Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has issued a letter of appointment to Muhammadu Sanusi II as Emir of Kano, returned after about four years of being dethroned. The governor, while presenting the letter to Sanusi today, May 24, accused the judge who issued an order restraining him from appointing the new Emir, of the abuse of judicial process. He vowed to report such abuse of court orders to the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF). “The person (judge) that issued the court order was in America but he is ordering us to stop what we are doing. “This issue of abuse I must present before the Governor’s Forum so that we can tackle it accordingly. “We are agents of following due process, that’s why we did what we did openly before everybody. “Those that are meant to maintain that rule of law must follow that also.” The judge, Justice Abdullahi Muhammad Liman of the Federal High Court, Kano, had granted an interim injunction restraining the Inspector General of police, Kano state police commissioner, Nigeria security and civil defense corps NSCDC and the department of state service DSS from enforcing, executing, implementing or operationalizing the Kano state emirate council (repeal) law. The judge granted the order based on a motion filed by Aminu Babba Danagundi who held the title of Sarkin Dawaki Babba.
Management of Globalupfront online Newspaper has announced the release of its Publisher and Editor-in-Chief, Madu Onuorah who was arrested from his residence by the Nigerian Police on May 22. In a statement today May 24, the management said that the Editor was released on bail by men of the Ebonyi Police Command after being whisked away from his residence in Lugbe, Abuja. “He was released late Thursday, 23/5/2024, night by Enugu State Police Command who requested the Ebonyi Police to abduct him for them. “We are awaiting a full briefing by Mr Onuorah and our lawyers before issuing a full statement on this matter and the next line of action.” The management of the online newspaper said that it stands “by our Editor-in-Chief and the harmless story we published. “We insist the police station is not a court of law where alleged defamation cases are tried.” It expressed gratitude to colleagues in the media family, friends and well-wishers, and all defenders of freedom of expression who rose against what it called “a budding tyranny.”
A subsidiary of the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd), NNPC Energy Services Limited (EnServ) has made another move to boost Upstream operations, as it signed a technical partnership agreement with Schlumberger (SLB), a renowned global technology company. The agreement, which is part of strategic reforms aimed at unlocking opportunities in the nation’s oil and gas industry, will bolster upstream operations. A statement by the spokesperson of the NNPC Ltd, Olufemi Soneye, said that the agreement was signed at the NNPC Ltd’s Corporate Headquarters in Abuja yesterday, May 23, with senior management teams from both companies in attendance. He quoted the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd, Mele Kyari as describing the ongoing reforms within the industry as a trigger for potential release of investments in the short term. “Quite a number of reforms are unfolding, and at the back of it is a potential release of investment that we are seeing in a very short term. Our physical environment is excellent today; contracting processes have been reviewed by virtue of the clear reforms Mr. President has put in place; and ultimately, we are already seeing substantial energy going into unlocking opportunities of today.” Kyari highlighted the numerous benefits of the partnership, saying that it would lead to increased activity and more drilling campaigns that will add value to the two organisations. He said that NNPC is working on a rig share platform with a definite plan around well drilling activities and associated operations in the coming years, which, he said, would increase crude oil production and support the ongoing plan to deepen gas utilization within the country. Kyari expressed confidence in the long-standing relationship between NNPC Ltd and Schlumberger (SLB), adding that the NNPC would leverage on the assets within its control to accelerate the values that will come from this partnership. “We are counting on Schlumberger (SLB) as our partners of 70 years. We are in business; we see the opportunities and strategic need to work with you and ultimately, we will create value for our country.“ Earlier, the Chief Executive Officer of Schlumberger (SLB), Olivier Le Peuch said that the agreement would accelerate the achievement of Nigeria’s exploration and production targets, which will foster Nigeria’s economic growth and prosperity. “We are here to celebrate the strategic partnership that we signed with EnServ as a technical partner. “This agreement is geared towards unlocking the capacities of EnServ for Nigeria, which potentially will help NNPC Ltd to achieve its exploration and production targets. “We look forward to using this technical partnership as a springboard to accelerate the vision that the industry needs,” Le Peuch said. He noted that as a company that has been on the shores of Nigeria for 70 years, Schlumberger (SLB) would continue to be committed to investing in local talents and building capacity through technology and performance. “We are pleased to be at the center of this transition and are in a position where we can bring our technical capability, technology, and capacity to the country so as to support the operations of NNPC Ltd.”
Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi, popularly known as Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, dethroned a couple of years ago by the former Governor of the State, Abdullahi Ganduje, has been returned to the throne today, May 23. His return was announced this evening by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf shortly after signing the new emirate council law at Government House, Kano. The governor signed the law at exactly 5:10pm alongside his deputy, the Speaker of the State Assembly and other principal officers in the government. Former Governor Ganduje had dethroned Sanusi in 2020, after a personal rift. Details later…
The Chairperson of the NASCON Allied Industries Plc, Yemisi Ayeni has told shareholders how the company grew a turnover by 37 percent “amidst the challenges in 2023.” She said, at the company’s 2023 Annual General (AGM) Meeting in Lagos that the Company was able to achieve commendable operational performance because the strategic initiatives and proactive measures of the gladiators.
According to her, such attitude had “enabled us to grow in value and profitability.” “Our turnover for the financial year ended December 31, 2023, grew 37 percent to N80.8 billion, marking a significant increase from the previous year. Profit after Tax also saw an impressive growth of 151 percent to N13.7 billion, reflecting our commitment to operational efficiency and excellence.” Speaking on the plans ahead, Ayeni said: “as we look ahead, NASCON remains focused on its commitment to health, safety, and environmental sustainability. Despite ongoing challenges in the global and national landscape, we are optimistic about the prospects of our company. “The Board and Management are steadfast in our dedication to driving continued growth and innovation while maintaining a steadfast commitment to our stakeholders and communities.” This was even as the Managing Director of NASCON, Thabo Mabe said that in 2023, the company faced significant business challenges amid Nigeria’s economic challenges, characterised by deteriorating macroeconomic indicators compared to the previous year. He said that despite the formidable challenges faced in 2023, NASCON remained steadfast in its commitment to stakeholders, prioritising their well-being and maintaining integrity and compliance in all endeavours. “in positioning NASCON for sustained growth while maintaining profitability, we have outlined a multifaceted strategy that leverages our strengths, embraces innovation, and prioritises efficiency. “By identifying emerging trends and consumer preferences, we can capitalise on untapped opportunities for growth while mitigating risks associated with market saturation. “Through continuous process optimisation and strategic resource allocation, we seek to enhance productivity and reduce costs, thereby bolstering our bottom line and ensuring long-term sustainability. Also, strategic partnerships and collaborations play a pivotal role in our growth strategy. “By forging alliances with industry peers, suppliers, distributors, and other stakeholders, we can access new markets, technologies and resources that complement our core competencies. “Through mutually beneficial partnerships, we can accelerate market expansion, drive innovation, and unlock new revenue streams. “By aligning our strategic initiatives with our mission and vision, we aim to create sustainable value for all stakeholders while contributing to economic development of the communities in which we operate.” The shareholders commended the management and board of NASCON for the performance and bonus declared during the financial year review. They approved and authorised the Directors to capitalise such sufficient sums from the amount available for distribution, to members in the proportion of one new ordinary share of 50 kobo for every 50 existing ordinary shares of 50 kobo. Speaking on behalf of shareholders, Mrs. Shopeju said: “we commended the management for the company performance in 2023. The bonus declared is commendable also.” She advised the Company to do more in 2924, saying: “going forward we expect better dividends in 2024 and robust bottom line for the Company.”
Nigeria is likely to soon return to the old national anthem of “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” as the House of Representatives has deliberated and passed what is called “National Anthem Bill.” The House, today, May 23, passed the bill seeking to alter the National Anthem of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The bill, which was sponsored by the House Leader, Professor Julius Ihonvbere, sought to revert the Nigeria National Anthem from “Arise O Compatriots” to “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” the previous anthem used during the post-independence period from 1960 to 1978. Titled: “A Bill for an Act to provide for the National Anthem of Nigeria and for Related Matters (HB. 1470),” the bill among other provisions, stipulates that the second stanza of the “Arise O Compatriots” anthem shall be formally recognised as the national prayer to be recited at all state functions. The bill makes it mandatory for all Primary and Secondary Schools to incorporate the new National Anthem as part of civic education and organise pupils and students to learn it. The bill underscores the imperative of comprehensive civic education to engender a renewed sense of patriotism and dedication to the principles espoused by the nation’s founding fathers. This, development, according to a statement by the Spokesman and Chairman, House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Akin Rotimi Jr. occurred during the plenary session of the House, which was presided over by Benjamin Okezie Kalu, the Deputy Speaker. The statement said that after the deliberations, the bill passed through its first, second and third readings in the House.
The Kano State House of Assembly has passed Kano emirates council law (repeal bill) 2024 abrogating all the five emirates, including that of the Emir of Kano. The bill, which scaled third reading, making all offices established under the repealed law have been set aside by the new bill. In the bill, all district heads elevated or appointed under the repealed law are to revert to their previous positions. The Kano State Emirates Council (Amendment number 2) Law, 2024, was sponsored by the Majority Leader and member representing the Dala Constituency, Lawan Hussaini Chediyar Yan Gurasa. The law which created five new emirates was first assented to by ex-Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, on December 5, 2019.
Policemen reportedly storm the residence of the Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of the Globalupfront online Newspaper, Madu Onuorah, yesterday, May 22, whisking him away in a gestapo style.
About ten fully-armed policemen stormed his residence in Lugbe, Abuja, in two Sienna buses at about 6pm. He was taken away in the presence of his wife and children who fruitlessly demanded from the police why they were arresting the head of the family. The police seized his phones, thereby completely cutting him off from communication with people, including his family members. Information reaching us at Greenbarge Reporters online newspaper said that Onuorah was not allowed to contact his lawyer or any of his relations before he was whisked away to the Lugbe police station by the stern looking operatives. It was learnt that the policemen who arrested him are not of the Lugbe Police Station, but simply dumped him at the Station and left no traces for friends and family members to reach them. Meanwhile, the Management of Globalupfront online Newspapers has confirmed the arrest of its boss, saying: “the Police should release Mr. Madu Onuorah immediately and unconditionally. “That Mr. Onuorah is an experienced Journalist, former Abuja Bureau Chief of The Guardian Newspaper, former Managing-Director of The AUTHORITY Newspaper, who operates within the ambit of the law. “That anybody who has any issue against Mr. Onuorah should approach the law court and not turn the Nigerian Police into a Gestapo outfit that bullies a man in the presence of his wife and children. “That any second Mr. Onuorah spends in police custody constitutes a serious infringement against his fundamental rights and a continuation of the assault on freedom of expression that has become frequent occurrence in Nigeria recently.”
Organised labour unions in Nigeria have now reduced their demand for a new National Minimum Wage from N615,000 to N500,000, even as the federal government stands its ground on N54,000. Information reaching us at Greenbarge Reporters online newspaper said that the unions made their new position at the ongoing Tripartite Committee meeting on the National Minimum Wage in Abuja today, May 22. It was learnt that the labour leaders reduced their demands so as to ensure a speedy conclusion of negotiation on new national minimum wage. It was further learnt that the government team is adamant, insisting on the N54,000 offer, complaining of non-availability of fund and the inability of the private sector to pay. A source hinted that the private sector has made an additional N3,000 taking up its offer to N57,000 from the initial N54,000. “Labour has been requested to shift in response to the Government. They complied and came down to N500,000. “The Government has agreed that NLC is using evidence-based presentation. But they argue that eight states are not paying or not fully implementing the 2019 minimum wage. “The Government is talking of non-availability of funds. They are also talking about the inability of the private sector to pay.” The source said that the Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, was present at the meeting. ”The Imo State Governor has stepped in. He is not a member of the committee but it is good that there is at least a governor, as the six governors in the committee have been regularly absent.” Source: Vanguard.
The people of Ogoni ethnic nationality in Rivers State under the canopy of Ogoni Beyond Oil and Politics (BOP), have lamented that years after their struggle, cloud of injustice is still hanging over Ogoni land. The group insisted on the government putting an end to all forms of environmental, social and political injustice against them. The Convener of BOP, Mene Kadilo Kabari, during an event to mark the 30 years of murder of the four Ogoni Chiefs: Chiefs Albert Badey, Edward Kobani, Theophilus Orage and Samuel Orage, asked the federal government to set up a committee to carry out proper burial rite for all the Ogoni leaders who were killed in the course of their quest for justice for Ogoni people. He said that BOP is a project aimed at uniting the leaders of Ogoni in the interest of the development of the oil rich area. In an address titled: ‘Three Decades after Toeing the Path of Self-Destruction, Ogonis must Think Beyond Oil and Politics to Reunite and Rebuild Ogoniland,’ Kabari regretted the disunity among the ruling class in the area. He called the people of Ogoni to de-emphasise politics and oil and give attention to other sources of livelihood, adding that too much dependence on oil and politics has only hampered development in Ogoni caused more disunity in Ogoni. The Mene stated that the killing of the four prominent Ogoni leaders that led to other killings worsened the socio-economic and politically marginalisation of the Ogoni people, adding that till date the n of “this anniversary once again calls for sober reflection on where we were, where we are and where we ought to be in the actualisation of the hopes and aspirations of our forebears that culminated in a struggle for which they lived and died. “It is saddening however to note in all honesty that we are a far cry from the lofty dreams of our great leaders who lost their lives in the Ogoni struggle. “It is therefore the position of members of the B.O.P Ogoni project, that Ogonis far and near must go back to the drawing board, reflect on the struggle that was developed around the tripod of environmental, social and political injustices, which still stares us all in our faces. “The social stigma of a disunited people, whose leaders were gruesomely murdered first by themselves and, then by the state leaving behind a nightmare of failure from the Ogoni bill of rights to even producing a Governor, Deputy Governor, Speaker or Chief Judge of Ogoni extraction since the creation of Rivers State is indeed a darkling plain which requires concerted efforts of all and sundry to change the narrative in every front.” Kabari called on the federal government to set up a committee that would organise a proper burial for the Ogoni leaders who were murdered in their quest for justice for their people and grant pardon to late Ken Saro-Wiwa and the eight others. He also urged politicians of Ogoni extraction to work together to end the age long political marginalisation, even as he tasked the FG for a holistic review of the ongoing implementation of the UNEP report on Ogoniland and demanded a quick completion of the Centre for Excellence and its conversion to a University for Environment.
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