JUST IN: Hours After Denial, Labour Party Withdraws Governorship Suit Against Fubara

The Labour Party (LP) has officially withdrawn its petition challenging the election of Rivers State Governor, Sim Fubara, representing the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 polls. LP’s governorship candidate, Beatrice Itubo, extended support to Fubara’s administration, emphasizing the importance of fostering progress in Rivers State. Itubo’s decision to drop the petition and rally behind Governor Fubara comes shortly after her visit to the governor. She claimed the visit was aimed at advocating for peace amidst the ongoing crisis gripping the state. She had denied that the visit was connected to the governorship election case. Itubo on Friday said the political turmoil has been affecting the state’s economy. Expressing concern over the escalating crisis, the former NLC chairman urged the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike to prioritize peace, urging all parties involved in inciting strife within the state to cease their actions.

THE NEW TETFund: WHITHER MR INNOVATOR?

When, fifteen months ago, the freshly retired federal Permanent Secretary, Architect Sunny Togo Echono, was appointed Executive Secretary(ES) of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund(TETFund) to take over from Professor Elias Bogoro, there was so much euphoric expectations towards moving the establishment to another level which would be more functional and more responsive to the ever evolving needs of Nigeria’s Educational sectors(specifically the public Universities, Polytechnics, and Colleges of Education). Unequalled dynamism was expected of the new ES for the nation to become a better player on the globalised educational stage of cutting edge competitiveness. These expectations were not misplaced as they drew from a well of precedents which had accrued to the highly rated former President of the Nigerian Institute of Architects, as well as during his equally acclaimed years traversing the Civil Service of the Federation during which time he had been variously described as highly reliable, diligent, thorough, dependable, professional, and innovative.The question that readily comes to mind now, however, is how much of these qualities have been brought to bear in the new Executive Secretary’s more than one year at TETFund and how much positive impact has it had on the Organisation? In the new spirit of accountability seemingly enveloping the whole Nation, at the onset of a new Administration, it is pertinent to interrogate the salient plans which Arc Sonny Echono spelt out in his inaugural speech, and judge him by his words, how much he has been able to match action with words or not. On resumption as the new Executive Secretary, Arc Sonny Echono did not mince words in setting up his agenda for TETFund. Items he spelt out included, but not limited to, Internal Reorganisation towards greater efficiency; swipe on Erring Contractors and staff of tertiary institutions in Overseas Training Funds; suspected Procurement Racketeering involving TETFund staff; Curriculum Review; Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship; ICT Advancement; Deepening Research Development and Innovation in Tertiary Institutions; Partnerships; and Books Publications. Analysis of the actions taken by the new ES even in the first one hundred days showed clearly the direction he was heading. He started by the outright cancellation and, or, suspension of programmes and consultancies considered to be of no special importance to TETFund. He followed this with disengagement of almost half of the members of the National Research Fund Screening and Monitoring Committee, considering their unclear roles, which were at best duplications of others, and therefore wasteful. The ES then rightsized the Technical Advisory Group for greater efficiency. Within one year in office as Executive Secretary, Arc Sonny Echono had approved numerous physical infrastructure projects which were undertaken in tertiary educational institutions all over the country. These included seven Universities Senate Buildings; seven University Library Buildings; forty two University Faculty Buildings; fourteen Polytechnic Faculty Buildings; as well as numerous Lecture Theatres; Lecture Halls/Classrooms; Administrative/Academic Staff Offices; Entrepreneurship Buildings and Equipments; ICT Buildings and Equipments; Male and Female Hostel Buildings; Vehicles; Perimeter Fencing, and many physical infrastructural projects scattered all over Nigerian Universities, Polytechnics and Colleges of Education. Financial administration has undergone some significant changes since Echono took over. There has been impressive achievement in Non-Statutory Revenue, while overseeing Government Agencies such as National Assembly Committees and Auditor General ‘s Office have been furnished with adequate information regarding queries and observations about financial activities of TETFund. There has been reasonable reduction in turnaround time for processing transactions in respect of Staff, Service Providers and Beneficiary Institutions.

Supreme Court Insists Nnamdi Kanu Must Face Trial

The Supreme Court, Friday, ordered that the self acclaimed leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, must continue his trial at the Federal High Court. Delivering judgment on an appeal by the Federal Government, Justice Emmanuel Agim, who read the judgement as prepared by Justice Garba Lawal Mohammed, held that the Court of Appeal was wrong to hold that Kanu could not be tried again based on the illegality and I’ll treatment meted him by the Federal Government, following the invasion of his home. “In as much as we condemn the act of the prosecution (FG) in attacking the home of the defendant (Kanu) while on trial, we decided not to go with the decision of the Court of Appeal that his trial should be stopped, Justice Garba held. Therefore, the apex court allowed the appeal of the Federal Government and dismissed the cross appeal filed by Kanu. The Attorney General of the Federation was represented in court by D. E Kaswe, Chief State Counsel, Chief Kanu Agabi SAN, leading Prof Mike Ozekhome SAN and Ifeanyi Ejiofor announced appearance for Nnamdi Kanu. Nnamdi Kanu had been in the custody of the Federal Government since June 29, 2021, following his forceful rendition from Kenya. Justice Binta Murtala Nyako of the Federal High Court Abuja, had on April 8, 2022, quashed 8 out of the 15 count charges preferred against Kanu by the Federal Government. However, Justice Nyako held that Kanu had questions to answer on the remaining 7 counts. Dissatisfied with the judgement, Kanu’s team of lawyers led by Prof Mike Ozekhome SAN, headed to the Court of Appeal, Abuja to seek the dismissal of the remaining 7-count charge. In a judgement on October 13, 2022, the appellate court dismissed all the 7 count criminal charges against Kanu. The Court of Appeal while upholding all the arguments and submissions of Prof Ozekhome, quashed the entire 15 count criminal charges. The Court below agreed with Ozekhome that the Federal Government violated rules of engagement in the ways and manners Kanu was arrested in Kenya and brought to Nigeria. Specifically, the Court of Appeal held that the Nigerian government broke international laws and resorted to self help in its failure to file extradition charge against the IPOB leader in Kenya instead of resorting to unlawful abduction, and forceful rendition.

NNPC Ltd remits N4.5trillion Revenue in 10 months…Says prosperity beckons for Nigeria

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited ( NNPCL), declared Wednesday that it remitted N4.5trillion generated revenue as at October this year into Federation Account . It also declared that prosperity beckons for the country as indices and parameters in that direction are already showing and being strategically leveraged on by NNPC Ltd and other key players in the oil sector . Submissions to these effects were made by the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Company , Mele Kyari , during an interactive session with the Senate Committee on Finance. Kyari in his presentation assured the Committee members that better days are ahead for the company and by extension Nigeria as reform contained in the Petroleum Industry Act for the oil sector, has made NNPC Ltd to be at par with its peers, across the globe. He said : ” The NNPC Limited that is a creation of the National Assembly, requires that we conduct business transparently and provitably in line with provisions of the law and to create value for shareholders, and not to lose money, and also to continue to add value and pay dividends to shareholders. ” I’m glad to inform you Mr Chairman and Distinguished Senators that as at October we are able to deliver N4.5 trillion Naira into the federation account as a company to this country in 2023 . “Every national oil company has a trading company. We have always had one which . never worked prior to PIA Implementation. “Currently NNPC Ltd is delivering on its mandate through the PIA reforms that has brought us to be at par with our peers, across the globe, and not to lose money anymore “. He added that as NNPC Limited is expanding in bussiness and now the most transparent National Oil Company in Africa , the sector will would be more investment driven by the time the issue of wide margins in exchange rate and import and export windows are narrowed. “There is always a parallel market in every country. There is also an import and export window in every country, even in the developed world. “But there is always a narrow gap between the two and it takes time for you to have stability in this gap so that you have a low margin between the two for a sustained period of time, then businesses will thrive . “There is a line of sight around this. I am very confident that by the end of the first quarter of next year, those margins will narrow and stability will come and you will see others coming into the market”, he said .

Justify your appointments:CJN tasks FHC Judges

The Chief Justice of Nigeria(CJN) Justice Olukayode Ariwoola has tasked Judges of the Federal High Court of Nigeria to put in the hard work to justify their appointments. Ariwoola also cautioned the judgesagainst taking their appointments for granted for whatever reason. Speaking, whiledeclaring open the 2023 Conference of Judges of the Federal High Court held at the Court’s headquarters in Abuja, the CJN warned them not to attempt to convince anybody no matter how highly placed but to always consult with laws and rules before writing their judgments and rulings. Ariwoola tasked the judges to always strive to come up with judgments that would stand the test of time, especially judgments that would not be overturned by Appellate Courts. In conclusion, he noted that the FHC is not only the largest and best in the country, but the only court that has exclusive originating jurisdiction over election related matters in the country. ” For the reasons I have just enumerated, I charge you not to take your appointments for granted. You must work harder to justify the appointments by always coming up with judgments and decisions that would not be rejected by the Appellate Courts. “Go extra miles to justify the appointments and do not create loopholes that could tarnish the image and reputation of the Court.” He congratulated the judges for the opportunity of witnessing the conference and the 50th anniversary of the courts existence. Earlier, the Chief Judge of the Court, Justice John Tsoho had recalled the establishment of the Court 50 years ago with a single Court room and five Judges in Lagos but has grown to 37 Divisions and 95 Judges at the moment. Justice Tsoho said that the 23 judges recently appointed to beef up performance of the Court have since been inducted and deployed to various divisions. On the conference, he said that it is aimed at critically discussing issues confronting the court and profer solutions to the challenges. He thanked the CJN and the Nigerian Bar Association NBA for their contributions to the growth of the court over the years.

Nigeria Launches 4D Foreign Policy Doctrine

Nigeria has launched a new Foreign policy doctrine that emphasizes Democracy, Development, Demography, and Diaspora. Described as a 4D Foreign Policy Doctrine, Foriegn Affairs Minister, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar described the policy as a groundbreaking doctrine that is aimed at catalyzing the nation’s progress. Speaking in Abuja during the official inauguration and exhibition, Ambassador Tuggar underscored the significance of this doctrine, stating that it encapsulates Nigeria’s cultural heritage, values, and aspirations. He emphasized unity for development, peace, progress, and prosperity among Nigeria’s diverse cultures bound by a common history. “The development of Nigeria and Africa hinges on a new visionary approach, as outlined in President Bola Tinubu’s innovative foreign policy concept,” Ambassador Tuggar highlighted during the ceremony, which showcased Nigeria’s history and diplomatic engagements. He emphasized the universality of democracy as a form of governance guaranteeing freedom, human rights, and the rule of law. Ambassador Tuggar stressed the need to fortify democratic institutions to serve the collective interests of the people, acknowledging President’s Tinubu’s keen interest in strengthening democracy and addressing its challenges. Addressing impediments to democratic growth, Ambassador Tuggar highlighted the necessity for Nigeria to leverage the African Continental Free Trade Area (ACFTA) for facilitating trade. He emphasized the importance of economic cooperation, trade fairs, global health initiatives, and transparent global governance to expedite trade and investment for sustainable socio-economic development. Highlighting Nigeria’s demographic strength with over 200 million people, Ambassador Tuggar emphasized the country’s potential for national development, linking it to the doctrine’s four pillars. He highlighted the burgeoning U.S. population within Nigeria and expressed intent to leverage foreign policy and diplomatic engagements to showcase the skills and talents of Nigeria’s young population for national development and the diaspora. The Minister also emphasized the pivotal role of Nigerians in the diaspora, acknowledging their significant contributions to Nigeria’s economic growth through remittances. He echoed President Tinubu’s belief in harnessing the diaspora community’s expertise as a catalyst for Nigeria’s progress and direct investment opportunities. Ambassador Tuggar concluded by emphasizing the importance of a well-structured diaspora community, recognizing its potential to enhance Nigeria’s global image and spur further development.

Exclusion of Mambilla Power Project from 2024 Budget Intentional – Minister

The Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, confirmed on Monday that the much desired Mambilla Power Project was deliberately excluded from the 2024 budget of the federal government. He affirmed however, that the exclusion was not only deliberate, but intentional. Addressing the Joint Committee of the Senate and House of Representatives Committee on Power, chaired by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, Chief Adelabu clarified that the absence of the Mambilla Project was a deliberate choice due to a significant legal dispute involving the federal government and Sunrise Power and Transmission Company Limited (SPTCL). Recall that the legal battle started on October 10, 2017, when SPTCL accused the government of breaching a contract. The minister highlighted that the contention was over an irregularity on the contract award. He stated that then Minister of Power, Dr Olu Agunloye, bypassed the due process by awarding the contract a day after the federal cabinet allegedly advised him to seek alternative funding sources. This created the loophole that necessitated Sunrise to take legal action against the government. The ongoing litigations have stalled the progress of the Mambilla Project since 2007 when Sunrise contested a bid process for civil works announced by the government. Adelabu emphasized to the legislative body that the deliberate omission of the Mambilla Project from the 2024 budget was due to its involvement in international arbitration. Until the legal matters are resolved, no progress can be made on the project. On the relatated subject of the Zungeru Hydro Power Project, the Minister assured that it was nearly completed, standing at 99.8% readiness. He outlined plans to commence operations and integrate it into the national grid once concessionary fees are settled. According to him, the major challenge in the power sector is not primarily generation but distribution, citing a significant loss of power during distribution due to outdated facilities of existing power distribution companies. Adelabu proposed an unbundling solution, stressing the need for states to actively participate, especially in the distribution aspect. Senator Abaribe expressed concern about the sustainability of free off-grid power ventures, while commending the Minister for his comprehensive understanding of power sector developments. In his closing remarks, Senator Abaribe pledged to scrutinize the budget and explore collaboration opportunities, requesting a three-year summary of the ministry’s budget performance for evaluation.

Comply with critical Sections of the Criminal Justice Act: AGF tells Lawyers Enforcement Agents

The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, yesterday stressed the need to effect compliance of sections 29, 33 and 34 of Administration of Criminal Justice Act(ACJA), 2015. The Minister informed that the Police Duty Solicitors are presently stationed in over 15 Police Divisions in the FCT to monitor compliance with the provisions of ACJA and ensure that arrested persons are treated with dignity. He also revealed that records have shown that the PDSS has ensured access to justice, right to counsel, legal services, and right to fair trial to over 28,000 detainees since inception in February 2022. He continued that the scheme has in collaboration with the Police Divisions in the FCT, taken the extra efforts to ensure a healthy condition of the cells, like wise the Court Duty Solicitors has continued to offer free preliminary legal services and representation in the courts. The AGF was speaking through Mrs. Leticia Ayoola-Daniel, Director, Administration of Criminal Justice and Reforms (ACJ&R) Federal Ministry of Justice at the 2-day Criminal Justice Stakeholders Workshop On Effective Implementation of Section 29, 33, and 34 of ACJA. ” We welcome you all, to this significant gathering of stakeholders in the administration of criminal justice focused on the coordination for the effective implementation of arrests, prompt delivery of statutory reports on arrests and the crucial monthly visits by magistrates to detention facilities. “It is without doubt that in the landscape of our criminal justice system, we face challenges in the enforcement of some sections of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015 especially sections 29, 33 and 34. These prevailing challenges lie basically in the absence of a coordinated approach and the making of the requisite sacrifices involved as the need arises to enforce the existing laws and policies. “The purpose of this Workshop is to bring about that missing link within our collective aspirations to build a society where justice prevails, regardless of the circumstances. “Our roles as Law judicial officers, prosecutors, enforcement agencies, civil society organizations and indeed citizens are pivotal in reshaping the weak points of the criminal justice system. “Apparently, none of us is immune to or insulated from the challenges of our present system, and it is essential to recognize that the transformation of Criminal Justice System is embedded in our collective efforts. “To build a resilient and efficient model, we must learn from the mistakes of others and work together to create a system we can trust, rely on, and be proud of. It is high time we face the challenges head-on and optimize the system for the benefit of all. “Section 29 of ACJA, 2015 emphasizes the establishment of a database for records of those arrested. In this digital age, data is not just information. It is life, and when properly utilized, it becomes a powerful tool in shaping government policies and recognition of patterns. “Data sharing is crucial, and the lack thereof contributes to the loss of lives every day. Some crimes are preventable when data is properly harnessed or shared. “The implementation of this section in line with the specific details outlined in section 15 of ACJA, 2015, will require the collaboration of DPOs towards the creation of a robust database for informed decision-making process. “While it is important to recognize all divisions that has been consistent, till date there are some police stations that do not comply with the provision of sections 29 and 33 of ACJA with regards to the rendering of monthly reports of suspects arrested without warrants. “We have also noticed a reduction in the monthly visits by the judicial officers to detention facilities. “I must commend the Administration of Criminal Justice Committee (ACJMC) and our donor partners on the Police Duty Solicitor Scheme (PDSS) and the Court Duty Solicitor Scheme (CDSS). “My vision is to see a justice system that works for all, irrespective of status. To this end, I urge you all to unite in creating a criminal justice system that fears or respects no one except the rule of law. We must uphold the minimum standards that accords respect to suspects throughout the administration of criminal justice. “As critical stakeholders, I will like us to have extensive discussions and deliberations on issues hampering us from attaining the kind of criminal justice system that we truly desire. As we embark on this workshop, I am confident that the knowledge shared will enrich each one of us to the extent that there will be a clear shift from negative narratives. ” Let us leverage on this opportunity to grow and learn together. Working collaboratively, we can create an inclusive environment where every voice is heard and respected. It is on this note that I declare this workshop opened.”

Blame Naira Redesign policy for Farmer bankruptcy, Hunger -Fed Govt.

Clearly overwhelmed by the deluge of socioeconomic crises bedeviling the country, the Federal Government says Nigerians should blame Godwin Emefele, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria for their current suffering.The government particularly accused the former CBN helmsman of throwing the nation into unwarranted chaos through the poorly thoughtout Naira redesign policy implemented by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) between December 2022 and February this year.Speaking at a 2024 budget defense session the Honorable Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen Abubakar Kyari said the ill-fated Naira re-design led to severe financial distress among farmers, resulting in bankruptcies. This revelation coincides with an escalating crisis of hunger and famine-induced deaths, particularly affecting impoverished rural communities. The budget defense session was at the instance of a joint committee on Agriculture which discussed the repercussions of the contentious Naira redesign on farmers’ financial stability. Senator Kyari emphasized that the 2024 budget proposals for the sector primarily aim at achieving food security. He highlighted various factors, including insecurity and the ill-fated Naira redesign, that significantly hampered farmers and posed a severe threat to the nation’s food security. “The financial strain caused by the Naira redesign compelled many farmers to sell their produce at significantly reduced prices for survival, while buyers struggled to access cash for purchases,” revealed the Minister during the session. The policy, coinciding with the harvest season, resulted in widespread financial devastation among farmers, leaving them in dire financial straits. During the session, Honorable Dahiru Ismaila Haruna from Bauchi State and Honorable Ademorin Kuye from Lagos State highlighted the urgent need for the federal government to address the escalating hunger crisis, primarily exacerbated by insecurity. Honorable Haruna painted a grim picture of daily deaths due to hunger and stressed the necessity of stocking silos to prevent a full-blown famine, noting an influx of individuals from neighboring countries seeking sustenance. However, Honorable Ademorin expressed concerns about the alleged concessioning of silos built by the previous administration, casting doubt on their effectiveness. In response, the Minister assured lawmakers that all issues raised would be decisively addressed in the 2024 fiscal year, emphasizing President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s commitment to food security. Kyari outlined ongoing plans to ensure food security, including securing farmlands, certifying planting materials for dry season farming, transparent distribution of fertilizers and agro-pesticides, and expediting operations of the National Agricultural Development Fund. For the 2024 fiscal year, the Ministry has allocated a total of N362.940 billion to the sector, with N124.1 billion earmarked for the Ministry. This allocation includes N10.6 billion for personnel costs, N1.34 billion for overheads, and N112.497 billion for capital expenditure.

Federal High Court has 144, 910 pending cases in new legal year

The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, Justice John Tsoho has revealed that his Court will battle with mountain of 144, 910 pending cases in new legal year of the Court. The Court in the last legal year had 15, 025 filed before it by litigants out of which 12, 870 were effectively disposed off leaving a balance of 2, 155 cases still on ground. At the opening of the Legal Year of the Court in Abuja on Monday, the Chief Judge explained that the court had a carried over of 142, 755 from 2021 to 2022 legal year adding that in 2023 legal year alone, 15, 025 fresh cases were filed by various categories of litigants. He noted that the Court would be going into the new legal year with the 144, 910 suits but expressed optimism that he and his brother Judges would rise up to the challenges of disposing off the cases as quickly as possible. The breakdown of the carried over cases showed that 42, 784 are civil cases, 36, 061 criminal matters, 41, 447 are motions while 24, 618 are Fundermental Rights Enforcement suits. Justice Tsoho who put the current number of Judges on the bench of the Court at 95, thanked them on the speedy ways pre-election cases of the 2023; general elections were handled within the time allowed by law. He however, tasked them to stand steadfast and continue to dispense justice without fear or favour adding that their being Judges is by destiny and not accident. While reminding the Judges that their actions would shape the destiny of the Court and the Nigerian nation, the Chief Judge asked them to strive to be beyond suspicion. “We must dispense justice with integrity and without bias, we must display utmost competence and courage as well as dispose cases speedily.” “The Federal High Court will surely rise to the challenges of the future with the same tenacity and commitment that have defined its path thus far.”, he assured. The Chief Judge spoke on the 50th years existence of the Court adding that the court took off in Lagos with one Court and five Judges. Today, he said that the court now has 38 Judicial Divisions and 95 Judges adding that the court has recorded huge growth and has become a significant pillar in the hierarchy of the Nigerian Judiciary. The Chief Judge thanked the Chief Justice of Nigeria CJN, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola for his humility and ready disposition to proffer solutions to challenges. He also thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Judicial Council NJC for their unyielding support and understanding and assured that the court would perform better in the new legal year.