| Source | Date | Story Title | Summary of Reports | Subject/Category | Page No./Weblink | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ThisDayLive Online | Thursday, April 29, 2021 | Insecurity: Gbajabiamila Inaugurates 40-Man Committee | The Speaker of the House of Representatives,Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila has inaugurated a 40-man committee to find a solution to Nigeria’s security challenge that had assumed an intractable dimension. While inaugurating the committee on Wednesday, April 28, the Speaker mandated the committee members to brainstorm and finding a solution to the debilitating security situation in the country. Gbajabiamila stated that the Committee would hold a four-day security summit in May, adding that it would be open to Journalists because of its sensitive nature. He added that, “We are all aware of the grave circumstances in our country today, which has been so for some time. It has gotten to a point where this House, seating and deliberating and the Leadership felt the need to constitute this committee to begin to deliberate on how to address and tackle the situation we found ourselves. It is in view of this prevailing reality that the House of Representatives appointed a special committee to undertake a comprehensive study of the challenges of our national security from the perspective of the legislature. At the end, it will recommend a practical and innovative solution that will help us to build up our national security and tackle challenges.” The Speaker stressed that there was a clear and urgent need to take necessary action across different arms and levels of government and to articulate solutions to ensure an effective discourse of the challenges facing the country. | House of Representatives, 40-Man Committee, Insecurity | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/04/29/insecurity-gbajabiamila-inaugurates-40-man-committee/ | |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Thursday, April 29, 2021 | FEC Debates Worsening Poverty, Adopts Policy to Mitigate Menace | The Federal Executive Council (FEC), on Wednesday, April 28, 2021, approved a National Poverty Reduction With Growth Strategy (NPRGS) submitted by the Presidential Economic Advisory Council (PEAC). During a closed-door session, FEC debated the issue and sanctioned the new policy to tackle the worsening lack bedevilling the country. Briefing newsmen after the meeting presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari at the State House, Abuja, the President's Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, stated that the Executive Council took note of the situation during an extensive debate on the matter. According to him, the Federal Government is conscious of the poverty level and already doing something about it. He stated that Vice President Yemi Osinbajo is to chair the steering committee of the new policy to provide the needed guidance for its full implementation. Also speaking, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Hajiya Sadiya Farouk, decried the incessant attacks on camps of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Makurdi, Benue State and elsewhere, calling on the relevant agencies to beef up security around them. She stated that her ministry was working to alleviate the suffering of the inmates and facilitate their resettlement. | Federal Executive Council (FEC), Poverty | https://guardian.ng/news/fec-debates-worsening-poverty-okays-policy-to-mitigate-menace/ | |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Thursday, April 29, 2021 | INEC Laments Delay in Passage of the Electoral Act | The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), on Wednesday, April 28, expressed disappointment that about just a year and nine months to the next general elections, the National Assembly is yet to pass the Electoral Act (Repeal and re-enactment) Bill. Chairman of INEC, Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu, in his remarks during a public hearing on Electoral Offences Commission Bill, stated that: “INEC is anxious to know the legal framework to govern the conduct of the 2023 general elections. The 2023 general elections will hold on Saturday February 18, 2023, which is exactly one year, nine months, two weeks and six days away from today.” Yakubu stated that the timetable would be released immediately after the Anambra State governorship election scheduled to hold on November 6, 2021. He added that, “To do so, there should be clarity and certainty about the electoral legal framework to govern the 2023 general elections.” Yakubu, who expressed INEC's support for the National Electoral Offences Commission Bill, however, lamented that the public hearing on it was being done 13 years after the recommendation of the Uwais Committee in 2008. He noted that INEC is saddled with a lot of responsibilities ranging from registration and regulation of political parties to conduct of elections, registration of voters, delineation of constituencies, conduct of bye-elections, referendum and recall. The INEC boss stated that the Commission would like to see more prosecution of not only ballot box snatchers and falsifiers of election results, but of their sponsors, as well. | INEC, Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill, National Electoral Offences Commission Bill | https://guardian.ng/news/inec-laments-delay-in-electoral-act-amendment/ | |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Thursday, April 29, 2021 | Senate Summons Finance Ministry, Agencies Over N7.5b ‘Secret’ Withdrawal | The Senate Committee on Public Accounts is upset by the alleged secret withdrawal of N7.5 billion from the National Automotive Council Design and Development Council (NADDC) Levy Account domiciled with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). It, therefore, gave the Ministry of Finance, Office of Accountant General of the Federation and Office of the National Security Adviser till next Tuesday (May 4, 2021) to offer explanation on the matter. The action of the Senate committee was based on the query by the Office of the Auditor General of the Federation (OAuGF) in 2015. Two weeks ago, the committee had summoned the affected agencies to appear before it to explain the alleged secret withdrawal, but they did not honour the invitation. Presenting the details of the withdrawal before the committee on Wednesday, April 28, the Director-General of NADDC, Jelani Tukur, said the agency had already written to the Finance, Budget and National Planning Minister, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed; and Accountant General of the Federation, Mr. Ahmed Idris, on the withdrawal of N3.7 billion as loan to NAFCON, N3.8 billion for security personnel car loan scheme, and N2.3 billion as loan to Steyrs Nigeria Limited. Tukur added that the agency had also written a letter to remind Niger Insurance Plc of the agreement reached on July 9, 2020 as ordered by the committee. The first letters were written to the Finance Minister and the Accountant-General on April 23, 2021 and delivered on April 26. The second was written to the Minister and the Accountant-General on April 26 and delivered on April 26. According to the committee chaired by Senator Matthew Urhoghide, all parties involved in the transaction must be present next Tuesday (May 4, 2021) to assure the committee that the money would be returned to the NADDC account domiciled in CBN. Urhoghide urged the agencies to bring evidence of the withdrawal approval while coming. The committee threatened to sanction any agency that failed to appear. | Senate, National Automotive Council Design and Development Council (NADDC) | https://guardian.ng/news/senate-summons-federal-ministry-agencies-over-n7-5b-secret-withdrawal/ | |
| ThisDayLive Online | Thursday, April 29, 2021 | Police Deploy Personnel in FCT Borders to Forestall Bandits’ Incursion | Following fears of an alleged impending invasion of Abuja by terrorists and armed bandits, the Federal Capital Territory Police Command (FCT) on Wednesday, April 28, ordered the deployment of personnel in the borders with contiguous states even as it pushed back against messages circulating on social media of an alleged attack on the University of Abuja by armed criminals. In the same vein, the Department of State Services (DSS) on the same day described as false, messages in circulation, of an impending invasion of Lagos, Port Harcourt and Ilorin by the terrorist group, Boko Haram. Panic had gripped FCT residents following the declaration by the Niger State Governor, Mr. Sani Bello, that Boko Haram had sacked 50 villages in the State and that the terror group had hoisted a flag in the State. He said Abuja, a two-hour drive from the State, was not safe as well, a position that created panic in the nation’s capital. But a statement signed by the spokesperson of the FCT Police Command, ASP Yusuf Mariam, stated that the seat of power was safe. It said the command had deployed personnel to FCT borders with other states. It also read that, “The FCT Police Command wishes to reassure residents of adequate protection of lives and property in the Federal Capital Territory. Therefore, the Commissioner of Police, CP Bala Ciroma, has deployed overt and covert strategies to curb banditry and criminal activities particularly on the borders of the territory." | Poilice, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Banditry | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/04/29/police-deploy-personnel-in-fct-borders-to-forestall-bandits-incursion/ | |
| DailyTrust Online | Wednesday, April 28, 2021 | Imo North: After 3 Months’ Legal Battle, Lawan Swears In Ibezim | Senate President Ahmad Lawan has sworn in Frank Ibezim as the senator representing Imo North senatorial district. The oath was administered by the Clerk to the Senate, Mr. Ibrahim El-Ladan. Ibezim was sworn in after three months of a legal tussle with Ifeanyi Ararume over the candidature of the party in the election. The All Progressives Congress (APC) won the bye-election held in December 2020 but no one was named winner of the poll by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) owing to conflicting court orders. Ibezim and Ararume, both members of the party, claimed victory. However, legal battles between Ibezim and Ararume over the rightful owner of the APC ticket were rested by the verdict of the Supreme Court which declared Ibezim the winner. Ibezim had on March 23 filed an appeal at the Supreme Court seeking to upturn a December 4, 2020 judgment of the Federal High Court in Abuja, and another verdict of the Court of Appeal in Abuja on February 6, both of which nullified his candidature on the grounds that he made false declaration in the documents he submitted to INEC. Ibezim replaced the late Senator Benjamin Uwajumogu who died in December 2019. | Imo North Senatorial District, Frank Ibezim | https://dailytrust.com/imo-north-after-3-months-legal-battle-lawan-swears-in-ibezim | |
| ThisDayLive Online | Wednesday, April 28, 2021 | NASS Laments over Worsening Insecurity as Buhari Seeks US’ Help | President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday, April 27, reached out to the United States and other important and strategic partners for help in combating the worsening security challenges facing Nigeria. Buhari, during a virtual meeting with the United States Secretary of State, Mr. Antony Blinken, stated that the support is necessary because untamed insecurity in Nigeria will have dire consequences for her neighbours and many other countries. His plea for help came three days after Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, cried out about the incessant killings of youth in the country and called on the President to seek help to combat terrorism, banditry and kidnapping. Speaking on the same subject, British Minister for Africa, Mr. James Duddridge, at a meeting with Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chief Geoffrey Onyema, stated that the disturbing trend of violence unleashed on Nigerians by the Boko Haram sect and allied terror groups is a complex phenomenon that would require varied approaches to resolve. The security crisis also drew the attention of the National Assembly, with the House of Representatives demanding a state of emergency in the sector. In the Senate, many senators fumed over the worsening insecurity and mandated its leadership to book an appointment with the President and Service Chiefs to discuss the issue and proffer solutions. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and a former President of the Senate, Dr. Bukola Saraki, also spoke about the security challenges hemming in the country. Buhari, during the virtual meeting with Blinken, canvassed for the support of the international community in the moves by Nigeria and the West African sub-region to tackle insecurity to avoid spillovers to other countries. He also urged the United States to consider relocating the US Africa Command (AFRICOM) from Stuttgart, Germany, to Africa, nearer the theatre of operation. | Insecurity, President Muhammadu Buhari, National Assembly | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/04/28/nassembly-laments-over-worsening-insecurity-as-buhari-seeks-us-help/ | |
| DailyTrust Online | Wednesday, April 28, 2021 | Kaduna Assembly Declares Ex-Speaker’s Seat Vacant, Extends Suspension Of Four Members | The crisis rocking the Kaduna State House Assembly took a new dimension on Tuesday, April 27 following the declaration of the seat of the immediate past Speaker of the House, Aminu Abdullahi Shagali (APC, Sabon Gari constituency) vacant over alleged absenteeism. The Assembly, at its sitting on Tuesday, noted that the former Speaker has not participated in its activities for over 120 days as prescribed by law. The lawmakers unanimously adopted the motion moved by Alhaji Ahmed Mohammed (Zaria Kewaye) to declare his seat vacant. The House also extended the suspension of four other members of the house for 12 months. The decision was taken during plenary presided over by the Deputy Speaker of the House, Isaac Auta Zankai. The four members whose suspensions were extended are Mukhtar Isa Hazo (Basawa Constituency), Salisu Isa (Magajin Gari Constituency), Nuhu Goro Shada Lafiya (Kagarko Constituency) and Yusuf Liman (Makera Constituency). The parliament directed the Clerk of the House to communicate its resolutions on the matter to all the affected lawmakers. It could be recalled that Shagali had on February 25 last year resigned as Speaker, citing ‘personal grounds', leading to the emergence of Yusuf Zailani,the present speaker. On June 11, there was a free-for-all at the parliament, following an attempt to effect leadership change. The fracas led to the suspension of the lawmakers involved. | Kaduna State House of Assembly | https://dailytrust.com/kaduna-assembly-declares-ex-speakers-seat-vacant-extends-suspension-of-four | |
| ThisDayLive Online | Wednesday, April 28, 2021 | Tambuwal, El-Rufai Rally North-West States to Combat Banditry | Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, and his Sokoto State counterpart, Hon. Aminu Tambuwal, on Tuesday, April 28, called for cooperation among the seven States in the North-West in tackling banditry and kidnapping. The duo spoke in Sokoto when el-Rufai visited to condole with Tambuwal over the death of Hajia Aishatu, the daughter of the late Premier of the defunct Northern Nigeria, Sir Ahmadu Bello. While el-Rufai was in Sokoto, a statement by the Kaduna State government vowed not to surrender to criminals terrorising the sSate, stressing that the duty of the State is to uphold the law and not to reward hoodlums for violating the lives, property and liberties of citizens. According to another statement signed by Tambuwal’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Malam Muhammad Bello, el-Rufai commended Tambuwal’s unflinching commitment to the pursuit of peace and security in all states, especially in the North-West. He stated that governors of the seven states in the North-West have been working closely with President Muhammad Buhari to end banditry and kidnapping in the zone. He described Tambuwal’s role in tackling banditry in the area as complete, fraternal and unbiased. He stated thus: “I want to express my appreciation to Governor Tambuwal for cooperating with us in a totally, brotherly and non-partisan manner to bring the whole of the North-West together. May Allah reward you with His blessings.” He, however, expressed concern over the rising cases of kidnapping and banditry in the zone and its effect on the public, stating that, “There is concern on the sufferings that people face, as they have been going through difficulties because of these attacks occasioned by bandits." | Kaduna State, Sokoto State, Nasir el-Rufai, Aminu Tambuwal | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/04/28/tambuwal-el-rufai-rally-north-west-states-to-combat-banditry/ | |
| DailyTrust Online | Wednesday, April 28, 2021 | Banditry: Matawalle Orders Demolition Of Informants’, Arms Suppliers’ Houses | Governor Bello Matawalle of Zamfara State has directed security agencies to henceforth demolish the houses of informants and those supplying arms to bandits in the State. A press release signed by Yusuf Idris, the Director-General on Media to the Governor, issued to newsmen in Gusau on Wednesday, April 28, stated that the order was with immediate effect. Matawalle issued the order when Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal paid him a sympathy visit over recent bandits' attacks on some communities in Zamfara, which left many people dead and several others displaced. Matawalle stated that serious punitive measures would henceforth be taken including the demolition of any house where informants, weapons suppliers and others aiding banditry activities are arrested in the State. He explained that the action became necessary in order to fully address the resurgence of banditry in some parts of the State. According to him, many people who are living mostly in the cities are providing information to bandits in the bushes. He stated that, “The activities of the informants is creating a lot of problems in the ongoing fight against banditry in the State,” and called for the active support of citizens in order to win the fight. The Governor also directed traditional rulers in the State to be vigilant and monitor activities of landlords and tenants in their domain, adding that this would help security agents to track and arrest suspicious persons before they wreak havoc on innocent citizens. | Zamfara State, Bello Matawalle, Bandits | https://dailytrust.com/banditry-matawalle-orders-demolition-of-informants-arms-suppliers-houses | |
| ThisDayLive Online | Tuesday, April 27, 2021 | APC Urges Nigerians to Unite Against Insecurity | As the security situation in the country deteriorated, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has called on Nigerians to unite against insecurity, saying that it would not play politics with matters of life and the collective wellbeing of Nigerians. The ruling party said the issue of insecurity in the country had found expression in terrorist and criminal activities of Boko Haram, bandits, kidnappers, rustlers and recently the highly condemnable attacks on security formations in some States. The National Secretary of the Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee of the party, Senator John Akpanudoedehe, in a statement issued on Monday, April 26, stated that while the party sympathised with all affected by the security incidents, it also called on all to unite against insecurity and criminality. He stated: “These are current realities and the All Progressives Congress (APC) will not play politics with matters of life and our collective wellbeing as a nation. As a progressive party in government, we are fully-focused on identifying and bringing to book the perpetrators and sponsors of this hydra-headed insecurity monster and consolidating on our visible development strides." the party therefore called on Nigerians "to shun the antics and activities of unpatriotic and sectarian opportunists fanning divisive embers, promote peaceful coexistence, eschew bitterness and unite against insecurity and crime, for the development of the country." | APC, Insecurity | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/04/27/apc-urges-nigerians-to-unite-against-insecurity/ | |
| ThisDayLive Online | Tuesday, April 27, 2021 | Governors’ Obstinacy Stalls Talks with Judicial Workers | Efforts to resolve the lingering industrial action by judicial and legislative workers over their agitations for financial autonomy for State judiciaries and legislatures were stalled on Monday, April 26 following the inability of the Federal Government and State governors to meet to harmonise their positions. However, a source disclosed to THISDAY that the meeting of Federal Government officials and representatives of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) will reconvene today, Tuesday, April 27 to harmonise positions on the implementation of financial autonomy for states’ legislatures and judiciaries. THISDAY gathered that the disagreement stalled yesterday’s bid to resolve the judicial and parliamentary workers’ strike as the government team and the striking workers could not meet as scheduled because of the differing positions of the Federal Government and the governors. While the Federal Government’s position is that the governors should transfer the statutory allocations of the other two arms of government to them directly, the State chief executives insisted on making some deductions before remitting the monies. THISDAY gathered that the two parties will today decide on the appropriate deductions to be made from the statutory allocations of the states’ judiciaries and legislatures before remittance to them. The development also followed the rejection of the N100 million irreducible monthly minimum offered each State’s legislature by the governors in lieu of their statutory allocations. | Judicial and Legislative Autonomy, Governors | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/04/27/govs-obstinacy-stalls-talks-with-judicial-workers/ | |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Tuesday, April 27, 2021 | PDP threatens Court Action as Afegbua Petitions Secondus at EFCC, ICPC | Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Monday, April 26, stated that it was contemplating court action against one of its members, Kassim Afegbua, for dragging its National Chairman, Uche Secondus, to Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Offences Commission (ICPC) over alleged N10 billion fraud. Afegbua had submitted a petition to the EFCC and ICPC in Abuja seeking serious investigation of the management of the party’s finances. In the petition, Afegbua asked the anti-graft agencies to scrutinise the N10 billion that allegedly accrued to PDP from 2017 till date, especially the money that accrued from sale of nomination forms for presidential, gubernatorial, House of Assembly and senatorial elections. In a swift reaction, PDP, at a press conference addressed by its National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, described Afegbua’s allegation as spurious and irresponsible. The party stated that it did not raise “Afegbua’s fictitious sum of N10 billion” as alleged by him, adding that, “For avoidance of doubt, PDP generated N4.6 billion and raised a budget for its expenditure, in line with all known financial regulations of our party. This budget passed through the organs of our party and received the approvals from the NWC, Governors’ Forum, Board of Trustees as well as other organs of the party." | PDP, Uche Secondus | https://guardian.ng/politics/pdp-threatens-court-action-as-afegbua-drags-secondus-to-efcc-icpc/ | |
| ThisDayLive Online | Tuesday, April 27, 2021 | Buhari Eager to End Nigeria’s Security Challenges, Says Gbajabiamila | Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, has disclosed that President Muhammadu Buhari is eager to ensure a timely solution to the myriad of security challenges facing the nation. Gbajabiamila, who spoke on Monday, April 26 with journalists in company of the House Leader, Hon. Hassan Doguwa, after meeting with Buhari at the State House, Abuja, stated that Presideny Buhari expressed his willingness to ensure that the problems are solved once and for all. According to him, though some of the solutions being given to the security problems cannot be made public now, it will, however, be glaring over time. Gbajabiamila stated that, “Some of these things, you cannot be privy to them for now. We’re still working on a way out. All I will always say, I say it all the time, uneasy lies the head that wears the crown. The President is dealing with a very, very difficult situation and he is as passionate as anybody else to bring it to closure and we are here to help him bring it to closure”. Gbajabiamila also stated that the report of the ad-hoc security committee set up recently by the House will soon be presented to the President to assist the government in tackling the security challenges. The Speaker explained that apart from security, other issues like the nation’s economy and politics were discussed during his meeting with the President. | Speaker of the House fo Representatives, President Muhammadu Buhari, Insecurity | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/04/27/buhari-eager-to-end-nigerias-security-challenges-says-gbajabiamila/ | |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Tuesday, April 27, 2021 | FG gets Deadline to Inaugurate NDDC Board, as IYC Threatens Lockdown | The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) and ethnic nationalities in the Niger Delta have given the Federal Government one-month ultimatum to inaugurate a substantive board for the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) or risk total shut down of the region. National President of the Ijaw Youths Council Worldwide, Timothy Igbifa, who stated this in an interview in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, stated that if the group did not get a positive response from the Federal Government, it would shut down oil production and the entire region. Igbifa, who presided over an expanded meeting of stakeholders and leaders of ethnic nationalities in Port Harcourt, Rivers State at the weekend, stressed the need to constitute a substantive board of the NDDC, among five other demands. He attributed the increasing cases of armed attacks and killings in some parts of the country to the Federal Government’s refusal to do the needful by addressing the causes of agitations of needs of various regions. According to Igbifa, “President Buhari should be proactive and timely to avoid crisis and sundry issues. The Niger Delta region is safe and we are hopeful that if the President sustains the tempo by doing the right thing in the region, things will continue to be much better,” he said. | NDDC, Federal Government | https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/national/fg-gets-deadline-to-inaugurate-nddc-board-as-iyc-threatens-lockdown/ | |
| ThisDayLive Online | Monday, April 26, 2021 | Governors, Speakers Disagree on Fixed Monthly Payments to States’ Legislatures | Governors and Speakers of State Houses of Assembly in the 36 States of the Federation have disagreed over the modality for the disbursement of funds to the legislature under the financial autonomy regime billed to begin in May. THISDAY gathered at the weekend that while the Governors are offering an irreducible minimum payment of N100 million monthly to each of the legislatures in the states to fund their operations, the Speakers are insisting on N250 million monthly. The governors also rejected the demand of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) and the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN) that the gross allocations should be remitted to the two arms of government directly. The governors’ hard-line position, it was learnt, might delay an early resolution of the strike embarked upon by judicial and parliamentary workers in the 36 States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), to press for the implementation of financial autonomy for State judiciaries and legislatures. While the governors have agreed that the National Judicial Council (NJC) will handle funds for States’ judicial councils, they insisted that they will deduct loans and legacy debts from their allocations. In a bid to resolve the issues and end the ongoing industrial dispute, the Federal government will today hold talks with the striking judicial workers and PASAN. However, PASAN has stated that its members will continue the strike until full financial autonomy of the State legislatures is implemented. | Governors, Speakers, State Legislatures | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/04/26/governors-speakers-disagree-on-fixed-monthly-payment-to-states-legislatures/ | |
| ThisDayLive Online | Monday, April 26, 2021 | South-East Leaders Push for Legal Backing for Ebube Agu | South-East leaders, comprising governors, religious leaders, traditional rulers and the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, rose from a meeting on Sunday, April 25 in Enugu State and asked the Commissioners for Justice and Attorneys-General of the states in the region to quickly fashion out the legal framework for the creation and operations of the regional security outfit, Ebube Agu. They also committed themselves to work for the establishment of state police in order to effectively tackle insecurity, even as they unveiled modalities for the take-off of the regional security outfit with headquarters in Enugu, which they said will work with the police and other security agencies in protecting lives and property in the region. The meeting came a day after gunmen, numbering about 15 and driving in a motorcade of three vehicles, accompanied by a tipper loaded with used tyres stormed the country home of Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, in Omuma Oru East Local Government Area and burnt down the property and appurtenances. In a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting and signed by the Chairman of the South-East Governors’ Forum and Governor of Ebonyi State, Chief Dave Umahi, the leaders also directed the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Dr. George Obiozor, to immediately form two committees, including the South-East Peace and Reconciliation Committee to promote the peace and security of lives of the people and visitors; and a strategy and welfare committee to engage and protect the people, especially those who are being unfairly treated. | South-East Governors, Ebube Agu | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/04/26/south-east-leaders-push-for-legal-backing-for-ebube-agu/ | |
| DailyTrust Online | Monday, April 26, 2021 | Nigeria Facing Asymmetric, Emerging Security Threats – Defence Minister | The Minister of Defence, General Bashir Salihi Magashi (rtd) has stated that the Nigerian nation in the last few years is being challenged by asymmetric and emerging security threats, kidnapping and economic sabotage. Retired General Magashi spoke through the Chief of Defence Staff, General Leo Irabor, at the passing out parade of Batch 30 trainee cadets and ratings of the Nigerian Navy at the Nigerian Naval College, Onne, Rivers State. He stated that the Nigerian Navy has continued to spearhead internal security in the Niger Delta region and part of the South-West against militants, pirates, operators of illegal refineries and crude oil theft, their sponsors and collaborators. He charged the newly commissioned naval cadets trainees and ratings to steer clear from what he described as today’s social vices such as substance abuse, cultism, peer group pressure and negative use of social media, and put into use the experiences they acquired throughout their training. He added that the Nigerian Navy in collaboration with other security agencies has succeeded in containing some of the security challenges in the economic sector. | Minister of Defence, General Bashir Salihi Magashi (rtd), Security Threats | https://dailytrust.com/nigeria-facing-asymmetric-emerging-security-threats-defence-minister | |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Monday, April 26, 2021 | PASAN Gives Conditions to Suspend Strike | The ongoing strike by the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN) will continue until all the 36 governors and Houses of Assembly Speakers accede to the demands of the parliamentary workers and sign Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with PASAN. Legislative activities in States have been paralysed since the workers embarked on the strike action on March 23, 2021. In its position paper addressed to the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige, the union listed five conditions, which must be implemented before it suspends the strike. The paper, signed by PASAN's Acting National Secretary, Ikechukwu Alaribe, listed the full implementation of financial autonomy for the state legislatures and judiciaries. Others include the full compliance with Presidential Executive Order No. 10, 2020 by President Muhammadu Buhari for the implementation of financial autonomy for the federal and states’ judiciaries. According to him, the decision to continue with the strike was reached after the enlarged National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the union. The NEC also demanded that all the 36 states must have the Funds Management Committee bill signed into law by the governors and that deductions should be made directly from source to the Houses of Assembly accounts. He added: “PASAN as a union is in agreement with the recommendations of the Presidential Committee on the Implementation of Financial Autonomy for the State Legislature and State Judiciary.” | Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN), Strike | https://guardian.ng/news/pasan-gives-conditions-to-suspend-strike/ | |
| Vangaurd Newspaper | Monday, April 26, 2021 | FG to Review Political Office Holders Salaries Soon — RMAFC | Chairman of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), Elias Mbam, stated last weekend that a review of the remuneration of political and judiciary office holders has begun. The RMAFC Chairman disclosed this on Saturday, April 24 at Amagu community in Ikwo LGA of Ebonyi State during the seventh ‘Ofala’ festival and 30th anniversary of the coronation of Ezeogo Aloh, Erima-Ogwudu III of Amagu kingdom. Mbam was conferred with a chieftaincy title of ‘Aka Ekpuchi Onwa II’ by the traditional ruler on Saturday. Speaking to journalists after the ceremony, the RMAFC Chairman stated that by the end of the year (2021), something concrete would be arrived at. He, however, did not indicate if the review would reflect an increase or decrease. Mbam added that a public hearing would soon be held for Nigerians to contribute to the process. He stated that, “One of the major responsibilities of our commission is to determine remunerations appropriate for political and judicial office holders. In doing that, the financial situation of the country, at any given time, is taken into consideration, including inflation and the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) among others. The commission, being conscious that a lot has happened since the last review, has commenced the process of another review to reflect the changing realities." In October 2019, Chris Ngige, Minister of Labour and Employment, had disclosed that a presidential committee had been set up to review the salaries of political office holders, adding that the last time a holistic review of salaries was done was in 2011. However, in February 2020, the minister had announced that the process had been suspended until issues relating to the new minimum wage were sorted out. | Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) | https://www.vanguardngr.com/2021/04/fg-to-review-political-office-holders-salaries-soon-rmafc/ | |
| Vangaurd Newspaper | Monday, April 26, 2021 | Boko Haram: FG Must Try Arrested BDC Operators Openly— Ndume | Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army and former Senate Leader, Senator Ali Ndume, All Progressives Congress, APC, Borno South, has asked the Federal Government not to carry out secret trial for arrested Bureau De Change, BDC, operators who have been accused of funding Boko Haram. Speaking with journalists yesterday in Abuja, Senator Ndume, who was reacting to recent arrest of some BDC operators who were accused of funding terrorism among other security issues, said the trial must be an open one for the public to be part of, irrespective of how highly placed those involved were. Ndume said when he was accused of sponsoring Boko Haram insurgents, he was tried publicly for six years in an open court, adding that at the end of the day, he was vindicated. Recall that the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, had in March, stated that the Federal Government had arrested some Bureau De Change operators who were facilitating the transfer of money to Boko Haram terrorists, adding that, ‘’I tell you that by the time we finish this investigation, the shocking details will surprise many Nigerians.” Reacting to the development, Senator Ndume stated thus: ‘’Can you imagine that 400 Bureau De Change operators are the people funding the Boko Haram. When the BDC operators are arrested now, what will the government do with them? The Presidency is already saying their case is confidential. What is confidential about it? The Presidency should expose the identities of all the BDC operators so far arrested and carry out their trial in public. If any of them is innocent, he should be allowed to go while those found guilty must be made to face the music." | Senator Ali Ndume, Boko Haram, BDC Operators | https://www.vanguardngr.com/2021/04/boko-haram-fg-must-try-arrested-bdc-operators-openly-ndume/ | |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Thursday, April 22, 2021 | Senate Approves Buhari’s Fresh Loan of $1.5b, €995m Amid Rising Debts | Despite public concerns about Nigeria’s rising debts, the Senate on Wednesday, April 21, approved fresh external loans of $1.5 billion and €995 million for the Federal Government. The loans were approved by the lawmakers after considering and adopting the report of the Senate Committee on Local and Foreign Debts, chaired by Senator Clifford Ordia (Edo Central). This is in spite of inflation being at 18.17%, a record high in four years. The loans were part of the external borrowings President Muhammadu Buhari had requested in May 2020, for the Senate to approve for financing various priority projects of the Federal Government and to support State governments facing fiscal challenges. The loan approval came as experts continue to express worry over the country’s rising debt profile, which is said to have made the country’s fiscal position increasingly fragile. Ordia, while presenting the report, stated that $1.5 billion will be sourced from the World Bank to finance critical infrastructure in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic across the 36 States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The projects, according to Ordia, are States Fiscal Transparency, Accountability, and Sustainability programme to provide financial support to States (SFTAS) and COVID-19 action recovery and economic stimulus programme to support state-level efforts to protect livelihoods, ensure food security and stimulate economic activity. The €995 million to be sourced from the Export-Import Bank of Brazil is to finance the Federal Government’s Green Imperative Project to enhance mechanisation of agriculture and agro process in Nigeria to improve food security. | Federal Government, Senate, Loan | https://guardian.ng/news/senate-approves-buharis-fresh-loan-of-1-5b-e995m-amid-rising-debts/ | |
| DailyTrust Online | Thursday, April 22, 2021 | Lawan, Gbajabiamila Want Correctional Service Delisted From Exclusive Legislative List | Senate President Ahmad Lawan and House of Representatives Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila on Wednesday, April 21, called for movement of the Nigerian Correctional Service from the Exclusive Legislative List to the Concurrent Legislative List. They made the call in separate remarks at a one-day roundtable on Reform of the Criminal Justice System of Nigeria organised by the National Institute of Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) in Abuja. Gbajabiamila, represented by a member of the House, Uzuwagbo Ugonna, stated thus “As legislators, we’ll not be opposed to amending the Constitution to remove the establishment and management of Correctional Service Centres from the Exclusive Legislative List to the Concurrent List. This, I believe, will fast tract and decongest our Federal Correctional Centres and enable willing States provide better Correctional Service Centres with better living conditions for their people.” Lawan, represented by Senator Solomon Adeola Olamilekan, stated that, “With rising insecurity, we must be ready to strengthen the justice system and be bold enough to ensure that criminals go through diligent prosecution. This is to serve as a deterrence to others, reduce wrongdoings, promote peace and enhance growth and development.” | Correctional Service, Justice System | https://dailytrust.com/lawan-gbajabiamila-want-correctional-service-delisted-from-exclusive-list | |
| ThisDayLive Online | Thursday, April 22, 2021 | Lagos Fixes LG Election for 24 July | The Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) has released the timetable for the 2021 local government area and Local Council Development Area (LCDA) elections in the State. In the timetable signed by the Chairman of LASIEC, Justice Ayotunde Phillips (rtd), the commission fixed July 24, 2021, for the council elections in the 20 Local Government Areas and 37 LCDAs in the State. Phillips stated that in order to ensure a free and fair exercise, the electoral commission also set aside July 31, 2021, for chairmanship and councillorship seats re-run, particularly were the exercises might be declared inconclusive. The commission also approved that political parties could start their campaigns on April 30, and must end all exercise on July 22, two days before the poll. It also stated that political parties must organise their primaries between May 3 and June 2, 2021, to avoid delay in publication of approved candidates for the polls. | Lagos State, Local Government Elections | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/04/22/lagos-fixes-lg-election-for-24-july/ | |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Thursday, April 22, 2021 | Strike Continues Until Our Demands Are Met – JUSUN/PASAN | The leadership of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) and Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN)in Oyo State stated that the ongoing strike by the union will continue until their demands are met. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that on April 6, Judiciary workers, under the aegis of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), embarked on an indefinite nationwide strike demanding an enforcement of the constitutional provision and court judgments granting financial autonomy to the judiciary at both the State and Federal levels. JUSUN and PASAN, made this known during a peaceful protest jointly organised on Thursday, April 21 in Ibadan to further press their demands, carrying placards with various inscriptions. The Oyo State JUSUN Chairman, Kayode Martins stated that the financial autonomy being requested would enable the judiciary to function effectively without any interference from the executive arm. He added that the autonomy would ensure checks and balances among the arms of government and democracy would have its stronghold in Nigeria. According to him, “What we are asking for does not only affects the Judiciary and legislative arms but affect the whole society." | Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), Oyo State | https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/strike-continues-until-our-demands-are-jusun-pasan/ | |
| Vangaurd Newspaper | Thursday, April 22, 2021 | Anambra 2021 Guber Polls: APGA Fixes Primary for June 23 | Ahead of the November 6, 2021 governorship poll, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has approved June 23 as the date for the party’s governorship primary election in Anambra State. The party in its published guidelines for the election, put the cost of expression of interest form at N2 million, while the nomination form is N20 million. The provisional timetable/schedule of activities for the governorship poll signed by APGA’s National Organising Secretary, Mr Ifeanyi Mbaeri, stated however that female aspirants and aspirants with disabilities will be granted a 50% discount of the amount. Mr. Mbaeri stated that the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party will meet on June 27 to ratify the party’s governorship candidate for the Anambra governorship election. According to the guidelines, the party stated that the sale and return of nomination forms will be done from May 25 to June 8. Also, screening of prospective governorship aspirants will be conducted at APGA National Secretariat, Abuja on June 10, while the resolution of appeals arising from the screening will hold at the APGA National Secretariat Abuja on June 12. The guidelines further state that resolution of appeals/disputes arising from the Primary Election will be held at APGA National Secretariat Abuja on June 25. | Anambra State Governorship Election, APGA, Primaries | https://www.vanguardngr.com/2021/04/anambra-2021-guber-polls-apga-fixes-primary-for-june-23/ | |
| ThisDayLive Online | Wednesday, April 21, 2021 | Judiciary Workers’ Strike Continues as FG Postpones Meeting with Union | The strike embarked on by the Judicial Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) has continued as the Federal Government postponed a meeting between its officials and the leaders of the union on Tuesday, April 20. Following the failure of the representatives of the Federal Government to attend the meeting at the scheduled 3pm, the union leaders staged a walk-out. The Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige later stated that the meeting with the combined unions of JUSUN and the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria( PASAN) was postponed to enable the Federal Government’s negotiating team to harmonise all issues from the Memorandum of Understanding reached at separate meetings with the other tiers and arms of government. Addressing journalists in his office, shortly after the union representatives walked out in protest, the Minister stated that the decision became necessary to ensure that the meeting with the unions can come up with a Memorandum of Action (MoA), which is implementable with time lines. Ngige added that the Federal Government believed in autonomy, adding however that utmost patriotism and tact have to be exercised to sift the issues in contention. | Judicial Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) , Federal Government | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/04/21/judiciary-workers-strike-continues-as-fg-postpones-meeting-with-union/ | |
| ThisDayLive Online | Wednesday, April 21, 2021 | Akeredolu Declares ‘No Victor, No Vanquished’ as Tribunal Dismisses Jegede’s Petition | Ondo State Governor, Mr. Oluwatotimi Akeredolu, on Tuesday, April 20, declared that there was ‘no victor and no vanquished,’ as the Election Petition Tribunal, that looked into complaints that emanated from the October 10, 2020 gubernatorial election in the State, dismissed the petition of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate Mr. Eyitayo Jegede (SAN). The petition was dismissed by the tribunal, which delivered its judgment via a Zoom and based its decision for want of jurisdiction. The PDP and its candidate had approached the tribunal, alleging that the election was characterised by irregularities and that the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate was not properly nominated. Reading the judgment, the Chairman of the three-man panel, Justice Umar Abubakar, stated that “issues raised therein in this petition are settled issues of internal affairs and management of a political party." The tribunal ruled that Akeredolu and his deputy, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa were duly nominated and sponsored by the APC in line with Section 177 of the Constitution and Section 31 of the Electoral Act. Reacting to the tribunal’s decision, Akeredolu stated that it was a victory for the people of the State. According to him, “They have said that the Deputy Governor and I were duly returned as Deputy and Governor of the State. So, I must use this opportunity to thank the people of this State for the confidence they reposed in us. We thank God for the judgment of the tribunal. And I want to thank my brother, Eyitayo Jegede (SAN), not just a brother but also my learned brother. I want to call on him and implore him, let us join hands together; let us come together, let us all join hands to build this State together." | Ondo State Governorship Election, Election Tribunal, Governor Rotimi Akeredolu | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/04/21/akeredolu-declares-no-victor-no-vanquished-as-tribunal-dismisses-jegedes-petition/ | |
| ThisDayLive Online | Wednesday, April 21, 2021 | EFCC Interrogates Ex-Zamfara Governor, Yari | The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Tuesdday, April 20, interrogated the former Governor of Zamfara State, Hon. Abdulazeez Yari, over his alleged handling of transactions relatingto the Paris Club Fund refund while he served as Chairman of Nigeria Governors’ Forum. Yari was said to be facing questions over other allegations of corruption. Spokesman of the EFCC, Wilson Uwujaren, confirmed that the former governor was invited to the commission’s office in Sokoto State. He could not confirm whether Yari was later released. According to Uwujaren, “We extended an invitation to him; He has been with interrogators in our Sokoto office." THISDAY gathered that Yari was granted bail but was yet to perfect the bail conditions at at the night of Tuesday, April 20. | Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Zamfara State, Abdulazeez Yari | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/04/21/efcc-grills-ex-zamfara-gov-yari/ | |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Wednesday, April 21, 2021 | FG Orders Implementation of Standard Operating Procedures Manual by MDAs | The Federal Government has directed four ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) to begin implementation of the first-ever Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) manual to boost efficiency, capacity and competence of civil servants in the country. The MDAs include the Federal Civil Service Commission, Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning, State House and the Federal Ministry of Transportation. Head of Service of the Federation, Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan, gave the directive on Tuesday, April 20 after she formally received the document from the Chairman of the Africa Initiative for Governance (AIG), Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede in Abuja. She stated that the main objective of the SOPs is to develop an effective system that complies with industry-specific regulations and standards for significant reduction or avoidance of operational errors and unwanted work variations. Yemi-Esan noted that, “In our era of technological advancement and digitalisation, the civil service cannot afford to lag behind or operate in isolation. We certainly cannot continue to do things in the old order and expect new results.” In his remarks, Aig-Imokhuoede state that the processes leading to the development of the 26 SOP manuals were rigorous. | Federal Government, Ministries, Departments and Agencises (MDAs), Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) | https://guardian.ng/news/fg-orders-implementation-of-standard-operating-procedures-manual-by-mdas/ | |
| ThisDayLive Online | Wednesday, April 21, 2021 | Senate, NBA To Investigate CCT Chairman’s Alleged Misconduct | The Senate has ordered an immediate investigation into the assault allegations levelled against the Chairman of the Code of Conduct (CCT) Tribunal, Danladi Umar. The decision by the Senate to investigate Umar was sequel to a petition brought to that effect at plenary on Tuesday, April 20 by Senator Istifanus Gyang (PDP, Plateau North). The President of the Senate, Dr. Ahmad Lawan, referred the petition to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions headed by Senator Ayo Akinyelure for immediate investigation. Gyang, while giving a summary of the petition stated thus: “that Justice Umar Danladi assaulted the petitioner, Mr. Clement Sargwak, brutalised him and slapped him on the face, and asked him to kneel down and used his leg to hit him on the chest and inflicted bodily harm on him. According to the lawmaker, the petitioner “is asking this Senate to investigate this matter to ascertain the role of the Justice Danladi in this allegedly unwholesome happening to ensure justice to Mr. Clement Sargwak.” The security guard, Mr. Clement Sargwak, in the petition to the Senate signed by his lawyer, Timzing Venyir Ramnap, urged the Senate to investigate the matter in keeping with its duty of oversight on the Executive and Judicial arms of Government. The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has also written to Umar, asking him to respond to the many petitions against him over alleged improper conducts, within seven days. In the letter dated April 10, 2021, but received and acknowledged at the office of the CCT Chairman on Tuesday, April 20 (a copy of which was exclusively obtained by THISDAY), the NBA through its newly constituted disciplinary committee, demanded Umar’s response within seven days of receiving the letter. | CCT Chairman, Danladi Umar, Senate, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/04/21/nba-investigate-cct-chairmans-alleged-misconduct/ | |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Tuesday, April 20, 2021 | Sanwo-Olu signs Anti-Corruption Agency, Gaming Bills into Law | Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Monday, April 19, signed the Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission Bill 2021 into law to promote accountability and transparency in governance process. With the bill, sponsored by the executive arm, the State government is expected to follow it up with the establishment of an anti-corruption agency primarily tasked with investigation and prosecution of State government officials and registered contractors indicted for economic crime and financial misappropriation. The governor also assented to the Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority Bill of 2021 initiated by the Executive Arm to co-ordinate activities of lotteries agencies operating within the State. Sanwo-Olu, after signing the two bills into law, stated that the measure was a testimony to the State government’s effort towards entrenching accountability in governance and checking malfeasance among officers entrusted with public resources. He explained that the State anti-corruption agency would be independent and also complement efforts of similar agencies at the federal level. The Lotteries and Gaming Authority Bill of 2021, the governor said, would simplify and incorporate technological innovations in the gaming sector. The law seeks to harmonise five gaming and lottery formats, such as casino, jackpot, pool, lotto and sports betting, thereby regulating the sector and checking fraudulent activities of unregistered game centres within the State. Sanwo-Olu said the former lottery law of the State did not meet the contemporary needs in the industry, which was why the executive initiated the bill to accommodate technology in regulating the business. He reiterated that the State government’s actions would boost public confidence and promote accountability in governance. | Lagos State , Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Anti-Corruption Agency Bill, Gaming Bill | https://guardian.ng/news/sanwo-olu-signs-anti-corruption-agency-gaming-bills-into-law/ | |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Tuesday, April 20, 2021 | Wike urges FG to Allow States Develop Their Minerals, Pay Royalty | Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State, on Monday, April 19, urged the Federal Government to allow States to develop and operate their respective minerals and pay royalties to the Federal Government. Wike made the call when Mr Uchechukwu Ogah, the Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development, paid him a courtesy visit at the Government House in Port Harcourt. He stated that the call became pertinent because the Federal Government which unilaterally controls the country’s rich mineral endowment has failed to translate the mineral wealth into overall economic development. The Governor maintained that in order for the country to benefit from its vast mineral endowment, the Federal Government should concentrate on the formulation of policies that will facilitate an improvement in the governance of the mining sector to improve the social welfare of the citizens. According to Wike, “The Federal Government is carrying so much load that they are not supposed to carry, allow States to develop these minerals and pay royalty to the Federal government, that is the way it’s supposed to be.” He urged the Minister to push for reforms that will enable States and Local governments take charge of the mining of solid minerals in their domains and then pay tax to the Federal Government. Governor Wike further stated that, “Minerals play a great role in terms of raising revenue for any country, so our overemphasis on oil has reduced our impact on other minerals. If the country fully harnesses the gold deposit in Zamfara, as well as other minerals in other States of the Federation, the country will make a lot of revenue from these minerals that can accelerate development." | Governor Nyesom Wike, Minerals | ||
| The Guardian Newspaper | Tuesday, April 20, 2021 | Bayelsa to Prioritise Health Sector Investments as Diri Unveils New Policies | The Bayelsa State Government on Monday, April 19 declared that it would prioritise investments in the health sector to improve the well-being of the people. Governor Douye Diri stated this in Yenagoa at the opening of a three-day maiden Bayelsa Health Summit with the theme: Achieving Improved Health System Performance Through Strategic Planning and Stakeholder Engagement. Former President Goodluck Jonathan, Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, President and Commonwealth Medical Association, Dr. Osahon Enabulele, among other stakeholders, attended the event. Diri stated that his administration had embarked on critical and sustainable measures toward addressing the challenges of the primary to tertiary health institutions in the State. In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Daniel Alabrah, Governor Diri said a centre for disease control would be established in the State within 16 months, as part of new policies in the sector. Diri pointed out that the summit was crucial to unraveling the challenges and seeking ways of strengthening the health system, as well as fostering collaboration with all stakeholders to enhance healthcare delivery. | Bayelsa State, Governor Douye Diri, Health Sector | https://guardian.ng/news/bayelsa-to-prioritise-health-sector-investments-as-diri-unveils-new-policies/ | |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Tuesday, April 20, 2021 | IPAC Endorses Results of Rivers Council Election | Rivers State chapter of the Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC), on Monday, April 19, declared that last Saturday’s council elections in the State were free and fair, and endorsed the results as announced by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC). Political parties that participated in the election were: the New Nigerians Peoples Party (NNPP), People's Democratic Party (PDP), APM, Action Alliance, Labour Party (LP), APGA, ADC, Action Progressive Party (APP), PRP, Accord Party (AP) and Young Progressives Party (YPP). Secretary of IPAC and State Chairman of YPP, Omangina Harry, who spoke on behalf of the group stated that, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) should not be blamed for the failure of other political parties. He commended Governor Nyesom Wike for keeping his promise of conducting the election, noting that from the onset all political parties had adjudged the election to be transparent, adding that the people were not disappointed in the end. According to him, “All parties in the council elections had from beginning through the continued interface adjudged the poll as free, fair and credible and a hallmark of the belief of Rivers’ people in democratically elected representatives.” He urged the chairmen and councilors-elect, to fulfill their campaign promises in their various councils, adding that the winners should extend hands of fellowship to other political parties. | Rivers State, Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Local Government Elections | ||
| Punch Newspaper | Tuesday, April 20, 2021 | FG Admits Revenues Crashing, says Nigeria Faces Hard Times | The Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed, on Monday, April 19, stated that Nigeria’s economy was facing a difficult time, saying States must improve their internally generated revenues. Ahmed, who stated this in an interview on a daily breakfast show on the Nigerian Television Authority, Good Morning Nigeria, stated that the money shared at the March Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) meeting was short of N50bn. The minister was speaking on a controversy generated by a claim by the Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, that the Central Bank of Nigeria printed N60bn in March to augment the money shared at March FAAC. However, the minister and the CBN Governor last week dismissed Obaseki’s claim. In the interview on the NTA, the Finance Minister stated that the country’s economy was stabilising from the recession, which the country exited a few months ago. She, however, added, “These are very difficult challenging times because revenues are low and the demand for expenditures are very high understandably because we have to keep intervening to make sure the pandemic is contained, as well as the economic impact it has caused. In our case in Nigeria, the crash of the crude oil prices really hit us very hard in terms of revenue. We have very low revenues, we have very high expenditures. What we have done so far is just to provide some stability to make sure salaries are paid, pensions are received every month; that we send funds to the judiciary and the legislature; that we meet our debt service obligations. That’s what we are doing. It also means we have had to borrow more than we have planned before the COVID-19 started because we need to still continue to invest in infrastructure using our national budget. Almost every other country has had to borrow more than it planned. It means we expanded our deficit very fast in 2020. 2021 is a year that we see as the year of recovery.” According to him, government hopes to achieve a growth of three per cent in 2021, adding that some of the multilateral institutions are putting it at 2.5 per cent. | Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed, Economy | https://punchng.com/fg-admits-revenues-crashing-says-nigeria-faces-hard-times/ | |
| DailyTrust Online | Monday, April 19, 2021 | N60bn Printing: PDP, APC Govs Tango Over Obaseki | Governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and their Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) counterparts on Sunday, April 18, tackled each other over the claim by Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki that the Federal Government printed N60bn to support the March allocation to States. While the former disowned Obaseki over his claim, the latter defended him. The Minister of Finance, Zainab Ahmed, had dismissed Obaseki’s claim, but the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, had hinted that the money could have been printed to support the economy. In a statement on Sunday, April 18 by the Kebbi State Governor and chairman of the Progressives Governors Forum, Atiku Bagudu, he stated that Obaseki’s claim did not reflect the true position of things. According to him, “To set the records clear and to the best of our knowledge, the total distributable statutory revenue for the month of March 2021 was N596.94bn. Due to the shortfall in gross statutory revenues by N43.34bn compared to the previous month, an augmentation was made in the sum of N8.65bn from the Forex Equalization Fund Account, which brought the total distributable revenue to N605.59bn." Reacting through a statement by its Director-General, Cyril Maduabum, the PDP Governors Forum stated that it was unhelpful for the All Progressive Governors Forum to attack Obaseki for merely warning the monetary authorities on the danger of uncontrolled ways of supporting government expenditure. According to Maduabum, “Governor Obaseki has a background in economics and finance and is a very responsible governor who talks in a measured way. His advice, which by the way has been corroborated by none other than the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, himself, and the international rating agency FITCH , should be heeded rather than being crucified for sounding a note of caution." | Governor Godwin Obaseki, APC, PDP, CBN | https://dailytrust.com/n60bn-printing-pdp-apc-govs-tango-over-obaseki | |
| ThisDayLive Online | Monday, April 19, 2021 | PDP Urges Buhari to Remove Pantami for Alleged Sympathy for Terrorists | The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Sunday, April 18 urged President Muhammadu Buhari to remove the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Pantami, for his alleged sympathy for terrorist organisations, including the Taliban, Al-Qaeda and Boko Haram. The party also asked the Department of State Security to invite the minister for questioning. The PDP demanded that Buhari should immediately show Pantami the door, given the sensitivity of the issue at stake. According to a statement by the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Mr. Kola Ologbondiyan: “Our party’s position is predicated on the heightening concerns in the public space and in the international arena of possible compromises by the communication minister, who has access to sensitive government documents and information, in addition to data of all individuals, including high profile personalities in the public and private sectors, as well as the traditional and faith-based circles.” The minister’s travails began early last week when a national newspaper amplified social media claims that he had been placed on the watch list by the United States for alleged links to terrorists. Pantami, however, denied the claim, threatening to sue the newspaper for libel. | PDP, Isa Pantami | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/04/19/pdp-urges-buhari-to-remove-pantami-for-alleged-sympathy-for-terrorists/ | |
| ThisDayLive Online | Monday, April 19, 2021 | Governors Propose Monthly Payment to State Judiciaries | Governors of the 36 States of the Federation have proposed a novel idea to resolve the impasse over the implementation of the constitutional provisions that grant financial autonomy to State judiciaries and legislatures. The impasse triggered the ongoing indefinite strike by judicial workers, which began on April 6, to press for the implementation of the law. The governors, in a report by a committee, chaired by Sokoto State Governor, Hon. Aminu Tambuwal, and which was set up by Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), proposed the payment of a minimum irreducible amount monthly to the two arms of government in each State for their operations, as against the constitutional provisions for funds due to the judiciary and the legislature in each State to be on a first-line charge. Following the failure of State governors to implement section 121 (3) of 1999 Constitution as amended, which makes votes for State judiciaries and legislatures a first-line charge on the consolidated revenue, President Muhammadu Buhari had signed Executive Order 10 to enforce the Constitutional provision. However, the governors resisted the order, as well as three separate court judgments that declared their action unconstitutional. THISDAY gathered that a copy of the proposal was presented to the Chief of Staff to the President, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, last week. The governors are also expected to meet today, Monday, April 19 with Gambari to discuss the details. The governors, it was learnt, will also meet with Speakers of State Houses of Assembly later today and hold a final engagement tomorrow with the Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige. | Judicial and Legislative Autonomy, State Governors | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/04/19/govs-propose-monthly-payment-to-state-judiciaries/ | |
| DailyTrust Online | Monday, April 19, 2021 | PDP Wades In As Kano Chapter Crisis Deepens | Crisis in the Kano State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) deepened on Sunday, April 18, as a faction of the party “purportedly” suspended a former governor of the State, Senator Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso. The PDP in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, however stated that Kwankwaso as a member of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) could not be easily suspended without following the provisions of the party’s constitution. According to Ologbondiyan, “The PDP states clearly that Senator Kwankwaso is not suspended from the party. Any claim of suspension by any individual or group, purporting to be representing any organ of our party at any level, is a mere fabrication and should be discountenanced.” Daily Trust reports that the faction that purportedly suspended Kwankwaso is loyal to a former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Aminu Wali, who has been in constant battle with Kwankwaso over the control of party structure in the State. | Kano State, PDP | https://dailytrust.com/pdp-wades-in-as-kano-chapter-crisis-deepens | |
| Punch Newspaper | Monday, April 19, 2021 | Opposition Alleges Fraud as PDP Wins Rivers LG Polls | Despite withdrawing from the ballot, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State was allotted votes in last Saturday’s Local Government Elections conducted by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC). Meanwhile, the People's Democratic Party (PDP) won all chairmanship and councillorship seats across the 23 Local Government Areas of the State. The RSIEC Chairman, Justice George Omerejji (retd.), declared the results at the commission’s office in Port Harcourt on Sunday evening. Meanwhile, some opposition political parties accused the Commission of bias and called for outright the cancellation of the polls. They specifically called for cancellation of Ward 11, Abalama in Asari-Toru Local Government Area of the State. Candidate of the Social Democratic Party, Derego West told newsmen that RSIEC officials arrived the 31 polling units in the Ward with fake result sheets. | Rivers State, Local Government Elections | https://punchng.com/opposition-alleges-fraud-as-pdp-clears-rivers-lg-poll/ | |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Thursday, April 15, 2021 | Rivers Government Directs Police to Compensate Victims of Brutality | The Rivers State Executive Council has directed the Nigeria Police and culpable officers to pay compensations to victims of violence, torture, brutality, murder and violation of fundamental human rights. The decision was taken after the five-man committee set up by Governor Nyesom Wike to draft a white paper on the recommendations of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry that investigated brutality and rights violation of citizens by the Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad (FSARS) in the State, submitted its report on Wednesday, April 14. Briefing journalists after the meeting presided over by Governor Wike at Government House, Port Harcourt, the Rivers State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Prof. Zacchaeus Adangor (SAN), stated that the police should pay compensations to victims of police brutality. He stressed that either the police authorities or the officers, who perpetrated the crime should compensate the victims, insisting that the State government should not take responsibility for the compensation. According to him, "The State government has directed the Attorney-General to publish a white paper on conclusions of the Rivers State Government on recommendations of the commission of inquiry and to transmit the white paper to the Nigeria Police for necessary action. This is because the panel had implicated some police officers in serial acts of brutality and violence against citizens of Rivers State and the entire country, including the notorious Akin Fakorode.” | Rivers State Government, Nigeria Police, Police Brutality, Compensation | https://guardian.ng/news/rivers-government-directs-police-to-compensate-victims-of-brutality/ | |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Thursday, April 15, 2021 | Senate urges IGP, Others to Investigate Ebonyi Killings | The Senate has urged the Acting Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Usman Baba, to investigate the killings and kidnapping in Ebonyi State, allegedly perpetrated by herdsmen. This was part of resolutions after consideration of a motion sponsored by Senator Sam Egwu (PDP, Ebonyi North) on Wednesday, April 14. After observing a minute's silence in honour of the deceased victims, the Senate condemned the attacks on Ebonyi communities, which led to the destruction of lives and property. The red chamber also urged the Federal and Ebonyi State governments to put appropriate measures in place to forestall further attacks. It requested the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide relief materials to the bereaved families and displaced persons in the affected communities. Directing the police and other security agencies to carry out comprehensive investigation of the dastardly attacks and bring perpetrators to book, it demanded the rescue of those still in the kidnappers’ den. Coming under Order 42 and 52 of the Senate Rules, Egwu, in the motion entitled ‘Urgent Need for the Federal Government’s Intervention to End the Serial Killing of Innocent and Defenceless Citizens in Ebonyi State by Alleged Herdsmen’, bemoaned the general state of insecurity in the country. He was worried that “if the Federal Government did not intervene urgently, the wicked and senseless killings, kidnapping and destruction of property might continue, thereby subjecting Ebonyians and other Ebonyi residents to severe hardship and terror.” In his contribution, Senator Chukwuka Utazi (PDP, Enugu North) advocated inter-agency interventions that would halt the killings across the country. | Senate, Ebonyi Killings | https://guardian.ng/news/senate-urges-igp-others-to-investigate-ebonyi-killings/ | |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Thursday, April 15, 2021 | House of Reps to Engage Governors on Autonomy for Judiciary | The House of Representatives Committee on Judiciary is set to engage the Nigerian Governors' Forum and all relevant stakeholders with a view to ensuring judicial financial autonomy. Chairman of the committee, Hon. Luke Onofiok (PDP-Akwa-Ibom), made this known during a meeting with the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) in Abuja. JUSUN began a nationwide indefinite strike on Monday, April 6 over the non-implementation of judicial financial autonomy as enshrined in the Constitution. President Muhammadu Buhari had signed an Executive Order granting financial autonomy to the judiciary and State Houses of Assembly in May 2020, after several agitations. However, the gazetting of the order was suspended after Buhari met with governors, who later expressed concern over its constitutionality. Onofiok appealed to State governors to implement the section of the Constitution that demands financial autonomy for the judiciary. According to him, if we have all the arms of government operating on equal footing, we are going to have a better society. The chairman described JUSUN’s demands as genuine to guarantee the independence of the judiciary. He, however, appealed to the union to resume work at the federal courts as the Federal Government has complied with their demands. | Autonomy for Judiciary, House Representatives, Governors | https://guardian.ng/news/house-of-reps-to-engage-governors-on-autonomy-for-judiciary/ | |
| DailyTrust Online | Thursday, April 15, 2021 | 2023: Buhari, Others To Determine Our Zoning Arrangement – APC | President Muhammadu Buhari and other top officials of the All Progressives Congress (APC) will in due time determine the zoning arrangement for the 2023 general elections, the caretaker committee of the party said on Wednesday, April 14. There have been issues over the zoning arrangement of the party. While some of its chieftains, including the minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, are insisting that there was a zoning agreement, others are saying there was none. On Wednesday, April 14, a list announcing the zoning of positions of the party ahead of the 2023 elections trended on social media. The national caretaker committee of the party, however, disowned the zoning list in circulation, stating that it is yet to zone its offices ahead of the forthcoming national convention. The list in circulation indicated that the APC has zoned its 2023 presidential ticket to the South and chairmanship to the North, among others. Secretary of the APC Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee Sen. John James Akpanudoedehe in a statement on Wednesday, April 14, described the list as the handiwork of speculators who are interested in running for various offices. He stated thus: “We are not going to be pressurised because of sentiment and we do the wrong thing. Let me say that zoning is not for the caretaker committee alone. It has to do with the President, it has to do with other major stakeholders, and it has to do with a lot of people." | APC, Zoning | https://dailytrust.com/2023-buhari-others-to-determine-our-zoning-arrangement-apc | |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Thursday, April 15, 2021 | EFCC Arrests Akwa Ibom ex-Attorney-General Over Alleged N1.4b Fraud | The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on Wednesday, April 14, arrested a former Akwa Ibom State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Uwemedimo Nwoko over alleged laundering of N1.4 billion. This followed as the commission continued interrogating former governor of Imo State and Senator representing Imo West Senatorial District, Rochas Okorocha, who was arrested on Tuesday, April 13 for alleged N7.9 billion money laundering. Nwoko, an alleged accomplice in the N1.4 billion money laundering allegation against former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Paul Usoro, was said to have been at large for over two years. However, he was arrested in Uyo on Tuesday, April 13 for his role in the alleged conversion of N1.410 billion worth of Akwa Ibom State Government property. EFCC spokesman, Wilson Uwujaren, who confirmed the arrest, stated that he (Nwoko) would be charged to court as soon as investigations were concluded, adding that he was not certain if operatives were done interrogating Okorocha. | EFCC, Akwa Ibom, ex-Attorney General | https://guardian.ng/news/efcc-arrests-akwa-ibom-ex-attorney-general-over-alleged-n1-4b-fraud/ | |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Wednesday, April 14, 2021 | PDP Screens Ozigbo, Okwenna, Okonkwo, others for Anambra Guber | Anambra State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), on Tuesday, April 12 continued the screening of aspirants for the November 6, 2021 governorship election. Immediate past President and Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Transcorp Plc, Valentine Ozigbo, Uche Ekwunife, Obiora Okonkwo, Chris Azubogu, Okeke Walter Ubaka, Mrs. Chidi Onyemelikwe, Tony Nwoye, Dr. Winston Udeh and Dr. Ifedi Okwenna were screened on Monday, April 11. Those screened yesterday are Chief Godwin Ezeemo, Dr. Godwin Maduka, Ugochukwu Uba, Emeka Etiaba (SAN), Chukwumaeze Nzeribe, Genevieve Ekwochi and Olisakwe Maduafokwa Eisenhower. The party’s National Working Committee (NWC), had last week, announced a five-man committee led by the immediate past governor of Kogi State, Captain Idris Wada (rtd) to screen the aspirants. Other members of the committee are former representative of Edo South Senatirial District, Ehigie Uzamere, former members of the House of Representatives, Mrs. Martha Bodunrin and Jones Onyereri, as well as South East Zonal Secretary of PDP, James Ugwu, who also serves as secretary of the committee. The governorship aspirants were screened at the party’s national secretariat, Wadata Plaza, Abuja for the party's primary election scheduled for Saturday, June 26, 2021. | Anambra State Governorship Election, PDP | https://guardian.ng/news/pdp-screens-ozigbo-okwenna-okonkwo-others-for-anambra-guber/ | |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Wednesday, April 14, 2021 | EFCC Interrogates Imo ex-gov, Okorocha in Abuja | Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested a former governor of Imo State, Rochas Okorocha. The anti-graft agency arrested Okorocha on Tuesday, April 13 in his Abuja residence for failure to honour an invitation extended to him by the commission. It was further gathered that Okorocha’s invitation by the EFCC was informed by series of petitions received by the commission against him. It would be recalled that a group, under the auspices of Coalition for the Advancement of Good Governance (CAGG), had urged EFCC to expedite action on its investigation of alleged pillaging of Imo State under the administration of Okorocha as governor. The group urged the anti-graft agency to go beyond sealing properties to arraigning all those involved in plundering the state’s resources during the administration. Briefing journalists in Abuja, head of the coalition, James Okoronkwo, also urged the government of Imo State not to relent in repositioning the State and recovering all stolen properties from officials and families of past leaders. The EFCC’s zonal head in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Usman Imam, had also hinted that the commission was perfecting plans to arraign the former governor for alleged embezzlement of public funds. He disclosed that the EFCC had refunded N6.1 billion to the State government from the N7.9 billion it recovered from the different bank accounts and assets belonging to Okorocha. | EFCC, Rochas Okorocha, Imo State | https://guardian.ng/news/efcc-quizzes-imo-ex-gov-okorocha-in-abuja/ | |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Wednesday, April 14, 2021 | Diri Tasks Reps on PIB, Insists on Clean-up of Niger Delta Region | Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, on Tuesday, April 13 charged members of the House of Representatives to expedite action on the passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) as to expeditiously correct some of the injustices in oil producing States. Governor Diri gave the charge when members of the House Committee on Oil Spill Investigation, Cleanup and Remediation in Oil Producing States visited him at Government House, Yenagoa. In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Daniel Alabrah, he stated that when passed into law, the PIB would be an avenue to correct some of the wrongs oil companies had done to their host communities, noting that the National Assembly had neglected the bill for too long. Part of the statement read thus: “I appeal to them to have serious interest in the PIB. The PIB has been there from one Assembly to the other. It is another source of ameliorating what we perceive as cheating on the part of the oil companies and Nigeria on the Niger Delta and its people.” He lamented the level of oil companies and Federal Government’s neglect, stating that the people have suffered so much environmental degradation and pollution of water bodies leading to increase in cancer and other strange ailments. Diri, who queried the standards oil firms apply in their operations in the Niger Delta compared to global best practices, he also canvassed cleanup of the entire region, noting that the Ogoni cleanup, which attracted international attention, was a fraction of the oil spills-impacted environment. He expressed the hope that if implemented, the committee’s report would bring succour to people of the area. | Duoye Diri, Niger Delta | https://guardian.ng/news/diri-tasks-reps-on-pib-insists-on-cleanup-of-niger-delta-region/ | |
| DailyTrust Online | Wednesday, April 14, 2021 | Acting IGP Seeks Rehabilitation Of Police Barracks | The Acting Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba, on Tuesday, April 13, requested the Police Trust Fund (PTF) to help rehabilitate dilapidated police barracks across the country. Baba solicited the support of the PTF for the housing challenges facing the police, as well as training and provision of equipment for better policing. He made the request in Abuja when he received a delegation of the PTF on courtesy call, led by the Secretary of the Fund, Aliyu Sokoto. Responding, Sokoto stated that Nigerians would soon begin to feel the impact of the Fund after the signing of the N74bn 2021 budget currently before the National Assembly. He stated that the Fund was ready to assist the Force in achieving its vision, especially in the areas of equipment purchase and welfare and others highlighted by the Acting IGP. | Acting IGP, Police Barracks | https://dailytrust.com/acting-igp-seeks-rehabilitation-of-police-barracks | |
| DailyTrust Online | Wednesday, April 14, 2021 | Resident Doctors’ Strike: Reps To Summon Finance Minister | The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila has stated that the House will invite the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed, over some issues related to the recently suspended strike by resident doctors. According to a statement by his spokesman, Lanre Lasisi, Gbajabiamila disclosed this in Abuja on Tuesday, April 13 when he met with the leadership of the National Association of Resident Doctors led by its president, Uyilawa Okhuaihesuyi. The Speaker stated that the House would ensure an amicable and acceptable resolution of the contentious hazard allowance issue and other contentious issues. He added that the House would invite the Finance Minister as part of the efforts to proffer an enduring resolution to contending issues with resident doctors. The statement further read that, “The labourer must earn his wages. We’ll monitor issues being processed, the IPPIS, training fund, hazard allowances which the House championed at the peak of the COVID-19 crisis. We’re inviting the (Finance) Minister next week so that we can talk and see how, as best as we can, accommodate all these issues and cement the Memorandum of Action.” | Resident Doctors’ Strike, House of representatives, Finance Minister | https://dailytrust.com/resident-doctors-strike-reps-to-summon-finance-minister | |
| ThisDayLive Online | Tuesday, April 13, 2021 | Let Voters, Not Court, Choose Our Leaders, Says Jonathan | Former President Goodluck Jonathan on Monday, April 12 canvassed for the overhaul of the electoral process to make the electorate the ultimate decision-makers in an elections, saying winners should be decided through the ballot box rather than the court. He described the undue intervention of the judiciary in the determination of election winners in the country as unhealthy for democracy. Jonathan, who was a guest at a youth foundation programme in Abuja, hosted by the Founder of TOS Foundation, Ms. Osasu Igbinedion, stated that the prevailing tough political environment in the country has not helped the quest for more women’s participation in politics. He stated that the judiciary had overreached itself by taking over the function of selecting elected leaders. According to him, the standard practice is that the electoral management bodies exercise the sole responsibility of returning candidates and declaring winners while the judiciary complements by either upholding declared results or nullifying flawed elections and ordering a rerun. Jonathan, however, stated that countries that conduct free and fair elections experience less election-related litigations while numerous court cases following elections are the hallmark of fragile democracies. | Former President Goodluck Jonathan, Elections | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/04/13/let-voters-not-court-choose-our-leaders-says-jonathan/ | |
| ThisDayLive Online | Tuesday, April 13, 2021 | Attahiru Tells House to Pass Arms Procurement Query to Predecessors | The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, on Monday, April 12, told the House of Representatives’ ad hoc committee probing the purchase, use and control of arms, ammunition and related hardware by the military, paramilitary and other law enforcement agencies to invite his predecessors to shed more light on the procurement. Attahiru stated this in Abuja when he appeared before the ad hoc committee investigating arms purchase in the last 10 years. Though, the Army Chief did not mention any name, but his predecessors during the period under review included, Lt. Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika (rtd), who was the COAS from September 2010 to January 2014; Lt. Gen Kenneth Minimah (rtd), who was the COAS from January 2014 to July 2015; and Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd) from July 2014 to February 2021. Attahiru stated that he was earlier invited before the committee but was unable to make it due to exigencies of duties, adding that he was either in the North-East or South-East or South-South trying to ensure stability in Nigeria. However, Hon. Ejiofor Oghene, who was not pleased with the explanation given by the Army Chief asked him to apologise for not honouring the invitation extended to him earlier. He stated that everybody in any position of authority works for Nigerians. But the Army Chief stood his ground, stating that his explanation was as good as an apology. | Lt.-Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, Nigerian Army, House Representatives | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/04/13/attahiru-tells-house-to-pass-arms-procurement-query-to-predecessors/ | |
| DailyTrust Online | Tuesday, April 13, 2021 | Makinde’s Candidate, Arapaja, Emerges South West PDP Vice Chair | A former deputy governor of Oyo State, Taofeeq Arapaja, has emerged the Vice-Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the South West. At the PDP zonal congress in Osogbo, Arapaja got 343 votes to defeat his rival, Eddy Olafeso, who got 330 out of the 675 cast; while 10 votes were voided. The election was mainly between the camp of Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, which supported Arapaja and the camp of a former governor of Ekiti State, Ayo Fayose, which supported Olafeso. Both Fayose and Makinde promised to work together with the new executives of the party in the zone to face the All Progressive Congress (APC) in future elections. Olafeso conceded defeat and promised to work with Arapaja to move the party forward. Arapaja promised to reposition the party in the zone and make it strong to be able to defeat APC in the next elections. Earlier, Fayose had told PDP members to recognise Makinde as the leader of the party in the zone. Makinde described the congress as a family contest, saying “no victor, no vanquished. This is a family affair. It is an attempt to reposition our party in the Southwest”. Meanwhile, the police shot sporadically to disperse suspected hoodlums at the entrance to the venue of the congress. | South West, PDP | https://dailytrust.com/makindes-candidate-arapaja-emerges-s-west-pdp-vice-chair | |
| DailyTrust Online | Tuesday, April 13, 2021 | FG Plans New Salary Package For Judges | President Muhammadu Buhari has constituted a committee for the review of salaries of judges, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, has stated. Speaking during the inauguration of new high court complex in Sokoto on Monday, April 12, Malami stated that the efforts of the committee would soon materialise for the good of judicial officers and the country. According to him, “Regarding the welfare package of our noble judicial officers, I must make reference to the Presidential mandate given in that regard, and I’m glad to inform that several meetings have been held, as a result of which the Committee on the Review of Judicial Salaries and Conditions of Service was constituted to ensure that welfare of our judicial officers reflect current realities of our time.” He added that the fourth alteration to the Nigerian Constitution by the National Assembly which granted financial autonomy, through Section 121(3) of the Constitution to the Judiciary and Legislature at the State level and the Executive Order 10 signed by President Muhammadu Buhari in March 2019 was to grant financial autonomy to the judiciary. | Judges, New Salary Packages | https://dailytrust.com/fg-plans-new-salary-package-for-judges | |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Tuesday, April 13, 2021 | No going back on NIN, SIM Verification, Says Pantami | Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Pantami, on Monday, April 12 stated that the Federal Government would not go back on the verification of National Identity Number (NIN) and Subscriber Identification Modules (SIM) aimed at curbing the rising insecurity level in the country. Pantami, while reacting to a report linking him to a particular terror group, tweeted via his official Twitter handle @DrIsaPantami, stating that, “On the issue of NIN-SIM verification to fight insecurity, there is no going back. Our priority as a government based on the provision of our Constitution 1999 (as amended), Section 14(2)b is security, not just economy. For sure, no going back at all.” A report, which went viral alleged that the United States placed Pantami on a “terror watch list” for alleged ties with the late Boko Haram founder, Mohammed Yusuf. The minister, however, stated that his lectures against the doctrines and all other evil people have been available for over 15 years. According to him, “The lectures include debates that endangered my life against many criminals in Nigeria. If you can’t understand Hausa, get an objective Hausa speaker to translate for you objectively.” He said that by the grace of his Creator, no amount of intimation would stop him from implementing the good policies of President Muhammadu Buhari on security. | Dr. Isa Pantami, NIN, SIM Verification | https://guardian.ng/news/no-going-back-on-nin-sim-verification-says-pantami/ | |
| DailyTrust Online | Monday, April 12, 2021 | FCT Polls: IPAC Asks INEC To Shift Date For Party Primaries | The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has asked the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to change the date for political party primaries ahead of the Council polls in 2022. INEC had announced that conduct of party primaries and resolution of disputes arising from the primaries would hold between April 1 and April 24, 2021. But addressing newsmen at the weekend in Abuja, Chairman of IPAC in the FCT, Hon. Abdulrahman Ndagi stated thus: “We believe and seek for the parties’ primaries to be shifted to between May and August 2021 for proper conduct. It is somehow worrisome that there was no prior meeting by the FCT INEC with political parties or their leaders on the preparations for the FCT 2020 Area Council Elections before the guidelines were released. Section 30 of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended) cited by INEC needs to be adhered to strictly in order to give all aspirants equal opportunities to partake in the primaries. The political parties in FCT need more time to conduct their primaries." | IPAC, INEC, FCT Elections | https://dailytrust.com/fct-polls-ipac-asks-inec-to-shift-date-for-party-primaries | |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Monday, April 12, 2021 | PDP Wins Delta House of Assembly Bye-Election | The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Jude Ogbimi, winner of Isoko North Constituency House of Assembly bye-election, held on Saturday, April 10, 2021 in Delta State. No fewer than 11 political parties contested the Assembly bye-election following the death of former Majority Leader of the House, Tim Owhefere. Returning Officer for the bye-election, Prof. Christopher Onosemuode of the Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun (FUPRE), stated that Ogbimi scored 29,421 votes to emerge winner. Onosemuode announced that the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Emmanuel Tabuko, scored 2,543 votes to emerge second, while African Democratic Party (ADP) candidate, Agose Ogagaoghene, polled 66 votes to clinch third position. | Delta State, House of Assembly Bye-Election, PDP | https://guardian.ng/politics/pdp-wins-delta-house-of-assembly-by-election/ | |
| ThisDayLive Online | Monday, April 12, 2021 | 743 Delegates To Decide South-West PDP Zonal Leaders Today | A total of 743 delegates approved by the National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will today, Monday, April 11 elect the party’s South-West zonal leaders in Osogbo. The NWC has also released the list of members of the Election Committee and the Election Appeal Committee. According to a statement containing the delegates list signed by the National Organising Secretary of the party, Col. Austin Akobundu (rtd), Oyo State has a total of 171 delegates, while Ogun State has 114; Osun State, 130; Ekiti State, 115; and Lagos State, 101. Akobundu named the Benue State governor, Dr. Samuel Ortom, as chairman of the election committee, while Senator Sandy Onoh, Ogun Otemabore and Ireruoke Edward will serve as members. Senator Samuel Anyanwu will serve as secretary of the committee. The party also appointed an election appeal committee headed by Chief Okey Ezenwa who will serve as chairman, Mr. Roland Najomoh as secretary, while Clement Okaredir will serve as a member. Following the supremacy battle between Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, and a former governor of Ekiti State, Ayo Fayose, the venue for the election was changed from Ibadan to Osogbo to ensure fairness and avoid giving any advantage to either of the two leaders of the party in the region. Both have been at loggerheads over the leadership of the party in the South-West, and are supporting opposing candidates in the elections. | PDP, South-West Zonal Leaders | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/04/12/743-delegates-decide-south-west-pdp-zonal-leaders-today/ | |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Monday, April 12, 2021 | Akpabio Promises better Security, Infrastructure in Niger Delta | Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Godswill Akpabio, has pledged to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to end insecurity, especially on the region’s waterways and restore dilapidated infrastructure in the zone. He stated this when alumni of the University of Calabar (UNICAL), led by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Florence Banku Obi, visited him in Abuja at the weekend, noting that he desired to be judged by the legacy he would leave behind as against what critics would say. While receiving the Distinguished UNICAL Ambassador Award the Vice Chancellor conferred on him, Akpabio stated that the award was an indication of his commitment towards infrastructure development and commitment to the advancement of humanity. | Niger Delta, Godswill Akpabio | https://guardian.ng/news/akpabio-promises-better-security-infrastructure-in-niger-delta/ | |
| ThisDayLive Online | Monday, April 12, 2021 | COVID-19 Vaccination Low Turnout Hits FCT, Taraba, Abia, Seven Others | As the target date given by the Federal Government for States to end the first phase of COVID-19 vaccination approaches, the turnout for the exercise in many States has remained low, according to THISDAY’s investigation. THISDAY gathered that States are expected to end the administration of the first dose of the vaccine on April 16, so that those who received the first jab will begin to receive the second dose of the vaccine thereafter. Statistics obtained from the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) showed that some States such as Lagos, Ekiti, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Katsina, Yobe, Kwara, Niger, Adamawa, Gombe, Jigawa, and Kaduna have vaccinated between 60 per cent and 111 per cent of the targeted population under the first phase. The statistics, however, showed that the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), as well as states such as Abia, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Ebonyi, Enugu, Rivers, Sokoto, Kogi and Taraba were still below 50 per cent of the target. According to the figures, Abia has attained only 14.9 per cent; Akwa Ibom, 28 per cent; Anambra, 22.8 per cent; Ebonyi, 31 per cent; Enugu, 30.1 per cent; Rivers, 30.6 per cent; Sokoto, 33 per cent; Taraba, 19.5 per cent, while the FCT has attained 33.3 per cent. However, the FCT has disputed the figures, disclosing that the Federal Government’s assessment was based on the 228,400 doses given to it, which it claimed was in excess of the 120,000 doses it actually required. | COVID-19 Vaccination | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/04/12/covid-19-vaccination-low-turnout-hits-fct-taraba-abia-seven-others/ | |
| ThisDayLive Online | Monday, April 12, 2021 | South-East Governors Establish Ebube Agu, Regional Security Outfit, to Rout Criminals | South-East governors on Sunday, April 11 rolled out a raft of policy decisions, including the establishment of a regional security outfit, ‘Ebube Agu,’ to combat the security challenges facing the zone. The outfit, with headquarters at Enugu, will complement the efforts of federal security agencies in tackling the security challenges in the region. The governors, in a communiqué issued in Owerri at the end of a meeting asked the heads of security agencies in the zone to draw up a comprehensive list of their logistics and material needs that will enhance their efficiency in combating the security challenges in the zone, so that the governors could provide them. The meeting was the first gathering of the governors since last week’s attacks by gunmen who invaded the headquarters of the state police command, burning several vehicles and freeing some detainees. They condemned the recent burning of police stations, violent attacks on custodial centres with the unlawful release of inmates, and the killing of security personnel, natives/farmers and herdsmen. The governors stated that they were on the same page with the Federal Government on the need to tackle the security challenges in the country. | South-East Governors, Ebube Agu | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/04/12/south-east-govs-establish-ebube-agu-regional-security-outfit-to-rout-criminals/ | |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Thursday, April 8, 2021 | PDP moves to Reconcile Members in South West | The National Working Committee (NWC) of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) says it plans to organise a South West stakeholders meeting towards resolving the crisis in the zone, ahead of its zonal congresses. The PDP said this in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr Kola Ologbondiyan in Abuja. Ologbondiyan said the NWC had scaled up reconciliation processes in the South West after an extensive meeting. “Consequent upon this, the NWC further resolved that a meeting comprising of the National Chairman, Deputy National Chairman, National Secretary, Sen. Bukola Saraki-led Reconciliation and Strategic Committee, Gov. Seyi Makinde and former Gov. Ayo Fayose, be held immediately for urgent resolution of all issues concerning the South West.” The PDP had been faced with a leadership crisis in the South West over the authentic leader of the party in the zone. | PDP, South West | https://guardian.ng/politics/pdp-moves-to-reconcile-members-in-south-west/ | |
| ThisDayLive Online | Thursday, April 8, 2021 | House of Reps Meets with US over Rising Insecurity | The House of Representatives on Wednesday, April 7 had constructive engagements with the United States Department of State to review the relationship between both countries with specific regards on how to tackle the devastating security situation in the country. The House delegation was led by the Chairman, House Committee on Defence, Hon. Babajimi Benson, alongside Chairman of House Committee on Army, Hon. Abdulrazak Namdas; Deputy Chairman, House Committee on National Security and Intelligence, Hon. Adejoro Adeogun, and the House Spokesperson, Hon. Benjamin Kalu. Similarly, the US team was led by the Deputy Chief of Mission, Ms. Kathleen FitzGibbon, with Political-Military Officer, Mr. Daniel Ricci; Political Officer, Mr. Jerry Howard; Major, US Air force, Mr. John Mahaney, and Major in US Airforce, Ms. Yonca Nice. While interacting for two hours, the Nigerian delegation was informed of the US efforts and achievements in Nigeria in the areas of expenditures on health, human development, capacity building among others. Speaking at the meeting, Hon. Babajimi Benson assured Nigerians that with the new arrival of the fighter jets expected from the US, the Nigerian Air force will be better equipped to fight insurgency. He added that Nigeria’s strategic relationship with the US would add value to the country’s fight against insecurity in no distant time. | House of Representatives, Insecurity, United States | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/04/08/house-meets-with-us-over-rising-insecurity/ | |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Thursday, April 8, 2021 | FG inaugurates PPCC to avoid #EndSARS Recurrence | To forestall the repeat of the #EndSARS protest that led to loss of life and property in October 2020, the Minister of Police Affairs, Alhaji Mohammed Dangyadi, has inaugurated the Police Public Complaints Committee (PPCC). The commission is to provide a permanent structure to help nip in the bud civil unrests, by giving the populace opportunity to channel their grievances on police misconduct to the appropriate quarters for necessary action. While inaugurating the committee on Wednesday, April 7, the Minister stated that if the committee had been active, it would have been an adequate channel for Nigerians to ventilate their grievances on police brutality. He stated, “This administration is, therefore, determined that such ugly incidents would never occur again.” Dangyadi recalled his address to the National Assembly during the defence of the ministry’s 2021 budget to the effect that the PPCC would be reactivated to investigate all complaints involving police personnel and members of the public. He added that, “It is good to note that the PPCC had been in existence since, but over the years became moribund due to lack of funds. While there is a Public Complaints Commission that deals generally with all kinds of complaints against administrative injustices by public institutions, the PPCC, which we are inaugurating today (Wednesday), is created as a specialised institution to deal strictly with public complaints against police personnel.” | State Police, Governor Adegboyega Oyetola | https://guardian.ng/news/fg-inaugurates-ppcc-to-avoid-endsars-recurrence/ | |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Thursday, April 8, 2021 | LG Administration getting Worse in Nigeria, Obasanjo cries out | Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, on Wednesday, April 7 stated that local government administration was getting worse in Nigeria, adding that the survival rests on divine intervention. He lamented that most of the councils could not even afford a grader for roads and perform other functions highlighted by the 1976 Local Government Reform. In a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, the fromer President urged the council workers to be prayerful for things to get better. Obasabjo who received the new National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) President, Comrade Akeem Olatunji Ambali at his Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library Penthouse home, regretted that the reform had been allegedly abused by State governors. He stated thus: “I am of the view that the situation needs prayers. A situation whereby a local government cannot even afford a grader to make local roads motorable, a situation where they can not build hospital or provide for the educational needs of their people is not what we want the local government to be when we were creating the 1976 Reform. | Local Government Administration, Olusegun Obasanjo | https://guardian.ng/news/lg-administration-getting-worse-in-nigeria-obasanjo-cries-out/ | |
| ThisDayLive Online | Wednesday, April 7, 2021 | Buhari Approves Transition of PTF to PSC on COVID-19 | President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the transition of the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19 to Presidential Steering Committee (PSC) on COVID-19 effective from April 1, 2021 with a modified mandate to reflect the non-emergent status of COVID-19 as a potentially long-term pandemic. Chairman of the PTF, Boss Mustapha, announced the restructuring in Abuja on Tuesday, April 6 at the PTF press briefing. This transformation also came at a time a consignment of 100,000 doses of Covishield vaccines was donated by the government of India to Nigeria. The new mandate of the PTF followed the submission of its report to the President after the expiration of the three months’ mandate extension granted to it. It would be recalled that the President had on December 22, 2020 received the end of the year report of the PTF and authorised the extension of the mandate of the body by three months. The tenure of the now PSC shall end on December 31, 2021. Mustapha, who is the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, stated that the structure of the PSC would reflect the new focus of its response with a targeted approach on vaccine oversight, risk communication, international travel quarantine processes and sub-national engagement. He added that the PSC would maintain the present constitution, functions and strategies of the PTF and is to be supported by a slim technical and administrative structure. One change, however, is that the current National Incident Manager, Dr. Mukhtar Mohammed, will replace Dr. Sani Aliyu, as the National Coordinator and Head of Technical Secretariat of the PSC. The PSC will coordinate the vaccine rollout, deployment and administration, while a private sector supported Transition Consultant will sustain the multi-sectoral relations and policy guidance. | Presidential Steering Committee (PSC) on COVID-19 | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/04/07/buhari-approves-transition-of-ptf-to-psc-on-covid-19/ | |
| ThisDayLive Online | Wednesday, April 7, 2021 | PIB Will Resolve Oil Sector’s 70-Year Underdevelopment, FG Insists | The Federal Government has stated that when passed, the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) will resolve most of the knotty issues that have hindered the development of the oil and gas sector in the country since the 1950s. Speaking when he rounded off a panel discussion at a pre-summit conference in Abuja, the Minister of State, Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, argued that Nigeria has been going in the wrong direction since the discovery of oil and gas in the country. He stated that in spite of global shift to renewable energy, Nigeria would continue to rely on natural gas as transition fuel for its power generation while pursuing renewable fuel for off-grid power. Sylva, vowed that the Federal Government would conclude the review of the gas master plan to accommodate the current realities and continue to support de-carbonisation efforts and energy substitution. He also stated that: “The National Assembly has shown commitment that the PIB will be passed in April or a few months from now and then all the blame game will end.” Sylva added that the government has bent over backwards in a lot of provisions in its engagement with investors, but queried whether the businessmen were ready to stay committed despite government’s efforts. | Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), Timipre Sylva | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/04/07/pib-will-resolve-oil-sectors-70-year-underdevelopment-fg-insists/ | |
| DailyTrust Online | Wednesday, April 7, 2021 | 2023: Atiku Not Qualified To Be President — Malami | The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami has told a Federal High Court in Abuja, that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is not eligible to contest for the office of President because “he is not a Nigerian by birth.” He made this known in the course of an on-going legal suit initiated in 2019 by the Incorporated Trustees of Egalitarian Mission for Africa (EMA) against the People's Democratic Party (PDP) and Atiku, challenging Atiku’s eligibility to contest for president. The group is asking the court to hold among others, that considering the provisions of sections 25(1) &(2) and 131(a) of the NIgerian Constitution and the circumstances surrounding his birth, the former Vice-President cannot contest for the apex office. Atiku was the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2019 general elections where he lost to the incumbent, President Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC). However, Atiku’s son, Adamu Abubakar, who spoke during the presentation of his scorecard as Commissioner for Works and Energy in Adamawa State, in June 2020, stated that his father would contest again in 2023. the affidavit deposed to by Malami through his counsel, Dipo Opeseyi (SAN), averred that “the first defendant is a Nigerian by virtue of the 1961 plebiscite, but not a Nigerian by birth. The first defendant’s parents died before the 1961 plebiscite.” In their replies, Atiku and the PDP asked the court to dismiss the suit for lack of merit, maintaining that Atiku is a bona fide Nigerian citizen who has held different positions in the country. | Atiku Abubakar, Abubakar Malami | https://dailytrust.com/2023-atiku-not-qualified-to-be-president-malami | |
| DailyTrust Online | Wednesday, April 7, 2021 | Ganduje Slashes March Salaries Of Political Appointees By 50% | Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State has slashed March salaries of political office holders by 50 per cent. This comes barely 24 hours after the State hinted that it was impossible to pay civil servants their full consolidated wages for the month of March due to a drop in the State's Federal allocation. Among those affected by the pay cut are the Governor, Deputy Governor, all commissioners, special advisers, senior special assistant and special assistants. Others are chairmen, vice chairmen, elected councillors, supervisory councillors, advisers and secretaries of local governments. In a statement on Tuesday, April 6, Kano Information Commissioner, Muhammad Garba, stated that the pay cut was due to shortfall in the revenue accruing to the State from the Federation account. The State chapter of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has, however, given the government a seven-day ultimatum to refund and stop what it described as “illegal deduction” from civil servants. NLC insisted that failure to do so would make workers to embark on a three-day warning strike from midnight of April 7. Daily Trust reports that in March, Kano received a total allocation of N12.4bn from the Federation account, out of which the State government collected N6.1bn, while the 44 Local Governments collected N6.3bn. It, however, insisted that it will have to source additional money to pay the consolidated wages to workers, which is currently not available. | Kano State, March Salaries | https://dailytrust.com/ganduje-slashes-march-salaries-of-political-appointees-by-50 | |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Wednesday, April 7, 2021 | INEC Warns Against Recruitment Scam | The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has denied hiring individuals or groups as consultants for staff recruitment. INEC disclosed this in a statement by Festus Okoye, INEC National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, in Abuja. Okoye urged members of the public to report to security agencies, individuals or groups claiming to be consulting for the Commission on recruitment of staff. He stated that the attention of INEC had been drawn to the activities of some fraudsters claiming to be working for the Commission on recruitment of personnel, adding that unscrupulous elements had gone to the extent of cloning INEC logo and commenced soliciting for applicants for jobs in the Commission. According to the statement, “The fraudsters claim that they have been appointed consultants to the Commission and are reportedly asking innocent Nigerians to pay some amount of money as application fees.“ Okoye recalled that the Commission had at least on two previous occasions in the last few months issued disclaimers on the matter of fake employment merchants. He added that INEC issued disclaimers on the racketeers who opened fake employment websites, collecting money from unsuspecting members of the public and issuing fake employment letters purporting to be acting on behalf of the Commission. The statement further read that, “The general public should take note that not only is the Commission not recruiting at the moment; it has not appointed any consultant or agency to recruit on its behalf." | INEC, Recruitment | https://guardian.ng/news/inec-denies-appointing-consultants-for-staff-recruitment/ | |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Tuesday, April 6, 2021 | FG Pledges Justice, Restitution for Victims of Ebonyi Killings | The Federal Government has pledged justice and compensation for victims of communal and herdsmen clashes in Ebonyi State. Describing the attacks as “cowardly, wicked and very deeply distressing”, during a visit to the State capital, Abakaliki, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo had stopped over at the Egedegede community in Ishielu Council and and Ezza/Effium communities in Ohaukwu Council which had witnessed herdsmen attacks and communal clashes, respectively. The Vice President who was in the State on Sunday, April 4 according to a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Laolu Akande, led a team, including Governor David Umahi, his predecessor, Chief Martin Elechi, Deputy Governor Kelechi Igwe, Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development, Uche Ogah and Special Adviser on Political Affairs to the President, Senator Babafemi Ojudu to the scenes. Osinbajo had earlier been received by the Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport from where he drove to Ebonyi State. Osinbajo stated thus: “There is no way we can, by saying sorry, fully compensate for the lives that have been lost and property destroyed. I want you to know that one way we can do something is by seeking justice and providing for the families of those who have lost their homes and we would do so.” He urged the communities to remain calm and shun reprisals. The Vice President continued: “Let me assure you that we will seek justice on behalf of those who have died not just because they are Nigerians, but because they are human beings and they deserve justice. In his remarks, Governor Umahi noted that justice and fairness were the minimal demands of the people, urging the Vice President to support the rebuilding of the settlements and provision of immediate relief materials to displaced persons. | Ebonyi Killings, Federal Government | https://guardian.ng/news/fg-pledges-justice-restitution-for-victims-of-ebonyi-killings/ | |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Tuesday, April 6, 2021 | Five of 39 Kaduna (Afaka) Students Regain Freedom | Kaduna State Government has been informed that five of the 39 kidnapped students of the Federal College of Forestry Mechanisation, Afaka, have regained freedom, and are undergoing medical check-up in a military facility. The Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, stated this on Monday, April 5. It was however not clear whether ransom was paid or not. Aruwan added: “The Kaduna State Government will provide updates on further operational feedback to be received on this case.” Meanwhile, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Kaduna State chapter, has blamed the travails of the kidnapped students to the position of Governor Nasir el-Rufai, which it described as unhelpful. Also, parents of the students have lamented their wards’ ordeals, noting: “Today makes it 25 dreary and excruciatingly difficult days since our children have been in captivity.” At a press conference on Monday, April 5, parents accused the governor of showing no concern to their plight and that of their children. CAN Chairman, Rev. Joseph Hayab, and hundreds of Christians held a prayer session for the release of all kidnap victims, seeking God’s intervention in ending terrorism in Nigeria. A statement from the parents’ group signed by the Chairman, Sam Kambai, and Secretary, Sanni Friday, pointed out: “For record, the governor of Kaduna has never addressed the parents of these students from the first day of the incident till now. They have shown no concern about the parents’ trauma. After we organised a peaceful protest during which we addressed a press conference on March 22, 2021, we got audience with a government official where they stated categorically that the Kaduna government would not negotiate with the bandits for the release of the students. We are not intimidated by the threat of prosecution. We call on all Nigerians and the international community to support us in our efforts for the safe return of our children soonest.” | Federal College of Forestry Mechanisation, Afaka, Governor El-rufai | https://guardian.ng/news/five-of-39-kaduna-afaka-students-regain-freedom/ | |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Tuesday, April 6, 2021 | FG Votes N5.6bn for Women Empowerment, Protection | The Federal Government is spending N5.6 billion on women empowerment and fight against Gender-Based-Violence (GBV) this year. Director General, National Centre for Women Development, Mrs. Mary Ekpere-Eta, who disclosed this on Monday, April 5 in a chat with journalists to mark her fourth year in office, noted that the vote underscored President Muhammadu Buhari’s zeal for issues concerning women. She stated that, “Before this administration, the center’s budget hovers between N100 million and N200 million. But as at today, we have a budget that can be used to carry out sizable things for women, though we still need more government’s support financially.” According to her, the empowerment is critical to the centre’s quest to improving the lot of women, especially those in the rural areas through sustainable development programmes. | Women Empowerment | https://guardian.ng/news/fg-votes-n5-6b-for-women-empowerment-protection/ | |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Tuesday, April 6, 2021 | Police Arrest anti-Buhari Protesters in Kogi | Kogi State Commissioner of Police, Ayuba Edeh, has confirmed the arrest of two persons at the wee hours of Monday, April 5 for campaigning against President Muhammadu Buhari in Lokoja. The CP, in a telephone conversation told The Guardian that about 2.30a.m. on Monday, April 5, men of the command arrested two young men who were painting buildings and pasting ‘Buhari Must Go’ posters. He disclosed that while people enjoy the right to protest, it must be done lawfully without inciting the public. The young men, he added, could not have been protesting late at night, but that painting of walls and pasting anti-Buhari posters could not be termed as peaceful protest. He stated that his command was working round the clock to ensure the protection of life and property, warning mischief-makers to stay away from the State. The Guardian, having been told that some youths invaded Lokoja yesterday, in campaign against President Buhari, went round Lokoja but did not see any painted building or anti-Buhari poster. On enquiry, the CP explained that his men had removed the posters. Reacting to the development, the Kogi State Government commended youths of the State for rising to the occasion to crush what it described as the ungodly campaign by some imported and sponsored youths who came to the State to campaign against Buhari. The Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, stated that the youths congregated at Benue State from where they moved to Kogi and began to paint walls and display anti-Buhari posters. | Kogi State, Protesters | https://guardian.ng/news/police-arrest-anti-buhari-protesters-in-kogi/ | |
| DailyTrust Online | Tuesday, April 6, 2021 | JUSUN Commences Nationwide Strike, Paralyses Court Activities In Lagos, Kano | The nationwide strike action embarked upon by members of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) on Tuesday, April 6 paralyzed court activities in Lagos and Kano States. JUSUN is enbacking on the nationwide strike action over the non-implementation of financial autonomy for the judiciary. Court premises remain shut down at all the locations visited in Lagos this morning by Daily Trust correspondent. Chairman of the Lagos State chapter of JUSUN, Mr Kehinde Shobowale Rahamon stated that “Order 10 which was signed by President Muhammadu Buhari was to put that section of the Constitution in motion, but implementation has not been done, hence, the Judiciary still go “cap in hand” to the executive for funds to run the courts and that has led to the Judiciary being in bondage." | JUSUN, Judicial Autonomy | https://dailytrust.com/just-in-judiciary-workers-ground-court-activities-in-lagos | |
| ThisDayLive Online | Thursday, April 1,2021 | IG Launches Police Radio to Enhance Community Policing | The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Mohammed Adamu, on Wednesday, March 31, launched the Nigeria Police 99.1 FM Radio, which he explained would enhance the relationship between the police and communities. Speaking while inaugurating the police radio located at the National Institute of Police Studies (NIPS), Jabi, Abuja, the IGP stated that on assumption of office as the “20th indigenous Inspector-General of Police, we introduced some strategies to combat crimes and stabilise security across the country. As part of the implementation processes, we appreciated the need to bolster partnership and good working relationship between the police and the people in our various communities." He further stated that, “one of these strategies is the construction and setting up of this community-based radio station, the Nigeria Police 99.1FM Radio, which is targeted at bringing the police closer to the people”. He stated that the radio station was a product of the community policing initiative, which emphasised smooth information flow aimed at strengthening the bond between the citizens and the police. The IGP added that the frequency modulation radio had since commenced test transmission in line with the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) code and operational regulations. According to him, “It will also air phone-in programs to involve the citizens in the security of their localities especially on ways to spot and report crimes and other necessary steps to take in the event of a crime or security emergency.” | Nigeria Police Radio, Inspector General of Police | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/04/01/ig-launches-police-radio-to-enhance-community-policing/ | |
| ThisDayLive Online | Thursday, April 1,2021 | PDP Fixes Zonal Congresses for April 10 | The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has written to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) informing the commission that it had scheduled its North-West, South-West and North-Central Zonal Congresses for April 10, 2020. In the letter dated March 31, 2021 and signed by the National Chairman of the PDP, Prince Uche Secondus, and the National Secretary, Senator Umaru Ibrahim Tsauri, the main opposition party also disclosed the venues for the congresses. According to the letter addressed to the chairman of INEC, the South-West Zonal Congress will hold in Ibadan, Oyo State capital, while the congresses for North-west and North-Central will hold in Kaduna and Makurdi, respectively. The letter also reminded the commission that before the new date was fixed, the PDP had earlier written to notify the commission of the initial suspension of the congresses. It read thus: “Please note that all our party activities shall be in accordance with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) guidelines on COVID-19 as they concern social/physical distancing of people gathering in one place. While thanking you for your usual cooperation, please accept the assurance of our highest regards,” the letter added." | PDP, Congresses | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/04/01/pdp-fixes-zonal-congresses-for-april-10/ | |
| ThisDayLive Online | Thursday, April 1,2021 | Sanwo-Olu Approves Body Cameras for Law Enforcement Operatives | Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has disclosed that law enforcement operatives in the State will wear body cameras when carrying out operations. The governor stated that this groundbreaking plan for the enhancement of security and safety in Lagos State would help reduce issues of extra-judicial acts by security operatives. Sanwo-Olu also approved a mass training for the State’s law enforcement personnel on the use of body cameras, ahead of the deployment of the digital tools for security operations across the State. The three-day training, which will commence in May, would be facilitated by the State’s Law Enforcement Training Institute (LETI), headed by Prince Oyekan Falade. After the training, all State-funded law enforcement officers will be commissioned to wear body cameras for their operations. Sanwo-Olu, according to a statement issued on Wednesday, MArch 31 by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, stated that the move would improve transparency and accountability in the activities of law enforcement agencies, and put the State government in a better position to respond to security challenges in real time. | Lagos State, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Law enforcemnet operatives, Body Cameras | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/04/01/sanwo-olu-approves-body-cameras-for-law-enforcement-operatives/ | |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Thursday, April 1,2021 | Military Opts for Full Force Against Insecurity | The military, on Wednesday, March 31, stated that it was deploying warfare and lethal force (popularly known as a kinetic operation) in the counter-terrorism and banditry war nationwide. During a national security and defence summit in Abuja, stakeholders agreed that the worsening insecurity demanded the deployment of full military force to crush the insurgents, bandits and other elements that have taken up arms against the State. Chief of Defence Staff and organiser of the event, General Lucky Irabor, promised that the military would be deploying kinetic operations to check insurgency and banditry. The resolution came at a time most State governments were negotiating with and granting amnesty to bandits and kidnappers. The Federal Government had also designed a controversial non-kinetic package known as Operation Safe Corridor, under which repentant terrorists, who willingly surrendered, are granted pardon, rehabilitated and reintegrated into the society. However, the counter-insurgency war has changed under the new leadership of the military. Irabor stated that President Buhari had given a clear mandate for action and stability of the situation. He stated that, ”The summit is designed to quicken, support and consolidate the kinetic effort. Our strategic objectives are manifold and imbued to neutralise non-state actors and other agents of violence in our communities, forests and countryside to stabilise the security situation across the nation for law and order, and lastly, to provide the enabling environment for peace and development.” | Insecurity, Military | https://guardian.ng/news/military-opts-for-full-force-against-insecurity/ | |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Thursday, April 1,2021 | British Envoy Laments Nigeria’s Worsening Insecurity | As insecurity continues to ravage many parts of the country, the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Catriona Laing, has expressed worry at the deteriorating situation, stating that the UK government was keen on helping Nigeria win its fight against insurgency and banditry. According to her, “We are extremely concerned about the deteriorating security situation. I mean, Nigeria is facing a lot of problems everywhere – in the Northeast, terrorism; in the Northwest, banditry, kidnapping; in the Middle Belt, the farmers-herders conflict; in the South, the Niger Delta conflict everywhere and the secession movements in the Southeast. So, Nigeria is really struggling.” The High Commissioner spoke with journalists on the sidelines of a reception held to welcome home the 2019/2020 UK Chevening Scholarship beneficiaries. Laing stated that the UK government had been helping the Nigerian military in the areas of training, campaign planning, and how to counter Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). She further stated that the recent visit of the UK’s Minister of Armed Forces, during which he interacted with the Nigerian Government at the highest level, including the Service Chiefs, also showed the commitment of the UK government. Laing, however, urged the Nigerian government to be a bit more precise about the support they need from the UK and what the UK can offer. According to her, “So, we are here for a long time. This is a Nigerian partnership. Your insecurity becomes our insecurity if we don’t help you tackle it. So, we are here and we are trying to do our best to support you.” | Insecurity, British Envoy | https://guardian.ng/news/british-envoy-laments-nigerias-worsening-insecurity/ | |