleground where electoral victory is confirmed or overturned, often based on technicalities rather than the substance of the vote itself. This gives rise to a troubling phenomenon where elections are conducted without seriousness, knowing that the results can be “fixed” later in court.In too many cases, elections are being won or lost not based on voter turnout or the legitimacy of the process, but on intricate legal arguments that hinge on minor procedural errors. While due process is essential to the rule of law, it is worrisome when the judicial process becomes the primary determinant of who holds power, rather than the electoral process itself. This makes the courts an attractive tool for power-hungry politicians to either maintain control or usurp their rivals.More worrisome is that some political actors, confident in their ability to sway court rulings, engage in election malpractices with no fear of consequence. They view “Go to court” as the ultimate escape route, relying on prolonged legal battles and exploiting procedural loopholes. This erodes public confidence in both the electoral process and the judiciary.The perception of judicial bias or corruption, where court rulings can be influenced by wealth or political connections, fuels this dangerous trend. While there are…
MEDIA OMBUDSMAN RULES AGAINST DAILY TRUST FOR FALSE REPORTAGE OF SAMOA AGREEMENT
MEDIA OMBUDSMAN RULES AGAINST DAILY TRUST FOR FALSE REPORTAGE OF SAMOA AGREEMENTIn view of the complaint by the government of Nigeria filed against daily trust newspapers regarding their coverage of the Samoa Agreement, the National Media Complaints Commission has ruled against daily trust while asking the newspaper to apologise publicly for its inaccurate and wrong reportage of the content of the Samoa agreement. This was contained in a report published after a lengthy investigation into the issue by the commission involving all parties.According to the NMCC, the Commission remains committed to providing the public with an independent forum for resolving complaints about the media, resolving all complaints speedily and fairly, with a view to maintaining high standards of journalism practice and journalistic ethics, and defending the freedom of the press and the rights of the people to know.DETAILS OF THE INVESTIGATION:According to the report, “it was, therefore, inaccurate and wrong for the Daily Trust to state in its reporting that the agreement contained clauses compelling underdeveloped and developing nations to support the agitations by LGBTQ community, especially also in the light of the fact that it noted in the same news report of July 4, 2024 that when the newspaper contacted Mr. Bolaji Adebiyi, media assistant to the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Alhaji Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, it was clearly told that “nowhere in the documents (Agreement) were LGBTQ or same sex marriage mentioned even remotely”.Given this rebuttal of the thrust of the news story, since the Daily Trust had apparently decided to go ahead with its reporting as borne out by its publication, and had evidence to the contrary, the newspaper should have said so in its report and cited the relevant portion or portions of the Samoa Agreement to back up this assertion.Whilst the Daily Trust may be commended for its healthy interest in a story of national and global importance as provided for in Article 2.5 and 2.7 of the Code of Ethics, the same cannot be said for its performance with respect to the other provisions of the relevant portions of the Code, namely Article: 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, and 2.8.Accordingly, we find that the article complained about was not factual, accurate, balanced, and fair, and therefore, violated Article 2.1 of the Revised Code of Ethics, 2022.The Daily Trust report of July 4, 2024, also flouted Article 2.2. The plea that it was unsure of the version of the Samoa Agreement signed by the federal government cannot avail it, as the Daily Trust did not advance any argument that it sought for a copy of the signed Samoa Agreement from the Complainant, and it was denied, nor did its reporting indicate that it independently sourced it before its publication of July 4, 2024.The Daily Trust also did not present to the NMCC any version of the Samoa Agreement that supported the assertions contained in its July 4, 2024 story on the issue. On the contrary, the copy of the Samoa Agreement submitted to the NMCC by the Daily Trust is the same version of the Agreement submitted by the Federal Government, which contained no reference whatsoever to the issue of LGBTQ.In this regard, the article was hasty, inaccurate, and misleading, contrary to the due diligence that Article 2.2 prescribes. Even after being informed of the inaccuracy and misleading nature of the report, the Daily Trust failed to promptly publish a correction.We find that the Daily Trust violated Article 2.3 of the Revised Code of Ethics, 2022 as it did not discharge its duty to report as accurately as possible.To the extent that the Daily Trust did not make any appreciable effort to establish the relevant facts in its reporting and seemed to substitute the opinions of its sources for…
OBA OF BENIN COUNTERS OSHIOMHOLE: I NEVER ADVISED AGAINST OBASEKI’S GOVERNORSHIP CANDIDATURE
OBA OF BENIN COUNTERS OSHIOMHOLE: I NEVER ADVISED AGAINST OBASEKI’S GOVERNORSHIP CANDIDATURE The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, on Sunday, publicly denied a claim by former Edo State governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, that he advised against the 2016 gubernatorial candidacy of Governor Godwin Obaseki. Oshiomhole made the assertion during a visit to the Benin palace, following the All Progressives Congress (APC)’s victory in the Saturday gubernatorial election. While addressing the monarch, Oshiomhole, who knelt before him, stated, “Your Royal Majesty, I would like to apologise for my poor judgement. Despite your advice, I supported Obaseki, believing that as a Benin man, he would respect our traditions. I now realise it was a mistake.” In a swift response, the Oba refuted Oshiomhole’s claim, stating that he never advised against Obaseki’s candidacy. The monarch said, “When you brought Obaseki to me, I did not say anything against him. I want to correct that. I didn’t advise against him when you presented him.” He further pointed to Elemah, a former chairman of the Edo State Board of Internal Revenue and Oshiomhole’s close associate, as a witness to the encounter. “You will recall, this one is your witness when you brought Obaseki to introduce him to me,” the Oba remarked. The interaction, which took place in the presence of notable figures such as Senate President Godswill Akpabio and APC leader Senator Okpebholo, added a dramatic twist to the celebratory atmosphere surrounding the APC’s electoral victory.
SWEAR WITH QURAN YOU’VE NO CONNECTION WITH BANDITS – MINISTER CHALLENGES GOVERNOR
SWEAR WITH QURAN YOU’VE NO CONNECTION WITH BANDITS – MINISTER CHALLENGES GOVERNOR The Minister of State for Defence Bello Matawalle, on Tuesday challenged the Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal to swear an oath with the Quran that he has no hands in banditry affecting the state. Matawalle gave the charge while rejecting the governor’s claim which linked him to banditry in the state. Speaking on Channels TV’s Sunrise Daily, the minister recalled how he swore using the Quran that he had no connection with banditry in the state. Lawal had charged the minister to address the allegations of him sponsoring banditry and money laundering during his tenure as governor. Reacting, Matawalle said: “Let me remind you when I was a governor, I was the only governor that swore by the Holy Quran that I have no hand or connections with banditry or I am not happy with what is happening. I swore that if I was happy or part of it, God should not give me one second. “I challenged all the politicians that time including Dauda, but none of them could take the oath. But I took it because I know my mind, I know I have a clean heart. And not only that, including all my councillors, chairmen, and commissioners, I will not give you an appointment, you have to take the oath. “And up till tomorrow, I am challenging these people to take the oath that I have taken. “They are part of the banditry, if not, let them take the oath with the holy Quran openly with all the Imams in Zamfara State. And since that time none of them have taken this oath.”
FG APPROVES REVISION OF CONSOLIDATED SALARY STRUCTURE
FG APPROVES REVISION OF CONSOLIDATED SALARY STRUCTURE The Federal Government has approved the revision of the Consolidated Public Service Salary Structure, CONPSS, with effect from July 24. The Chairman, National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, NSIWC, Ekpo Nta, said this during a press briefing on Tuesday in Abuja. Mr Nta said that President Bola Tinubu assented to the Act after the Bill was forwarded to him by the National Assembly. He said that any federal public service, whether self funded or treasury funded that had not received a circular to this effect, specifically from the NSIWC, should contact it for further directives. Mr Nta said: “This is to avoid an un-coordinated implementation which has the tendency to destroy the existing salary relativities in the federal public service.” He said that NSIWC would issue further directives on how pensioners, NYSC members and interns would benefit from the implementation. The chairman listed other revised templates to include: Consolidated Research and Allied Institutions Salary Structure (CONRAISS), Consolidated Universities Academic Salary Structure (CONUASS) and Consolidated Tertiary Institutions Salary Structure II ( CONTISS II). He said others were: The Consolidated Polytechnics and Colleges of Education Academic Staff Salary Structure (CONPCASS), Consolidated Tertiary Educational Institutions Salary Structure (CONTEDISS) and Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS). Mr Nta named others to include: Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS), Consolidated Para-Military Salary Structure, CONPASS, and Consolidated Police Salary Structure (CONPOSS). The rest were: Consolidated Intelligence Community Salary Structure (CONICSS) and Consolidated Armed Forces Salary Structure (CONAFSS). “This is consequent to the enactment of the NSIWC Amendment Act 2024 and the Memorandum of Understanding reached by the committee on consequential adjustments in salaries arising from the National Minimum Wage (Amendment) Act, 2024. ” Between the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Trade Union sides of the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council Sept. 20,” Mr Nta said.
HARDSHIP IS REAL, PEOPLE ARE SUFFERING – ORJI UZOR KALU TELLS TINUBU
HARDSHIP IS REAL, PEOPLE ARE SUFFERING – ORJI UZOR KALU TELLS TINUBU Former Abia State Governor and Senator representing Abia North, Orji Uzor Kalu, has voiced out on the hardship and pains Nigerians have had to endure as a result of the policies introduced by President Bola Tinubu. Kalu, during a press briefing at the National Assembly on Tuesday, said President Tinubu needs to deploy urgent means of succour to cushion the sufferings Nigerians are going through. The former Governor, while acknowledging the fuel subsidy removal by President Tinubu as a bold and necessary move, lamented the economic hardship it has brought on all Nigerians and the need for the impact to be properly and urgently managed. “The hardship is real; people are suffering. We manage about 10,000 workers in our group, and ensuring they are paid in this difficult time is a challenge,” Kalu said. He added that his organization has also been forced to introduce some cost-saving measures due to the rising cost of things occasioned by the economic outlook in the country. “If I fly anywhere, maintaining and fuelling a private plane costs between $10,000 and $20,000. I had to tell senior members of my company to fly commercially so we could save money to restructure and support our workers across Nigeria and West Africa.Everyone must be able to eat in this time of hardship,” Kalu added. The former Governor noted that President Tinubu has demonstrated strong political will by initiating economic reforms that no other leader has dared to do in the last sixty years, but called for quicker relief measures. He said, “No president in the last 60 years has dared to do what President Tinubu is doing to reform the economy. But we need to bring succour to Nigerians immediately. “He has to act today, not tomorrow, because the situation is dire. No president elected by the people would want his citizens to suffer.” Kalu also suggested that the President might consider bringing back the fuel subsidy regime. He said, “I’m not in the economic team; I have not seen the president or anyone to ask, but this is what (the return of the subsidy) the president has to sit with his economic team to discuss. The decisions he has taken are what no president in the 60 years of the republic has been able to take.” Speaking about his absence from the media space, Kalu debunked rumours of his death, clarifying that he had officially taken time off to make some academic pursuits. “There was nothing wrong with me. I took permission from the Senate President about seven days before the Senate went on recess. I enrolled in a course on democracy and the economy at a university, which I paid for myself. “I didn’t die; I didn’t go for a medical check-up. But if people say I’ve died, we give thanks to God,” he added.
NEWLY ELECTED LG CHAIRMEN IN ENUGU STATE PLEDGE TO TACKLE INSECURITY
NEWLY ELECTED LG CHAIRMEN IN ENUGU STATE PLEDGE TO TACKLE INSECURITY Some newly elected local council chairpersons in Enugu State have pledged to tackle insecurity and enhance food production in their council areas. Enugu, like other states in South-east Nigeria, has been plagued by deadly attacks often attributed to the separatist group, the Indigenous People of Biafra. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) won all the chairmanship and councilors positions in the local elections held last Saturday across Enugu State. Speaking separately to journalists in Enugu on Monday, the chairpersons-elect said they would transform their local government areas through programmes and policies that would benefit the rural communities. The chairpersons thanked Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State and the PDP for giving them the platform to contest the election and supporting them in their efforts to emerge winners. The Chairperson-elect of Uzo-Uwani Council Area, Chijoke Ezeugwu, assured the people of the area that his administration would stay focused on addressing the security challenges in the area. He said, “I will do my best to reduce the insecurity in the area to the barest minimum within 180 days. “This will enable us to invest in agriculture and make the council area the food basket of Enugu State.” He commended the people of Uzo-Uwani for voting “massively” for him and assured them that he would not take their love and support for granted. While commending Governor Mbah, Mr Ezeugwu said that without the governor’s support, some of them would not have emerged winners. He added that the party selected credible people from the grassroots to run for the election. Chibuzor Obeagu, the chairperson-elect of Isi Uzo Council Area, said his manifesto was centred on security. He pledged to improve the area’s existing security structure. Mr Obeagu, who was reelected, thanked Mr Mbah and the PDP for giving him the ticket to run for his people. “I will partner with Governor Peter Mbah to deliver a democratic dividend for my people, improve agriculture and entrench good governance, especially in the rural areas. “They should expect more from what we did in the first tenure,” he said. The Chairperson-elect for Aninri Council Area, Ugochukwu Nwanjoku, said security was one of his priorities, adding that he would activate it fully to achieve infrastructural developments. He added that he developed a policy document that would run for five years, saying he has a robust programme for the Aninri people. However, Mr Nwanjoku called on opposition parties to support his administration, as the election was now over. “I will revitalise health centres in Aninri as we plan to build three cottage hospitals, one (each) at Aninri North, West and East to bring healthcare delivery closer to people,” he said.
NIGERIAN ARMY SACKS FEMALE SOLDIER WHO ACCUSED SUPERIOR OFFICER OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT
NIGERIAN ARMY SACKS FEMALE SOLDIER WHO ACCUSED SUPERIOR OF SEXUAL HARASSMENTAuthorities of the Nigerian Army, on Tuesday announced that it has discharged a female soldier, Private Ruth Ogunleye, who accused a senior officer, Colonel I.B Abdulkareem, of sexual harassment.Army specifically said the female soldier was eased out of the service on medical ground after the conclusion of its probe, adding that by discharging her, she’s entitled to pension and all other benefits for life.Ogunleye had in January this year on her TikTok page via @Ogunleyeruthsavage1 accused Col. IB Abdulkareem, Col. G.S Ogor, and Brig. Gen. I.B Solebo, of making her life unbearable.She particularly said Abdulkareem made repeated attempts to assault her, administered injections against her will, forcibly removed her from her residence, and confined her in a psychiatric hospital for several months for turning down his sexual advances.Following the allegations, the ministry of Women Affairs waded into the matter and the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tarooed Lagbaja, subsequently ordered a thorough investigation.Giving an update about the matter at Army headquarters, the spokesman of the land forces, Onyema Nwachukwu, explained that the senior officer did not commit the offence levelled against him by Ogunleye.Nwachukwu, a Major-General, stressed that the conclusion was arrived at after an exhaustive review of the facts, testimonies and evidence presented during the investigations carried out.“Upon receipt of her initial complaint, which included allegations of sexual harassment, the Nigerian Army took immediate action. The matter was referred to the Nigerian Army Corps of Military Police, tasked with conducting a thorough investigation into the veracity of her claims.“The investigation was conducted in line with established protocols, with every effort made to ensure a fair and impartial process. It is crucial to assert that the Nigerian Army, in its bid to ensure justice and transparency, conducted an exhaustive review of the facts, testimonies and evidence presented.“The investigation concluded that Colonel IB Abdulkareem did not commit the offence of sexual harassment as alleged by Ex-Private Ruth Ogunleye. The findings were definitive and based on an objective evaluation of the available information,” the senior military officer said.The army spokesman said Ogunleye had been recommended for discharge on medical grounds since 2022, but the Nigerian Army, being sympathetic to giving her the best medical treatment possible, stabilised her before discharging her into the wider society.He added, “Hence, while the Army was addressing the allegations of sexual harassment, further concerns about Ruth Ogunleye’s conduct came to light. Her behaviour, both online and offline, raised questions about her worsening mental health and emotional stability.”Onyema stated that medical reports after an evaluation at the National Hospital in Abuja showed that Ogunleye was suffering from a condition that made her medically vulnerable.He said, “Consequently, the Nigerian Army referred Ex-Pte Ruth Ogunleye for medical evaluation at the National Hospital in Abuja, following earlier assessments made by the Nigerian Army Medical Corps that suggested potential mental health concerns.“This decision was taken to safeguard her well-being and to ensure that any action taken by the Nigerian Army was informed by a comprehensive understanding of her condition as advised by trained professionals.“The medical evaluation confirmed that Ruth Ogunleye was suffering from a condition that made her medically vulnerable.”Nwachukwu also noted that based on her medical condition, the service has shelved its decision to take disciplinary actions against Ogunleye, adding that she was instead boarded and discharged from service.The army spokesman said, “In light of this, the Army, while fully capable of proceeding with disciplinary action for her acts of indiscipline and misconduct, opted to exercise compassion and leniency.“Based on the medical report from the National Hospital and the advice of the Nigerian Army Medical Corps, the decision was made to shelve any disciplinary procedures that could have been brought against her.“Instead, the Army…