The Pacesetter Frontier Magazine

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  • At Democracy Day Banquet, Shehu Sani Tells Tinubu to Pardon Imprisoned EndSARS Protesters

    At Democracy Day Banquet, Shehu Sani Tells Tinubu to Pardon Imprisoned EndSARS Protesters

    A former senator representing Kaduna central, Shehu Sani has called on President Bola Tinubu to pardon the EndSARS protesters, who are still in detention.

    Sani made this call while speaking at a dinner marking the 2024 Democracy Day on Wednesday.

    Recall that many Nigerian youths protested across the country against the excesses of the now-disbanded special anti-robbery squad (SARS) unit of the police in October 2020.

    After a series of protests,  many protesters were arrested in cities such as Lagos, Rivers, and Ibadan, some of whom have remained in detention.

    Reacting to the development, Sani said the Nigerian youths who protested against the SARS took after Tinubu, who, according to him, was at the forefront of the struggle for the return of civilian rule in the country.

    He saod, “Mr. President, there are some people who are still in detention as a result of EndSars’ protest. They were young people who were protesting for justice, freedom, and democracy,” Sani said at the event attended by Tinubu.

    “Any young protester in Nigeria today should learn from you because you were the father of protest in Nigeria. Do something about it. Give them the freedom; give them the pardon.”

    “You taught us; you funded us to stand up and fight. So, they are your children and grandchildren; give them pardon.”

    The former senator also urged Tinubu on the need to foster freedom, equity, and justice in the country.

    “Mr. President, I would like to draw your attention. A national anthem cannot unite a nation. A national pledge or a constitution cannot unite a nation.

    “A nation is united by the ideals of freedom; a nation is united by equity and justice. Many younger generations of today have not and couldn’t know the sacrifice we have made to restore democracy to this country.

    “It is important that we bring attention to those who were not here in those days of struggle.

    “Democracy wasn’t a gift given to us by the military. It wasn’t a lottery that we won. It was a product of struggle and sacrifice. There were people forced into exile, like the president and commander-in-chief of the armed forces and the likes of Wole Soyinka.

    “There were people who were sent to prison like us. We are supposed to spend the first 15 years of our lives in prison, but by the magnanimity of God, we were out. There were many who were dead. This democracy is a product of struggle.

    “The Academic Staff Union of Universities made sacrifices, and the media made sacrifices. The NUPENG, headed by the likes of Frank Kokori, made sacrifices, and the National Association of Nigerian Students made sacrifices.

    “This democracy was a product of that struggle, a product of determination, and a product of sacrifices.

    “Mr. President, you have a duty to succeed. If you succeed, we will share your glory because you came from the trenches, that period of struggle. Mr. President, if you fail, they would say those of you who fought for democracy have nothing new to offer to Nigeria.”

    Vanguard

  • Appeal Court quashes Yahaya Bello’s contempt case against EFCC Chairman, awards N1m cost

    Appeal Court quashes Yahaya Bello’s contempt case against EFCC Chairman, awards N1m cost

    The Court of Appeal in Abuja has quashed the contempt case initiated by the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, against the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Olanipekun Olukoyede.

    Bello had predicted the contempt case before a High Court of Kogi State sitting in Lokoja on interim orders earlier granted by the court, subsequent upon which the High Court ordered Olukoyede to show cause why he should not be held for contempt, a decision the EFCC boss appealed.

    In a judgment on Thursday, June 13, a three-member panel of the Court of Appeal held among others that the contempt case was premised on dead interim orders issued by the Kogi State High Court, sitting in Lokoja.

    The Court of Appeal held that, as at the time Bello commenced the contempt case, the interim orders, on which the contempt case was built, had expired because the High Court had delivered its judgment on the substantive fundamental human rights enforcement suit filed by Bello.

    It noted that the interim orders, having been made pending the determination of the substantive suit and the substantive suit having been determined without the lifetime of the interim orders extended in the final judgment, the interim orders were extinct as of when the contempt case was initiated.

    In the lead judgment, Justice Joseph Oyewole held the trial judge failed to extend the interim orders of 9/2/2024 in its final judgment of 17/4/2024.

    The court awarded N1 million cost against the respondent (Bello).

    Nation 
  • LG Autonomy: Supreme Court Reserves Judgment in FG’s Suit, as Soludo Kicks Against LG Autonomy 

    LG Autonomy: Supreme Court Reserves Judgment in FG’s Suit, as Soludo Kicks Against LG Autonomy 

    The Supreme Court has reserved judgment in the suit of the Federal Government against the 36 state governors seeking full autonomy for the 774 local governments in the country.

    Justice Garba Lawal told the parties in the matter that they would be communicated once the judgment is ready.

    He announced the reservation of the judgment after a 7-man panel of the apex court had taken adoption of processes filed by the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi, on behalf of the Federal Government and those of the 36 state governors.

    At Thursday’s proceedings, the AGF asked the court to grant all the reliefs sought by the Federal Government in the suit.

    The governors, through their respective state Attorneys General and Commissioner for Justice, however, opposed the request of the Federal Government and asked the court to dismiss the suit.

    Fagbemi, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), had on behalf of The Federal Government, initiated the legal action against the governors, primarily seeking full autonomy for local governments as three tiers of government in the country.

    The AGF is praying the apex court for an order restraining state governors from unilaterally, and unlawfully dissolving democratically elected local government leaders, among others.

    Meanwhile, Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo has said that any form of autonomy for local government areas in the country is against the tenets of true federalism.

    Soludo, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria from 2004 to 2009, spoke at The Platform Nigeria, a programme by Lagos-based church, Covenant Nation, to mark the 2024 Democracy Day.

    He said, “Funny enough, more recently, some people are arguing for the autonomy of local governments including some APC persons, which would take Nigeria back many decades from what a true federation is about.

    “There is no federal system in the world where you have three federal units. The counties in America where we copied (democracy), their local governments don’t go to the centre to collect money directly.

    “Each state must have the power to design the kind of local government system they want. That is what true federalism is about.”

    Channels TV

  • Tinubu’s Democracy Day Broadcast: NLC says no agreement reached with FG on minimum wage

    Tinubu’s Democracy Day Broadcast: NLC says no agreement reached with FG on minimum wage

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has faulted President Bola Tinubu’s claims that an agreement has been reached on a new national minimum wage, insisting that its demand for a new national minimum wage remains N250,000.

    Speaking on Wednesday during his nationwide broadcast to mark Democracy Day, Tinubu said a consensus had been reached on the long-debated new minimum wage between the federal government and the organised labour.

    The president revealed that an executive bill would soon be sent to the National Assembly to formalise the new minimum wage agreement.

    He said, “In this spirit, we have negotiated in good faith and with open arms with organised labour on a new national minimum wage.

    “We shall soon send an executive bill to the National Assembly to enshrine what has been agreed upon as part of our law for the next five years or less.”

    But in a statement yesterday, the acting President of NLC, Prince Adewale Adeyanju, said there was no agreement reached by the Tripartite Committee on the National Minimum Wage at the time negotiations ended on Friday, June 7, 2024.

    He said, “Our demand still remains N250,000 only, and we have not been given any compelling reasons to change this position which we consider a great concession by Nigerian workers during the tripartite negotiation process.”

    NLC said it had to raise the point for President Tinubu, Nigerians and stakeholders to be aware because it appeared that those who briefed him on the outcome of the tripartite negotiation did not tell him the true situation.

    The statement reads in part: “We reiterate that it will be extremely difficult for Nigerian workers to accept any national minimum wage figure that approximates to a starvation wage. We cannot be working and yet remain in abject poverty.

    “While the president may have accurately recounted parts of our democratic journey’s history, it is evident that he has been misinformed regarding the outcome of the wage negotiation process.

    “The NLC would have expected that the advisers of the president would have told him that we neither reached any agreement with the federal government and the employers on the base figure for a national minimum wage nor on its other components.

    “We are, therefore, surprised at the submission of Mr President over a supposed agreement. We believe that he may have been misled into believing that there was an agreement with the NLC and TUC. There was none, and we must let the president, Nigerians and other national stakeholders understand this immediately to avoid a mix-up in the ongoing conversation around the national minimum wage. We have also not seen a copy of the document submitted to him and will not accept any doctored document.”

    Meanwhile, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said the federal government would not accept a minimum wage that would lead to mass retrenchment of workers, undermine the economy and jeopardise the welfare of about 200 million Nigerians.

    Speaking yesterday in Abuja at the opening of the 2024 Synod of the Charismatic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, the minister said the government was not against an increase of wages for Nigerian workers, but that, “We keep on advocating for a realistic and sustainable wage system for the workers.

    “We want the labour unions to understand that the relief that Nigerians are expecting, and that they fully deserve, will not come only in the form of an increase in wages. It will also come as efforts to reduce the cost of living and to ensure that more money stays in the pockets of Nigerians.

    “And this is where programmes like the Presidential CNG Initiative come in. That programme alone, by replacing or complementing petrol usage with CNG, will cut transportation costs by as much as 50 per cent.”

    Daily Trust

  • Tinubu Hosts Heroes of June 12 Struggle to State Banquet on Democracy Day 

    Tinubu Hosts Heroes of June 12 Struggle to State Banquet on Democracy Day 

    …Anyaoku, others lay wreath at Abiola’s Lagos home

    Heroes of Nigerian democracy got due recognition yesterday from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    He hosted them to a state banquet after paying them tributes in his Democracy Day broadcast.

    The President reviewed a full military parade to hallmark the day at the iconic Eagle Square in Abuja.

    He led eminent Nigerians to the event, which also commemorated the country’s 25th Democracy Day anniversary.

    Former President Muhammadu Buhari declared June 12 Democracy Day to commemorate the 1993 presidential election won by business mogul Moshood Abiola, who was denied the fruit of his victory by the then military government of Gen. Ibrahim Babangida.

    The election was annulled and democratic structures were erased to terminate the bourgeoning Third Republic.

    Abiola, who declared himself president in the heat of the struggle for his mandate, was arrested, put on trial for treason. He eventually died in the custody of the military government in 1998.

    The country never witnessed democracy until 1999, when the Fourth Republic commenced.

    May 29 made it 25 years of unbroken civil rule since independence in 1960 – the longest, but celebrations were put forward to yesterday.

    Those President Tinubu named in his broadcast are Chief Anthony Enahoro, Chief Abraham Adesanya, Commodore Dan Suleiman, Chief Arthur Nwankwo, Chief Chukwuemeka Ezeife, Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu, Chief Frank Kokori, Chief Bola Ige, Chief Adekunle Ajasin, Chief Ganiyu Dawodu, Chief Ayo Fasanmi, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, Chief Olabiyi Durojaiye, Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti, Chima Ubani, and others who have transited to the higher realm.

    He recognised the sacrifices of General Alani Akinrinade, Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi, Prof. Wole Soyinka, Chief Ralph Obioha and Chief Cornelius Adebayo, saying for at least six years, they bore the pains and difficulties of life in exile.

    The President said while the exiled pro-democracy activists kept the fire burning, their comrades at home sustained the pressure on the military brass hats.

    Among the latter, he said, are Dr Olisa Agbakoba, Femi Falana, Abdul Oroh, Senator Shehu Sani, Governor Uba Sani, Chief Olu Falae, and other National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) leaders such as Chief Ayo Adebanjo and Chief Ayo Opadokun.

    “The sacrifices they made, and the precious gift brought about by their selfless devotion can never be repaid. Neither shall it be forgotten,” President Tinubu said.

    The President was accompanied to the ceremony by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.

    They arrived at the venue at about 10:03 am and were received by dignitaries, led by Vice President Kashim Shettima.

    The President immediately took the salute from the Commander of the Brigade of Guards.

    He stood for the National Anthem at the saluting dais, after which he mounted the open-roof parade inspection vehicle, which conveyed him around the square.

    He waved at citizens who came to celebrate democracy.

    Guests donning colourful attires trooped into the arena to witness the ceremonial activities.

    Troops drawn from the Guards Brigade, joined by personnel of the Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force and elements of the Nigerian Police Force provided a military parade and entertained dignitaries, including members of the diplomatic corps.

    Before the arrival of President Tinubu, other senior government officials, including the Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) George Akume, as well as members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC), had been received to the state box.

    The highlights of this year’s anniversary included the various military drills performed by the armed forces and the police, a special drill by the Brigade of Guards, displays by mass bands and cultural troupes, and the unveiling of the world’s largest canvas painting portrait of President Tinubu.

    There was a minor incident when President Tinubu stepped on his flowing outer gown (agbada) and tripped forward into the open-roof parade inspection vehicle.

    He was helped up by security and protocol aides and continued with the proceedings.

    The video of the incident went viral on social media.

    The President made a joke of the slip during his speech at the banquet.

    He said: “Early this (yesterday) morning, I had a swagger and it’s on the social media. They’re confused as to whether I was doing ‘buga’ (a type of dance) or ‘babaringa’ (folding the agbada).

    “But it is the day to celebrate democracy while doing dobale (prostration) for the day. I’m a traditionally Yoruba boy; I did my dobale.”

    Reacting to the incident, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on his verified X handle, @aonanuga1956, stated: “Tinubu is not a Superman. He is human like all of us. President Biden has had several slips in the last three years. Even the younger Barack Obama slipped while President. Political leaders are human. Slipping should not detract from the import of Democracy Day celebration.”

    Former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, in a tweet, also cautioned against unpleasant comments, saying: “We achieve nothing by gloating about an accident that could well happen to any of us. We are all human beings…”

    President Tinubu, after the tasks, exchanged pleasantries with dignitaries before being ushered into the waiting vehicle.

    Also at the event were Deputy President of the Senate, Jibrin Barau; Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu; Chief Justice of Nigeria Olukayode Ariwoola; former Vice President Babagana Kingibe; National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu; Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila; Wife of the Vice President Nana Shettima; and Chief of Defense Staff Gen. Christopher Musa.

    Others were the ministers of Finance Wale Edun; Budget and Economic Planning Atiku Bagudu; Solid Minerals, Dele Alake; Defense Abubakar Badaru; FCT, Nyesom Wike; Power, Adebayo Adelabu; Youth, Jemila Ibrahim-Bio; and Youth (State), Ayodele Olawande, and eminent scholar Prof. Adebayo William.

    Also at the event were the pioneer National Chairman of the ruling All Progress Congress (APC) Chief Bisi Akande; former Ogun State Governor, Chief Olusegun Osoba, among others.

    Democracy Day events were also held in some state capitals, such as Lagos, which had multiple activities; Ogun, the home state of the late Abiola and Benue, where the Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia staged a walk.

    Military reaffirms loyalty to constitution

    The military high command reaffirmed its “unwavering commitment and loyalty of the Armed Forces to the Constitution and the President, Commander-in-Chief.”

    Gen. Musa expressed this in his message marking Democracy Day.

    In the statement by the Acting Director of Defence Information, Brig.-Gen. Tukur Gusau, the CDS said: “The AFN remains dedicated to supporting and strengthening democracy for the benefit of all Nigerians as we shall continue to collaborate with national and sub-national institutions to entrench constitutional governance.”

    The CDS acknowledged the sacrifices made by members of the Armed Forces in various theatres of operation across the country, which he said was evidence of their commitment to national unity and growth.

    He urged military personnel to uphold the tenets of democracy, safeguard citizens’ rights, and ensure a peaceful and secure environment for all.

    While ensuring that victory is insight against terrorism, banditry and other forms of criminalities in the country, Gen. Musa urged Nigerians to remain positive and support the military in the fight against criminality.

    APC: Betters days ahead

    The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) assured Nigerians of better days ahead.

    National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, said in a statement: “On the occasion of democracy’s silver jubilee, it is remarkably auspicious that our country is under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a veteran advocate and defender of democracy, an exemplary progressive and visionary whose contributions to the enthronement of democracy and nation building is simply monumental.

    “The Tinubu Administration has made impressive gains revamping our infrastructure to support the massive expansion of the Nigerian economy, implemented multi-sector reforms to remove age-long debilitating policy distortions and contradictions in the economy, tackled insecurity and revitalised the country’s security architecture, channelled resources to important social investments and poverty alleviation initiatives, initiated constructive engagements with relevant stakeholders aimed at achieving better wages and living standards for citizens.

    “President Tinubu’s bold target of building a $1 trillion economy for Nigeria in a few short years received amplified validation by the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) with its recent forecast that Nigeria’s economy would be nearly $2 trillion by 2029.

    “There can be no better indication that the Renewed Hope Agenda is right on course and that our best days are ahead.”

    CAN: Democracy best form of government

    The National leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) restated its faith in democracy.

    A statement by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, reads: “Our democracy has been tested by the fires of adversity, from the struggles of its early years to the present-day trials of insecurity, economic hardship, and social injustice.

    “Nevertheless, we remain steadfast in our belief that democracy is the best form of government for our nation.

    “However, we must acknowledge that our democracy still faces significant challenges. Insecurity, economic hardship, and social injustice continue to afflict our citizens.

    “We emphasise the importance of integrity, transparency, and accountability in governance.

    “Our leaders must recognise that power is a sacred trust, and they will be held accountable for their actions.

    “We also stress the need for unity and inclusivity, recognising the value of our diverse ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds.

    “Let us work together to build a stronger, more just Nigeria, where everyone has a voice and equal opportunities.”

    Nation

  • Enugu: Mbah Breaks 19-Year Jinx as NMCN Approves Internship, Indexing for ESUT, other Schools of Nursing

    Enugu: Mbah Breaks 19-Year Jinx as NMCN Approves Internship, Indexing for ESUT, other Schools of Nursing

    …As Mbah targets production of 3,000 nurses yearly

    After nearly two decades of waiting by successive sets of the Department of Nursing, the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) has approved internship programme for the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) Teaching Hospital, Parklane, Enugu.

    MMCN also approved indexing of Nursing students at the Colleges of Nursing and the former School of Nursing, Awgu, recently also upgraded to College of Nursing.

    The approvals were announced by the Registrar of the Council, Dr. Faruk Umar Abubakar, when he led a delegation of the Council’s accreditation team on a courtesy visit to Governor Peter Mbah at the Government House, Enugu, where he equally commended the Mbah Administration for providing the requisite infrastructure at the Colleges of Nursing, Park Lane and Awgu to create a conducive environment for teaching and learning, while also paying attention to the welfare of health workers.

    Dr. Abubakar announced the Council’s approval for the immediate recruitment of 50 interns to work at Park Lane, noting that with the approval of the internship programme, more graduate nurses would now be trained at the ESUT University Teaching Hospital to boost the state’s nursing manpower.

    “When you train nurses in Nigeria, they are specialists in Midwifery, General Nursing and Public Health and the internship program will strengthen the health sector,” he stated.

    He equally lauded Governor Mbah for approving the implementation of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS), which is the latest salary structure for Nurses, noting that with such show of commitment, the state would be able to retain a lot of its nursing manpower as they qualify.

    “Good salaries, provision of infrastructure, provision of human resources, employment of quality nurses, will help reduce migration of Nurses. So, I am very optimistic that with what you are doing in the state’s health sector, the environment will be so conducive and ‘japa syndrome’ will drastically reduce,” he added.

    While thanking the MNMC for the approvals, Governor Mbah, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof Chidiebere Onyia, regretted the stagnation of the state’s nursing institutions for the past 19 years, noting, however, that his administration decided to wade in strongly through massive investment in the health and nursing space.

    “We were clear from the outset that something consequential had to happen in the nursing space in term of infrastructure, manpower training, renumeration, and motivation. We cannot possibly grow our economy from $4.4 billion to $30 billion if we do not get the health sector right.

    “Let me also assure you that the gaps you have further identified will be given utmost attention. We will not play around with your recommendations,” he assured

    Meanwhile, throwing more light on the development, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health Matters, Dr. Yomi Jaye, described the approvals as “a monumental breakthrough”.

    “You know this struggle started immediately the governor came into office and found out that there were lots of accreditation gaps in the School of Nursing among other healthcare institutions in the state.

    “So, for 19 whole years that the NMCN had first sited the department of nursing , our student-nurses from ESUT were not indexed and they have not been writing professional examinations to qualify as nurses. One breakthrough now is the fact that as the Registrar said right here, all of them are going to be indexed. All backlogs swill be cleared so that by next year, there won’t be any backlog. This is what had been standing for 19 years. So our young Ndi Enugu It’s Exam time. Gov Peter Mbah has clear the way.

    “With this breakthrough also, Parklane is now upgraded as a College of Nursing, Awgu is now accredited as a College of Nursing.

    “We had 50 and we can now have 100. If we are able to do two batches, which they have agreed to do in the three Schools, we will have 600 Nurses. The governor wants to be producing 3,000 Nurses every year and he is committed to making sure that the nursing and other institutions are upgraded to world-class standard,” Dr Jaye said.

  • 2024 Democracy Day: Nigeria needs to return to a truly democratic nation – Peter Obi

    2024 Democracy Day: Nigeria needs to return to a truly democratic nation – Peter Obi

    The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has asked that the country should be returned to a truly democratic nation.

    Obi made the call in a statement on Wednesday, marking the nation’s Democracy Day.

    He said the nation can achieve the feat by collectively voting for democracy as it did on June 12, 1993.

    The former governor of Anambra State also called on Nigerians to stand in defence of the nation’s democracy and protect it from being sabotaged.

    Obi said the consequences of not being a true democracy have led to leadership failures that have resulted in uncontrolled systemic corruption, high levels of insecurity, increasing poverty rates, and unprecedented levels of hunger and hardship.

    He wrote, “As our dear nation marks Democracy Day today, commemorating 25 years of striving to be a democratic country, the fundamental question for all of us remains: are we truly democratic?

    “An unexamined life is not worth living, so it is now time to re-examine what we have been doing over this quarter of a century. Democracy, as we know, is the government of the people, by the people, and for the people.

    “While we may say that in 1999, we started in earnest in the right direction, today, we have deteriorated into what can be classified as classical state capture. Instead of benefiting all, it has become a deprivation to all.

    “The consequences of not being a true democracy have led to leadership failures that have resulted in uncontrolled systemic corruption, high levels of insecurity, lack of freedom of speech, increasing poverty rates, and unprecedented levels of hunger and hardship, which remain unsolved and are growing geometrically.

    “True democracy should be people-oriented, where the rights of citizens are respected, the laws are obeyed, the leaders remain accountable to the people, and people’s welfare and care, especially for the poor, become paramount and high priorities. Unfortunately, the opposite is the case in our situation.”

    The former presidential candidate also lamented some of the ratings, which he said were indications that the nation is not truly democratic.

    He added, “To further illustrate that we are not truly democratic and have only produced the vices enumerated above, we are now ranked as follows:

    “In the measurement of democracy, we have a democracy index score of 4.23, which ranks us low on the Global Democracy Index. In the Corruption Perception Index, we are ranked 145th among the 180 countries measured, showing a high level of corruption in Nigeria. In the Rule of Law Measurement, we are ranked 120th out of 142 countries measured in the World Justice Project (WJP) Rule of Law Index, indicating that Nigeria suffers from gross disobedience to the rule of law.

    “The 2024 World Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders (RSF) describes Nigeria as one of West Africa’s most dangerous and difficult countries for journalists.

    “Nigeria ranks 112th out of 180 countries where journalists are regularly monitored, attacked, and arbitrarily arrested. We are ranked 109th out of 125 countries measured on the Global Hunger Index.

    “Let us, therefore, use the commemoration of June 12 as an occasion to return to a truly democratic nation. We achieved that feat on June 12, 1993, by collectively voting for democracy in Nigeria. We must stand in defence of Nigeria’s democracy today.”

    Obi also urged all Nigerians to respect and protect all government institutions and obey the laws of the nation.

    He added, “I urge everyone to respect and protect the institutions of the democratic state, obey the governing laws of the state, be accountable to the people, and fulfil the responsibilities of responsible governance as contained in the constitution.

    “As we build a New Nigeria, these tenets shall be the pillars of our true democracy. It is possible.”

    Punch
  • Democracy Day: Gov Mbah Congratulates Nigerians, Salutes Heroes of the Struggle

    Democracy Day: Gov Mbah Congratulates Nigerians, Salutes Heroes of the Struggle

    Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, has congratulated the people of the state and Nigerians on the occasion of the 2024 Democracy Day, saying that democracy still remains the best form of government despite the teething challenges.

    Mbah, who described June 12 as a watershed in the nation’s democratic struggles, also paid tributes to notable Nigerians, including Chief Moshood Abiola and President Bola Tinubu, for their contributions to the enthronement of the current democratic dispensation.

    These were contained in the governor’s Democracy Day message to the people of the state on Wednesday.

    “As our nation celebrates Democracy Day today, I felicitate with Ndi Enugu and all Nigerians on this momentous milestone in Nigeria’s history.

    “June 12 is a watershed moment for our democracy, the protracted struggle for it and, ultimately, the democratic freedoms that we take for granted today.

    “So, today is an occasion for us to call to mind the sacrifices of everyone, living or dead, who played diverse roles in ensuring that democracy blossoms in Nigeria.

    “On this note, I pay a special tribute to Chief MKO Abiola, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu, and our dear President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR; among a host of others, for their heroic contributions in the struggle.

    “I enjoin everyone to let our commitment to upholding the democratic culture be renewed by the memory of the price we paid for democracy.

    “There is no doubt that our democracy might yet be experiencing some floundering steps and challenges, but it nonetheless remains the best form of government that guarantees prosperity for all.

    “Indeed, today is also a fitting occasion to restate my commitment to improving the lives of Ndi Enugu and to set the state on a firm path of progress.”

    He wished all Nigerians a happy Democracy Day.

  • Turkish Investors Visit Gov Otti, Positions Abia As Hub For Organic Fertilizer Production, Sales

    Turkish Investors Visit Gov Otti, Positions Abia As Hub For Organic Fertilizer Production, Sales

    Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has expressed excitement at the prospect of Abia being the hub for organic fertiliser production in Nigeria.

    Governor Otti said his administration would do all that is necessary to enable a group of investors from Turkey set up organic fertiliser production plants, which would derive its raw material from the sediments underneath rivers, lakes and swamps, saying that the State is open for business.

    The Governor spoke on Tuesday when he received the executives of Alliance Enterprises Limited, Turkey, who visited him to discuss the possibility of setting up organic fertiliser plants in Abia and making the State not just a regional but a national hub for the product.

    “For us in Abia, we are very open for business. You know that when you talk about food security, it is very, very important, particularly these days when the economy is in turmoil. So, we must think of alternatives.

    “When you talk about gross domestic product (GDP), it speaks to the productivity of the State. When you talk about poverty reduction, when you talk of job creation; all those can be located along business. So, for us, we don’t even need to give it a thought, we say, yes,” Governor Otti remarked as he pledged to support the realisation of the dream of the Turkish investors and their Nigerian partners, led by the former Deputy Governor of Imo State, Professor Placid Njoku.

    According to the Governor, who expressed optimism that his visitors must have done their homework before approaching government for support, Abia is blessed with abundance of water bodies across the various local government areas.

    Specifically, he said: “Just without any investigation, I know that the Ukwa area, all the way to Azumini, the blue river; the Abam area, these are places where you find water, and, of course, the Owerrinta-Imo River; parts of Arochukwu too, towards Itu River. I’m not an expert but I’m just pointing towards the area where you can find lakes and water.

    “It’s very interesting that all you need to do is take sediments from the water, that is what science does.”

    Governor Otti promised to allocate lands for the establishment of the plants at the location of the investors’ choice, but adviced that he would rather have them set up in areas already defined for such purpose, saying it would make economic sense as cost of starting up in other places will be reduced and they would take advantage of economies of scale.

    “The people that you require are in the room; Commissioner for Agriculture, Commissioner for Lands and Housing, everything about land is under him. I am giving him the mandate to provide you with land wherever you want to locate.

    “So, I want to once again welcome you to Abia. Thank you for this opportunity and I assure you that the Government will collaborate with you to make this a reality in the shortest possible time,” he restated.

    Introducing the team earlier, Professor Njoku said he brought the investors to Abia because, according to him, the State has great resources that can be transformed to better value, while assuring the Governor that if exploited Abia will be better for it.

    In his speech, the Managing Director of Alliance Enterprises, Engr. Melham Farah, said the company, based in Istanbul, Turkey, is into oil and gas, and agriculture. He said Alliance Enterprises is interested in transferring its technology to Africa, especially Nigeria, while Abia State appears to be the right destination.

    He explained that the technology involves taking sediments from the bottom of the water, swamps, and lakes, treat and and convert them into organic fertiliser.

    Contributing, a member of the team and former Vice Chancellor of Afe Babalola University, Ekiti, Prof. Sidi Osho, said the project would provide alternative for farmers, improve quality of food, create employment opportunities, among other benefits. She maintained that the idea is to make Abia a hub for organic fertiliser production and sales.

  • In Anambra, Gov. Soludo Signs 11 Bills Into Law

    In Anambra, Gov. Soludo Signs 11 Bills Into Law

    Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR has signed into law, eleven bills passed by the state House of Assembly.

    Governor Soludo performed the function at the Governor’s Lodge, Amawbia.

    The Deputy Governor, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, Speaker of the State Assembly, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze, among others, witnessed the signing ceremony.

    The newly signed laws include;

    Anambra State Electoral Law, 2024, Anambra State Touting Prohibition Law, 2024, Secret Cult and Similar Activities Prohibition Law, 2024, Health Facilities and Accreditation Agency Law, 2024, Anambra State Peace Building and Conflict Management Agency, Anambra State Oil and Gas Producing Areas Development Commission (ANSOGPADEC) Law, 2024 and Market Safety and Protection Law, 2024.

    Other are; Trafficking In Person Prohibition Law, 2024, Anambra State Revenue Administration (Consolidation. and Harmonization) Law, 2024, Anambra State Private Colleges of Nursing and Midwifery Law, 2024 and the Law to Amend the Anambra State House of Assembly Service Commission Law 2021 and for other Connected Purposes.

    Governor Soludo expressed great excitement after he has officially signed the bills into law and described the event as historic. He appreciated the Speaker and members of the House of Assembly for living up to their patriotic duty for the good of ndị Anambra

    “This assembly is one of the most hardworking and productive Assembly in Nigeria.Enacting the laws shows that they are responsive to the needs of ndị Anambra”

    “The laws have to be obeyed from today onwards, to avoid prosecution”; the Governor stated.

    Speaking on the ANAMBRA STATE ELECTORAL LAW which the Governor said that ndị Anambra have been waiting for, he announced that it has been finally delivered, pointing out that it will lay the foundation for organising and conducting local government election.

    He described it as a promise made and a promise kept, noting that the extant law met by his administration was rickety, saying that the team has taken pains to make a law that is in tune with the times.

    “We will subsequently set up the electoral commission. When they are done, they will announce the date and time for the election.

    “We have not had local government election in more than ten years. The infrastructure and basic institutions will be strengthened to have a credible election.

    “I’m excited that we are moving forward to have this foundation. We have been making sure to reform the local government system to make it viable for new administrations.

    “When we came in, we were ready to move on, but we met issues including over 14 billion naira gratuity arrears, insecurity, infrastructure decay, financial crisis, among others, but we are getting better by the day”; Governor Soludo concluded.

    Also in attendance were Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr. Ernest Ezeajughi, Principal Secretary to the Governor, Barr. Joachin Anaeto, Chief of Protocol and Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr. Chinedu Nwoye, State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Sylvia Ifemeje, Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, his Special Duties counterpart, Mrs Beverly Ikpeazu-Nkemdiche, Commissioner for Petroleum Resources, Barr. Anthony Ifeanya, Deputy Speaker, Anambra State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chukwuma Okoye, Majority Leader, Anambra State House of Assembly, Hon. Ikenna Ofodeme, among others.

  • Disconnection Notice: ‘Your Electric Bills, Disconnections Unlawful, Vexatious’, Enugu State Govt Slams EEDC

    Disconnection Notice: ‘Your Electric Bills, Disconnections Unlawful, Vexatious’, Enugu State Govt Slams EEDC

    …Demands immediate metering of all MDAs in line with NERC Order

    …Insists on forensic audit of inherited bills

    …Requests retraction of malicious publication, refunds

    The Enugu State Government has slammed the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company, EEDC, over its billing and disconnection of some of the state government’s offices, describing the actions as unlawful, malicious, callous, and vexatious.

    It also faulted EEDC’s claim of government’s indebtedness to the company to the tune of N1.3bn, explaining that besides prompt payment of all electricity bills received from the EEDC since May 2023, the Governor Peter Mbah Administration had equally cleared two months backlog of debts in line with the governor’s commitment to offset all legitimate electricity debts inherited from his predecessors.

    The government stated this in a letter to the EEDC Managing Director/CEO dated Tuesday, June 11, 2024 and signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia.

    The letter entitled, “Re: Notice of Disconnections to Indebted Customers and Actual Disconnections of Enugu State Government Offices”, reads in part, “Enugu State Government received the disconnection notice published in national daily newspapers. We have also received the information that EEDC has disconnected some Enugu State government institutions.

    “We note that both the publication of notice of disconnections and the actual disconnections on Saturday 8th June, 2024 were based on wrong premises and total disregard to NERC rules and standing Order on estimated billing of Maximum demand customers.

    “Accordingly, the state government notes as follows: That EEDC letter dated 7 June 2024 addressed to His Excellency the Governor of Enugu State that the outstanding electricity bill is N1,319,571,131.21.

    “That the said outstanding electricity bills are estimated billing of Maximum demand agencies and parastatals of the state government carried over from the last administration as the current administration has diligently and promptly paid all bills received from May 2023 to date including 2 months from the carried over bill which it has shown commitment in good faith to settle.

    “That NERC Order NO/NERC/197/2020 paragraph 13 subsection (a) states: ‘Any Maximum demand agencies and parastatals customer not provided with meter by 1 March 2017 shall not pay any electricity bills presented by a DisCo on the basis of estimated billing methodology and these customers are advised to report to the Commission.

    “Paragraph 13 subsection (b) states No DisCo shall disconnect any Maximum demand agencies and parastatals customers that were not metered by 1March 2024 on the basis of the customer’s refusal to pay an invoice issued on the basis of estimated billing after the compliance deadline.”

    Continuing, the government stated, “Considering the provisions of NERC Order, the recent disconnections of government offices, parastatals viz: College of Medicine ESUT Teaching hospital, Housing development corporation, State Secretariat, etc. is unlawful, callous and has inflicted malicious damages to the image and integrity of the state government. These acts are vexatious and completely unacceptable.”

    “Therefore, the government demands detailed bills and the accounts statements/histories of the government agencies that make up the claimed state’s indebtedness to EEDC for forensic audit investigations.

    “The government further demands immediate and total metering of al its agencies in line with NERC Order.”

    In furtherance of the rights of the state government agencies, the government additionally demanded a refund of its electricity infrastructure investment from which it said EEDC had made so much money as well as a retraction of false claim of the state’s indebtedness to it, which government insists was defamatory.

    “Following the NERC Order NO/197/2020, the government hereby notifies EEDC management that it will no longer pay any electricity bills based on the estimated billing methodology.

    “The government notes that it has carried out electricity infrastructure intervention projects investment totaling N2,979,334,305.19 from which EEDC collects revenue. The government demands payments for the investment costs and other debts owed by EEDC to the government.

    “Finally, the government demands immediate retraction of the malicious publication and immediate reconnection of all disconnected government agencies as the basis for a truce,” the government concluded.

  • Governors have no right to refuse payment of Minimum wage agreed – Comr. Fidelis Edeh

    Governors have no right to refuse payment of Minimum wage agreed – Comr. Fidelis Edeh

    Ikenna Igwe, Enugu

    Following the continued negotiation by the tripartite committee on an acceptable minimum wage and the declaration by the Nigeria Governors’ Forum that the N60,000 wage is unsustainable, citing concerns over budgetary strains, a public affairs analyst and Executive Director, Service Accord Initiative, Comrade Fidelis Edeh has stated that the governors lack the legal standing to refuse to pay any amount agreed to as the minimum wage. 

    Edeh, who spoke to News Central on the heels of NLC accusing governors of bad faith in minimum wage negotiations, wondered why governance should be left to the discretionary prompting of those who have been elected to govern. 

    He noted that one of the biggest challenges facing Nigeria was the fact that the rule of law does not thrive in public service and generally in Nigeria, reiterating that no governor according to the rule of law had any right to reject a legally determined minimum wage.

    “We are yet to understand what minimum wage means in terms of concept and legality, that what we have been having over the years is wage review not minimum wage, that once a certain national minimum wage has been determined and enacted into an Act, not even the federal government, a governor or the private sector can reject it.

    “The first Minimum Wage Act was in 1981, but the challenge we have is that overtime, because of insensitivity, the government has always allowed the adhoc determination. 

    “It is not minimum wage that is the issue now. This is a wage review. If the government wants to set the minimum wage, once it is determined, governors cannot begin to speak to it”, he said. 

    Pacesetter reports that when asked what his thoughts were on the fact that a certain governor had increased his state’s minimum wage to N70,000 and promised to further increase it pending the ongoing negotiations, while some state governors are yet to pay the current minimum wage of N30,000, the former labour leader argued that allowing arbitrariness to determine how wages should be determined was inimical. 

    “If a governor decides to pay N70,000, we say it is okay but assuming one decides to pay N20,000, will we say it is okay? 

    “What I am saying is that a minimum wage ought to be legally determined and the question should even be asked now – what is the role of the National Wages Commission? It is a shame that in Nigeria, people are still talking about N60,000 minimum wage. What can it purchase today?”, he asked. 

    Edeh adviced that certain indices like inflation, purchasing power of the citizen and cost of living should guide the minimum wage negotiations.