Former Senate President, Lawan Reacts As Soldiers Allegedly Kill Three ‘Innocent’ Civilians In Yobe

Former President of the Nigerian Senate, Ahmad Lawan, has reacted to the alleged killing of three innocent civilians by soldiers in Gashu’a, the headquarters of Bade Local Government Area in Yobe State. According to reports, the soldiers, on Sunday, fired indiscriminately at groups of protesters who were approaching their ‘Stop-And-Search’ checkpoint near Gashua Bridge. The protesters were demonstrating against the alleged killing of a tricycle operator by soldiers in Gashu’a on Sunday. Three civilians lost their lives in the incident, while 12 others were injured and taken to the Federal Medical Centre Nguru for treatment. In a statement he personally signed on Sunday, Senator Lawan urged the military authorities to conduct an immediate investigation into the tragic incident. As the Senator representing Yobe North in the Upper legislative chamber and the current chair of the Senate Committee on Defence, Senator Lawan emphasized the need for the Nigerian Army to ensure that those responsible for these acts of violence are held accountable. He said, “Gashua community has always been a peaceful place with calm people, who always give support and cooperate with the military, paramilitary, and, indeed, all government agents operating in the town.” Lawan urged the residents to remain calm, stating that he had already consulted with military officials to guarantee that the perpetrators would be caught and punished in accordance with the law. He stressed that justice would prevail. The legislator also pledged to oversee the care of all injured individuals. “I am deeply saddened by Sunday’s tragic event that took place in Gashua, Yobe State, where soldiers allegedly killed three innocent civilians who were amongst those protesting the killing of a tricycle operator by the soldiers. “I call on the military authorities to swiftly investigate and bring to justice those responsible for the killings. It is imperative that those behind these senseless acts of violence are held accountable for their actions. Justice must be served for the victims and their families. “Accordingly, I have waded into the issue by contacting the Bade Local Government Chairman and Commanding Officer for an hourly brief to keep me abreast of developments. I have also taken responsibility for the treatment of all the 12 persons who sustained various forms of injuries from attack by the soldiers. “I urge the community of Gashua in Bade local government area, to remain calm and peaceful in the midst of this tragedy. “I stand in solidarity and unity with the residents of Gashu’a during this difficult time to mourn the loss of innocent lives. Together, we can honour the memories of the lives lost and work towards a more peaceful and just society for all. “My thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of those who died during this tragic incident. May the souls of the deceased rest in Aljannatul Firdaus,” Leadership quoted Senator Lawan’s statement.

Senate and House of Representatives Gear Up for Return to Main Chambers

With the conclusion of the ongoing renovation in both chambers of the National Assembly, as promised last month by Visible Construction Company Nigeria Limited, handling the renovation work of both chambers of the National Assembly, plenaries will commence in the main chambers from April 23rd, 2024. Hon. Akin Rotimi Jr, Chairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, announced the planned movement to the main chamber in a written statement to 359 other members of the House of Representatives last week. The rescheduling of the resumption date, originally set for April 16th, to April 23rd, was necessitated by the need to resume plenary in the renovated and reconfigured main chamber, according to the House spokesman’s announcement dated April 4th. Similarly, the Clerk to the Senate, Barrister Chinedu Akabueze, postponed the resumption of Plenary from April 16th to April 23rd, citing the same reason. Tajudeen Olanipekun, the site engineer of Visible Construction, assured journalists covering the Senate last month that the main chambers would be ready for use by both the Senate and the House of Representatives in April. The completion of the renovation project, awarded at N30 billion by the Federal Capital Development Authority to Visible Construction Limited in March 2021, includes the rehabilitation of critical segments such as office buildings, the roof, cooling systems, and lifts in the complex. With the finishing touches and installation of state-of-the-art equipment and furniture, the Hallowed Chambers have undergone a significant transformation, signaling the imminent return of legislative activities to the main chambers after nearly two years of using temporary ones.

Aiyedatiwa Will Be Disqualified From Ondo Governorship Race – Jimoh Ibrahim 

Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and an aspirant in the forthcoming governorship election in Ondo has said that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa would be disqualified from the race. Describing Aiyedatiwa as a joker, Ibrahim said the incumbent governor was never the choice of Ondo people. Taunting the governor, Ibrahim displayed his entire academic and award certificates to journalists at the screening at the APC secretariat in Abuja. Ibrahim said Aiyedatiwa was only trying to ride his way into the Government House again on the back of the ticket of late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu and a few endorsements he got from the State House of Assembly. He said: “As you can see, all my credentials and certificates are complete. What has Aiyedatiwa achieved? He was just a pair to Aketi. We didn’t vote for him. It was Aketi we voted for. “But I can assure you, the governor is a huge joker. He can’t continue in government with his P8 and P7 (alleged grades). The governor will be out of that place by the time we finish the APC primary next week. He is gone and there is nothing he can do about it. “I don’t normally go against people. Left alone to me, clear everybody and let them go for primary. Let the electorate decide. I have won the election as senator. I won in six of the six local governments, 65 of the 66 wards, and bagged 111,677 votes as against Agboola Ajayi’s 60,000 votes.” However, Aiyedatiwa told the APC screening committee for the upcoming governorship election in the state that his credentials are genuine.

Kwankwaso Eyeing Governorship Seat for His Son – Political Scholar Alleges 

A political scholar in Kano state has raised concerns over former governor Rabiu Kwankwaso’s alleged plans to pave the way for his son to become the next governor in 2031. Speaking some journalists, the scholar highlighted Kwankwaso’s efforts to establish a political dynasty, citing the recent appointment of his son, Mustapha, as a commissioner by Governor Abba Yusuf. The scholar emphasized Kwankwaso’s significant influence in the current administration, from its conception to policy implementation, noting his close relation to the governor through marriage. Speculating on Mustapha’s political trajectory, the scholar suggested he could be groomed for governance and potentially succeed the current leadership or become a gubernatorial candidate’s running mate in the future. However, the scholar acknowledged the uncertainty of political outcomes, noting that unforeseen circumstances could alter these projections. His words: “We must not ignore the fact that this is the early days in an attempt to control power by a single family or associates of the same political group. “It is an open secret that Kwankwaso is very influential in the present administration. He has been pivotal to its conception, electoral victory, appointments, policy selection and policy implementation. “It is also incontestable that Kwankwaso is closely related to the state governor by marriage. The governor is his in-law. The political permutation is that Mustapha will be nursed in the act of governance and will come of age by 2031. By this time, he will be 47. “With the Kwankwaso that we know, chances are high that he will ensure that Mustapha, his son, succeeds the present arrangement or becomes the running mate to the governorship candidate of the party in the general elections. “Should that happen, it means that the governance of the state would have resided within the same clan or family for about 16 years or more, and will remain there for a longer time, depending on how Mustapha plays his cards in the years to come. “But, like I said, these are all potential possibilities. They are not yet realities. The future, especially in politics, is often bounded by uncertainties. Anything can still happen to change these calculations.” Mustapha Kwankwaso, born on March 24, 1984, in Kwankwaso village, completed his education in Cyprus before entering the political arena.

Kano State Governor Appoints Nine New Special Advisers

In a move to bolster his administration, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has announced the appointment of nine additional special advisers, alongside key heads of government agencies.  The appointments were disclosed in a press statement issued on Tuesday by the governor’s spokesman, Sanusi Tofa. Among the appointees are Prof. Ibrahim Barde, appointed as Special Adviser for Internally Generated Revenue (IGR); Dr. Abdulhamid Danladi, named as Special Adviser on Diaspora II; Bello Kiru, assigned as Special Adviser on Water Resources; and Yusuf Shuaibu Imam (Ogan Boye), who has been reappointed as Special Adviser on Youths and Sports. In further restructuring, Dr. Nura Shanono has been shifted from Special Adviser for Water Resources to the role of Managing Director at the Water Resources Engineering and Construction Agency (WRECA). Similarly, Baba Umar has been reassigned from Special Adviser to Executive Secretary at the Private and Voluntary Institutions Management Board. Additionally, Nasir Muhammad has been appointed as Director General of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), Aminu Na’isa as Deputy Managing Director of the Kano Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (KNARDA), and Mukhtar Yusuf as Deputy Managing Director of the Water Resources Engineering and Construction Agency (WRECA). These appointments are effective immediately.

Atiku Dares Tinubu To Disclose Cost Of  Lagos-Calabar Highway Project 

Atiku Abubakar, former presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, calls out President Bola Tinubu to reveal the full expenses of the Lagos-Calabar highway project.  Atiku, questioning the lack of transparency, demanded clarity on the project’s total cost and its funding source, raising concerns over the awarded contract and expenditure distribution.  Tinubu’s administration has been facing mounting pressure to address these inquiries amidst allegations of non-competitive bidding and financial discrepancies.  Atiku emphasized the need for accountability and urges Tinubu’s administration to respond to the public’s inquiries with transparency, invoking the spirit of the Freedom of Information Act. He said: “The Tinubu administration cannot continue to respond to the public inquiry with insults. They must come clean on this project because Nigerians deserve to know the truth. I, therefore, present six posers to the administration. “1. How much is the total cost of the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway? 2. Why is the project being funded by the Nigerian government despite being a PPP? 3. Why is the project taking off from Chagoury’s Eko Atlantic? 4. Why is N1.06tn being spent on the pilot phase, which is just 47km? “5. Why did the N1.06tn not get the approval of the National Assembly? 6. Why wasn’t there a competitive bidding for the project? 7. Finally, how did the Tinubu administration get the design as well as the right of way in just 7 months, since it claims the past administration of Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari never touched the project?”

Brief Profile Of New Edo Deputy Governor

Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State on Monday selected Omobayo Marvellous Godwins as the new Deputy Governor of the state. This is following the controversial impeachment of the former Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu. Read below the profile of Omobayo Marvellous Godwins: Omobayo is the new Deputy Governor of Edo State. He is a seasoned Engineer with a proven track record of progressive professional experience in the oil and gas sector. Born July 19, 1986, Omobayo hails from Akoko Edo Local Government Area of the State. With a B.Eng Degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering and Msc in Public Administration from the University of Benin (UNIBEN), he is well suited for the role as a professional and an expert in public administration. He is a registered member of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) and the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN). A thorough-bred young professional, he served as a Senior Maintenance Engineer in Dresser Wayne West Africa Limited, cutting his professional teeth in the operations in the South South area, providing top-notch services and growing the business in the region. He has also been active in politics in his local government, building bridges of trust with the people and mobilising them for common causes, breaking political barriers to the chagrin of his opponents.

Why Air Peace, Others Can’t Compete With Big International Airlines – Keyamo

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has said domestic airlines cannot compete with big international airlines because they don’t have access to aircraft on the same terms as them. Keyamo disclosed that the federal government is working with the Aviation Working Group on a practice direction to enable domestic airline operators to dry lease aircraft. In an interview on Arise Television on Monday, Keyamo revealed that some local operators had in the past breached the Cape Town Convention, which regulates aircraft leasing across the world. The minister said the Aviation Working Group, co-chaired by Airbus and Boeing, has said Nigeria would be blacklisted until it implements a law that would guide such from happening. He said: “Why we cannot compete with big international airlines is because we don’t have access to aircraft on the same terms as they have. People don’t know that the best airlines in the world run their fleet 100 per cent based on the actual purchase of aircraft. Recent studies show that 70 per cent of the fleet across the world is on dry leases. “For airlines that have bank facilities, they have access to loans in single digits, but our banks do 26 per cent. It was as a result of this that I called industry people to inform them that in order to survive, they must have access to these aircraft as those around the world. “So, I went around to enquire about what guides aircraft leasing around the world, and I discovered it was the Cape Town Convention, which regulates aircraft leasing across the world. And Nigeria is a signatory to that convention. We have signed and ratified that convention. “And there is a group responsible for the observance and compliance of that convention. The group is co-chaired by Airbus and Boeing. The group is called the Aviation Working Group, headed by Jeffrey Wool. “I called all of them and held a meeting to ask why our local operators are not getting these aircraft. According to them, they have blacklisted Nigeria because it didn’t comply with the convention. “The Aviation Working Group told me that until our laws are amended, until our practice directions are amended from granting injunctions on aircraft on dry lease, they will not bring aircraft in dey lease into Nigeria. “So, I told them I would do that. I spoke with the Attorney General of the Federation, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, the president and vice president, who is the head of the Ease of Doing Business; all of them have agreed that it is a critical issue. “We are in the process of drafting a practice direction to satisfy the Aviation Working Group that once we give a practice direction that says: ‘please, our judges, don’t grant injunctions to detain aircraft that are on dry lease in Nigeria because it gives us a bad image and it is against the Cape Town Convention of the Aviation Working Group’”.

Eid-el-Fitr: Tinubu Departs Abuja For Lagos

President Bola Tinubu will be leaving Abuja on Sunday for Lagos where he will celebrate this year’s Eid-el-Fitr celebration.  This was contained on Saturday in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale.  “President Bola Tinubu will depart Abuja, the Nation’s Capital, for Lagos on Sunday ahead of Eid-el-Fitr. “In deference to the solemn occasion, which marks the end of Ramadan, the President will observe the moment in prayers for Nigeria and with family. “The President will continue official duties during and after the Eid-el-Fitr holidays,” the statement reads.

Nigeria To Begin Local Production Of Passport

The Nigerian Government has rolled out plans to begin the local production of international passports in the country. The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made this known in a post via his official X handle on Wednesday night. Tunni-Ojo revealed that he met with a local technology company that presented a proposal for localizing international passport production. “Today, I had a meeting with an indigenous technology company presenting a proposal on localizing our international passport production,” he wrote. The production of international passports by Nigeria in other countries appears to be constituting a delay in the process of acquiring the document. The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) unveiled the fully automated passport application system on March 8, 2024. With this, applicants, including Nigerians in the diaspora, are expected to enjoy a seamless experience registering for new passports and renewing expired ones. In another development, Tunji-Ojo recently convened a brainstorming session with the Ministry of Interior’s technical partners, top immigration officers, and ministry officials. The minister said the mission is to revolutionize the visa application process, particularly for short-stay visitors, so that Nigeria can streamline procedures, reduce stress, and enhance accessibility through automation. “It is my belief that by fostering a more welcoming environment for tourists eager to explore our vibrant culture and rich artistic heritage, we are on another step towards achieving the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he said.