| Source | Date | Story Title | Summary of Reports | Subject/Category | Page No./Weblink | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ThisDayLive Online | Wednesday, June 30, 2021 | INEC Receives 1,669 Voter Transfer Request, 42,211 Applications | Barely 24 hours after the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) online pre-registration portal was launched by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), 1,669 people have applied for voter transfer, while a total of 42,211 applications were received within the period. A breakdown contained in a statement by INEC’s Commissioner and Chairman Information and Voter Education Committee, Mr. Festus Okoye, showed that “the CVR online pre-registration portal was launched at 7 am on Monday, June 28, 2021. By 7 am, June 29, 2021, twenty-four hours after the launch, 59,331 accounts were created. Within the same period, 42,211 applications were received out of which 27,759 individuals applied for new voter pre-registration services. 11, 177 requested for voter review record; 1,669 applied for voter transfer; 853 asked for information update; 335 applied for replacement of lost or damaged PVCs; while 418 applicants requested for uncollected PVCs. These statistics have been uploaded to the commission’s website and social media platforms.” He assured Nigerians that the commission will provide them weekly updates on the activities on the portal and the online registration status. According to Okoye, “It is imperative to remind Nigerians that physical CVR will commence on 19th July 2021 at INEC State and Local Government offices nationwide. Those that are unable to register online will be attended to from the scheduled date. Every eligible Nigerian will have an opportunity to register. The CVR process will continue for at least one year." | INEC, Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/06/30/inec-receives-1669-voter-transfer-request-42211-applications-2/ | |
| ThisDayLive Online | Wednesday, June 30, 2021 | House Concurs, Confirms Yahaya as Army Chief | Barely one week after the Senate confirmed Lt. Gen. Farouk Yahaya as the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), the House of Representatives on Tuesday, June 29, also ratified his appointment. The confirmation followed the consideration and adoption of the report of the Joint Committee on Defence and Army, chaired by Hon. Babajimi Benson. President Muhammadu Buhari had on June 8, written to the House, urging it to confirm Yahaya as the COAS. Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, thereafter referred the request to the Committees on Defence and Army for screening. In his presentation, Hon. Benson stated that the nominee gave very apt answers to the questions, and the committee was satisfied with its interactions with the nominee during the screening. He appealed to his colleagues to confirm Yahaya. When put to a voice vote by the Deputy Speaker, Hon, Idris Wase, who presided over the session, it got the support of the majority of the lawmakers. | House of Representatives, Chief of Army Staff | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/06/30/house-concurs-confirms-yahaya-as-army-chief-2/ | |
| ThisDayLive Online | Wednesday, June 30, 2021 | Senate Receives PIB Report, Begins Consideration Tomorrow | The Senate on Tuesday, June 29, received the report of its Joint Committee on Petroleum (Downstream), Petroleum (Upstream) and Gas Resources on the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) 2021 and promised to debate the report tomorrow, Thursday, July 1. The PIB report was presented at plenary by the Chairman of the Joint Committee, Senator Sabo Mohammed. Speaking after the report was presented, the President of the Senate, Dr. Ahmad Lawan, told his colleagues that the report would be considered tomorrow. He, therefore, mandated the joint committee to provide all senators with copies of the bill ahead of its consideration, to enable them to study its content. Also, the Group Managing Director of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mr. Mele Kyari, will today, Wednesday, June 30, meet with members of the House of Representatives as part of efforts aimed at ensuring the smooth passage of the PIB. | Senate, Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) 2021 | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/06/30/senate-receives-pib-report-begins-consideration-tomorrow-2/ | |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Wednesday, June 30, 2021 | Again, INEC Raises Security Concerns as Voter Registration Approaches | The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has stressed that the insecurity in parts of the country might hinder the commencement of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR). It, however, affirmed that the exercise would begin nationwide on July 19 and last for at least, one year. In a statement, on Tuesday, June 29, signed by the National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye, the electoral umpire stated that 42,211 Nigerians have registered for the online CVR. He clarified that those that were unable to register online would be attended to from the scheduled date, assuring that every eligible citizen would be captured. According to Okoye, “Scheduled appointments for online registrants will also begin on July 19, while the commencement date for physical CVR in all the 2,673 registration centres nationwide will be determined based on the evaluation of the security situation in the country. We encourage those that can register online to do so, while all other Nigerians will commence their registration on July 19.” | INEC, Continuous Voter Registration (CVR), Security | https://guardian.ng/news/again-inec-raises-security-concerns-as-voter-registration-approaches/ | |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Wednesday, June 30, 2021 | Reactions Trail IPOB Leader’s Arrest, Re-arraignment | Four years after the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, jumped bail and fled the country, he was re-arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday, June 29 after his re-arrest by security agents. Presenting him before the court, counsel to the Federal Government, Shuaib Labaran, stated that Kanu was arrested through intelligence and collaborative efforts of security agencies. He was, however, silent on where and how Kanu was arrested. Following Labaran’s ex-parte application, Justice Binta Nyako ordered that Kanu, who was brought to court in handcuffs and hooded before the court’s sitting, be remanded in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS). She granted an accelerated hearing by bringing the charge pending against him from the earlier adjourned date of October 20 to July 26 and 27. Speaking when he appeared in court on criminal charges of terrorism and treasonable felony, Kanu stated that he escaped from Nigeria after his house was unlawfully invaded by security men with his life seriously threatened. The separatist leader alleged that he would have been killed along with others on the day of the invasion if not for the wisdom he applied to jump bail and flee the country. His reaction was provoked by the Federal Government’s information through its counsel, Labaran, that Kanu jumped bail granted by the court to escape trial by running out of the country. Labaran had applied to the court for an order to remand Kanu in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS). The counsel statd that the request became imperative because lawyers to Kanu were yet to be abreast of his re-arrest. Earlier at a press conference, Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, disclosed that Kanu was arrested on Sunday, June 27. The joint press briefing had heads of the DSS and the police, where Malami stated that Kanu would be returned to court to continue with his trial. | Nnamdi Kanu, Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) | https://guardian.ng/news/disbelief-shock-trail-ipob-leaders-arrest-re-arraignment/ | |
| DailyTrust Online | Wednesday, June 30, 2021 | Anambra Election: SDP National Vice Chairman Emerges Party’s Guber Candidate | Chief Arinze Ekeleme has emerged the flagbearer of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) for the November 6 governorship election in Anambra State. Ekeleme, who was until the election, the vice National Chairman of the party, polled 111 votes to emerge the winner of the election which held at the party Secretariat in Awka, the state capital, on Tuesday, June 29. Mrs Maggie Batubo, Chairman of the party's Anambra 2021 Governorship Primary Electoral Committee, stated that though one person aspired for the position, the committee ensured that all constitutional provisions were met. According to Batubo, 116 delegates were due to participate in the election, out of which 115 were accredited. She stated that, “Out of the figure, 114 voted and Ekeleme scored 111 votes, while three void votes were recorded.” She added that the Committee was impressed over the peaceful conduct of the exercise. Ekeleme, in his acceptance speech, thanked the party for the opportunity to fly its flag, assuring that he would do everything possible to win November 6 election. | Anambra State Governorship Election, Social Democratic Party (SDP) | https://dailytrust.com/anambra-election-sdp-national-vice-chairman-emerges-partys-guber-candidate | |
| DailyTrust Online | Wednesday, June 30, 2021 | Anambra Guber: Aggrieved APC Aspirants Threaten Legal Action | Aggrieved governorship aspirants on the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) have threatened to sue the party if it does not listen to their grievances or refuses to conduct a fresh primary election to field a candidate for the November 6 governorship election in Anambra State. Senator Andy Uba was announced winner of the party’s primary poll held last Saturday, June 26 but many aspirants who contested the poll rejected the result of the election conducted by the Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun-led APC Electoral Committee. Addressing a press conference on Tuesday, June 29 in Abuja, one of the aggrieved aspirants, Chief George Moghalu who spoke on behalf of 6 others claimed that there was no election, and demanded the cancellation of the exercise for a fresh poll to be held. Moghalu stated thus: “I will do everything within my ability and the law to ensure that the travesty orchestrated by Prince Dapo Abiodun and his team will not stand. I have appointed a legal team and we have gathered evidence including videos, pictures and sworn statements by party election officials appalled by the fraud that Dapo Abiodun and his people have sought to perpetrate against the people of Anambra State. Election was not held in any voting centre in Anambra State.” | Anambra State Governorship Election, All Progressives Congress (APC) | https://dailytrust.com/anambra-guber-aggrieved-apc-aspirants-threaten-legal-action | |
| ThisDayLive Online | Wednesday, June 30, 2021 | Niger Assembly Prescribes Capital Punishment for Bandits, Kidnappers, Informants | The Niger State House of Assembly has passed a bill imposing capital punishment on kidnappers, bandits, and their informants. By the provision of the bill, anyone found guilty of kidnapping, banditry, and of being their informants will face a death sentence. The bill, if assented to by the Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Bello, will check the increasing wave of kidnapping and banditry in the State and strengthen the fight against criminalities by the State government. The bill states that anyone found guilty of the offence of banditry, kidnapping, or giving out information that results in kidnapping and banditry will be sentenced to death by hanging in public. The bill amends the Kidnapping and Cattle Rustling (Special Provision) Law 2021. The recommendation was made by the House Committees on Security and Intelligence and Judicial Matters when it presented its report to the House on Tuesday, June 29. The Chairman of the committee, Hon. Bello Ahmad, representing Agwara State Constituency, stated that informants were included in the bill because the information given to criminals contribute to the increasing spate of banditry and kidnapping in the State. He stated that the guilty ones should be hanged in public to serve as a lesson to others and make them desist from partaking in criminality. When the matter was put to vote, it was unanimously passed. In his remarks before directing that the clean copies of the bill be prepared and sent to the Governor for his assent, the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon.Bawa Wuse, stated that when assented to by the Governor, the law would help in reducing banditry and kidnapping in Niger State. | Niger State House of Assembly, Kidnapping | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/06/30/niger-assembly-prescribes-capital-punishment-for-bandits-kidnappers-informants-2/ | |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Tuesday, June 29, 2021 | Ebonyi to Enact Law Against Fake News on Social Media, Says Umahi | Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State on Monday, June 28, expressed displeasure over a rumour on social media about the resurrection of the late former Commissioner for Infrastructural Development and Concession, Fidelis Kings Nweze. The governor said he was therefore coming up with a law that would ensure the arrest and trial of anyone that propagates fake news with intent at defamation or escalation of crisis. According to a statement by the Special Assistant to the Governor (Media and Publicity), Mr. Francis Nweze, the governor made the disclosure during a service at Christ Embassy Church, Mile 50, Abakaliki, where he called on youths to exercise caution on social media. | Ebonyi State, David Umahi, Fake News, Social Media | https://guardian.ng/news/ebonyi-to-enact-law-against-fake-news-on-social-media-says-umahi/ | |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Tuesday, June 29, 2021 | Ekiti State Government Laments Low Productivity of Civil Service | The Ekiti State Government has lamented what it described as low productivity of its workforce, blaming it on the obsolete public service rules and poor access to Information and Communication Technology (ICT) gadgets. Head of Service, Mrs. Peju Babafemi, who stated this on Monday, June 28 in Ado-Ekiti, stated that the state government had been working hard to reposition the civil service and make it more functional by reviewing its rules and raising the bar of standardisation in doing government’s business. Babafemi, describing the civil service as the engine room of any government, noted that no government could function effectively while still relying on the old-fashioned rules. She stated that the Governor Kayode Fayemi-led administration would restructure the public service through effective legal framework that could promote welfarism, innovations, compliance to rules and others. Giving an overview of the revised rules, the Permanent Secretary, Office of Establishment and Service Matters, Mr. Bayo Opeyemi, stated that some of the reviewed provisions were targeted at fostering discipline and quick response to issues that could affect governance positively. Also, Chairman, Ekiti State Civil Service Commission, Mr. Olubunmo Famosaya, suggested that the review should focus on ICT, paternity leave and life insurance for all workers, saying this is the best way to make it holistic. | Ekiti State Government, Civil Service | https://guardian.ng/news/ekiti-state-government-laments-low-productivity-of-civil-service/ | |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Tuesday, June 29, 2021 | Lagos Assembly Asks Sanwo-Olu to Rein in Excesses of LGs | Lagos State House of Assembly on Monday, June 28, stated that it would no longer close its eyes to the excesses of local councils and local council development areas (LCDAs) that are involved in extortion and harassment of operators of courier and logistics services in the state. The House, at its plenary, after a motion moved by Ganiu Sanni Okanlawon (Kosofe I), urged Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Ministry of Transportation and the State Commissioner of Police (CP) to ensure that necessary steps were taken to discourage and stop forthwith extortion and harassment of courier and logistics operators across the state. The Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, in his remarks, stated thus: “It was disappointing that Lagos State came third behind two northern states on ease of doing business. Something must be done on this urgently. They should not be disturbing a business that is reducing unemployment in the state. The services of courier operators reduce congestion and poverty in the state.” | Lagos State House of Assembly, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu | https://guardian.ng/politics/lagos-assembly-asks-sanwo-olu-to-rein-in-excesses-of-lgs/ | |
| DailyTrust Online | Tuesday, June 29, 2021 | Nasarawa Assembly Passes 4 Executive Bills Into Law | The Nasarawa State House of Assembly stated that it has passed four executive bills into law to bring speedy development to the state. The Speaker of the House, Mr. Ibrahim Balarabe-Abdullahi, announced this shortly after the House Leader, Mr. Tanko Tunga, moved the motion during the House proceedings in Lafia, the State capital. The bills passed are: Bill for a Law to Establish the Nasarawa State Contributory Health Scheme and Other Related Matters, and Bill for a Law to Enact the Nasarawa State Public Audit Law 2021 and for Other Matters Connected Therewith. Others are Bill for a Law to Provide for the Establishment of Office of the Auditor General for Local Governments and Other Matters Incidental Thereto and Bill for a Law for the Establishment of the Nasarawa State Debt Management Office and for Other Matters Connected Therewith. According to him, the Nasarawa State Contributory Health Scheme would improve on the health status of civil servants and other people of the state if assented to by the governor. He added that the Nasarawa State Public Audit law among other bills passed during the day’s sitting would enhance accountability, probity and transparency in governance. He directed the clerk to the House to produce clean copies of the bills for Governor Abdullahi Sule’s assent. | Nasarawa State House of Assembly | https://dailytrust.com/nasarawa-assembly-passes-4-executive-bills-into-law | |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Tuesday, June 29, 2021 | Reps Caucus Parleys Northern Governors, Monarchs on PIB | As the House of Representatives reconvenes, today Tuesday, June 29, its members from the northern part of the country are meeting with their governors and monarchs to take a common position on the contentious Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB). The PIB is slated for final consideration and passage before the National Assembly embarks on their yearly vacation in a fortnight. Also, the lawmakers, who converged for a two-day retreat at the Zuma Resort, along Abuja–Kaduna expressway, have been cautioned by the Chairman of the Arewa Consultative forum (ACF), Audi Ogbeh to be wary of a bill on restructuring of the country. At the retreat were: traditional rulers and governors from across the 19 northern states, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha; Chairman, Northern Elders’ Forum (NEF), Prof. Ango Abdullahi; Chairman, ACF, Audi Ogbeh; Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar; ministers, among others. Ogbeh, who assured that the ACF would take a stand on the PIB, stated that it was connected to the clamour by a section of the country to control their resources. According to him, “At our last meeting in Kaduna, we extended an invitation to Ohanaeze, Afenifere and others that we want to have a conversation on the subject. We believe that there is no reason for undue warfare and that we all need to sit at a roundtable to solve the problem.” According to him, many of those clamouring for restructuring are referring to the 1963 Constitution, which it is believed, gives to every part of Nigeria whatever resources they have. He urged them to take the Constitution and study its contents, as they would meet, discuss and something would be presented. | House of Representatives, Petroleum Industry Bill | https://guardian.ng/news/reps-caucus-parleys-northern-governors-monarchs-on-pib/ | |
| DailyTrust Online | Tuesday, June 29, 2021 | Deputy Gov Remains As Senators, Reps, Others Follow Matawalle To APC | Ahead of today’s defection of Zamfara State Governor, Bello Matawalle to the All Progressives Congress (APC), three senators, five members of the House of Representatives and 18 members of the State House Assembly have indicated interest to decamp with the governor to the ruling party, Daily Trust reports. This is as the Deputy Governor, Mahdi Aliyu Gusau, two members of the House of Representatives and six members of the Zamfara State House of Assembly are unlikely to defect with the governor. Reliable sources told Daily Trust that the deputy governor, who is a son of a former National Security Adviser, General Aliyu Gusau, has told the governor that he is not ready to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). General Gusau is regarded as the father of the PDP in Zamfara State. Governor Matawalle’s planned defection has been greeted with mixed reactions from residents of the state. Meanwhile, stakeholders in the camp of a former governor of the state and leader of the APC in the state, Abdulaziz Yari, have welcomed Matawalle’s decision to pitch tent with the ruling party. | Zamfara State, APC, PDP | https://dailytrust.com/deputy-gov-remains-as-senators-reps-others-follow-matawalle-to-apc | |
| DailyTrust Online | Monday, June 28, 2021 | Insurgency: Chief Of Army Staff Puts Troops On Alert | The Chief of Army Staff, Major-General Faruk Yahaya, has charged troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) to be decisive and alert against terrorism and insurgency in the North-East. Yahaya gave the charge during his maiden operational visit to the troops of Sector 3 OPHK/Multinational Joint Task Force in Monguno, Borno State, fighting against the Islamic State of West Africa (ISWAP), Boko Haram and others. The Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, June 27. The army spokesman quoted Yahaya as also lauding the level of discipline and commitment exhibited by the troops in the ongoing fight against insurgency in the zone. Yahaya, according to the statement, also asked the troops to be apolitical, decisive and circumspect in all their operational engagements. The Army Chief equally charged them to sustain the tempo of aggression to bring insurgency to an end. | Chief of Army Staff, Insurgency | https://dailytrust.com/insurgency-chief-of-army-staff-puts-troops-on-alert | |
| ThisDayLive Online | Monday, June 28, 2021 | Anambra PDP Primary: Saraki Congratulates Ozigbo, Calls for Support of Other Stakeholders | Former Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki has congratulated the winner of the gubernatorial primary elections conducted by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Anambra State at the weekend, Mr. Valentine Ozigbo. In a statement signed on his behalf by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, Saraki also appealed to leaders of the PDP across the state to rally round the candidate so as to ensure victory for the party in the forth coming election. Saraki noted that Ozigbo emerged from a keenly contested primary election and his emergence will definitely ruffle some feathers in some quarters. He urged the candidate to be magnanimous in victory and immediately commence reaching out to all his co-aspirants in order to ensure that they all work together as a team for the victory of the party in the gubernatorial election. According to the statement, “Ozigbo must let all his co-aspirants know that there is ‘no victor and no vanquished’ in the just concluded primary election. The victory is for our great party and his immediate efforts should be geared towards convincing all that he is a team player and ready to work with them to ensure victory for the party that can best represent the interest of Anambra people." | Anambra State Governorship Election, PDP | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/06/28/anambra-pdp-primary-saraki-congratulates-ozigbo-calls-for-support-of-other-stakeholders/ | |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Monday, June 28, 2021 | I’ve Responded to Demands; Threats Pointless, Buhari Tells Niger Delta Militants | President Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday, June 27, declared as unnecessary the threat by the militant group, Niger Delta Avengers (NDA) despite his response to their demand. According to a statement signed by the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity Femi Adesina, it was “curious that the threat was coming less than 48 hours after President Muhammadu Buhari met with the leadership of the Niger Delta and Ijaw National Congress (INC), at the Presidential Villa, and the germane issues had been responded to, especially the call for restructuring of the Federation, and the inauguration of a Board for the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).” NDA had on its website on Saturday, June 26, threatened to unleash ‘Operation Humble’, which it said would bring “down target oil installations capable of humbling the economy into permanent recession.” It further stated that, “This mission is also targeted at political actors collaborating with the Nigerian government to undermine interests of the Niger Delta people.” The group said the action was necessary to “remind this failed government that we have exhausted the very last iota of patience. The high command of the Niger Delta Avengers has in a meeting held on Sunday, June 27, made some critical resolutions. First, that we have lost total confidence on all socio-cultural groups like PANDEF, the elders of Niger Delta, and the bunch of so-called ex-agitators frolicking with the government at our detriment.” It vowed: “We shall spare no oil installation within our range of strategic targets for destruction in the coming days and we bet the Nigerian government will be humbled to return to the drawing board and chart an all inclusive course by the time we are done with our action plan. Our strike teams across the Niger Delta are commanded to be on red alert, awaiting precise strike plans as mapped by the high command of the NDA." However, describing the “sabre-rattling” as “rather unnecessary”, Adesina reproduced the full text of Buhari’s speech when he met with leaders of the region on Friday, June 25. Part of the President’s speech read: “I particularly note your ten-point demand to the Federal Government in your inaugural speech and assure you that this administration is frontally addressing them." | President Muhammadu Buhari, Niger Delta Militants | https://guardian.ng/news/ive-responded-to-demands-threats-pointless-buhari-tells-niger-delta-militants/ | |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Monday, June 28, 2021 | Speakers Canvass State Police To Check Insecurity | Conference of Speakers of State Houses of Assembly, at the weekend, decried the current insecurity in Nigeria, noting that the establishment of state and community police will save the country from banditry. Speakers of the 36 states of the Federation, who converged on Asaba, Delta State, stated this in a communiqué released at the end of its second quarter general meeting and endorsed by its Chairman and Speaker, Bauchi State House of Assembly, Hon. Abubakar Suleiman. They stated that when major stakeholders use the ongoing review of the Nigerian Constitution to support and accommodate community policing and state police, normalcy would return to the country. The communiqué restated that state and community policing would help to effectively police all parts of Nigeria against criminality. While commending Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, for hosting the meeting, they applauded the State government for being in the fore front of implementing financial autonomy of the State legislature. The speakers also commended other governors that have commenced implementing financial autonomy for the legislature in their states and urged others to follow suit as agreed in the Memorandum of Action signed by all stakeholders. They also urged the stSate Houses of Assembly to pass their Funds Management Bill for their governors’ assent within the 45 days as agreed to by all stakeholders. | Conference of Speakers of State Houses of Assembly, Insecurity | https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/speakers-canvass-state-police-to-check-insecurity/ | |
| DailyTrust Online | Monday, June 28, 2021 | PDP Goes To Court As Matawalle Joins APC Tomorrow | Zamfara State Governor, Bello Matawalle is expected to join the All Progressives Congress (APC) from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Tuesday, June 29 according to multiple sources. This is just as PDP has instituted a legal action to stop the Zamfara Governor from dumping their party. Barring any delay, it was gathered that the suit filed by some PDP chieftains against Matawalle’s defection would be mentioned today in court. Yobe State Governor and Chairman of the caretaker committee of the APC, Mai Mala Buni has confirmed the defection of Matawalle in an invitation letter he issued on Saturday, June 26. Buni, in the letter he personally signed, sighted by Daily Trust, stated that the Zamfara Governor will be received into the APC at the Zamfara State Government House, Gusau, tomorrow, June 29. According to the Yobe Governor, Matawalle will join the APC together with his teeming supporters. Similarly, on a local radio station in Zamfara State, an announcement was made to the effect that the Governor will decamp to APC tomorrow. Daily Trust reports that there have been reports of the planned defection of Matawalle, who became governor of Zamfara State following the Supreme Court judgement on the crisis that rocked the APC in the State in the build up to the 2019 general the elections. Also speaking, Senator Hassan Muhammad Nasiha (PDP, Zamfara) stated that arrangements have gone far on the defection. The Senator told a DailyTrust correspondent that consultations were still going on, but expressed optimism that tomorrow would determine a new political direction for the Governor and his teeming supporters. Senator Nasiha had earlier held a meeting with stakeholders at the PDP Secretariat in Gusau, the State capital, where he asked them to move with Governor Matawalle to the APC. | Zamfara State, Governor Bello Matawalle | https://dailytrust.com/pdp-goes-to-court-as-matawalle-joins-apc-tomorrow | |
| DailyTrust Online | Monday, June 28, 2021 | FG To Tax Profits Made by Global Tech and Digital In Nigeria — Osinbajo | Legal provisions will be utilised to collect taxes on profits made locally by global technology and digital firms not based in Nigeria, but with significant economic presence in the country. Vice President Yemi Osinbajo stated this during an interaction with a delegation from the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria, led by its President, Adesina Adedayo, at the Presidential Villa. Osinbajo’s spokesman, Laolu Akande, in a statement on Sunday, June 27, stated thus: “While the Federal Government will not be raising tax rates at this time, based on the Finance Act 2019, it’s already empowered to widen the tax net. This includes collecting taxes on the Nigerian income of global tech giants with significant economic presence here, even if they have not established an office or permanent establishment, and are currently not paying taxes in Nigeria. In this regard, Section 4 of the Finance Act 2019, provides that the Finance Minister, may by order of the President, determine what constitutes the significant economic presence of a company, other than a Nigerian company. We’ve had severe economic downturns, which of course implies that we may not be able to collect taxes with the aggressiveness that would ordinarily be expected. I think the most important thing is that we must widen our tax net so that more people who are eligible to pay tax are paying. I’m sure you are aware of the initiatives including the Voluntary Assets and Income Declaration Scheme (VAIDS), which was also an attempt to bring more people into the tax net, including those who have foreign assets.” | Vice President Yemi osibanjo, Taxation, Tech and Digital Firms | https://dailytrust.com/fg-will-tax-profits-made-by-twitter-google-in-nigeria-osinbajo | |
| ThisDayLive Online | Thursday, June 24, 2021 | Senate Condemns Killings by Security Agents in Enugu, Imo | The Senate on Wednesday, June 23, condemned the shooting incident by a Police Inspector in Enugu, the Enugu State capital, which led to the death of five persons with several other people sustaining injuries last Sunday, June 20. The upper legislative chamber also flayed the alleged killing of a Germany-based Nigerian, Mr. Oguchi Unachukwu, near Owerri Airport in Imo State. The resolution was sequel to a motion on the “Need to Investigate Fatal Shootings by Security Agents in Enugu and Imo States,” moved by former Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu. Moving the motion under Order 43 of the Senate Standing Rule, Senator Ekweremadu noted with sadness the Sunday, June 20, 2021 shooting incident in Enugu in which an Inspector of Police attached to Special Protection Unit (SPU) Base 9, Umuahia, Abia State, opened fire on the people on sight, shooting five persons dead and injuring several others. He stated that he is aware that the said policeman has been arrested by the police and taken into custody. Senator Ekweremadu further noted with a deep sense of grief, the May 31, 2021 fatal shooting of a Germany-based Nigerian, Mr. Oguchi Unachukwu, allegedly by personnel of the Nigeria Air Force around the tollgate of the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport in the presence of his wife, Mrs. Ijeoma Unachukwu, his two-year-old son and four-month- old daughter. He expressed concern that no arrests have been made by the Air Force or law enforcement agencies regarding the gruesome death of Unachukwu. Consequently, the upper legislative chamber unanimously resolved to “totally condemn the killings”. It also directed the Inspector-General of Police, Service Chiefs and heads of other armed security agencies to “immediately commence regular assessment of the state of mind of their personnel as well as training them on relations with the civilian populations”. | Senate, Security Agents | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/06/24/senate-condemns-killings-by-security-agents-in-enugu-imo/ | |
| ThisDayLive Online | Thursday, June 24, 2021 | Senate Indicts NSA Over Alleged Diversion of $2.3bn, Others | The Senate has indicted the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) over an alleged diversion of N1,075,266,599.06, $2,301,329.54 and €196,257.42 by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA). Apart from asking the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to go after all the indicted public officials, the Senate also threatened to expose all government agencies who fail to account for public funds put in their care. The NPA sum allegedly diverted consisted of local and foreign currencies, meant for the Presidential Implementation Committee on Marine Safety and Security (PICOMSS). According to a report by the Senate Committee on Public Accounts, the funds were diverted into the NSA account contrary to a February 21, 2007, directive by the Federal Executive Council (FEC). | Senate, Office of the National Security Adviser | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/06/24/senate-indicts-nsa-over-alleged-diversion-of-2-3bn-others/ | |
| ThisDayLive Online | Thursday, June 24, 2021 | Buhari Meets Northern Governors Over Insecurity | President Muhammadu Buhari and some Northern governors met on Wednesday, June 23 at the State House, Abuja over the deteriorating security situation in the country. The meeting was said to have primarily centred on the security situation in the 19 Northern states. Zamfara State Governor, Alhaji Bello Matawalle, told journalists after the meeting that peace and confidence seemed to be gradually returning to the region with the new security roadmap adopted by the Federal and state governments to secure the region. He assured farmers that they would soon be able to safely cultivate their farms during raining season as security would continue to be stepped up in the area. Governor Matawalle stated thus: “With action and the roadmap that we have drawn, between the government and the security, we are doing our best to make sure that farmers will go back to their farms and they will be able to farm, Insha Allah. We will do our best to make sure that all farmers will go back to their farms.” On the meeting with Buhari, the governor stated thus: “We discussed the security, not just myself, but the Northern region because of the current escalation of insecurity. I briefed him and the governor of Niger also briefed him. The President has assured us that action will be taken about what we have discussed about the issue of insecurity.” | President Buhari, Northern governors | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/06/24/buhari-meets-northern-govs-over-insecurity/ | |
| https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/06/24/buhari-meets-northern-govs-over-insecurity/ | Thursday, June 24, 2021 | Delta PDP Suspends Nwaoboshi | The State Working Committee (SWC) of the Delta State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), rising from an emergency meeting, on Wednesday, June 23 has suspended the Senator representing Delta North Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Senator Peter Onyeluka Nwaoboshi, for a period of one month. The State Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza, in a statement, said the suspension "became necessary against the backdrop of the recent romance with an opposition party, verbal recklessness, and unprovoked utterances" of Nwaoboshi, particularly against Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, of Delta State. Osuoza said the PDP State Working Committee viewed Nwaoboshi’s activities "strongly as totally unacceptable, disturbing and unbecoming of a politician and party member of his stature." He added that,the matter has been referred to the State Disciplinary Committee, in order to afford Senator Nwaoboshi a fair hearing and the opportunity to appear before it and defend himself over his recent utterances and actions against the Party and its leadership, in the State. However, Nwaoboshi in a swift reaction through his aide, Philip Elueme, has described his suspension as not only unconstitutional, but also laughable. He cited the PDP 2017 constitution chapter 10, article 57(7) page 99 to defend his position. | Senator Peter Nwaboshi, PDP | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/06/24/delta-pdp-suspends-nwaoboshi/ | |
| ThisDayLive Online | Thursday, June 24, 2021 | Abiodun Heads APC Anambra Primary Election Committee | The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC), Governor Mai Mala Buni has approved the appointment of Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun as Chairman of the Primary Committee for Anambra Governorship Election. He will head a seven-man Committee with Senator John Enoh as Secretary. A statement by the party’s Caretaker Committee Secretary, Senator John James Akpanduoehehe in Abuja on Wednesday, June 23, stated that the primary election is scheduled for Saturday, June 26, 2021. The statement reads: “In this capacity, the seven-member committee is expected to conduct the Primary Election to elect the Party’s Candidate for the Governorship Election for Anambra State in line with the provisions of our Party’s Constitution and Guidelines for the nomination of candidates.” Other members of the committee are: Mr. Uba Maigari Ahmadu; Hon. Goodluck Opiah; Cathleen Oby Nwofor, Alhaji Shitu Muhammed and Sylvester Imohanobe. | Amnambra State governorship election. APC, Primaries | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/06/24/abiodun-heads-apc-anambra-primary-election-committee/ | |
| ThisDayLive Online | Thursday, June 24, 2021 | Adesina: Presidency Has No Input in Media Bills Before NASS | The Presidency has washed its hands off the current attempt by the National Assembly to amend the Nigerian Press Council (NPC) Act and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) Act, a move media stakeholders have condemned as an attempt to gag the press. According to the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, who spoke on Wednesday, June 23 with newsmen after the weekly meeting of the Federal Executive Council (FEC), the said proposals on the bills are an initiative of government which only the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, can address. Adesina states thus: “That is not strictly a Presidency thing because the President has nothing to do with that. It’s a government thing and it’s the minister that can talk about it.” He also added that there was nothing to report on the FEC meeting as the issues discussed were not meant for public consumption at this stage. | Presidency, Nigerian Press Council (NPC), National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) Act | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/06/23/adesina-presidency-has-no-input-in-media-bills-before-n-assembly/ | |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Thursday, June 24, 2021 | EFCC Rre-Arraigns three FIRS Directors, Six Others Over Alleged N4.5b Fraud | The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on Wednesday, June 23, re-arraigned Peter Hena, former Coordinating Director of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and eight other officers of the agency before Justice Toyin Bolaji Adegoke of the Federal High Court, Abuja. The others are Mohammed Bello Auta (Director of Finance), Amina Sidi (Finance and Account Department), Umar Aliyu Aduka (Internal Audit), Mbura Mustapha (Deputy Manager), Obi Okeke Malachy (Services Group), Obaje Napoleon Adofu (Head of Budget), Udo-Inyang Effiong Alfred (Officer II) and Benjamin Jiya (Assistant Director). The defendants however pleaded “not guilty” to the charges. Their re-arraignment followed the transfer of the former trial judge, Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu. The defendants were docked on a 42-count charge bordering on corruption, fraud and criminal misappropriation of N4,558,160,676.9 (four billion, five hundred and fifty-eight million, one hundred and sixty thousand, six hundred and seventy-six naira, nine kobo). | EFCC, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) | https://guardian.ng/news/efcc-re-arraigns-three-firs-directors-six-others-over-alleged-n4-5b-fraud/ | |
| ThisDayLive Online | Wednesday, June 23, 2021 | Mohammed, Malami, Fashola, Others to Meet Twitter Over Suspension | The Federal Government on Tuesday, June 22 kick-started the process of resolving its dispute that led to the suspension of the operations of the microblogging platform, Twitter, in Nigeria, with President Muhammadu Buhari raising a team to negotiate with the United States-based company. The team, comprising cabinet members, will be led by Minister of Information and Culture, Mr. Lai Mohammed. According to a statement by the Special Assistant to the President (Media), Office of the Minister of Information and Culture, Mr. Segun Adeyemi, the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami (SAN); the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Pantami; the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Geoffrey Onyeama; the Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN), and the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Mr. Festus Keyamo (SAN), will join Mohammed in the talks. The engagement followed a letter from Twitter informing the Federal Government of its readiness for talks following the suspension of its operations on June 5 for deleting the President’s tweet, warning the Igbo of a potential repeat of the civil war that might result from the escalation in insurgency traced to the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB). Also yesterday, the Federal Government, again, defended the suspension of Twitter’s operations in the country, saying it was done under the National Security Act, Terrorism Prevention Act, Cybercrimes Act and Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA). | Twitter, Federal Government | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/06/23/mohammed-malami-fashola-others-to-meet-twitter-over-suspension/ | |
| ThisDayLive Online | Wednesday, June 23, 2021 | Buhari Sends N895.84bn Supplementary Appropriation Bill to Senate | President Muhammadu Buhari has transmitted a 2021 Supplementary Appropriation Bill of N895.842 billion to the Senate for passage into law. The Federal Executive Council (FEC) at its virtual meeting last Wednesday, June 16, in Abuja had approved the supplementary appropriation bill for onward transmission to the National Assembly for approval. The bill was transmitted via a letter dated 15th June 2021, and addressed to the President of the Senate, Dr. Ahmad Lawan Buhari, in the letter which was read on Tuesday, June 22 at plenary said the amount captured in the bill was proposed to fund the COVID-19 vaccine programme. He added that part of the supplementary budget would be used to also fund health-related expenditures for the treatment of additional 50,000 patients under Nigeria Comprehensive AIDS Programme in states and to procure additional equipment to tackle security challenges nationwide. According to the President, the supplementary budget will be funded through facilities sourced from the World Bank and available new facilities. | Supplementary Appropriation Bill, Senate | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/06/23/buhari-sends-n895-84bn-supplementary-appropriation-bill-to-senate/ | |
| ThisDayLive Online | Wednesday, June 23, 2021 | INEC: Why APGA May Not Participate in Anambra Governorship Election | The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Tuesday, June 22, explained that the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) may not be allowed to participate in the November 6 governorship election in Anambra State due to the party’s non-compliance to Section 85 of the Electoral Act. The commission has also urged any political party that is not satisfied with its position to go to court. INEC’s National Commissioner in charge of Information and Voter Education, Mr. Festus Okoye told THISDAY that APGA had earlier informed the commission of its intention to hold ad-hoc delegate congress on June 23, only to later write the commission to declare that the delegates’ election had been conducted. According to Okoye, “On the 16th of June 2021, the party forwarded to the commission the list of delegates for its congress for the purpose of nominating its candidate for the said election. On the 18th June 2021, the Secretary to the Commission responded to the said letter and notified the party that it did not notify the commission of the date of the congress where the ad-hoc delegates were elected, as required by Section 85 of the Electoral Act.” Okoye further explained, “By Section 85 of the Electoral Act 2010, every registered political party is legally obligated to give the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) 21 days’ statutory notice of its intention to organise any convention, congress, conference or meeting for the purpose of nominating candidates for any of the elective offices specified in the Electoral Act. In the statutory notice given to the Commission, the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) proposed June 23, 2021 for the conduct of its State Congress for the purposes of nominating its candidate for the Anambra State Governorship Election holding on the 6th of November 2021”, Okoye explained. Okoye further stated that, “Based on its satisfaction of the 21-day statutory requirement for the holding of its congress, the Commission has concluded arrangements to monitor the said congress and will monitor the congress-taking place on the June 23, 2021.” | APGA, INEC, Anambra State Governorship Election | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/06/23/inec-why-apga-wont-participate-in-anambra-governorship-election/ | |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Wednesday, June 23, 2021 | Final Forensic Audit Report of NDDC Ready by July—Akpabio | Godswill Akpabio, Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, says the final report of a forensic audit of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) will be ready by the end of July, 2021. Akpabio, who fielded questions from State House correspondents on Tuesday, June 22 at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, stated that the final report would be submitted to President Muhammadu Buhari for implementation. The Federal Executive Council (FEC) had in February 2020 approved the appointment of a lead consultant for the forensic audit of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). The minister said that action had been expedited on the process of constituting of the board of NDDC. He stated thus: “We have fast-tracked the process of constituting the board, but we insist that the most important thing is not just the development of the Niger Delta region but how to reposition NDDC to ensure optimal performance as against the practice in the past. So, the forensic audit of NDDC is on course and it is progressing very well and I am happy with the progress made so far. And I am very certain that by end of July which is just a month and a few weeks away from now, that the final result will be given to the President for implementation. And in terms of the composition of the board of the NDDC, that of course, we have fast-tracked the process and the National Assembly will soon get the list." | Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, NNDC | https://guardian.ng/news/final-forensic-audit-report-of-nddc-ready-by-july-akpabio/ | |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Wednesday, June 23, 2021 | NLC Set to Resume Strike in Kaduna | The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) is poised to resume its suspended industrial action in Kaduna State. Consequently, it directed its state council and affiliate unions to mobilise for the latest action. According to a statement to journalists in Kaduna, the President of NLC, Ayuba Wabba, made this known during a press conference after an emergency National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the congress on Tuesday, June 22 in Abuja. Wabba reportedly accused the Governor Nasir el-Rufai of failing to respect the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) brokered between the NLC and the state government by the Federal Government. He stated that the congress, after exhausting all avenues, including writing letters to President Muhammadu Buhari and Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, decided to resume the strike. SimilarlyY, leaders of organised labour in Nasarawa State has explained that they refused to sign the MoU with the state government and suspend the ongoing strike because the government doctored the agreement. Nasarawa NLC Chairman, Yusuf Iya, and his Trade Union Congress (TUC) counterpart, Mohammed Doma, stated this to newsmen after the union’s congress on Tuesday, June 22 in Lafia. | NLC, Kaduna State | https://guardian.ng/news/nlc-set-to-resume-strike-in-kaduna/ | |
| ThisDayLive Online | Wednesday, June 23, 2021 | ECOWAS Court Stops FG from Prosecuting Nigerians Using Twitter | The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Court of Justice in Abuja has restrained the Federal Government from imposing sanctions or doing anything whatsoever to arrest or prosecute any Nigerian and media houses using Twitter, pending the hearing and determination of a suit filed by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP). The court gave the order after hearing arguments from the solicitor to SERAP, Mr. Femi Falana (SAN), and lawyer to the Federal Government, Maimuna Shiru, following a suit filed on June 8 against the government by SERAP and 176 concerned Nigerians. The court stated thus “The court has listened very well to the objection by Nigeria. The court has this to say. Any interference with Twitter is viewed as inference with human rights, and that will violate human rights. Therefore, this court has jurisdiction to hear the case. The court also hereby orders that the application be heard expeditiously. The Nigerian government must take immediate steps to implement the order.” | ECOWAS, Federal Government, SERAP, Twitter Ban | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/06/22/ecowas-court-stops-fg-from-prosecuting-nigerians-using-twitter/ | |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Wednesday, June 23, 2021 | Buhari Promises Proactive Policing, Orders Pay Review For Officers | President Muhammadu Buhari, on Tuesday, June 22, pledged to bequeath “a citizen-led policing system” to Nigeria, declaring that his administration had demonstrated firm commitment towards changing police’s operations in the country. Addressing the passing-out parade of 418 officers of the third Regular Cadet Course at the Nigeria Police Academy, Wudil, Kano State, the President directed the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission to review upward, the emoluments of personnel. Represented by the Minister of Police Affairs, Maigari Dingyadi, the President stated that a citizen-led policing arrangement informed the approval of community policing as part of the country’s internal security strategy and the resultant funds’ approval to accomplish the implementation. On the revised salary and allowances for the force, he said it would be commensurate with the vital functions it performs as the lead agency in internal security architecture. Buhari noted that the police reforms embarked upon by his administration had focused on improving the welfare of the force by way of recruitment of 10,000 junior police officers yearly and investing in the upgrade of facilities at the police academy and training institutions across the Federation. He stated thus: “In addition, a Nigeria Police Academy (Establishment) Bill is currently receiving legislative attention at the National Assembly. On passage, the bill will give full legal backing to the existence and academic programmes of the Nigeria Police Academy and fully legitimise its status as a police university. | President Muhammadu Buhari, Police | https://guardian.ng/news/buhari-promises-proactive-policing-orders-pay-review-for-officers/ | |
| ThisDayLive Online | Monday, June 21, 2021 | Courts, Assemblies Move to Relist Cases, Bills Stalled by Workers’ Strike | With the resumption of activities in courts and State Houses of Assembly, the judiciaries and the legislatures in states of the Federation have begun to relist cases and bills that were stalled as a result of the strike by the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) and the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN) called off after two months. THISDAY investigations showed that the industrial action, embarked upon to press home the workers’ demands for financial autonomy for the two arms of government at state level, stalled proceedings in over 100,000 court cases, some of which were in the judgment delivery stage, in 16 states. The strike also stopped the passage of 49 important bills in six states, while debates on many other legislative bills were halted. According to the investigation, the passage of five bills was affected in Edo State; four in Bauchi; three in Ondo; one in Cross River; 15 in Nasarawa and 21 in Niger State. Also, proceedings in 880 court cases were halted in Ekiti; over 100 cases in Sokoto; and over 100,000 cases in Katsina, mostly in sharia and magistrate’s courts. To reduce the burden on lawyers and litigants, Lagos and Plateau States’ courts have waived the default fees on cases that were not filed at the appropriate time. In Bauchi State, the Chairman, House Committee on Information, Hon. Garzali Wunti, stated that the lawmakers had only four bills pending, which would have been considered and passed if not for the parliamentary staff strike. In Taraba State, the Chairman, House Committee on Information, Mr. Bashir Bape, who represents Nguroje State Constituency, told THISDAY that some bills that were at various stages of passage were affected by the industrial action. In Katsina, the Chief Registrar of the State High Court, Mr. Kabir Shu’aibu, told THISDAY that there were over 100,000 outstanding cases, whose proceedings were stalled as a result of the strike. Shu’aibu, in an exclusive interview with THISDAY, said Sharia and magistrate’s courts had the highest number of pending cases. | Courts, State Houses of Assembly | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/06/21/courts-assemblies-move-to-relist-cases-bills-stalled-by-workers-strike/ | |
| ThisDayLive Online | Monday, June 21, 2021 | PDP Renews Call on Senate to Reject Onochie for INEC Job | The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Sunday, June 20, cautioned the Senate not to test the will of the people by pushing through the confirmation of President Muhammadu Buhari’s aide, Mrs. Lauretta Onochie, as a National Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). It added that doing so will violate the wishes of the people and the 1999 Nigerian Constitution. The PDP accused the Senate President, Senator Ahmad Lawan, of testing the will of the people by his failure to reject Onochie’s nomination as demanded by Nigerians. In the party's statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Kola Ologbondiyan, the main opposition party warned that Lawan was pitting the Senate against Nigerians, adding that the consequence of such arrogant derision to the definite provision of the 1999 Constitution, as well as the precise demands by Nigerians to return Onochie’s nomination to the President could cost the institution its respect with the people. It added: “Our party is appalled that Senator Lawan, who swore to protect the Constitution, will brazenly debase its clear provision in paragraph 14 of the 3rd schedule by sending a card-carrying member of a political party for clearance as INEC national commissioner.” The PDP said sending Onochie’s nomination to the Senate Committee on INEC for clearance was offensive to all parliamentary procedure of due process as it is akin to sending the name of Buhari to the committee for clearance as INEC Chairman or national officer. It further stated that, “If he meant well, Senator Lawan ought to, upon receiving the obnoxious nomination, immediately return same to President Buhari and advise him to send a replacement. PDP urged the Chairman of the Senate Committee on INEC, Senator Kabiru Gaya not to heed Lawan’s push, urging him to act in line with the demand of Nigerians that Onochie’s consideration is turned down. | PDP, Lauretta Onochie, INEC | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/06/21/pdp-renews-call-on-senate-to-reject-onochie-for-inec-job/ | |
| ThisDayLive Online | Monday, June 21, 2021 | Ngige Meets Buhari over Labour Issues, Insecurity in South East | Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige, at the weekend met with President Muhammadu Buhari on some recent labour issues that had led to strikes. Ngige, in the company of the President’s Chief of Staff, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, also briefed Buhari on the challenging security situation in the South East. He told journalists in Abuja that he briefed the President on labour issues, including the recent strike embarked upon by the Judicial Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) and the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN) that paralysed legislative and judicial activities in the country for two months before the strike was called off last week. He stated thus: “We are going to monitor the agreement. He is very interested in it. And if you remember, he had to do an Executive Order 10 in consonance with the Constitution so that we have independence, financial autonomy for the judiciary and the legislature in the states. So, it is one of the few things and he was happy that at least the strikes had been called off." He added that the recent face-off between the Kaduna State government and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) was also discussed at the meeting with the President, adding that the President warned against another industrial action in Kaduna State. On the security situation in the South East, Ngige stated thus: “We also looked at the security situation, especially in my zone, the South-east, and we made some proposals to him, based on the yearnings of the people, and what the government also wants." | Chris Ngige, President Muhamamdu Buhari | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/06/21/ngige-meets-buhari-over-labour-issues-insecurity-in-south-east/ | |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Monday, June 21, 2021 | Buhari Urges ECOWAS Leaders to Pressure Mali on Return to Civilian Rule | President Muhammadu Buhari has called on West African leaders to exert pressure on the military leadership in Mali to ensure that the transition process in the country is not aborted. Buhari’s position was contained in his statement delivered at the 59th Ordinary session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in Accra, Ghana on Saturday, June 19. He spoke on the situation in Mali, which was recently suspended from the regional bloc due to a military coup. He stated thus: “At this Summit today, we are expected to review a number of important reports dealing with various issues of concerns to our organisation and people. In doing so, we must take realistic and practical decisions, which will positively impact our citizens. Some of those decisions necessarily will have to do with evolving political and security situations in our sub-region, as well as evaluate the health of our organisation with the hope of repositioning to serve our people and sub-region better. Pressures are needed to ensure that the transition process in Mali, which is halfway to its conclusion, is not aborted. Buhari, therefore, appealed to the military leadership in Mali to understand the critical state of their country, which he described as being clearly under siege. The statement by the Nigerian leader at the Summit also addressed other pertinent issues of concern in the organisation, including the ongoing institutional reforms in ECOWAS. | President Buhari, ECOWAS, Mali | https://guardian.ng/news/buhari-urges-ecowas-leaders-to-pressure-mali-on-return-to-civilian-rule/ | |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Monday, June 21, 2021 | Insecurity Taking Toll on Education, Lawan Laments | President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, last weekend, lamented that insecurity was taking a toll on the education of the younger generations. He therefore, challenged stakeholders to reverse the ugly situation before education becomes anathema, especially in the North. Lawan made the appeal while fielding questions from reporters at the first solo exhibition of paintings and photographs by Stephen Binos in Adamawa State. In a statement issued by his media office, the Senate President regretted the frequent kidnapping of school children, particularly the girl child. In his words: “In northern Nigeria, education has always been a problem and it is getting worse with this kind of abduction of students either in Islamiya school or normal secondary schools or even in tertiary institutions as it happened in Afaka in Kaduna State. I believe we should continue to fight this insurgency and banditry for our country to make progress.” He sought the cooperation of all tiers of government to achieve this. | Ahmad Lawan, Insecurity, Education | https://guardian.ng/news/insecurity-taking-toll-on-education-lawan-laments/ | |
| DailyTrust Online | Monday, June 21, 2021 | Tinubu’s Probe Ongoing — EFCC Chair | Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Abdulrasheed Bawa, says a former governor of Lagos State and National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is under investigation. In an exclusive interview published by ThisDay on Sunday, June 20, Bawa stated that, “Investigation is ongoing. When you are investigating matters like this, they don’t end in a day. Thousands of investigations are going on, on a daily basis. Bawa was said to have requested for Tinubu’s assets declaration form when he was the head of the Commission's Lagos Zonal Office. In a related development, a former Managing Director of Alpha Beta LLP, Mr. Dapo Apara, has filed a suit demanding a Lagos State High Court to stop Tinubu from “controlling the finances of Alpha Beta.” The suit was filed on Wednesday, June 16 by Mr Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa (SAN) on behalf of Apara. | EFCC, Abdulrasheed Bawa, Bola Tinubu | https://dailytrust.com/tinubus-probe-ongoing-efcc-chair | |
| DailyTrust Online | Monday, June 21, 2021 | PDP To Buhari: Nigerians Have Right To Demand Restructuring | The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has told President Muhammadu Buhari that Nigerians, as citizens of a democratic state, have every right to demand constitutional restructuring and a democratic forum to deliberate on good governance and national cohesion. The PDP, in a statement on Sunday, June 21 by its spokesman, Kola Ologbondiyan, noted that such demands are neither synonymous nor contiguous to warfare. The party was responding to a comment credited to Buhari on Saturday, June 20, that the demand by Nigerians for constitutional restructuring was contiguous with warfare. According to the party's ststaement, “It is appalling, and to say the least, despicable, that Mr. President and his party, the APC, who came to power in 2015 on the promise of restructuring, have not only reneged, in utter duplicity towards Nigerians, but also turned around, six years after, to label restructuring as warfare and Nigerians demanding for it as 'mischievously dangerous.' President Buhari should be tutored to know that even the quest for efficient local government system as well as an effectual judiciary, which he alluded to as a focus, can only be achieved through a constitutional restructuring that directly confers and vests the required powers and control to them." It further read that: "The amendment or alteration of the constitution to permit state police as widely demanded by Nigerians is therefore a form of restructuring that will adjust our policing system without creating a war. In as much as the PDP holds the unity and indivisibility of our nation as supreme, our party however supports amendments that will alter the 1999 Constitution (as amended) in any manners that will engender good governance and reinforce, rather than detract from her unity, peace, equity and stability.” | PDP, President Muhamamdu Buhari, Restructuring | https://dailytrust.com/pdp-to-buhari-nigerians-have-right-to-demand-restructuring | |
| ThisDayLive Online | Thursday, June 17, 2021 | Buhari Visits Borno to Appraise Security Challenges in North-East | President Muhammadu Buhari is expected to visit Borno State today, June 17, to appraise security challenges in the North East and commission some projects in the State. A statement that was issued on Wednesday, June 16 by the Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, titled: “Thursday: Why Buhari Deserves Borno’s Rousing Welcome,” said the President would be in the state to appraise security situation in the North-east, during which he would commission some developmental projects executed by the State government. Zulum stated that Buhari is concerned about the humanitarian situation and is sincerely committed to finding peace in the troubled State. According to him, “This is why he is visiting us on Thursday (today). While I must admit that we still have security challenges, at the same time, if we cast our minds back to the realities before President Buhari’s coming, we would factually recall that many of our communities in northern, central and southern Borno were mostly no-go-areas. He added that “not long ago, Buhari gave approval for the NNPC to establish a power plant for us in Borno to address our electricity problems in Maiduguri and environs. Buhari has also approved the takeoff of a Federal Polytechnic in Monguno. The President is also likely to approve a Federal College of Education for Borno.” Zulum added that one of the projects Buhari is expected to commission is the first phase of 10,000 houses, which was approved and funded by Mr. President for the resettlement of IDPs and refugees. | Borno State, Security Challenges | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/06/17/buhari-visits-borno-to-appraise-security-challenges-in-north-east/ | |
| ThisDayLive Online | Thursday, June 17, 2021 | Jegede Heads to Supreme Court as Appeal Court Upholds Akeredolu’s Victory | The Court of Appeal in Akure, Ondo State on Wednesday, June 16, declared that the appeal filed by the candidate of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) in the Ondo State governorship election, Mr. Eyitayo Jegede, against the decision of the Election Petition Tribunal that upheld the election of the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Governor Oluwatotimi Akeredolu, in the October 10, 2020, governorship poll, lacked merit. The five-man panel led by Justice Theresa Orji-Abadua gave the judgment after considering the seven grounds of appeal presented by Jegede. However, the PDP and its candidate said the decision of the court would be challenged at the Supreme Court. Jegede had approached the appellate court after the tribunal on April 20, 2021, dismissed his petition which challenged the nomination and election of Akeredolu and Aiyedatiwa, for lacking in merit. Delivering the lead judgment virtually, Justice Abadua stated that the appeal was allowed in respect of issues 1,2, 4, 5 with regards to guidelines, while issue 6 was partly dismissed and partly allowed. The appellate court dismissed the grounds 3 and 7 of Jegede’s appeal. The court stated that the Electoral Act does not override the provision of the constitution with regard to qualification or disqualification of a candidate in an election. The judge stated that the appellate court came to a conclusion that the appeal lacks merit, though some of the grounds were meritorious. | Ondo State 2020 Governorship election, Court of Appeal | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/06/17/jegede-heads-to-scourt-as-appeal-court-upholds-akeredolus-victory/ | |
| ThisDayLive Online | Thursday, June 17, 2021 | Rivers to Send Anti-open Grazing Law to State Assembly | Rivers State Goverment has promised to give the ban on open grazing in the State a legal backing by sending the relevant bill to the House of Assembly. Governor Nyesom Wike on Wednesday, June 16, stated that his administration settled for an anti-open grazing bill to protect the people of the State. Speaking at the inauguration of the Isaiah Odoli/Omerelu Streets in New GRA Phase 1 in Obio-Akpor Local Government Area, Wike stated that the proposed bill was in harmony with the resolution of the Southern governors. He stated thus: “You can’t go to the farm anymore; those who rear cattle, they’ll not allow your crops to grow. Let me say clearly, now that the House of Assembly has come back, we have to submit the bill on Anti-Open Grazing as we agreed in the Southern Governors’ Forum. So that everybody must understand it; it’s clear, without any hesitation, we must do it to protect our farms, to protect our women, to protect our youths, so that nobody will go and kill them." | Rivers State, Anti-Open Grazing Law | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/06/17/rivers-to-send-anti-open-grazing-law-to-state-assembly/ | |
| ThisDayLive Online | Thursday, June 17, 2021 | Anambra Guber: Agbasimalo Emerges Labour Party Candidate | The Labour Party (LP) has declared former banker, Obiora Agbasimalo as the party’s governorship candidate for the 2021 election in Anambra State. The technocrat turned politician was unanimously elected at the party’s governorship primaries held on Friday, June 11 in Nnewi area of the State. The National Chairman of the Labour Party, Barr. Julius Abure, made this known to pressmen. He stated thus: “Obiora Agbasimalo is a product of hardwork and commitment. We are desirous to change the narrative in the Nigerian State and in Anambra State." He listed hunger, unemployment, insecurity, and poverty, among others as some of the narratives., adding that “We believe that with due diligence, commitment and hard work we will be able to achieve greatness.” Abure, who was the presiding Chairman of the primaries, stated that the party's choice to lead by example by conducting free and fair primaries was displayed for everyone to see. According to him, “The primary election was democratic; there was consensus building; there was internal party democracy and we all agreed that he was the best candidate for the party.” | Anambra State Governorship Election, Labour Party | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/06/17/anambra-guber-agbasimalo-emerges-labour-party-candidate/ | |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Thursday, June 17, 2021 | INEC Unveils 176,846 Polling Units for 2023 Elections | As part of efforts to deliver credible, transparent elections and enhance voters’ participation, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), on Wednesday, June 16, disclosed that 176,846 polling units (PUs) would be available for the 2023 general elections, a 56,872 increase or approximately 41 per cent boost over the previous 119,974 units. A breakdown of the distribution, as announced by the commission’s Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, during a meeting with the Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) in Abuja, showed that while additional 31,196 units were allocated to the North, the southern part of the country got 25,676 new booths, leaving a difference of 5,529. Similarly, a cursory look at state-by-state distribution revealed that Lagos, which ranked highest with 4,861 PUs, was closely followed by Kano (3,148); Kaduna (2,910); Rivers (2,424) and Plateau (2,358). Ekiti State has the lowest with 250 new PUs. Yakubu explained that some voting locations, including those in shrines, private residences and groves, were converted to polling units. He announced June 18 and July 16, 2022 as dates for the gubernatorial contests in Ekiti and Osun states. The INEC Chairman explained that the tenure of the Ekiti State governor will expire on October 15, 2022 while that of Osun State will terminate on November 26 of same year. | INEC, Creation of Polling Units | https://guardian.ng/politics/inec-unveils-176846-polling-units-for-2023-elections/ | |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Thursday, June 17, 2021 | Federal Government Insists On Regulating Social Media | Nigeria's Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, has restated the need for the country to regulate the social media. He disclosed this at the House of Representatives a public hearing for a review of the National Broadcasting Commisison (NBC) Act, organised by the Mr. Odebunmi Dokun-led committee on Information, National Orientation, Ethics and Values, saying it would be in the best interest of the citizenry to monitor social media contents. The Minister who spoke against the backdrop of the controversy trailing the ban on the use of Twitter in the country, enjoined the lawmakers to grant full regulatory powers to the NBC over Internet broadcasting and all online media outfits. He asserted that the country’s laws must not be subservient to international telecommunication union treaties in view of the need to protect peculiar situations in our country. | Federal Government, National Broadcasting Commisison (NBC) | https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria-insists-on-regulating-social-media/ | |
| ThisDayLive Online | Thursday, June 17, 2021 | Army Seeks Stakeholders’ Support to End Security Challenges | The Nigerian Army on Wednesday, June 16, stated that the security challenges confronting the nation required a multi-stakeholder approach. It stated that the deployment of arms and ammunition alone would not contain insecurity. The new Director of Army Public Relations (DAPR), Brig.Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, said this at a ceremony in Abuja to mark his assumption of duty. Nwachukwu, who took over from Brig. Gen. Mohammed Yerima, stated thus: “Permit me to note here that it is an indisputable and very well established fact that the sword or gun cannot alone, provide a panacea to the complex and multifaceted security challenges that characterise today’s world. “I must therefore, make haste to say that the complex nature of these security challenges require a multi-disciplinary approach and a conglomerate of stakeholders of which the media is a very vital one. In decisively overcoming these challenges, the Nigerian Army and the media must be partners in progress to surmount these security threats in order to berth the peace and tranquillity we all earnestly desire as a people and nation.” He added that he was not oblivious of the responsibility of his office, which is to project the activities of the army with the objective of galvanising public goodwill and support, as its strives to surmount contemporary security challenges bedevilling the nation. | Nigerian Army, Security Challenges | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/06/17/army-seeks-stakeholders-support-to-end-security-challenges/ | |
| ThisDayLive Online | Wednesday, June 16, 2021 | Buhari Rallies West African States to Battle Insecurity | President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday, June 25, called for unity among West African States and those in the Sahel to deal with security challenges in their respective nations. Also, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Maj. Gen. Farouk Yahaya, has stated that service chiefs now work in synergy, debunking insinuation that they failed in curbing the worsening insecurity in the country due to inter-agency rivalry. Buhari, while receiving the new Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for West Africa and the Sahel, Mahamat Annadif, at the State House, Abuja, said the security challenges were enormous and required concerted efforts to tackle them. While receiving the envoy, the President, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, stated thus: “You are our neighbour. You have vast experience on matters affecting the Sahel, having served for five years in Mali. I hope you will get the countries to work together to confront the issues affecting them. I hope under the auspices of UNOWAS, you will help get the problems sorted out. Most of them have to do with the instability in Libya, and it affects all of us.” While describing the security challenges as “enormous,” Buhari added that the Boko Haram insurgency has ravished the lives and resources of Nigerians and inhabitants of some neighbouring countries while large swathes of Mali remain occupied by militants. He promised Nigeria’s support to Annadif to aid his new assignment. | Muhammadu Buhari, West Africa, Insecurity | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/06/16/buhari-rallies-west-african-states-to-battle-insecurity/ | |
| ThisDayLive Online | Wednesday, June 16, 2021 | FG: Twitter, Founder Vicariously Liable for #EndSARS Losses | The Federal Government has stated that Twitter and its founder, Mr. Jack Dorsey, are vicariously liable for the losses the country suffered during the #EndSARS protest. The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said this on Tuesday, June 15 when he featured on “Politics Nationwide,’’ a Radio Nigeria call-in programme. Mohammed stated that the microblogging platform and Dorsey were liable for supporting the #EndSARS protests through fundraising and giving visibility to the campaign. He also confirmed on the programme, monitored by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), that Twitter has formally written to Nigeria seeking dialogue on issues leading to the indefinite suspension of its operations in the country. However, the United States has renewed its condemnation of Nigeria for suspending Twitter’s operations in the country. Senior U.S. officials said it is a sign of restricting political space in Nigeria. Mohammed accused Dorsey of raising funds through Bitcoins to sponsor the #EndSARS protest, while Twitter was used to fuel the crisis. He added that when he made the allegations earlier, Nigerians did not take him seriously. The minister also stated that an independent investigation by an online medium confirmed that Dorsey retweeted some of the posts by some of the coalition groups supporting the #EndSARS protest. He said it was also confirmed that the Twitter founder asked people to donate to the organisers of the protests via Bitcoins. The minister said Dorsey launched an Emoji to make the EndSARS protest visible on Twitter and retweeted the tweets of some foreign and local supporters of #EndSARS. He added: “If you ask people to donate money via Bitcoins for #EndSARS protesters, then you are vicariously liable for whatever is the outcome of the protest. We have forgotten that EndSARS led to the loss of lives, including 37 policemen, six soldiers, 57 civilians, while property worth billions of naira were destroyed. One hundred and sixty four police vehicles and 134 police stations were razed to the ground, 265 private corporate organisations were looted while 243 public property were looted." | Twitter, Federal Government | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/06/16/fg-twitter-founder-vicariously-liable-for-endsars-losses/ | |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Wednesday, June 16, 2021 | Insecurity Stalls Major Road Construction in Katsina, Says Masari | Insecurity, brought about by the nefarious activities of criminal elements, is stalling work on some major roads in Katsina State, says Governor Aminu Masari. Masari stated this on Tuesday, June 15 after inspecting some road projects in Daura, President Muhammadu Buhari’s local government area. Some of the roads inspected include the new 11.2km Guriya–Sandamu–Kwasarawa road project, at the cost of N1.1 billion, which is 95 per cent completed and the 20km Rogogo–Zango road project valued at N1.8 billion is at 55 per cent completion stage. There is also the 38km Bun-Bun–Kasugi–Majigiri–Dankama road project worth N2.1 billion and the Yandaki–Dankama, Kaita–Katsina road worth N2.03 billion. Masari lamented that one of the roads had already reached substantial completion stage, but the contractor had to abandon it due to insecurity. However, the Commissioner for Works and Housing in the State, Tasiu Doguru, said that several road projects were ongoing or had been completed across the state, setbacks by insecurity not withstanding. | Katsina State, Insecurity | https://guardian.ng/news/insecurity-stalls-major-roads-construction-in-katsina-says-masari/ | |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Wednesday, June 16, 2021 | INEC Fixes Osun Guber Poll for July 16, 2022 | The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that the Osun State governorship election will hold on July 16, 2022. INEC Secretary, Rose Oriaran-Anthony, who disclosed this in a statement dated June 10, 2021 and obtained by The Guardian on Tuesday, June 15, said campaigns by political parties for the election had been scheduled to start on April 17, 2022. She stated that collection of Form EC9 (formerly CF001) and EC9B (formerly CF002) for the election by political parties on INEC website would be on February 16, 2022, adding that February 16 to March 12, 2022 is fixed for political parties to conduct their primaries and resolve disputes that may arise from them. | INEC, Osun State | https://guardian.ng/news/inec-fixes-osun-guber-poll-for-july-16-2022/ | |
| ThisDayLive Online | Wednesday, June 16, 2021 | Buhari Approves Jobs for 2011 Post-Election Violence Victims’ Families | President Muhammadu Buhari has approved automatic employment in the Federal Civil Service for one graduate from each of the immediate families of the 10 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members killed in 2011 in Bauchi State. Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Sunday Dare announced this during the inauguration of the National Governing Board of the NYSC on Tuesday, June 15 in Abuja. The 10 corps members were killed in Bauchi State following the 2011 presidential election won by former President Goodluck Jonathan. Mr. Dare state that the President also approved scholarships for the four children of Mr. Adowei Elliot, a Delta State indigene killed during the post-election violence. In a statement by the Director of Press and Public Relations in the Ministry, Mohammed Manga, the minister stated thus: “As a sign of the Federal Government’s unflinching commitment to the NYSC, President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the automatic employment of 10 direct siblings of the deceased NYSC members, who lost their lives during the 2011 post-election violence in Bauchi State and also approved appropriate scholarships to the four children of Mr. Adowei Elliot.” Mr. Dare called on the newly inaugurated board members to come up with initiatives that will make the NYSC more impactful and increasingly endearing to all Nigerians. | NYSC, 2011 Elections, Electoral Violence | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/06/16/buhari-approves-jobs-for-2011-post-election-violence-victims-families/ | |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Wednesday, June 16, 2021 | Imo CP Arrests Five Policemen for Alleged Extortion | The Imo State Commissioner of Police (CP), Abutu Yaro, on Tuesday, June 15, stated that the Command had arrested five policemen for alleged extortion of unsuspecting motorists and members of the public. Yaro disclosed this while fielding questions from some media practitioners in the Catholic-owned radio, Ozisa FM, in Owerri during a phone in/interactive programme. According to the CP, five of them were allegedly caught in the act, adding that they were in the police cell waiting to face further disciplinary action in line with the Police Act. He also stated that a monitoring unit had been set up to monitor activities of cops at checkpoints, urging motorists and members of the public to desist from offering bribe to policemen when they face them at any point. He, however, urged the people of the state to move about doing their legitimate businesses even at night, as there was no imposition of curfew in the state. Yaro promised to work together with the people of Imo State to fight crime and criminality frontally. | Imo State, Policemen | https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/national/imo-cp-arrests-five-policemen-for-alleged-extortion/ | |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Wednesday, June 16, 2021 | Reps Query Missing $16b ONSA Funds, $44m Ikoyi Loot | The House of Representatives, on Tuesday, June 15, queried the whereabouts of $10 billion said to be missing from the coffers of the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA). The lawmakers also sought to know the status of another $6.1 billion paid by the ONSA into the account of one of its contractors. The $10 billion was said to have been withdrawn from the ONSA account without diligently following laid down financial rules. Director of Finance and Administration in the ONSA, Brigadier Gen. Jafaru Mohammed, who stood in for the National Security Adviser (NSA), Babagana Mungono, stated that the office did no wrong in its financial dealings. At the resumed public hearing of the House’s ad hoc committee on Recovered Loots and Assets of Government, chairman of the committee, Adejaro Adeogun, assured that the committee remains committed to unearthing all illegal transactions and assets in the custody of different government agencies. He regretted that most government agencies do not follow statutory rules and procedures for handling recovered funds and assets. The committee found that there were no records of non-cash items like speedboats, assorted vehicles, drilling machines and others recovered by the police, while the PresidentialAassets Recovery Committee lasted. Deputy Inspector General of Police J.O. Egbunike, who represented the Inspector General of Police, Baba Alkali, agreed with the lawmakers on poor record keeping by the police and called for reforms. | House of Representatives, Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) | https://guardian.ng/news/reps-query-missing-16b-onsa-funds-44m-ikoyi-loot/ | |
| ThisDayLive Online | Tuesday, June 15, 2021 | APGA Clears Soludo, Three Others for Anambra Governorship Primaries | Ahead of the November 6, 2021, governorship election in Anambra State, the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) has cleared former Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, and three other aspirants to contest its party’s governorship primary scheduled for June 23. Others cleared were Damian Chibuzor Okolo, ThankGod Christopher Ibe, and Christopher Okwudili Ezenwankwo. This was contained in the report of the screening committee signed by the party’s National Organising Secretary, Ifeanyi Mbaeri. The screening which held on June 10, 2021, at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja saw eight aspirants who bought nomination forms to contest for the primary elections on the platform of the party filing out to face the screening committee. The screening committee, however, disqualified Ifeanyi Odera Ozoka, Nonso Okafor, Sullivan Akachukwu Nwankpo, Michael Chukwuma Umeoji, and Cater Nnamdi Dike Umeoduagu. According to the report of the committee, some of those disqualified were not cleared for reasons ranging from not having spent up to 18 months in the party; defiance and insubordination to party authority and supremacy; and not registering as a voter in the state. APGA approved June 23 as the date for the party’s governorship primary election in the state. | Anambra State Governorship, APGA | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/06/15/apga-clears-soludo-three-others-for-anambra-governorship-primaries/ | |
| ThisDayLive Online | Tuesday, June 15, 2021 | Senate Probes NSITF over Alleged Mismanagement of N61.1bn | The Senate is set to probe the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) over an alleged diversion and financial mismanagement of N61.1 billion by its management. The Senate Committee on Public Accounts (SPAC) has, therefore, invited the Director General of the NSITF and other top officials of the agency to appear before it (today) Tuesday, June 15 to explain what they know about the alleged diversion of money. The Chairman of the Committee, Senator Mathew Urhoghide, stated that the invitation was based on three queries issued in the 2018 Auditor General of the Federation’s Report, which is being considered by the upper legislative chamber. According to the Auditor General’s query, the NSTIF was accused of diverting the sum of N5.5 billion from its account with the Zenith Bank while in another query, the agency allegedly paid N38.2 billion as personnel cost from 2012 till 2017, which was not approved by National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission. The query further alleged that N17.1 billion was transferred to some persons and companies from this account. Part of the query stated that: “However, payment vouchers relating to the transfers together with their supporting documents were not provided for audit. Consequently, the purpose(s) for the transfers could not be authenticated.” | Senate, NSITF | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/06/15/senate-probes-nsitf-over-alleged-mismanagement-of-n61-1bn-2/ | |
| ThisDayLive Online | Tuesday, June 15, 2021 | ECOWAS Court Fixes June 22 for Suit Challenging Twitter Suspension | The Community Court of Justice of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has fixed June 22, 2021, for hearing of a motion in a suit challenging the Nigerian Government’s suspension of the operations of Twitter, a microblogging platform, in Nigeria. The plaintiffs are the registered trustees of the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and 420 Nigerians, including former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili, and the co-Founder of the #BringBackOurGirls Movement, Aisha Yesufu. The court, in a notice to the plaintiffs’ lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), and respondent’s counsel, Mrs. Maimuna Lami Shiru, stated that the hearing would be virtual and has been fixed for on June 22, 2021, at 10 a.m. in the forenoon, and will be heard on that day if the business of the court permits or otherwise on some adjourned day of which you may not receive further notice. SERAP and the 420 concerned Nigerians are suing over “the unlawful suspension of Twitter in Nigeria, criminalisation of Nigerians and other people using Twitter, and the escalating repression of human rights, particularly the rights to freedom of expression, access to information, and media freedom in the country.” In the suit number: ECW/CCJ/APP/23/21, the plaintiffs are seeking: “an order of interim injunction restraining the Federal Government from implementing its suspension of Twitter in Nigeria, and subjecting anyone, including media houses, broadcast stations using Twitter in Nigeria to harassment, intimidation, arrest and criminal prosecution, pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit.” They added: “The suspension and threat of prosecution by the Federal Government of Nigeria constitute a fundamental breach of the country’s international human rights obligations, including under Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and Article 19 of International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights to which Nigeria is a state party.” | ECOWAS, SERAP, Twitter Ban | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/06/15/ecowas-court-fixes-june-22-for-suit-challenging-twitter-suspension/ | |
| ThisDayLive Online | Tuesday, June 15, 2021 | Insecurity: Over 7,000 Soldiers Maimed by Insurgents, Says Army | About 7,403 soldiers and officers of other security agencies have been wounded in the battle against bandits and insurgents, the Nigerian Army has disclosed. Some have been treated and discharged with different deformities, while some soldiers have been maimed for life and would require cutting edge medical facilities to keep them alive. Premium Times reported that the acting Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the Nigerian Army Reference Hospital in Kaduna, Colonel Stephen Onuchukwu, made this known to a delegation of the Senate, led by the Senate President, Dr. Ahmad Lawan. The visit was part of the Senate’s activities to mark the second anniversary of the ninth assembly. Onuchukwu, who received the delegation, decried the challenges that staff and patients of the 600-bed hospital are facing. The CMD, who is an Orthopaedic Consultant, explained that at the 44 Army Reference Hospital alone, a total of 7,403 wounded soldiers in action, have been received, treated and some undergoing treatment. He, therefore, appealed to the National Assembly and the Federal Government to assist the hospital attaining the status of UN Level 4 Hospital. In his remarks, Lawan stated that work would be done to ensure that the armed forces are properly resourced and motivated. He added that the N895 billion supplementary budget, recently forwarded to the National Assembly by the Presidency for purchase of military equipment and COVID-19 vaccines, would be expeditiously considered and passed, and that more funds would be appropriated for the military in the 2022 budget. | Army, Insecurity | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/06/15/insecurity-over-7000-soldiers-maimed-by-insurgents-says-army/ | |
| DailyTrust Online | Tuesday, June 15, 2021 | Boko Haram Releases Aid Workers, Others | Boko Haram has released 10 abductees, including seven workers of Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs), a popular pastor from Plateau state and two others. Among those released was Muazu Bawa, an indigene of Damaturu, Yobe State and staff of Federal University Kashere, Gombe State, abducted by ISWAP/ Boko Haram militants along Damaturu/Maiduguri way about five months ago. Bawa was said to have been abducted after his attempt to escape, failed. His brother, Abdullahi Bawa, who confirmed his release to our reporter, stated he was kidnapped among other travellers on his way to Maiduguri, the Borno State capital to attend the wedding of his friend on January 2 this year. Meanwhile, credible sources told our correspondent that Bawa was released along with nine humanitarian workers after an NGO facilitated the negotiations. An impeccable source who has knowledge of the incident disclosed that an NGO, Kaltum Foundation For Peace, facilitated the release of the abductees with support from the Department of State Services (DSS) and the military. One of the persons who participated in the rescue mission told Daily Trust in confidence that 10 abductees were freed, including seven NGOs’ workers, a popular pastor from Plateau state and two others. They were all interrogated and debriefed by military intelligence at Maimalari Barrack for about three hours or so. The source further stated that, “Those who were released included a UN staffer and 5 humanitarian workers including two females and three others.” | Boko Haram, Aid Workers | https://dailytrust.com/boko-haram-releases-aid-workers-others | |
| DailyTrust Online | Tuesday, June 15, 2021 | PDP Govs, Secondus Storm Cross River, Issue ‘Quit Notice’ To Ayade | National chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Uche Secondus, Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State and former Senate President Bukola Saraki stated they were in Calabar, the Cross River State capital, to formally give quit notice to the State Governor, Ben Ayade who defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). They, alongside chairman of the PDP Governors' forum and Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, deputy governor of Zamfara State, former Vice Presidential candidate of PDP, Peter Obi and other PDP stalwarts also formally received former governor Donald Duke back to the party. Secondus stated that they were also formally commissioning the new state party secretariat, even as he inaugurated the caretaker committee headed by a former deputy governor of the State, Efiok Cobham. The PDP National Chairman satetd that the party is intact and will certainly recover Cross River State from APC. Tambuwal also added that when the party returns to national power, they shall restructure the country. | PDP, Cross River | https://dailytrust.com/pdp-govs-secondus-storm-criver-issue-quit-notice-to-ayade | |
| ThisDayLive Online | Thursday, June 10, 2021 | Insecurity: Tackle Insecurity in your State, Buhari Tells Governors | President Muhammadu Buhari has stated that all appointments he makes are strictly based on merit of the individuals and not on which ethnic group they belong to. The President has often times been criticized for ignoring the principle of Federal Character in appointments, and for appointing more northerners in strategic positions. However, while responding to a question during an exclusive interview on the Morning Show on ARISE TV, the broadcast arm of THISDAY, he stated he cannot discard merit for balance and Federal Character. | President Muhammadu Buhari, Appointments, Merit | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/06/10/buhari-i-appoint-based-on-merit-not-ethnicity/ | |
| DailyTrust Online | Thursday, June 10, 2021 | Peace Returns To Ibarapa As Police Take Over Communities | Four days after gunmen attacked residents of Igangan, Ibarapa North Local Government Area of Oyo State, peace has returned to the community, Daily Trust reports. Our correspondent further reports that as at early Wednesday, June 10, many residents were going about their normal daily routine while students have returned to classes. However, famers are still afraid of going to their farms for fear of attacks. Apart from the usual vigilantes, Daily Trust observed heavy presence of security agencies in the town. Speaking on the development, the Asao of Ayete (the local government’s capital), Emmanuel Okeniyi Borisabunmi, stated that peace had returned to the communities. According to him, “We are fine today. Peace has returned to our community. We need your prayers. Many of our people have returned to their businesses, but we pray the evildoers do not return to their area again.” | Ibarapa, Oyo state, Security | https://dailytrust.com/peace-returns-to-ibarapa-as-police-take-over-communities | |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Thursday, June 10, 2021 | Protest as Senate Resumes Onochie’s Confirmation as INEC Commissioner | Eight months after her nomination as National Commissioner representing Delta State in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was frustrated due to public outcry, the Senate, on Wednesday, June 9, received yet again, the nomination of President Muhammadu Buhari’s Special Assistant on New Media, Lauretta Onochie, for the position. To kick-start the opposition, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lawmakers, led by the Minority Leader, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, accused the aide of unnecessarily casting aspersions on their party. They also faulted the idea of making Onochie, a card-carrying member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), an INEC official. Others billed for confirmation are Prof. Muhammad Kallah (Katsina); Prof. Kunle Ajayi (Ekiti); Saidu Ahmad (Jigawa); Prof. Sani Adam (North Central) and Dr. Baba Bila (North East). Consequently, Senate President Ahmad Lawan referred to the nomination to the Senate Committee on INEC, led by Senator Kabiru Gaya, with two weeks to conclude its assignment and report back to the upper legislative chamber at plenary. The October 2020 objection of Onochie's nomination originated from civil society organisations (CSOs), including the Situation Room. In a statement, the Situation Room, a coalition of civic groups, said the constitution forbids a partisan politician as member of INEC – a body charged under the constitution to conduct free and fair elections. Its Convener at the time, Clement Nwankwo, who signed the document, maintained that Onochie’s nomination “is a major attempt at undermining efforts to build credibility for an improved electoral process in the country.” | Senate, INEC, National Commissioner | https://guardian.ng/news/protest-as-senate-resumes-onochies-confirmation-as-inec-commissioner/ | |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Thursday, June 10, 2021 | Twitter, Facebook, Others Must Register in Nigeria, Says FG | As part of its new move to regulate social media, the Federal Government has stated that Twitter, Facebook and other social media giants doing business in Nigeria must register in the country before being allowed to operate unhindered. Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, on Wednesday, June 9, also disclosed that Twitter, which was last week suspended, has called for a ‘high-level’ discussion. Mohammed made this known in Abuja while briefing journalists after the weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting. Mohammed stated that he got the message on Wedaynesday, June 9 and repeated government’s stance that Twitter was suspended because it provided an avenue for people threatening the corporate existence of Nigeria. He claimed that the owner of Twitter helped to fund the recent #EndSARS protest and is also allowing the leader of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, to use the platform to call for the killing of security operatives. He added that Twitter failed to take down Kanu’s tweets despite repeated requests to do so. Mohammed listed conditions that must be met even if there is a discussion with Twitter, including that it must now be registered in Nigeria as a business concern. According to the government spokesman, freedom of speech has not been stifled by the suspension of Twitter as he maintained that Nigerians can still use other platforms such as Facebook and Instagram. | Social Media, Lai Mohammed | https://guardian.ng/technology/twitter-facebook-others-must-register-in-nigeria-says-fg/ | |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Thursday, June 10, 2021 | Imo Deputy Governor, Njoku, Dismisses Report of Resignation | The Imo State Deputy Governor, Prof. Placid Njoku, has dismissed reports of his resignation, urging Imo people and the public to disregard it as it is fake news. A statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Ozioma Teddy Ukwuoma read thus: “My attention has been drawn to the fake news circulating in the social media purporting that the Deputy Governor of Imo State, His Excellency Prof Placid Njoku has resigned. While it remains our practice to ignore such baseless stories, the need to put the truth out to concerned imo citizens has necessitated this rebuttal.” It further read that, “This story has no iota of truth in it but is a mere figment of the imaginations of those working against the Government and people of Imo state. The Imo State Deputy Governor, His Excellency Prof. Placid Njoku enjoys a robust working relationship with his boss, His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma, Executive Governor of Imo State and indeed with every member of the state executive council, including members of the state legislature. Imolites are enjoined to disregard such unfounded rumours and continue supporting the peace and development of Imo State.” | Imo State, Deputy Governor | https://guardian.ng/news/imo-deputy-governor-njoku-dismisses-report-of-resignation/ | |
| ThisDayLive Online | Wednesday, June 9, 2021 | Govs’ Insistence Threatens Resolution of Judicial, Parliamentary Workers’ Strike | The insistence of state governors to rely on the 45-day window provided in their agreement with the judicial and parliamentary workers for the implementation of its terms may prolong the ongoing strike by the workers, THISDAY has learnt. This is coming as the Federal Government has directed members of the striking Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) and the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN) to urgently reopen all the courts and the State Houses of Assembly so that the May 20, 2021 Memorandum of Action (MoA), signed by all parties on June 4, can take effect. However, the National Executive Committees (NECs) of the two unions will hold emergency meetings today to decide on the next line of action. The Federal Government had three weeks ago, brokered an agreement between the governors and the workers to end their 10-week-old strike. Under the agreement, the governors were given a 45-day window, with effect from the date of the agreement, to implement its terms. However, while the representatives of the workers promptly signed the agreement under the supervision of the Minister of Employment, Labour and Productivity, Dr. Chris Ngige, the representatives of the governors only endorsed the document last Friday, June 4. One of the conditions given by the workers to call off the strike was that while the agreement is being implemented, the governors should release their May statutory allocations directly to them immediately after the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC), held last month. While the workers have demanded the immediate release of the allocations for them to call off the strike, the source stated that the governors are utilising the 45-day window provided in the agreement to implement the terms, including the release of the funds. | JUSUN, PASAN, Governors | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/06/09/govs-insistence-threatens-resolution-of-judicial-parliamentary-workers-strike/ | |
| ThisDayLive Online | Wednesday, June 9, 2021 | Insecurity: House Urges FG to Provide Security, Safety Measures in Schools | The House of Representatives has urged the Federal Ministry of Education to work out appropriate modalities for the provision of basic security and safety measures to protect schools in Nigeria. The House noted the need to deploy modern technology in the provision of basic security measures in schools. Its Committees on Basic Education and Services, Tertiary Education and Services and Legislative Compliance were mandated to ensure compliance. These resolutions followed a motion on the need to Increase security around Schools across the Country by Hon. Benjamin B. Mzondu and Hon. Julius O. Ihonvbere. The House noted the increasing insecurity in Nigeria which has become a worrisome development irrespective of one’s class, religion or ethnicity. It noted that since December 2020, hundreds of teachers, students and pupils have been abducted from schools across the Country. It expressed worries over the weak or non-existent security infrastructure in most schools across the country leaves the children vulnerable to attacks and other negative influences, hence the need to provide primary resistance against intruders, and protect the school facilities. | House of Representatives, Schools, Security | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/06/09/insecurity-house-urges-fg-to-provide-security-safety-measures-in-schools/ | |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Wednesday, June 9, 2021 | INEC, ECES Move for Inclusive Voter Registration | For effective participation of women, youths and people living with disabilities in the forthcoming voter registration, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has collaborated with the European Centre for Electoral Support (ECES) to organise a four-day capacity building workshop for staff of its Election and Party Monitoring (EPM) Department. EPM Director, Aminu Kasimu, who spoke on Tuesday, June 8 at Akwanga, Nasarawa State, reassured Nigerians that the Commission was poised for a seamless exercise beginning from June 28. In his remarks, ECES representative, Wilson Manji, observed that effective communication promotes transparency and integrity for the consolidation of democracy. | INEC, ECES | https://guardian.ng/news/inec-eces-move-for-inclusive-voter-registration/ | |
| ThisDayLive Online | Wednesday, June 9, 2021 | Senate Panel Indicts 59 MDAs Over Auditor General’s Report | The Senate Committee on Public Accounts has indicted 59 out of 114 Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAs) that were queried by the Office of the Auditor General of Federation (AuGF). Part one of the 2015 Office of the Auditor General’s report contained recommendations for consideration. In summation of the report, the Senate Public Accounts Committee, headed by Mathew Urhoghide, cleared 46 agencies, having invited all queried MDAs, of which 84 submitted their responses and appeared before the committee to respond to the queries raised against them. The report revealed that 21 MDAs sent written responses to the committee, but did not appear at the hearing, while seven MDAs neither made submissions nor appeared before the committee. The report further stated that two of the MDAs reported to the committee that either the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC or Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) or both were in possession of the original copies of their documents, and therefore, could not respond or appear before the committee. | Senate Panel, MDAs | https://guardian.ng/news/senate-panel-indicts-59-mdas-over-auditor-generals-report/ | |
| ThisDayLive Online | Wednesday, June 9, 2021 | Akeredolu Inaugurates Another Batch of 503 Amotekun Operatives | Determined to strengthen the operation of the State Security Network Agency initiative, Amotekun, in a bid to tackle insecurity in Ondo State, the State Governor, Mr. Oluwatotimi Akeredolu, on Tuesday, June 8, inaugurated another batch of personnel into the Amotekun Corps. The Governor also stated that the initiative is also suitable since crime was a local issue that should be addressed with a home-grown approach. Inaugurating the newly recruited 503 personnel of Amotekun at the passing-out parade ceremony in Akure, the state capital, the Governor called for the support of all the stakeholders in the fight against insecurity in the State. Akeredolu, who also inaugurated new 20 patrol vehicles and the official headquarters of the corps at Alagbaka, Akure, commended the leadership of the state security outfit for its efforts in ameliorating the security challenges in the state, promising to always provide the right leadership for the agency to thrive. According to him, “The Amotekun Corps initiative is a baby of necessity conceived as a home-grown approach to solving the plethora of security challenges that have put the people on the edge. It has further reinforced our long-time view that state and community-based policing is the panacea to the country’s security challenges. In his opening remarks, the state Commander of the Amotekun Corps, Chief Adetunji Adeleye, explained that about 600 persons applied for the job, but that after the screening, about 503 passed and were finally recruited. He commended the governor, the traditional rulers, and the people of the state for the support given to the corps to succeed in the fight against criminality in the state." | Amotekun, Rotimi Akeredolu | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/06/09/akeredolu-inaugurates-another-batch-of-503-amotekun-operatives/ | |
| ThisDayLive Online | Wednesday, June 9, 2021 | Kidnappers of Tegina Pupils Reduce Ransom to N150m | The bandits who abducted 156 pupils of Salihu Tanko Islamiyya School in Tegina town of Rafi Local Government Area of Niger State 10 days ago have reduced the ransom they earlier demanded to N150 million. The criminals had initially asked for a N110 million ransom, which was later hiked to N200 million before reducing it to N150 million. THISDAY gathered that the parents of the pupils and some good Samaritans were also able to raise N11.6 million, which they reportedly took to the bandits, but the money was allegedly rejected. The Headmaster of the school, Alhaji Abubakar Alhassan, confirmed the new development, saying both the parents and the school authorities are confused on the next step to take. He stated thus: “We are pleading with the Federal and State governments to come to the assistance of these parents. Only the government can afford the amount they are demanding,” he added. Alhassan, however, stated that the bandits allowed him to speak to one of the victims, who told him that they are all fine. The headmaster said the girl, a fairly elderly one among the victims, who was also a teacher, said they were being fed with one groundnut cake (Kulikuli) daily. He said only the Chairman of Rafi LGA, Mr. Ismaila Modibo, had visited the parents and the school during which he (Modibo) assured them that “the government will do something.” Meanwhile, as part of measures to improve security in the state, the State Governor, Abubakar Bello, has directed the profiling of new residents in the state. | Tegina Town, Niger State, Kidnapping | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/06/09/kidnappers-of-tegina-pupils-reduce-ransom-to-n150m/ | |
| ThisDayLive Online | Tuesday, June 8, 2021 | INEC: We Are Working on Cost of 2023 Elections | The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has stated that it is still working on the financial requirements for 2023 general elections. The Federal Government had approved N234.5 billion for the conduct of 2019 general elections and there are strong indications that 2023 elections would cost more. The commission has also stated that a comprehensive list of the new polling units would be published next week. INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman of Information and Voter Education, Mr. Festus Okoye, on Monday, June 7, told THISDAY that it was too early to give an exact figure of the cost of the 2023 elections. He stated that, “It depends on a number of variables. It may be higher, if the law is amended and the Commission decides to deploy Electronic Voting Machines. The Commission is auditing its sensitive and non-sensitive materials in all the states of the Federation and the headquarters. Thereafter, the Commission will determine the shortfalls and make the necessary projections. Definitely, some of the materials needed will be procured ahead of time. We are working on all fronts but it is too early to determine and have a holistic picture of our financial requirements for 2023.” On the losses incurred from attacks by gunmen, he stated that the commission could not take inventory of the damage due to the security situation in the affected areas. Speaking on the deployment of the fire engine to the commission, Yakubu said as a member of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES), the Federal Fire Service and other security agencies have been concerned about the recent attacks on our offices across the country. “On its part, the Federal Fire Service offered to deploy additional state-of-the-art fire engines to the INEC headquarters to complement the two existing trucks. At the same time, it directed its state offices to take additional protective measures around other INEC facilities nationwide.” | INEC, 2023 General Elections | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/06/08/inec-we-are-working-on-cost-of-2023-elections/ | |
| ThisDayLive Online | Tuesday, June 8, 2021 | Lawan: NASS Will Pass PIB Before End of June | The President of the Senate, Dr. Ahmad Lawan, has stated that the National Assembly would pass the much-awaited Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) before the end of this month (June). Speaking on Monday, June 7 at the opening session of the 2021 Nigeria International Petroleum Summit (NIPS) in Abuja, Lawan disclosed that the NAtional Assembly would soon conclude legislative work on the oil sector reform bill. He states thus: “In our legislative agenda for 2019-2023 in the ninth Assembly, we decided that we must have a better way. We found out that neither the solo effort of the executive nor the solo effort of the legislature could deliver the PIB in the past. We now have a better cooperative approach where the National Assembly will work with the administration to conceive the bill through very rigorous consultations and at the end of the day, we narrowed down our differences and areas of potential conflict. I think we have been able to achieve that significantly. The speed and commitment the National Assembly has shown in working on the PIB and reaching where we are today shows that we have chosen the right path. As I speak, our joint committee of both Senate and the House on the PIB are about to conclude writing the report which will be submitted to both chambers of the National Assembly. Our expectation is that we will pass the PIB within this month of June by the grace of God,” Lawan explained. | National Assembly, Petroleum Industry Bill | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/06/08/lawan-nassembly-will-pass-pib-before-end-of-june/ | |
| ThisDayLive Online | Tuesday, June 8, 2021 | Nigeria in Talks with Twitter, Gives Condition to Lift Ban | The Federal Government has stated that it is in talks with Twitter over the suspension of the micro-blogging site in Nigeria. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama disclosed this on Monday, June 7 at a press conference after his meeting with representatives of five foreign missions in Nigeria over their comments on the Twitter ban. The Minister however stated that Twitter remains suspended and there was still no date for the lifting of the suspension. He said Twitter operations in Nigeria would be restored only if the platform could be used “responsibly.” He further explained that the Federal Government never said Twitter was threatening the country, but said the suspension of the platform was a measure taken to stop it from being used to destabilize the country. His remarks were however at variance with the statement by the Ministry of Information last Friday, June 4 wherein the Federal Government announced the indefinite suspension of the operations of the micro-blogging and social networking service site in Nigeria, citing the persistent use of the Twitter platform for activities that were capable of undermining Nigeria’s corporate existence. The Federal Government had on Monday, June 7 invited ambassadors of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Ireland and the European Union in Nigeria over their comments on the suspension of Twitter. Commenting on the meeting with the five envoys, Onyeama stated thus: “They had useful discussion with the countries that are considered to be close friends and partners of Nigeria. We sat down and reviewed the whole situation and we stated the security concern of Mr. President and the whole Nigerians and the very strong steps we’ve taken to address the security challenges of the country.” Responding to questions from the media, the United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Mary Beth Leonard, who spoke on behalf of the other envoys, stated that the security situation of Nigeria was understood and the need to do something urgently to address the drift was equally important. She insisted that the issues of fundamental human rights were inalienable and needed to be respected by the government. | Federal Government, Twitter | ||
| DailyTrust Online | Tuesday, June 8, 2021 | Mixed Reactions As FG Orders TV, Radio Stations To De-Install Twitter | Mixed reactions trailed a statement by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) on Monday, June 7, directing all television and radio stations in the country to de-install Twitter and desist from using it as a source of news. NBC also warned broadcast stations against using the microblogging platform in any of their programmes because that will be an unpatriotic act. Part of the statement read thus: “Consequent on the suspension of Twitter operations in Nigeria by the Federal Government over the persistent use of the platform for activities that are capable of undermining the corporate existence of Nigeria, the National Broadcasting Commission directs all broadcasting stations in Nigeria to suspend the patronage of Twitter immediately." The acting Director-General of the Commission, Armstrong Idachaba stated that in compliance with the directive, broadcasting stations are advised to de-install Twitter handles and desist from using Twitter as a source of information gathering for news and programmes presentation, especially phone-in. He quoted Section 2(1)r of the NBC Act which entrusts the Commission with the responsibility to ensure strict adherence to the national laws, rules and regulations as ground for the directive. The statemnet also read thus: “Also, Section 3.11.2 of Nigeria Broadcasting Code provides that “the broadcaster shall ensure that law enforcement is upheld at all times in a matter depicting that law and order are socially superior to or more desirable than crime and anarchy.” It equally drew the broadcasters’ attention to Section 5.6.3 of the code which requires broadcasters to be mindful of materials that may cause disaffection, incite panic or rift in the society in the use of user-generated content (UGC). The statement from NBC, however, attracted mixed reactions from a cross-section of Nigerians and organisations, particularly broadcast stations. While some welcomed the move, others said it was an infringement on freedom of the press. Reacting to the development, the Online Publishers of Nigeria (OPAN), urged the Federal Government to immediately reverse the ban on Twitter operations in the country and stop infringing on the rights of citizens to freely express themselves. | National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Twitter | https://dailytrust.com/mixed-reactions-as-fg-orders-tv-radio-stations-to-de-install-twitter | |
| DailyTrust Online | Tuesday, June 8, 2021 | Attacks On INEC Offices, Other Public Assets, Acts Of Terrorism – FG | The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed on Monday, June 7, described the destruction of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) offices, police stations and other public facilities as an act of terrorism. Speaking in Abuja at a town hall meeting on protection of public infrastructure, he stated that railway tracks were being destroyed, bridge railings removed, manhole covers pilfered, street lights and other power infrastructure, oil pipelines, telecoms facilities and critical aviation infrastructure damaged or stolen. He stated that all these posed a threat to citizens’ lives and took a toll on the government’s limited revenue as it sought to replace, rehabilitate or totally reconstruct such destroyed infrastructure. On his part, the Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, stated that a lot of damage had been done to the roads, bridges amongst others. He added that the government would spend over N2billion to revamp some road infrastructures destroyed in the country. The Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, stated that stealing of rail tracks could lead to fatal accidents. Senate President, Senator Ahmad Lawan, called on those destroying public facilities to embrace peace. Represented by Senator Dauda Yaroe, the Senate President asked the ministers to propose the laws they wanted and send same to the National Assembly. | INEC Offices, Public Assets, Terrorism | https://dailytrust.com/attacks-on-inec-offices-other-public-assets-act-of-terrorism-fg,/a> | |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Tuesday, June 8, 2021 | Reps Threaten to Sanction CBN, IGP, Others For Snubbing Panel | The House of Representatives has threatened to sanction the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Inspector General of Police (IGP), Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and others for failing to honour its invitation within 72 hours. This followed a motion adopted by the House Ad-hoc Committee investigating the assessment and status of recovered loots, movable and immovable assets from 2002 to 2020 during resumed hearing. Chairman of the Committee, Adejoro Adeogun, lamented the non-appearance of heads of various agencies of government invited to appear before its members. He accused the representatives of the agencies of impersonation, having failed to submit a formal letter of introduction from their principals in which they were assigned to represent them. Adeogun insisted that by undermining the committee’s invitation, the agencies had indirectly undermined the National Assembly, stressing that the committee gave them till Thursday, June 10, 2021 to appear or risk being sanctioned in line with sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution. | House of Representatives, CBN, IGP | https://guardian.ng/news/reps-threaten-to-sanction-cbn-igp-others-for-snubbing-panel/ | |
| ThisDayLive Online | Tuesday, June 8, 2021 | Buhari Calls for Synergy Among Security Agencies to Tackle Insecurity | President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday, June 7, called for synergy among security agencies as a step towards combating the deteriorating security situation in the country. The President charged the new Chief of Army Staff, Major General Farouk Yahaya, to bring his experience to bear in bringing stability to the polity as the security architecture of the country was under serious pressure. Buhari spoke in Abuja when the Minister of Defence, Major General Bashir Magashi (rtd), presented Yahaya to him. He expressed confidence that the new crop of service chiefs would tackle insecurity in the country. Speaking to reporters after meeting with the President, the minister assured Nigerians that there will be some security changes as soon as possible. This is coming as the Inspector-General of Police (IG), Usman Baba states that unhealthy inter-agency rivalry has been a major issue that limits the capacity to effectively achieve internal security. He stated that there is so much pressure on the country’s security apparatus, which is affecting the positive result expected from the security issues facing the nation. Baba who spoke during the ongoing three-day annual ministerial retreat with a theme “Strengthening Inter-Agency Collaboration and Organisation Efficiency”, stated thus: “This trend has been of concern to a cross section of Nigerians over the years. This trend, I must say, is not peculiar to Nigeria alone." | Security Agencies, Synergy | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/06/08/buhari-calls-for-synergy-among-security-agencies-to-tackle-insecurity/ | |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Monday, June 7, 2021 | PDP Reps Threaten Legal Action Against FG Over Ban of Twitter | The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) caucus in the House of Representatives has threatened legal action against the Federal Government over the decision to suspend the usage of Twitter in the country. The Kingsley Chinda-led caucus argued that the measure was a violation of the extant provisions of the law. It argued that the subsequent directive to the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to license social media operators in the country was an attempt to introduce the Social Media Bill through executive fiat. Describing the measure as a violation of the doctrine of separation of powers, the lawmakers enjoined the Federal Government to reverse the decision in the overall interest of the country. President Buhari had in a tweet shared on Tuesday, June 1, cited Nigeria’s civil war experience between 1967 and 1970 for the ban, noting that most of those burning offices of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), were too young to understand the gravity of war. He also threatened to deal with the arsonists, saying: “Those of us who were in the fields for 30 months, who went through the war, will treat them in the language they understand.” | Twitter Ban, PDP | https://guardian.ng/news/pdp-reps-threaten-legal-action-against-fg-over-ban-of-twitter/ | |
| ThisDayLive Online | Monday, June 7, 2021 | SANs Fault Malami, Say No Legal Basis for Prosecuting Twitter Users | The Federal Government has continued to face searing criticisms of its decision to suspend the operation of the American microblogging social network, Twitter, in Nigeria as some Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) on Sunday, June 6, told THISDAY that the action contravened Section 39 (1) of the 1999 Constitution as altered. They also dismissed the directive of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami, to the Federal Director of Public Prosecution, to arrest and prosecute any user of Twitter in defiance of the suspension order, as offensive to Section 36 (12) of the Nigerian Constitution. Section 39 (1) stipulates: “Every person shall be entitled to freedom of expression, including the freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart ideas and information without interference." The senior lawyers argued that the suspension amounted to a hindrance of the citizens’ right to receive information. They further argued that the threat of prosecution by the AGF has no basis in law as it clearly violates Section 36 (12), which states: “Subject as otherwise provided by this Constitution, a person shall not be convicted of a criminal offence unless that the offence is defined and the penalty, therefore, is prescribed in a written law, and in this subsection, a written law refers to an Act of the National Assembly or a law of a state, any subsidiary legislation or instrument under the provisions of law.” | Minister of Education, Abubakar Malami, Twitter | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/06/07/sans-fault-malami-say-no-legal-basis-for-prosecuting-twitter-users/ | |
| ThisDayLive Online | Monday, June 7, 2021 | Imo Police Repel Attack on Headquarters, Kill Five Gunmen | The Imo State Police Command has stated that its gallant officers killed five hoodlums, who attempted to attack the state police headquarters in Owerri, the state capital in the early hours of Sunday, June 6 even as the country-home of the Imo State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Hon. Declan Emelumba was razed down on the same day by the unknown gunmen. This is coming as hoodlums have also attacked and razed the Ashaka Police Stateion, Ndokwa East Local Government Area of Delta State. The hoodlums, who were masquerading as unknown gunmen, had attempted to launch attack for the second time on the Imo State Police Command Headquarters but suffered a huge defeat. According to the information from the Police, they made effort to access the Police Headquarters through the Works Layout around Alvan Nursery and Primary School but were vehemently repelled. Imo State Police Public Relations Officer, Bala Elkana, a Superintendent of Police (SP) confirmed the report. Elkana said the attempt was vehemently repelled by the gallant forces of the Army, Police Special Forces and other supporting security agencies. | Imo State Police Command, Repelled Attack | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/06/07/imo-police-repel-attack-on-headquarters-kill-five-gunmen/ | |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Monday, June 7, 2021 | Two Feared Dead As Security Operatives, IPOB Members Clash in Anambra | Security operatives and members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), on Sunday, June 6, clashed in Oraifite community, Ekwusigo Local Council of Anambra State, leading to the death of two persons. It was gathered that trouble started when some security operatives stormed the residence of the IPOB lawyer, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, around 2:00 a.m. A source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, claimed that the bloody attack, which started at about 2:00 a.m., ended at about 5:00a.m. He stated thus: “Some men suspected to be unknown gunmen allegedly attacked a Hilux vehicle conveying an unknown number of soldiers. The soldiers were transferred to another vehicle after which the Hilux was set ablaze. The IPOB spokesperson, Mr. Emma Powerful, has condemned the reported attack on the residence of Ejiofor. Meanwhile, the Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Tochukwu Ikenga, when contacted on phone, said he had not got the details of what happened in Oraifite. He, however, corrected the impression that security operatives were responsible for the attack, saying: “Security operatives protect life and property and not attack.” | IPOB, Anambra State | https://guardian.ng/news/two-feared-dead-as-security-operatives-ipob-members-clash-in-anambra/ | |
| Punch Newspaper | Monday, June 7, 2021 | #TwitterBan: Job Losses Loom, Economic Woes To Worsen, NESG, Experts Warn | The Nigerian Economic Summit Group and economic experts on Sunday, June 6, described the Federal Government’s ban on a social media network, Twitter, as ill-advised. The NESG, in an interview with The PUNCH stated that small and medium entrepreneurs particularly would suffer, adding that the ban would compound Nigerians’ economic woes. Others who spoke to The PUNCH included a former President of the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria, Dr Sam Nzekwe; a Professor of Economics and Public Policy, Prof Akpan Ekpo; the Association of Small Business Owners of Nigeria and the Lead Director, the Centre for Social Justice, Eze Onyekpere. They lamented the impact of the suspension of Twitter operations in Nigeria on businesses, warning that the development was capable of triggering more job losses in the country. Recall that the relationship between the Federal Government and Twitter went sour on Wednesday, June 2, when the network deleted a post on the Nigerian Civil War by the President Muhammadu Buhari. The President, had on Tuesday, June 1, in the post hinted that he would treat IPOB and other secessionist groups, “in the language they understand,” a tweet, which was deleted by Twitter on the grounds that it violated its rules. On Wednesday, the Federal Government reacted angrily, saying Twitter’s mission in Nigeria was suspicious. | Nigerian Economic Summit Group, Twitter Ban | https://punchng.com/twitterban-job-losses-loom-economic-woes-to-worsen-nesg-experts-warn/ | |
| ThisDayLive Online | Monday, June 7, 2021 | Despite Ban, Open Grazing Persists in Southern States | Despite the ban on open grazing of cattle by Southern governors, the practice has continued to flourish in the 17 states of the region with stakeholders asking for legal backing for the proscription order. THISDAY’s investigations at the weekend showed that the delay by the governors in enacting laws in their states to legalise the ban has heightened concerns among residents, particularly in the farming communities of the states. With the absence of the law, according to THISDAY’s investigations, herders have continued to openly graze their cattle, leading in some cases to frequent clashes between them and farmers whose farmlands suffer devastation due to the movement of the animals. The governors, under the aegis of the Southern Nigeria Governors Forum (SNGF), rising from a meeting in Asaba, the Delta State capital, on May 11, had, among others, announced a ban on open grazing to check the escalating conflict between farmers and herders. However, their decision had riled the Federal Government, with President Muhammadu Buhari querying the legality of the ban. In Ondo State, THISDAY gathered that the Bill against Open Grazing and other Matters Related has passed second reading but the lawmakers could not go further in the legislative process due to the ongoing strike by parliamentary workers. | Open Grazing, Southern States | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/06/07/despite-ban-open-grazing-persists-in-southern-states/ | |
| ThisDayLive Online | Monday, June 7, 2021 | Oyo Killings: South West Govs Urge People to be Vigilant, United in Defending Lives, Property | The Governor of Ondo State and Chairman of South West Governors' Forum, Mr Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, stated that the governors of states in the region have directed commanders of the zonal Security Network, Amotekun, to convoke a joint security meeting. Akeredolu said the convocation of the joint meeting became neccessary, so that they could discuss how to embark on joint patrol. The governor stated this in a statement he personnaly signed in reaction to attack by bandits on Igangan Community in Ibarapa, Oyo State. During the attack, not less than 20 persons were reportedly killed, while houses including the palace of the Igangan traditional ruler and a petrol station, were razed. Akeredolu stated thus: “This cowardly onslaught on a peaceful community has occasioned loss of lives and property on a large scale. It is horrendous, callous, and highly provocative. All well-meaning Nigerians must condemn, in the strongest term possible, this latest assault on decency and communal harmony." “We on our part are resolved to defend our people, their property, and all legitimate means of livelihood against both internal and external aggression." He added that, “On this, there will be no compromise. We call on our people to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movement in their communities. In addition, they must be united in the task of defending our lives and properties. We cannot afford to fail.” | Oyo State, Killings | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/06/06/oyo-killings-south-west-govs-urge-people-to-be-vigilant-united-in-defending-lives-property/ | |
| ThisDayLive Online | Wednesday, June 2, 2021 | Federalism, LG Autonomy Top Demands at Constitution Review Hearings | The clamour for federalism, local government autonomy, community policing and devolution of power dominated the zonal public hearings conducted on Tuesday, June 1 by the House of Representatives Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution. However, while the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, called for the removal of the immunity clause in the Constitution, the Ondo State Governor, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu , advocated the scrapping of the Senate to make the federal legislature unicameral, as one of the ways of reducing the cost of governance. Plateau, Benue and Nasarawa states have also unanimously demanded devolution of power in a manner that the states will be given more powers and finance considering their enormous responsibilities. In Bauchi State, the Governor, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, stated that Nigeria needs a workable and acceptable Constitution to serve the interests of the people. Such a document, he added, should allow for true federalism where Nigerian states are autonomous entities with power to run their affairs. The Sultan of Sokoto and the President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Sa'ad Abubakar advocated a constitutional role for traditional rulers, saying it was time Nigerians talked frankly on how they want the country managed. | Constitution Review, House of Representatives, Zonal Public Hearings | < a href="https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/06/02/federalism-lg-autonomy-top-demands-at-constitution-review-hearings/">https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/06/02/federalism-lg-autonomy-top-demands-at-constitution-review-hearings/ | |
| ThisDayLive Online | Wednesday, June 2, 2021 | Bandits Demand N110m for Release of Abducted Niger Islamic School Pupils | Bandits who abducted pupils of the Salihu Tanko Islamiyya School in Tegina town in Rafi Local Government of Niger State have made contact with the management of the institution. The bandits contacted the school Headmaster, Alhaji Abubakar Alhassan, at about 4 pm on Monday, May 31, asking him to pay N110 million as ransom for the release of his pupils. Speaking with THISDAY via telephone on Tuesday, June 1, Alhassan said the bandits claimed to have 156 pupils with them. According to him, the kidnappers threatened that if they did not pay the ransom by the end of today (June 2), they will kill all the children. Alhassan said the message has been passed to the State Government, which said it will not pay ransom for the release of the children. THISDAY learnt from another source that some public spirited people within the community have started raising the money which they hope to take to the bandits. Meanwhile, the State government has said that it has set the necessary machinery in motion to ensure the safe release of the school children but completely ruled out the payment of ransom to the kidnappers. A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Abubakar Sani Bello, Mary Noel Berje, quoted the State Deputy Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Mohammed Ketso, as also saying: “Government is on the pursuit of the bandits and efforts are being put in place to identify them." Describing the situation as unfortunate, the Deputy Governor disclosed that the Islamiyya school has three components nursery, primary and junior secondary schools, adding that government has made contact with some of the identified parents of the kidnapped children and assured them of the safe return of their children. | Niger State, Islamic School Pupils, Kidnapping | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/06/01/bandits-demand-n110m-for-release-of-abducted-niger-islamic-school-pupils/ | |
| ThisDayLive Online | Wednesday, June 2, 2021 | Buhari Seeks Senate’s Confirmation of Yahaya as Chief of Army Staff | President Muhammadu Buhari has written to the Senate seeking confirmation of the appointment of Major General Yahaya Farouk as the Chief of Army Staff (COAS). The President, in the request letter dated May 27, 2021 addressed to the President of the Senate, Dr. Ahmad Lawan and read at plenary on Tuesday, June 1, implored the upper legislative chamber to give his request the usual expeditious approval. On the same day, the Senate called on the federal Government to immortalise the immediate past Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Ibrahim Attahiru by naming a military structure in his honour so that an appreciative nation will live to remember its heroes. This was sequel to the adoption of a point of order moved by Senator Ali Ndume, on the death of Attahiru and 10 others in an ill-fated plane crash that occurred in Kaduna two weeks ago. Ndume while expressing shock over the death of the nation’s 21st Chief of Army Staff, noted that the patriotic and exemplary leadership of the late Chief of Army Staff was reflected in the brief period he held sway as the nation’s Army Chief. The Senate while condoling with the President, families of the deceased, the Armed Forces and the Nigerian people over the unfortunate incident, stressed that their deaths will not be in vain, as they died in the line of duty and in the service of the fatherland. The Senate after observing a minute silence for the repose of the souls of the deceased, also resolved to send a delegation from the Senate to visit and condole the families of the deceased. | Senate, Chief of Army Staff, Major General Yahaya Farouk | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/06/02/buhari-seeks-senates-confirmation-of-yahaya-as-chief-of-army-staff/ | |
| ThisDayLive Online | Wednesday, June 2, 2021 | Secondus Urges EU to Sanction Institutions Undermining Nigeria’s Democracy | The National Chairman of the major opposition party, the People's Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Uche Secondus, on Tuesday, June 1, charged the European Union (EU) to review its support and partnership programmes with Nigeria with a view to strengthening the operations of democracy in the country. The PDP Chairman, who urged the EU to consider reviewing its sanction policies against governments and democratic institutions that are not playing by the rules, stated thus: “you must find a way to sanction the Independnet National Elctoral Commission (INEC) or any agency that receives from you but is not playing by the rules.” Secondus, according to a statement from his media office signed by Mr. Ike Abonyi, made the call while receiving the EU team of Evaluators led by Prof. Adele Jinadu and Prof. Victor Adetula in his office. The PDP National Chairman, who lamented what he called the reluctance of the government to allow for electoral reforms, however, added, “APC administration has destroyed the democracy we built for 16 years, in six years.” He added, “If European Union has put in about 100million Euro supporting democratic institutions in Nigeria like the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), it should ensure that they play by the rules. I urge you, EU officials to sit down with INEC and insist that the right things are done and to also put necessary pressure for the passage and signing of amended Electoral Act.” | PDP, Uche Secondus, European Union | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/06/02/secondus-urges-eu-to-sanction-institutions-undermining-nigerias-democracy/ | |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Wednesday, June 2, 2021 | Akpabio Summons Niger Delta Ethnic Nationalities Over Agitations | Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has invited all ethnic nationalities in the Niger Delta region with a view to addressing issues causing unrest in the region. The minister, who disclosed this on Tuesday, June 2 in Abuja, said a letter had been dispatched to President-General of the Niger Delta Ethnic Nationalities Youth Leaders' Council, Comrade Terry Obieh, adding that the meeting would address critical issues affecting the region. The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), last week protested in the area over the Federal Government’s failure to reconstitute a substantive board for the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). Also, Chief Government Ekpemupolo (aka Tompolo), on Sunday, May 30, issued a seven-day ultimatum to President Muhammadu Buhari and Akpabio to re-inaugurate the NDDC board. The parley, between the minister and representatives of the IYC, last Thursday, MAy 27, divided group. The Ijaw youths were led to the gathering by their national spokesperson, Ebilade Ekerefe, to quench the protest across the nine states over non-composition of the NDDC board. | Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Ijaw Youth Council, Senator Godswill Akpabio | https://guardian.ng/news/akpabio-summons-niger-delta-ethnic-nationalities-over-agitations/ | |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Wednesday, June 2, 2021 | Police Repel Attacks On Two Stations In Imo | Operatives of the Imo State Police Command, on Tuesday, June 1, repelled attacks on two police stations in the state. The stations are Omuma Police Division, Oru East Local Government Area and Police Division, Umundugba in Isu Local Government Area. According to the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Bala Elkana, a Superintendent of Police (SP), “On May 31, 2021 at about 3.30 p.m., some hoodlums in their numbers launched an attack on Police Division in Umundugba, Isu Local Council but were repelled by the policemen on duty. They stormed the station in three Sienna buses, one Avalon saloon car and about eight motorcycles. The hoodlums were engaged in a gun battle. During the duel, the hoodlums threw a couple of petrol bomb at the station, which fell at the exhibit room. The attackers were eventually suppressed and they made a retreat, having suffered huge defeat and a number of casualties on their side. The police, with the help of some members of the community, were able to put off the fire." He added that, “A similar attempt was made by some hoodlums to attack Omuma Police Division but was equally repelled by the gallant policemen on duty. No life was lost in the two attacks and there were no casually on the part of the police. The two police stations were not burnt.” | Police, Imo State, Attacks | https://guardian.ng/news/police-repel-attacks-on-two-stations-in-imo/ | |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Wednesday, June 2, 2021 | FG Offers Health Workers Enhanced Hazard Allowance, Says Ngige | The Federal Government has made an offer to increase hazard allowances for all health workers in government health establishments in the country. Minister of Labour and Employment Chris Ngige stated this while briefing newsmen at the end of a meeting between the Presidential Committee on Salaries(PSC), relevant Federal Government Stakeholders, Health Professional Association and Trade Unions on Wednesday, June 1 in Abuja. The meeting was called at the instance of the minister to discuss the issue of hazard allowance and retirement age for health sector workers in government health establishments. Ngige stated that the resolutions reached at the meeting were fruitful. He stated that, ”The Federal Government has moved up from the N5,000 monthly hazard allowance paid to all health workers in Nigeria and now offering 350 per cent and 600 per cent increments for junior workers and senior workers, respectively. The government side led by the Minister of State for Budget and Planning gave a counteroffer to the earlier submissions made by the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) and affiliate associations and the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU). The Government side gave them that offer based on the realities that we have on the ground, that the economy is not doing very well and the capital component of the budget is actually being funded on borrowing. The earnings of the government have also drastically gone down." He added, “So, they are going back to their people with the government offer and they asked for two weeks adjournment to enable them to conclude consultation with their members and report back to us." He also added that they agreed that the offers should be left as it is until both parties go back for consultations with their members and return in two weeks' time for further negotiations. | Federal Government, Health Workers, Hazard Allowance | https://guardian.ng/news/fg-offers-health-workers-enhanced-hazard-allowance-says-ngige/ | |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Tuesday, June 1, 2021 | INEC Laments Attacks on Facilities, Promises Credible Poll in Anambra | The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has lamented continuous attack on its facilities across the country, saying the situation is disturbing. The commission stated that building adequate security around its facilities and issues around Electoral Act Amendment are part of the things that would be incorporated in the 2022-2026 Strategic Plan (SP) and Strategic Programme of Action (SPA) of the commission. Chairman of INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu stated this on Monday, May 31 at a national retreat on the validation of the draft INEC 2022-2026 Strategic Plan and Strategic Programme of Action held in Lagos. He stted that the threats to INEC’s facilities would make the commission beef up security to be able to organise a free, fair and credible election in Anambra State. Yakubu, who was represented by a National Commissioner and Chairman of Outreach Committee, Dr. Adekunle Ogunmola, stated thus: “Part of what we discussed is what is happening to our local offices. It is our desire to incorporate all these issues in our strategic plan. Anytime the Electoral Act is amended, we will also incorporate it into our strategic plan because the strategic plan is for 2022 to 2026. We still have one that is ongoing and it will expire by the end of 2021.” Asked how the strategic plan would deal with the violent attacks faced by the commission, he stated thus: “We hope it is not something that would be on a continuous basis. We have our own risk management procedure and that is the only way we can deal with the issue. This is because we have always envisaged that before the election, there could be pockets of violence perpetuated, but these ones are on a scale very disturbing to the commission. We thank God that it’s happening now, so it gives us ample opportunity to prepare for the Anambra elections. We are also engaging with stakeholders at the highest level in the country, with a view of stemming the tide of these acts.” Yakubu stated that INEC would find a lasting solution to the attacks so that the Anambra elections would not be difficult to plan. | INEC, Anambra State Governorship Election | https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/national/inec-laments-attacks-on-facilities-promises-credible-poll-in-anambra/ | |
| ThisDayLive Online | Tuesday, June 1, 2021 | Army Chief Mobilises Officers, Others to Defend Nigeria | The Chief of Army Staff, Major General Farouk Yahaya, on Mpnday, May 31 charged army personnel to join hands with him to defend the territorial integrity of the nation. Yahaya spoke at a meeting in Abuja with Principal Staff Officers (PSOs), core commanders and General Officers Commanding (GOCs), during which he also unveiled his four-point agenda to reinvigorate the army. The army chief stated thus: “For the Nigerian Army to be competitive in the 21st century, it must remain professional and seek to develop competencies that would make it ever ready to undertake its constitutional duties. It is therefore, against this background that my mission is a professional Nigerian Army ready to accomplish assigned missions within a joint environment in defence of Nigeria”. He added that, “To achieve this goal, my command philosophy will rest on four pillars, namely: professionalism, readiness, administration and cooperation. We must return to the tenets of adhering strictly to customs and tradition and ethics of our army and put in place basic tenets of soldiering and proactiveness.” He pledged to lead the army fairly and justly by providing equal opportunities to all based on individual competences and character. Yahaya pledged to provide exemplary leadership for army personnel, consulting widely by galvanising them to become a formidable army. According to him, his administration will priortise welfare, provide infrastructure and ensure combat efficiency of troops. He said the country faced security challenges that required the collaboration of other security agencies and stakeholders to stabilise the nation. | Chief of Army Staff | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/06/01/army-chief-mobilises-officers-others-to-defend-nigeria/ | |
| ThisDayLive Online | Tuesday, June 1, 2021 | Nigeria At the Point of No Return, Says US Report | The Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) and the Harvard Kennedy School in the United States, have stated that Nigeria as a nation, is at a point of no return with all the signs of a failed nation. The organisation, which made the disclosure in a research finding it released through its senior fellow and former US Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. John Campbell and Mr. Robert Rotberg, who is the Founding Director, Harvard Kennedy School’s Programme on Intrastate Conflict and president emeritus, World Peace Foundation, said Nigeria is currently in its final phase, from which it would eventually collapse. The organisation stated that their position was not based on emotion or the fancy of using pejorative words to describe the situation, but on “a body of political theory developed at the turn of this century and elaborated upon, case by case, ever since.” Its report said Nigeria has since moved from being a weak state to “a fully failed state,” having manifested all the signs of a failed country, including the inability of government to protect the citizens, large scale violence and festering insurgency. According to them, President Muhammadu Buhari admitting that the Federal Government has lost control of the situation is the first step towards the restoration of stability. The duo warned that Nigeria’s failure as a state comes with negative consequences for peace and security in the West African sub-region, as well as Europe and the US. According to the report, “Nigeria has long teetered on the precipice of failure. But now, unable to keep its citizens safe and secure, Nigeria has become a fully failed state of critical geopolitical concern. Its failure matters because the peace and prosperity of Africa and preventing the spread of disorder and militancy around the globe depend on a stronger Nigeria." | Nigeria, United States, John Campbell | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/06/01/nigeria-at-the-point-of-no-return-says-us-report/ | |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Tuesday, June 1, 2021 | Moghalu Declares Interest to Contest for 2023 Presidency | A former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Kingsley Moghalu has declared his intention to contest for the Nigerian Presidency in 2023. Moghalu stated that his decision to contest for the psoition president again is driven by concern for suffering Nigerians who seek an alternative to the status quo. He was the presidential candidate of the Young Progressive Party (YPP) in 2019 and lost to incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari. Moghalu finished 14th on the election log with just 26,039 votes to Buhari’s 15.1 million votes. Two years after the election, Moghalu has stated that he will recontest the presidential election. According to him, “If elected, I will run a government with a dream team of highly competent Nigerians from all parts of our country. Along with strengthened, independent institutions, we will deliver results on a 4-point agenda in four years (4 by 4).” In a statement, Moghalu listed his agenda as “security for all Nigerians and Nigeria’s territory; war against poverty: skills, jobs for our youth, and an innovation economy, accelerated education and healthcare reform, good governance: inclusive, transparent, effective, and accountable. | Kingsley Moghalu, 2023 Presidency | https://guardian.ng/news/moghalu-declares-interest-to-contest-for-2023-presidency/ | |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Tuesday, June 1, 2021 | FG to Increase Vaccine Acquisition Drive, Oxygen Reserve Capacity for COVID-19 Third Wave | The Presidential Steering Committee (PSC) on COVID-19 is to embark on increased vaccine acquisition drive, raise oxygen reserve capacity in the event of a third wave and boost testing in the states. This is even as members of the panel received their second dose of the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine on Monday, MAy 31. President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, last weekend, received their jabs. At a briefing in Abuja, the committee Chairman and Secretary to Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, pointed out that Nigeria could not afford a third wave, hence the need to do everything to protect the nation. He pledged that the country would keep monitoring unfolding events and deal with them as they come. The SGF recalled that some 12 weeks ago, the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA) commenced the administration of COVID-19 vaccines nationwide, with about two million persons vaccinated, adding that the PSC had since intensified awareness to reduce vaccine hesitancy and encourage eligible Nigerians to take their second doses. He noted that as Nigeria monitors developments globally, it would keep disseminating messages of compliance with extant protocols and vaccination. | COVID-19, Presidential Steering Committee (PSC) | https://guardian.ng/news/fg-to-increase-vaccine-acquisition-drive-oxygen-reserve-capacity-for-covid-19-third-wave/ | |