President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated a renowned Islamic leader, Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi, on his 100th birthday today, July 9. The President described Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi as a shining light who has significantly contributed to shaping Islamic knowledge, as well as moral and ethical standards in modern Nigeria. He acknowledged that the Sheikh, who is a Tijjaniyya leader had for years, dedicating his life to spreading knowledge and raising generations of Nigerians. President Tinubu prayed for greater wisdom and good health for the venerable Sheikh.
A group described as a leading authority in crisis management in Nigeria, the Centre for Crisis Communication (CCC), has identified some security flashpoints in Nigeria, which require serious attention of the federal government to stop them from developing into a national disaster. The group said that it had conducted a comprehensive assessment of the performance of Nigeria’s security services based on media coverage in June 2024, saying that it is deeply committed to peace. It expressed concern over some groups and parties’ escalating tension and restiveness that can lead to conflict and exacerbate internal security challenges. The board chairman of the Centre, retired Major General Chris Olukolade, at a press briefing in Abuja today, July 9, gave the highlight of potentially volatile developments, including the ongoing minimum wage dispute between organised labour and the Federal Government. Others are the political feud in Rivers State, the Emirship tussle in Kano and similar scenarios in other states. He said that all such crises in parts of the country, “could escalate into serious conflicts. “Regarding trending agitations over economic hardship and calls in social media and from groups urging Nigerians to follow the Kenya example and protest, the Centre does not subscribe to such defeatist suggestions. “The centre is deeply concerned about the antics of those rooting for the idea of re-enacting the anti-tax crisis in Kenya. Those who believe that such destructive protests in Nigeria will be a way to resolve a crisis are rather calling for what is not consistent with our future and desire for a peaceful and progressive nation. “We want to reiterate that we are strongly against such actions. So we want to caution against such tendencies and advise that the situation in Nigeria can be better managed with good consensus, discussions, and the necessary consultations. In other words, we are strongly against the idea of referring to the Kenya civil model.
“The outcome of the Endsars protests is still fresh in our minds, and it’s not something we can re-enact by any other means.” While presenting a summary of the monthly Media Review on Nigeria’s security services, a Consultant to the Centre and Editor-in-Chief of PRNigeria, Yushau A. Shuaib, commended media outlets for maintaining fairness and objectivity in their reporting, stressing the crucial role of responsible media in shaping public perception. He said that to facilitate a comprehensive media review assessment, the critical institutions were categorised into four distinct sectors: the military industry, which is responsible for the country’s defence and security; the security and law enforcement sector, responsible for maintaining law and order, combating crime, and enforcing the country’s rules and regulations. “The Intelligence and Anti-corruption Agencies sector which is responsible for gathering intelligence, preventing corruption, and investigating financial crimes. Lastly, the Responders sector is a crucial component of Nigeria’s crisis management, responsible for responding to emergencies, preventing accidents, and providing vital humanitarian assistance in times of crisis.” According to the summary of the media review, the Military sector scored 61.5%, with positive reports on the elimination of terrorists and protection of oil resources. Negative reports focused on attacks on troops and civilians and frustration in the fight against banditry and terrorism. The Security and Law Enforcement sector scored 64%, with positive reports on arrests, convictions, and inter-agency collaboration. However, negative reports highlighted inter-agency conflicts, illegal seizures and drug abuse among Nigerians, The Intelligence and Anti-Corruption sector achieved a score of 64.5%, with praises for sustained collaboration, dismantling of kidnap syndicates, and asset recovery. However, challenges related to banditry, non-compliance with court orders and mistreatment of citizens by government agencies were also reported. Despite low media coverage, the Response Agencies sector scored 62.5%, with positive reports on accident reduction, flood mitigation measures and resettlement of internally displaced persons. Negative reports highlighted deadly road accidents and firefighting delays. The review also highlighted potential political crises in some states, especially over the power struggle in Rivers and the Emirate tussle in Kano, posing challenges to security services. The Centre also urged all parties to embrace peace and security, refrain from inflammatory rhetoric, and seek dialogue and peaceful resolution of conflicts, emphasising the potential for a peaceful outcome. It also cautioned against the spread of fake news by the media and hate speeches by politicians, which it described as “dangerous to the unity and corporate existence of Nigeria.” The CCC commended the security sector for its efforts and encouraged continued responsible reporting by the media. The centre remains committed to supporting the security sector’s growth and adaptation to future challenges.
Nigeria must un-sign or withdraw from Samoa Agreement. Contrary to Minister Bugunda’s propaganda, Samoa Agreement IS NOT IN THE INTEREST OF NIGERIA. Why? Articles of the Agreement, especially 2.5, 29.5, 36.2, 88, 97, violate Nigeria’s laws, Nigeria’s sovereignty and African Charter on People’s and Human Rights which Nigeria has domesticated, EXECUTIVE SUMMARY OF SAMOA AGREEMENT A. Article *2.5* states: “The Parties shall systematically promote a gender perspective and ensure that gender equality is mainstreamed across all policies.” 1. Nigerian delegates who participate in United Nations deliberations will readily attest that the phrase: gender equality is a Trojan horse for deceptively bringing in all sorts of immoralities into a country. In any case, the appropriate word is “sex” not “gender”. This is why section 42 (1) of the Nigerian Constitution talks about “sex” and not “gender”. “Sex” means “male” or “female”. “Gender” connotes homosexuality, lesbianism, tansgenderism and abortions. Section 42 (1) of the 1999 Constitution stipulates that no citizen of Nigeria should be discriminated against on grounds of his or her sex, ethnic group, place of origin, religion or political opinion. Nothing can be more apt than this. The section protects all women and men from discrimination on ground on their sex, ethnic group, place of origin, religion or political opinion. 2. But “gender” is now given a social construct instead of a biological construct. ‘Gender” no longer means two sexes – male and female- as we traditionally understand the notion to mean in Nigeria. It now includes homosexualism, lesbianism, transgenderism, animalism etc. So, away with “gender equality”. 3. The phrase “gender equality” is another euphemism for legalization of homosexuality, lesbianism, tansgenderism an abortion. Why do sponsors of homosexualism, lesbianism, transgenderism and abortion rights in Nigeria hide under euphemisms and dodgy languages such as “gender equality”? Because the words homosexualism, lesbian transgenderism and abortion are repugnant in Nigerian and African socio-cultural and religious setting, so the sponsors of these useless things in Nigeria use euphemisms and dodgy words to avoid incurring the wrath of the Nigerian people. B. Article *29.5* states: “The Parties shall support universal access to sexual and reproductive health commodities and healthcare services, including for family planning, information and education, and the integration of reproductive health into national strategies and programmes.” “Sexual and Reproductive health commodities, health care services and reproductiveprogrammes”are nothing but euphemisms for abortion, abortifacients, LGBT services and education, teaching African kids masturbation, erection, touching in each others genitals etc in the name of Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) B. Article *36. 1* states “The parties acknowledge that gender equality and women’s economic empowerment are essential and achievable…” Article *36.2* “The Parties commit to the full and effective implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action and the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development and the outcomes of their review conferences and commit to sexual and reproductive health and rights, in that context”. “Sexual and reproductive health and rights”. The EU on June 22 2022 defined this phrase to encompass LGBT, sexual orientation and gender identity “Sexual and reproductive health and rights” also means the rights of individuals to have their sexual orientation and gender identity fully respected EU countries have a nefarious agenda behind the language referring to the outcome documents of the review conferences of ICPD and Beijing. Finally, an advocacy manual funded by the Netherlands reveals this agenda in the following excerpt: Outcomes of the review conferences: Both the International Conference for Population and Development (ICPD) Programme of Action and the Beijing Platform for Action have had regional review conferences where progress on implementing these agreements at the regional level was discussed. Importantly, the outcome documents of these review conferences are usually more progressive than those that come out of New York and Geneva, and have even included references to human rights, sexual rights, LGBT rights, safe abortion, and other ‘sensitive’ Sexual reproductive human right issues. Including a reference to the outcomes of these review conferences (or any other more progressive process) means that member states accept these outcomes, and therefore also the progressive language within them. For this reason it is often difficult to keep these references in an outcome document.” (Choice for Youth & Sexuality, “The Advocate’s Guide to UN Language”)[1] So, any references to outcome documents of review conferences of ICPD and Beijing are intended to encompass the controversial regional and thematic reviews that were not negotiated by all UN Member States, and which openly promote CSE, abortion and the LGBT agenda. Certainly, this would indicate that such phrases should be avoided or heavily caveated as indicated in this section C *Article 97* states: “No treaty, convention, agreement or arrangement of any kind between one or more member States of European and one or more OACPS Members shall impede the implementation of this Agreement”. This is the supremacy Clause, meaning that the Agreement is superior to any treaty, convention or further agreement. D. The Agreement violates Nigeria’s sovereignty. No provision for reservation E. The Agreement makes African countries accountable to the EU F. The Agreement has no Interpretation Section. This is why Namibia refused to sign it G. The Agreement creates a ” Council of Ministers” co-chaired by the EU which has power to make binding legal decisions that directly affect impact laws and policies of the 48 African countries H. The Agreement violates chapter 2 of the Nigerian constitution and Articles 2, 8, 17, 18, 28, 29 of the African Charter on Human & Peoples’ Rights (Ratification Enforcement) Act, CAP 10 which is a part and parcel of the Nigerian law. I. The Agreement referenced “human rights” 100 times without defining any of them J. Nigerian Minister of information published a commentary with all its errors justifying the signing, but chose deliberately not to publish the declaration that accompanied the signing. The Minister’s statement shows that he is very ignorant of the Articles of Samoa Agreement. K. Nigeria is a sovereign country, as are other African nations, the Caribbean, and the Pacific countries. We should not be dictated to by the EU. We are no long under the tutelage of our former colonial masters. If the EU decides to stop providing financial assistance due to our refusal to sign the LGBT agreement, they may proceed to do so. However, we cannot yield to the EU’s cheap blackmail and sign the agreement. L. We know Nigeria was under pressure from the very beginning to sign the Samoa Agreement. That pressure is from Europe. Europe exerted similar pressure on their own, that is, Poland and Hungary who are protective of life and Family. This is what the recently EU Nigeria Summit was about. Offering a carrot to sell out our sovereignty and Values.
*Sonnie Ekwowusi is the Chairman of Human and Constitutional Rights Committee, African Bar Association
Nigeria’s House of Representatives has asked President Bola Tinubu and agents of the Federal Government to suspend the implementation of the Samoa Agreement signed recently, until the conclusion of an investigation into the matter. This followed the adoption of a motion by the Deputy Minority Leader, Aliyu Madaki and 88 others, at today’s (July 9) plenary. The Lawmakers had called attention to some allegedly offensive clauses in the agreement. The federal government recently signed the Samoa Agreement, which has been trailed by controversy, with several Nigerians kicking against it. Madaki, in his lead debate, said the agreement purportedly promotes LGBT rights, which are against extant laws in the country. …Details later.
A northern socio-economic group, Arewa Economic Forum (AEF) has painted a sordid picture of how bandit, kidnappers and cattle rustlers have chased away farmers from no fewer than 60 percent of the northern arable land. Chairman of the Forum, Ibrahim Shehu Dandakata, at a media briefing today, July 9, stressed the need for the government to embark on concerted effort to find urgent solution and combat food insecurity. The chairman emphasised the need for a secure environment for cattle rearing to address the issues of banditry and cattle rustling, which contribute to protein shortages. “Whether we like it or not, the issue of hunger is real, and this is undoubtedly linked to the insecurity in the North, which has resulted in the abandonment of 60% of arable land in the region for over five years. “Consequently, the cost of protein has skyrocketed and cattle rustling, which has escalated to banditry, significantly contributes to the people’s ordeal. “Moreover, since crop farming and cattle rearing have been devastated by insecurity, it is imperative that all hands are on deck to overcome this situation. “Although our solutions may not be exhaustive, they will undoubtedly pave the way forward. “Firstly, we must establish safe enclaves for cattle rearing. “Notably, the first victims of banditry are the Fulanis, with bandit-Fulanis victimizing non-bandit Fulanis who are legitimate pastoralists. “Such safe enclaves, in the form of grazing reserves, will provide a haven for Fulanis, with the government offering necessary support, while also collaborating with the private sector and NGOs to ensure adequate security and prevent encroachment by foreigners. “The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has a dedicated unit, the Agro Rangers, who have been performing well. “However, our defense agencies are overstretched. By providing a secure enclave for farmers, we can ensure their safety and security.” “Furthermore, regarding crop production, thousands of hectares lie fallow across northern Nigeria, and the solution lies in fully empowering the Bank of Agriculture (BoA) to fulfill its mandate.” When asked about border opening as a solution for food sufficiency in the country, the chairman noted that any imports we require necessitate dollars, which are in short supply in Nigeria. “As a non-producing nation, our demand for foreign exchange far exceeds the available supply. “Therefore, even if the government permits importation, the necessary dollars are not available, making this solution untenable. “While it might offer temporary relief, we must address the root causes at the grassroots level.” Source:PRNigeria
The Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 election in Nigeria, Peter Obi, has donated the sum of N10 Million to Grimard College of Nursing Sciences, Anyigba, Kogi State, for the training of medical nurses. Peter Obi, who visited the College yesterday, July 8, described nurses as the centre of primary healthcare delivery in the country. Peter Obi reminded the nursing students that they are in a noble profession which cares for humanity. “I am particularly concerned about the training of more nurses who play very vital roles in caring for the health of society. “As experts continue to warn of a severe shortage of nurses, we must remain proactive by investing in their training, through that, we can have enough for our domestic health sector, and export more to the global community.” He said that his commitment to building a better nation through investing in the critical areas of human and national development such as health and education, is for the good of the nation and the future of the society. According to him, Nigeria is today undeveloped because government has not aggressively invested in the critical areas of development like health, education and pulling people out of poverty. He said that the nation is, today, facing serious challenges of insecurity and other socio-economic challenges due to lack of investment in these critical areas. “I have not only remained consistent in urging governments, at all levels, to invest more in health and education, but I have also continued to call on donor agencies to do the same. Our investment in the future of our children is for the good of society and the progress of our nation.” Peter Obi appreciated the Proprietor of the College, Bishop Anthony Ademu Adaji, the Management and the Staff of the College for their commitment to training compassionate and competent healthcare professionals. “Our commitment remains to build a new Nigeria which offers Nigerians access to good healthcare and educational opportunities. It is POssible.”
“For the avoidance of any doubt, the SAMOA agreement does not, in any way, seek to compromise our existing legislations nor undermine the sovereignty of Nigeria.” This is the position of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), dismissing claims and insinuations in some quarters that the Samoa Agreement, signed by the Federal Government, requires Nigeria to endorse or accept LGBTQ rights. NBA is made up of legal practitioners in Nigeria. In a statement, the President of the Association, Yakubu Maikyau, stressed that the agreement does not compromise Nigeria’s sovereignty or existing laws, including the Same Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act, 2023. Yakubu Maikyau emphasized that the NBA would have advised the government against signing the agreement if it contravened any Nigerian laws. He advised the government to continue public enlightenment on the agreement. “I wish to state that there is no provision in the SAMOA agreement which requires Nigeria to accept or in anyway recognize LGBTQ or gay rights, either as a pre-condition for a loan of $150 Billion USD or at all. “Instead, the agreement was expressly made subject to the local laws and the sovereignty of the contracting Nations. That is to say, the SAMOA agreement recognizes , for instance, Nigeria’s Same Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act, 2023 and of course, the Supremacy of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended). “If this were not the case, the NBA would have since advised the Federal Government not to enter or engage in any form of partnership or agreement that has the ability to undermine the sovereignty of our nation in any way. “It is important for all stakeholders, who have had the opportunity of engaging with Government on this agreement prior to its execution, and others who have read and understood the objective of the agreement to endeavour to educate the public on its true content. “The negative narratives on this agreement are being pushed and propagated along very sensitive lines of our faith, culture and morality, thus the need for caution and proper education. “I, therefore, call on the Government to continue with the public enlightenment already being undertaken and for other stakeholders to join in doing so, in order to counter the negative perception being promoted on the agreement.”
Former All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman and currently, the Senator Representing Edo North in the 10th Senate, Adams Oshiomhole, has called on President Bola Tinubu to immediately stop the importation and sales of the products that are being manufactured by companies that exited the country. Oshiomole, who faulted the idea that government has no business in business, said that if the multinational companies had considered the country unconducive for citing their companies, they should not be allowed to make Nigeria a dumping ground for their products. The Senator who was a guest speaker in Abuja at Professor Emeka Umerah’s Public Lecture, organised in solidarity with President Bola Tinubu administration, said that the only condition for such companies to continue to sell their products should be to return to the country. Senator Oshiomhole regretted that companies like Michelin, Dunlop, Toyota, among others, which exited the Nigerian space, still had their products flood the country’s markets. According to him, the companies have moved to build other country’s economy, by providing job opportunities for the citizens of such countries, and therefore should not be allowed to reap from Nigeria where they have not contributed to its GDP. “I am advocating that the National Assembly and the presidency should identify the industries that must be returned to the country. “And if such companies refuse to return, Nigeria should begin to ban companies that left the country from selling their products to Nigerians.” Oshiomhole berated the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) for allegedly refusing to sell crude oil to Dangote Refinery who now imports from abroad. He deplored the privatisation of education, wondering why those who were beneficiaries of free education now champion privatisation of the sector. “How is it that those who were the beneficiaries of Awolowo’s basic education in the west and Sadauna’s education, even with allowances, in the north; I heard so much about Barewa College, it wasn’t private, they were high profile, first class institutions across the country.”
The Nigerian government has lifted importation of specific food items, including maize, husked brown rice, wheat and cowpeas and suspended duties, tariffs and taxes on them. According to a statement released by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, in a statement today, July 8, the lifting of importation of food commodities is part of a comprehensive plan to address food inflation in Nigeria over the next 180 days.
He said that the measure is aimed at providing relief and mitigate the effects of food price increases in the country. The minister said that during the period, the following decisions would be implemented: 1. A 150-Day Duty-Free Import Window for Food Commodities a. suspension of duties, tariffs and taxes for the importation of certain food commodities (through land and sea borders) b. These commodities include Maize, Husked Brown Rice, Wheat and Cowpeas c. Under this arrangement, imported food commodities will be subjected to a Recommended Retail Price (RRP). “(I am aware that some good citizens might be concerned about the quality of the would-be imported food commodities as it relates to the trending worries around the genetic composition of food) I am glad to reiterate that the Government’s position exemplifies standards that would not compromise the safety of the various food items for consumption.” 2. In addition to the importation by private sector, Federal Government will import 250,000MT of Wheat and 250,000MT of Maize. The imported food commodities in their semi processed state will target supplies to the small-scale processors and millers across the country. 3. Engage relevant stakeholders to set a Guaranteed Minimum Price (GMP) and mop up surplus assorted food commodities to restock the National Strategic Food Reserve. 4. Continuous ramp-up production for the 2024/2025 farming cycle. a. sustained support to smallholder farmers in the ongoing wet season farming through existing government initiatives. b. strengthen and accelerate Dry Season Farming across the country. c. embark on aggressive agricultural mechanization and development to reduce drudgery, drive down the cost of production and boost productivity. d. collaborate with Sub-National to identify irrigable lands and increase land under cultivation. e. work closely with the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, to rehabilitate and maintain irrigation facilities under river basin authorities across the federation. f. development of a strategic engagement for youth and women across the federation for immediate greenhouse cultivation of horticultural crops such as tomatoes and pepper to increase production volume, stabilize prices, and address food shortages. g. fast-tracking ongoing engagements with the Nigerian Military to rapidly cultivate arable lands under the Defence Farms Scheme, while encouraging other Para-Military establishments to put secured available arable lands to cultivation. 5. The Renewed Hope National Livestock Transformation Implementation Committee will be inaugurated on Tuesday, 9th July 2024 with a view to developing and implementing policies that prioritize livestock development and ensure alignment with the National Livestock Transformation Plan. 6. Enhancement of Nutrition Security through: a. the promotion of production of fortified food commodities and b. offer necessary support to scale up the Home Garden Initiative by the Office of The First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Over the next 14 days, in close collaboration with the Presidential Food Systems Coordinating Unit (PFSCU) and the Economic Management Team (EMT), we will convene with the respective Agencies to finalize the implementation frameworks. We will ensure that information is publicly available to facilitate the participation of all relevant stakeholders across the country. The PFSCU will manage a dashboard for Mr. President, providing him with direct visibility into these interventions and ensuring accountability. The success of the measures aforementioned is contingent on cooperation and collaboration of all relevant MDAs and stakeholders. As our nation confronts a critical food security challenge, let me reiterate Mr. President’s unwavering commitment to attaining food security and ensuring that no Nigerian goes to bed hungry. To this end, I can assure all Nigerians, that my team and I, will swiftly and diligently actualize these crucial policies to ensure food security for everyone in the country in the immediate term as we also continue our strategies for long-term interventions to address the underlying causes and ensure sustainable and resilient food systems in the country.
The Nigeria National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has attributed the return of scarcity of fuel and the resultant long queues in many filling stations to adverse weather conditions. A statement today, July 8 by the Chief Corporate Communications Officer of the NNPC Ltd. Olufemi Soneye said that the fuel queues seen in the FCT and some parts of the country, “were as a result of disruption of ship-to-ship (STS) transfer of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, between Mother Vessels and Daughter Vessels resulting from recent thunderstorm. “The adverse weather condition has also affected berthing at jetties, truck load-outs and transportation of products to filling stations, causing a disruption in station supply logistics.” The NNPC Ltd said that due to flammability of petroleum products and in compliance with the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) regulations, it was impossible to load petrol during rainstorms and lightning. The statement emphasized that adherence to regulations is mandatory because any deviation could pose severe danger to the trucks, filling stations and human lives. It said that the development has been compounded by consequential flooding of truck routes which has constrained movement of PMS from the coastal corridors to the Federal Capital, Abuja. The NNPC Ltd assured however that it is working with relevant stakeholders to resolve the logistics challenges and restore seamless supply of petrol to affected areas. According to the statement, loading has already commenced in areas where the challenges have subsided, “and we are hoping the situation will continue to improve in the coming days and full normalcy would be restored.” The NNPC called on motorists to avoid panic buying and hoarding of petroleum products.
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“The outcome of the Endsars protests is still fresh in our minds, and it’s not something we can re-enact by any other means.”
