Tinubu appoints NELMCO boss, Dekalu-Thomas

President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Mrs Mojoyinoluwa Dekalu-Thomas as the new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Electricity Liability Management Company (NELMCO). A statement by Mr Ajuri Ngelale, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, at the weekend in Abuja, said the appointment was for a term of four years. Dekalu-Thomas has served as the acting MD/CEO of NELMCO since the tenure of pioneer NELMCO MD/CEO, Mr Adebayo Fagbemi, ended on May 8. Ngelale said that her new appointment has created a vacancy at her previous position of Executive Director, Liability Management. He said that the President has, therefore, approved the appointment of Mr Dimla Nchinney to serve in NELMCO as the substantive Executive Director, Liability Management. The presidential spokesman said that the appointments took immediate effect.

No immediate floods threat in Nigeria – FG

Prof. Joseph Utsev, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, has said there is no immediate threat of flooding, whilst calling on the government at all levels to put measures in place to prevent flood emergencies. Utsev told newsmen in Abuja that the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) had observed an increase in the volume of flow along the River Benue system, registering a flow level of 8.97 meters today. This, he said, was insignificant, as compared to a flow level of 8.80 meters on the same date in 2022. According to him, reports from inland dams including Kainji, Jebba, and Shiroro also showed a consistent flow regime. “In Lokoja, the heightened flow volume along the River Benue system, the flow situation at the confluence of the Niger and Benue rivers in Lokoja, Kogi State, remains within normal parameters. “The flow level at the monitoring station downstream of the confluence records 7.80 meters today, compared to 8.24 meters on the same date in 2022. “As at today, there is no threat to lives and properties, especially those states that are contiguous to Rivers Niger and Benue.” The minister called on all tiers of government to ensure preparedness and deploy appropriate measures to minimise the potential impact of flooding during the peak of the rainy season. He called on states to increase sensitisation on the need for people living along the river banks to relocate to higher grounds during the peak period of rainfall. “States and Local Governments should intensify efforts in clearing blocked drainages and also construct new ones where they do not exist. “Removal of illegal structures constructed within the floodplains, the general public, especially road users, should desist from walking or driving through any pool of water or flood”. The minister said it was important to acknowledge the period of heavy rainfall, flooding, and flood-related disasters that typically occured during July, August, September, and October. According to him, Dam water releases are integral to safeguarding dam integrity and mitigating flooding in adjacent communities. The 2023 Annual Flood Outlook showed that 178 LGAs in 32 states of the Federation, and the FCT, fall within the Highly Probable Flood Risk Areas. 224 LGAs in 35 States of the Federation, including the FCT fall within the Moderately Probable Flood Risk Areas. 

N52bn SPW Disbursement: Lawyer threatens NDE with court action

An Abuja-based legal practitioner and social crusader, Abdulazeez Tijani has invoked the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act against the National Directorate of Employment (NDE), demanding details of the disbursement of N52bn to some youths under former President Muhammadu Buhari’s Special Public Work (SPW) policy. The disbursement of the N52bn approved and released to NDE by the former President was said to have been supervised by the office of the immediate past Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Mr. Festus Keyamo. Keyamo who was taken up on the issue by some Senators during his screening as a Ministerial nominee had claimed on the floor of the Senate that all registers and records of the beneficiaries are domiciled with the NDE. Keyamo had told the lawmakers that the account details and Bank Verification Numbers (BVN) of the 774,000 youths who benefited under the SPW policy of former President Buhari can be accessed under the NDE. Armed with Keyamo’s revelation, the lawyer cum social crusader, in a letter to the Director General of the NDE applied for Certified True Copies of the list of the 774,000 beneficiaries, their account details and evidence of disbursement to the accounts. He cited section 1 (1) of the Freedom of Information Act 2011, the enabling law to back up his demand for the N52 billion naira payment facts. In the letter dated August 10, 2023, and received the same day in the NDE Headquarters in Abuja, the lawyer claimed that as a law-abiding citizen of Nigeria, he became curious to know the true state of affairs in relation to the Special Public Works involving 774,000 youths and disbursement of N52bn to them as claimed in the Senate by the former Minister. In compliance with the Freedom of Information Act, the legal practitioner said he will undertake to be responsible for the cost of production of the demanded documents. In the letter obtained by our correspondent, the lawyer warned the NDE Director General to take the 30-day ultimatum as a pre-action notice and act within the period to meet up with his demands in line with the provision of the enabling law. The legal practitioner warned that unless his demands are met, he would have no option than to approach the Federal High Court for an order of Mandamus that would compel approval of his demands. It will be recalled that the sum of N52 billion was allocated for the SPW programme which was coordinated by the NDE under the supervision of the then Minister of State for Labour and Employment. The programme was targeted at employing 1,000 unskilled youths in each of the 774 local government areas for three months across the country. The beneficiaries were expected to engage in public service works and receive a monthly stipend of N20,000 each for three months.

NJC denies alleged letter relinquishing powers to State Govs

The National Judicial Council (NJC) has formally distanced itself from a forged letter that falsely conveys the surrender of its legal authorities and responsibilities concerning the appointment and promotion of judges to State Governors. The legal body’s spokesperson stated that the missive, ostensibly directed to the Chief Judge of Kebbi State and purportedly signed by the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, did not originate from the NJC or the CJN, who also serves as the NJC’s Chairman. In an official statement released on Sunday, Mr. Soji Oye, the NJC’s Director of Information, unequivocally declared that there is absolutely no basis in reality for the fabricated letter. The NJC’s statement elucidated, “The National Judicial Council has been made aware of a falsified letter dated July 14, 2023, fraudulently attributed to the Council and bearing the signature of the Chief Justice of Nigeria and Chairperson of the National Judicial Council, Honorable Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, GCON.” The fraudulent communication, titled “Judicial Seniority Order of Kebbi State High Court Judges and the Endorsement of Justice Umar Abubakar as the Substantive Chief Judge of Kebbi State,” contends that, “In accordance with Section 10 of the prevailing 1996 Kebbi State law, the Governor possesses the authority to establish the seniority of judges, and the National Judicial Council lacks any capacity to counteract or reverse the Governor’s decision.” The letter further alleges, “The position of the Court’s Lead or Chief Judge is essentially a political appointment, subject to determination by the respective state’s Governor. “To eliminate any misconceptions and uncertainties, the NJC explicitly denies any association with the counterfeit letter and underscores that no such communication originated from the office of the Chief Justice of Nigeria or the NJC. “The general public is hereby advised to disregard the forged letter and its contents,” the NJC said. Simultaneously, the NJC said it has reported this unfortunate occurrence to relevant law enforcement agencies, aiming to investigate and apprehend the individual(s) responsible for this reprehensible act.

Elevator Tragedy: Sanwo-Olu hands installer over to police for questioning

The Lagos State Government has handed the installer responsible for the faulty elevator that led to the death of medical doctor Vwaere Diaso at the General Hospital, Odan, Lagos Island, over to the police for questioning. NIGERIAN ANCHOR had reported that the incident occurred last Tuesday, prompting the government to initiate an inquiry into the accident. In a statement, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Strategy, Olumide Sogunle, stated that a panel has been set up to investigate the incident. The panel includes experts who will conduct a thorough mechanical and electrical examination of the elevator. The lift installer was immediately interviewed by the panel and handed over to the police for further interrogation to ensure his availability for additional questioning. Representatives of the medical associations and six house officers were appointed as witnesses and allowed to be part of the panel. The panel has been given 48 hours to complete their investigation, and a report of their initial findings is expected on Saturday. The appropriate authorities will take any necessary further actions based on the panel’s report. Meanwhile, the Lagos State chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has continued its indefinite strike in three hospitals to protest the death of their colleague. Further updates on the investigation and the strike are yet to be confirmed by the appropriate authorities.

FWWC: Spain mauls Switzerland 5-1 to berth quarterfinals

An Aitana Bonmati-inspired Spain took Switzerland to the cleaners 5-1 on Saturday to secure a spot in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup quarter-finals for the first time. This was the second time Spain hit five goals at Australia and New Zealand 2023, having defeated Zambia 5-0 in the group stage. The team’s midfield maestro and Player of the Match, Bonmati scored twice, with Alba Redondo, Laia Codina, and Jennifer Hermoso also on target in a dominant display. Spain hit the front early on when Bonmati superbly cut the ball back onto her left foot before slotting home with a clever finish. Switzerland soon equalised, though in a bizarre fashion. Spain defender Codina misplaced a pass back to goalkeeper Cata Coll, with the ball rolling into the net to the amazement of the Eden Park crowd. Jorge Vilda’s side responded defiantly to that shock blow and were back ahead. This was when Redondo – starting her first game of the tournament – expertly placed an opportunistic header beyond Swiss stopper, Gaelle Thalmann. Spain was relentless at this point and forged 3-1 ahead through the brilliant Bonmati. If her first goal was good, then this one was exceptional. With one stunning turn inside the penalty box, she dribbled three Swiss defenders and their goalkeeper, then calmly finished to double her team’s advantage. Spain put the result beyond doubt just before half-time when Codina atoned for her own goal by prodding in from close range following a goal-mouth scramble. The second half was a more competitive affair, with Switzerland substitute Meriame Terchoun’s snapshot forcing a smart save from Coll. Spain were to have the last word though, with Hermoso completing the scoring with a clinical strike. Spain will face the winner of Sunday’s tie between the Netherlands and South Africa in the quarter-final. Jorge Vilda, Spain’s coach told newsmen after the match that his team approached the game well and were very offensive which was key to their victory. “What I liked the most about the team was our competitiveness – how we went into the duels and how we won the duels. “We showed what we can do, even without being at our best level. We made history [by reaching the quarter-finals for the first time]. “We proved we are a team of 23 players and we are very happy,” he said. Ramona Bachmann, Switzerland forward expressed disappointment over the team’s defeat, admitting however that they lost to a better side. “Today it was just difficult. You could see that Spain was a class better. “In the first 20-25 minutes we had a few good attacks, but we weren’t clever playing them through to the end. “We wanted to be dangerous on the counter-attack, which worked out a few times in the first half, but not so much in the second,” she said.

Group decries lack of inclusion, calls for equity, representation in Benue

The Benue Rebirth Movement (BRM), a non-partisan political pressure group, has advocated for political inclusion in Benue state. Led by Air Vice-Marshal Monday Morgan (rtd), the National Coordinator, BRM joined concerned elders from Benue South Senatorial District (Zone C) to voice discontent over the exclusion of non-Tiv-speaking ethnic groups from the state’s democratic gains. Since the state’s creation in 1976, ethnic groups like Idoma, Igede, Jukun, Etulo, and Nyinfo have been denied the opportunity to hold the position of Governor, while political leadership roles have been carefully zoned and rotated among Tiv-speaking areas. Currently, about 90 percent of key positions at federal and state levels are occupied by the Tiv, exacerbating the marginalization of Benue South. According to a statement signed by BRM PMC, non-Tivs have faced opposition from major political parties in the state, with accusations of being sponsored against them. “Despite the recent change in government, the issue of marginalization persists, prompting BRM to call for fairness and representation. “The movement seeks justice for Zone C, comprising the Idoma and Igede communities, representing one-third of the state’s local government areas and population. BRM, supported by various senatorial zones, emphasizes the need for inclusive politics and governance. “Air Vice-Marshal Morgan, a retired Air Force Fighter Pilot, and former Chief of Defence Intelligence, has been at the forefront of this agitation. He has engaged with prominent leaders and sub-unit leaderships across the state to campaign for inclusive representation,” the statement said. While BRM remains resolute in its pursuit of justice, it called on the state Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, to address the existing imbalance in appointments and promote fair representation as BRM envisions a future where political emancipation is achieved for all the people of Benue state, regardless of their ethnic origins.

Niger: Tinubu writes Senate, highlights 7 resolutions to restoring democracy

In a bid pursuant to restore democracy in the neighboring Niger Republic, President Tinubu has written to the Nigerian Senate, seeking their support in implementing seven crucial resolutions aimed at pressuring the military junta to relinquish power and reinstate civilian rule. These resolutions reflect the collective will of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and underscore Nigeria’s commitment to regional stability and democratic values. The first resolution calls for a military buildup and deployment of personnel to Niger’s borders, with the intention of enforcing compliance with the military junta. The President emphasized that this measure is not an act of aggression but rather a deterrent to ensure the junta understands the seriousness of the international community’s stance on democratic governance. In another resolution, the President seeks the suspension of electricity supply to Niger Republic as a means of applying economic pressure. According to the President, this move sends a strong message to the military junta that their actions have consequences beyond their borders and aims to foster public discontent over the lack of essential services. President Tinubu also highlighted the importance of rallying international support for the implementation of ECOWAS provisions. Diplomatic efforts will be intensified to garner cooperation from other African nations and the global community, demonstrating a united front in the fight for democracy. To further isolate the military junta and disrupt their operations, the fourth resolution seeks from Tinubu seeks to prevent the operation of commercial and special flights to and from Niger Republic. This measure will curtail the junta’s mobility and impede their ability to sustain their rule. In a move to exert economic pressure, the President proposed a blockade of goods in transit to Niger, particularly from Lagos and eastern seaports. This tactic aims to disrupt the flow of goods and impact the junta’s access to essential supplies, further fueling discontent within the country, Recognizing the power of social media in shaping public opinion, the President urged the Senate to embark on a sensitization campaign, utilizing various platforms as this campaign will inform Nigerians and the international community about the necessity and importance of these actions, garnering support for the cause. The seventh resolution calls for the immediate closure and monitoring of all land borders with Niger Republic. Additionally, the border drilling exercise will be reactivated to tighten security and prevent any illicit activities that may undermine the resolution’s objectives. President Tinubu emphasized that these actions are not taken lightly and are in full accordance with ECOWAS’ commitment to upholding democratic principles in the region. The objective is to restore civilian rule, safeguard human rights, and pave the way for free and fair elections in Niger Republic. President Tinubu’s call for the implementation of these seven resolutions against Niger Republic marks a critical step in the restoration of democracy and the rule of law in the region.

Nigerian Breweries hints of ‘moderate’ hike in beer price

The Nigerian Breweries (NB) has said that it is set to carry out a moderate adjustment to its current price regime.  According to the company, the proposed exercise is due to the continued rise in the cost of production. NB has 19 high-quality brands (Heineken, Desperados, Maltina, Life, Amstel Malta, Gulder, Fayrouz, and Legend) produced by nine breweries and distributed nationwide. The removal of fuel subsidy by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has led to an increase in transportation costs. A statement by the management of the company read in part: “We are aware of the memo in circulation issued by our Sales Director, Ayo Lawal on Tuesday, August 1, 2023, to all our direct customers notifying them of the upcoming review of prices of some of our SKUs, effective Thursday, August 10, 2023. “This notification to our esteemed trade partners is in keeping with our standard business practices, and commitment to business continuity for our customers.  “We would like to use this opportunity, to clarify, that this is a moderate price adjustment planned on some of the SKUs of our brands, due to the continued rise in input cost.” The company assured all stakeholders of its unwavering commitment to excellent customer service delivery and consumer satisfaction.

Ministerial Nominees: Tinubu withdraws Shetty, lists Keyamo, Mahmoud

President Bola Tinubu on Friday made an alteration to his list of ministerial nominees by replacing Maryam Shetty with two new candidates, Festus Keyamo (SAN) and Dr. Mariya Mahmoud. The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, read the President’s letter containing this update during Friday’s plenary session. The announcement came just before the commencement of the fourth round of screening, which saw former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola take the podium at 12:14 pm. Among those waiting to be screened were former Governors Simon Lalong (Plateau), Bello Matawalle (Zamfara), and Atiku Bagudu (Kebbi), as well as Abdullahi Gwarzo, Bosun Tijani, Isiak Salako, Tunji Alausa, Yusuf Sununu, Ibrahim Geidam, Lola John, Shuaibu Audu, Tahir Mamman, Aliyu Abdullahi, Alkali Saidu, Heineken Lokpobori, Maigari Ahmadu, and Zaphaniah Jisalo. However, the name of Maryam Shetty was withdrawn from the supplementary list of ministerial nominees. This development followed three earlier screening sessions, beginning with the examination of 14 nominees from the first batch forwarded by the President the previous Thursday. The initial screening included individuals such as former Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State, Abubakar Kyari from Borno State, Nkiruka Onyejeocha (Abia State), Bello Muhammad (Sokoto State), Sani Abubakar Danladi (Taraba State), and Badaru Abubakar (Jigawa State), among others. On Tuesday, the Senate screened nine additional nominees, including former Governors Nasir El-Rufai (Kaduna) and Dave Umahi (Ebonyi), as well as Wale Edun, Uche Nnaji, Stella Okotete, Adebayo Adelabu, Ekperikpe Ekpo, Hannatu Musawa, and Musa Dangiwa. The screening process resumed on Wednesday with Dele Alake, presidential spokesman, Senior Advocate of Nigeria Lateef Fagbemi, Muhammad Idris, Ali Pate, and Doris Uzoka facing scrutiny. Moreover, Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to the President, presented Tinubu’s supplementary ministerial list containing 19 additional nominees to the Senate. It is worth noting that Section 147 (3) of the 1999 Constitution mandates the President to appoint at least one minister from each of the 36 states. However, 11 states, including Adamawa, Bayelsa, Gombe, Kano, Kebbi, Kogi, Lagos, Osun, Yobe, Plateau, and Zamfara, are still without ministerial nominees as of now.