NLC REJECTS COURT RULING ON ABURE LEADERSHIP OF LABOUR LEADERS
Dons Eze
- October 18, 2024
TENSION IN RIVERS AS POLICE TAKE OVER HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY; COURT SUSPENDS PRO-WIKE LAWMAKERS
TENSION IN RIVERS: AS POLICE TAKE OVER HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY; COURT SUSPENDS PRO-WIKE LAWMAKERS About 30 armed policemen have taken over all the entrances to the House of Assembly quarters located along the Aba Road, Port Harcourt, Rivers state. It was gathered that both the first and second gates to the lawmakers’ estate were safeguarded by the police with about 30 patrol vans used to block the entrances. The development came shortly after the Martins Amaewhule-led House of Assembly claimed that the governor was planning to demolish the quarters following his recent surprise visit to the facility. But the governor, Siminalayi Fubara, had explained that his visit to the estate on Thursday was harmless. The governor said: “Is the Assembly quarters not part of my property? Is there anything wrong in going to check how things are going on there? “You are aware of the developments. We have a new speaker, and I went there to see for myself how things are. There might be a few things I might want to do there for the good of our people.” It was learnt that following the alarm raised by Amaewhule, the anti-Fubara lawmakers including some chieftains of the All Progressives Congress (APC) kept vigil around the estate till daybreak. Armed policemen were seen barricading the gates on Friday to secure the facility. However, the Sim Media Volunteers (SMV) called on the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to monitor the activities of policemen in the state and ensure they observed the rules of engagement. The convener of the group, Frank Kilsi, decried the arrest and intimidation of the governor’s supporters by the police saying the development could lead to anarchy. Kilsi, who spoke in Port Harcourt, on Friday, said: “We call on the Inspector-General of Police to rein in his men and exercise restrain by stopping the unnecessary attack or wanton arrest on any of the governor’s supporters, as further harassment could lead to anarchy and breakdown of law and order that may not do our state any good. Kilsi appreciated the overwhelming support of Rivers people to Fubara and their decision to stand firm in defence of democracy despite challenges. He said: “We, the youths of the state, under the aegis of SIM Media Volunteers, do hereby emphasize the need for peace, justice and development in Rivers State. “We implore all relevant stakeholders such as the citizens, political leaders, traditional institutions, and law enforcement agencies, to ensure that the rights and freedom of the people are upheld and protected at all times. “To this end, we would like to acknowledge and applaud the great youths of Rivers State for being peaceful and law-abiding even in the face of provocation”. Kilsi commended the governor’s peaceful disposition and commitment to the security of lives and property in the state and asked him to continue on such a path of development. Meanwhile, a Rivers State High Court has suspended the speaker of the House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, and 24 others from parading themselves as lawmakers. The affected lawmakers are part of a group loyal to FCT minister Nyesom Wike. According to a court document seen by our reporter, the matter will come up for hearing on May 29, 2024. The court also prohibited Martin Amaewhule from convening plenary at the assembly premises. The affected lawmakers are: HON. MARTIN CHIKE AMAEWHULE HON. DUMLE MAOL HON, MAJOR JACK HON. FRANKLIN UCHENNA NWABOCHI HON. CHRISTOPHER KAGBANG OFIKS HON. AZERU OPARA HON, ENEMI ALABO GEORGE HON. GRANVILLE TEXENARI WELLINGTON HON, NGBAR BERNARD HON. JOHN DOMINIC IDERIMA HON. QUEEN UWUMA TONY WILLIAMS HON. LOOLO ISAIAH OPUENDE HON. ABBEY PETER HON. IGWE – OBEY AFORJI HON. JUSTINA EMEI HON. IGNATIUS ONWUKA HON. CHIMEZIE NWANKWO HON. LEMCHI PRINCE NYECHE HON. BARILE NWAKOH HON.…
HOUSE OF REPS MEMBER DIES IN ABUJA
HOUSE OF REPS MEMBER DIES IN ABUJA Isa Dogonyaro, the member representing Garki/Babura federal constituency of Jigawa State in the House of Representatives, has passed away. His colleague, Mohammed Bello El-Rufa’i, announced the death on his Facebook page on Friday morning, describing Dogonyaro as a “brilliant parliamentarian and an overall good man.” The Deputy House Spokesperson, Phillip Agbese, also confirmed the death, stating that the family has not yet communicated with the House. According to Agbese, the funeral prayer is scheduled for Friday afternoon in Abuja. Dogonyaro’s death was also announced on various WhatsApp groups of the House of Representatives, with colleagues paying tributes and offering condolences. The lawmaker’s demise comes after a court declared him the lawful APC candidate for the House of Representatives in the 2023 general election, following a dispute with Aminu Kanta, who was initially declared the winner of the primary election in the constituency.The House of Representatives is expected to make an official announcement on Dogonyaro’s death once the family communicates with the Speaker.
COURT DECLINES TO VACATE ARREST ORDER ON EX-KOGI GOV YAHAYA BELLO
COURT DECLINES TO VACATE ARREST ORDER ON EX-GOV YAHAYA BELLO Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed the request by former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello for vacation of the arrest warrant issued against him by the court. The Judge said the former governor, having been in contempt of court by his refusal to make himself available for arraignment in a criminal charge, was not entitled to be granted any discretion or favour. Delivering ruling on Friday in Bello’s applicationfor the discharge of the warrant of arrest, the court held that Bello was taking the court for granted by his continued refusal to make himself available for arraignment in the court. While dismissing the request for lack of merit, the court said that Bello cannot be in the comfort of his room and be dictating to a court of law where he is to be arraigned. The Judge also dismissed the former Governor’s claim that the Federal High Court has no jurisdiction to hear the criminal charges against him. Justice Nwite held that Bello must make himself available for arraignment first and his plea taken before he can proceed to make any application or request.Bello on April 23 argued that the arrest warrant against him had become unnecessary since his lead counsel, Abdulwahab Mohammed, accepted the service of the criminal charges on his behalf in respect of the alleged N80 billion money laundering charge brought against him by the Federal Government.
RIVERS ASSEMBLY CLERK DISOWNS PRO-FUBARA FACTION, INSISTS AMAEWHULE IS SPEAKER
RIVERS ASSEMBLY CLERK DISOWNS PRO-FUBARA FACTION, INSISTS AMAEWHULE IS SPEAKER The clerk of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Emeka Amadi, has disowned the pro-Governor Sim Fubara’s faction of the Assembly. Amadi insisted that the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly remains Martin Amaewhule. The clerk said the three members of the assembly loyal to Fubara—Hon. Victor Oko Jumbo, Hon. Sokari Goodboy Sokari and Hon. Adolphus Orubimie Timothy—were suspended on October 30, 2023, and they cannot lay claim to be officers of the House.On Thursday, some lawmakers appointed Jumbo as the new Speaker of the Assembly.
IT’S DIFFICULT TO OBEY SOUTHEAST OPEN-GRAZING LAW – MIYETTI ALLAH
IT’S DIFFICULT TO OBEY SOUTHEAST OPEN-GRAZING LAW – MIYETTI ALLAH The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has said that it was difficult for them to adhere strictly to the anti-open grazing law enacted in some South East States. This is as the group alleged that their members and their cattle had been attacked in pasts of Enugu and Anambra States in recent weeks. National Deputy Director General of MACBAN and leader of the group in the southeast, Alhaji Gidado Siddiki who spoke in Enugu, on the heels of the recent bloody attack on Ukpabi Nimbo in Uzo-Uwani, Enugu State, by suspected herders, said their members were not criminals. He explained that the anti-open grazing law made by the previous government in Enugu State was against their business and that they made their position known to the former administration. “The government in the South East has not asked us to leave their place. So, the law is affecting our business and we made that known to government especially in Enugu. “We don’t allow anybody to infiltrate us in the South East. Whenever we see strangers or suspicious persons, we apprehend and hand them over to Police. It’s the police that do the investigation and confirm whether they are criminals or not.” Siddiki also condemned what he called the unfounded blanket accusations levelled against their members in certain areas of the region. “We appeal to the government of the South East and the leaders of our host communities to recognise us as strategic stakeholders and refrain from unfounded attribution of wrongdoing to every herdsman out there. We implore them to support us in times of need and instruct their security forces to discern between genuine pastoralists and criminal elements masquerading as such.“It is our steadfast commitment to uphold the peace and coexistence we have long enjoyed with our host communities,” he stated.
SIX SAFEST BANKS IN NIGERIA
SIX SAFEST BANKS IN NIGERIA When it comes to choosing a commercial bank in Nigeria, safety and stability are key factors to consider. You want to ensure that your hard-earned money is in good hands and that the bank you choose is financially healthy. In this article, we will explore the six safest and healthiest commercial banks in Nigeria. 1. First Bank of Nigeria First Bank of Nigeria is one of the oldest and most reputable banks in the country. With over 125 years of experience, it has built a strong reputation for stability and reliability. The bank is licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria and is a member of the Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), which provides deposit insurance for customers. First Bank of Nigeria offers a wide range of banking services, including personal and corporate banking, investment banking, and wealth management. The bank has a strong capital base and consistently reports good financial performance, making it a safe choice for customers. 2. Zenith Bank Zenith Bank is another top commercial bank in Nigeria known for its safety and stability. The bank has been in operation for over 30 years and has a solid track record of financial performance. It is licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria and is a member of the NDIC. Zenith Bank offers a comprehensive range of banking services, including retail banking, corporate banking, and treasury services. The bank has a strong risk management framework in place, ensuring the safety of customer deposits and investments. 3. Guaranty Trust Bank Guaranty Trust Bank, also known as GTBank, is one of the leading commercial banks in Nigeria. The bank has consistently ranked among the top banks in the country in terms of financial performance and customer satisfaction. It is licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria and is a member of the NDIC. GTBank offers a wide range of banking services, including retail banking, corporate banking, and e-banking solutions. The bank has a strong focus on technology and innovation, providing customers with convenient and secure banking experiences. 4. Access Bank Access Bank is a reputable commercial bank in Nigeria with a strong presence both locally and internationally. The bank has a solid financial track record and is licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria. It is also a member of the NDIC. Access Bank offers a wide range of banking services, including personal banking, business banking, and international banking. The bank has a strong commitment to customer satisfaction and has received several awards for its excellent service delivery. 5. United Bank for Africa United Bank for Africa (UBA) is one of the largest commercial banks in Nigeria, with a strong presence across Africa. The bank has a long history of financial stability and is licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria. It is also a member of the NDIC. UBA offers a wide range of banking services, including retail banking, corporate banking, and investment banking. The bank has a strong focus on digital banking solutions, providing customers with convenient and secure ways to manage their finances. 6. Stanbic IBTC Bank Stanbic IBTC Bank is a subsidiary of Standard Bank Group, one of Africa’s largest banking groups. The bank has a strong financial position and is licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria. It is also a member of the NDIC.Stanbic IBTC Bank offers a wide range of banking services, including personal banking, business banking, and wealth management. The bank has a strong commitment to customer satisfaction and has received several awards for its excellent service delivery.
SENATE APPROVES DEATH PENALTY FOR DRUG TRAFFICKERS
SENATE APPROVES DEATH PENALTY FOR DRUG TRAFFICKERS Senate on Thursday, May 9, approved death penalty for those convicted on the charge of drug trafficking in the country. The punishment prescribed in the extant NDLEA Act is a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. The resolution of the Senate followed its consideration of a report of the Committees on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters and Drugs and Narcotics, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024. The Chairman of the Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights & Legal Matters presented the report during plenary, Senator Mohammed Monguno (APC-Borno North). The bill, which passed its third reading, aims to update the list of dangerous drugs, strengthen the operations of the NDLEA, review penalties, and empower the establishment of laboratories. Section 11 of the current act prescribes that “any person who, without lawful authority; imports, manufactures, produces, processes, plants or grows the drugs popularly known as cocaine, LSD, heroin or any other similar drugs shall be guilty of an offence and liable on conviction to be sentenced to imprisonment for life” was amended to reflect a stiffer penalty of death. Although the report did not recommend a death penalty for the offence, during consideration, Senator Ali Ndume moved that the life sentence should be upgraded to the death penalty. During a clause-by-clause consideration of the Bill, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, who presided over the session, put the amendment on the death penalty to a voice vote and ruled that the “ayes” had it. But Senator Adams Oshiomhole objected to the ruling, saying that the “nays” had it. He argued that matters of life and death should not be treated hurriedly, but Barau said it was too late, as he failed to call for division immediately after his ruling.The bill was subsequently read for the third time and passed by the Senate.
CYBERSECURITY LEVY NOT FOR INDIVIDUALS – FALANA
CYBERSECURITY LEVY NOT FOR INDIVIDUALS – FALANA Senior lawyer Femi Falana, SAN, has said that the recently imposed 0.5 per cent cybersecurity levy is not meant for individuals. Falana made this known in a statement on Thursday, saying the circular of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, wrongly interpreted the provisions of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act 2024. “The CBN should also apologise to Nigerians for the misleading interpretation of the clear and unambiguous provisions of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act 2024,” he said. The federal government had announced a levy of 0.5 per cent on the value of all electronic transactions. According to the announcement, the levy was to be remitted to the National Cybersecurity Fund, overseen by the Office of the National Security Adviser, NSA. Falana said even though the said levy is payable by the businesses listed in the second schedule to the principal Act, the CBN wrongly directed all financial institutions to apply the levy at the point of electronic transfer origination.“The erroneous interpretation might have arisen from the substitution of ‘businesses’ for ‘business’ in the amendment. For the avoidance of doubt, by virtue of Section 42(a) of the Cybercrime Act 2025 as amended, the businesses which are required to pay the levy are GSM service providers and all telecommunications companies; Internet service providers; banks and other financial institutions; insurance companies; and the Nigerian Stock Exchange,” Falana said.
#TINUBUMUSTGO TRENDS ON TWITTER, NIGERIANS MAKE SIX DEMANDS
#TINUBUMUSTGO TRENDS ON TWITTER, NIGERIANS MAKE SIX DEMANDS Nigerians have taken to Twitter with a vengeance, igniting a social media firestorm with the hashtag #TinubuMustGo. The call for action has become a rallying cry, demanding a shift in the political landscape. This comes in response to the recent introduction of a 0.5% Cyber Security Level for cash transactions, which has sparked widespread outrage among Nigerians. Peter Obi, the Presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 presidential election has also voiced his strong opposition to the new policy. According to Obi, President Bola Tinubu is only interested in “milking a dying economy.” Other prominent Nigerians, including some of Tinubu’s own supporters, have also joined the chorus of disapproval. A member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Presidential Campaign Council, Adetokunbo Pearse said that President Bola Tinubu was just a book keeper, while describing his economic policies, especially on petrol subsidy removal as a disaster. Pearse who spoke while featuring on a Channels TV programme, on Monday, had said Nigerians desire to know the actual landing cost of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) popularly known as petrol. He had said instead of destroying the economy with total subsidy removal, President Tinubu should have thoroughly scrutinised the Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, over the fluctuations in landing cost. In a series of tweets made by Nigerian netizens on X, the citizens regretted voting for Tinubu in 2023 general election. A user, Fast Naija Update wrote: “The same mumu people that voted for Tinubu are now shouting #Tinubu MustGo. Mumu tribal bigots everywhere. Shola Oba of Benin Sky b Kogi.” Kris: “#Tinubu MustGo #Tinubu MustGo #Tinubu MustGo No matter how the p**** threatens the sky, las las e go bow him head go down in shame. @officialABAT you may steal from the national treasure but you will never steal from the Nigerian people. Nigeria no be Lagos. You thief!” Another user, Prince_Dabby wrote: “If you saw this cap and still went ahead and voted him Then you are prt of the problem … See the connection between the cap and what he’s doing #Tinubu MustGo.” Royal Spotlight: “Tinubu came to office, settles himself with a yacht, nice car for first lady. Lawmakers wanted to shout, he shüt their møuths with brand new SUVs. Settles VP and chief of staff with humongous allocations to renovate their wings. The rest is TAX, TAX, TAX #TinubuMustGo.” Teemah: “If you saw this cap and still went ahead and voted him Then you are prt of the problem. See the connection between the cap and what he’s doing #TinubuMustGo.” Zamani: “Hunger na your mate? Tinubu done reset una Brain Lord Justus N: “And so it begins with #TinubuMustGo.” The same mumu people that voted for Tinubu are now shouting #TinubuMustGo. Mumu tribal bigots everywhere Shola Oba of Benin Sky b kogi pic.twitter.com/2KpleaXpgl — Fast Naija Update (@FastNaijaUpdate) May 9, 2024 If you saw this cap and still went ahead and voted himThen you are prt of the problem …See the connection between the cap and what he’s doing #TinubuMustGo pic.twitter.com/mFTBHQu4N4 — Prince_Dabby👑 (@chydabby055) May 9, 2024 Tinubu came to office, settles himself with a yacht, nice car for first lady. Lawmakers wanted to shout, he shüt their møuths with brand new SUVs… Settles VP and chief of staff with humongous allocations to renovate their wings… The rest is TAX, TAX, TAX! #TinubuMustGo pic.twitter.com/UotdIyjgK0 — Royal Spotlight (@Royal_Spotlight) May 8, 2024 And so it begins with #TinubuMustGo pic.twitter.com/3YJnXXTNh3 — LORD JUSTUS N (@LordJustusN) May 8, 2024 If you saw this cap and still went ahead and voted himThen you are prt of the problem …See the connection between the cap and what he’s doing…
SENATE APPROVES DEATH PENALTY FOR DRUG TRAFFICKERS
SENATE APPROVES DEATH PENALTY FOR DRUG TRAFFICKERS Senate on Thursday, May 9, approved death penalty for those convicted on the charge of drug trafficking in the country. The punishment prescribed in the extant NDLEA Act is a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. The resolution of the Senate followed its consideration of a report of the Committees on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters and Drugs and Narcotics, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024. The Chairman of the Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights & Legal Matters presented the report during plenary, Senator Mohammed Monguno (APC-Borno North). The bill, which passed its third reading, aims to update the list of dangerous drugs, strengthen the operations of the NDLEA, review penalties, and empower the establishment of laboratories. Section 11 of the current act prescribes that “any person who, without lawful authority; imports, manufactures, produces, processes, plants or grows the drugs popularly known as cocaine, LSD, heroin or any other similar drugs shall be guilty of an offence and liable on conviction to be sentenced to imprisonment for life” was amended to reflect a stiffer penalty of death. Although the report did not recommend a death penalty for the offence, during consideration, Senator Ali Ndume moved that the life sentence should be upgraded to the death penalty. During a clause-by-clause consideration of the Bill, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, who presided over the session, put the amendment on the death penalty to a voice vote and ruled that the “ayes” had it. But Senator Adams Oshiomhole objected to the ruling, saying that the “nays” had it. He argued that matters of life and death should not be treated hurriedly, but Barau said it was too late, as he failed to call for division immediately after his ruling.The bill was subsequently read for the third time and passed by the Senate.