Kano Hisbah Boss Resigns, Gives Reason

The Commander-General of the Kano State Hisbah Board, Sheikh Aminu Ibrahim Daurawa has resigned his position. Giving reasons for the resignation, Daurawa cited “discouragement” from the state governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf. He expressed disappointment at the governor’s remarks despite his efforts to uphold societal morality during his time at Hisbah.  In a video shared on social media, he mentioned being in Kaduna State discussing the implementation of mandatory pre-marital health checks in Kano, similar to other states.  He highlighted his efforts to engage with Kannywood and TikTok personalities, providing guidance and financial support.  However, he acknowledged facing criticism from Kano and apologized to the governor for his frustration, announcing his resignation from his position at Hisbah. His words: ” I’ve encountered discouraging comments from Kano, despite my efforts at Hisbah to promote societal morality. “I’ve actively engaged with Kannywood and TikTok celebrities, offering guidance and even providing financial assistance to some TikTokers. I even extended advice to Murja too. “Unfortunately, those who disregarded our guidance faced consequences. “But I am saying sorry to the Excellency Governor for being angry, I sorry to say I have resigned from the position he gave me in Hisbah, I wish him best in his leadership.”

Security Tightened in Chad’s Capital Amidst Rising Tensions

Chad’s capital, N’Djamena, is witnessing heightened security measures with roadblocks and military deployment around the Socialist Party Without Borders’ headquarters, following a deadly attack on the security agency. The junta-led government accused the opposition party of orchestrating the assault. Soldiers surrounded the PSF headquarters, led by Yaya Dillo, a cousin of transitional president Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno.  The attack near the party’s HQ adds to the escalating tensions between the government and opposition. Access to the presidential palace has been restricted, and schools in central N’Djamena are closed.  The telephone network has been facing disruptions since Wednesday, while mobile internet access remained suspended. Yaya Dillo denied any involvement in the security agency attack, dismissing the allegations as politically motivated lies. The government had accused a PSF member of an “assassination attempt against the president of the supreme court.” Despite the turmoil, Chad announced a presidential election on May 6, contested by both Deby Itno and Dillo. The transitional president, Mahamat Deby Itno, initially pledged a return to civilian rule but later extended the transition period by two years. 

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.

Edo Deputy Governor, Shaibu Arrives PDP Headquarters, Demands Certificate Of Return 

After a controversial election that produced the deputy governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu, as the candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, (PDP) in the upcoming Edo governorship election, the deputy governor, today arrived the PDP’s headquarters, demanding to be issued a certificate of return. Shaibu, who is currently at the National Secretariat of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), insisted that he should be given the party’s certificate of return, saying he legitimately won the gubernatorial primary held last week. Speaking at the party’s Secretariat, the embattled deputy governor said: “Today is the day set aside for the collection of certificate of return for the winner of the primary. I understand someone came yesterday and was given. Well, the court will decide.” Starnews NG earlier reported that the deputy governor emerged the winner of the parallel governorship primary election of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state conducted at his residence in Benin City, the state capital. However, Asue Ighodalo, a businessman was declared winner of another PDP Edo gubernatorial election which was observed by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC). The returning officer, Bartholomew Moses, who announced Shaibu as the winner of the primary election, said the deputy governor won the exercise with over 300 votes. Some party delegates who were denied access after arrivinh at the lawn tennis court of the Samuel Ogbemudia stadium in Benin City, subsequently moved to Shaibu’s residence where the election was held. As of the time of filing this report, it was not clear whether the party, PDP would grant Shaibu his request and issue him the certificate of return of the governorship primary and consequently the candidate of the party for the Edo State governorship election.

Presidency Reveals Why Tinubu Sons Were Included In FG Delegation To Qatar

The presidency has defended President Bola Tinubu‘s decision to include his sons among the delegation going with him to Qatar. President Tinubu’s sons, Seyi and Yinka, were among the delegation members to travel with the President on a state visit to Doha, Qatar. The Nigerian leader will visit the Arabian country for a business and investment meeting scheduled for March 2 and 3, 2024, but will be accompanied by 38 others, including his sons. Following the development, the President came under fire for including his sons in the delegation to Qatar for a state visit. Reacting in a post via his official X handle on Tuesday, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Digital/New Media, O’tega Ogra, said the President’s decision was not a new thing and not uncommon. Ogra said that some world leaders take their children on state visits to educate them about world affairs and different cultures, and to maintain a semblance of family life, despite the demands of public office. The presidential aide, therefore, asked Nigerians to stop majoring in minor things and focus on relevant issues. He wrote: “It is not uncommon for children of world leaders to accompany their parents on foreign trips. In fact, it is the norm. Canadian PM Trudeau is known to travel with his family on official trips abroad. Same with UK PMs – even if somewhat muted. “From the public image and diplomacy angle, bringing family members can soften a leader’s public image and aid in diplomatic relations by showcasing a relatable, family-oriented side. “For some leaders, taking their children on such trips is a way of educating them about world affairs and different cultures. “Others do it to maintain some semblance of family life, despite the demands of public office, and for security considerations. “The Obamas, Clintons, Bushs, Trumps and others went on tons of foreign trips whilst in office with their families. “We really need to stop majoring in minors in the name of castigating everything.”

You’ve Grown Wings – APC Knocks Seyi Makinde For Criticizing Tinubu

The Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has criticized Governor Seyi Makinde for condemning President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to remove the subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as fuel.  In a statement, the APC accused Makinde of overstepping his bounds and lacking the authority to criticize Tinubu’s leadership. APC’s Publicity Secretary, Wasiu Olawale Sadare, emphasized that Makinde is the only governor openly criticizing the incumbent president for the subsidy removal.  Sadare argued that the governor should focus on addressing challenges within the state rather than blaming Tinubu for the economic situation. The statement highlighted Makinde’s past silence during the subsidy removal under former President Muhammadu Buhari and accused him of exploiting the recent labour protest to deflect blame from his administration.  The APC also raised concerns about the utilization of allocations, claiming that Makinde received over N207 billion without significant positive impact. APC accused him of engaging in wasteful spending, capital flight, and misplaced priorities, leaving the state grappling with issues of hunger, poverty, and unemployment. The statement reads: “Makinde has grown more wings in his penchant for misleading the public and sacrificing others for his ineptitude in government. Funny enough, the PDP-dominated State House of Assembly spoke in the same tone on the same day, and we understand the script being played by the governor. “Gov. Makinde holds the record of the only governor in Nigeria who constantly blames the sitting President for his failure to add value in his state. Out of the 36 governors, the Oyo State helmsman was the only one who criticized President Bola Tinubu over the removal of fuel subsidy when he stated that the decision was untimely and not well thought out. This was what he did to former President Muhammadu Buhari between 2019 and 2023 as he distanced himself from Aso Villa on account of ego and thereby denied the Pacesetter state a lot of opportunities for four years. “As he is wont to do, Makinde attempted to take advantage of the labour protest on Tuesday to heap all the blame for the bad economy in the country on the federal government, forgetting that governors like him were more culpable for the extent to which the quality of life has degenerated. Why blame President Tinubu for stopping wasteful spending on fuel subsidy when the decision has been enabling you to collect improved allocations in the last nine months, although without much to show for it? “The Oyo State government has received over N207 billion in allocations from Abuja since May last year, and this excludes the billions of naira accrued to the 33 local government councils which the governor hijacked from them. “Rather than use the whopping allocations to create wealth, Gov. Makinde mopped up more funds from loans, grants, IGR, and illegal sale of government assets without accountability. So, who then addresses hunger, poverty, and unemployment in Oyo State when the governor always engages in wasteful spending, capital flight, and misplaced priorities?” the statement added

Hunger Protests: NLC, FG Trade Tackles

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has reacted to the presidency’s claim over the ongoing protests. The organized labour said the nationwide protest is not about minimum wage but hunger and economic hardship. Contrary to the Presidency’s claim that the protest revolves around the minimum wage review, NLC’s National President, Joe Ajaero, emphasized that the union is addressing broader issues. Speaking on TVC, presidential spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale described the demonstrations by the NLC as needless. Ajaero accused the Federal Government of neglecting the union’s demands since the removal of fuel subsidy, resulting in an increased cost of living.  Expressing concerns about the minimum wage, he stated, “What will be the minimum wage that will remove hunger?” Highlighting the impact of deregulation, Ajaero pointed out that the rising expenses, especially in transportation, have worsened the already dire situation. The NLC proposed various solutions, including the introduction of CNG buses, but lamented the lack of implementation. Notable figures such as Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, NLC president Joe Ajaero, Omoyele Sowore, Deji Adeyanju, and Lawyer Femi Falana actively participated in the protest in Abuja.  The demonstrations have unfolded across all states in Nigeria, signaling a widespread concern for the economic well-being of the citizens.

Police Denies Sealing NLC Lagos Office

Lagos State Police command has denied a report of sealing the secretariat of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, in Yaba, Lagos, on Monday. State’s Police spokesman, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, described the report as rumour, saying the Commissioner of Police Adegoke Fayoade only went to the NLC secretariat to address protesters. The police spokesman stated this in reaction to the rumour, and giving reasons for heightened security upgrades in hotspots around Lagos on Monday. Hundeyin told newsmen that the police proactively arrived at the NLC secretariat and other hotspots to ensure adequate security for planners of the strike and to prevent their procession from being hijacked by hoodlums. “The Commissioner of Police, Mr Fayoade addressed the protesters before the procession took off in his presence. “The procession was peaceful and without any untoward incident,” Hundeyin said, adding that CP Fayoade monitored the security operation and the protest, ” he said. He stated that the protesters neither caused traffic obstruction nor got involved in violent activities. Heavily armed police operatives were seen at Gani Fawehinmi Park, Ojota, and other parts of Lagos on Monday, in readiness for a planned protest by organised labour. The NLC and the Trade Union Congress, TUC had scheduled a nationwide strike for February 27 and 28 to protest what they called hardship currently faced by Nigerians.

Cost of Governance: FG Lists Agencies to be scrapped

The federal government announces the list of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), either to be eliminated, merged or prunned as part of the implementation of the Oronsaye report that has been pending for more than a decade.  This decision, announced after Monday’s Federal Executive Council meeting, stems from a report initiated by former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2011.  Led by Steve Oronsaye, the committee identified overlapping agencies causing competition and wasteful expenditure, recommending the reduction of 263 statutory agencies to 161, abolishing 38, and merging 52. Additionally, 14 agencies are proposed to revert to departments within ministries, aiming for a more streamlined government structure. Below are government agencies set to be merged or scrapped. – 38 Federal Agencies to be abolished – Public Complaints Commission, National Poverty Eradication Programme, Utilities Charges Commission, National Agency for the Control of HIV/AIDS, National Intelligence Committee, etc. – 14 agencies to be fused into ministries where they were created e.g Debt Management Office to the Federal Ministry of Finance – Public Health Department back to the Federal Ministry of Health – National Information Technology Development Agency to be fused into the Ministry of Communication Technology – Reduction of statutory agencies from 263 to 161 – 52 institutions to be merged: NTA, FRCN & VON into the Federal Broadcasting Corporation of Nigeria (FBCN) – NCC & NBC into Communication Regulatory Authority of Nigeria (CRAN); – CCB, EFCC & ICPC to be merged into the Anti-Corruption Commission. – Another key recommendation of the committee was to discontinue government funding of professional bodies and councils. Consequently, there is a need to amend the Professional Bodies (Special Provisions) Act, of 1972 which mandates the government to provide financial support of various kinds to such bodies. – They include the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN); Computer Professionals Council of Nigeria (CPRCN); Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON); Nigeria Press Council; Architects Registration Council; Council for Registered Engineers of Nigeria (COREN); Estate Surveyors’ Registration Board (ESRB); Town Planners Council (TPC); Nigerian Builders Council (NBC; Quantity Surveyors’ Registration Board of Nigeria (QSRB); Nigerian Builders Council (NBC); and Council of Nigerian Mining Engineers and Geoscientists (COMEG). Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution to be scrapped and its functions to be transferred to the Department of Strategic Studies in the Nigerian Institute for International Affairs (NIIA). The committee recommended that the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Authority (PPPRA) and Petroleum Equalisation Fund be merged with Petroleum Equalisation Fund (PEF). Based on the White Paper, the Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC) would be abolished and its enabling law repealed as its functions are being performed by the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission. A similar fate awaits the Salaries and Wages Income Commission. – The trio of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Nigerian Metrological Agency (NIMET) were recommended to be merged into a new body to be known as the Federal Civil Aviation Authority (FCAA) and their respective enabling laws amended accordingly to reflect the merger. – Nigerian Investment Promotion Council (NIPC), the Committee recommended that it be merged with the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) to synergize for management and utilization of resources. – The Committee recommended that the enabling law of the National Commission for Nomadic Education be repealed and the Commission’s activities taken over by the Universal Basic Education Commission. – National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) and National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA).

Wike doesn’t care if people live in FCT – Sen Kingibe

Senator Ireti Kingibe has criticized FCT Minister Nyesom Wike for his indifferent approach, expressing concern about Wike’s lack of concern for the residents of the nation’s capital.  At an event marking the first anniversary of the 2023 presidential election, Senator Ireti highlighted the worrisome nature of the minister’s attitude and stated that as Obidients, they would find a way to address the situation. She emphasized the need for swift planning and organization to tackle the critical state of insecurity in the nation. “We, as a nation right now, we are in trouble. Yes, you’ve elected me as senator of the FCT, which is the highest elected office in the FCT, but I have to work with a minister who doesn’t seem to realize that there are people living in the FCT. “But we, Obidients, will have to figure a way around it. “We need to start planning and organizing ourselves as quickly and possible. In fact, the condition (of the nation) is critical if we don’t do anything now. Insecurity is what is about to consume us. “You can’t go to the farm. You can’t do anything. We have to take charge,” she said.