The Pacesetter Frontier Magazine

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  • Enugu Assembly commends Govt, alleges sabotage on security efforts

    Enugu Assembly commends Govt, alleges sabotage on security efforts

    The Enugu State House of Assembly has commended Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi for rising to the task of routing pockets of insecurity situations in the state.

    The Assembly also alleged that there was possible sabotage from external factors against the efforts of the state government in tackling traces of insecurity in the state, and urged the state residents to synergize with the state government in dealing with the matter.

    The Chairman of House Committee on Information, Jeff Mba who made the commendation stated that Enugu State is one of the safest states in the country as acknowledged by the Nigeria Police.

    Mba said that the security synergy became necessary following the inability of the federal forces to counter all the challenges confronting the country, hence both community policing and other forms of security apparatus became necessary to continue in the task of protection of lives and properties of citizens.

    He noted that Governor Ugwuanyi has invested so much in the security of the state such as in the establishment of the 5200 neighbourhood personnel, the highest state government-funded vigilante in the 260 wards of the state, noting also that the state government has 1,700 Forest Guards, covering communities in the state, which no other state has beaten in such security apparatus.

    According to Mbah: “My motion mainly called on stakeholders of every community to support the effort of His Excellency in tackling insecurity considering the enormous resources he has invested already.

    “We can no longer rely wholly on federal security agencies because we have seen sabotage and compromises here and there. What we are saying is that the insecurity in the state is no longer what we will leave for the state government alone or the regular security apparatus. Because of the skirmishes here and there and suspects within the federal security agencies, we want our communities to own their security apparatus.”

    in these few months turn everything upside down.

    “The communities and stakeholders need to be part of the security. To sensitize people so that if they hear anything they can report it. If you have people in the community who are contributing to the insecurity in the community, you let certain quarters know so that it will be easy for the government, with all the effort, to be able to achieve results.

    “It’s more like initiating an all-inclusive method to ensure that there is peace, especially this Christmas period. So, we are not calling on the Governor as if the Governor has failed. No, that is not the issue.”

    (Vanguard)

  • Protesters ground NASS, task lawmakers to back CBN cashless policy

    Protesters ground NASS, task lawmakers to back CBN cashless policy

    Protesters, yesterday, barricaded the entrance of the National Assembly and called on lawmakers to support the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) cashless policy and currency redesign.

    The agitators under the umbrella of Initiatives for Patriotic Nigerians argued that the new policy would stabilise exchange rate and promote free and fair elections.

    The Convener, Abubakar Kurawa, who spoke in Abuja, said it was not in dispute that proliferation of liquid cash in the hands of many create more damage than good to the country, be it economic, political or security.

    “There is no gainsaying that criminals such as kidnappers, drug dealers, oil thieves and so many others not mentioned, always makes use of cash to achieve their illicit goals.

    “Given this fact, coupled with the present security challenges across the country, all hands must be on deck to ensure that necessary support is provided to curb the menace. In the case of CBN, the support it can give in this regard is to curtail the money in circulation, hence this policy can’t be more timely.

    “Also, this is an election period. Due to amendments of Electoral Acts which makes open manipulation of election results practically impossible, some politicians are likely planning to indulge in massive vote buying (we witnessed what happened in the recently concluded Ekiti and Osun gubernatorial election).

    “To this end, CBN is playing its corporate social responsibility by making sure that huge cash withdrawals is made very difficult or impossible. By this, it helps in ensuring free and fair elections.”

    Meanwhile, House of Representatives has rescheduled the appearance of the CBN governor, Godwin Emefiele, before the parliament for Tuesday next week.

    Deputy Speaker, Idris Wase, who disclosed this at plenary, said Emefiele, who was scheduled to appear yesterday had written to say he was out of the country.

    The House had last week summoned the CBN governor to appear before him over the new cash withdrawal limit approved by the apex bank. The CBN pegged the maximum cash withdrawal by individual per week at N100,000 and N500,000 for corporate organisations. Also, the maximum daily limit for individuals at N20,000, effective from January 9, 2023.

    Regardless, lawmakers, while debating a motion on the propriety of the new cashless policy, had argued that the policy if allowed to stand would strangulate the economy, as well as impose hardship on the people.

    According to them, contrary to Section 8(4)(5) of the CBN Act, which mandates the apex bank to brief the National Assembly on monetary policies, at intervals, Emefiele has allegedly kept the parliament in the dark on major policies by the CBN.

    However, the CBN governor, in a letter to the House, informed the lawmakers that he was part of President Muhammadu Buhari’s delegation to the Washington DC, and would not be available.

    However, a high court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, has refused to stop the new cash withdrawal policy of CBN.

    Rather, Justice Chizoba Oriji granted an order for accelerated hearing of the motion on notice filed on behalf of 20 million unbanked Nigerian citizens.

    Those who filed the suit marked FCT/HC/CV/724/2022 for themselves and on behalf of 20 million unbanked Nigerian citizens are, Adamu Sarki, Shekwoyi Gaza; Philip Tanko; Victor Okoro and Ismaila Ibrahim.

    The rest are Mohammed Rabo; Yunusa Musa Gani; Helen Luka; Suleiman Yusuf and Adamu Gaidam Asu.

    Listed as respondents are the president, the Attorney General of the Federation, CBN and the governor of the apex bank.

    In an exparte motion moved by their counsel, P. A Obu, the applicants prayed the Court to grant injunctions restraining the Respondents from proceeding with the January 31, 2023 deadline of the use of the current N200, N500 and N1,000 notes as it affects the applicants without any realistic plans or workable guidelines to cover the over 20 million unbanked Nigerians who are vulnerable to information and the use of technologically driven platform without the possibility of financial inclusion.

    They prayed for another injunction restraining the Respondents from implementing the revised cash withdrawal limiting the maximum cash withdrawal over the counter (OTC) by individuals and corporate organisations per week to N100, 000 and N500, 000 respectively which is a violation of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition Act, 2002 which also constitutes a flagrant violation of the fundamental rights of the applicants as guaranteed under the 1999 Constitution as well as the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act.

    Furthermore they asked the Court to grant an order for accelerated hearing to the Suit and also an order for substituted service on the parties while also praying for the order of court mandating the CBN to produce a detailed plan and guidelines covering the over 20 million unbanked citizens who are vulnerable to the use of telecommunication and technologically driven money platforms.

    Justice Oriji having listened to the counsel to the applicants refused the prayers for injunction but rather directed that all the respondents be put on notice to come and show cause why the order for injunction should not be granted against them.

    The judge thereafter adjourned the matter to January 10, 2023 after granting orders for accelerated hearing and substituted service.

  • 2023: We are investigating petitions against top politicians –Bawa

    2023: We are investigating petitions against top politicians –Bawa

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is investigating petitions against top Nigerian politicians.

    Chairman of the agency, Abdulrasheed Bawa, stated this when he appeared on the Ministerial Media Briefing organised by the Presidential Communications Team at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, yesterday.

    He said the Petitions Vetting Desk/Committee of EFCC made up of experienced officers from the legal department as well as those trained to investigate such petitions were reviewing petitions to see whether they have merits that would warrant prosecution.

    He assured that the commission was out to work for the interest of Nigerians as it is determined to carry out its duties without fear or favour.

    Asked if EFCC has received any petition against any of the 18 presidential candidates angling to succeed President Buhari, Bawa said some top politicians were on the watchlist of the agency

    “On the question of if we received petitions against top politicians contesting for office, my question is, at this hour do you want to start inviting all the presidential candidates to come and make statements? The same media will say it’s politically motivated. So, we are not. We are working behind the scene in all the petitions we received to see those that have merits, so that’s why we are not politicising it.

    “And that’s why we have what we call Petitions Vetting Desk/Committee made up of experienced officers from the legal department as well as those trained to investigate that will review these petitions to see whether they are in line with our own mandate before they will recommend whether they will be prosecuted by the EFCC.

    “We have benchmark for it that we can follow, that guides us, you know, in terms of accepting or rejecting petitions, you know, as we also have a criteria which have even been publicised to guide petitioners on the requirements to make a petition to have merit. Hope this question is not politically motivated?”

    During the briefing, the EFCC chairman provided updates and strides being made by the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration in the of anti-corruption as well as the innovations that have been introduced by the Commission to curb financial crimes and money laundering.

    Bawa also disclosed that the commission is working in collaboration with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to restrict vote buying and other corrupt tendencies during the election.

    “We are doing quite a lot on this. We are working with INEC and a lot of people but ultimately we want to work with Nigerians. They should know the implications of selling their votes or accepting that their votes should be bought by these individuals.

    “We hope and pray that our modest effort will be able to curtail this issue of vote buying when it comes to the elections in February and March.”

    The EFCC chairman also stated that some top politicians were on the watchlist of the anti-graft agency.

    “Certainly we are watching a lot of them and a lot of Nigerians have also provided us with information here and there and we are watching, you can also help us with any piece of information you have,” he appealed.

  • Army Council promotes122 Generals

    Army Council promotes122 Generals

    The Army Council Thursday approved the promotion of 122 officers to the ranks of Brigadier Generals and Major Generals. The council after it’s sitting in Abuja, ratified the promotion of seventy Colonels to the ranks of Brigadier General and 52, Brigadier Generals to the ranks of Major Generals.

    Director army public relations Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, in a statement said their promotion was in recognition of their meritorious service to the nation.

    Nwachukwu’s statement reads; “In recognition of their meritorious service to the nation, the Army Council has on Thursday 15 December 2022, approved the promotion of senior officers to the ranks of Major General and Brigadier General.

    In the promotion signed and released by the Military Secretary (Army), a total of 122 senior officers of the ranks of Brigadier General and Colonels were elevated to the next higher rank.

    While a total of 52 Brigadier Generals were meritoriously promoted to the rank of Major General, 70 colonels were also elevated to the rank of Brigadier General.

    Amongst those promoted to the rank of Major General are Brigadier Generals AA Ayanuga of the Department of Army Transformation and Innovation, EH Akpan of Theatre Command Operation HADIN KAI, NM Jega of the Defence Headquarters, JO Ugwuoke of the Department of Army Logistics, PAO Okoye of the Department of Army Operations, EF Oyinlola of the Department of Special Services and Programmes, AA Adekeye of 21 Special Armoured Brigade, AE Edet of Nigerian Army School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, AB Mohammed of Army Headquarters Operations Monitoring Team, and MT Usman of the Headquarters Guards Brigade.

    Other beneficiaries include Brigadier Generals IM Abdullahi of Headquarters 35 Brigade, AO Agboola of the Department of Army Training, EE Emekah of Nigerian Defence Academy, HE Nzan of Department of Army Standards and Evaluation, LA Lebo of Department of Army Training, UT Otaru of Nigerian Army School of Supply and Transport and AU Obiwulu of 1 Base Workshop, amongst others.

    Some of the colonels elevated to the rank of Brigadier General are, Colonels AO Ajagbe, JO Ogbobe, MG Hammawa, SS Bello, SOG Aremu, NG Mohammed, OI Odigie, CA Osuagwu, MO Eteng and ED Idima amongst others.

    The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya congratulates all the promoted officers and their families. He has also charged them to remain focused, selfless and loyal in their service to the nation to justify the confidence and trust reposed in them by the Commander In Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari, the Nigerian Army and indeed all Nigerians”.

    (Sun)

  • FG approves new whistle blower bill

    FG approves new whistle blower bill

    The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has lamented that the whistle-blowing policy launched on December 21, 2016 by the Federal Government has lost momentum.

    The policy facilitated through the Federal Ministry of Finance sought to encourage people to voluntarily disclose information about fraud, bribery, looted government funds, financial misconduct, government assets and any other form of corruption or theft to relevant anti-graft agencies. It also included a reward for the whistle blower that provide information about financial mismanagement or tips about stolen funds with 2.5 – 5 per cent from the recovered funds.

    Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed, at a press conference in Abuja, yesterday, after the FEC meeting presided over by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, said government had noticed how the whittle blower policy had lost momentum as people were scared to report graft fearing for their safety.

    She said to strengthen the fight against corruption, the council approved a new whistle blower draft bill which would protect whistleblowers that provide information for use by government.

    “The Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning presented a number of memos today. The first is the draft whistleblower bill for 2022. This memo has been reviewed by council and approved with a provision to ensure alignment with the Evidence Act.

    “The purpose of operationalising and putting in place a whistleblower bill is to strengthen the fight against corruption and to also enable protection for whistleblowers that provide information for use by government.

    “As you know since 2016, the council had approved the setting up of the Presidential Initiative of Continuous Audit (PICA). PICA has been working in partnership with EFCC, ICPC, DSS, NFIU as well as the office of the Attorney General of the Federation.

    “We noticed that the whistleblower policy response has lost momentum. We embarked on engagements in the six geo-political zones and one of the main outcome that we found is that people are concerned about their safety as a result of providing information. So this bill is critical to ensure the effectiveness of the retention of the whistle policy.”

    The minister also said the council approved N9.24 billion for the 2022/2023 Group Life Insurance cover for public servants.

    Ahmed, who said the memo was presented to council by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr. Folashade Yemi-Esan, explained that the insurance policy was meant to cover all government officials.

    “Council approved the total sum of N9.24 billion for the insurance cover for 2022 to 2023.This is an insurance cover that is covering officials in all government agencies, military and intelligence agencies.

    “As you know, the insurance will take effect from the date of payment and in Nigeria, by our laws, the insurance cover is 30 per cent of the annual emolument of any staff of government that is deceased and this cover is paid by the insurance company to the beneficiaries of the deceased staff,” she said.

    Council also approved the Finance Bill 2022 designed to support the implementation of the 2023 budget.

    Ahmed said the council also approved the memo for the design, construction and supply of nine numbers Ballistic Riverian assault boats, as well as nine numbers patrol boats with all associated accessories in favor of Messers Sewa West African limited in the sum of N689, 722, 681 inclusive of 7.5 per cent VAT for the Nigerian customs service.

    Minister of State for Budget, Clem Agba, said the council also approved the revised National Social Protection Policy presented by the Minister of Finance and Budget and National Planning.

    Minister of Power, Abubakar Aliyu said council approved the contract for procurement of 20 number transformer tons ratio analyses awarded to Segulu Stembek Global Services Ltd, at the sum of N564,231,854.08 with 7.5 per cent VAT with a completion new period of four months.

    He said the transformer tons, ratio analysers were state-of-the-art testing devices for reliable testing and diagnosing of power transformers, noting that the device being used before now was an old device.

    (Sun)

  • South East loses N4trn over sit-at-home

    South East loses N4trn over sit-at-home

    A new report has said insecurity and the sit-at-home protest in the South East geopolitical zone have led to economic losses estimated at almost N4 trillion.

    The report was made available to the public by DevEast Foundation, a non-profit, issue-based policy and business advocacy organisation with emphasis on the development of Eastern Nigeria, by SBM Intelligence, a leading research firm.

    The study which focused on two categories of businesses – transporters and traders/artisans – also found that trading ventures lost between N655 billion and N3.8 trillion over 24 months.

    It said large-scale losses can be traced to specific factors including loss of between four and five working days per week; job losses due to cutbacks by business owners in response to the reduced working hours as well as other lost opportunities; loss of clients and customers who find alternatives because of the unstable business environment in the South East; increased cost of service delivery because of extra logistical costs, etc.

    “The obvious negative impact of insecurity in the zone which was escalated by the enforcement of the sit-at-home protest has been the subject of much discussion and speculation for a long time, but this is the first investigation of the phenomenon.

    “In addition to the activities of official and non-state actors of various stripes – “Unknown Gunmen”, Eastern Security Network (ESN) and Ebube Agu and military operations in the zone, agitations by IPOB as well as the #EndSARS protests of 2020 – have also worsened the security situation in the region and contributed to the losses.

    “But perhaps the most dramatic finding is the revelation that transporters plying inter and intra highways and other roads in the five states of the South-East Nigeria lose between N10 billion and N13 billion EVERY day of the sit-at-home protest.

    “Although all the states are affected by violence and threats of violence, the study found that Ebonyi is the most impacted by violence.

    “Another notable finding is that, despite the many complaints by businesses, nongovernmental organizations and individuals regarding the losses occasioned by the situation, there has been no government intervention or support of any kind to help those impacted.

    “The study was conducted using qualitative and quantitative methods including surveys, in-depth interviews, and focus group discussions.

    “The research also found that the effect of the violence on all stakeholders has a compounding impact on businesspeople, traders, community leaders and similar groups. Another fallout is dwindling of public trust in political and community leaders due to their apparent helplessness,” the report signed by Ifeanyi Ikegwuani revealed.

    (Sun)

  • Cashless policy: Senators ask CBN to adjust withdrawal limit

    Cashless policy: Senators ask CBN to adjust withdrawal limit

    The Senate, on Wednesday, called on the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), to make an upward adjustment of the proposed N100,000 per week for individuals and N500,000 per week for Corporate bodies in response to public outcry.

    The Senate also directed its Committee on Banking, Insurance and other Financial Institutions, to embark on aggressive oversight of CBN on its commitment to flexible adjustment of the withdrawal limit and periodically report outcomes to it.

    The Red Chamber however backed the CBN in its continuous implementation of transformational payments and financial industry initiatives.

    It adopted the resolutions after heated debate by senators on the proposed policy during consideration and adoption of report of its Committee on Banking, Insurance and other Financial Institutions.

    Chairman of the Committee, Uba Sani, had in the report argued that the planned cash withdrawal limits, was well conceived by the CBN for transformation of the nation’s economy and that the action falls within the mandate of the apex bank as provided for, in section 2(d) and 47 of its extant Act.

    However, during general debate on the report and recommendations later adopted as resolutions, many of the senators kicked against the timing of the policy, warning that it may lead to mass revolt in the rural areas across the country.

    First to kick against it, was Ajibola Basiru, who said the proposed threshold of N100,000 and N500,000 withdrawal per week for individuals and corporate bodies respectively, was unrealistic.

    “Laws are made for people and not people made or created for law . If CBN is acting under section 2(d) and 47 of its extant Act to make life difficult for Nigerians through a policy, as representatives of the people, we need to intervene.

    “Such intervention from us is to make CBN realise that the proposed cash withdrawal limits policy is unrealistic and very injurious and detrimental to the well-being of rural dwellers, many of whom are our constituents.

    “Report of this committee recommending the policy to us and by extension, to Nigerians through suggestion of flexibility in implementation, is vague, nebulous and means nothing,” he said.

    Adamu Aliero, in his own contribution, the picture painted by the committee in its report on the proposed CBN policy, is nothing but an ideal picture of what the economy should be, which is a far cry from what economy is, in reality as far as Nigeria is concerned.

    “The proposed CBN policy does not capture the informal sector and very detrimental to the livelihood of rural dwellers who are not into e-banking…”

    “Public outcry against the policy is too much, requiring serious caution as far as implementation is concerned because Nigeria economy is predominantly rural,’ he said.

    Adamu Bulkachuwa, in his contribution, warned that the proposed policy, if not suspended, may trigger revolt from rural dwellers.

    (Sun)

  • President Buhari says he has done his best since 2015

    President Buhari says he has done his best since 2015

    President Muhammadu Buhari says despite the many challenges facing Nigeria, he has done his best since he assumed office in May 2015.

    He stated this on Tuesday in Washington while welcoming the Secretary General of the Abu Dhabi Forum, Sheikh Al-Mahfoudh Bin Bayyah and his deputy, Pastor Bob Roberts of the United States.

    The President also said there is the need to raise generations of youths devoid of religious extremism and bigotry.

    Read full statement:

    STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

    PRESIDENT BUHARI TO RECEIVE AWARD ON PEACE AND SECURITY, SAYS THE YOUTH MUST BE THE FOCUS

    President Muhammadu Buhari, Tuesday in Washington said the country’s youths are its promise for a better future and solving their problems is the priority of the government.

    Speaking while welcoming the Secretary General of the Abu Dhabi Forum, Sheikh Al-Mahfoudh Bin Bayyah and his deputy, Pastor Bob Roberts of the US who came on a visit to him, President Buhari said the work of the foundation in promoting multi-faith dialogue was as important to the world as it was to Nigeria.

    He spoke about the need to raise generations of youths devoid of religious extremism and bigotry, urging the group to continue to target the young people who are the promise of the future.

    “Your work is very important in helping, especially the youth, to understand one another and at the same time, to be proud of their heritage. This great initiative by you will help future generations to plan well and live together in peace. On our part, we will continue to solve our problems, especially as they relate to the youths. We are big in size and population, facing many challenges, but in many areas, we are trying. In seven-and-a-half years, I have done my best,” said the President.

    The Foundation Secretary General said they had come to inform the President, and to invite him to attend the conferment upon him, the Abu Dhabi Foundation’s award in recognition of his outstanding achievements in promoting peace and security.

    They said the conferment was in line with the Foundation’s work in fighting religious extremism and promoting peaceful coexistence and dialogue amongst all religions.

    Garba Shehu

    Senior Special Assistant to the President

    (Media & Publicity)

    December 13, 2022

  • Enugu 2023: PDP dismisses report on suspending guber campaigns

    Enugu 2023: PDP dismisses report on suspending guber campaigns

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship campaign for the election of Peter Mbah in Enugu State, yesterday, dismissed media reports that it has suspended campaigns in the state, stressing that campaigns are going on, and garnering momentum.

    Spokesperson for the governorship campaign organisation in the state, Nana Ogbodo, told The Guardian that there is no truth in the reports, which he described as the “handiwork of lazy politicians and candidates without manifesto.”

    Ogbodo stated that the campaign team is focused, and determined to deliver Mbah, and usher in a new beginning for the transformation of the state.

    He said: “When people lose their guard, they slander. Instead of concentrating on campaigning, and, possibly, selling their own manifesto, they keep looking at the nuisance of other people’s campaigns. We are today in Enugu South. If we had suspended the campaign, we will not be there. We were in Enugu South on Friday also. Our campaign is moving on, and garnering momentum. So, we shouldn’t be distracted by side talks of lazy people, who took parties’ nominations in an opportunistic manner. There is no truth in it. We are waxing strong.

    “Our supporters are not even swayed by such talks. We are concentrating on what we are doing. We are focused on telling the people of Enugu that we are on a the verge of a new beginning. We are close to unleashing potentials on our people, which Enugu has had all the time, including the enablement, materials and other things, but due to paralysis of the will, we have allowed such natural blessings to lie dormant, and turn to natural burden. This time around, we have found a candidate, who is able to combine his thoughts and ideals to make Enugu one of the states for investments, living, luxury, and we are capable of doing it.

    “He has said that he will grow the economy of the state from the current N4.4 billion to $30 billion in the next eight years. We should be looking at it and interrogating the details, instead of lazy talks about suspending campaigns.”

    (Guardian)

  • 2023: How we will ease traffic congestion in Enugu – Mbah, PDP guber candidate

    2023: How we will ease traffic congestion in Enugu – Mbah, PDP guber candidate

    …as Enugu South LGA assures of resounding victory

    The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, has reassured the people of the state of his resolve to address the protracted traffic congestions in the state by creating alternative routes and flyovers that will ease movements.

    Dr. Mbah gave this assurance at town-hall meetings held in Idaw River and Eke Otu, Amechi Uwani, headquarters of Enugu South East and Enugu South Central Development Centres, respectively, which attracted stakeholders across different political parties, business community, religious organizations, professional bodies, civil society groups, artisans, traders and farmers.

    The governorship candidate who was responding to the endorsement as well as demands made upon him by the spokespersons of the various wards in the local government area, stated that massive investments in the state could only be possible when there are basic infrastructures such as access roads, flyovers and other modes of transportation that will facilitate seamless movements.

    The governorship hopeful further said he was conscious of the important roles that service roads play in urban renewal which his administration will prioritize, adding that his aim is to build a world class city that the citizens will be proud to live in.

    Re-echoing that his administration will construct at least 10,000 kilometers of roads within the next eight years when elected in 2023, the governorship hopeful pledged to construct 1200 kilometers of roads every year.

    Further maintaining that his government will create an environment for investment through robust development programmes that will make the youth productive, and upscale production in the agricultural sector, the business mogul promised that Enugu will be the next industrialised city of the country.

    Speaking earlier, the entire people of the area expressed their commitment to give the PDP gubernatorial flagbearer a resounding victory in the forthcoming general elections, saying that his development programmes as contained in his robust manifesto have helped them to anticipate a new Enugu State under his administration.

    While maintaining that the local government has no other political party except the PDP since 1999, some of the stakeholders that spoke at the gatherings promised that they’re deferring party sentiments to support the best governorship candidate in the state.

    They commended Mbah’s manifesto for addressing their fundamental needs and proffering the way forward to their collective problems, stressing that they’ll vote for him because of his unblemished credentials in the private sector where he has been leading the downstream sub-sector of the Nigerian oil and gas industry.

    Addressing the well-attended interactive session, one of the grassroots mobilisers in the area, Hon. Emma Ugwu said the council area had already taken the project as their own because of his pacesetting integrated development plans for the state.

    He lauded Mbah’s uncommon exploits in the private sector where he employed thousands of Nigerians including Enugu citizens, stressing that he would bring the same entrepreneurial skills and administrative proficiency in the state.

    Similarly, Hon. Paul Ogbe who is known for his experience in delivering electoral victories in the development centre, stated that they’d already embarked on streets campaigns for the governorship candidate.

    He called on the party to extend its development tentacles to their environs by reconstructing the Loma Linda-Monarch-Express road, Timber-Ndemude-Top Land-Express road, and Emeka Ebule road which has two strategic bridges linking Mount, Akwuke communities and other towns in the area.

    A legal practitioner at the meeting, Barr. Francis Ani, while calling for more political inclusion of their people, re-echoed their confidence in Mbah’s ability to ensure justice and equity prevail.

    According to him, the PDP gubernatorial candidate has renewed their hope of having a new state through his successful businesses scattered across the globe.

    On his part, the administrator of the development centre, Hon. Chinedu Onukwe reiterated his people’s commitment to vote en masse for the PDP, adding that Mbah has no rivals in terms of his programmes and robust plans for the people.

    Onukwe while rendering the stakeholders that graced the town-hall meetings, said they’re going to deliver bloc votes for the party through the dignitaries and people of the area that had already started campaigning for Mbah and his running mate.

    In his contribution, the member representing Enugu South and Enugu North Federal Constituency, Hon. Ofor Chukwuegbo commended Mbah for bringing government closer to the people through the initiative behind the town-hall meetings, adding that his leadership had delivered 2.1 kilometers road in the urban area.

  • Electoral Amendment Act 2022 enacted without our review – FHC CJ

    Electoral Amendment Act 2022 enacted without our review – FHC CJ

    Chief Judge of the Federal High Court (FHC), Justice John Tsoho, yesterday, said the court was not consulted in the enactment of the Electoral (Amendment) Act, 2022 by the National Assembly.

    Justice Tsoho made the disclosure while delivering his speech at a special court session to mark the commencement of the court’s 2022/2023 legal year in Abuja

    He said additional jurisdiction had been conferred on the FHC by the new Electoral (Amendment) Act, 2022.

    According to him, by virtue of Sections 29 (5) and 84(14), of the Act, exclusive jurisdiction is foisted on the Federal High Court in the hearing and determination of pre-election complaints.

    “Linked to that jurisdiction is Section 285 (10) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), which provides that such pre-election cases must be concluded within 180 days from the date of filing of the suit.

    “This is notwithstanding the judges’ existing ‘high-volume’ dockets that present enormous challenges. It is necessary to place on record that the Electoral (Amendment) Act, 2022 was enacted without any consultation with the court. Also, no support whatsoever was provided to address the increased responsibility,” he said.

    The judge said that this had weighed heavily on the operations of the court.

    “I must quickly state however that this ‘disruption’, without consultation, did not alter our core fundamental values as a court: of rising to challenges and tackling them head on. This underpins our resolve to soar in the face of adversity,” he said.

    He said in response to this enormous time-bound responsibility, he constituted a Special Task Force for the swift disposal of pre-election matters.

    “The judges drafted into the Task Force were saddled with the mandate of completing all pre-election cases before they lapsed.

    “In some instances, judges were drafted from their substantive bases to help in other Judicial Divisions that had a glut of these cases,” he said.

    He commended the judges drafted into the special assignment for their resilience and sheer determination to deliver justice within time frame.

    He thanked the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, for approving an emergency fund to support the court in the assignment.

    (Sun)

  • Cash withdrawal: Senate postpones committee’s report hearing

    Cash withdrawal: Senate postpones committee’s report hearing

    The Senate on Tuesday postponed the hearing of the report on the Cash withdrawal policy by the committee on Banking and Financial Institutions.

    The Red chamber had last week commissioned the committee to grill the two newly re-appointed deputy governors of the Central Bank of Nigeria during their screening session.

    However, at the plenary on Tuesday, a member of the committee, Senator Olubunmi Adetunmbi (APC Ekiti North) told his colleague that they wouldn’t be able to brief the house as the chairman of the committee, Senator Uba Sani, was not around because he was at the All Progressive Congress rally in Kaduna State.

    Adetunmbi said, “This meeting took place on Thursday last week, the two candidates came for clearance, and the issues were thoroughly asked.

    “Especially in the open address by the chairman, he specifically reported the request that the two deputy governors currently serving and seeking the appointment should elaborate and explain the rationale behind this policy in view of the massive public reactions to that policy.”

    Adetunmbi added, “The deputy governors gave very elaborate explanations and the committee also requested for further evidence in terms of documented reports that will enable the committee to fully understand the issue behind this policy and be able to brief the plenary appropriately.

    “Unfortunately, this report is not ready today because the chairman of this committee is busy on a political assignment in Kaduna. He had to receive important party officials in the presidential train and he has asked me to offer this explanation to the plenary that he is coming tomorrow to actually present the formal report of the findings of the committee.

    “This is an apology from the committee that it is not able to take the report as directed last week.”

    In response to the statement, the Senate President, Ahmed Lawan, reiterated the points by Adetunmbi that the senate had directed the committee to dig deep into the issue because they were concerned as many of them had received calls, messages, and even visits by the constituencies expressing concern over the policy.

    He said, “We decided that we have an engagement with CBN so that we’re able to hear from the horse’s mouth, and then go ahead and debate it or take whatever appropriate action we may need to take. In addition to what he said, the All Progressives Congress is today holding a zonal rally hosting the presidential candidate of the party in Kaduna, all the seven states, will be converging in Kaduna.

    “And you know that our chairman of banking is the gubernatorial candidate of Kaduna state. And naturally, we shouldn’t expect him to be here at this time, because he needs to be there. But we also felt that we should hear from him.”

    Lawan who put in some good words for his colleagues, then suggested that the reports be presented to the plenary on Wednesday.

    He added, “The chairman told me the report is ready. But he would like to be here to present the report tomorrow and on the basis of the report that he presents tomorrow, then we can take the next appropriate line of action. “

    Also, the lawmaker representing Bauchi North, Adamu Bulkachuwa, who had an opposing view expressed his reservations stating that the Senate should not sweep the issue under the carpet as the policy is that which affects a lot of Nigerians.

    He said, “Well, I am happy that you didn’t bang the gavel, whether it is okay to defer this discussion until tomorrow. You didn’t do that.

    “So my objection is that we shouldn’t allow this thing to be swept under the carpet. It is a very serious issue. Nigerians are waiting to hear exactly what the National Assembly will do. The House of Representatives have asked the governor of the Central Bank to stop action on this. But in his typical character, he is being stubborn. And I think delaying it until tomorrow is giving him another chance. And we don’t want to hear another excuse. So I urge this Senate to discuss this today and now.”

    Lawan in his response, however, stated that he had not in any way suggested that they were trying to sweep the issue under the carpet.

    He said, “Well, thank you very much. First of all, when I bang the gavel, I meant that was the ruling, because that was the the majority appeared to agree with that.

    ”Secondly, I don’t think it’s fair to say I was sweeping this under the carpet, it’s not fair to say that, because my understanding of sweeping something under the carpet is to avoid, nobody here suggested, by any action or inaction that we’re avoiding discussing this thing.

    “I think it’s appropriate that we give our colleague, the chairman of the committee, the opportunity to come and present himself.

    “And Senator Adetunmbi is a member of the committee, the vice chairman on the committee’s here, the chief whip himself, they were all in attendance, they have something to tell us. But the chairman wants to present the report himself, when he presents the report, we’ll be better informed. Then we can take the next appropriate action.

    “I don’t think that is too much to ask. Tomorrow is less than 24 hours, by the grace of God. So please, as long as we are taking the report from the chairman tomorrow, and I want you to be present, so that if there is anything, we feel strong, all of us.

    “All of us here feel strongly about this, because that’s what our constituents feel about. So we cannot just neglect it.

    “However, if we are going to debate it, let us do it on the basis of information, because that’s when we can argue to say no, stop it, because of superior argument. So I think we shouldn’t doubt our sincerity here.”

    (Punch)