The Pacesetter Frontier Magazine

Category: News

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  • SAD: Actress Cynthia Okereke Is Dead

    Nollywood veteran actress, Cynthia Okereke, is dead.

    The actress, who had featured in scores of movies, was said to have died Tuesday night. Her demise is coming a year after enduring a traumatic kidnapping experience.

    Cynthia okereke
    Actress Cynthia Okereke

    The sad news was disclosed by her fellow colleague in the entertainment industry, Joseph Okechukwu.

    Okechukwu, a filmmaker, expressed deep sorrow, revealing that he had intended to pay for Cynthia Okereke’s flight ticket to America to continue their joint project.

    However, fate intervened, and she passed away on Tuesday night

    “May you rest in peace, dear Nwanyi oma. I am utterly devastated and at a loss for words. The fact that I was on the verge of finalizing your travel arrangements to complete what we had begun, only to learn that you departed this world last night, is one of the most difficult things I have ever had to grapple with recently. I pray that I will be able to recover from this profound shock. Life truly is fleeting. One moment you have it, the next it slips away.

    “Throughout the more than 20 years I have known you, you have been an incredible, honorable, and lovely soul to be around. I never could have imagined that you would depart so abruptly and unceremoniously. Words fail me.

    “Rest in eternal peace, Cynthia. May your gentle soul find tranquility until we reunite in glory,” he wrote.

    Nollywood actors have also expressed their grief over the loss of the late actress, who was renowned for her nurturing roles in epic Nigerian movies.

    Recall that Cynthia Okereke and Clemson Cornel were kidnapped last year on their way back from a movie shoot in Ozalla town, Enugu State, precisely on Friday, July 29, 2022.

    Monalisa Chinda, who also serves as the Actors Guild of Nigeria’s Director of Communications, broke the news. She disclosed that the actors had been reported missing when their families confirmed that they hadn’t returned from the shoot. Thankfully, they were later released after spending several days in the clutches of the criminals.

    Leadership

  • Ex Nigeria’s Vice President, Osinbajo Appointed Global Advisor for Energy Alliance

    Ex Nigeria’s Vice President, Osinbajo Appointed Global Advisor for Energy Alliance

    Former Vice President of Nigeria, Prof Yemi Osinbajo (SAN) has been appointed by the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP) as its global advisor to assist the organisation’s mission of accelerating clean energy deployment in developing countries.

    In a statement on Tuesday, the alliance said that Nigeria’s former number two man will support GEAPP’s partnership with governments to enhance the enabling environment and delivery effectiveness to unlock faster and greater capital flows into the clean energy sector.

    “He will also continue his activity as a leading advocate for ‘Just Energy Transitions in Africa’, including scaling up Africa’s share of the global carbon market via the Africa Carbon Markets Initiative (ACMI), the group added.

    GEAPP is an alliance of philanthropy, governments in emerging and developed economies, and technology, policy, and financing partners.

    Its common mission is to enable emerging economies to shift to a clean energy, pro-growth model that accelerates universal energy access and inclusive economic growth, while supporting the global community to meet critical climate goals during the next decade.

    The group aims to reduce 4 gigatons of future carbon emissions, expand clean energy access to one billion people, and enable 150 million new jobs in partnership with IKEA Foundation, The Rockefeller Foundation, and Bezos Earth Fund.

    The GEAPP also recalled that in May, Osinbajo was also confirmed as lead for the Commonwealth general election observers in Sierra Leone.

    Prior to joining GEAPP, Osinbajo, it said, served for eight years as Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and previously as Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice for Lagos State.

    An accomplished lawyer, Osinbajo, it said, holds the distinguished title of Senior Advocate of Nigeria. During his time in public service, Prof. Osinbajo, it added, pioneered several people-centred initiatives and programmes, including addressing access to justice, energy access and social investments.

    It added that the former vice president is one of Nigeria’s leading legal experts and has served as Professor of Law and head of department at the University of Lagos.

    The alliance stated that the appointment underlines GEAPP’s commitment to partnering with governments and communities across Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean to transition to clean energy systems that are driving economic growth, generating jobs and sustainable livelihoods, and helping to meet urgent climate goals during the next decade.

    It quoted Osinbajo while accepting the appointment as having said: “I am honoured by the opportunity to join this movement for green energy access. GEAPP’s collaborative model, sense of urgency, and focus on unlocking systemic change is well aligned with the ambitions of emerging economies as they seek a greener future for their citizens. GEAPP’s vision for change is ambitious.

    “That is entirely fitting; if we’re to achieve our twin goals of universal energy access and climate change action, while transforming the lives of millions, then we must set our sights high.”

    On his Twitter handle, Osinbajo said: “I am excited to announce that I have been appointed Global Advisor to Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet @EnergyAlliance. Together, we will work to unlock capital flows into the clean energy sector and boost Africa’s share in the global carbon market through #ACMI

    “GEAPP in such a short period has demonstrated a commitment to support developing countries’ shift to a clean energy using models that ensure universal energy access as well as drive economic growth, generate jobs & sustainable livelihoods and meet urgent climate goals. I am thrilled at the opportunity to work with @EnergyAlliance,” he stated.

    GEAPP Chief Executive, Simon Harford, in his comments, described Osinbajo as a role model for public service, explaining that his broad global network and relationships will be a valuable catalyst in GEAPP’s mission.

    “For many years His Excellency Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, has been a respected role model of public service at the forefront of policy formulation and implementation on crucial developmental issues relating to national planning, climate change, enabling the business and investment environment, governance, and social investment.

    “His professional expertise and leadership, alongside his broad global network and relationships, will be a valuable catalyst in GEAPP’s mission for affordable access to clean energy and a just transition for all,” he added. The group stressed that Osinbajo’s role begins with immediate effect.

    Arise News

  • Senate to probe fuel subsidy payments under Buhari’s Administration, call for establishment of refineries

    Senate to probe fuel subsidy payments under Buhari’s Administration, call for establishment of refineries

    The Senate on Tuesday resolved to holistically investigate all controversies surrounding subsidy and under-recovery regime by the government of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

    This is as it decried the N9.3 trillion expended by on subsidy regime from January 2021 to May 29, 2023.

    The lawmakers also called for the establishment of three functional refineries for local production and distribution of refined oil to enable reduction in pump price from N540 per liter to between N300 and N350 per litre, and to mitigate the effects of the removal of subsidy.

    This resolution sequels a motion titled, “Need to investigate the controversial Huge Expenditure on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) under the subsidy/under recovery regime by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).“

    Sponsor of the motion, Senator Chiwuba Ndubueze (APC, Imo North) in his lead debate, said the step taken by President Bola Tinubu on subsidy withdrawal in May, is commendable but, there is a need to investigate the regime.

    Ndubueze also noted that within ten years (2006-2015), the Federal Government through NNPCL claimed about N170billion as under-recovery and within 13 months (January 2018 and January 2019), also claimed a whopping sum of N843.121billion as under-recovery.

    Ndubueze and a few other Senators frowned at the excessive expenses of N9.3 trillion made on the subsidy regime by the Federal Government from January 2021 to June 2023.

    “It is very worrisome that the expenses made on subsidy under recovery by NNPCL during the period under review, particularly from January 2021 to June 2023, was N9.3trillion claimed to have been spent.

    “The money as shown by available records, reveals that in 2021, N1.42trillion was expended, in 2022, N4.3trillion and in the first six months of 2023, N3.6 trillion, totaling N9.3 trillion “

    The red chamber further resolved that its standing committees on Petroleum (Downstream), Petroleum (Upstream) and Finance, when constituted, will carry out holistic investigation on all controversies surrounding subsidy and under-recovery regime.

    It also urged the NNPCL, in conjunction with some major international oil companies (IOCs) in Nigeria, to form three different consortiums and build three refineries for the stabilisation of the oil market and the Nation’s economy generally.

    Order Paper

  • Turkey agrees to Sweden’s NATO membership

    Turkey agrees to Sweden’s NATO membership

    A SUMMIT OF NATO leaders in Vilnius, Lithuania’s capital, opened in dramatic fashion on July 10th. On the eve of the gathering, which begins formally on July 11th, Turkey lifted its hold on Sweden’s application to join the alliance. It means that Sweden is likely to become the 32nd member of NATO, essentially turning the Baltic Sea into a NATO lake and potentially ending a saga that has dragged on for more than a year.

    NATO officials warn that Swedish membership is not a done deal. A similar eve-of-summit agreement in Madrid last year proved less of a breakthrough than it seemed at the time. But Jens Stoltenberg, NATO’s secretary-general, tweeted that Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Turkey’s president, had agreed to forward Sweden’s bid to Turkey’s parliament “ASAP” and to “ensure ratification”. The news came shortly after a meeting between Mr Stoltenberg, Mr Erdogan and Ulf Kristersson, Sweden’s prime minister, which itself capped off weeks of intensive diplomacy between the three sides.

    A NATO statement published on July 10th indicated that Sweden had promised further measures against Kurdish movements that Turkey regards as terrorists and that the alliance had agreed to establish a new post, “Special Co-ordinator for Counter-Terrorism”, reflecting Turkey’s priorities. Bloomberg, a news outlet, reported that the European Union had also agreed concessions over a customs union and visa-free travel.

    It is not clear whether Joe Biden, America’s president, also offered inducements: Mr Erdogan was widely believed to have been using his hold on Sweden’s application as leverage to secure the purchase of F-16 fighter jets from America. Mr Biden did not mention the issue in a short statement welcoming the news, but Turkey’s state-run Anadolu news agency said that America’s State Department had supported the provision of the jets.

    If Mr Erdogan follows through on his promise, it is a triumph for Mr Stoltenberg, who has been accused by some allies of having been overly indulgent towards Mr Erdogan. Mr Stoltenberg, the alliance’s secretary-general since 2014, had been due to retire in October 2022 to take over Norway’s central bank. His term was extended by a year after Russia’s invasion. Allies have been struggling to agree on a replacement. Debates over succession “overshadowed” a NATO summit in Strasbourg in 2009, recalls Jamie Shea, a former NATO official, holding up proceedings by hours. Vilnius has been spared that fate: on July 4th Mr Stoltenberg’s term was prudently extended by another year.

    The relief over Sweden’s progress will be short-lived. The thorniest challenge at the summit is how to handle Ukraine’s bid for NATO membership. In 2008, at a summit in Bucharest, the allies agreed that Ukraine and Georgia “will become members of NATO”, but did not say how or when. Many now believe that was the worst of all worlds: a red rag to Russia, without any benefit to Ukraine.

    Ukraine and even its most hawkish allies agree that membership is a question for the future. “We understand that we cannot be a member of NATO during the war,” acknowledged Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraine’s president, last month, “but we need to be sure that after the war we will be.” A French official says that there are now “intense discussions among allies on the conditions” that would apply to Ukraine’s bid.

    Britain, France, Poland and other eastern allies want Ukraine fast-tracked after the war, much like Finland, which in April entered NATO less than a year after formally applying, compared with the eight years it took Montenegro. “We need something much more substantial and we need a path towards membership,” said Mr Macron in May. America and Germany are more cautious. “I don’t think [Ukraine is] ready for membership in NATO,” said Joe Biden, America’s president, on July 9th. “There’s other qualifications that need to be met, including democratisation and some of those issues.”

    America and Ukraine seem to be talking past one another, suggests Eric Ciaramella of the Carnegie Endowment, a think-tank in Washington. Ukraine sees the question of nato membership in symbolic terms, he suggests, as a signal to Russia. America takes a legalistic approach. “There is a very serious concern about advancing the language in a way that we have no clear path to…make good on that promise,” says Mr Ciaramella. Some European officials also suggest that the promise of nato membership should be withheld for now, because it might be needed as a sweetener for Ukraine in any future deal involving territorial concessions.

    That will disappoint Ukraine. The consolation prize in Vilnius is likely to be a separate document agreed by a smaller coalition of countries on the margin of the summit, pledging long-term military aid. The aim will be to signal to Russia that the flow of arms from allies to Ukraine is locked in for years to come, and insulated from the vagaries of national politics—including the possible re-election of Donald Trump next year. Individual countries will then publish details of their specific commitments.

    A fourth question at Vilnius concerns major changes taking place in NATO’s defence posture. Leaders will approve the alliance’s first comprehensive defence plans since the cold war, spanning 4,000 pages of text, including three regional plans covering the north, central and southern parts of Europe. Though Turkey had held up approval, the issue was resolved on July 10th. The plans set tougher expectations for how individual allies organise, train, exercise and equip their national forces. But there is still a political debate over the best way to arrange military forces in Europe for the purposes of deterrence.

    America, Britain, Canada and Germany have positioned relatively modest battlegroups on Polish and Baltic soil, with the intention of reinforcing them quickly in a crisis. The Baltic states retort that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, however botched, swallowed an Estonia-sized swathe of territory within weeks, and that war crimes occurred during even brief periods of occupation. They accordingly favour larger peacetime garrisons, and a strategy of forward defence. In recent weeks Germany has indicated that it is willing to upgrade its presence in Lithuania from a battalion of around 1,000 troops to a brigade of 4,000 or so.

    Yet there are also doubts over the wisdom of concentrating forces in the east. “Very generally, in military terms you want flexibility,” warned Admiral Rob Bauer, the chair of NATO’s military committee, “I would be cautious to have all the forces fixed along the eastern flank, because we do not know where the enemy will come.” Keeping stockpiles within range of Russian rocketry presents other problems, he noted. “If you have huge dumps of ammunition, they are vulnerable as well.”

    In private, even Baltic officers have misgivings. “I am not a great fan of more NATO boots on the ground in the Baltics,” says an Estonian field commander. “There is no point talking about additional brigades.” Instead, he emphasises long-range strike weapons. “What we really need is a capacity for targeted effect against critical nodes in the Russian system.”

    Ultimately, making the new plans reality will require a substantial increase in defence investment. In 2014 allies agreed that they would aim to spend 2% of GDP annually on defence by 2024. Most will miss the target. Some want to raise it regardless. “It is important to recognise that 2% should be a floor rather than a ceiling,” notes Camille Grand, an assistant secretary-general at NATO until last year.

    Others are sceptical that such levels of spending can be sustained. “That’s a discussion that largely ignores the realities of how hard it’s going to be to maintain that defence spending and…the threat perception of Russia in some western European states in particular,” says Sophia Besch, also of Carnegie. Even NATO’s newest ally-in-waiting, Sweden, is not due to meet the 2% target until 2026, following years of under-spending. The effects of electroshock therapy do not last for ever.

    The Economist

  • Reps to investigate illegal deductions, charges by banks, urges CBN to halt addition of social media handles to KYC requirements

    Reps to investigate illegal deductions, charges by banks, urges CBN to halt addition of social media handles to KYC requirements

    The House of Representatives on Tuesday urged commercial banks operating in the country to put an end to excess charges and illegal deductions from their customers.

    This call followed a motion presented by Rep. Godwin Offiono (PDP, Cross River), which the House unanimously adopted during Tuesday’s plenary.

    Presenting the motion, Offiono noted that some banks and financial institutions in Nigeria indulge in the unethical practice of fleecing their customers through excess charges and unauthorised deductions.

    He also notes that customers of different commercial banks are groaning over excessive charges on their accounts. The financial institutions known as Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) have reportedly introduced different deductions to increase their income, a development that is uncomfortable with customers.

    The lawmaker acknowledged that apart from Stamp Duty, bank customers also pay Value Added Tax (VAT) charges applicable on all VATable transactions in their account. Offiono said, “Commercial Banks are charging outrageous interest on loans and overdrafts at a rate that is higher than the agreed rate in the offer letter.

    The arbitrary increase in the interest rate on loans and overdrafts and increase in the other fees without notifying and getting customer’s consent as stipulated in the Central Bank /Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) guideline.”

    He expressed concern that the creation of charges not recognised in the Central Bank Guide to Bank Charges is a common practice by commercial banks.

    “Also concerned about the wrong application of maintenance fees, banks overcharging maintenance fees, the inclusion of transactions exempted from maintenance charge, loan liquidation and bank-induced transactions amongst others.

    Worried that as affected customers attempt to lodge complaints to the Bank’s Customer Care they are treated as beggars without result,” the lawmaker argued.

    In adopting the motion, the House mandated the Committee on Banking and Currency (when constituted) to investigate the issue of excess charges and illegal deductions by commercial banks in Nigeria and report back for further legislative action, within four weeks.

    Lawmakers Told CBN to Halt Addition of Social Media Handles to KYC Requirements

    Also, Nigeria’s House of Representatives on Tuesday urged the Central Bank of Nigeria to halt the addition of social media handles on “Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements” in Nigeria.

    The House also mandated its Committee on Banking and Currency (when constituted) to investigate the matter and report back within three weeks for further legislative action.

    The resolutions followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by Hon. O. K. Chinda, Hon. Laori B. Kwamati, Hon. Kelechi Nwogu, Hon. Ginger Onwusibe, Hon. Mark Essiet, Hon. Abdulsamad Dasuki, Hon. Victor Ogbuzor, Hon. Blessing Amadi and  Hon. Fred Agbedi.

    Presenting the motion, Nwogu recalled the recent directive by the central bank to commercial banks on the addition of social media handles on KYC requirements, thus making it mandatory for commercial banks to comply.

    He, however, noted that, “obtaining the additional information, would be useful to financial institutions in accessing customers’ online presence and activities, thus enabling better assessment of potential risks associated with money laundering, terrorism financing and proliferation financing.”

    Nwogu said, “as laudable as this directive may appear, it may be unnecessary as it is likely to bear pressure on teeming Nigerian masses at a trying period. This is cognisant of the fact that this directive by the CBN is in conflict with the provision of Section 37 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) on the right to privacy of citizens.

    “This is also cognisant of the fact that banks in the country already have the names, telephone numbers, passport photographs, emails, National Identification Number (NIN), Biometric Verification Number (BVN), utility bills and other basic requirements with which to identify, know and monitor customers.

    “There are better means of monitoring money laundering, terrorism financing, and proliferation financing, such as the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), intelligence and crime tracking agencies, amongst others.”

    He further stressed that if the directive takes effect, Nigerians who are not on social media, with large turn overs from their businesses and trades, would be compelled to or systematically excluded from formal banking systems with its attendant negative effects and implications.

    “Implementing the CBN’s directive at this point may clearly be unnecessary as it is likely to bear a lot of pressure on teeming Nigerian masses,” he said.

    However, the House also mandated its Committee on Legislative Compliance (when constituted) t o ensure implementation.

    Order Paper/Arise News

  • Tinubu directs search for masterminds of Plateau, Benue killings

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed security agencies to fish out the masterminds of what he called “dastardly acts” of killings in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State and parts of Benue State.

    The president, in a statement on Tuesday by his spokesman, Dele Alake, condemned the most recent internecine killings.

    Tinubu, who expressed sadness and grief over the latest round of violence in Plateau State, described the festering “reprisal attacks, needless and avoidable bloodletting” among communities in the two states “very depressing”.

    He, however, charged the governments of Plateau and Benue States and emergency response agencies to provide support and immediate relief to victims who have been displaced as a result of the conflicts.

    He reaffirmed his government’s determination to stamp out violent crimes and all forms of criminalities everywhere in Nigeria.

    President Tinubu urged community leaders, religious leaders, traditional rulers, socio-cultural organisations as well as the leadership of Arewa Consultative Forum, Jama’atu Nasril Islam, and Christian Association of Nigeria to work together to help foster genuine and long-lasting peace, rebuild trust and restore harmony to the conflict areas.

    “It is most unfortunate that in this orgy of violence, an innocent eight-month-old baby in Farin Lamba community of Vwang District, Jos South Local Government, died in a conflict she knew nothing about.

    “A major consequence of perennial conflict is always the tragic loss of innocent lives. To build virile, peaceful and prosperous communities demand tolerance and forgiveness for every perceived wrongdoing,” the president said in the statement titled ‘Plateau Killings: We Must Break This Cycle of Violence’.

    Daily Trust

  • Fed Gov’t Set To Harmonise FIRS, Customs, Others

    Fed Gov’t Set To Harmonise FIRS, Customs, Others

    The Federal Government is set to harmonise all revenue-collecting agencies in Nigeria.

    The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Revenue, Zach Adedeji made this known on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme on Monday.

    Adedeji said the government will double the country’s total annual revenue which is currently below N15trn by deepening the nation’s revenue collection system and not by adding extra taxes.

    According to the President’s revenue chief, Nigeria has a revenue problem but the current administration is prepared to tackle the challenge through fiscal discipline and harmonisation of revenue channels using technology to view all government revenue-collecting agencies in realtime.

    “The law is very clear as to how to collect revenue. In Section 162 of the Nigerian Constitution, it is clearly stated that there shall be an account called the Federation Account and all government revenue must be put into that account,” Adedeji said.

    “When we talk about harmonisation, we are just saying integration of all collecting agencies, that on one platform, we can know what is happening in NIMASA, NPA, NCC, Customs, Federal Inland Revenue (Service)…We will make use of technology to know everything going on in realtime.”

    Adedeji clarified that the Tinubu administration is not going to collapse revenue-generating bodies like the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), and the Nigeria Customs Service.

    Rather, he said, the current administration will use technology to integrate all revenue-collecting agencies to monitor revenue in real-time and remove any form of “government within government”.

    Adedeji also stressed that Tinubu has already approved the harmonisation of all the revenue-collecting agencies.

    “We are not collapsing. NNPC will be NNPC because it is limited, Federal Inland Revenue (Service) will be but the collection of all revenue will be technologically driven by data…Why there seems to be government within government is because of the law because there is no real law that specify what they should do.”

    He also said the removal of petrol subsidy and the unification of foreign exchange rates has removed the “distortion we have in our economy”, saying Nigerians would soon begin to see the “windfall which I know will bring shared prosperity for all Nigerians”.

    Channels TV

  • ONDO: Gov. Akeredolu Writes State Assembly To Seek Extension Of Medical Leave

    Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has forwarded a letter of extension on medical leave to the State House of Assembly.

    This notice came after his doctors advised him on the need to take adquate rest after recuperating.

    Receiving the letter on behalf of other lawmakers, the Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Olamide Oladiji, said Akeredolu’s action was in line with Section 190 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

    According to the letter, Akeredolu’s deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa would continue to act as governor until there is a written declaration to the contrary.

    Akeredolu had in a letter dated June 5, 2023, earlier informed the House of his decision to proceed on medical leave and was expected to resume on July 6, 2023.

    Channels TV

  • Court Bars INEC From Prosecuting Ari, Suspended Adamawa REC

    Court Bars INEC From Prosecuting Ari, Suspended Adamawa REC

    Justice Donatus Okorowo of a Federal High Court in Abuja, has stopped the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from prosecuting the suspended Adamawa Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Hudu Yunusa-Ari, over his declaration of Aisha ‘Binani’ Dahiru, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, as winner of the March 18 Adamawa State governorship poll.

    Suspended Adamawa REC, Hudu Yunusa Ari
    Suspended Adamawa Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Hudu Yunusa-Ari

    The court gave the order after Chief Michael Aondoaka, SAN, counsel to Ms Dahiru, moved the ex-parte motion to the effect.

    In the ex-parte motion marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/935/2023, the APC candidate in the poll sued INEC, the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and another as respondents in the suit.

    Mr Aondoaka, while moving the motion on Monday, argued that until the Election Petition Tribunal decides his client’s fate per Section 149 of the Electoral Act, 2022, the prosecution of Mr Yunusa-Ari cannot be valid.

    He said the decision of INEC to file an action against any person involved in Ms Dahiru’s April 15 declaration as winner of the supplementary poll in the state when the Tribunal was yet to determine the petition of his client would deprive her of section 285(6) of the law which gives 180 days within which the petition filed on May 6 should be dispensed with.

    The senior lawyer informed the court that though a similar suit was filed before Justice Inyang Ekwo, where a judicial review of INEC’s action was sought, the sister court ordered Ms Dahiru to approach a Tribunal with her suit, having been an election-related matter.

    Mr Aondoakaa said an undertaking had been signed to prove to the court that the present suit was not frivolous.

    He said in the undertaking, they were ready to face any cost should the court find the case to be frivolous.

    After listening to Mr Andoaka, Justice Okorowo ordered the parties to maintain the status quo ante bellum pending the hearing and determination of the matter.

    The judge, who adjourned the matter until July 18 for a hearing, ordered the respondents to show cause while the reliefs sought by Ms Dahiru should not be granted.

    Leadership

  • DSS Clears Air on Yari’s Arrest, Invasion Of ICPC, CCB

    DSS Clears Air on Yari’s Arrest, Invasion Of ICPC, CCB

    The Department of State Services (DSS) has stated that former Zamfara State governor, Senator Abdulaziz Yari was not arrested for allegedly refusing to pick the president’s phone call as was reported in some online publications.

    This is even as the DSS denied reports of storming the offices of the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) to cart away certain files indicting president Bola Tinubu and his aides.

    DSS spokesperson, Dr Peter Afunanya while making the clarification in a statement, said, “The Service ordinarily would not have responded to these inaccuracies but for the fickle minded and vulnerable persons as well as the unsuspecting public that may take the lies for facts.

    “To set the records straight, the DSS did not execute operations of any kind at the ICPC and CCB or remove files from their offices. Instructively, the two agencies have, on their own, refuted the news in widely circulated press statements.”

    On the Yari issue, the DSS said, “It is petty, if not laughable, to report that senator Yari was invited for refusing to pick the president’s call. This is the height of junk journalism. Yari knows why he was invited.

    “In fact, the Service denies all the allegations as they lack any factual basis or credibility. They are only figments of the creators’ imaginations. This is more so that the publishers in question have been noted in and outside the country for their notoriety for peddling fake news, sensational and gutter journalism. Without a modicum of proper and civilised behaviour, they indulge in character assassinations and sundry blackmail as business.”

    The DSS further stated that these reports are parts of the hatchet jobs designed to smear or impeach the integrity of the Service and its leadership.

    According to Afunanya, “Notably, the Service proactively alerted the public about this development earlier in June, 2023. While it is aware of the sponsors of these campaigns of calumny, it will simply allow them to exhaust themselves knowing too well that they would someday be brought to justice. Many days, it is said, are sure for the thief but there will be that one day for the owner of the house.”

    “It is clear that the writers and their sponsors are oblivious of the accolades the Service has continued to receive from the majority of stakeholders for excellent performance and its professional demeanour in handling many critical issues of national importance. Rather, they have chosen to use their platforms to subvert the agency and undermine its capabilities.

    “Restating its respect for the rule of law, independence and autonomy of other agencies including the Judiciary and Legislature, it will not shirk its responsibilities or allow some detractors to prevent it from undertaking its statutory duties or carrying out lawful orders by constituted authorities. If Yari or anyone else is to be invited or taken into custody, the Service will not hesitate to do so as far as that is procedurally done within the confines of the law.

    “The Service will remain focused, resilient, patriotic and professional in the conduct of its affairs. Members of the public are enjoined to disregard the misleading stories which are aimed at causing disaffection in the country and disparaging the Service’ leadership. The Service will continue to work with relevant stakeholders to address security challenges in the country in line with its mandate and the directives of the President. It does not matter how many times naysayers and hostile agents will plan to distract it.”

    Leadership

  • Sit-at-Home: Enugu’s Mbah mulls dragging enforcers to ICC, as Ohaneze says Ekpa tool to destabilise SE, use Biafra, Kanu to enrich self

    Sit-at-Home: Enugu’s Mbah mulls dragging enforcers to ICC, as Ohaneze says Ekpa tool to destabilise SE, use Biafra, Kanu to enrich self

    …We won’t take orders from Murderers, Rogues, Gov. Mbah fumes

    …Urges combined action against scaremongering, fake news

    …Says sit-at-home enforcers not after Nnamdi Kanu’s freedom

    Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, has declared that the state was wining the war against sit-a-at-home enforcers and would never take orders from people he described as murderers and enemies of Igbo land.

    Mbah said there was no way Enugu could become the premier destination for investment, living, and tourism or its economy grown from $4.4 billion to $30 billion when the people were still talking about or taking orders from faceless persons outside our state, insisting “we cannot be defeated by evil and we must not allow that to happen”.

    The governor urged concerted efforts by the media community and Enugu people against scaremongering and fake news, which he described as the latest resort by the sit-at-home promoters, having lost their capacity to inflict havoc on lives and property as was previously the case due to reenergised security measures applied by the government and security agencies since the ban on Monday sit-at-home in the state.

    Mbah spoke during his maiden media chat with Enugu-based newsmen and media executives at the Government House, Enugu, at the weekend.

    The governor urged the newsmen to be professional in their duty by seizing the opportunity presented by investigative and modern journalism to fact-check and verify the authenticity of information before feeding them to the public.

    “The truth is that we have won the actual war against sit-at-home enforcers and murderers out to destroy Enugu State and Igboland. We have unleashed the security resources on them and they have been thoroughly defeated and discomfited.

    “Because they no longer have the capacity to unleash terror on lives and property of Ndi Enugu, that is why they have now resorted to scaremongering, peddling of fake news, and all manner of dramas to instil fear in our people and control their minds and actions.

    “We practice democracy. We can never allow murderers and terrorists to dictate to us. We must not allow those who do not have the mandate of the people dictate for us how to live our lives; when to go out; when to close our businesses and when to sit at home.

    “What we are facing now are media terrorists using the social media to instigate fear and peddle fake news. We must not allow them to succeed. It is totally unacceptable. Nobody can make you inferior without your consent. These hoodlums are very few compared to our numbers. We cannot be taking instructions from hooligans.

    “We must not allow those without our mandate tell us how to live our lives. We have a duty to ensure that we flush them out in all directions. They have no stake in the affairs of our state.

    “It is, therefore, our responsibility to re-orientate our people to start coming out and going about their normal businesses. We have a duty to kill fake news and counter it with our superior pen and media.

    “Therefore, as we are leaving here, we must begin to tell our people the right thing; that nobody can make them inferior without their consent; that we can’t be cowed by the cowardly acts of a few people,” the governor declared.

    Meanwhile, Dr. Mbah urged the people not to be deceived by those who use the name of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu as a cover for their criminalities, noting that Mazi Kanu had since expressed his displeasure at the enforcement of sit-at-home and consequent havocs on Igbo land.

    Mbah said the state was equally exploring the option of dragging both the instigators and enforcers of violence and illegal sit-at-home order in the State before the International Criminal Court (ICC) in the Hague to answer to the crimes against humanity, noting that in the 21st Century, nobody should be allowed to stay in one part of the world to enjoy life while causing deaths and pains in other parts.

    “As media people, it is important you educate our people for them to know that these sit-at-home enforcers are not after Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s welfare or freedom. We must be able to separate the two.

    “Ndigbo are on one page in demanding for the release of Nnamdi Kanu. I have also seen the President over this matter. Other Igbo leaders have made the same demand and we are not relenting.

    “However, the so-called sit-at-home enforcers are mere criminals and our people must face them frontally”

    The governor also disclosed that technology had already been deployed to guarantee safety of residents, saying there were no longer hideouts for criminals in the state.

    While responding, members of the media community lauded the efforts of the government in stamping out insecurity, offering suggestions on how to bring lasting peace and security to the state.

    They expressed their readiness to collaborate with and support the government to achieve its plans for the people, promising that they would play pivotal role to ensure the people return back to work through their reports.

    Ekpa Bought Over to Destabilise Igboland, Uses Biafra, Kanu to Enrich Self – Ohanaeze

    …Accuses Finland of ‘complicity’

    Meanwhile, apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has accused the self-styled separatist, Simon Ekpa, of playing the script of enemies of Igboland, having allegedly collected huge sums of money to destabilise the region and undermine its progress.

    Ohanaeze accused Finland-based Ekpa of using the pro-Biafra struggle and Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s name to enrich himself at the expense of the lives, property, and wellbeing of Ndigbo.

    It wondered why Finland has continued to harbour and allow Ekpa to use the European nation as a launchpad for what it described as deadly sit-at-home campaigns and destructive incitements.

    These were contained in a statement issued by the National President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike, in Enugu on Sunday.

    The group described Ekpa’s sit-at-home orders as part of a deal to destroy the economy and social life of the South East.

    “We want to make it abundantly clear to Ndigbo, Nigerians, and the international community that Simon Ekpa is not fighting the cause of Biafra or the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

    “On the contrary, he has since sold all of us to our enemies, who are bent on destroying us economically, politically, and socially.

    “He is also actively working against Kanu’s release in order to continue making money. He knows that the Federal Government will likely continue to detain Kanu so long as Igboland is restive”.

    Okwu added, “In the same vein, because South East’s loss is the gain of other parts of the country in a federal arrangement, it is obvious that Ekpa is being sponsored and encouraged by forces within and outside to destroy and hold the region down.

    “We are already witnessing a high loss of investments and the migration of existing businesses to other parts of Nigeria”.

    Ohanaeze also called out the government of Finland for alleged complicity in the bloodletting and havoc in the South East region.

    “We put it to the Government of Finland that it cannot count itself innocent of all the atrocities and the killings by enforcers of Ekpa’s insane sit-at-homes in our otherwise peaceful region.

    “We cannot stop wondering why such a European society renowned for its value for human life continues to harbour Ekpa and also allow him to freely incite disaster and direct wanton destruction of lives and property in Igboland from their nation. Will Finland also treat him with kid gloves should his utterance or action lead to the death of a single Finnish?” Okwu queried.

    The apex body commended Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State for the ban on Monday sit-at-home, which it said had already been abolished by all genuine pro-Biafra groups.

    It also threw its weight behind the Enugu State Government’s decision to explore the International Criminal Court (ICC) option in ensuring that those behind the crimes against humanity in the state paid for their sins.

    “We stand with the Enugu State Government’s position that nobody should be allowed to enjoy life and educate his children in another nation while causing deaths and destruction in another part of the world”, Mazi Okwu concluded.

  • JUST IN: Nigeria’s Tinubu Named New Chairman of ECOWAS

    JUST IN: Nigeria’s Tinubu Named New Chairman of ECOWAS

    President of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been chosen to lead the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) as its next chairman.

    The choice was made on Sunday in Bissau, the capital of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau, at the group’s 63rd Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community.

    Bayo Onanuga, the president’s communications advisor, revealed this in a tweet on his official account on Sunday. The President left the county on Saturday ahead of the event.

    The tweet reads: “Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will become the new ECOWAS chairman today, succeeding President Umaro Embalo of Guinea Bissau, who became chairman 4 July 2022, at the 61st summit in Accra.

    “Tinubu’s leadership will be announced in Bissau today at the 63rd Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).”

    President Tinubu would be introduced during the current ECOWAS leadership summit, according to Onanuga. He succeds President Umaro Embalo of Guinea-Bissau, who was recently in Nigeria.

    Tinubu will be instrumental in guiding the ECOWAS member nations towards economic growth, political stability, and collaboration in his capacity as chairman.

    As the newly appointed chairman, Tinubu will work closely with the member nations, regional organisations, and international partners to promote programmes that support social advancement, regional trade integration, and economic progress.

    Arise News