Senate Divided Over Proposed Bill to Replace Open Grazing with Ranching in Nigeria

A bill, likely to test the will of the ruling elite to address the lingering farmers/herders’ clash has gone through the second reading in the Senate, despite stiff opposition by some senators from the northern part of the country. The bill seeks to outlaw open grazing in Nigeria, while institute ranching in the states of pastoralists’ origin. Sponsored by Senator Zam Titus Tertenger of the APC representing Benue North West, the bill faced a divided Senate but managed to pass its second reading. Senator Tertenger argued passionately for ranching as the only viable solution to the recurring conflicts between herders and farmers in Nigeria. He emphasized the urgent need to modernize livestock-keeping practices to ensure the safety and well-being of both the herds and the herders. Citing alarming statistics of lives lost and millions displaced due to these conflicts, Tertenger urged his colleagues to act decisively. Support for the bill came from Senators Enyinnaya Abaribe of APGA (Abia South), Garba Musa Maidoki of the PDP (Kebbi South), and Abba Moro of the PDP (Benue South). However, opposition was strong, with Senators Adamu Aliero of the PDP (Kebbi Central), Suleiman Kawu of the NNPP (Kano South), and Danjuma Goje of the APC (Gombe Central) raising objections. Senator Aliero cited constitutional provisions guaranteeing free movement across states with property, arguing against limiting ranching to pastoralists’ states of origin. Similarly, Senator Kawu deemed the bill incompatible with Nigeria’s constitutional framework. Efforts to defer the bill were led by Deputy Senate President Senator Jibrin Barau of the APC (Kano North), who advised the sponsor to reconsider its approach. Nevertheless, the bill proceeded to its second reading following a voice vote by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, despite the sponsor’s reluctance to withdraw it. The bill has been referred to the Senate Committees on Agriculture, Trade and Investment, and Judiciary and Legal Matters for further scrutiny over the next four weeks.

Kaduna Assembly Okays El-Rufai’s Probe Over Abuse Of Office, Money Laundering

The Kaduna State House of Assembly’s ad hoc committee has submitted a damning report, exposing financial irregularities and corruption during the tenure of former Governor Nasir El-Rufai. The report was presented during plenary on Wednesday, by the chairman of the ad hoc committee, Henry Zacharia. The committee, tasked with investigating loans, grants, and project implementation from 2015 to 2023, revealed that most loans obtained during El-Rufai’s administration were not used for their intended purposes. Furthermore, due process was not followed in securing some of these loans, according to the Committee. The committee’s report accused former governor El-Rufai and his cabinet members of abuse of office, awarding contracts without due process, diverting public funds, and money laundering. The report also criticized the excessive borrowing during El-Rufai’s tenure, which has plunged Kaduna State into heavy debt. The committee recommended the investigation and prosecution of El-Rufai and other indicted officials by security and anti-corruption agencies. Additionally, the report called for the immediate suspension of the Kaduna State Commissioner of Finance, Shizer Badda, and the chairman of the state universal basic education board. The committee also urged thorough investigations into key appointees from the last administration.

Federal Lawmaker Donates Traditional Well to Residents As Constituency Project

A member of the 10th National Assembly representing Bassa/Dekina Federal constituency in the 10th National Assembly, Paul Gowon Haruna has donated a traditional well to his constituency. Haruna is a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress. He is also a former member of the Kogi State Houses of Assembly. However, some residents of the constituency have kicked against the project.  Sharing pictures with SaharaReporters, one of them said, “This is a project from a House of Representatives member representing Dekina/Bassa Federal constituency, what a shame, not even a mechanised hand pump.” Another resident said, “It’s glaring these politicians don’t rate us, a federal lawmaker constructing well and celebrating it as achievement.”

BREAKING: Suspended Senator Abdul Ningi resumes plenary 

Senator Abdul Ningi, representing Bauchi North Senatorial District, has returned to Senate plenary sessions after a three-month suspension. The Senate recently ended his suspension, which had started on March 12, 2024, by granting him a pardon and recalling him. Last week, Deputy Minority Leader Senator Abba Moro put forward a motion for Ningi’s reinstatement, expressing regret on Ningi’s behalf and taking responsibility for his actions. Following appeals from several lawmakers, Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced Ningi’s unconditional return to the Senate. Ningi was initially suspended due to a controversial interview in which he alleged discrepancies in the 2024 budget. He claimed that the National Assembly approved N25 trillion, but the Presidency implemented N28.7 trillion.

Strike Stalls Court Hearing On Kano Emirate Tussle

The ongoing nationwide strike action by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) has impacted judicial proceedings, leading to a postponement of the much-anticipated hearing on the Kano emirate tussle at the Federal High Court in Kano. The court, which is presided over by Justice A. M. Liman, was scheduled to deliberate on an exparte motion concerning the Kano State Emirate Council’s recent upheaval. This legal action was initiated by Alhaji Aminu Babba Dan’Agundi, the Sarkin Dawaki Babba, challenging the Kano State Emirate Council (Repeal) Law. This law dissolving the five Kano Emirates reinstated Muhammadu Sanusi II as the Emir of Kano. Justice Liman had previously granted an order to maintain the status quo ante, effectively pausing any actions to implement the controversial law until a detailed review could be conducted on the Fundamental Rights application filed by the parties involved. However, the strike has put a temporary halt to this judicial review, affecting not just the parties directly involved but also the broader implications for governance and traditional authority structures within Kano State. As the court awaits the resolution of the labour strike to resume normal operations, the future of the Kano emirate remains uncertain. The legal and social communities eagerly anticipate the next steps in this high-stakes judicial process. The court order reads: “That parties are hereby ordered to maintain status quo ante the passage and assent of the bill pending the hearing of the Fundamental Rights application. “That in view of the constitutional and jurisdictional issues apparent on the face of the application, parties shall address the Court on same at the hearing of the Fundamental Rights application, which is fixed for the 3 of June, 2024. “That in order to maintain the peace and security of the state, an interim injunction of this Honourable Court is granted restraining the 5th 8th Respondents from enforcing, executing, implementing, and operationalizing the Kano State Emirate Council (Repeal) Law. “That parties are hereby ordered to maintain status quo ante the passage and assent of the bill into pending the hearing of the Fundamental Rights application. “That leave is granted to the Plaintiff/Applicant to issue and serve their Concurrent Originating Motion as well as all other court processes on the 6th Defendant in FCT Abuja and outside the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court. “That an Order of this Honourable Court marking the Plaintiff/Applicant’s Concurrent Originating Motion as well as all other court processes to be served on the 6″ Defendant in FCT Abuja and outside the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court is granted,” the court order, however, reads. The court, however, adjourned the case until June 3, 2024, to hear the Fundamental Rights application. However, on the adjourned date of June 3rd, 2024, the court could not hold it as expected due to the strike, as a source at the court informed Vanguard that the matter had been postponed until further notice.

BREAKING: ASUU Joins Nationwide Strike Over Minimum Wage Dispute

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has joined the ongoing strike led by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC). This action comes in response to the Federal Government’s failure to meet the unions’ demands for a minimum wage increase. In a statement issued on Monday, ASUU President Emmanuel Osodeke directed branch chairpersons and zonal coordinators to ensure that university lecturers nationwide participate in the strike as members of the congress. The statement read, “The NLC has declared an indefinite strike action beginning from Monday, 3rd June, 2024, as a result of the failure of Government to conclude the renegotiation of minimum wage for Nigerian workers and reversal of hike in electricity tariff. “Our branches are hereby enjoined to join in the strike action as an affiliate member of Congress. “Consequently, branch chairpersons are to mobilise all members to participate in the strike action. Yours in the struggle.” Details later…

Nationwide Strike: kneejerk Reaction to a Serious Governance Challenge

As you read this Nigeria is now under total lockdown, whereby major economic activities in the organized public and private sectors have been completely crippled. Labour has made good its threat to commence an indefinite nationwide strike to protest government insensitivity to its plight and clamour for wage review. This moment has been long coming, taking into account recent federal government economic policies which impacts have been skewed againts the suffering mass of Nigerians. From the withdrawal of fuel subsidy, liberalization of the foreign exchange to the recent hike in electricity tariff and and aborted cybersecurity levy. Most of these reforms are mass focused and have had acute impact on the social and economic wellbeing of poor Nigerians. This has pitched labour unions against the government as organized labour agitate for wage increases and better welfare for their members. But I am one of a few who do not think that the labour is going about its agitations correctly. The protests and strikes so far have been kneejerk reactions that have been largely ineffectual. Put simply, I DO NOT AGREE WITH THIS CALL FOR NATIONWIDE INDEFINITE STRIKE. My reasons are simple. 1. As already stated, this strike and others before it are largely kneejerk reactions to a fundamental error of policy choice, planning and implementation by government. 2. The strikes are one too many and have a tendency of seeming like one repeating a process and expecting a different outcome. 3. Some are of the opinion that most of the recent strike actions have been about bread and butter issues and nothing about the very important subject of better governance of the society. Here are a few alternatives that labour may want to contemplate if they are desirous of thinking outside the box. 1. Formulate proper critical engagement with the government on sincere cost cutting measures that affect the highest echelons of the public service and governmental agencies. 2. Collaborate with the executive to instigate a downward review of the cost of governance. 3. Encourage the president to prune the size of the cabinet or you partner with the mass public to achieve the same purpose. 4. Let you labour strike not be always about your interests but the wellbeing of the Nigerian masses. These strategies shall assist to endear the labour movement to the Nigerian public and win their confidence and trust. Labour can leverage on such goodwill to escalate activities to achieve desired changes in the political arena.

Nationwide Strike to Go on: Negotiations Between NASS and Labour End in Deadlock

Efforts by the leadership of the National Assembly to mediate between the federal government and Labour unions hit a roadblock as the latter insists on continuing the strike. Despite last-minute discussions, the unions remained adamant in their demand for a ₦494,000 minimum wage while negotiations persist. In a bid to resolve the ongoing impasse between the federal government and Labour unions, the leadership of the National Assembly convened a meeting aimed at finding common ground. However, despite extensive deliberations, the parties failed to reach a consensus. Labour unions, represented by their leadership, reiterated their stance that the strike action must continue until their demands are met. Central to their demands is the insistence on a ₦494,000 minimum wage, which they argue is necessary to address the pressing needs of workers across various sectors. Meanwhile, the federal government has expressed its commitment to ongoing negotiations but maintains that any decision regarding the minimum wage must be approached with careful consideration of economic realities and sustainability. The deadlock in negotiations underscores the challenges faced by both parties in finding a balance between addressing the legitimate concerns of workers and ensuring the long-term viability of government policies. As the strike enters its next phase, the impact on essential services and the economy at large is expected to escalate, further underscoring the urgency for a resolution to be reached. With negotiations at an impasse and the strike set to continue, the onus is on both the federal government and Labour unions to redouble their efforts to find a mutually acceptable solution. The welfare of workers and the stability of the economy hang in the balance as stakeholders navigate this challenging period of labor relations.

Tinuade Sanda Wins 2023 Vanguard Energy Icon of the Year Award

Dr. Tinuade Sanda, a notable leader in Nigeria’s energy sector and former Managing Director of Eko Electricity Distribution Company, has received the esteemed Vanguard Energy Icon of the Year Award. The award ceremony took place at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos. The Vanguard Personality of the Year Award, now in its 12th year, honors individuals who have achieved significant professional success and made substantial contributions to society. In her acceptance speech, Dr. Sanda expressed her gratitude for the recognition, dedicating the award to her team, the workforce, and the Board of Directors of Eko Electricity Distribution Company. She highlighted the importance of collaboration in addressing the challenges of the energy sector and reaffirmed her dedication to advancing Nigeria’s power industry. Vanguard Newspaper’s Editor, Mr. Eze Anaba, noted that the event is dedicated to celebrating exceptional achievers and the values they embody, such as integrity, innovation, and perseverance. Dr. Sanda’s award underscores her impactful leadership and commitment to improving Nigeria’s energy sector, setting high standards during her tenure and beyond.

Super Cop, Abba Kyari regains Freedom

Suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police, Abba Kyari, has been released from Kuje Custodial Centre in the Federal Capital Territory after spending 27 months in detention. Kyari was detained following his arrest on February 14, 2022, by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for alleged involvement with an international drug cartel. He, along with four members of the Police Intelligence Response Team—Sunday Ubia, Bawa James, Simon Agirigba, and John Nuhu—was arraigned on March 7, 2022. Two other suspects, Chibunna Umeibe and Emeka Ezenwanne, who were apprehended at Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu, were also charged. Unlike Kyari and the IRT members, who pleaded not guilty, Umeibe and Ezenwanne pleaded guilty and were convicted. Despite several attempts, Kyari’s bail applications were consistently denied until a recent ruling by a Federal High Court in Abuja. On May 22, 2024, Judge Emeka Nwite granted Kyari bail to allow him to perform the burial rites for his mother, Yachilla Kyari, who died on May 5. As conditions for his bail, Kyari was required to deposit his passport with the court and report to the nearest NDLEA office during the bail period. The court has set a hearing for Kyari’s main bail application related to the drug trafficking charges for May 31, 2024. Adamu Duza, spokesperson for the Nigerian Correctional Service of the Federal Capital Territory Command, confirmed that Kyari met his bail conditions and was released on Friday. Duza said, “DCP Kyari has perfected his bail conditions, and has since been released today.”