The Pacesetter Frontier Magazine

Category: Trends

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  • Nnamdi Kanu’s Apprehension: If only the authorities could pay attention to and curb Insecurities in the South and other parts of the Country like this

     

    THE arrest of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra by the Federal Government has attracted mixed reactions from various groups, including the Arewa Consultative Forum, who urged the Federal Government to be cautious in handle the IPOB leader’s issue.

     

    The reactions came just as the British government said Kanu was not arrested in the United Kingdom or extradited from England.

     

    Also, the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Tuesday ordered that the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, be remanded in the detention of the Department of State Service.

     

    Justice Binta Nyako gave the order while granting the application by the prosecution.

     

    The counsel for the prosecution, S. M. Labaran, applied to the court to remand Kanu in custody.

     

    Labaran also applied that the trial of Kanu that was earlier slated for October 20 be brought forward.

     

    Kanu, who appeared without legal representation told the court that his house was earlier invaded. So, he had to go underground.

     

     

     

    The court ordered that Kanu be remanded in DSS facility and adjourned his matter till July 26 and 27.

     

    The court also ordered for accelerated hearing and asked the prosecution to inform Kanu’s lawyer of the proceeding in court.

     

    Kanu’s lawyer, Maxwell Opara, told our correspondent that he did not see his client until he left the court premises.

     

    Also present at the court premises was Omoyele Sowore, who told our correspondent that he had just come to the court when he heard that Kanu was appearing in court.

     

    According to him, he stood in solidarity with Kanu as he had been in similar situation.

     

    Earlier at a press conference, the Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, had confirmed Kanu’s arrest.

     

    Kanu not arrested in UK – British Govt

     

     

    Responding to questions from one of our correspondents in Abuja on Tuesday, the spokesman, British High Commission in Nigeria, Dean Hurlock, said, ‘We are aware of reports that Nnamdi Kanu has been detained in Nigeria by the Federal Government of Nigeria.

     

    “We can confirm that Nnamdi Kanu was not arrested in the UK for extradition purposes.”

     

    How Interpol arrested Nnamdi Kanu while seeking countries’ support for Biafra

     

    Meanwhile, Kanu was apprehended by the International Criminal Police while seeking foreign support for the actualisation of the Republic of Biafra.

     

    The PUNCH gathered that Kanu, who holds Nigerian and British passports, was arrested by security operatives outside his London base on Sunday.

     

    He had been declared wanted by the Federal Government since 2017 after he jumped bail following the invasion of his country home in Abia State by soldiers.

     

    A source disclosed that Kanu was arrested while leaving Israel for an unknown country but this could not be independently verified on Tuesday.

     

     

     

    The source stated, “The request for the arrest of Kanu was made to the INTERPOL headquarters in Lyon, France, about two months ago. Kanu could not be arrested at his London base because he is a British citizen and repatriating him to Nigeria may be challenging and the process cumbersome.

     

    “So, the security agencies waited patiently for him to leave the British soil before moving against him; he was arrested while on transit. There was evidence of his meetings with foreign governments to solicit support for Biafra.”

     

    The source also referenced the suspension of Twitter by the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), who justified his action by stating that Kanu used his Twitter account with 300,000 followers “to instruct his loyalists to kill Nigerian soldiers and police officers”.

     

    Another source corroborated that Kanu was nabbed while on transit but said he could not confirm the exact location.

     

    “The Nigerian government used conventional diplomatic means to facilitate the arrest of Kanu through the INTERPOL. There are also suggestions that our intelligence agencies played a role in the arrest and extradition process. It was confirmed that Kanu was picked up while on transit but the location cannot be immediately confirmed,” the source volunteered.

     

    As part of strategies to arrest the separatist group leader, the President was said to have met with the French President, Emmanuel Macron, in May during a summit on the financing of African post-COVID economies convened by the French government, where he sought Macron and INTERPOL’s support for the arrest of Kanu.

     

    Handle Kanu’s case with caution, ACF counsels FG

     

     

    In a related development, the pan-northern socio-political organisation, Arewa Consultative Forum, has cautioned the Federal Government to handle the arrest of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, with care.

     

    According to the ACF, the best way out was for the government to keep strictly to the rule of law in handling the matter.

     

    This, the ACF said, was because the IPOB leader had the support of international arm dealers with the capacity to destroy the country.

     

    This was just as the Coalition of Northern Groups said it received the news of the arrest and repatriation of the fugitive rebel, Nnamdi Kanu, with mixed feelings of apprehension and appreciation.

     

    The CNG hailed the Federal Government and security agencies that made the arrest possible, “particularly the International Police and authorities of the United Kingdom for honouring their obligations with Nigeria.”

     

    Both the National Publicity Secretary of the ACF, Emmanuel Yawe, and the spokesperson of the CNG, Abdul-Azeez Suleiman, made the positions of the two northern bodies known in a statement released in Kaduna on Tuesday.

     

    “The best way out is to keep strictly to the rule of law. Kanu and his collaborators must be made to understand that Nigeria is not a failed state and the rule of law still exists here,” the forum said.

     

     

     

    The statement added, “For now, we do not have details of the immediate circumstances leading to his arrest. We do not even know where he was arrested whether in Nigeria or outside.

     

    “We, however, know that the man has no respect for the country called Nigeria and has vowed to destroy the country. Sadly, he enjoys collaboration of some Nigerians who for some reasons want the country destroyed.

     

    “He also enjoys the support of international arm dealers who know that he has the capacity to cause a war to break out in Africa’s most populous country and biggest economy.”

     

    On their part, the CNG said it remained apprehensive until the the full course of justice took effect on Kanu.

     

    The CNG added, “In addition, he must now face additional charges of incitement to violence and killings of people of other ethnicities, particularly northerners, security personnel as a result of his open incitement.

     

    “More importantly, we don’t see Kanu’s arrest affecting the issue of Biafra. While he faces trial hopefully, the CNG is insisting that this is the right time to tackle the Biafran issue once for all.

     

    “We stand our ground that a referendum must be held to determine this and all other agitations for self-determination from any part of the country.”

     

     

    Archbishop alleges Kanu trapped with woman

     

    Reacting to his arrest, Archbishop of Enugu Provence, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Most Rev Emmanuel Chukwuma, welcomed his arrest and described it as good development.

     

    The fiery cleric accused IPOB leader of jumping bail, adding that he didn’t appreciate Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe and others who secured his bail.

     

    He said, “Rather, when he was abroad, he was instigating people to cause confusion. We warned him several times to stop that. It’s not only that; we felt that if you are a leader and you are part of the problem of Nigeria, you should come down here, so we can discuss with others on how to solve the problem.

     

    Chukwuma, while describing Kanu as a weak leader, alleged that IPOB leader, “played into the hands of Nigerian Intelligence Agency, who set him up with a woman from London to Brazil, where he was arrested and then tranquilised to the point of bringing him to Nigeria.

     

    “That shows irresponsibility. How can a woman and tranquiliser be a way of catching you if you are really a very strong leader? I feel disappointed in him because they lured him out of London to Brazil with a woman. It’s a shame.”

     

    Adebanjo faults foreign country over Kanu’s arrest

     

     

     

    But the acting leader of the apex socio-political group, Afenifere, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, has faulted the arrest of the leader of the Independent People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu.

     

    Adebanjo said the foreign country was not supposed to have handed over Kanu to the Nigerian government while he was enjoying a political asylum.

     

    He said this on Tuesday while speaking with newsmen shortly after the meeting held at his Sanya-Ogbo,  Ijebu-Ode residence.

     

    When asked to react to the arrest and prosecution of Kanu, Adebanjo said. “Anybody fighting for revolution must be ready for that; I was also a victim of treasonable felony. They tried some of us; what the British did, they did for Action Group when they repatriated Chief (Anthony) Enahoro.

     

    “They didn’t do it while we were in Ghana, the government there protected us. He (Kanu) had been giving asylum, they then sent him back. It is wrong and improper, having granted him asylum, to hand him over to his enemy, I condemn it…”

     

    IPOB counsel urges FG to guarantee his safety

     

    In another development, the Indigenous People of Biafra has confirmed the arrest of its leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

     

     

    This was contained in a statement by IPOB/Nnamdi Kanu lead counsel, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, on Tuesday.

     

    Ejiofor, in the statement, demanded that Kanu’s fundamental rights must be respected while in custody.

     

    “We have just confirmed through correspondence from the Federal High Court, Abuja, the arrest and the extradition of my client, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, by the Nigerian State.

     

    “It is to be noted, therefore, that no matter the gravity of the offences or charge preferred against him, Section 36(5) of the Constitution still presumes him innocent of the allegation. The legal team ably led by my humble self will meet them in court on this date.

     

    “We insist that he must be given a fair hearing/trial, which is his constitutionally protected right. His safety as also guaranteed under our law throughout the trial and afterwards should be enforced.

     

    “Our fortified legal team will be meeting to agree on strategies within the context of the charge and disposition of the court. Await further updates from us as we progress,” part of the statement read.

     

    Nnamdi Kanu’s arrest may trigger nationwide protest – Igbo group

     

     

     

    Meanwhile, the Igbo National Council has described the arrest of the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra as a “rude shock”.

     

    The group in a statement issued in Owerri, the Imo State capital, on Tuesday by its National President, Chilos Godsent, said that the arrest of Kanu might trigger protest in most parts of the country if the Federal Government failed to handle the issue with caution.

     

    The statement, which was tagged ‘Re: Arrest of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu: A mistake of the biggest order by the Nigerian Government, asks government to seek peaceful means in handing the issue’.

     

    Uneasy calm in Abia over Kanu’s arrest

     

    However, it was an atmosphere of uneasy calm in Abia as the news of the arrest and extradition of IPOB’s leader by the Federal Government filtered into the state.

     

    A resident of Umuahia who chose to speak on condition of anonymity said, “Ndigbo are finished”, adding that the news came to him as “a rude shock”.

     

    Another resident asked, “Is it what will be done and there will be peace?”

     

     

    It was also gathered that residents of Aba, the commercial hub of Abia State, were unusually quiet over the issue, “especially as most of them have yet to hear the news”.

     

    However, the Coalition of South-East Youth Leaders said, in a statement by its President General of the group, Goodluck Ibem, and the Secretary General, Kanice Igwe, said, “The Fulani herdsmen kill, rape and maim indigenes of southern Nigerian on daily basis and none of them has been arrested or prosecuted by the Nigerian security agencies.

     

    “Nnamdi Kanu’s arrest is a direct question to Ndigbo that “how dare you speak when we kill, maim and rape your women.”

     

    In Anambra, most people, who spoke with one of our correspondent on condition of anonymity hailed his arrest.

     

    A source said, “It serves him right. He has always lacked tact. This happens to those who don’t listen to advice. The manner of his arrest must have humbled him after all his boasts. Pride always goes before a fall. I think what I just couldn’t stand about him was his arrogance.”

     

    Another respondent said, “Now that the supreme leader has been captured, what happens to the numerous supporters? Unknown gunmen on my mind!

     

     

     

     

    Source: www.punchng.com

  • INFERTILITY: What you don’t know

    Sperm count refers to the normal number of sperm present in one example of semen. Fertility doctors evaluate sperm count during routine semen examinations and believe it’s anything but a significant factor for fertility.

     

     

    If you and your partner are trying to conceive a baby, you may be looking for information about how to increase sperm count to improve your chances of getting pregnant. A healthy sperm count is necessary for fertility.

     

    Here are things to avoid while preventing low sperm count:

     

     

     

    ADVERTISEMENT

     

     

    · Quit smoking

     

    A 2016 meta-analysis that reviewed the results of over 20 studies with a total of nearly 6,000 participants found that smoking consistently reduced sperm count.

     

    There are many good reasons to kick a smoking habit to improve your health. If you are trying for a baby, now might be the time to quit smoking. If you can’t kick the habit, go seek advice and support.

     

    Get enough exercise and sleep

     

    Besides being good for your general health, exercising regularly can boost testosterone levels and improve fertility.

     

    Several studies on overweight or obese men have shown that sperm count increased when they lost weight, in some cases by as much as 95%. It’s an important part of making sure the body is healthy, so ensure you’re switching off early enough.

     

    However, you should avoid too much exercise, as it may have the opposite effect and potentially reduce testosterone levels. Exercise will keep you healthy and at a good weight.

     

     

     

    · Avoid excessive alcohol and drug use

     

    According to research, it’s known that the worldwide use of drugs such as alcohol, marijuana, and cocaine to decreased sperm production. Some evidence is conflicting, so further research is necessary to confirm.

    I’m not suggesting the need to stop alcohol and drug use but at least limiting it to perhaps six units or less a week.

     

    · Reduce stress

     

    Stress may reduce your sexual satisfaction and impair your fertility. This is because when the body is stressed, it conserves energy and focuses on surviving, rather than reproducing.

     

    Passion, enjoyment and keeping the hormones surging when you’re having sex are all part of the baby-making process. So, if your mind’s elsewhere and racing with work worries, perhaps suggest to takes action to de-stress.

     

    · Be aware of lap action

     

    Having a computer on the lap all the time really does damage fertility. Laptops, saunas, hot tubs and even tight boxers cause overheating, which damages the sperm.

     

    · Get enough zinc

     

    Zinc is an essential mineral found in high amounts in animal foods, such as meat, fish, eggs, and shellfish. It’s Improve the overall health of sperm, including concentration and count.

     

    Taking zinc supplements increases testosterone levels and sperm count in those who are low in zinc.

     

     

     

     

    Source: www.thenationonlineng.net

  • Court of ECOWAS restrains Buhari and FG from unlawfully imposing sanctions on Twitter and Twitter users in Nigeria pending determination of the suit

    The Federal Government and the House of Representatives clashed yesterday over the suspension of Twitter.

     

    On June 4, government banned Twitter after the microblogging site pulled down a tweet by President Muhammadu Buhari.

     

    In reaction, the House mandated its Committees on Information, Communication and Justice to investigate the legal backing for government’s action.

     

    At the resume hearing yesterday, government said it suspended operations of the micro-blogging and social networking site in line with the Terrorism Act 2011 and other extant laws.

     

    Minister of Information and Orientation, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, who appeared before the lawmakers, alongside the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) and the Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC), insisted that the suspension had nothing to do with the pulling down of Buhari’s tweet.

     

    He also read the riot act to Facebook and other social media operators saying government would not hesitate to wield the big stick if they crossed the red line.

     

    “We suspended Twitter because Twitter became a platform of choice for those that want to bring down this country. If any other platform does it, we will suspend their operations too. It is because there is a country called Nigeria that they have business here. Social media is a menace everywhere in the world. We believe that the best way to start is regulating them.”

     

    He added: “Incidentally, the Twitter suspension is indefinite; it’s not banned. The doors are not closed. We are willing to speak to Twitter. Twitter has written a letter seeking for government dialogue and just today, I did issue a statement which I announced the government’s team that is ready to meet Twitter.

     

    “When I leave here, I intend see whether we can have a preliminary meeting of that committee. We hope that the committee will be able to meet first and that the committee would have a good dialogue with Twitter. But like we said, there are two basic things that Twitter or any OTT or social media needs to do: they must first be registered as a Nigerian company after which they will apply for license. Other conditions will come up as we go along.”

     

    Earlier, the minister had said that the Federal Government has said that it suspended the operations of micro-blogging and social networking site, Twitter, in the country in line with the Terrorism Act 2011 and other extant laws.

     

    “If you look at section 3 of the National Security Act which cloth the State Security Service with the powers to preserve the internal security of Nigerians, it is very instructive that any platform that threatens the internal security of Nigeria will not be allowed to operate.

     

    “This is a case where the Federal Government deemed it necessary that the activities of twitter in Nigeria in particular is inimical to stability in the country.

     

    “The right to freedom of expression on the Twitter platform is further qualified by section 45 of the constitution in light to the provisions of section 5 (1) and (2) of the Terrorism Act 2011 which states that any person who knowingly, in any manner directly or indirectly solicits or render support or the commission of an act of terrorism or to a terrorist group commits an offence under this act.

     

    “We all know that IPOB is proscribed by a High Court in Nigeria and yet, twitter is the platform of choice through which IPOB direct its people to kill soldiers, kill policemen and burn public institutions.

     

    “So, it is clear that Twitter operations in Nigeria is inimical to our growth, both in common law and national security and so, we had to suspend their operations.”

     

    However, a member of the joint committee, Shaba Ibrahim, said while he agreed that everything pales into insignificance when national interest and security is at stake, government’s action smacked of incipient totalitarianism.

     

    “We are at the mercy of people who handle social media irresponsibly. All it took to wake to that responsibility was for Twitter to bring down Mr President’s tweet. With all due respect sir, I don’t think that was good enough.

     

    “I agree that no right is in absolute terms. But again, we must mind the timing of it so that proactive actions are taken to nip these things in the bud, because what you have done whether you like it or not looks like symptoms of emerging totalitarianism.”

     

    Meanwhile, the court of the Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS) has restrained President Buhari and agents of the Federal Government from unlawfully imposing sanctions or doing anything whatsoever to harass, intimidate, arrest or prosecute Twitter and other social media service providers, media houses, radio and television broadcast stations and other Nigerians who are Twitter users, pending the hearing and determination of the suit.

     

    The ruling of the court was predicated on the suit filed against the government by Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and 176 concerned Nigerians where they argued that “the unlawful suspension of Twitter in Nigeria, criminalisation of Nigerians and other people using Twitter have escalated repression of human rights and unlawfully restricted the rights of Nigerians and other people to freedom of expression, access to information, and media freedom in the country.”

     

    The court gave the order after hearing arguments from Solicitor to SERAP, Femi Falana (SAN) and lawyer to the government Maimuna Shiru.

     

    Lai, Pantami make govt’s reconciliation team

     

    President Muhammadu Buhari has approved a Federal Government’s team to engage with Twitter over the suspension of its operations in the country.

     

    Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, announced the composition of the team in a statement in Abuja by Segun Adeyemi, special assistant to the President on Media, office of the Minister of Information and Culture.

     

    The team which is chaired by Mohammed the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami; Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Ali Pantami; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama; Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola and Minister of State, Labour and Employment, Festus Keyamo, and representatives of relevant government agencies as members.

     

    “Following the indefinite suspension of its operations in Nigeria, for activities that are capable of undermining Nigeria’s corporate existence, Twitter wrote to President Buhari seeking to engage with the Federal Government over the suspension, with a view to charting a path forward,” the statement read.

     

     

     

     

    Source: www.sunnewsonline.com

  • Former Reps member convicted for 7 years over $500,000 bribe from Otedola

    The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory sitting in Apo on Tuesday convicted and sentenced a former member of the House of Representatives, Farouk Lawan, for demanding a bribe of $3m and receiving $500,000 from businessman, Femi Otedola.

     

    The court found Lawan guilty of the three charges against him and sentenced him to seven years’ imprisonment for the first count; seven years for the second count; and five years for count 3.

     

    The jail terms will run concurrently.

     

    The court also ordered him to return the $500,000 bribe.

     

    While delivering the judgment, Justice Angela Ataluka, stated that the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt and found the ex-lawmaker guilty of the charges.

     

    In Suit No. FHC/HC/CR/76/2013, Lawan, a former representative of the Bagwai/Shanono Federal Constituency of Kano State between 1999 and 2015 and former Chairman of the House of Representatives Ad hoc Committee on Fuel Subsidy in 2012, was brought before the court over a $3m bribery charge filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission on behalf of the Federal Government.

     

    The prosecution had accused him of demanding bribe of $3m and obtaining $500,000 from Otedola as inducement to remove his company from the list of indicted companies before the House of Reps Adhoc Committee on Fuel Subsidy.

     

     

     

    Otedola, Chairman of Zenon Petroleum and Gas Limited, had told the court that he did not mount pressure Lawan to remove his company’s name from the list of firms indicted for fuel subsidy fraud in 2012.

     

    Otedola said rather, Lawan, the then chairman of the ad hoc committee, got from him $500,000 out of the $3m the lawmaker demanded.

     

    He said his company was not involved in the fuel subsidy regime and there was no basis for it to be indicted, but Lawan only demanded money from him as a means of extortion.

     

    Otedola told the court that he watched on the television how Lawan moved the motion for the removal of Zenon Oil from the list of indicted firms after receiving the $500,000.

     

    However, he said his company was actually delisted from the list as a result of the documents supplied to show its innocence.

     

    Otedola, a prosecution witness in the trial, had said the $500,000 offered to the defendant was from the Department of State Service.

     

    He said the money was given to him by the DSS to set a trap for Lawan after petition the DSS

     

     

    The delivery of the judgment was slightly delayed as a result of the downpour in Abuja which caused interruption in power supply in the court room.

     

    The downpour also had the court room dripping with water from the leaking roof.

     

     

     

     

    Source: www.punchng.com

  • Inflation: 7 million Nigerians pushed into poverty

    The World Bank says Nigeria’s inflation rate is expected to rise to the fifth highest in Sub-Saharan Africa by the end of 2021, behind only Zimbabwe, Zambia, South Sudan and Angola.

     

     

     

    This was disclosed at the presentation of Nigeria’s Development Report for the first six months of 2021 by the World Bank in Abuja.

     

     

    The bank said over 11 million more Nigerians are also expected to lose their jobs.

     

     

     

    According to the bank, inflation is also pushing seven million more Nigerians into poverty due to falling purchasing power.

     

     

    Among factors the bank says are responsible for the challenges are insecurity and conflict as well as the COVID-19 pandemic.

     

    The World Bank also said the economic growth in Nigeria is projected to remain below the population growth in the peri od under review.

     

     

     

    Source: www.theadvocatengr.com

  • Food Poll

     

     

    A big time foodie karmstyles  once quoted “food is the most important aspect of life”

    Why don’t you tell us your most important meal of the day.

     

    [yop_poll id=”3″]

  • DAAR Communications to Challenge NBC in court

     

    DAAR Communications PLC, owners and operators of Africa Independent Television, Raypower FM and Faaji Radio, has said that they will go to court to challenge the National Broadcasting Commission’s stance on the suspension of Twitter announced by the Federal Government once the strike by the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria is over.

     

    They made this known in a statement issued on Monday, signed by the management of the media conglomerate.

     

    The statement said the ban by the FG does not represent any law as contemplated by the National Broadcasting Code.

     

    AIT, Raypower and Faaji Radio have suspended the use of their Twitter handles but will challenge the NBC directives in court as soon as judiciary workers suspend their ongoing strike.

     

    Recall that the NBC, in a statement on Monday, directed all broadcast stations across the nation to suspend their patronage of Twitter and stop using it as a source of news. The directive also demands that they deactivate their accounts on the microblogging site.

     

    This followed the ban of Twitter operations in Nigeria by the Federal Government over the use of the platform for ‘activities that are capable of undermining the corporate existence of Nigeria’.

     

    NBC quoted from Sections 2 (1), 3.11.2 as well as 5.6.3 of the NBC Act.

     

     

     

     

     

    Source: www.punchng.com

  • Prominent Nigerians Shun Twitter ban: El-Rufai, Akeredolu, Fayose, Adeboye, Kumuyi, Sani

     

    Four days after the Federal Government slammed indefinite ban on use of Twitter, prominent Nigerians have continued to flout the order.

     

    Those who have dared the FG include Governors of Kaduna and Ondo states, Nasir El-Rufai and Rotimi Akeredolu respectively, former Ekiti governor, Ayo Fayose and senators Dino Melaye and Shehu Sani

     

     

     

    Government had on Friday imposed suspension on Twitter alleging persistent use of the platform for activities capable of undermining Nigeria’s corporate existence.

     

    Following the announcement of the ban on activities of the microblogging platform by Information Minister, Lai Mohammed, Minister of Justice and AGF, Abubakar Malami have directed the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF) in his office to swing into action and commence the process of prosecution of violators of the Federal Government’s de-activation of operations of Twitter

     

    But prominent clerics, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Enoch Adeboye and the General Superintendent, Deeper Christian Life Ministry, Pastor William Kumuyi, yesterday, posted separate tweets reacting to the ban of the microblogging platform.

     

     

     

    Adeboye said tweeting is in accordance with Article 19 of the UN universal declaration of human rights.

     

    “The Redeemed Christian Church of God is domiciled in more than 170 Nations & Territories. The tweets here are in accordance to Article 19 of the UN universal declaration of Human Rights,” the cleric tweeted.

     

    Explaining why Deeper Life Church would remain active on Twitter, Kumuyi said his tweets were targetted at over 100 nations where the church has branches. He said the church made use of Twitter to share contents from any of the locations across the five continents.

     

    “In view of the Twitter ban in Nigeria, please note that the content shared on this handle is targeted at a global audience in more than five continents and over 100 nations and we share the content from any of these locations,” he tweeted.

     

    Mocking the FG last night, Shehu Sani tweeted: “You have to come to Twitter to know who is in Twitter and coming is a Taboo.”

     

    Also defying the order, yesterday, Ayodele Fayose tweeted: “Anyone they arrest will only end up being celebrated. No one should be moved by empty threats of arrest. Certainly, what has a beginning must have an end. This dictatorial govt came and shall definitely go. No shaking!

     

    “Good days ahead” while Melaye agreed with Pastor Adeboye that “United Nations Charter of which Nigeria is a signatory and have since domesticated.”

     

    Earlier, El-Rufai and Akeredolu, both members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), had tweeted through their verified accounts, daring Malami’s prosecution threats. At exactly 9:37 p.m. on Sunday, Kaduna governor shared an opinion article titled: “Based Nigeria: African country teaches US lesson in how to handle Big Tech tyranny”.

     

    Governor Akeredolu also posted a statement reacting to the night attack that claimed several lives in Igangan community in Oyo State on Sunday.

     

    Governor El-Rufai’s media aide, Muyiwa Adekeye said he had been outside the country for over a week, noting, “the activities of Twitter is not banned in the country.”

     

    Spokesperson of Governor Akeredolu, Olabode Richard, also argued that the microblogging platform was accessible to Nigerians on Sunday, adding that his principal did not make use of the Virtual Private Network (VPN) or other alternatives being explored by Nigerians.

     

    It, however, remains unclear if the order from the office of the AGF would be effected on, Adeboye, El-Rufai, Akeredolu and other “offenders”.

     

    •FG could have handled it a lot better, says Sanwo-Olu

     

    Speaking on a live television interview programme, yesterday, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said considering the economic implications of the decision, the Federal Government could have handled the situation better.

     

    “Federal government can handle this a lot better. Because of the number of eCommerce, the number of youths doing digital stuff on the internet, and we cannot throw that away and say it’s not happening. I believe there could be a lot of restraint and better management from both sides,” the governor said.

     

    “On both sides, there are issues that can be resolved between Twitter and the government and I think what they’ve done is not a ban but a suspension like they said, so in the period of suspension let us sit down.

     

    “If we have 40 million users of that micro-blogger and another country has five million and they chose to take their investment to a country that have five million compared to a country with 40 million. It speaks to the reason we need to have that conversation with them. Probably if they have an office here things would have been done a lot quicker and better.”

     

    •Envoys maintain position on ban

     

    Federal Government, yesterday, met envoys of the United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union, the Canadian Government and the Government of Ireland over their response to its ban on Twitter’s operations in the country.

     

    The meeting which was at the instance of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, followed a statement jointly issued by the United States, the United Kingdom, the Delegation of the European Union to Nigeria and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the Canadian Government, and the Republic of Ireland at the weekend, expressing disappointment over the ban on Twitter’s operations.

     

    Prior to the joint statement, the United States Diplomatic Mission to Nigeria, had issued a separate statement where it said the ban on Twitter’s operations in the country was an infringement on the rights of Nigerians to freedom of expression.

     

    Present at the meeting were the United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Mary Beth Leonard; the British Deputy High commissioner, Gill Atkinson; Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Nicolas Simard; the Political Adviser on Maritime and Security, Politics, Press and Information Section, Delegation of European Union to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Thomas Kieler; and the Charge d’Affaires of the Embassy of Ireland, Mr Conor Finn.

     

    Onyeama said the meeting was as a result of the statement jointly issued by the missions which was forwarded to him.

     

    Onyeama further said he felt it was absolutely appropriate to take their comments very seriously and meet with the heads of missions due to the respect for their countries and in view of the relationship with the affected countries.

     

    He also said the meeting was in their usual friendly way, to discuss and share opinions with respect to the Twitter ban and clarify certain things.

     

    “So, it was for that reason that I have invited you here this morning, not summon, invited to discuss some of these issues,” Onyeama said.

     

    Responding on behalf of other envoys, Leonard said as partners, they want to see Nigeria succeed, unified, peaceful and prosperous.

     

    Asked if they were withdrawing their statement, Leonard said they recognised that there were issues of irresponsible use of social media, but “we remain firm in our position that free access to the ability to express oneself is actually very important, and perhaps, even more important in troubled times.”

     

    •FG to sanction broadcast stations using Twitter

     

    The Federal Government has directed broadcast stations to de-install twitter handles and desist from using twitter as a source of information gathering for news and programmes presentation, especially phone-in programmes.

     

    The directive was issued in Abuja by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) in a statement by its Acting Director-General, Professor Armstrong Idachaba.

     

    NBC said it would be unpatriotic for any broadcaster to continue to patronise the suspended Twitter as a source of its information.

     

    “Consequent on the suspension of Twitter operations in Nigeria by the Federal Government over the persistent use of the platform for activities that are capable of undermining the corporate existence of Nigeria, the National Broadcasting Commission directs all broadcasting stations in Nigeria to suspend the patronage of Twitter immediately.

     

    “In compliance to the above directive, broadcasting stations are hereby advised to de-install twitter handles and desist from using twitter as a source of User Generated Content (UGC) of information gathering for news and programmes presentation, especially phone-in.

     

    “Section 2(1) r of the NBC Act entrusts the commission with responsibility to ensure strict adherence to the national laws, rules and regulations. Also, section 3.11.2 of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code provides that ‘the broadcaster shall ensure that law enforcement is upheld at all times in a matter depicting that law and order are socially superior to or more desirable than Crime and Anarchy,” Idachaba said.

     

    Idachaba further said attention was also drawn to Section 5.6.3 of the Broadcast Code which required broadcasters to be mindful of materials that may cause disaffection, incite to panic or rift in the society in the use of a UGC.

     

    “Note that it will be unpatriotic for any broadcaster in Nigeria to continue to patronise the suspended Twitter as a source of its information therefore strict compliance is enjoined,” Idachaba said.

     

    •Asking TV, radio stations to deactivate accounts unlawful – SERAP

     

    Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has condemned the directive by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to all broadcast stations in the country to suspend patronage of Twitter with immediate effect as “the patently unlawful and unconstitutional.”

     

    NBC had reportedly stated that the decision followed the suspension of Twitter operations in Nigeria by the Federal Government over purported use of the platform for “activities that are capable of undermining the corporate existence of Nigeria.”

     

    SERAP in a statement by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare said the directive by the NBC is itself unlawful because it is based on another unlawful decision by the Federal Government to suspend Twitter in Nigeria.

     

    “The NBC’s directive has political interference written all over it. It is a blow to Nigerians’ rights to freedom of expression, media freedom, media independence and diversity. The directive must be immediately withdrawn. Freedom of expression is a fundamental human right. This action by the NBC is yet another nail in the coffin for human rights, media freedom and independent journalism under this government.

     

    “The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights should publicly and vigorously express concerns over the Nigerian government’s increasingly brutal crackdown on media freedom, and use all possible means to urge the government of President Muhammadu Buhari to protect and respect freedom of expression.”

     

     

     

    •Stop mocking democracy, Norsemen tell FG

     

    An international humanitarian body, De Norsemen KClub International has kicked against the Nigerian government’s ban on Twitter, saying it was an ambush on the nation’s fledgling democracy.

     

    The group said the Muhammadu Buhari-led administration was mocking democracy, adding that it was appalled that a government that came in through a democratic process, and prided itself as an upholder of democratic principles, could take such brazing unpopular decision without recourse to democratic principles and constitutionality.

     

    In statement by it International President, Dr. Adeshola Giwa, on Monday, De Norsemen stated its belief and commitment to free speech, noting that only a government that had something to hide would abridge freedom of expression.

     

    “De Norsemen Kclub International wish to remind the Federal Government that a government that has nothing to hide is not afraid of free speech. The rule should be: let the people express themselves and take responsibility of their expressions. We want to emphasize that freedom of speech is an inalienable constitutional right of citizens. Citizens’ right to free expression is non-negotiable and it is only a court of competent jurisdiction, and not the fiat of government, that can determine when the expression of citizens runs foul of the law.”

     

     

     

     

    Source: www.sunnewsonline.com

  • Twitter Ban: An unnecessary detraction, an assault to basic rights,

    TWENTY-TWO years after exiting military dictatorship, Nigeria is gradually but steadily slipping back into full-scale repression. Stung by the international shame accompanying Twitter’s removal of a repugnant tweet by the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), the regime retaliated by suspending the operations of the microblogging site in Nigeria. The ban is rash, undemocratic and anti-investment; it further jeopardises the country’s international reputation, assaults basic rights and worsens the economic adversity. It is, indeed, an unnecessary detraction.

     

    Widely condemned at home and abroad, it has forced some of the 33 million Nigerian social media users to bypass the ban using the Virtual Private Networks and led to a new hashtag, #TwitterBan. Irked by the ineffectiveness of its order, the regime further threatened to arrest and prosecute VPN users. Clearly, this regime is fast losing its legitimacy.

     

    In the now deleted incendiary post, Buhari had tweeted, “Many of those misbehaving today are too young to be aware of the destruction and loss of lives that occurred during the Nigerian Civil War. Those of us in the fields for 30 months, who went through the war, will treat them in the language they understand.” Coming from a President, this was unguarded. Twitter, which had also taken down posts by Donald Trump, a former United States president, deleted it for rule violation.

     

    The regime attracted considerable scorn when the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, announced the suspension on Friday and accused Twitter of “the persistent use of the platform for activities that are capable of undermining Nigeria’s corporate existence.”

     

    Rational voices, including those of Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka, the Nigerian Bar Association, civil society groups and lawyers have rightly criticised the order. Dismay has also come from foreign missions that strongly supported the fundamental human rights of free expression and access to information as a pillar of democracy in Nigeria, as well as around the world. The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Enoch Adeboye, argues correctly that: “Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression: this right includes freedom to hold opinion without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers”.

     

    But more pernicious was the regime’s summoning of the envoys of these countries. Impetuous, disproportionate, and devoid of sober, mature reflection, the suspension has reputational, economic, and legal implications, all negative. It is an attack on democracy and a violation of the fundamental rights of citizens to ventilate their views and conduct their businesses through a lawful platform.

     

    Shamefully, it adds Nigeria to the list of some authoritarian countries where Twitter has been suspended or banned. As an aspiring liberal democracy, it is embarrassing to be found in the same club of social media oppressors like China, Iran, North Korea and Turkmenistan.

     

    Buhari has not changed. In his first outing as military head of state 1984/85, his hatred of free speech and press freedom manifested in the infamous draconian Decree 4 by which he sought to muzzle the media. As lawyers have pointed out, the action violated the 1999 Constitution; they question the President’s power to suspend a tech platform under the law.

     

    Moreover, the threat to arrest and prosecute anyone continuing to use Twitter has been contested on the grounds that there is no existing law that criminalises the use of a social platform or VPN in Nigeria.

     

    It is also a gross personalisation of governance; Personal ego should not dictate national policy. Twitter and Facebook not only deleted the offensive tweets of a sitting US president, Trump, but they also shut down his account altogether. Strong institutions prevented Trump from the irresponsible use of state institutions to punish them for perceived personal affront. Nigeria advertises itself as a banana republic with Buhari’s intemperate action.

     

    Economically, it is devastating. A digital advocacy group, Paradigm Initiative, estimates that Nigeria loses $250,600 per hour due to the Twitter ban. This arises from its use as an advertising and networking platform by local and foreign businesses. It is expected to devastate the SMEs sector that according to the Association of Small Business Owners of Nigeria relies on Twitter among others to advertise products and services and creates over 70 per cent of formal jobs.

     

    It will also hit the youth segment of the population the hardest who already suffer 42.5 per cent jobless rate and are the biggest users of tech tools to survive. Research by Briter Bridges and AfriLabs found that of the 643 tech hubs in Africa by 2019, Nigeria had the highest with 90 hubs. It accounted for 17 per cent of the $1 billion raised by African tech start-ups in 2020, said Techpoint Africa. Nigerian tech firms, run by youths, raised $219 million in the first quarter of this year.

     

    Meanwhile, foreign direct investment desperately needed for infrastructure and job creation has been falling. From $4.45 billion in 2016, it crashed to $2 billion in 2018, rose to $3.3 billion in 2019 and dropped again to $2.2 billion in 2020 as per World Bank data.

     

    The NESG, leading economists and the organised private sector are unanimous that this move will further dampen investor interest in an economy wracked by insecurity, corruption, and poor ease of doing business.

     

     

    Under Buhari, Nigeria is sliding towards fascism. There must be vigorous push-back. All lawful means must be brought to bear by all stakeholders to preserve our hard-earned freedoms. The National Assembly should stand with the people they claim to represent and oppose this with all the legal means at their disposal. Civil society groups and the NBA should quickly make good their pledges to challenge the imprudent action in courts. Buhari and his regime need to understand that modern governance is run on rational, scientific considerations, not on personal whims. Actions and their implications on the general good of the country must be thoroughly analysed. Social media, technology and innovation are the engines of modern society.

     

    It should be made clear that Twitter is not a government actor. It, therefore, has the right to make its rules of engagement. Buhari needs to rethink. Instead of lashing out at Twitter, he should apply himself to how to genuinely rescue the country from the pangs of insecurity. He should reconsider the order and lift the ban on Twitter unconditionally

     

     

     

     

    Source: www.punchng.com

  • Food Insecurity: A mammoth that needs to be defeated

     

    The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is exercising its power to reflate the economy through funding support for key sectors especially the agricultural sector. The Anchor Borrowers’ Scheme, Agri-Business, Small and Medium Enterprises Investment Scheme (AGSMEIS), Commercial Agricultural Credit Scheme (CACS), the Agricultural Credit Guarantee Scheme (ACGSF) and other initiatives were introduced by the apex bank to support local farmers in making food available to the population, encourage the consumption and patronage of Nigeria farm produce and supporting domestic economy,

     

    Before now, farmers were the least that banks would consider for loans. Such loans, if approved, were deemed lost from the outset, especially when advanced to smallholder farmers.

     

    Today, the story has changed. Both the smallholder farmers and commercial farmers can access long-term loans from banks at a single interest rate.

     

    Also, lenders, which previously saw agricultural credits as high risk, are now seeing the potential of how much a well-priced facility can add to their balance sheets and profitability.

     

    The new thinking in agriculture credit and access to loans by farmers was made possible by several intervention programs instituted by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to lift the agricultural sector and support food sufficiency.

     

    The Anchor Borrowers’ Scheme, Agri-Business, Small and Medium Enterprises Investment Scheme (AGSMEIS), Commercial Agricultural Credit Scheme (CACS), the Agricultural Credit Guarantee Scheme (ACGSF) among others are few examples of the CBN’s footprints in the agricultural sector.

     

    The CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele said the apex bank has disbursed funds under its various agricultural interventions towards improving food supply in Nigeria.

     

    He said the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme (ABP), launched in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi state capital, in 2015 to ensure easy loan access to farmers.

     

    According to Emefiele, under the ABP, farm inputs are provided in cash and kind to smallholder farmers (SHF), thus guaranteeing input supply to agro-processors. During harvest, the farmer supplies produce to the agro-processors (anchors) who then pay the cash equivalent to the farmer. Rice, a major commodity under the ABP, is the third-most consumed staple food in Nigeria — after maize and cassava — and has become a food security crop due to its increased significance in the country.

     

    Emefiele explained further that over 3.1 million farmers have been financed for the cultivation of crops across twenty-one agricultural commodities captured under the ABP since inception.

     

    “A total of 3,107,890 farmers had been financed for the cultivation of 3,801,397 hectares across 21 commodities through 23 Participating Financial Institutions in the 36 States of the Federation and FCT, from the inception of the programme till date,” Emefiele said.

     

    He added that under the 2020 wet season CBN-Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RIFAN) partnership, the bank also financed 221,450 farmers for the cultivation of 221,450 hectares in 32 States.

     

    Emefiele expressed hope that the incentive would improve the standard of living of farmers in Nigeria, motivate prompt loan repayment and ultimately enhance the sustainability of the programme. “Loan repayment is the hallmark of every credit cycle and the sustainability of the programme is hinged on farmers’ ability and willingness to repay their loans, and we are constantly engaging with them to enhance their trust in the system,” he said.

     

    Taofik Ibrahim, a rice farmer, said the ABP has been of great support to his farm, as the yield per hectare has improved with one hectare yielding an average yield of 90 bags of rice paddy on optimally performing land. The minimum was about 75 bags.

     

    He explained that with ABP, farmers are provided with six bags of fertiliser per hectare, a water pumping machine, and herbicide, then cash support.

     

    According to him, more people in Kebbi, including civil servants, have gone into farming because of the opportunity provided by the CBN through the ABP.

     

     

    How intervention funds are disbursed

     

    CBN data showed the apex bank disbursed N107.60 billion to 548,109 farmers cultivating 703,619 hectares of land between the fourth quarter of 2020 and the first quarter of 2021 to boost dry season output in support of agricultural value chain development.

     

    Total disbursements as of end-February 2021 amounted to N1.487 trillion under the various agricultural programmes, of which N686.59 billion was disbursed under the Commercial Agricultural Credit Scheme (CACS) and N601.75 billion under the Anchor Borrowers Programmes (ABP) to 3,038,649 farmers to support food supply and dampen inflationary pressures.

     

    The CBN also authorised commercial banks to give up to N2 billion maximum loan to youths interested in going into agriculture.

     

    The loan, which comes under the Accelerated Agriculture Development Scheme (AADS) at a five per cent interest rate per annum was created by the regulator in collaboration with state governments to engage 370,000 youths in agricultural production.

     

    According to the loan guidelines signed by CBN Director Development Finance Department, Yusuf Yila Philip, the maximum loan accessible under the scheme is N2 billion per obligor.

     

    Philip said the country’s population pyramid is bulging around the youth segment, with an estimated 75 per cent of the population which is below 35, saying a large segment of this population would have eked out a living if adequate opportunities were harnessed in agriculture given its potential of employing over 70 per cent of the workforce.

     

     

    AGSMEIS funding limit

    To the success of the AGSMEIS scheme, the CBN has pegged non-interest banks’ funding of agricultural programmes at a maximum N2 billion equity.

     

    The investment is set at 40 per cent of the investee company’s equity subject to a maximum of N2 billion and tenor of up to 10 years. It has an initial lock-up period of three years.

     

    The new rule is contained in the guidelines for the Agri-Business, Small and Medium Enterprises Investment Scheme (AGSMEIS) for Non-Interest Financial Institutions (NIFIs) released by the apex bank.

     

    The guidelines, signed by CBN Director, Financial Policy and Regulations Department, Kelvin Amigo, described AGSMEIS as an initiative of the Bankers’ Committee supporting the government’s policy measures and efforts for the promotion of agricultural businesses.

     

    “The AGSMEIS Non-Interest Fund will be domiciled in a dedicated account with the CBN while each Non-Interest Deposit Bank, full-fledged or window, shall set aside five per cent of its profit after tax (PAT) annually as a contribution to the fund”.

     

    “Also, each Non-Interest Deposit Bank shall transfer its contribution to the CBN not later than 10 working days after the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the participating bank,” the guideline said.

     

    The eligible activities under the scheme include businesses across the agricultural value chain, covering production, inputs supply, storage, processing, logistics and marketing. Also captured in the scheme are (MSMEs) in the real sector including manufacturing, mining and petrochemicals; MSMEs in the service sector including information and communication technology (ICT) and the creative industry and other activities as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) may determine from time to time.

     

    A Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) shall be established to manage and monitor investments/projects under the scheme. The guidelines also said the application of the fund shall be categorised into three broad components: debt ( 50 per cent), equity (45 per cent) and developmental components (five per cent).

     

    The debt component shall constitute 50 per cent of the fund which shall be d isbursed to eligible businesses through Non-Interest Deposit Money Banks.

     

     

     

     

     

    Source: www.thenationonlineng.net

  • Constitutional Review: Public Hearing on the review started with a flurry of new demands and proposals

    The Zonal Public Hearing on the review of the 1999 constitution kicked off across the six geopolitical zones, yesterday, with a flurry of demands and proposals.

     

    Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, faulted the 1999 constitution, describing it as substandard and product of hurried national compromise.

     

     

     

    Gbajabiamila said during the zonal public hearing on the review of the 1999 constitution in Lagos, yesterday, that the constitution falls below standards because it was put in place to ensure that the military returned to the barracks.

     

    “A nation’s constitution is the foundation of its existence. It is supposed to set the terms of our nationhood and define who we are in a manner that reflects both our common truths and highest aspirations.

     

    “Our constitution falls short of this standard because the 1999 Constitution is the product of a hurried national compromise that we entered into two decades ago in other to ensure that the military returned to the barracks and that we returned to democratic government.

     

     

     

    “It was always the intention that we will one day as one people and one nation, return to amend this document so that it gives voice to the yearnings of the Nigerian people and sets out in clear details how we intend to achieve the shared ambitions of our nationhood. Providence has cast upon the 9th National Assembly the responsibility to write such a constitution for the Nigerian people.”

     

    The speaker said Nigeria needs a “near-perfect” constitution to correct the problems confronting the country.

     

    “No nation in the world has a perfect constitution, but we need a near-perfect constitution in Nigeria and we can achieve that through substantive amendments that significantly alter the character of our nation,” he said.

     

    Governor of Ondo State, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu advocated the scrapping of the Senate with each zones having equal number of four representatives at the National Assembly.

     

    This is as Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi state advocated constitutional roles to traditional rulers.

     

    They spoke separately at the Akure Centre of the Southwest and Bauchi centre of the North East centre.

     

    Akeredolu, represented by his deputy, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, said the country should consider dropping the current bicameral structure of the National Assembly, and adopt unicameral legislature.

     

    “The membership of the Assembly should be part time. No member should earn allowances not known to the Revenue Mobilisation and Allocation Committee, and the people they claim to serve.

     

    “Legislators should earn under a uniform salary structure. Allowance peculiarities must not be about obscenity. The Senate should be scrapped.

     

    “The House of Representatives too should not be unwieldy. A maximum of four representatives should come from each Zone,” he said.

     

    Akeredolu also stated that revenue generation and allocation must reflect the extent to which a state participated in the economy.

     

    He equally called for state police, resource control, judicial reforms, especially with zones having their court of appeals.

     

    Akeredolu concluded by a return to the 1963 Republican Constitution, saying, “We will have resolved many fundamental issues of nationhood with the adoption.”

     

    Speaking at the Bauchi center hearing, Governor Mohammed recalled that in the old Northern Nigeria, the British made use of them under indirect rule, said in spite of their non-recognition by the constitution, they were directly involved in the maintenance of law and order in their respective domains.

     

    “There is the need for traditional rulers to be given roles in the constitution, especially in the maintenance of law and order and other relevant areas.

     

    “Taking into cognisance that even now that they are not recognised by the constitution, all the states of the federation depend on them.

     

    “In Northern Nigeria, when the British came, they used them under indirect rule and I do not know from where we got the wisdom to throw what we have so much in custody by allowing them to be redundant, ineffective, and at the same time putting so much responsibility on them.

     

    “This is because whenever we have problems, we rush to them, but we have never held them accountable and responsible for the duties we are expecting them to perform.

     

    “We believe we can give them constitutional responsibility, salary structure and scheme of work , so that they will be able to discharge their responsibilities without forcing them into redundancy or corruption,” he said.

     

    •Ugwuanyi canvasses Nigeria anchored on justice, fairness, equity, inclusiveness

     

    While declaring the exercise open in Enugu, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi reiterated his administration’s support for unequivocal and unwavering commitment to an egalitarian Nigeria where justice, fairness, equity and inclusiveness shall be functional directive principles of state policy.

     

    The Enugu centre has Anambra and Ebonyi states. Declaring it open the governor further enjoined all relevant institutions, civil society organizations, stakeholders and the entire Enugu State citizenry “to stand up and be counted in this important national discussion.”

     

    Earlier in his address, Deputy Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Okechukwu, on behalf of the Speaker, Gbajabiamila and the Deputy Speaker and Chairman of the House Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution, Idris Wase, welcomed Ugwuanyi and other participants to the event.

     

    “We believe that the ongoing exercise, if well harnessed, presents the Nigerian government and people with ample opportunity to find answers to the myriads of pressing challenges facing our nation today.

     

    “On our part, we assure you that your views will count. Whatever views and memos you submit here today and tomorrow will form part of the working documents and views of the Constitution Review exercise by the 9th Assembly,” he said.

     

     

     

    •Lalong advocates stiffer punishment against constitutional violators

     

    Plateau Governor, Simon Lalong called for stiff penalties against anyone found guilty of abusing the constitution so as to protect its sanctity as the highest instrumental of power and make it the main driver of Nigeria’s democratic journey.

     

    He observed that beyond amending the constitution, Nigerians must also take greater interest in how the constitution is implemented to avoid abuses that end up creating distortions and leading to agitations for more amendments.

     

    “My advice to the members of the National Assembly and indeed all Nigerians is to put in place strong safeguards in the new constitution to avoid the abuse of power. The situation where people flagrantly disobey, discard and ignore the provisions of the constitution should no longer be tolerated.

     

    “We should ensure that those who temper with the provisions of the constitution are seriously punished. No matter how frequently we amend the constitution, there may not be any difference if we fail to subject ourselves to its provisions. As citizens, we are the guardians and defenders of the constitution who can either make it work or fail by our actions or inactions. Nigerians should wake up from their slumber and lethargy by ensuring that they employ all legitimate means to protect the constitution. The days of docility are far gone”.

     

    •Akwa Ibom calls for free education, state police

     

    Akwa Ibom State government advocated making free education and compulsory education from primary to secondary level a constitutional issue in order to ensure that all children benefit from education in their early lives.

     

    Governor Udom Emmanuel also said states should be allowed to control their resources so that they could develop at their own pace.

     

    Emmanuel who was represented by the secretary to Akwa Ibom State government, Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem, reasoned that the present high rate of insecurity could be better handled if the constitution makes room for the establishment of state police.

     

    He, however, said the state believed in one indivisible entity called Nigeria in which everyone’s rights and privileges would be protected and guaranteed.

     

    Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike, who was represented by the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Prof. Zaccheaus Adangor, advised members of the committee not waste time in ensuring that the amendment is promptly implemented after collating all submissions and memoranda by the people

     

    While lamenting that cost of elections is tremendously expensive, making it difficult for public office holders to do what their communities want, Wike called for an outright drafting of a new constitution where input from every segment of the society would be considered since the present 1999 constitution has outlived its usefulness.

     

    •

    On its part, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) appealed to National Assembly not to remove national minimum wage from the Exclusive list.

     

    Mr Uchenna Ekwe, head of International Relations Department, Liaison to NASS, NLC, made the appeal in Enugu.

     

    He said allowing the issues of the minimum wage in the Federal Government’s exclusive list was part of democratic processes. Ekwe noted that those canvassing for its removal were ignorant of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) laws and making a vital mistake.

     

    “The laws allow issues of national minimum wages be maintained by the Federal Government.”

     

     

     

    Source: www.sunnewsonline.com

  • The masterminds behind Gulaks killing must be Nabbed

    Umahi, the Southeast Governors Forum Chairman, spoke after a zoom meeting of the regional governors where they lamented the tragedy.

     

    The forum condemned the murder and expressed solidarity with Imo State Governor Hope Uzodima.

     

    Umahi enjoined security agencies to nab the masterminds of the killing.

     

    In a statement by the Ebonyi State governor, the forum commiserated with the bereaved family and the government and people of Adamawa State.

     

    Umahi has appointed Prof. Chigozie Uneke as the Acting Vice Chancellor (VC) of King David Medical Science University in Uburu Ohaozara Local Government.

     

     

     

    The governor’s approval is contained in a statement yesterday in Abakaliki by the Secretary to the State Government and Coordinating Commissioner, Mr. Kenneth Ugbala.

     

    Umahi said the appointment was with effect from June 1 and would last for six months, subject to renewal.

     

    He said the position was to ensure smooth take off and effective management of the institution.

     

    “The new acting vice chancellor is expected to deploy his wealth of experience to manage the new institution.

     

    “He is also expected to achieve the vision for establishing the university by the government,” the governor sane

     

     

     

    Source: www.thenationonlineng.net