Guinness World Record: Tinubu Reacts As Tunde Onakoya Shatters New World Chess Record
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended his congratulations to Nigerian chess master, Tunde Onakoya, for achieving a new world chess record and showcasing Nigeria’s resilience, self-belief, and ingenuity on the global stage. In a press release issued on Saturday (today) through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, President Tinubu highlighted that Onakoya set a new Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon by playing for more than 58 hours and emerged victorious in every game. The Nigerian leader commended Onakoya, the brain behind Chess in Slums Africa for his remarkable accomplishment, emphasizing the noble cause behind his remarkable display of character, which involves raising funds to support African children in learning and discovering opportunities through chess. Tinubu stressed that Onakoya has exhibited a streak typical of Nigeria’s youth population – the courage to bring about positive change, defy impossibilities, and drive innovations and solutions to the nation’s challenges, even from disadvantaged areas. The President confirmed that Nigerian youths have showcased their capabilities in various fields, such as Afrobeats, Nollywood, skit-making, education, science, and technology, proving that significant achievements can indeed originate from humble beginnings. Tinubu praised the unity displayed by Nigerians, transcending artificial divides, as evidenced by their unwavering support for this groundbreaking initiative, Naija News reports. He reassured all citizens that his administration remains fully dedicated to creating and expanding opportunities for the youth to harness and showcase their talents, ultimately becoming the epitome of greatness that our nation embodies for the future.
FAAC Shares ₦1.1 Trillion Revenue To FG, States, LGs
The Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) distributed a substantial sum of ₦1.123 trillion from the March 2024 Federation Account revenue to the federal, state, and local government tiers on Friday. The allocation, as reported by the Director of Press and Public Relations at the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation, Bawa Mokwa, reflects an uptick in several major revenue streams, including import duty, value-added tax (VAT), gas royalty, and companies’ income tax (CIT). According to a communique released after FAAC’s April meeting, the total distributable revenue consisted of ₦311.233 billion from distributable statutory revenue, ₦511.879 billion from distributable VAT revenue, ₦14.754 billion from Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL), and ₦285.525 billion from exchange difference revenue. The total available revenue for March was ₦1,867,808,000,000. Deductions for the cost of collection amounted to ₦69.537 billion, while transfers, interventions, and refunds totaled ₦674.880 billion. March’s gross statutory revenue was ₦1.017 trillion, a decrease of ₦175.212 billion from February’s ₦1.192 trillion. Conversely, the gross revenue available from VAT for the same period was ₦549.698 billion, marking an increase of ₦89.210 billion over the previous month. The communique detailed that the Federal Government received ₦345.890 billion, state governments were allocated ₦398.689 billion, and local government councils received ₦288.688 billion. Additionally, mineral-producing states received ₦90.124 billion as a 13% derivation of mineral revenue. From the ₦311.233 billion distributable statutory revenue, the Federal Government received ₦133.960 billion, state governments ₦67.946 billion, and local government councils ₦52.384 billion. A total of ₦56.943 billion was distributed as derivation revenue to the benefiting states. For the distributable VAT revenue of ₦511.879 billion, the Federal Government received ₦76.782 billion, state governments ₦255.940 billion, and local government councils ₦179.158 billion. The allocation of the ₦14.754 billion EMTL revenue saw the Federal Government receiving N2.213 billion, state governments ₦7.377 billion, and local government councils ₦5.164 billion. Furthermore, from the ₦285.525 billion in exchange difference revenue, the Federal Government was allotted ₦132.935 billion, state governments ₦67.426 billion, and local government councils ₦51.983 billion, with an additional ₦33.181 billion shared as derivation revenue with the mineral-producing states.
Another Judge Halts Ganduje’s Suspension From APC
A Kano high court has issued an order halting the suspension of the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, from his party. Justice A.M Liman gave this interim ruling in response to an ex parte motion filed by Ganduje, wherein he sought to enforce his fundamental right to a fair hearing. The suspension, initially enforced on April 15 by APC executives in Dawakin ward, Tofa LGA of Kano, came after Ganduje was accused of corruption. The Kano State APC working committee quickly overturned this local party action, which also disciplined the ward executives involved in Ganduje’s suspension. However, to complicate matters further, Justice Usman Na’Abba of the Kano High Court previously upheld the suspension, deepening the legal and political intrigue surrounding the case. The respondents named in Ganduje’s application included not only local party officials but also major national security agencies like the police, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). Justice Liman’s order temporarily stops any enforcement of Ganduje’s suspension, stipulating that no action should be taken until the case is fully heard and a determination is made. “That all the parties are hereby mandated to maintain status quo before the purported emergency meeting of the alleged executive members of APC Ganduje Ward, and to stay action in respect of this matter pending the hearing and determination of the substantive application,” Liman said. The judge subsequently fixed April 30 to hear Ganduje’s appeal.
Alleged Rape: Centre calls Tinubu to intervene over Egbaji’s release from Benin Republic prison
By Daniel Okejeme A civil society organization, Centre for Credible Leadership and Citizens Awareness, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene in the case of Pastor Benjamin Egbaji, who is languishing in Benin Republic. Egbaji, a Nigerian citizen from Cross River state, was falsely accused of rape by Pede Victoire, a citizen of the Republic of Benin. Victoir claimed that he had raped her daughter, Ahouandjinou Dona Sarah, when she was just 13 years old. However, it is important to note that this claim was never reported or complained about, and no evidence has been presented to substantiate these allegations. The Centre, in collaboration with a Coalition of Civil Society Organizations in Nigeria, revealed that Benjamin Egbaji who was arrested May last year has been languishing behind bar without trial ever since then, even after Sarah herself came forward and refuted the claim of rape. As a hypertensive patient, his blood pressure has shot up to 254/136, prompting the medical director in Central National Hospital Universitare Hubert K. Maga to raise an alarm that if Pastor Benjamin is not released for proper diagnosis and treatment within a fortnight, something more tragic might happen to his patient. Due to lack of intervention from the Nigeria government, all attempts to secure bail for Benjamin Egbaji have hit the bricks. Although the Head of Nigerian Consular, Republic of Benin has led a delegation to visit the pastor where he is been held in custody and has sent a note verbal to the Nigerian government to authorize them to engage with the government of Benin to secure his immediate release, but the requisite response is yet to be activated by the Federal Government of Nigeria. Consequently, the Centre for Credible Leadership and Citizens Awareness, in collaboration with a coalition of civil society organizations in Nigeria, urgently calls for immediate action to ensure justice is served and Pastor Benjamin Egbaji is released from unjust and harrowing detention in the Republic of Benin. The group is appealing to the Nigerian government, in the strongest possible terms, to utilize all diplomatic ties and channels available to secure the release of Pastor Benjamin Egbaji. It is crucial for the government to recognize the urgency of this matter and take swift action to prevent further violation of Pastor Benjamin’s rights and ensure his immediate freedom. “We demand an independent and thorough investigation into the allegations made against Pastor Benjamin Egbaji. The lack of evidence, coupled with Sarah’s own account refuting the claims, clearly demonstrates that the allegations are false and baseless. An impartial investigation will ensure that justice prevails and the truth is revealed. “We urgently request that Pastor Benjamin Egbaji be transferred to a better-equipped medical facility without delay. His deteriorating health condition, particularly as a hypertensive patient with a dangerously high blood pressure reading, necessitates immediate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Failure to do so within the next fourteen days could lead to tragic consequences. “We sincerely hope that our plea for urgent intervention will be met with the seriousness and urgency it deserves, ensuring that justice is not delayed, and Pastor Benjamin Egbaji’s rights and well-being are restored”.
President Tinubu Directs Inclusion Of NOUN Graduates In NYSC Scheme
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has mandated the Federal Ministry of Education to develop guidelines for including graduates of the National Open University (NOUN) in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme. This directive was given during the university’s 13th convocation ceremony, held at the University’s Convocation Arena in Jabi, Abuja. Represented by Biodun Saliu, Deputy Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), the President expressed his administration’s commitment to addressing educational inclusivity. “With the changing demographics of our great nation, the government has recognized the importance of allowing NOUN graduates to participate in the NYSC scheme,” President Tinubu stated, emphasizing the need to harness the potential of young Nigerians from all educational backgrounds. In a related development, President Tinubu also announced the resolution of the long-standing issue concerning the admittance of NOUN law graduates to the country’s law schools. “The doors of the Law School are now open to the graduates, ensuring equal opportunities for all,” he declared. This move is expected to remove any remaining barriers faced by NOUN graduates in legal education, further cementing the government’s stance on educational equality.
Call EFCC to order —Yahaya Bello urges Tinubu
The media office of the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, has urged President Bola Tinubu, to call the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to order. The media office made this known in a statement issued on Wednesday. The statement read, “About 9:30 am today, the 17th day of April 2024, persons who described themselves as officers of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arrived the Wuse Zone 4 Residence of His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Bello to effect his arrest. “This is despite a subsisting Order of injunction granted on 9th February 2024 by the High Court of Justice, Lokoja Division in Suit No. HCL/68M/2024 between Alhaji Yahaya Bello v. Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, restraining the Commission either by itself or its agents from harassing, arresting, detaining or prosecuting Alhaji Yahaya Bello, pending the hearing and determination of the substantive fundamental rights enforcement action. “The EFCC was duly served with that Order on 12th February 2024 and on 26th February 2024; the EFCC filed an Appeal (Appeal No.: CA/ABJ/CV/175/2024: Economic and Financial Crimes Commission v. Alhaji Yahaya Bello) against the said Order to the Court of Appeal Abuja division. The Appeal was accompanied by a Motion for Stay of Execution of the Order of the High Court which the Court of Appeal adjourned for hearing till the 22nd day of April 2024. “Furthermore, Judgment in the substantive case between Alhaji Yahaya Bello and the EFCC is to be delivered at 12 Noon today in Lokoja. “Contrary to all of the above, the EFCC has now laid siege to the home of H.E Yahaya Bello seeking to arrest him in contravention of the extant orders! “It is a surprise that an agency led by a lawyer could flagrantly disobey a subsisting court order by taking actions contrary to the reliefs granted. “We are aware of the total commitment of the current administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the rule of law and can say categorically that the leadership of the EFCC might have offered the agency on a platter of gold to desperate politicians to convert to their score settling tool without minding the effect on its integrity and the image of Nigeria as regards the rule of law. “A situation where law enforcers disregard the rule of law is a definite recipe for anarchy, which will adversely affect every aspect of the nation’s economy. “Nigerians have perceived the desperation of the anti-graft agency to embarrass and harass the former Governor by all means through spurious allegations, especially the latest one dating back to September 2015, way before he assumed office. We are aware that there are clandestine moves to correct the error, but with even more questionable allegations, which would embarrass the Commission and Nigeria more than the initial one. “It is unfortunate that an agency that is supposed to enforce the law is now the first culprit with respect to disobedience of court orders. This is a big dent on the fight against corruption. He who comes to equity must come with clean hands. “We call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to call the EFCC to order in the interest of legal sanity.
FG rejects Nnamdi Kanu’s conditions for resumption of trial
The Federal Government has kicked against conditions submitted by detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, for the resumption of his trial. During the hearing on Wednesday at the Federal High Court Abuja, Kanu agreed to acceleration of prosecution of the charges against him on the ground that his conditions are met. The IPOB leader, through his lawyer Aloy Ejimakor, listed three conditions that must be met before the trial could resume. Among others, he demanded that the bail granted him earlier be restored to enable him prepare for his defense. He claimed that the bail was erroneously revoked based on a false and fraudulent claim of the Federal Government. Kanu also requested that the setting aside of the arrest warrant issued against him based on allegations by government that he had jumped bail and escaped out of the country. He also demanded that his lawyer must be permitted to have unhindered access to him as required by law. He insisted that he would be willing to face accelerated trial once the conditions are met. Responding, counsel to the FG, Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, asked the court to reject the conditions on the ground that they are frivolous, vexatious, irritating and baseless. He maintained that the court had earlier rejected the bail application and as such the court cannot over rule itself. Awomolo argued that the only option open to Kanu is to go to the Court of Appeal to challenge the rejected bail request. Reacting, Justice Nyako has given Kanu two options to choose either the court adjourned the matter sine dine(indefinitely) or allow the federal government call its witness. As at the time of filling this report, the court is on stand down to enable Kanu make a choice.
Tinubu told me I am still APC chairman – Ganduje
The All Progressives Congress, APC, National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, says President Bola Tinubu reaffirmed his position amid the suspension saga. Ganduje disclosed this while addressing some APC stakeholders from Kano State. In a viral video, the APC National Chairman claimed that the Kano State Government was behind the attempt to remove him. “I met with the President, and he told me that my position as APC Chairman, which the Kano State Government was trying to remove me from, will remain unchanged. ”He reaffirmed my position as APC National Chairman”, Ganduje said. On Monday, the APC Legal Adviser in Dawakin ward, Tofa LGA of Kano, Haliru Gwanzo, had suspended Ganduje for alleged corruption. But, Ganduje’s suspension was nullified and those responsible were suspended for six months.
President Tinubu Declares April 7 as National Police Day
President Bola Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, has declared April 7 as National Police Day. The event, held at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, highlighted the administration’s commitment to revitalizing the nation’s police force. President Tinubu emphasized the necessity for a comprehensive overhaul of the institutional mindset and ethos within the police force, stating, “My administration will ensure that police officers are equipped with the knowledge, skills, values, and expertise required to tackle the complex challenges of modern policing.” Furthermore, he disclosed the government’s decision to designate the first week of April as Police Week, with April 7 marking the culmination as National Police Day. President Tinubu underscored the importance of honoring the sacrifices of law enforcement personnel, stating, “Your exemplary valor doesn’t only represent the pinnacle of patriotism that binds us but also instils confidence that brighter days lie just beyond the horizon.” The President’s remarks also highlighted key initiatives aimed at rejuvenating the police force, including investments in training, capacity-building, and upgrading equipment and technology. He assured, “These endeavors will be supported by suitable measures to enhance the status of our officers and personnel both during their service and after retirement.” In his address, President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, commended the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, for recognizing the hard work, resilience, and patriotism of police officers. He emphasized the significance of celebrating the nation’s unsung heroes and urged for the removal of any misconduct within the force, stating, “As we commend the good officers, let us weed out the bad ones among the Police Force as, to whom much is given, much is expected.” The declaration of National Police Day and the broader reforms initiated by President Tinubu’s administration signify a pivotal step towards modernizing and professionalizing Nigeria’s law enforcement agency, promoting accountability, and enhancing public trust in the police force.
Igbos in diaspora write Gov Uzodinma, to support Nnamdi Kanu’s release from detention
A group of Igbos in diaspora has formally written Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma pleading passionately for his intervention in the on-going struggle to get the detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu released from detention by the Federal Government. The group solicited Uzodinma to be interested in the travails and trial of Kanu in treasonable felony by the federal government and join the bid for the way out of the logjam. The group operating under the aegis of American Veterans of Igbo Descent (AVID) asked the governor to have a change of heart in the matters of Kanu and throw his support for his release for genuine peace to reign in the South East Region. Their letter dated April 14, 2024, was signed by Dr. Sylvester Onyia, AVID President and Dr. Godson Obiagwu as Secretary. The group claimed that the incerceration of Kanu by government has done havocs than good for all the Igbo speaking States and reiterated the need for his release to enable business and commercial activities bounce back for the people in the region. In the letter, the group criticized the lukewarm attitude of the governor to insecurity in the region, especially in Imo State, where they claimed that several lives have been lost without any concrete response from the state government. The letter read in part, “A worrisome show of contempt for Igbos is covert conspiracies against the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) since his infamous extraordinary rendition from Kenya into Nigeria in the year 2021 and the persecution that ensued. “It has become obvious that you do not want Mazi Nnamdi Kanu released from the unlawful incarceration the Federal Government of Nigeria subjected him to. “While we are aware that several meritorious applications had before now been made to the trial Federal High Court Judge for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu on bail, we have come to the ugly realization that Your Excellency is behind the continual refusal of such bail applications. “You are aware that in so far as Mazi Nnamdi Kanu remains unlawfully detained in the Nigeria security service’s facilities, there would be no peace in Igbo land and the spate of youth restiveness and violence would know no bounds. “Nigerians know how the infamous attempt at Kanu’s life under Operation Python Dance was planned and executed. “While we regret the entirety of your acts and deeds against Igbo nation and your secret vows to ensure that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu rots in detention, we honestly believe that you can turn over a new leaf. “We therefore request that Your Excellency returns the Igbo spirit of ONYE AGHANA NWANNE YA and work toward peace in Igbo land. “And howsoever Your Excellency does it is not material to us provided there is a return to peace and tranquility. “We are very optimistic that Your Excellency would have a change of heart and work towards peace in Igbo land”, the letter said.