The Pacesetter Frontier Magazine

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  • Kano: Gov to give assent to amended emirates bill, as Assembly passes law today

    Kano: Gov to give assent to amended emirates bill, as Assembly passes law today

    Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf will assent to the amended emirates council bill any moment from now, as the Kano State House of Assembly reconvenes today to take a final decision.

    Recall that armed security operatives from the police and civil defence took over strategic places at the assembly on Wednesday, during which the lawmakers, drawn from both the ruling NNPP and leading opposition APC in the state, allowed the bill that sought to repeal the creation of five emirates to pass the first reading.

    The Kano State Emirates Council (Amendment number 2) Law, 2024, was sponsored by the Majority Leader and member representing the Dala Constituency, Lawan Hussaini Chediyar Yan Gurasa.

    The Kano State Emirates Council Law 2019 which created five new emirates was first assented to by ex-Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, on December 5, 2019.

    The governor assented to an amendment to the law on 14 October, 2020 and signed another amendment on 11 April, 2023.

    Section 3(1) of the law established five distinct emirates; Kano, Bichi, Rano, Gaya and Karaye, with Kano and Karaye having eight local government areas of jurisdiction each, while Bichi and Gaya emirates share 9 local government areas of jurisdiction each, Rano Emirate enjoys jurisdiction over 10 local government areas out of the 44 local councils in the state.

    When Emir Muhammadu Sanusi, who chaired the council, was deposed on March 9, 2020, the law was amended to read: “There shall be the chairman of the council who shall be the emir, Kano Emirate”.

    Section 12 provides that the governor may grade the office of an emir first, second, or third class subject to the approval of the House of Assembly.

    A principal officer of the assembly, who did not want his name mentioned, said “no Jupiter can stop the assembly from amending the law.”

    He said yesterday: “We were ready for this long ago and only God can stop this amendment. We wanted all these emirs to go 20 days after this administration was inaugurated but here we are. So, tomorrow (today) there would be a special session of the assembly to consider and pass the amendment,” the lawmaker said.

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    However, the minority leader of the assembly, Abdul Labaran Madari, told BBC Hausa Service that 12 APC members in the assembly were not opposed to the amendment, provided that none of the five emirates would be dissolved and the Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, would not be deposed and replaced with Muhammad Sanusi.

    He said though the NNPP lawmakers in the assembly have the numbers to effect the amendment, the opposition members would ventilate their opposition.

    Madari claimed that the ruling party had perfected its plan to dissolve Bichi Emirate as well as reinstate the deposed Emir Sanusi.

    Anxiety heightens

    Sources around the emirates said there was anxiety already ahead of today’s special sitting by the Kano Assembly.

    “As you can see, the Emir of Kano is already out of town, he is in faraway Ogun State, so, who knows…,” a source said.

    “His brother, the Emir of Bichi, is also out of town. We don’t know whether this is a coincidence or whatever,” he said.

    Another source said as soon as the Kano Assembly members signed the bill which will reverse the creation of the emirates, the governor will not hesitate to sign it.

    “He is just waiting for the bill to come, and you know that once he assent to it, it means the deposed emir would most likely return, latest by Friday.

    “They are all out to achieve this, but I heard from credible sources that some of the emirs might survive…The governor will initiate another amendment. The target now is the Kano emir,” he said.

    Daily Trust

  • At National Council on Sports, Tinubu lauds Mbah over safe environment, support for sports

    At National Council on Sports, Tinubu lauds Mbah over safe environment, support for sports

    …as Governor recommits to state-of-the-art sporting facilities for talent discovery

    Nigeria President, Bola Tinubu, has lauded the governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, for providing a safe and conducive environment for the country’s sports stakeholders to converge on the state for national sport council meeting, stressing that his administration was pleased with the governor over his commitment to promoting sports.

    This was even as the governor said that his administration had already sealed an agreement with the private sector to build a state-of-the-art sports park in the state to provide enabling facilities for sports development and talent discovery.

    President Tinubu, who made the commendation during the maiden edition of the National Council on Sports (NCS), which held in Enugu on Wednesday, added that sports play crucial role in the development of any nation which commits significant investment in the sector not only as entertainment and recreation but as business.

    Speaking on the theme, “Sports for National Unity and Socio-Economic Growth”, the president, who was represented by the Minister of Special Duties, Hon Zaphaniah Jisalo, charged Nigerians to see sports as a tool for fostering unity, promoting health and driving economic growth, adding that sports offers young people opportunities to build character, discipline and leadership skills.

    He called for innovative approaches to enhancing the sporting potential, inclusivity and equal opportunities for all Nigerians regardless of gender, age, or physical ability.

    Speaking, Governor Peter Mbah described sports as veritable tools for unifying a country, serving as a common language irrespective of tribe, tongue and creed.

    The governor, who noted that Enugu remained the home of sports legends, recalling also the exploits of Rangers International Football Club across the continent, and described the club as a poster image of the state’s illustrious sporting history.

    While acknowledging the huge economic role sports are playing in the global market, the governor urged stakeholders, both from public and private sectors, to consider investing in the untapped industry through the right partnerships.

    “Sports are a veritable catalyst for social change and economic growth. Every weekend, during the English Premier League season, Nigerians flock to viewing centres to watch their favourite teams play. This was the kind of fervour we used to demonstrate towards our football teams in the past. We should all be challenged to re-enact that,” he further recommended.

    He said that the administration recognised the huge sporting talents in state which led to the partnerships with some private sector investors to construct a state-of-the-art sports park that would create a platform for talent-discovery among the youths and sports enthusiasts.

    Governor Mbah further underscored the facilities to be expected at the sports arena on completion, which included training facilities, housing for athletes, physical therapy and sports medicine centre.

    On his part, the Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, stressed that Enugu was chosen to host the maiden National Council on Sports because of its strategic sporting role in the country.

    “It is indeed of historical importance that at this key moment, when sports in Nigeria require a reset, we are gathered again in a state I would consider a source of sporting excellence,” the minister added.

    He described sports as a powerful driver of socio-economic growth, calling for investment in sports infrastructure, talent development, and grassroots programmes in order to nurture athletic prowess, stimulate local economies, create jobs opportunities and promote healthier lifestyles among Nigerians.

  • Wike should let Fubara govern and concentrate on his duties as Minister – Peter Elumelu

    Chetanne Chinelo, Enugu

    Following the protracted political battle between the immediate past Governor of Rivers State and present Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike and the current Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, Mr. Peter Elumelu, a businessman and politician, has called on Wike to allow Fubara govern Rivers State. 

    Speaking on a range of national issues on “The Naija We Need” podcast monitored by Pacesetter, Elumelu wondered what the battle for supremacy was about, cautioning that it was needless. 

    In his words, “The problem between Wike and Fubara is just natural. If I have my way, I’ll advice Wike to allow Fubara have his time.

    “He (Wike) has had his time as governor, nobody disturbed him, so, he should let Fubara have his time and work. 

    “Wike should leave the scene. He has done well for the people of Rivers. It is time for him to leave Rivers’ scene and concentrate on his duties as Minister of FCT. He shouldn’t fiddle with the politics of Rivers.

    “There’s always this tendency for humans to contend for supremacy but it is not necessary. Once one drops dead, the whole thing ends. Wike doesn’t need to get involved in any supremacy battle”.

    On the level of hardship biting Nigerians at the moment, Elumelu commended President Bola Tinubu on doing his best with some of the reforms made so far but adviced the President to ensure his team acts with “human face”, lamenting how some of them act with impunity.

    “Our problem is management of our resources. If we can have the right people at the right place, Nigeria’s story will change”, he noted, regretting that racketeering and pilfering in the petroleum industry had become “the order of the day”.

    Proffering some solutions, he stated that he observed lapses in the foreign exchange. He called for a correction of the lapses and a realignment of the policies of the Yemi Cardoso-led CBN.

    He also called for increased security and effective policing in the country to tackle the ballooning rate of crime and insurgency, lamenting “It’s like we’re in a jungle”. 

    The former Chairman, Board of Directors of Delta State Urban Water Board, Asaba, also lent his voice to the call for the review of the emoluments of Judicial officers to enable a “change [in] their status”. 

    Mr. Peter Elumelu is an astute businessman with over three decades of professional experience cutting across the private and public sectors of the economy.

    He currently sits on the Board of several companies including Africa Prudential Plc., and Pet Jibson & Company Limited, where he is the Chairman/CEO. 

    He is also a Non-Executive Director on the board of Transcorp Hotels Plc. 

    Prior to his appointment, Peter was the Chairman, Board of Directors of Delta State Urban Water Board, Asaba.

    He has also taken several courses on corporate governance and risk management. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Directors (IoD) Nigeria.

    Previously, he contested for the Federal House of Representatives. 

  • Kanu Files Preliminary Objection Over Alleged Treasonable Felony

    Kanu Files Preliminary Objection Over Alleged Treasonable Felony

    Lawyers to the detained leader of the indigenous people of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, have filed a Preliminary Objection at the Federal High Court Abuja, asking the trial judge, Justice Binta Nyako, to decline jurisdiction to proceed with the trial against him.

    Part of the issue for determination, is whether the court has the jurisdiction to try Kanu for any, or all the offences charged against him in Counts 1, 2, 4,5 and 8,  to quash the said counts on the ground that the law which the said counts were predicated, is unconstitutional.

    They pointed out that there are two international tribunal decisions against the arrest, detention, prosecution and trial of Kanu, which under the Nigerian constitution, is binding on the court.

    They also stated that the law under which Kanu is currently being tried in these counts, has been repealed, and is also not supported by proof of evidence, adding that it is an abuse of court process.

    Counsel to Kanu is also asking the court to decline jurisdiction to entertain Count 15, because it is not in compliance with the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, not within the territorial jurisdiction of the court, and is not supported by any proof of evidence and law.

    They want the court to take further notice that count 3 of the charges is unconstitutional, as it seeks to punish Kanu for an act that was not a crime when it occurred, and is an abuse of the court process.

    Justice Nyako had on Monday, dismissed the request by Kanu for the restoration of his revoked bail and the removal from the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS), to a house arrest or prison custody.

    In a ruling on Kanu’s request, Justice Nyako said that she found as a fact, that Kanu jumped the bail earlier granted him, and escaped out of the country.

    The Judge also held that the sureties who stood for him in the earlier bail, had applied to be discharged, and had been discharged on the ground that they could not locate Kanu and did not know his whereabouts.

    Justice Nyako said that the only option left for Kanu, was to go to the Court of Appeal, and proceed to the appellate court to exercise his right of appeal.

    Channels TV

  • Why we shut down Abuja Plaza – Army

    Why we shut down Abuja Plaza – Army

    The Nigerian Army, on Tuesday, broke silence on a recent unrest involving soldiers and some civilians at Banex Plaza in the Wuse of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

    Army spokesman, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, said the plaza was shut after the incident on Saturday, May 18, 2024 to probe the “cruel treatment” meted out to “unarmed soldiers” by some persons at the trade plaza.

    He said the attack on the soldiers was “entirely unwarranted and unjustifiable”.

    The Army said a “meeting was convened with the management of Banex Plaza to identify and apprehend the perpetrators of the heinous act by temporarily shutting down activities in the plaza to ensure that the hoodlums who have been using the Banex neighborhood as a sanctuary to pose a security threat to the Federal Capital Territory were apprehended”.

    “This, is in furtherance of the need for extensive investigation to be conducted at the scene to determine both the immediate and underlying causes of this mayhem.

    “This investigation ultimately aims at ensuring the security of the Federal Capital Territory and to prevent such unwarranted attacks on own personnel and other security operatives, as has been observed in other areas, such as the unfortunate attack in Okuama,” the statement added.

    The Army condemned attack on its personnel and enjoined members of the public to exercise caution and restraint in dealing with military personnel and other security operatives, urging Nigerians to explore official channels to report grievances or misconduct by its personnel.

    Soldiers and policemen had over the weekend taken over the popular plaza after a scuffle involving traders and soldiers.

    A sourced explained that the fight ensued at the area after three soldiers met a trader over a phone issue.

    The involved parties appeared to have disagreed over the phone matter, further escalating the situation.

    The trader, whose shop was located at the complex, alleged that the phone dealers ganged up and overpowered the unidentified soldiers and a civilian.

    According to the police account, one Suleiman Ahmed got a phone from one Suleiman Ibrahim, a shop owner at the Banex Plaza. The buyer later went with four soldiers to persuade the seller for replacement upon discovery that the phone is faulty, which met the resistance of the shop owner.

    Channels TV

  • Gov Mbah Takes Investment Drive to Austria, Signs MoU

    Gov Mbah Takes Investment Drive to Austria, Signs MoU

    Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, has taken his investment drive to Vienna, Austria, where he held high level meetings with senior government officials, the business community and international development partners and also signed a Memorandum of Understanding, MOU, towards the development of the state.

    Mbah, who seeks to grow the state’s economy from $4.4bn to $30bn in four to eight years through private sector investment and strategic partnerships, met with the Austrian Minister of Interior,Gehard Karner; Minister of Labour and Commerce, Dr. Martin Kocher; Minister of Agriculture, Norbert Totschnig; Managing Director of the Austrian Promotional Bank, Bernhard Sagmeister; Director General of the International Centre for Migration Policy Development, ICMPD, Michael Spindelegge; parliamentarians, among others, who expressed readiness to collaborate with the Enugu State government for the mutual benefits of both parties.

    At the meeting with Austria’s Minister of Interior, Karner, Mbah and his host agreed to partner across various sectors with opportunities in Nigeria for Austrian SMEs.

    As a way of kickstarting a fruitful relationship, Mbah and Karner signed an MOU on behalf of their respective governments for the establishment of a K-9 training unit in Enugu to boost security and crime detection.

    Mbah’s meeting with the Austrian Minister of Agriculture, Totschnig, dwelt on the implementation of an agricultural model region, measuring about 2,000 to 5,000 hectares, and replicating the Austrian Cooperative success story in Enugu State.

    Meeting with the Austrian Minister of Labour and Commerce, Dr. Kocher, the Enugu State governor said his administration expressed readiness to help expand collaboration between Austrian and Nigerian businesses, especially in the areas of agriculture, hydro power, work and knowledge in semiconductors, possibly leveraging the already existing Austrian business presence at the European Business Park, Godfrey Okoye University, Enugu.

    “Enugu is open for business. We are your trusted partner for business in Nigeria and a stepping stone to Austrian businesses looking for a foothold in Africa,” he said.

    Meanwhile, the MD of the Austrian Promotional Bank, AWS, Sagmeister, said the bank was already supporting some Austrian businesses investing in Enugu State.

    Mr. Sagmeister said the Austrian Promotional Bank was interested in exploring more opportunities to provide guarantees, including guarantees for credits from Nigerian banks, for Austrian businesses investing in Nigeria and equally assist the Enugu State Government to design creative approaches to procuring foreign funding.

    Governor Mbah also toured the Spittelau waste incineration plant, which handles 250,000 tons of municipal refuse annually and generates a large proportion of electricity for powering the city of Vienna.

    Meanwhile, the Austrian Chamber of Commerce has invited the Enugu State Government to the next Africa Day in Vienna where the state would boost its chances of investment by meeting with over 300 Austrian businesses with interest in overseas investment and opportunities.

    The Head of International Relationships at the Chamber of Commerce, Michael Otter, said the Chamber was ready to work with Governor Mbah for the mutual benefits of Enugu State and Austria.

  • CJN Ariwoola Advocates For Suitable Salary For Judges

    CJN Ariwoola Advocates For Suitable Salary For Judges

    The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Olukayode Ariwoola, has said Nigerians will continue to suffer from the nation’s judiciary system until salaries, allowances and official benefits of judges are increased.

    He pointed out that the last time their salaries were increased was 17 years ago despite the depreciation in the value of the currency, causing them to live under harsh economic conditions.

    The CJN made these comments yesterday at a public hearing organised by the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters on ‘A bill to Prescribe the Salaries Allowances and Fringe Benefits of Judicial Officers.’

    He said, “When judges are well compensated, yes, they do their best, but actually, as clearly demonstrated, the real interest that is being looked at is the interest of these citizens, because they will be the ones who suffer the consequences of a deprived judiciary.”

    Ariwoola, while analysing salaries of Nigerian judges, equated it to a patient at intensive care unit (ICU) of a hospital who needs serious medical attention.

    “Distinguished senators, in a nutshell, what we are saying is this: the situation of judges across Nigeria is like one in a critical condition in the ICU. The schedule to the bill would stabilise the patient. When a patient is in that condition, you don’t start physiotherapy at the ICU; you make sure he is stabilised, move to the general ward, gain some strength, and then you now look at physiotherapy and all other therapists.”

    The CJN seemed to suggest that after the issue of judges’ salaries is addressed, then attention will shift to other judiciary workers.

    “In fact, our starting point will now be a reference to the chairman’s very own observation. But for now, let’s stabilise the patient, move him out of ICU and then we can talk about the rest later,” he said.
    Meanwhile, in an interview on Channels Television’s public affairs programme, ‘Politics Today,’ yesterday, former Nigeria Human Rights Commission boss, Prof Chidi Odinkalu, pointed out that hiking the salaries of judges and ignoring other judicial officers would breed discontent among the staff which could lead to industrial strife and shutdowns that will paralyse the system.

    The CJN, who was represented by Justice Kashim Zannah, the chief judge of Borno State, said, “The salaries were last reviewed in the year 2007. It has been 17 years earning the same amount despite the tumultuous depreciation in purchasing power, while other sectors have theirs reviewed several times over the period.

    “Judicial officers have been in silence. As a simple illustration, the exchange rate of the US dollar was N130.25 at the time the salary was fixed in 2007, and this exchange rate can be found on page eleven of the June 2009 Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission review report; that was the exchange rate as of the time it was fixed.

    “Therefore, as of 2007 when the salaries were fixed, for example, Ajali’s monthly gross pay before tax N661,738, divided by N130.25 it equals $5,080.000. Today, if divided by just N1,500, it is $441.

    “A salary of $5,080.000 has now dwindled to $441 only when it was fixed. In today’s terms, the value is equal to N7,000,600, 278.9,” he added.

    He said the bill on the floor prescribes N3 million, when it should be N7.6 million.

    He went on: “By the historic instrumentality of the 10th National Assembly and the noted and unequalled disposition of Mr. President to enhance the administration of justice, the current appropriation law captures an anticipated equivalent of the above example at a gross monthly salary of N3.2 million.

    “Now, notwithstanding the foregoing, we note with profound appreciation to the RMAFC that the bill on the floor is still structurally and conceptually a marked improvement that foretells a future of fair and just compensation for judicial work in this country.”

    According to him, great effort was made to move from generic public officer compensation principles to include an acknowledgement of the peculiarities of judicial office.

    He lamented that judges across Nigeria had endured 17 years of naira depreciation and consequent deprivation.

    In this presentation, the attorney-general of the federation and minister of justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) said the efforts to improve the remuneration of judicial officers has a chequered history.

    He stated that sometime in July 2023, the National Judicial Council forwarded a Proposed Review of Consolidated Salaries and Allowances for Judicial Officers for consideration by the president, with the NJC proposal a revision of the remuneration package earlier proposed by Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), which was not consummated before the end of the previous administration.

    Fagbemi said, “The instant NJC’s proposal for a 300 percent increase was informed by: prevailing economic realities of increasing headline and core inflationary trends. It can go a long way in putting in place an enabling working environment that engenders professional development and efficiency for judicial officers.”

    He expressed the readiness of President Bola Tinubu to respond positively on matters of improving welfare and standards in the judiciary, and promoting capacity, independence and confidence in the Nigerian judiciary, which informed his recommendation of the NJC proposal for the president’s consideration on 19th October, 2023.

    “On 20th October 2023, the president granted an unprecedented approval of a 300 percent increment in the remuneration of judicial officers. Consequently, the president directed RMAFC to review its previous May 2023 recommendation to reflect the NJC proposal.

    “This culminated in the present Executive Bill that was forwarded to the National Assembly in furtherance of a cardinal part of the President’s Renewed Hope for a Better Nigeria which is deepening Judicial Reforms to promote sustainable socio-economic growth.

    “I wish to remark that the Judicial Office Holders (Salaries and Allowances, etc) Bill 2024 is quite innovative; aside from the increment in the basic salary, it also took cognizance of certain peculiarities of the administrative structure and operation of the judiciary.

    “This Bill will birth an appropriate and commensurate remuneration that will ensure judicial independence and integrity,” Fagbemi said.

    On his part, the minister of finance and coordinating minister of the economy, Wale Edun, said the present administration is making an attempt to improve the lot of the judiciary.

    The chairman, Senate Committee on Judiciary, Tahir Monguno in his welcome address said it is their responsibility to ensure that the Nigerian Judiciary is equipped with the resources and support it needs to function effectively and efficiently.

    “By increasing the salaries and allowances of Judicial officers, we would be demonstrating our commitment to strengthening the independence and integrity of the Judiciary, and sending a clear message that we value their vital role in our democratic system,” he said.

    According to him, if the bill is passed, it will not only improve the living standards of judicial officers, but also enhance the overall quality of the Justice system, boost public confidence, and contribute to the long-term stability and prosperity of the nation.

    Leadership

  • Residents Laud Govt Continuous Engagements with Property Owners Over Planned Terminal Stations at Abakpa, Gariki, and Nsukka

    Residents Laud Govt Continuous Engagements with Property Owners Over Planned Terminal Stations at Abakpa, Gariki, and Nsukka

    Following continuous engagements by the Enugu State Government with property and business owners operating in government’s premises at the proposed transport interchanges in Abakpa, Gariki as well as Nsukka town, residents across the stated have lauded the government for its liberal and humane approach to dealing with members of the public.

    These commendations were made as another round of townhall meeting was held with property owners regarding the new transport interchange projects at Abakpa, Gariki, and Nsukka on Monday at the Ministry of Transport, Enugu, according to a government issued statement.

    Hosted at the Ministry’s Conference Hall, the gathering included prominent stakeholders such as traditional rulers, members of the House of Assembly, transport operators, union leaders, captains of industry, and other property owners. This significant milestone event is part of the ongoing stakeholder engagement and public enlightenment for the Enugu State Transport Infrastructure Project (TIP).

    The Commissioner of Transport, Dr. Obi Ozor, in his opening remarks, highlighted Governor Peter Mbah’s vision of using transport and logistics as a catalyst to transform the state’s economic landscape.

    The proposed project, part of the administration’s broader infrastructure enhancement plan, seeks to address critical challenges in the transportation sector, including traffic congestion, safety, road asset preservation, and efficiency optimization.

    The commissioner underscored the urgent need to develop supporting facilities such as interchanges and logistics hubs amidst the ongoing expansions in road infrastructure to improve the transportation network and meet current and future demands.

    Emphasizing the project’s scope, he noted that the governor’s plan for the Transport Infrastructure Project (TIP) extends beyond Abakpa, Gariki, and Nsukka and includes the Holy Ghost Interchange (Enugu Central Station) in the first phase and will also extend to other areas in the second phase.

    According to him, the new interchange will feature modern facilities such as lettable spaces, ticketing halls, external bus shelters, a cinema, food courts, CNG daughter stations, and a motel, benefiting all businesses.

    However, he disclosed the government’s concerns over the illegal practices surrounding government-designated parks, explaining that the lands, initially earmarked for public transport facilities to enhance traffic flow and service delivery as a government-owned property, have been misappropriated by private individuals and land grabbers.

    Instead of serving the community, he revealed that the plots have been converted into private residences, shopping complexes, business centres, and places of worship, thwarting their intended public use.

    “The misuse of these spaces has also contributed to hazardous road conditions. As traders are forced into streets, safety concerns are heightened, and unsightly urban environments are created. Such practices constitute encroachments, exposing the public to various levels of danger and insecurity. He reiterated that the Government is taking necessary steps to address these violations to appropriately utilize public lands for their original purposes and help improve urban planning and public amenities,” he added.

    Highlighting a specific case, the commissioner referred to the underutilized ultramodern 4,000-store capacity market in Nsukka, located on Aku Road. “Despite the available spaces, many occupants in the designated project site have been hesitant to relocate, partly due to a perceived lack of governmental initiative to repurpose their current locations for the essential infrastructure projects for which they are designated. Nonetheless, there has been some shift as some proactive citizens, aligning with the Government’s vision, relocated in late 2023 following clear indications of the state’s determination to proceed with the development of the transport interchange,” Obi further said.

    While many occupants have already removed their valuables from the three project sites, the commissioner said the governor, in his benevolence, has granted an extension of the deadline till Friday, 24th May 2024, to allow more people to clear their properties.

    The commissioner also disclosed Governor Mbah’s directive on an independent valuation of the impacted properties for further action, promising that qualifying businesses could have the right of first refusal for available lettable spaces upon project completion in 12 months.

    In response, the attendees praised the visionary leadership of Governor Mbah administration for driving substantial infrastructure development towards positioning Enugu as a top destination for business and investment, commending his humane touch in engaging and sensitizing the affected parties.

    They equally thanked the government for its resolve to ease the impact of the project on affected individuals through a coordinated compensation plan.

    The people equally called for increased police support in Garki, Abakpa, and Nsukka to ensure the safe removal of properties and to deter potential theft by hoodlums and scavengers.

    The Government has pledged to take stringent action against any criminal activities during the period.

  • In Ebonyi Community Attack, Four Killed, Seven Kidnapped, Houses Razed

    In Ebonyi Community Attack, Four Killed, Seven Kidnapped, Houses Razed

    Four persons have been confirmed killed in different attacks at Ikachi village and Igede village in the Akparata area of Effium in the Ohaukwu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.

    A spokesperson for the Ebonyi State Police Command, Joshua Ukandu, confirmed the attack to Channels Television on Monday.

    The police spokesperson said that two persons were killed and seven others abducted during the attack which happened on Sunday, adding that properties worth millions of naira were destroyed by the attackers.

    “We are aware of the attack, two persons were killed and seven others kidnapped. The command is on top of the situation.

    “We are working with other security agencies to ensure that peace returns to the area,” Ukandu stated.

    Less than 24 hours after two persons were killed and seven others abducted at Ikachi village, two more persons have been reportedly killed in another attack at Igede village in the Akparata area of Effium community located in the Ohaukwu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.

    The two persons were beheaded and houses razed during the attack on Monday morning, as the whereabouts of a 10-year-old boy was still unknown.

    The Ebonyi Police Spokesperson noted that the military and mobile policemen have been stationed in the community to protect the people and to forestall any reprisal.

    Ezza Effium and Effium communities have been in a communal war since January 2021 and the state government is doing everything possible to restore peace in the war torn area.

    Channels TV

  • Governor Mbah Tours Enugu Ceramics Industry, Assures of Sustained Ease of Doing Business

    Governor Mbah Tours Enugu Ceramics Industry, Assures of Sustained Ease of Doing Business

    Governor of Enugu of State, Dr. Peter Mbah, on Monday toured the Sapphire Ceramics Company at Obinofia Ndiuno, Ezeagu LGA, Enugu State, where he pledged to sustain the improved ease of doing business in the state under his leadership.

    Mbah said the successes recorded by the company were testimonies to the state’s improved business environment and a further assurance that his administration’s vision to grow the state’s economy from $4.4 to $30 was realisable, calling on both local and foreign investors to take advantage of this and the abundance of mineral resources in the state.

    “Frankly, this is exactly what we had in mind when we made the announcement that we were going to grow our economy exponentially. What we have planned is to see how we will have a government-enabled platform, but private sector-driven growth; and that is essentially what we have come here today to witness.

    “So, having such a humongous industry, a factory that is producing 75,000 square meters of tiles everyday and also has over 800 employees is good for our economy. And essentially, stories like this assure us of the fact that our projection of growing this economy to $30 billion is realisable.

    “We are very happy that we are able to provide this platform for Sapphire Ceramics to grow. Our job is to ensure that we continue to put policies in place to expand their operations to a scale where they will employ more people and reduce our burden as a state government.

    “We know that private sector investment won’t happen by a chance occurrence, but through painstaking and well-crafted policies to attract investors. So, we are mindful of all the key indicators of the ease of doing business – infrastructure, security, efficient legal and regulatory framework, among others.

    “Again, I want to let investors know that the slogan ‘Enugu is open for business’ or ‘Enugu is ready for business’ is not just mere posturing. We mean it. We are determined. We are not just going to provide the environment to do business, we are also going to help you de-risk your investment so that, indeed, Enugu will be that premier destination for investment,” the governor stated.

    Speaking earlier, the Managing Director of the Sapphire Ceramics, Mr. Wang Chengfang, commended the Governor Mbah Administration for rolling out policies, programmes, and development projects that support business growth and guarantee return on investment.

    He said, “We are honoured to choose to invest and set up a factory in Enugu State. In today’s complex global economic environment, we have been working with the state government to contribute to the state’s economic development.

    “Despite the current situation of unstable Naira exchange rate and increasing competitive pressure, we have always adhered to our original intention and worked hard to improve the quality of our products so that the company can gain greater development advantages in a difficult environment.

    “At present, our company has increased from the initial 300 local workers to nearly 800 workers. In the future, we will try our best to develop and broaden investment directions to create more jobs for Enugu State.”

    Mr. Chengfang urged potential investors to look in the direction of Enugu State for their investments.

    “As we all know, Enugu State is rich in mineral resources. Our company has chosen to invest and base itself in Enugu State. It also has a huge demand for mineral resources in terms of production.

    “We have always hoped to fully cooperate with the state government to strive to develop and make good use of the state’s rich mineral resources, and contribute to the state’s economic development.

    “At the same time, the development of our enterprise cannot be separated from the full support of the state government. The state government has provided a very good business environment for our development.”

    He said Sapphire Ceramics would be joining the Mbah Administration in its investment promotion effort and called on “more Chinese companies to invest in Enugu State and contribute to the ‘New Enugu City’ development plan.”

  • President Tinubu Appoints Ngelale As Pioneer Special Envoy On Climate Action

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Ajuri Obari Ngelale, as Nigeria’s pioneer Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action.

    Ngelale’s appointment was contained in a statement made available on Sunday to State House correspondents.

    The statement added that Ngelale will equally serve as the Secretary of the Committee, which is part of the larger Presidential Committee to be chaired by the President.

    Ngelale’s appointment as Nigeria’s Presidential Special Envoy on Climate Action is to bring central coordination to the Nation’s commitment to climate action.

    This gives a coordinated approach to all climate-related funding in Nigeria.

    The Presidential Committee on Climate Action and Green Economic Solutions, established by the President, will coordinate and oversee all policies and programmes on climate action and green economic development.

    The committee is also to coordinate all activities of relevant federal institutions towards the attainment of all agreed climate action and green economic objectives and non-oil/non-gas ambitions of the federal government.

    “Collaborate with all relevant government, subnational governments, non-government, and civil society entities towards the attainment of the climate action objectives and ambitions of the federal government.

    ”Collaborate with national governments and multilateral institutions towards the attainment of the climate action objectives and carbon market ambitions of the federal government.

    “Monitor, evaluate, and guide the progress of all climate action and renewable energy projects and activities of the federal government.

    “Track and guide the implementation of initiatives and developments conducted by the Energy Transition Working Group.

    “Supervise the work of the Presidential Steering Committee on Project Evergreen.

    ” Prepare a half-yearly green ambitions update, covering all associated climate action achievements of the federal government”

    Ngelale will retain his role as the Official Spokesperson of the President and Special Adviser to the President on Media & Publicity while serving on the committee.

    President Tinubu remains committed to achieving Nigeria’s green economy objectives on the path of a just energy transition while unlocking new investments in this critical sector that is central to the nation’s economic future.

    VON

  • EFCC Hands Over $22,000  Recovered From Convicted Internet Fraudster To FBI in Lagos

    EFCC Hands Over $22,000  Recovered From Convicted Internet Fraudster To FBI in Lagos

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Friday, May 17, 2024, handed over the sum of $22,000 recovered from a convicted internet fraudster, Hakeem Ayotunde Olanrewaju, to the Federal Bureau of Investigations, FBI, in Lagos.

    Justice Nicholas Oweibo of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos had, on August 15, 2023, ordered that the money recovered from Olanrewaju, who was sentenced to two years imprisonment for identity theft and impersonation, be restituted to his victim in the United States of America, U.S.A.

    Speaking during the handover ceremony in Lagos, the Acting Director, Lagos Zonal Command of the EFCC, Michael T. Wetkas, reaffirmed the Commission’s dedication to combating crimes and restoring sanity to the nation.

    “We are delighted to be handing over this proceeds of crime today.

    “The EFCC is willing and always ready to do more.”

    Responding, the FBI Legal Attaché, Charles Smith, said: “The EFCC and FBI work collaboratively together, and it is thanks to the EFCC that we can recover funds of this nature, especially from Business email Compromise, BEC.

    “This type of crime cripples businesses in the US, and for them to recover the money within one to two years gives hope to the affected companies and brings some level of justice, even if not all subjects have been identified.

    “We hope our relationship continues and fosters a more cohesive partnership between the two agencies. If there’s anything the FBI can do to support this investigation, we will do so.

    “We appreciate this on behalf of the FBI and thank the EFCC.”

    In attendance at the event were the Head, Public Affairs, Lagos, DCE Ayo Oyewole; Head, Investigation, ACE I Deborah Oni and Head Advance Fee Fraud 1, AFF, CSE Alex Ogbole.

    Also present was the Assistant Legal Attaché, Michael Thomas and the Foreign Service Investigator, Ayo Solademi.