Senate Joint C’ttee Holds Closed Meeting With Service Chiefs Over Killing Of 16 Soldiers…Security takes precedence over other sectors – Lawan
The Senate Joint Committee on Defence, Army, Navy and Airforce is currently in a closed meeting with the nation’s Service Chiefs over the recent killing of troops in Okuoma community, Bomadi local government area of Delta State. The meeting which started at exactly 3:42pm has in attendance, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa; Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja; Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hassan; and Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla. Recall that the Senate, during plenary on Tuesday, March 19, 2024, mandated the joint committee to investigate the incident. The upper chamber also urged the federal government to ensure that those responsible for the heinous crime are identified, apprehended and brought to justice. The Joint Committee is chaired by Senator Ahmad Lawan, who is also Chairman of the Senate Committee on Defence. Moments before the commencement of the meeting with the Service Chiefs, members of the Joint Committee observed a minute silence in honour of the 16 Military personnel killed in Okuoma community last Thursday. Speaking on the incident, Senator Lawan in a speech delivered at the investigative hearing by the Joint Committee recalled that, “The troops of 181 Amphibious battalion, on Thursday, 14 March, 2024, went on a peace mission to Okuoma Community in Delta State. An incident occurred resulting in the loss of a Commanding officer, two Majors, a Captain and 12 Soldiers during the peace mission. “The troops on the peace mission to Okuoma community in Bomadi local government area of Delta State were surrounded by some community youths, which resulted in the death of officers and men. “Acknowledging the gravity of the attack on the military personnel, the Senate at its plenary on Tuesday, 19th March, 2024, mandated the Joint Committee on Defence, Army, Navy and Airforce to investigate the incident. “The Senate also urged urged the federal government to ensure that those responsible for the heinous crime are identified, apprehended and brought to justice.” Senator Lawan further underscored the need for the federal government to prioritise the issue of security, noting that same takes precedence over investment in any other sector. He described the killing of the 16 soldiers as “barbaric”, and appealed to Nigerians to support the Armed Forces by volunteering information that would lead to the capture and prosecution of those behind various forms of insecurity across the country. The former Senate President said, “We, in the Senate, and, indeed, the National Assembly, will always support our military in whatever way we can. [And] the National Assembly has that history. We try to at all times make meaningful appropriation for resources to be available. We know it has never been enough and, in fact, I will take this opportunity to commend our Armed Forces for doing so much with the little we can afford. “The insecurity in our country takes precedence over any other consideration and, therefore, it is the position of the Senate that no investment in any sector can be more important than ensuring that we are secured as a country. “We, therefore, are very sad as a parliament over this tragic incident. It is our hope in the Senate that those who perpetrated this barbaric and horrific act are captured and the law takes full course on them. “I want to appeal to Nigerians that this is our Armed Forces and they cannot secure us without us as citizens playing our part. Therefore, every citizen is supposed to support our Armed Forces. And those in the area where this incident happened must volunteer information because this is the only way we can stop something like this from happening another time.”
National Assembly Passes Long-Awaited Student Loan Bill
The National Assembly, encompassing the Senate and the House of Representatives, has finally passed the much-anticipated student loan bill into law. After undergoing rigorous scrutiny with first, second, and third readings in both parliamentary chambers, the bill officially attained legal status on Wednesday. The Senate’s approval came following a thorough examination of the committee’s report on tertiary institutions and TETFUND, as presented by Muntari Dandutse, the committee’s chairperson, during a plenary session.
Nigerian Senate Urges Action to Address Out-of-School Children Crisis
The Nigerian Senate has issued a strong directive, calling upon the Federal Ministry of Education, its associated agencies, and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) to prioritize the plight of out-of-school children. The primary objective is to substantially reduce the alarming number of children deprived of education across the nation. The Senate stressed the urgent need for the formulation of innovative strategies to effectively combat the persistent challenge of out-of-school children. Moreover, they emphasized the critical importance of revitalizing national awareness through extensive sensitization and advocacy efforts, highlighting the indispensable role of education in Nigeria’s overall progress and prosperity. Senator Idiat Oluranti, representing Lagos West, spearheaded the motion, underscoring the troubling prevalence of out-of-school children in Nigeria. Senator Oluranti underscored the potential societal repercussions of this crisis, warning against the risk of vulnerable children being lured into criminal activities, thereby exacerbating existing security threats such as banditry and terrorism. During deliberations, several Senators voiced their support for the motion, emphasizing the necessity of prompt action. They urged relevant authorities to disclose accurate data regarding the number of out-of-school children, facilitating targeted interventions and resource allocation. In response to the motion, the Senate called upon the Judiciary in all 36 states of the Federation to take concrete steps toward establishing mobile courts for the enforcement of the Universal Basic Education (UBE) Act, signaling a commitment to upholding education laws and ensuring accountability. The motion has been referred to the Senate Committee on Legislative Compliance for comprehensive review and follow-up actions, reflecting the Senate’s firm resolve to address the pressing issue of out-of-school children and foster a brighter future for all Nigerian youths.
Full Names of 15 Terrorism Sponsors Released By FG
Following the directive of the Federal Government, the Nigerian Sanctions Committee on Monday, March 18, revealed the identities of 15 entities including nine individuals and six Bureau De Change firms that have been sanctioned over alleged terrorism financing. The nine individuals under sanctions are 1. Tukur Mamu 2. Yusuf Ghazali 3. Muhammad Sani 4. Abubakar Muhammad 5. Sallamudeen Hassan 6. Adamu Ishak 7. Hassana-Oyiza Isah 8. Abdulkareem Musa, 9. Umar Abdullahi The six BDCs and firms are 10. West and East Africa General Trading Company Limited 11. Settings Bureau De Change Limited 12. G. Side General Enterprises 13. Desert Exchange Ventures Limited 14. Eagle Square General Trading Company Limited 15. Alfa Exchange BDC.
Chickenpox Kills Many In Abuja Community
Residents of Wubara, a community in the Jiwa ward of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), have been thrown into confusion following a recent surge in the outbreak of chickenpox. Chickenpox is a disease that is triggered by the varicella-zoster virus. It results in the development of a pruritic rash accompanied by tiny blisters filled with fluid. Chickenpox is highly contagious and can easily transmit to individuals who have not previously contracted the illness or received the chickenpox vaccine. Confirming the latest surge of the disease during a recent medical outreach in Wubara, the chairman of the council, Christopher Zakka Maikalangu, who was represented by the Supervisory Council for Health, Faoye Tunji, said, “We lament the outbreak of chicken pox recently that befell Wubara and other communities where several households were affected and so many lives were lost. The impact of this calamity has left So many in fear. It is an unfortunate situation, and we pray that it will never repeat again. “To us in the council, this outbreak is becoming one too many and a permanent solution is urgently needed to prevent further occurrence. I hereby appeal to our people to maintain a healthy lifestyle by sleeping in well-ventilated houses, be mindful of the heat and bad weather caused by climate change and visit our facilities whenever we have any symptom.’’ Also reacting to the latest development, the Programme Officer for Disease Control at the Health Unit/Department of AMAC, Dr. Dorothy Ihegazie, emphasized the council’s readiness to provide medical outreach services to the community. She highlighted the drugs’ availability at the pharmacy and urged the people to cooperate with the medical professionals present. On his part, the Chief of Wubara, Alhaji Ibrahim Dallatu, expressed his satisfaction with the medical outreach program, stating that it would effectively combat any potential diseases within the community. According to Daily Trust, the medical professionals on-site during the outreach examined more than 1,000 community members and administered necessary medications. It was also observed that the medical outreach program offered medications for malaria, typhoid, child immunization, COVID-19 vaccination, poliomyelitis, monkeypox, chickenpox, and various other ailments.
Blackout Hits Parts Of Nigeria As Power Stations Collapse
Some residents in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja and Kogi State, are currently experiencing power outages due to the collapse of a power station. The two areas earlier mentioned are under the coverage of the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC). On Tuesday, the AEDC informed its customers in Zamani Estate, Abacha Road Mararaba, Ruga Juli and other parts of Abuja that a technical fault on 33kv feeder k6 from AT9 Karu Transmission Station was responsible for the power outage. “The management of Abuja Electricity Distribution Plc wishes to notify its esteemed customers that there is currently a technical fault on 33kv feeder k6 from AT9 Karu Transmission Station, managed by the Transmission Company of Nigeria. “The areas affected in Abuja are: Zamani Estate, Abacha Road Mararaba, Ruga Juli, Old Karu Road, Glory Estate, and environs,” the Disco said in a statement. The AEDC disclosed that the TCN maintenance crew was working to ensure the supply of electricity to these areas was restored soon, regretting any inconvenience caused. Earlier, the TCN had announced its maintenance crew would carry out planned maintenance on its TR3 45MVA and TR2 60MVA power transformers in its 132/33kV Okene Transmission Substation. The maintenance was scheduled to run from Tuesday to Wednesday, from 10 am to 03pm on each day.
Court Refuses to stop impeachment move against Edo Deputy Gov, Philip Shaibu
The Federal High Court in Abuja, again, refused to stop the alleged impeachment move against the incumbent Edo State Deputy Governor, Mr Phillip Shaibu by the State House of Assembly. Specifically, Shaibu prays the court to grant an order of status quo to be maintained by the House of Assembly and others involved in the impeachment move. Counsel to the plaintiff, Olawoyin Awoyale, (SAN) had orally requested for an order of status quo to be maintained by parties pending the hearing and determination of his motion on notice. In his ruling, Justice Omotoso held that the cited authority was not applicable in the Shaibu’s case because the Governor of Edo State and the Edo State House of Assembly who are the principal actors in the impeachment bid have not been served with the originating summons of the suit as required by law. However, the Judge granted the request that the Edo State Governor and the State House of Assembly be served with the originating summons by substituted means. Specifically, Justice Omotoso ordered that the court process be pasted at the entrance gate of the Edo State Government House and the gate of the State House of Assembly Complex both in Benin. Besides, the Judge also directed that all court papers be served on parties in the matter with the use of a registered Courier Company. Justice Omotoso subsequently fixed April 15 for hearing of the case. The Deputy Governor, Phillip Shaibu who was in the room throughout the Wednesday’s proceedings declined to speak with newsmen. In the motion marked FHC/ABJ/CS/321/2024, the Edo State Government, Edo State Governor, Edo State House of Assembly, Edo State House of Assembly Speaker, the Clerk of the Assembly, the Chief Judge of Edo State, Inspector General of Police IGP and Director General of the Department of State Services DSS were listed as the first to eighth defendants. Shaibu, in the suit, sought an order of the court restricting the third to fifth defendants from commencing any process by issuing a notice of allegation, holding proceedings, or setting up any panel of investigation for his removal pending the hearing of a motion on notice. He also sought an interim injunction restraining the defendants, whether by themselves or their agents, from interfering with the subject matter of the originating summons filed in the suit either by way of taking any adverse actions in relation to any attempt or process targeted at his removal from office as the deputy governor of Edo State pending the hearing of the motion on notice. Other reliefs sought are: “An order of interim injunction restraining the 1st to 8th defendants, whether by themselves, their agents, privies, servants, officials, representatives, and or any other person or authority acting through them, from preventing the plaintiff either by threat of removal from office or adverse actions capable of hindering the plaintiff from performing his official duties and discharging his responsibilities as the Deputy Governor of Edo State, including attending State Executive Council meetings, functions and other duties. “An order of interim injunction directing the defendants herein jointly, whether by themselves, their agents, privies, servants, officials, representatives, or any other person or authority acting through them, to maintain status quo ante bellum prevailing before the issuance of the purported notice or petition to commence removal of the Plaintiff from office pending the hearing and the final determination of the motion on notice. ”
FG Releases List Of Those Responsible For Terrorism Financing In Nigeria
The Federal Government has released a list of 15 entities, including nine individuals and six Bureau De Change operators and firms, involved in terrorism financing. The details of the development were revealed by the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) and made available on Tuesday night. The document, entitled “Designation of Individuals and Entities for March 18, 2024,” disclosed that the Nigeria Sanctions Committee met on March 18, 2024, where specific individuals and entities were recommended for sanction following their involvement in terrorism financing. “The Honourable Attorney General of the Federation, with the approval of the President, has thereupon designated the following individuals and entities to be listed on the Nigeria Sanctions List,” the document read in part. Among the individuals named on the document is a Kaduna-based publisher, Tukur Mamu, who is currently being tried by the Federal Government for allegedly aiding the terrorists who attacked the Abuja-Kaduna train in March 2022. According to the document, Mamu “participated in the financing of terrorism by receiving and delivering ransome payments over the sum of $200,000 US in support of ISWAP terrorists for the release of hostages of the Abuja-Kaduna train attack.” The document also said one of the individuals is “the suspected attacker of the St. Francis Catholic Church Owo, Ondo State on June 5, 2022 and the Kuje Correctional Center, Abuja on July 5, 2022.” Another was described as “a member of the terrorist group Ansarul Muslimina Fi Biladissudam, the group is associated with Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb. “The subject was trained and served under Muktar Belmokhtar, aka One Eyed Out, led Al-Murabtoun Katibat of AQIM in Algeria and Mali.” The NFIU said the individual “specialises in designing terrorist clandestine communication code and he is also Improvised Explosive Device expert. “The subject was also a gate keeper to ANSARU leader, Mohammed Usman aka Khalid Al-Bamawi. Equally, he was a courier and travel guide to AQIM Katibat in the desert of Algeria and Mali. He is into carpentry. Subject fled Kuje correctional centre on July 5, 2022. He is currently at large.” Another was identified as “a senior commander of the Islamic State of West Africa Province Okene.” The agency said the individual “came into limelight in 2012 as North Central wing of Boko Haram. “The group is suspected of the attacks carried out around Federal Capital Territory and the South West Geographical Zone, including the June 5, 2022 attack on St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State.” Another was described as “a financial courier to ISWAP Okene. She is responsible for the disbursement of funds to the widows/wives of the terrorist fighters of the group.” According to the document, another of the individuals “in 2015, transferred N60m to terrorism convicts.” He was also said to have “received a sum of N189m between 2016 and 2018.” The same person is said to “own entities and business reported in the UAE court judgment as facilitating the transfer of terrorist funds from Dubai to Nigeria.” Another individual was said to have “received a total of N57m from between 2014 and 2017.” Another was said to have “had a total inflow of N61.4 bn and a total outflow of N51.7bn from his accounts.”
Japa: Nurses drag health minister, others to court over implementation of new policy
Some nurses in the country have dragged the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN), the Minister of Health, and six others before the National Industrial Court of Nigeria over the new certificate verification guidelines. The NMCN had, on February 7, 2024, issued a circular revising the guidelines for requesting verification of certificates for nurses and midwives. The council stated that applicants seeking verification of certificates from foreign nursing boards and councils must possess two years of post-qualification experience from the date of issuance of the permanent practicing license. The new guidelines came into force on March 1, 2024. There have been series of protests by nurses in Abuja and Lagos to demand the reversal of the new guidelines. Some aggrieved nurse dragged the Registrar, Nursing and Midwifery Council Nigeria; Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria; Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare; Federal Ministry of Health and Attorney General of the Federation before the court demanding a suspension of the policy. The complaints in the suit marked: NICN/ABJ/ 76/2024, are Desmond Aigbe; Kelvin Ossai; Catherine Olatunji-Kuyoro; Tamunoibi Berry; Osemwengie Osagie; Abiola Olaniyan, Idowu Olabode, and Olumide Olurankinse. They are urging the court to restrain the defendants or their agents from implementing the NMCN circular pending the determination of the suit. The nurses also urged the court to suspend the commencement of the new guidelines. The reliefs sought partly read, “An interlocutory order restraining suspending the commencement of the 2nd Defendant” “REVISED GUIDELINES FOR VERIFICATION OF CERTIFICATE(S) WITH THE NURSING AND MIDWIFERY COUNCIL OF NIGERIA” earlier proposed to take effect from the 7th of March, 2024 as indicated on the 2nd Defendant’s circular dated 7th February, 2024 pending the hearing and determination of the Claimants/Applicants Originating Summons in this suit. “An interlocutory order restraining the Defendants, their Partners, parastatals, subjects, counterparts. agents, servants, privies, assigns, or whoever, acting for. with or on behalf of the Defendants from taking any further step that may hinder, restrict, or infringe on the constitutional rights and freedom of nurses and midwives in Nigeria from emigrating to the country to seek better career opportunities and training abroad. “An interlocutory order of the court mandating the 1st & 2nd Defendants to continue to carry out verification of certificates or any documents requested by applicants, their other intending colleagues, and other members of the Nursing and Midwifery profession within 7 days from the date of such application pending the hearing and determination of the Claimants/Applicants Originating Summons.” At the proceedings on Wednesday, counsel for the complaints, Ode Evans told the court that he had just received the preliminary objection filled by the first and second defendants some moments ago. He pleaded with the court to adjourn the matter to enable him to reply to their applications. Evans said,” I confirmed the receipt of the application from the first and second defendants this morning. We shall be asking for a date to enable us to file our responses. ” The judge, Justice Osatohanmwen Obaseki-Osaghae, however, adjourned the matter till May 20 for hearing. She ordered that the hearing notice be served on the Federal Ministry of Health and the Attorney General of the Federation who had no legal representation in court.
Church loses bid to stop conduct of elections, examinations on Saturdays
A Member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church of Nigeria, Ugochukwu Uchenwa, Wednesday, loses bid seeking the prohibition of the conduct of elections and examinations on Saturdays in Nigeria. Justice James Kolawole Omotoso of the Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a suit instituted against the Federal Government for being frivolous, vexatious, irritating and baseless. According to the plaintiff, Saturday is its Sabbath day of worship and that fundamental rights of its members are being brutally breached by the conduct of elections and examinations on Saturdays. Specifically the plaintiff, through his counsel, Benjamin Amaefina, sought order of the Court to prohibit the FG from further conducting elections and examinations on the Sabbath day so as to stop disruption of their rights to worship. Consequently, he prayed the court to declare the fixing of elections and examinations on Saturdays as unconstitutional. In the alternative, the plaintiff asked the court to order the defendants to allow him and other members of his church to vote or take examinations on any other day of the week including Sundays. Listed as defendants in the suit are President Muhammadu Buhari, the Attorney-General of the Federation, the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC), Minister of Internal Affairs, Joint Admission and Matriculation Examinations (JAMB), National Examination Council (NECO), West African Examination Council, (WAEC) and the National Business and Technical Examination Board. Delivering his judgement, Justice Omotoso held that the fundamental rights being claimed by the church were not at large and cannot be curtailed by government policy. Besides, the Judge held that the Seventh Day Adventist Church is in the minority in Nigeria and cannot impose its doctrine on the majority of other religious denominations in the country.