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- July 4, 2024
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NNAMDI KANU AGREES TO COMPLY WITH TINUBU GOVT’S TERMS OF RELEASE – ABARIBE
NNAMDI KANU AGREES TO COMPLY WITH TINUBU GOVT’S TERMS OF RELEASE – ABARIBE The detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has reportedly agreed to comply with the conditions set by President Bola Tinubu-led Nigerian government for his release from the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS). This was disclosed by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe representing Abia South Senatorial District on Wednesday after their recent meeting between the South-East Senators and the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) on Kanu’s release. Led by Senator Abaribe, approximately 15 federal lawmakers participated in the closed-door meeting. Senator Abaribe, speaking on behalf of his colleagues after the meeting, expressed optimism that the Attorney-General would influence the Federal Government to consider releasing Kanu. He emphasised that Kanu’s prolonged detention was contributing to heightened insecurity and unrest in the South-East region. Senator Abaribe was reported to have said that he had personally met with Kanu at the DSS headquarters, where Kanu expressed readiness to comply with any conditions set by the government for his release. The senators’ meeting with the Attorney-General followed the South-East governors’ decision to appeal directly to President Tinubu for Kanu’s freedom. Earlier, a group of 50 members from the House of Representatives had urged President Tinubu to instruct the Attorney-General to use Section 174 of the Constitution to terminate the terrorism-related charges against Kanu in court. Nnamdi Kanu’s legal saga began with his initial arrest in Lagos in October 2015, subsequent bail in April 2017, and eventual escape from the country amid his trial. He was re-arrested in Kenya in June 2021 and has since remained in custody of the DSS. Despite the Court of Appeal’s order for his release in October 2022, the Supreme Court later overturned this decision in December 2023, allowing the Federal Government to proceed with the trial on seven remaining charges.This ongoing legal battle continues to attract significant attention and advocacy efforts from lawmakers and leaders in the South East region of Nigeria.
ENUGU GOVERNOR, PETER MBAH, SIGNS FOUR BILLS INTO LAW, SAYS NO MORE LAND-GRABBING
ENUGU GOVERNOR, PETER MBAH, SIGNS FOUR BILLS INTO LAW, SAYS NO MORE LAND- GRABBING Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, has signed four bills into law, saying they were part of his administration’s effort to make the state the number one in Ease of Doing Business and preferred destination for investment, business, tourism, and living. They are the Enugu State Properties Protection Law, to checkmate the activities of land grabbers; Enugu State Ranch Management Law to stem the tide of open grazing and attract both local and foreign investment in the livestock industry; the Enugu State Sports Development Fund Law to reposition the sports sector as a major source of economic growth and the Enugu State Environmental, and Climate Protection Law. At the ceremony witnessed by the Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon. Uchenna Ugwu and the Clerk of the State Assembly, Dr. Emma Udaya, among other senior government functionaries, Mbah said that with the laws, the days of land-grabbing and open-grazing were numbered. “The Enugu State Properties Protection Law is in line with our promise to enhance the ease of doing business in Enugu State. People, who come to Enugu State to invest in property, must do so in sure knowledge that the title document that is issued to them is worth much more than the paper that it is written on. “That is why we frown at land grabbers, people who go out there to grab land even when they do not have any title to that land. Essentially, this law is designed to penalise such acts. This is a big warning to those people who engage in going to empty plots of land to grab them. Under the new law, there are severe and strict punishments that await people who get themselves involved in such acts”, he said. He also regretted the total misunderstanding of the Ranch Management Agency Law, saying that with the law now in place, people were now expected to rear cows in a civilised manner. “This law, I believe, has been misunderstood and misinterpreted. We had sometime been accused of surreptitiously trying to introduce something beyond just ranching. “However, we have to put an end to the idea of having cattle graze openly and then creating friction between our farmers and herders. Our objective here is to ensure that it ends. “In the 21st Century, there is no reason why we should encourage the open grazing of cattle. So, this law is essentially designed to ensure that people act in a civilised manner. “We are going to ensure that we have enough services, create abattoir and proper cattle market, not where people will come and live,” he said. On the Environmental and Climate Protection Law, he said, “Again, we understand the importance of just going beyond mere lip service in protecting our environment. So, what we have done here today is to set out clear policies and plans for us to protect our environment. We all know the danger that the depletion of the ozone layer poses to us as a people.” Governor Mbah further explained that the Enugu State Sports Development Fund Law would assist the state to “build capacity, nurture talents from the grassroots, encourage school sports, and essentially develop our sports sector.“ “We see sports not just as recreation. We see it as a veritable sector by means of which we can encourage business. And the bill that is signed into law today is going to help us accomplish it,” the governor concluded. He commended the State Assembly for expeditiously passing the various executive bills initiated by his administration, saying such partnership was the beauty of democracy.In his remarks earlier, the Speaker, Hon. Ugwu, expressed happiness that the bills…
I DIDN’T DISCUSS NNAMDI KANU’S RELEASE WITH SOUTH EAST GOVERNORS – OBASANJO
I DIDN’T DISCUSS NNAMDI KANU’S RELEASE WITH SOUTH EAST GOVERNORS – OBASANJO Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has clarified that the issue of releasing Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), was not part of the discussions he had with the South-East governors in Enugu, Enugu State, on Tuesday. In a statement released by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, Obasanjo stated that while he and former Commonwealth Secretary-General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, met with the governors to discuss regional development issues, the purported planned release of Kanu by the Federal Government was not on the agenda. The statement read, “The regional development issues discussed include that of security and infrastructure. Others were economic and cooperative/collaboration, which was meant to complement the national economic development agenda. The meeting with them was at my invitation and of Chief Emeka Anyaoku before their summit begins. The issue of Nnamdi Kanu was not on the agenda and was not discussed in my presence.” This clarification comes after it was reported that the South-East Governors Forum had resolved to visit President Bola Tinubu and interface with the Federal Government to secure the release of the detained IPOB leader. The governors made this resolution during their meeting in Enugu on Tuesday, which was attended by all five South-East governors: Peter Mbah (Enugu), Alex Otti (Abia), Prof. Charles Soludo (Anambra), Francis Nwifuru (Ebonyi), and Senator Hope Uzodimma (Imo). In a five-point communique signed by the governors, the forum expressed grief over the death of a former Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation and the first civilian governor of Abia State, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu.The forum also resolved to activate actionable plans to implement the report of the South-East Security and Economic Summit held in Owerri in September last year, and to visit the President to discuss pressing issues concerning the South-East region.
IMMORTALIZE HUMPHREY NWOSU, EX-NEC CHAIRMAN – HOUSE OF REPS
IMMORTALIZE HUMPHREY NWOSU, EX-NEC CHAIRMAN – HOUSE OF REPS The House of Representatives underscored on Tuesday the need for President Bola Tinubu’s administration to immortalise the former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Humphrey Nwosu, who returned the late M. K. O. Abiola as the winner of the famous June 12, 1993 presidential election. The resolution was passed as a sequel to the adoption of a motion jointly sponsored by Hon. Peter Ifeanyi Uzokwe and Hon. Nnabuife Chinwe Clara. In his lead debate, Hon. Uzokwe observed that Professor Nwosu was appointed the National Electoral Commission (NEC) Chairman from 1989 to 1993 by the Military President, Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida. “The House is cognizant of various efforts made by the previous administrations to immortalise those who fought for democracy, of which we are all beneficiaries. “The House also notes that an edifice (the Abuja Stadium) was named after the winner of the June 12, 1993 Presidential Election, Moshood K.O. Abiola, by His Excellency Muhammadu Buhari (GCFR). “The House further notes that His Excellency Muhammadu Buhari (GCFR) demonstrated an honest remorsefulness of the injustice of June 12, 1993, by changing Democracy Day from May 29 to June 12, which was celebrated with all sense of pride in 2024 by His Excellency Ahmed Bola Tinubu GCFR, who was part of the struggle of June 12, 1993. “The House is worried about the continued neglect of Professor Humphrey Nwosu, who put his life on the line to see that justice was not only done but seen to be done. “The House is concerned that the National Anthem was changed, and we all pray to God to help us build a nation where no man is oppressed, yet Prof. Humphrey Nwosu is still not celebrated while he is alive. “The House is aware of many edifices were named after our Heroes past, like Louis Edet house for Police, Michael Imodu for Labour, Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport, Murtala Muhammed Airport and M.K.O Abiola Stadium, etc. “The House is disturbed that not even a road is named after this hero of our democracy to date.” To this end, the House urged the Federal Government to immortalise Professor Humphrey Nwosu when he is still alive by conferring on him a national honour.The lawmakers also urged the present administration to name the INEC headquarters after him and invite him to every Democracy Day celebration.
WHY WE’RE REVIEWING ORONSAYE REPORT – HOUSE OF REPS
WHY WE’RE BREVIEWING ORONSAYE REPORT – HOUSE OF REPS The House of Representatives has inaugurated a special ad-hoc committee to review the Oronsaye Report and other White Papers on the restructuring of federal government agencies, parastatals, and commissions. The committee, chaired by Rt. Hon. Ibrahim Ayokunle Isiaka explained that the move aims to enhance efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and service delivery in the government sector. He further explained that the aim is to identify redundancies, duplications, and inefficiencies in government agencies and commissions. The review process will be comprehensive, transparent, and inclusive, seeking input from various stakeholders, including government officials, experts, civil society organizations, and the general public. The committee’s goal is to streamline operations, eliminate duplication of functions, enhance service delivery, and optimize resource allocation. The review is expected to lead to a more efficient, effective, and responsive government that meets the needs of the Nigerian people. The committee has called for memoranda from all concerned ministries, departments, agencies, commissions, and parastatals of government at all levels. A one-day public hearing on the subject matter has also been scheduled for July 10, 2024, at the House of Representatives. The committee’s efforts are expected to lead to significant reforms in the government sector, improving the lives of Nigerians.” Briefing the Newsmen at the National Assembly Complex hon. Isiaka said “Today, we are here to address the pressing need to review the Oronsaye Report and all other White Papers on the restructuring of federal government agencies, parastatals, and commissions. “As you may be aware, the Oronsaye Report, which was published in 2012, highlighted various recommendations aimed at rationalizing and optimizing the operations of government agencies to enhance efficiency and cost-effectiveness. “It is imperative for us to revisit the recommendations of the Oronsaye Report and other pertinent White Papers to ensure that we are aligning our government structures with current realities, best practices, and the changing needs of our society. “The world is evolving rapidly, and it is crucial that our government agencies and commissions are structured in a way that enables them to deliver on their mandates effectively and efficiently. *Through this review process, we aim to identify redundancies, duplications, inefficiencies, and areas of improvement within the federal government agencies and commissions. Our goal is to apply the legislative approach in streamlining operations, eliminate duplication of functions, enhance service delivery, and optimize resource allocation. This review will be comprehensive and thorough, taking into cognizance the diverse perspectives andexpertise available to us. “We acknowledge the importance of stakeholder engagement in this process, and we will be seeking input from various stakeholders, including government officials, experts, civil society organizations, and the general public. Transparency, accountability, and inclusivity will be the guiding principles of our review process. “In conclusion, the Special Ad-Hoc Committee on the restructuring of federal government agencies and commissions is committed to fostering a more efficient, effective, and responsive government that meets the needs of the Nigerian people. “In light of the foregoings, we look forward to working together with all stakeholders to achieve this goal. Thank you for your attention, and we are now open to takingMemoranda from all concerned Ministries, Departments, Agencies, Commissions and Parastatals of Government at all levels, that will enable our service delivery to the nation.
EX-IMO GOVERNOR OKOROCHA’S BUILDING COLLAPSES
EX-IMO GOVERNOR, OKOROCHA’S BUILDING COLLAPSES IN ABUJA This is not the best of time for former Imo state governor, Rochas Okorocha, as his five-storey building under renovation collapsed in Abuja. It was gathered that the building collapsed along Ahmadu Bello Way in Abuja around 9:pm on Monday, July 1. Police said three victims were successfully evacuated from the collapsed building The building collapse sent panic to residents of the entire neighbourhood in the federal capital territory (FCT). The FCT police spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, confirmed the building’s collapse in a statement, The Nation reports. Adeh said police operatives were able to rescue three persons from the collapsed building after they cordoned off the entire area. She added that the rescued persons were rushed to the hospital for treatment. “The FCT Police Command hereby confirms that yesterday, July 1, 2024, at about 8:40 p.m., there was a building collapse at Unity House, Area 11 by Nkwere Street. “In response to the distress call, the Commissioner of Police, FCT, CP Benneth C. Igweh, psc, mni, promptly moved to the scene with multiple patrol teams as first responders to cordon off the area for possible rescue. “Three victims were successfully evacuated from the collapsed building and rushed to the hospital for medical care.”Director of the FCT Fire Service, Amiola Adebayo, who also confirmed the incident said no life was lost.
RETURN 22 VEHICLES UNDER YOUR CUSTODY WITHIN SEVEN DAYS – GOV OBASEKI TO EX-DEPUTY SHAIBU
RETURN 22 GOVT VEHICLES UNDER YOUR CUSTODY WITHIN SEVEN DAYS – GOV OBASEKI TO EX-DEPUTY SHAIBU The Godwin Obaseki-led Edo State Government has announced plans to retrieve over 20 vehicles still in the possession of erstwhile Deputy Governor, Comrade Phillip Shaibu. This was made known in a public notice signed by the State Commissioner of Information and Orientation, Chris Osa Nehikhare, on Tuesday. In the notice titled ‘Public Notice On Retrieval Of 22 Official Government Vehicles’, the Commissioner disclosed that Philip Shaibu has been given seven days to return the vehicles. He stated that should the former Deputy Governor fail to obey the directive, security agencies have been put on alert to retrieve the vehicles. The notice read: “The Edo State Government hereby issues this notice directing the retrieval of official government vehicles allocated to the Office of the Deputy Governor, Edo State, which are currently in the custody of the former Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu. “The former Deputy Governor is by this notice given a seven-day ultimatum from the date of this publication to return the vehicles, as relevant security agencies have been put on alert to retrieve the vehicles after the expiration of the notice.” Shaibu was impeached by the Edo State House of Assembly after he fell out with Governor Obaseki, allegedly over his gubernatorial ambition.He was later replaced by Marvellous Omobayo Godwins, a former chieftain of the Labour Party (LP).
FCT NOT RIVERS, YOU CAN’T DECIDE WHO IS ELECTED – ACTIVIST SLAMS WIKE OVER ATTACK ON KINGIBE
FCT NOT RIVERS, YOU CAN’T DECIDE WHO IS ELECTED – ACTIVIST SLAMS WIKE OVER ATTACK ON KINGIBE An activist lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, has declared that only residents of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, can decide who becomes senator in 2027 and not Minister Nyesom Wike. Adeyanju said Wike can’t decide for the people because FCT is not Rivers State, where election results are written with guns, News360 Nigeria reports The lawyer’s comment comes amid Wike’s face-off with the senator representing the FCT, Ireti Kingibe. Kingibe had said Wike only focused on infrastructural projects that had less impact on the residents of FCT. She accused the minister of not taking into cognizance the needs of FCT residents. Responding, Wike warned that Kingibe would not return to the Senate in 2027. Reacting, the activist lawyer reminded Wike that incumbent presidents are defeated in the FCT. Adeyanju said: “Only the people of FCT can decide who becomes Senator in 2027, not Wike. The arrogance of power is what will make Wike think he can decide for the people. “FCT is not Rivers, where people write results and shoot guns. Even incumbent presidents get defeated in the FCT. “I know these folks have 100% control of INEC and other rigging mechanisms, but the arrogance is truly uncalled for.“Nigerian politicians are like power drunk Nigerian celebrities and pastors who can boast openly about getting the police to lock you up, and they will eventually do it.”
SAM AMADI HEADS LP ELECTORAL REFORM COMMITTEE
SAM AMADI HEADS LP ELECTORAL REFORM COMMITTEE The Labour Party, LP, has constituted its electoral reform committee to be headed by analyst, Sam Amadi. LP mandated the committee to carry out a holistic review of its electoral process to ensure free and fair elections. In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Umar Farouk Ibrahim, the party said the committee would be inaugurated tomorrow, July 4, 2024 at 11:00 am at the national headquarters in Abuja. The statement read, “This is to inform members of the public that the leadership of the party has approved the following persons to serve as members of Labour Party Electoral Reform Committee. “They are mandated to carry out a wholistic review of the electoral process that will guarantee free and fair elections. “The committee is given three months to submit its report to the party.” The members are as follows: 1. Hon. Dr. Sam Amadi – Chairman2. Comrade Ayo Olorunfemi – Alternate Chairman3. Mrs Dudu Manuga – Secretary4. Comrade Adekunle Rotimi – Alternate Secretary5. Barrister Calistus Ihediagwa – Alternate SecretaryMEMBERS1. Nasiru kura2. Alex Ejeseme – SAN3. Hannah Amina Yahaya4. Hon.Chijioke Edeoga5. Sen. Tony Nwoye6. Mike Igini7. Hon. Benedict Etanabene8. Hon. Esosa Iyawe9. Nuhu Toro – (TUC)10. Mohammed A. Raji11. Martins Egbanubi – (TUC)12. Mohammed Sabitu Aliyu13. Obaze Oseloka14. Hon. Oke-Joe Onuakalusi15. Hon. Auwal Aliyu Tafoki16. Prof Onje Gye-Wado17. Dr. Ishaku Adam
ELECTRICITY CONSUMPTION NOT FUNDAMENTAL RIGHT IN NIGERIA -NERC
ELECTRICITY COMSUMPTION NOT FUNDAMENTAL RIGHT IN NIGERIA, NERC The Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has said that electricity consumption is not a fundamental right that can be challenged by any consumer in Nigeria. NERC’s legal team’s position is against a suit which had asked the Federal High Court Abuja to restrain it and the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) from giving effect and continuing with the implementation of multi-year tariff order 2024 which classified electricity consumers into Band A to E. The restraining requests was filed by Barrister Festus Sanmi Onifade, who stated he sued for himself and on behalf of other consumers in suit no FHC/ABJ/CS/492/2024. In his affidavit in support of the originating summons dated April 16, 2024, Onifade contested the various power supply timelines set for residents in Nigeria, insisting that a 20-hour power supply to Band A residents alone amounts to preferential treatment and discrimination of other Nigerians. He faulted the electricity price increment and downgrading insisting that he and other customers who are on B, C, D and E are seeing their fundamental right to freedom from discrimination being breached by the development. He was of the view that the policy of classification by NERC allegedly gives a preferential treatment to Customers in band A over and above the Claimant and other customers in band B, C, D and E respectively. The lawyer sought both interim and perpetual order, restraining NERC, AEDC and the Attorney-General of the Federation from continuing with the policy of classification of Nigerian customers to Band A, B, C, D and E by their location and increasing their tariffs. In its notice of preliminary objection seen by Nairametrics, NERC’s lawyers, Harry O. Ukaejiofor and Safiiya Mohammed, asked Justice Inyang Ekwo to strike out the suit. They argued that the classification of electricity consumers into Band A, B, C, D & E does not amount to discrimination as outlined by the claimant. “There are no fundamental rights to electricity, and the plaintiffs by this action erroneously seeking to enforce a customer/consumer right against his service providers and their regulator in the guise of a fundamental right, “ NERC stated in its processes. NERC’s legal team further explained that there is no evidence that the claimant complied with the condition in Chapter IV of the NERC’s Customer Protection Regulations 2023. NERC’s Customer Protection Regulations 2023 states that the claimant’s complaint should be entertained first by the Consumer Complaint Unit of the AEDC and the forum established by the NERC in Abuja before he can approach the court with his complaint. “The failure of the Plaintiff to comply with the aforesaid condition precedents makes this action unnecessary and premature. “This Honorable Court lacks the jurisdiction and/or competence to entertain this action as presently constituted and as such the court ought to strike out this action, “ NERC submiited. The case is adjourned to 23 September for further mention. NERC had announced a new electricity tariff increase for customers in the Band A category from N66/kWh to N225kWh, that is, those enjoying a 20-hour electricity supply daily. NERC revealed the Federal Government planned to save N1.5 trillion with the tariff adjustment while subsidizing Bands below the A classification. The Commission had fined Abuja Disco N20 million for wrongfully billing Band B customers with Band A electricity tariff rate. The policy intends to align tariffs with the quality of service provided, and the latest order from the NERC aims to ensure that DisCos fully recover operational costs and earn a reasonable return on investment.The court has now been invited to interpret the legality of NERC’s policy among other things.