The National Judicial Council, Thursday recommended Hon. Justice Kudirat Motonmori Kekere-Ekun, CFR to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for appointment as the Chief Justice of Nigeria.
The body also recommended twenty-eight (28) others as Judges of various Courts.
The decision was made during its 106th meeting presided over by the Hon. Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, GCON, held on 14 & 15 August 2024.
According to the body: “This is imperative as Hon. Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, GCON, will formally bow out of office as the Hon. Chief Justice of Nigeria next week Thursday on 22 August 2024.
“Council also recommend twenty-seven (27) candidates for appointment as Judges of States Courts and a candidate for appointment as Kadi of the Sharia Court of the FCT, Abuja to their various State Governors and Mr. President…
All recommended candidates are expected to be sworn-in after the approval of the NJC recommendations to the President and their respective State Governors.
States in the Niger Delta region, particularly Rivers and Bayelsa State, are expected to face months of electricity blackouts as vandals destroy 13 transmission towers along the Ahoada-Yenagoa 132kV Double Circuit transmission.
The spokesperson of TCN, Ndidi Mbah, made this disclosure in a statement on Wednesday.
Mbah said that 13 towers were along the Ahoada-Yenagoa 132kV Double Circuit transmission line.
He further explained that the incident was first reported by the Youth President of the Ukpeli Community in Rivers State on August 12, 2024.
He also said that given the magnitude of the destruction and the ongoing work on previously vandalized transmission towers, it may take several months for TCN to complete the rebuilding and stringing of the towers to restore power supply in the State.
“Thirteen transmission towers along the Ahoada-Yenagoa 132kV Double Circuit transmission line have been vandalized. The incident was first reported by the Youth President of the Ukpeli Community in Rivers State on August 12, 2024.
“The Port Harcourt region of TCN, led by General Manager of Transmission, Engr. Emmanuel Akpa, promptly visited the site near TCN’s Ahoada Transmission Substation to assess the situation.
“The team confirmed that thirteen towers, from T52 to T64, were affected by vandalism. Of these, nine towers have collapsed completely, while four are hanging precariously and could collapse at any moment.
“Given the extent of the destruction to the towers and the ongoing work on previously vandalized transmission towers, it may take several months for TCN to complete the rebuilding and stringing of the towers to restore power supply to the state,” TCN said.
Many states in Nigeria continue to grapple with the persistent vandalism of electricity infrastructure, often resulting in prolonged power outages lasting for weeks or even months.
The country’s power sector is characterised by weak transmission infrastructure which makes it difficult to send generated electricity to distribution companies.
In 2024, the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) reported over ten separate incidents of vandalism targeting its towers.
TCN emphasized that these acts of destruction amount to sabotage and called on security agencies and local communities to help apprehend the culprits.
In response to the incidents, TCN disclosed that it is currently mobilizing resources to carry out repair work on the damaged facilities.
Addressing the recent vandalism, the company appealed to all well-meaning Nigerians to join its campaign against the destruction of electricity infrastructure across the country.
The man featured in a viral video, in which his wife reportedly tore up his passport upon their return to Nigeria, has clarified that the entire incident was staged as a skit.
In a recent video shared on the family’s Instagram page, the man could be seen in the company of his children begging Nigerians to forgive him and understand.
According to him, what his wife tore was not a passport, adding that as a Nigerian, he cannot go against the laws of the country.
He said, “What my wife tore is not passport, she never tore my passport, she never spoilt my passport, we are doing a skit, this is somebody’s story of what happened that we are passing to the world. But I didn’t even know it would go viral.
“Please, I’m begging everybody, this is not passport, my passport is intact. Nobody should drag this thing to the mud.
“We are sorry, we cannot defile the law of Nigeria, we are full bonafide Nigerian, we cannot go against the law by destroying the passport of Nigeria, it is not possible.”
Recall on Monday, the Nigeria Immigration Service NIS on Monday said it has launched a formal investigation following the circulation of the video on social media, showing the man’s wife destroying a Nigerian Standard Passport at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos.
Service Public Relations Officer, DCI Kenneth Udo disclosed that the individual has been identified and invited for further investigation.
“If the allegations are substantiated, her actions would have constituted a breach of Section 10(b) of the Immigration Act 2015 (as amended), with corresponding penalties outlined under Section 10(h) of the same Act.
“The Nigeria Immigration Service remains steadfast in its commitment to upholding the provisions of the Immigration Act in the interest of national security, and to preserving the dignity and integrity of the nation’s legal instruments”, he stated.
The Governor of Ebonyi State, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru has charged Local Government Chairmen and Coordinators of Development Centres to embark on projects that will have direct bearing on the people
He made the call during a Church Service at the Government House Chapel Abakaliki.
“If you are a Coordinator or a Local Government Chairman and live in Abakaliki and you hardly go to the village, you don’t expect people to follow you. You must work for the interest of the people. Our youths need your attention.
“As a Coordinator, you should be doing a project not less than 10 Million Naira monthly and Chairmen are supposed to be doing a project of not less than 20 Million Naira every month.
“You reside in Abakaliki because the Governor gave you a conducive environment. Why can’t you get back to the village and do the same thing?”, he asked.
The Governor warned those sabotaging government’s contract in their various localities to stop forthwiith and called on Town Unions and other key arms of the community development process to supervise jobs in their areas in line with government’s specifications.
He commended the youths of the state for not joining the concluded nationwide protest, even as he called on officials not to take the honour given to the state by the youths for granted.
“They didn’t protest because we [they assume] we are perfect. They gingered us to do more. It’s a challenge for us government officials to ensure we do more. This protest is an atom of what we should expect tomorrow. If care is not taken, they maybe total shutdown.
“In this empowerment we are not giving opportunities for the members of the State Executive Council, Judiciary, LGA Chairmen, and Coordinators, we want the youth to benefit.
“The Government is embarking on so many project without supervision. We must ensure our projects are supervised. The project is yours. Ensure you exhibit ownership spirit in managing public utilities”.
As part of her 2024 August Meeting support to women, the wife of the governor of Enugu State, Mrs. Nkechinyere Mbah, has rolled out an eyecare programme for the screening and treating of at least 500 women with various eye problems.
The programme, which kicked off on Monday at the state’s Ministry of Children, Gender Affairs and Social Development, Independence Layout, Enugu, is being organised in partnership with the Ministry and Balija Eyecare.
Speaking at the flag-off of the three-day programme on Monday, the Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs and Social Development, Mr. Ngozi Enih, said it was in continuation of Mrs. Mbah’s efforts to make life better for Enugu women.
“This exercise is in partnership with the Office of the First Lady and Balija Eyecare. The exciting thing about this partnership is that these women are being screened free of charge. For those who need lenses, we give them lenses and those who need further referral, we will refer them.
“We invite every woman in Enugu State, but Her Excellency’s target is to screen at least 500 women in Enugu she has provided more than enough resources to bankroll the programme.
“Medication, screening and glasses are free of charge to make sure that 500 women in Enugu State, who are suffering from sight problems are taken care of. The screening is going to take place for 3 days.
“Remember that recently, Her Excellency enrolled 1,701 pregnant women into a one-year health insurance scheme through her Mama Care Initiative, and this is apart from 100 expectant mothers who were previously enrolled. The good thing about this programme is that it trickles down to the grassroots. Most of the beneficiaries of this collaboration are mostly women from the grassroots.
“This is her way of giving back to society to make sure that our women, especially those who do not have the means, have proper eyecare. Sight is life, and women need good sight so that they can fend for their homes,” Mrs. Enih stated.
Speaking to newsmen, the Director General, Sight Is Life Project for Enugu Women, Eze Emmanuel, said that eye condition among women, especially the rural dwellers, was a major concern to the wife of the governor, hinting that they planned to equally take the programme to the rural areas during the August Meeting.
Also, the Medical Director of Balija Eyecare, Dr. Ilodibe Onoja said the medical team had so far carried out comprehensive eye tests on numerous Enugu women, and were able to, in some cases, rule out eye problems like glaucoma, cataract, while also discovering some refractory errors like presbyopia, astigmatism and hypermetropia, which he said would be corrected with reading glasses.
He also blamed certain systemic health conditions like diabetes mellitus and hypertension for some eye problems.
The medical doctor, who warned against self-medication, urged Enugu women to take advantage of the benevolence of the governor’s wife to know their sight status.
Former Presidents Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari are currently attending the inaugural Council of State meeting under President Bola Tinubu administration on Tuesday.
The meeting is holding at the State House Council Chambers at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Also, former Heads of State, General Yakubu Gowon (rtd) and General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd) are participating in the meeting virtually.
Also present for the meeting are the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio; the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume and the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila.
Governors Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State, Hope Uzodinma of Imo State, Babagana Zulum of Borno State, Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State, Uba Sani of Kaduna State, Nasir Idris of Kebbi State, Usman Ododo of Kogi State, Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State, Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, Abba Yusuf of Kano State, Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo state, Kefas Agbu of Taraba State, Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State, Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State, Peter Mbah of Enugu State, Abdulrahman Abdulrasaq of Kwara State and Umar Namadi of Jigawa State are among the governors present as of the time the meeting started.
Governors Alex Otti of Abia State, Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State, and Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa states joined virtually, while the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, is attending physically.
Former chief justices Alfa Belgore and Mahmud Muhammed are also in attendance.
Others present are the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi; Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of Economy Wale Edun and Minister of Works, David Umahi, among others.
The Council of State, chaired by the president and vice president, includes all living former Heads of State and Presidents, former Chief Justices of Nigeria and the incumbent, the Senate President, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, all state governors, and the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF).
President Bola Tinubu is set to leave the presidential villa Abuja for Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, on a three-day official visit to honour the invitation of President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo.
This is contained in a statement released by the President’s spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale, on Tuesday in Abuja.
According to Ngelale, the visit to the Central African country will focus on discussions around investment as well as security issues in the region.
Ngelale noted that President Tinubu will meet with Nguema Mbasogo and deals particularly on oil and gas as well as security will be signed between the two leaders.
The statement read as follows:
“President Bola Tinubu will on Wednesday, August 14, depart Abuja for Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, on a three-day official visit to honour the invitation of President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo.
“President Tinubu will meet with the Equatorial Guinean President at the Presidential Villa on arrival, where meetings will be held between the two leaders and agreements, particularly on oil and gas and security, signed.
“The President will be accompanied on the trip by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, and other members of his cabinet who will be involved in the signing of agreements and review of opportunities to improve bilateral relations.”
President Bola Tinubu on Monday in Abuja inaugurated 30 hybrid Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered buses with the capacity to transport 3,000 passengers.
The locally-manufactured buses were donated to the federal government by the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
Speaking at the inauguration, the President said utilizing natural gas to power the nation’s transportation industry would reduce transportation costs, enhance productivity, and save the nation trillions of naira spent on the importation of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).
”If we can enhance our energy competitiveness and bring about transformative changes like this, we would definitely be able to achieve the prosperity that we are working hard to accomplish for our people.
”These CNG buses are promising and will enhance our transportation system,” the President said.
President Tinubu noted that commercial vehicles account for about 80 percent of the nation’s petroleum demand, citing examples of several countries that have switched to CNG for their transportation systems and are already reaping the benefits.
”Countries like India have mandated CNG for all commercial vehicles since 2004. In Nigeria, commercial vehicles make up about 80 percent of our petroleum demand, costing us trillions of naira every month.
”The solution is here. We have it. We will work on it. We promise you, definitely, things will get better. Prosperity will be achieved,” the President said.
President Tinubu commended Innoson Motors, the manufacturer of the vehicles, for its commitment to the CNG initiative of his administration.
In her remarks, the Chairperson of DAPPMAN, Dame Winifred Akpani, expressed her association’s support for the administration’s commitment to enhancing the nation’s transportation system, which she said would lead to lower transportation costs.
”This batch of hybrid buses, which DAPPMAN is donating to the federal government, is in furtherance to our support for this administration’s resolve to address Nigeria’s energy challenges.
”We are proud to note that these buses have been designed, manufactured, and delivered by Innoson Motors, a Nigerian company,” Dame Akpani said.
Many African nations are now turning to Nigeria to produce high-tech military hardware, says the Federal Government.
The weapons produced by the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), according to Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, show the seriousness of the Ministry of Defence and the new DICON management under the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration.
Matawalle added that the patronage by African countries was capable of “boosting foreign exchange earnings ‘’ by the country, creating jobs for skilled Nigerians and reducing capital flight.
The minister also told reporters at a news conference to herald NICON’s 60th anniversary, that over 150 other foreign nationals would exhibit their capability and capacity during the maiden Africa Defence Industries Conference and Exhibition in Abuja.
The exhibition which begins tomorrow will end on Thursday.
Matawalle said: “ We want to change the narrative of DICON. Many people have been asking me at 60 years old, what has DICON done? What are we doing? That we are buying foreign equipment, foreign ammunition, and other armaments that DICON cannot yet produce.
“But when we assumed the mantle of the leadership of the Ministry of Defence, we have been going up and down to ensure that DICON stands on its feet and to ensure the capacity and the capability of DICON so that we can be able to produce our own armaments; so that we can bring more investors, particularly the indigenous investors so that we should give them the right to do as it is happening around the world.
“Now, most of the countries, not just the government, are partnering with this Indigenous defence industry for the production of high-tech military hardware.
“Therefore, DICON is entirely a new DICON, and we assure you within a short time you will see the capability of DICON, and what it can be able to produce.
“We cannot be able to inform the public everything about our capability or capacity for security reasons. But we assure you that we have the capacity, we have the capability to produce and as you know, many countries, many African countries now are coming to DICON for the procurement of their arms and ammunition.”
The minister said the new DICON Act 2023 has the potential to significantly contribute to Nigeria’s development and national security.
The minister said since the establishment of DICON in 1964, the corporation has played a significant role in Nigeria’s defence sector, “collaborating with Indigenous companies to achieve excellence in military manufacturing.”
He added: “DICON’s journey began with a modest start, focusing on the production of small arms and ammunition. Over the years, the corporation expanded its capabilities, venturing into the manufacture of military vehicles, artillery, and other defence equipment. Despite facing challenges, DICON persevered, driven by its commitment to self-reliance and national security.
“DICON’s 60-year journey is a testament to Nigeria’s commitment to self-reliance in defence production. Through collaboration and innovation, the corporation has established itself as a key player in the defence sector. As DICON continues to evolve, its contributions will remain crucial to Nigeria’s national security and economic growth.
“This 60th anniversary marks a significant milestone in our journey of innovation, resilience, and dedication to the defence needs of our nation. Today, DICON is celebrating 60 years of dedicated service in the production and repair of military hardware and equipment.”
Kano State Governor Alhaji Abba Yusuf has announced the complete removal of the curfew as normalcy returns to the state.
The state government had imposed a 24-hour curfew following the violence, looting and destruction of properties that erupted as a result of the recent hunger and end destructive governance protests that turned in the state. It also relaxed it from 6.00a.m- 6.00 pm.
The state commissioner of information, Baba Dantiye, made this known on Monday evening in a media broadcast, noting that a decision was taken following the return of peace and normalcy to enable residents to go about their businesses without restrictions.
He also thanked the security agencies and the public for maintaining law and order and further urged them to work together to ensure peace and stability in the state.
…as Ododo Lays Foundation For Barefoot Renewable Energy Academy in Kogi
Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, has reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to addressing the manpower gap in the renewable energy (RE) industry.
The minister gave the reassurance yesterday at the groundbreaking ceremony for the establishment of Barefoot Renewable Energy College in Kogi State.
Chief Nnaji said: “This College marks a significant moment in our national journey towards sustainable development and energy transition. Today, we are not just laying the foundation for a building; we are planting the seeds of innovation, sustainable progress, and a brighter future for our nation. The establishment of this college shows the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology (FMIST) commitment to addressing the manpower gap in the Renewable Energy (RE) industry and harnessing our abundant energy resources through effective collaboration with the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN).
“The vision behind this college is very simple yet very much consolidated; as it is focused on the establishment of a college of excellence that will equip our youth with skills, technical knowledge and academic proficiency and certification needed to drive the renewable energy sector. This college and Academy will offer a robust and comprehensive curriculum that encompasses the various aspects of renewable energy, including solar, wind, hydro, bioenergy, etc. The students will benefit from state-of-the-art facilities, hands-on training, and a college comprised of leading experts in the field of energy.
“It is very pertinent to emphasize that the success of this institution will rely largely on the supports of the state government and the communities to ensure the nurture and growth of the wonderful initiative we are celebrating today. I, therefore, use this opportunity to solicit the full support of the indigenes and Kogi State Government in driving the process; through the creation of conducive environment for the sustainability of research, innovation, and practical applications of Renewable Energy Technologies (RETs) in the rural communities.”
Gov Ododo Speaking at the Foundation Laying For Barefoot Renewable Energy Academy in Kogi
Speaking while laying the foundation for the building of Barefoot Renewable Energy Academy at Confluence University of Science and Technology, Governor Ododo described the project as a groundbreaking, people-centered initiative aimed at sustainable development, adding that it is the first of its kind designed to be scaled nationally.
The governor stated that the academy would provide urban and remote rural households with sustainable solar electricity, contributing to reduced poverty, decent work, economic growth, reduced inequalities, and quality education.
Governor Ododo emphasized that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to fulfilling his campaign promises through this project.
He expressed optimism that the academy would also address energy scarcity, promote clean and renewable energy, and empower marginalized communities, with a particular focus on gender equality.
A screenshot from the video of woman who destroyed husband’s passport at Lagos airport
The woman who tore her husband’s passport, Mrs Igiebor, has broken her silence on the reasons she did it.
According to her, they have had family issues long before their return to Nigeria from Europe.
Igiebor, a content creator known for sharing content about her husband and kids on TikTok, made the revelation on Monday.
In the video, she said, “This issue has been going on for a long time and I have to do what I did. Don’t just look at my actions alone. I’m not a mad woman. I have gone through so many things. I have my own reasons.
“What if I had done this thing in Europe, where we came from? I don’t want him to go through much stress, which is why I did it in Nigeria. So many people at the airport that day saw me acting. It has been a family issue all the time. My husband even cannot speak about it. I suffered with him, and just like that, his family wants my suffering to be shattered.
“To be sincere, I did it so my husband would not return (to Europe). I have gone through pain. Many don’t know what I’m going through. My husband bought me an iPhone to calm me. It has been going on for years. He knows that I’ve not forgotten it; I’m just pretending to have gone past it.”
The woman apologised to Nigerians who were angry over her action and to Nigerian Immigration.
Igiebor further said her husband had neglected her for his family, adding, “My husband is a mother’s boy, sister’s and brother’s best brother, making me the wife to be suffering. I did what I did for him to know that I’ve been bearing the pain.
“Those of you calling for my arrest should come and hold me responsible. I cry every time after three kids. They should let me reap what I have sown with him. My husband should come out and say what happened,” she stressed.
Although Igiebor did not provide specific details about the events that led to the passport destruction, she hinted at family issues.
Igiebor, in a viral video was seen tearing her husband’s Nigerian Standard Passport shortly after they arrived at the Lagos Airport on Saturday, August 10, 2024.
In the footage, an agitated Igiebor, when questioned about her actions, retorted, “Is it your passport?”
However, the Nigeria Immigration Service has launched a probe into an incident.
This was contained in a statement released on Sunday by the NIS Public Relations Officer, Kenneth Udo.
“The Nigeria Immigration Service has launched a formal investigation following the circulation of a video on social media, showing a female traveller destroying a Nigerian Standard Passport at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos,” the statement read.
The NIS noted that her actions could be a violation of Section 10(b) of the Immigration Act 2015 (as amended), which prohibits the willful destruction of Nigerian travel documents.
The act outlines specific penalties for such offences.
The statement further emphasised the service’s dedication to enforcing the Immigration Act strictly to safeguard national security and preserve the integrity of Nigeria’s legal and diplomatic instruments.
![Man whose ‘passport’ was torn by his wife in viral video says ‘It’s a skit’ [WATCH]](https://news.pacesetterfrontier.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/images-6.jpeg)
