Reps To Probe MDA Involvement In Alleged Certificate Racketeering
The House of Representatives has resolved to investigate some officials of Federal Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies involved in alleged certificate racketeering with Nigerian students. The resolution followed the adoption of a motion on the floor of the House, on Wednesday, moved by the member representing Birniwa/Guri/Kiri-Kasamma Federal Constituency of Jigawa State, Abubakar Fulata Recall that a Nigerian reporter, Umar Audu had, in December 2022, bagged a degree from a university in Cotonou, Benin Republic, in six weeks and subsequently participated in the mandatory National Youth Service Corps scheme. Audu subsequently accused unnamed officials of the Ministry of Education as members of the racketeering syndicate; a development that elicited widespread criticisms by well-meaning Nigerians. Leading the debate on the motion, Fulata called on the House to “identify officials of MDAs and students who benefited from such institutions and their campuses in the last ten years.”
Killer of Enugu Based Make-up Artist, Ijeoma Sentence To Death By Hanging
The late Enugu based makeup artist, Ijeoma Nneka, has got justice as an Enugu State High Court sentenced her killer, Chiamaka Ifezue, to death by hanging. The convict alongside her sibling, Chukwuemeka Ifezue, were arraigned on two counts-charge bordering on conspiracy and murder, had on 11th November, 2020, murdered the 27-year-old makeup artist, Ijeoma, by forcing her to drink a poisonous substance that caused her death. However, on July 28, 2022, Justice K.I. Okpe discharged Chukwuemeka on the basis that there was no evidence that he actually participated in the crime. In delivering the judgement, Justice K.I Okpe, agreed with the prosecution, Mrs Chinelo Chigbo who led the prosecution from the Department of Public Prosecution that the suspect was actually responsible for the death of the 27-year-old make-up artist based in Enugu. Recall that the convict dumped the body of the deceased at the Maryland axis of Enugu metropolis and poured a corrosive substance suspected to be acid on the body. During the trial, the court admitted in evidence police exhibit on the case of the alleged murder of the makeup artist. A broken 9Mobile SIM card, itel phone, another black phone (no brand name), MTN SIM pack, and makeup tools belonging to the deceased were also tendered as evidence by the prosecution. Also tendered in evidence was the key of a Toyota Matrix Scan with registration number JJJ410BJ, which was allegedly used to move the dead body of the deceased from the scene of the crime to where it was dumped. Hard copies of the WhatsApp messages and text messages (SMS) the deceased had with her fiancé and girlfriend, respectively, while at the scene of the crime.
Retract bribery allegation against appeal court justices, lawyers tell Sen. Abbo
Some senior lawyers have called on Senator Elisha Abbo to retract the unsubstantiated allegations of bribery and corruption made against the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem. According to the lawyers, Senator Abbo in his reckless and unconscionable Press Briefing described the President of the Court of Appeal as a cash-and-carry Judge, adding that Judges now send their children and agents to go around asking for bribes. The lawyers led by Uwemedimo Nwoko, stated that Abbo has not produced any iota of evidence to substantiate his weighty allegations. Senator Abbo, a former senator representing Adamawa north, in the press conference said Nwosu-Iheme and members of the panel made up of Muhammad Ibrahim and Olabode Adegbehingbe erred when they declared Amos Yohanna of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the duly elected senator of the district. Also, Senator Abbo, accused Justice Chioma Nwosu, elevated from the court of appeal to the supreme court, some Justices of the Court of Appeal and Judges of the various Tribunals. The former senator said he had written the NJC and Tinubu to stop the elevation of Nwosu-Iheme into the supreme court until an investigation is conducted. Reacting to the allegation, the Lawyers therefore called on the senator to retracted the allegations publicly or face the consequences of his actions in court. He maintained that this brand of nonsense and unprovoked attacks against Judicial Officers and the Judiciary must stop. “We take very strong exceptions to the criminal blackmail deliberately fabricated and calculated to impugn on the integrity and reputation of our revered and hardworking Judges and Justices by characters like Senator Abbo. “May I remind Senator Abbo that when he lost the case that removed him from the Senate, he openly accused the Senate President, Distinguished Senator Godswill Akpabio, CON of being the architect of his misfortune. When he was confronted with the task to prove the allegation he promptly went on his knees and apologised profusely to Senator Akpabio and retracted the allegations. “It is sad and most unfortunate that this Senator who shot into the limelight on account of his misconduct in a Sex Toy Shop in Abuja would have the criminal courage and effrontery to malign, denigrade and make such invidious imputations against our Justices and judiciary simply because he lost a case. “I wish to state most categorically that it is totally unacceptable, morally reprehensible and legally culpable for a person with Senator Abbo’s moral credentials and profound deficits in character content to embark on such character assassination against our Justices who have sacrificially built their good reputations over the years,” he said.
Electoral Bill Passes Second Reading, Paving Way for Electronic Transmission of Election Results
The Nigerian House of Representatives achieved a significant milestone on Wednesday as it passed the Electoral Act 2022 Amendment Bill for Second Reading, brightening the prospect for electronic transmission of election results to minimise fraud in the nation’s electoral process. The Bill sponsored by Hon. Francis Waive, representing the Ughelli North/Ughelli South/Udu federal constituency of Delta State, aims to amend the existing Electoral Act to facilitate the electronic transmission of election results. During the debate on the general principles of the bill, Hon. Waive underscored the inadequacies of the current Electoral Act 2022 and emphasized the importance of modernizing it to accommodate electronic transmission of election results. He argued that such an amendment is essential for strengthening Nigeria’s democracy and combating electoral fraud. In addition to advocating for electronic transmission, Hon. Waive proposed a regular review of the voter register every ten years. This measure, he argued, would contribute to the overall transparency and fairness of the electoral system by ensuring accuracy and integrity in voter data. The advancement of the Electoral Act 2022 Amendment Bill to its Second Reading marks a significant step forward in Nigeria’s electoral reform efforts. If passed into law, it has the potential to usher in a new era of transparency and accountability in the country’s electoral processes.
Absence of Ribadu, General Musa, others stall Senate’s interface with security chiefs
The Absence of National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu, Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa and others, stalled planned interface of the Senate with the service chiefs and heads of security agencies on Wednesday. The Senate had on Tuesday last week through resolution adopted from collective motion on insecurity, summoned the Service Chiefs and heads of security agencies for grilling in plenary. The planned interface, as announced by the Chairman, Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance, and other Financial Institutions, Senator Adetokunbo Abiru, on Tuesday was specifically fixed for Wednesday and Thursday this week. But the Senate in plenary on Wednesday announced that the interface could not hold due to the absence of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, and Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa . President of the Senate , Godswill Akpabio, who made the announcement said apology, was received from Ribadu on his absence but that he and the Chief of Defence Staff, must be present at the very important session. He added that aside Ribadu and General Musa, the Senate has also resolved to add other security heads to the planned interface session. Those included at the planned session now postponed to Tuesday next week, are the Minister of Defence, Abubakar Badaru, Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawale, Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Geidam, Minister of State for Police Affairs, Imaan Ibrahim, Minister of Interior, Hon Olubunmi Tunji Ojo, Minister of Finance, Olawale Edun and Director General of National Intelligence Agency, Ahmed Rufai Abubakar Akpabio in his remarks, thanked the Chief of Army Staff, Lt-General Taoheed Lagbaja , Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshall Hassan Abubakar, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun and Director General of Department of State Services, Yusuf Bichi, for honouring the Senate’s invitation. “We thank you all for honouring our invitation for the very important interface on way out of the lingering security crisis at hand. But due to the absence of the NSA and the Chief of Defence Staff, the interactive session will no longer hold today. “Besides, the Senate in its wisdom, has decided to add other public officers whose offices are connected to security matters, to be part of the interactive session . “Clerk of the Senate , has been directed to write them ahead of Tuesday next week , now fixed for the session. “We need their presence along with those of you here today , for holistic and comprehensive brainstorming on the problem at hand and required solution “, he said .
LinkedIn Unveils “Catch Up” Feature
LinkedIn is set to enhance user engagement with the introduction of a fresh feature called “Catch Up” in the revamped My Network section. This new tab aims to bridge the gap in communication among users by highlighting significant updates from their connections, such as new jobs, work anniversaries, or job postings. Users can easily interact by liking posts with a single tap or initiating a direct message using automatically generated prompts, fostering more meaningful connections. The redesign doesn’t stop there; LinkedIn is relocating options like connection requests, newsletter invites, events, and connection recommendations to a designated tab named “Grow.” This strategic move aims to streamline user interactions and provide a more organized and efficient networking experience. Additionally, LinkedIn is rolling out an AI-powered messaging feature for premium users, assisting them in crafting compelling first messages to individuals not yet in their network. Leveraging data from both profiles, the feature offers ready prompts for introductions, seeking advice, or discussing work experiences. Users maintain the flexibility to customize these messages before sending, enhancing the personal touch in professional communication. This innovation follows LinkedIn’s previous initiatives in integrating AI across its platform. From AI-assisted writing features for profiles, ads, and collaborative articles to an AI assistant for learning and soft skills advice, LinkedIn continues to leverage technology to cater to the evolving needs of its user base. With a keen eye on the job market, LinkedIn aims to be a central hub for job-related activities. Recent tools like “Job Collections,” released in January, allow users to explore job openings through various filters.
Afdb Injects$540 Million into Nigeria’s Special Agro-Industrial Zones
Oyo, Cross River, and Imo, along with four other states and the Federal Capital Territory, are set to receive the initial disbursement of $540 million from the African Development Bank (AfDB). The funds aim to propel the development of Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZs) across the nation. Prof. Banji Oyelaran-Oyeyinka, Senior Special Adviser on Industrialization to AfDB President Akinwumi Adesina, revealed the development during a report presentation at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. The SAPZs initiative seeks to transform Nigeria’s rural areas into hubs of economic prosperity. This news follows a promise made by Adesina to President Bola Tinubu, announcing a $520 million investment in the zones during a summit in Paris in June 2023. The first phase is already underway, with Kaduna, Oyo, and Cross River States in the process of receiving disbursements. Oyelaran-Oyeyinka emphasized the importance of private-sector involvement, stating, “It is a government-enabled project but private-sector driven.” The first phase involves seven states: Cross River, Imo, Kaduna, Kano, Kwara, Ogun, Oyo, and the Federal Capital Territory. Vice President Kashim Shettima urged swift action, emphasizing the need for both the government and development partners to turn plans into reality. The three mentioned states will be the initial beneficiaries of phase one, with others to follow as documentation concludes. In a related report on the revitalization of the Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited, the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation proposed a comprehensive recovery plan. This plan includes rehabilitating, modernizing, and expanding the integrated steel plant, transforming it into strategic business units. VP Shettima stressed the urgency for concrete actions, declaring, “We have passed the age of talking; we must walk the talk.” He emphasized the necessity of realizing the vision of President Tinubu and cited examples of successful industrial transformations, urging determination and collective effort to bring positive change to Nigeria.
Police Denies Involvement In Formation Of Vigilante Group
The Commissioner of Police in Nasarawa State, CP Shehu Umar Nadada, has dismissed claims of the police command’s involvement in the creation of a Fulani Nomad Vigilante team. This comes in response to the recent formation of a 1,144-member security team by the President of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, Abdullahi Bello Bodejo. During a courtesy visit by members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, CP Nadada clarified that the command had no prior knowledge of the establishment of the Fulani Nomad Vigilante team and cannot be held responsible for their actions. While acknowledging that the police provided security during the inauguration ceremony, CP Nadada emphasized that it was done solely to prevent potential disruptions and maintain law and order. Residents had expressed concerns about alleged collaboration between the police and the nomad vigilante group, but the Commissioner affirmed that the police only secured the event venue and had not officially endorsed the vigilante team. In his statement, CP Nadada asserted, “We have been working with some vigilante groups that are recognised by the government, but we will not work with any vigilante that is not recognised by the government.” The Chairman of the NUJ, Nasarawa State Council, Salihu Alkali, congratulated the CP on his recent posting and pledged cooperation to ensure the success of the police command’s programs.
Senate Summons Service Chiefs Amidst Security Concerns; Economic Meeting Postponed
In response to the escalating security challenges gripping the nation, the Senate has called for a crucial meeting with the Service Chiefs, scheduled for tomorrow, Wednesday. This decision has prompted the postponement of another significant meeting – a session with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Yemi Cardoso, and the economic team, initially slated for Tuesday, February 6, 2024. Chairman of the Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance, and other Financial Institutions, Senator Tokumbo Abiru, clarified the rationale behind the rescheduling. He elucidated that the delay stemmed from the House of Representatives’ consultations with the CBN Governor concerning the country’s economic status. Senator Abiru emphasized the importance of understanding and cooperation among legislative counterparts, underscoring the need for patience. Consequently, the meeting with the economic team has been deferred to Friday, February 9, 2024, at 9 am. This adjustment aims to allow ample time for discussions with both the Service Chiefs and the economic experts. Postponing the meeting, the Chairman Banking Committee, Senator Tokumbo Abiru said “our plan today is to have a session with the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN and the essence of the meeting is well known to all of us, which has to do with the economic situation in the country. But some how, the CBN governor has been held back in the House of Representatives as the House tries to do consultations with him regarding the situation of the economy as well. He said that was why the meeting was initially delayed, adding that their part “we should be rational in trying to see reasons with our brothers and sisters in the House of Representatives and the CBN governor. “To that extent, on our part we have to adjourn our own to Friday February 9, 2024. Another reason according to Senator Abiru, which he deemed proper to explain, was the meeting of the Senate with the Service Chiefs. “Tomorrow, we have a session with the Service Chiefs and that may extend to Thursday because they are issues of very serious concern to us. In order to play safe, to have enough time to interact properly with the economic team, which means we will extend the invitation beyond the governor to also include the economic team”, he added.
‘Open Food Reserve, There Is Hunger In Nigeria’ – Reps Urge FG
The House of Representatives has decried the state of hunger currently in Nigeria, appealing to the Federal Government to promptly unlock the food reserves and allocate grains to impoverished citizens. Doing so, the lawmakers believe, will address the prevailing hunger crisis in the country. The call was after the approval of a motion of utmost national significance, put forth by the elected representative of Ifo/Ewekoro Federal Constituency in Ogun State, Ibrahim Isiaka. Isiaka, taking charge of the discussion, highlighted the challenging nature of the cost of living for Nigerians. He expressed his concern over the escalating price of cement, despite having access to all the necessary raw materials for its production. He said, “The House resolves to urge the Federal Government and stakeholders to immediately open the food reserves to address the hunger in our country,” the Lawmaker said. He also called on the apex government to boost food production and distribution.