FG Issues Warning To Civil Servants Leaking Official Documents

The Federal Government, through the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, has taken a firm stance against the increasing leakage of sensitive official documents.  Dr Folashade Yemi-Esan emphasized the need for permanent secretaries to expedite the transition to a digital workflow system to mitigate the embarrassment caused by these leaks. A stern warning was issued, stating that any civil servant caught leaking documents would face severe consequences in accordance with relevant regulations.  The memo tagged HCSF/3065/VI/189 reads, “It has been observed with dismay, the increase in the cases of leakage of sensitive official documents in Ministries, Departments and Agencies. This is very embarrassing to the government and therefore unacceptable. “As part of the efforts to curb this undesirable development, all permanent secretaries are to fast-track the migration to the digitalised workflow system, and ensure effective deployment of the Enterprise Content Management Solution, “This will reduce physical contact with official documents thereby checking the increasing incidence of leakage and circulation of same. “Furthermore, permanent secretaries are advised to strongly warn all staff against leaking and circulating official information and documents. “Any officer caught engaging in such unbecoming act will be severely dealt with in line with the relevant provisions of the Public Service Rules and other extant circulars.” This move comes in response to recent public outrage over leaked memos disclosing financial allocations and plans by government committees, prompting calls for investigations by Civil Society Organisations and organized labour.

House of Representatives Advances Bill on State Police to Second Reading

In a decisive move aimed at bolstering Nigeria’s internal security, the House of Representatives has taken a significant step by passing for second reading, the State Police Reform bill. Spearheaded by the deputy speaker and backed by 14 other members, the proposed legislation seeks to amend the 1999 constitution to pave the way for the establishment of state police formation. During Tuesday’s plenary session, members of the House engaged in a robust debate on the merits of the bill. Expressing concern over the nation’s current security landscape, Kalu, standing in for Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, emphasized the paramount importance of prioritizing the safety of Nigerian citizens over political considerations. Babajimi Benson underscored the pressing need for a decentralized approach to law enforcement. With Nigeria’s population exceeding 200 million and a police force of fewer than 400,000 officers, Benson argued that the creation of state police forces is imperative to effectively tackle internal security challenges. Despite facing contention since the Seventh National Assembly, the advancement of the bill marks a notable breakthrough in the legislative process. Notably, governors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have reiterated their support for state policing, citing it as crucial for addressing the nation’s deteriorating security situation and averting a scenario akin to Venezuela’s. Furthermore, various regional socio-political organizations, including Afenifere, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the Middle Belt Forum, and the Northern Elders’ Forum, have thrown their weight behind the implementation of state police forces. They view it as a pragmatic solution to the escalating security challenges confronting Nigeria. The bill’s referral to the House Committee on Constitution Review signifies a pivotal phase in its journey through the legislative process. As Nigeria grapples with persistent security threats, the advancement of the bill underscores a growing consensus on the imperative of decentralized law enforcement to safeguard the nation and its citizens.

Nigerian Red Cross Raises Alarm Over Escalating Hunger Crisis

The Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS) has issued a dire warning regarding the deepening hunger crisis in Nigeria, urging immediate action to address the escalating situation. Dr. Abubakar Ahmed Kende, Secretary General of the NRCS, delivered the stark message during a press briefing held in Abuja yesterday. Dr. Kende expressed grave concern over the worsening food insecurity gripping the nation, attributing it to factors such as hyperinflation fueled by surging fuel prices. He revealed that an estimated 26.5 million Nigerians, including vulnerable groups such as women and children, are currently grappling with acute hunger and require urgent assistance to avert further suffering and loss of life. The announcement comes amidst mounting protests against food shortages and soaring living costs, with demonstrations spreading to cities like Ibadan, where protesters defied police warnings to demand action from the government. At the launch of a partnership between the Red Cross and Ecobank aimed at mobilizing local resources for the hunger crisis appeal, Dr. Kende underscored the precarious situation faced by vulnerable populations, including children, pregnant women, and lactating mothers. He disclosed alarming statistics, revealing that nearly 4.41 million children and 585,000 mothers are confronting acute malnutrition, with approximately 1,000 Nigerian children succumbing to malnutrition-related causes daily. Dr. Kende emphasized the multifaceted nature of the crisis, citing factors such as changing weather patterns, heightened internal conflicts, and the enduring impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Urging swift action, he stated, “The time to act is now.” The partnership with Ecobank aims to mobilize funds locally to support the hunger crisis appeal and deliver essential relief to affected communities. Dr. Kende outlined various initiatives, including the provision of multipurpose cash grants for emergency relief and recovery, nutritional support for pregnant and lactating mothers, and Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) interventions to mitigate disease prevalence. In conclusion, Dr. Kende called upon individuals, businesses, and organizations to unite in supporting government efforts to address the crisis. He underscored the pivotal role that corporate entities like Ecobank Nigeria can play in contributing to the nation’s welfare. The Nigerian Red Cross, in collaboration with partners and volunteers across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, stands poised to respond to the urgent humanitarian needs of communities hardest hit by acute hunger.

Edo APC youths take over party secretariat over Guber primary

Enraged young individuals and women have seized control of the All Progressives Congress secretariat in Benin, Edo State.  They are demanding the removal of the state executives, led by acting Chairman Jarret Tenebe, due to alleged irregularities in Saturday’s governorship primary election, which resulted in three declared winners.  The protestors, led by Tony Adun (Kabaka), forcibly entered the offices, taking out furniture, rice bags, and other items.  They declare their intent to occupy the premises for seven days, expressing dissatisfaction with the officials’ conduct during the primary and insisting on the dissolution of the executive committee. Adun emphasized their support for Dennis Idahosa and urged party members to back his candidacy in the upcoming governorship election. Adun said, “It is clear that the party exco in the state are no longer working on the interest of the party so it is time for them to leave. “We are here in solidarity with Dennis Idahosa who the party has nominated. We call on party members to back Idahosa’s candidacy in the governorship election in September. “As you can see, we are here in large numbers, youths and women, to show our displeasure over the way the exco handled the election.”

Edo Election: Imasuen Withdraws From APC Gubernatorial Primaries 

Lucky Imasuen, ex-deputy governor of Edo State, has decided to step back from the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primaries in the state. Imasuen cited the party’s National Working Committee’s decision to zone the ticket to Edo Central Senatorial district as the reason for his withdrawal. In an open letter addressing supporters, Imasuen stated, “I have come to the conclusion that since members of our National Working Committee (NWC) have expressed their preference for zoning the governorship position to Edo Central Senatorial District, it is wise to align with the decision of the party.” Despite being screened and cleared along with 11 other candidates on February 10, Imasuen’s decision adds another twist to the unfolding dynamics of the Edo APC governorship primary election, scheduled for today (Saturday).   His withdrawal follows closely on the heels of Osagie Ize-Iyamu’s surprising exit less than 24 hours ago, further intensifying the intrigue surrounding the contest.

Court decides ALGON’s authentic Nat’l Chairman, April 30

Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court Abuja, will on April 30, decide the case seeking a declaration that Akolade David Alabi is not qualified to be national chairman of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON). Petitioners in the suit are the Incorporated Trustees of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON), Honorable Abubakar Abdullahi and Honorable Shaban Oyinoyi Shuabu. Specifically, they maintained that Alabi, who was chairman of Bariga Local Council Development Area in Lagos State at the time, cannot be president of the association as Bariga is not among the country’s 774 Local Government Areas. The Federal Ministry of Finance, Accountant General of the Federation and Governor of Central Bank(first to third respondent), the Attorney-General of the Federation, Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Inspector General of Police, State Security Services(SSS) and Honorable Alabi Akolade David( fourth to eight respondents) are the Respondents. In their originating summons filed by Barrister Bartholomew Opara, they maintained that Alabi is not eligible to be ALGON chairman as he was not a local government chairman as contemplated by the 1999 Constitution, the Constitution of ALGON and a Supreme Court decision which had touched on the disput. He argued that Alabi had been removed by ALGON’s National Executive Council in 2019 but he keeps parading himself as chairman. Therefore, he prayed urged the court to affirm the removal of Alabi by NEC and perpetually restrain him from further parading as such. Responding, Counsel to Alabi, Wahab Shittu, in a counter affidavit and preliminary objection, urged the court to decline jurisdiction on the matter. At the resumed hearing on Friday, Okpara, adopted his originating summons and response to the eight defendant’s counter affidavit, asking the court to grant his prayers in the interest of justice. But Shittu told the court to strike out the case and dismiss the entire suit for lack of jurisdiction and for being incompetent. He added that the entire case rests on the constitution of ALGON and the only person that can be sued is the national president but the person sued is the national chairman. The court did not attend to the party seeking to be joined because of the issue of jurisdiction raised by Shittu. Part of his reliefs sought read,” “A Declaration that all the findings and resolutions of the 1st Claimant’s General Assembly convened on 30th May 2020 remain extant and binding on all and sundry; particularly, the resolution affirming its National Executive Council’s decision which removed the 8th Defendant as 1st Claimants National Chairman on 6th September 20I9; and the inauguration of an Interim Management Committee (IMC) mandated to set up an electoral committee for the conduct of a substantive Chairmanship election for the 1st Claimant. “An Order annulling or setting aside the purported General Assembly convened at the 8th Defendant’s instance on 24th March 2021, including all the activities carried out on the said date, to wit: purported resolutions arrived at, amendment of the ALGON Constitution, election /appointment of the 6th & 8th Defendants, alongside their cronies, to different offices. “An Order for the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th & 7th Defendants to forthwith recognise, deal and or relate with the National Chairman of the 1st Claimant, and other persons, who emerged from the election conducted by the electoral committee set up by the Interim Management Committee (IMC) as occasioned by the resolution of the general assembly convened on May 30, 2020.” After listening to their argument, the case was adjourned to April 30th for judgement.

Ize-Iyamu Withdraws From Edo Governorship Race

All Progressives Congress (APC) Governorship aspirant, Osagie Ize-Iyamu, has withdrawn from the Edo State gubernatorial race, barely 24 hours to the party’s primary election.  Ize-Iyamu announced his withdrawal on Friday, in a statement made available to journalists in Benin, the State capital. The withdrawal notice was addressed to the national chairman of the party, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, and copied to the Acting State Chairman of the party, Emperor Jarrett Tenebe. Ize-Iyamu described the decision as painful but stated it has become imperative after an exhaustive consultation with my family, friends, political associates and supporters. He further pledged that he and his teeming supporters would support any candidate that emerges in the primary election holding tomorrow. Read the full text of the withdrawal letter: “Few montha ago, after extensively interacting with family, friends, political assonates, and supporters, I joined the 2024 Edo state gubernatorial race as a result of my passion and commitment to the cause of rescuing Edo state from the current condition of decrepitude. “I entered the contest as a progressive democrat, with an open mind to keenly contest and accept the result of a process that is fair, credible and transparent. I appreciate the commended the effort made by the National Working Committee (NWC) of the APC to correct the erroneous impression maliciously created by certain persons that some aspirants, including myself had been disqualified from the gubernatorial contest. The NWC constituted the authentic screening committee and all twelve aspirants who purchased and completed the nomination forms were successfully screened and subsequently issued clearance certificates. This step was praise worthy and helped in restoring our integrity in the eyes of the public. “Having being cleared to contest, I regrettably wish to announce my withdrawal from the race. Although painful, this decision has become imperative after an exhaustive consultation with my family, friends, political associates and supporters. I make this sacrifice in the interest of the peace and unity that the party desperately requires at both state and national levels. “I humbly appeal to the good people of Edo state to accept my decision which I very personal and I promise to be there for them at all times. “Thankfully, I acknowledge the fatherly role of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, as well as the party’s National leadership for the fairness and commitment to the democratic process. Likewise, I remain grateful to the state working committee for their principled stand to allow a level playing field for all aspirants. I am extremely appreciative to my family, friends, supporters, well-wishers, and the extraordinary hardworking men and women of our campaign organization who were prepared to stop at nothing to see me fly the party’s flag. I salute your great works, your steadfastness and courage. “Finally, as a loyal party man, I wish to pledge that I and my teeming supporters shall support any candidate that emerges in the primary election holding tomorrow.”

Abure Denies Plan To Join Edo Governorship Race

Julius Abure, the National Chairman of the Labour Party (LP), has stated that he has no intention of participating in the Edo State gubernatorial election to succeed Governor Godwin Obaseki. In an interview on Arise Television,  Abure expressed concerns about leadership failures in the country, attributing them to a lack of internal party democracy within political parties. Abure emphasized the need for an open, transparent, and competitive electoral process, pledging to work with the National Working Committee (NWC) to ensure the Edo State gubernatorial race is fair, free, and credible. He stated, “I have the responsibility to ensure the party gets the best candidate for the people of Edo State. Once again, I have no interest in becoming the gubernatorial candidate in the state.” Addressing the suspension of the party’s National Treasurer, Oluchi Okpara, over an alleged N3.5 billion fraud, Abure attributed the internal issues to external interference aimed at destabilizing the party post-2023 general elections. He remarked, “It is obvious that a lot of people are being used to disrupt and cause chaos in the party, jeopardizing its credibility as a formidable opposition force in the country.”

Deji Adeyanju Reveals Why Peter Obi, Atiku, Tinubu Should Be Jailed

Human rights activist Deji Adeyanju has called for the imprisonment of President Bola Tinubu, PDP’s Atiku Abubakar, and Labour Party’s Peter Obi. He cited their alleged failure and contribution to the nation’s hardships. Addressing a protest in Abuja, Adeyanju expressed concern over the depreciation of the naira compared to other West African currencies.  He criticized the choices made by Nigerians in the last election, accusing politicians of corruption and emphasizing the need for accountability. Adeyanju warned of a Zimbabwean-like trajectory for Nigeria and asserted that all the presidential candidates should be in jail for the betterment of the nation. He said “We have warned Nigerians severally but it seems they have a covenant with oppression and suffering. I can’t imagine a situation where people had several credible alternatives during the last election but Nigerians said they wanted to swim and die with corruption. “Look at the Labour Party, people were jumping all over the place for that they are the saviour, look at the kind of worms we are witnessing, they can’t even account for their campaign funds. “The Abure looter has just been alleged of stealing N3.5 billion from the campaign funds by the party’s treasurer. We are talking about money generated from just sales of forms, not those in their naira account and those generated during the last election. “Peter Obi has refused to come clean, you can’t fight corruption with corruption. We warned Nigerians of the Emi Lokans of this world that he just came to have fun and loot. When he said it was his turn, Nigerians didn’t ask him, turn to do what? To loot? A man who said he would continue where Buhari stopped, what were you expecting? “Nigeria is heading the Zimbabwean way, is it not shocking that the West African CFAs are stronger than the naira? Things are going to get worse “There is none of them that ran that election whether Atiku, Tinubu or Obi that should not be in jail if we are to run a smooth country.”

Tinubu, Governors To Consider Establishment Of State Police

President Bola Tinubu, alongside the 36 governors, has endorsed the establishment of state police. The agreement was made during an emergency meeting held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Thursday. The Minister of Information and National Orientation revealed that discussions surrounding state police have gained momentum, with the federal and state governments recognizing the necessity of such a development.  The Minister emphasized that while this marks a significant shift, further meetings will be conducted to refine the modalities for implementing state police across the country. He said, “But now, there is also a discussion around the issue of state police. The federal government and state governments are mulling the possibility of setting up state police. “Of course, this is still going to be further discussed, a lot of work still has to be done in that direction. But what the federal government and state governments are agreeing to the necessity of having state policy. “Now, this is a significant shift. But like I said, more works need to be done in that direction. A lot of meetings will have to happen between different government and sub nationals to see the modalities of achieving this.