A Federal High Court in Abuja, Nigeria’s Federal Capital, has accused the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello of showing no atom of regard and respect for the court. “The defendant (Yahaya Bello) clearly has shown no atom of regard and respect for the court, and he’s taking this court for granted. He cannot sit in the comfort of his home and dictate what he wants the court to do.” Justice Emeka Nwite, presiding judge in the N80.2 Billion fraud case against Yahaya Bello, held that since the former governor has continued to disobey court orders, he would not be allowed to file any application or be heard. In a ruling today, May 10 during which he declined the application by Yahaya Bello to vacate the order which directed security agencies to arrest and produce him before the court to answer to the 19-count charge preferred against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the judge insisted that Yahaya Bello must come to court and answer to the fraud allegations
Justice Nwite said that the application filed by the EFCC that no application be heard without the defendant being in court, was meritorious. He stressed that an order of court subsists and is binding until set aside by a superior court on appeal. Yahaya Bello, along with Ali Bello, Dauda Suleiman and Abdulsalam Hudu, is facing a 19-count charge bordering on money laundering, totalling N80,246,470,089.88k.
Vice Chancellor of the Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH), Osara in Kogi State, Engr. Professor Abdulrahaman Asipita Salawu has given assurance that students who were kidnapped last night, May 9 on the campus, would be retrieved from their captors unhurt. In a statement today, May 10, confirming the incident, the Vice Chancellor said: “We want to allay the fears of the public and also assure parents and guardians of our dear students that must have been involved in the incident that no stone will be left unturned till we have them back safely into our fold at CUSTECH.” He said that as at now, the number of students who were kidnapped at about 8:23 p.m when they gathered for tutorials ahead of their First Semester Examinations scheduled to commence on Monday 13th May, is yet to ascertained. “We do understand the present anxiety that this has generated based on this, parents who wants their wards out of the campus can go ahead with such a decision as lectures and examinations are kept on hold for now till further notice. “We are assuring parents and guardians who will want their children to remain on campus not to fret over their safety as the situation is under control at the moment.” The Vice Chancellor said that immediately the news filtered out about the kidnapping, the Kogi State Governor, Alh. Ahmed Usman Ododo, the State Security Adviser, Cmdr. Jerry Omodara, together with the Management Staff swung into action. He said that they quickly deployed members of various security agencies on rescue mission. According to him, Governor Ahmed Ododo has directed that CUSTECH should remain in session and that the students abducted will be returned unhurt. “We will continue to update the public on the progress we are making for the safe return of our students involved. “Also and as always, proactive security measures will continue to be taken for the safety our dear students under our care.”
Report reaching us at Greenbarge Reporters online newspaper and hardcopy magazine said that suspected kidnappers stormed the campus of the Confluence University of Technology, Osara, Kogi state last night, May 9. It was learnt that the kidnappers, who arrived on the campus at about 8pm, left with some students who were reading in the classrooms. The number of students kidnapped has not been confirmed yet, even as the security and official reactions are being awaited.
“And what I don’t like is intimidation. If you have a problem, channel your problem to me and if I don’t solve it, then you can take another step.” This was the word of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike today, May 9, while addressing protesting Apo Mechanic traders who barricaded the entrance to his office. The traders also blocked entrance to the entire FCTA secretariat complex, disrupting the free flow of traffic along the Kapital Street and environs of the secretariat. The Minister reminded the traders that the right thing they should have done was to follow proper procedure to seek redress for any perceived grievance. He warned the protesters against resorting to such actions to resolve issues, adding that: “you can’t intimidate me.” He said that it was wrong for the traders to barricade the entrance to his office and a major street in their attempt to draw attention to their complaints. “It is wrong to barricade the road without informing me of anything. You never wrote to me that you wanted to see me and I refused to see you. And then what you did is to wake up in the morning to barricade the road, barricade the gate, and then you said you are supporting me. I don’t need that support. “What you should do, tell your people to go, then write to me that you want to see me, then we sit down and talk. “But I will not talk to you based on these things you are doing here. I’m not one of those that anybody will come and intimidate. You should know me very well. “What I don’t like is for anybody to say go there and barricade the place. I don’t like that. I see this as being sponsored, people coming to tarnish the image of the government. “We can sit and dialogue. If the government has made a promise that they will give you land, I will look at the papers and I will ask questions, why was this land not given if it was approved.”
Nextier, a research organisation, has released its first quarter 2024 Nigeria Violent Conflicts Report, showing a staggering 5,319 casualties, 3,110 kidnap victims and 1,500 incidents of violent conflict between January 2023 and March 2024. Presenting the report today, May 9, in Abuja, a Partner at Nextier, Dr. Ndubuisi Nwokolo, lamented the devastating impact of conflicts on Nigeria’s economy, education and humanitarian crises.
“Nigeria’s ongoing violent conflicts have inflicted severe wounds on the nation’s economy, impacting livelihoods, food production, infrastructure, and overall development.” He said that prolonged insecurity has eroded trust in government institutions, leading to the emergence of ethnic militias and non-state armed groups.
“When the state fails to protect citizens, it risks losing legitimacy. As a consequence, ethnic militias and other non-state armed groups have emerged, operating in various regions.” The report called for collaborative efforts from state and federal institutions to address the root causes of conflict and insecurity while fostering socioeconomic development and enhancing security measures. Senior Policy Research Analyst, Kenn Maduagwu, said that despite a decline in Boko Haram’s insurgency, terrorism remains a significant concern in Nigeria, with ISWAP and other groups posing ongoing threats. “While fatalities have decreased in 2023, the overall toll remains significant. The conflict has resulted in widespread displacement of people, which can exacerbate existing vulnerabilities and push families deeper into poverty.” The report identifies Gunmen Attacks, Banditry, Farmer-Herder Conflict and Kidnapping as high-risk conflicts, while Civil Unrest, Maritime Piracy, Armed Robbery, Secessionism and Communal Clashes are classified as low-risk conflicts. To mitigate the conflicts, the report recommends strategic investments in education, job creation, and poverty reduction initiatives, particularly in high-risk regions. “The importance of proactive partnerships between law enforcement agencies and communities cannot be overstated. Enhanced intelligence gathering and apprehension efforts, along with a focus on strengthening existing operations such as Operation Puff Adder, are deemed essential in combating armed groups and banditry,” said Senior Consultant Nextier, Ndidi Anyanwu. The report also emphasises the need for conflict resolution mechanisms to facilitate dialogue between historically tense communities, particularly between herders and farmers. “Addressing land disputes and resource allocation issues, alongside investigating funding sources and networks supporting gunmen, are identified as pivotal steps towards sustainable peace,” the report stated. Addressing the multifaceted nature of kidnapping in Nigeria, Nextier advocates broad-based combative and non-combative approaches tailored to the unique manifestations across states and regions. “Criminal gangs and terrorist groups will continue to use ransom kidnap as a means to finance their operations. The current ongoing agitation and government response might persist without significant changes, potentially leading to prolonged tension and instability.” The report stressed the importance of analysing and addressing historical injustices, economic inequalities, political marginalisation, and lack of trust in government institutions. “Highlighting shared values, history and cultural diversity through education and community engagement is deemed essential for fostering national unity and resilience,” the report stated. The report highlightsled the need for a comprehensive and collaborative approach to address the complex security challenges facing Nigeria.
The President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, has raised alarm over threats to his life and his properties. He said that he has been receiving menacing calls and messages from unknown individuals. Speaking to newsmen today , May 9, at the National Secretariat of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Enugu, Chief Iwuanyanwu condemned the disturbing trend of targeting and vilifying leaders who have dedicated themselves to serving the Igbo community. Chief Iwuanyanwu said that the threats escalated to the extent of one caller admitting to being recruited to burn down his residence. He expressed concern over the safety of himself and other Ohanaeze NEC members, saying that the recent dissemination of false information aimed at discrediting him and the organisation is suspect in the latest threats to his life. “I am addressing Igbo people all over the world, that if this kind of thing is not nipped in the bud, it is going to be very disastrous. “This thing didn’t start today, Joe Irukwu, Ralph Uwaechie were all maligned. As they went after Nwodo, they bombed his house. “Those of us who were close to Obiozor, you know he was a very nice diplomat. It’s this kind of thing that killed him. He’s not like people like us, I served in the army, I have thick skin. “These people have carried this too far. Sometime ago, I got some information that some people are coming to burn my house. That people said they were hired to come and burn my house. Some people also said they were hired to come and kill me. “All sorts of stories like that. And I started asking myself: what is it that I have done that would warrant that my house should be burnt; that I should be killed? “I told those people that they shouldn’t worry. Fortunately, one of them said that the person they hired said that I trained his brother in the university. “You know I had a scholarship scheme that trained over 5000 young people in the university. So, he said his brother was trained by me and so he cannot burn my house. “I feel sad that I should be confronted by some of these types of spectre of threats just because I want to serve my people. “I have looked at my past career and see how God blessed me. At 82 when I’ve retired, for me now to come back to serve my people and to find myself completely engulfed in this type of mess with Isiguzoro. “I’m somebody who is dogged and can’t easily be pushed around. God has given me the heart and determination to serve my people.”
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume has hailed the performance of the Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo in his one hundred days in office as the Governor of the state. Senator Akume, who spoke when he received Governor Ododo on a courtesy call, said with the drive and positive disposition of Governor Ododo to accord topmost priority to the welfare of the people of the state is the hallmark of good governance. He said that the record of performance of Governor Ododo has already set him on a good trajectory as an emerging leader in Nigeria. “Do not be distracted by criticisms because you have started remarkably well and I am sure you will continue this way till the end of your tenure in office, may God be with you.” Earlier, Governor Ododo said the visit was in appreciation of the support the SGF has given to him since he assumed office as the Governor of Kogi State. The Governor described Senator Akume as a patriot whose record of achievements in public office is worthy of emulation by the younger generation. He called for the support of the SGF in achieving the development agenda of his administration in Kogi state. Governor Ododo was accompanied on the visit by the state commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Barrister Deedat Ozigi Salami and the Technical Adviser to the Governor on Multilateral and Donor Funded Projects, Dr. Abdullahi Ozomata.
The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has issued a stern warning of a potential economic shutdown in response to the proposed implementation of a 0.5 percent cybersecurity levy on electronic transactions.
TUC urged the Federal Government to intervene and instruct the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to retract its directive to financial institutions regarding the levy to prevent such drastic action.
President of TUC, Mr. Festus Osifo, condemned the plan as illogical, especially amidst the challenges faced by Nigerians due to the high cost of living.
Osifo criticized the government’s policies, citing burdensome levies imposed on bank account holders and the overall unfriendly business environment leading to business closures.
He expressed concerns that the levy would exacerbate financial hardship, discourage financial inclusion, and worsen poverty levels.
Osifo emphasized the pressing need to conclude discussions on the minimum wage, highlighting the adverse impact of further reducing disposable income on already struggling citizens.
The African Union has strongly condemned Israel’s military actions in southern Gaza’s Rafah, urging the international community to intervene and stop the escalating violence.
AU Commission chief Moussa Faki Mahamat expressed extreme concern over the war’s devastating impact on human life and called for collective action to end the deadly escalation.
The move came as Israeli tanks captured the key Rafah crossing, a critical corridor for humanitarian aid into besieged Gaza. Despite Israel reopening some border crossings for aid, the situation remains dire.
The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) has issued a July 7, 2024 deadline for Point of Sales (PoS) operators to complete registration with the Commission. The directive came at a meeting between Fintechs and the Registrar-General/Chief Executive Officer of CAC, Hussaini Magaji (SAN) in Abuja today, May 7. The CAC boss said that the two-month timeline to register their agents, merchants and individuals with the commission, is “in line with legal requirements and the directives of the Central Bank of Nigeria. “The measure aims at safeguarding the businesses of Fintech’s customers and strengthening the economy.” He said that the action was backed by Section 863, Subsection 1 of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, CAMA 2020, and the 2013 CBN guidelines on agent banking. Magaji explained that the timeline for the registration which will expire on July 7, 2024, is not targeted at any groups or individuals but aimed at protecting businesses. Several speakers from the Fintech industry pledged to collaborate with the commission to ensure hitch-free implementation of the directive. Some of them, however, stressed the need for adequate and collective sensitisation, to ensure that the exercise achieved the desired results. The representatives of Opay, Momba, Palmpay Ltd, Pay Stack, Fair Money MFB, Monie Point, and Teasy Pay present at the event, signed up for a document to support the project. No penalty was spelt out for those who fail to register on or before the deadline.
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