SSANU Alleges Abandonment, Threatens Strike

The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, (SSANU) has alleged abandonment by the Federal Government. Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, the President of SSANU Mohammed Ibrahim, accused the Federal Government of treating its members and that of the Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions, (NASU) with “disdain”.  “We have to speak like this because we have been clearly shown that we do not matter in the system. But we all know that there is no university that can function without the non-teaching staff because we are majorly populated by professionals. We own the engine of the administration of every university. They are treating this segment of staff with some disdain. It does not speak good of the system,” he said during the show. He said the SSANU and NASU are yet to get a “dime” since President Tinubu’s approval of the payment of the salary backlog. “We have been waiting and our patience is running out,” the SSANU leader said. President Bola Tinubu, had directed the payment of withheld salaries for university workers owing to their strike of 2022. But SSANU, NASU, and the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) said they are yet to get salaries for the said period, threatening to go on strike.

Binance Boss Summoned Over Alleged Terrorism Financing

CEO of Binance Holding Limited, Richard Teng has been summoned by the  House of Representatives Committee on Financial Crimes over the allegations of money laundering and financing of terrorism. The Chairman of the Committee, Ginger Onwusibe, issued a seven-day ultimatum to Binance Holdings bossto appear before the committee by March 4, 2024. Recall that the federal government banned the major online crypto platforms to avert the continuous manipulation of the forex market and illicit movement of funds, while Binance, an online cryptocurrency exchange, was accused of money laundering by the Central Bank of Nigeria. Onwusibe warned that the committee will take appropriate measures if the Binance head fails to heed the summon. He criticized Teng for his persistent refusal to attend despite several invitations, highlighting the company’s apparent disregard for the country’s established laws regarding business and financial operations. The committee, under the chairmanship of Onwusibe, sent a letter dated December 12, 2023, summoning the Managing Director of Binance for a hearing scheduled on December 18, 2023. Onwusibe emphasized the committee’s determination to combat financial crimes, citing the authority granted by the Nigerian Constitution to safeguard citizens from such offences, particularly those perpetrated by foreign entities. He highlighted the urgency of protecting the nation’s finances, especially amidst economic challenges like recession, and underscored the seriousness of allegations against Binance, including terrorism financing, money laundering, and tax evasion. Onwusibe stressed the need to preserve tax revenues and prevent channels for funding terrorism while prioritizing the protection of Nigerian investors from exploitative practices by firms like Binance. He insisted on accountability for tax payments and the establishment of physical offices for addressing consumer grievances, signalling an end to exploitation and a commitment to holding perpetrators accountable. Onwusibe said, “The constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has empowered us to protect Nigerians from financial crimes, especially by foreign companies. “We also have to protect and defend the country’s finances, especially now that the country is nose-diving into recession. The allegations of terrorism financing, money laundering and tax evasion, amongst others, levelled against Binance, are damning enough. “At this material time, we need all the tax dollars and to block the leaks and channels to financing terror. “It is also our duty to do everything in our power to protect Nigerian investors from predatory firms, and no distraction and manipulation can stop us. “You cannot run a company with over 10 million Nigerians on your platform without paying tax and having a physical office where Nigerians can lodge their complaints when they experience any challenge with your service. The era of exploitation is over, and all culprits must be held accountable.“

Anambra Labour Party Lawmakers Forfeit 6-Month Salaries

At least eight Labour Party lawmakers in the Anambra house of assembly have willingly given up their six months salaries to help alleviate economic challenges faced by citizens. The lawmakers said they took the decision at an emergency meeting of the party which held on Thursday. “We, the Labour Party House of Assembly members, wish to lend our voice to the cry of our Leader, His Excellency, Mr. Peter Obi, on the sorry state of the nation, after our emergency caucus meeting,” the statement reads. “We urge His Excellency, President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, to stop work on all other sectors on the economy including infrastructure, for the next six months, and declare a state of emergency on security and hunger in the nation. “Similarly, we urge all other governors of the 36 states, including Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra state, to suspend all infrastructural development for the next six months and also declare a state of emergency on security and hunger. “For this reason, we, the Labour Party house of assembly members have resolved to relinquish our basis salary for six months as part of our contribution to alleviate the sufferings of the masses. “We must commend our leader, Mr. Peter Obi, for his selfless efforts to ensure the stability and growth of our nation. It really shows that he is committed to making this nation a better place for all of us.” The lawmakers include Nkechi Ogbuefi, Henry Mbachu, Jude Ifeanyi Umennajiego, Fred Ezenwa, Justice Azuka, Paul Obu and Patrick Okafor.

Alex Otti Denied Reports Of Dragging Tinubu To International Court

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti has denied a report that he had dragged President Bola Tinubu to the International Criminal Court (ICC). The report published by IPOB factional leader, Simon Ekpa claimed that Otti sued the Federal Republic of Nigeria and President Tinubu for allegedly refusing to grant the request of the Abia Governor to establish a seaport as well as an international airport in Abia. Ekpa also alleged that Governor Otti had placed a ban on businesses operated by Nigerians of northern extraction resident in Abia State, until the approval for the establishment of the said seaport and international airport is granted. Reacting to the report, Otti through a statement signed his chief press secretary, Kazie Uko on Friday dismissed it as fake. He said: “There is absolutely no truth in this wickedly contrived fable. We are still on the drawing board on the proposed seaport while the Federal Government provided for an airstrip in Abia in the current budget, for which we are grateful. “The general public is by this statement, therefore, advised to ignore the fake report, treat it for what it is, a trash, and consign it to the waste bin, as it is the handiwork of idle rabble-rousers”.

Tinubu promises Restructuring Nigeria

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reiterated his determination to restructure Nigeria but emphasised that the proper foundations must be laid in order for the goals to align properly.  Tinubu assured that with the structures put in place by his administration, the country will soon be better off, and Nigerians will be out of the current economic hardship. The President stated this at a meeting with the National Leader of Afenifere, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, at his country home in Akure, Ondo State capital, on Wednesday. The meeting with the leaders of the mainstream Yoruba group was held behind closed doors. In a statement by the National Publicity Secretary of the organisation, Jare Ajayi, and disclosed to newsmen, the core issues on how to move the country forward were the focus of the meeting. According to Ajayi, the President said, “I prayed for it, I danced for it, I campaigned for it, and I got it. I know the enormous amount of responsibility, so don’t pity me, Baba, just sit down and relax.” “He (Tinubu) assured Nigerians that the struggle he undertook and that he is trying to build the structures that will not be reversed. “He said that the structure he is trying to put in place in Nigeria economically, socially, and politically would be such that it would bring Nigeria back to where it was supposed to be. “We should eat the food we grow. Doing so would prevent us from depending on foods from foreign sources. A nation that fully depends on food from outside cannot get it,” Ajayi added. Fasoranti, who commended Tinubu for keeping his word to return to his residence after emerging as President, stated, “Your performance so far has shown that you understand the full gravity of your mandate, which is to show the Nigerian people that a good government is possible. “We seek, therefore, a true Federal Republic that would reflect fiscal federalism. If the derivation principle is good for oil, why is it not good for value-added tax, for example?”

Senate Denies Anambra State NDDC Membership

The Senate has dismissed a proposal to add Anambra State to the membership of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), leading to a tense debate among lawmakers. The rejection came after Senator Tony Nwoye, representing Anambra North, presented a bill seeking an amendment to the NDDC Act to include Anambra State. Senator Nwoye argued that Anambra, as an oil-producing state, deserved membership in the NDDC, citing its consistent receipt of 13% derivation since 2021. However, his proposal faced resistance from several senators who argued that the NDDC primarily serves as a regional or geographical intervention body and is not solely for oil-producing states. Senator Jibrin Isah, popularly known as Echocho, pointed out that Kogi State, also an oil-producing state, had been receiving 13% derivation since October 2022. The debate escalated as Senator Nwoye and Senator Echocho clashed over the inclusion of Kogi State in the discussion. Echocho urged Nwoye to focus on Anambra’s case and not drag Kogi into the argument. Attempting to provide clarity, Senate President Godswill Akpabio cautioned against the potential implications of granting Anambra State NDDC membership, suggesting that it could set a precedent for other states like Lagos, which also have oil wells, to demand inclusion. Akpabio also noted that the National Boundary Commission would need to assess whether Anambra’s proximity to the Niger Delta warranted its membership in the commission. Following the contentious deliberations, the bill for Anambra State’s inclusion in the NDDC membership was put to a voice vote, with a majority of senators voting against it, effectively shelving the proposal for the time being.

Release Nnamdi Kanu now, Sunday Igboho Tells Tinubu

Yoruba activist Sunday Igboho has called on the Federal Government to release Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).  The plea, delivered through a viral video on Tuesday, coincided with Kanu’s trial at the Federal High Court in Abuja. Kanu, who appeared in court on February 26, 2024, for the first time since a Supreme Court ruling on December 15, 2023, has been in custody since June 2021.  Igboho emphasized Kanu’s innocence, urging an end to political maneuvers and highlighting the need for Kanu to be reunited with his family. Igboho stated in the video, “Release Nnamdi Kanu. Stop politics. This guy didn’t do anything. Today is February 27, 2024. Release him, let him go, and stay with his family. This guy just fights for his people in the Southeast like me that I’m fighting for my people in Yorubaland. Release him, let him go. Stop these political games. Release Kanu, let him go home, please release him.”

IPOB: Kanu knows fate on fresh bail application, March 19

Nnamdi Kanu, the self acclaimed leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), will on March 19, know fate on his fresh bail application in the terrorism charges against him by the federal government. The trial judge, Justice Binta Nyako, fixed the date after taking arguments from his counsel, Alloy Ejimakor, praying for his bail, while counsel to the FG, Adegboyega Awomolo SAN objected to granting of bail. In his argument, Kanu prayed for bail to enable him to have unfettered access to his lawyers for his defense. He also claimed to be suffering from acute hypertension and acute heart disease, among other diseases. Responding, FG objected to the application on the ground that Kanu was once granted bail but jumped and fled the country. Awomolo posited that all the bail conditions set by the court were breached and violated and pleaded with the court to dismiss the request. On another motion before the court, Kanu prayed the court not to allow continuation of his trial until certain conditions were met by the federal government. Among others, he requested that Department of State Security (DSS)operatives be barred from interfering with his lawyers during visitation. He also asked that the court should compel the federal government to wear the clothes of his choice. Reacting, the federal government objected to the request on the ground that he has no right under any law to dictate how his trial should be conducted. Consequently, Awomolo asked the court to dismiss the motion on the ground that it was a gross abuse of the court process that must not be allowed. In the meantime, the matter will continue March 19 for ruling on the bail application.

Terrorism charge: Kanu, FG, engage new lawyers

The leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, has engaged new lawyers in his defense of the terrorism offences brought against him by the Federal Government. It was gathered that a new team of lawyers to be led by PAM Ejiofor and Alloy Ejimakor will take over Kanu’s defense in the 7-count charges. In the same vein, the federal government engaged the services of Chief Adegboyega Awomolo to lead its legal team in the prosecution. Awomolo is taking over from David Kaswe SAN, from the Federal Ministry of Justice in Abuja, who has been handling the case for the federal government. No reason was given for the change in the legal team being led before now by Chief Mike Ozekhome SAN and Ifeanyi Ejiofor. Meanwhile, the court has already been jam parked by lawyers, traditional rulers, clergymen, family members, and sympathizers of the Biafra agitator present. Kanu has already been brought to the courtroom by the operatives of the Department of State Service DS$ Details later.

CJN Swears-in 11 New Supreme Court Justices, Monday

The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Justice Olukayode Ariwoola will be administering the oath of allegiance to the 11 newly appointed Justices of the Supreme Court, Monday, February 26. With the confirmation of the 11 justices, the Supreme Court now has the complete statutory requirement of 21 justices on its bench. This was contained in a statement signed by the Director of Press, Dr Featus Akande, Friday. He said, “The newly appointed 11 Justices of the Supreme Court will be sworn-in by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola on Monday at 10.00am at the Main Courtroom of the Supreme Court.” On December 21, the Senate confirmed the appointment of 11 Supreme Court justices submitted by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to fill the vacancies on the apex court bench. The confirmation followed the consideration and adoption of a report by the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, and Legal Matters during Thursday’s plenary. Tinubu had asked the Senate to confirm the nominees, who were recommended by the National Judicial Council to fill the vacant positions following the death and resignations of some justices. The nominees confirmed are Justice Haruna Tsammani (Northeast), who chaired the Presidential Election Petition Court, Justice Moore Adumein (South-South), Justice Jummai Sankey (North-central), Justice Chidiebere Uwa (South-east); and Justice Chioma Nwosu-Iheme (South-east). Others are Justice Obande Ogbuinya (South-East), Justice Stephen Adah (North-Central), Justice Habeeb Abiru (South-West), Justice Jamilu Tukur (Northwest), Justice Abubakar Umar (Northwest) and Justice Mohammed Idris (North-Central). The chairman of the committee, Senator Tahir Monguno (APC, Borno), while presenting his panel report, said the nominees possessed the requisite qualifications and experience to occupy the position and that there was no petition against them. He, therefore, recommended their confirmation.