Vice President Kashim Shettima received female doctors who he sponsored to study Medicine and Surgery abroad in 2014, during his tenure as Governor of Borno State. They were on a thank-you visit to him in Maiduguri recently.
Fifty of the 60 of them who were so sponsored are now working for the Borno State Government.
A legal activist and Constitutional Lawyer, Wilfred Molokun has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), to stop media trial of immediate past governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello.
He said that it is absurd for an agency charged with responsibility of enforcing all economic and financial crimes laws to throw over board the rule of law in its desperation to prosecute and humiliate a former governor.
Molokun, a legal practitioner of over three decades in practice, made the call while fielding questions on judgement of Kogi State High Court delivered on April 17, 2024 by Justice Isa Jamil Abdullahi, who granted an order restraining the EFCC “from continuing to harass, threaten to arrest or detain” Bello based on the criminal charges now pending before the federal high court in Abuja.
Molokun said that decorum and decency should be the order of the day, stressing that EFCC should allow the trial court judge of the Federal High Court who is seized of the matter to make a ruling on Bello application seeking to vacate the warrant of arrest, essentially as the court has now been adequately addressed by both parties on the issues.
According to him, the rule of law should reign supreme in the conduct of citizens including corporate bodies like EFCC.
Recalled that the Federal High Court had fixed May 10 for ruling on Yahaya Bello’s application seeking to vacate the arrest warrant made on April 17, 2024.
Bello application was argued on April 23, 2024 before justice Emeka Nwite by Adeola Adedipe, SAN, while Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, who represented the EFCC vehemently opposed it.
In his argument, Adedipe had pointed out the need for the court to set aside the arrest warrant.
According to the Senior Advocate, the arrest warrant order, having been made before the charge ought to be set aside suo motu (on its own accord, without any request by the parties involved).
Particularly, as the agency had on April 18, made an application for a substituted service of its bundles of charge and proof of evidence against Bello after the ex-governor’s lead lawyer, Abdulwahab Mohammed, SAN, declined to receive the documents in the open court.
The senior lawyer further argued that contrary to Pinheiro’s submission that the ex-governor must be in court first before any application could be entertained being a criminal case, the anti-graft agency had made an application on April 18 after the warrant arrest was issued to EFCC on April 17 and that the court granted it.
According to Adedipe, the complainant made an application for substituted service on 18th day of April after the arrest warrant had been issued on 17th day of April and my noble lord granted it.
The defendant counsel said: “the court must satisfy itself that the defendant (Bello) will not be prejudiced in fairness if the warrant of arrest continues to hang on his neck, having been made before service of the charge contrary to Section 394 of ACJA.”
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Hamidu Sarki Gaube, has been killed by suspected kidnappers in Gaube in Kuje Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
Report reaching us at Greenbarge Reporters online newspaper and hardcopy magazine said that in the operation, the assailants went away with one Jacob Jawo alongside his son and late Gaube’s younger brother.
It was gathered that late Hamidu, popularly known by his traditional title of Talba, was returning to Kuje from his farm in Gaube last night, May I, along with the three others when the kidnappers opened fire on him directly, leading to the car summersaulting into the bush.
The deceased, who contested for the chairmanship of Kuje Area Council under the APC in 2022 election, died instantly on the spot.
Details of the incident are still sketchy at the time of filing this report.
The deceased was laid to rest at Kuje burial ground today, May 2, 2024.
President Bola Tinubu has expressed his “strong belief in fair wages and enhanced welfare for the Nigerian workers.”
He insists that workers, whom he described as “the custodians of the nation’s machinery” deserve a fair wage and enhanced welfare and that a labourer is deserving of not just any reward but fair and commensurate wages.
In a message to congratulate Nigerian workers on the occasion of Workers’ Day today, May 1, the President
assured the workers of his dedication to not only improving their welfare but also enhancing their working conditions and providing the necessary tools for them to succeed.
He acknowledged that Nigerian workers have displayed fidelity to the peace, progress and development of the nation which is “evident in their tireless efforts and patriotic zeal to keep the national engine running.”
He expressed appreciation to workers across all spheres, “from the clerical officer who ensures the proper documentation and distribution of correspondence; the security officer who remains ever dutiful through all seasons; the teacher who secures the future of our nation by imparting knowledge to the next generation; the doctor who works relentlessly to save precious lives, and to all Nigerian workers who keep the candle aflame.”
The President assured that his administration is ever committed to improving the welfare of all workers, and that there have been various relief programmes, including the wage award and the imminent minimum wage review.
The Federal Government has approved 25 per cent and 35 per cent of salary increase for civil servants on the remaining six Consolidated Salary Structures.
The Head of Press, National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC), Emmanuel Njoku, made this known yesterday, April 30, in Abuja.
In a statement, Njoku said: “The Federal Government has approved an increase of between 25 per cent and 35 per cent in salary increase for Civil Servants on the remaining six Consolidated Salary Structures.
”They include Consolidated Public Service Salary Structure (CONPSS), Consolidated Research and Allied Institutions Salary Structure (CONRAISS) and Consolidated Police Salary Structure (CONPOSS).
“Others are Consolidated Para-military Salary Structure (CONPASS).
Consolidated Intelligence Community Salary Structure (CONICCS) and Consolidated Armed Forces Salary Structure (CONAFSS).
“The increases will take effect from January 1.”
According to Njoku, the Federal Government has also approved increases in pension of between 20 per cent and 28 per cent for pensioners on the Defined Benefits Scheme.
He said that this is in respect of the above-mentioned six consolidated salary structures and would also take effect from January 1.
He said that the move was in line with the provisions of Section 173(3) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
The official recalled that those in the Tertiary Education and Health Sectors had already received their increases.
“This involves Consolidated University Academic Salary Structure (CONUASS) and Consolidated Tertiary Institutions Salary Structure (CONTISS) for universities.
“For Polytechnics and Colleges of Education, it involves the Consolidated Polytechnics and Colleges of Education Academic Staff Salary Structure (CONPCASS) and Consolidated Tertiary Educational Institutions Salary Structure (CONTEDISS).
”The Health Sector also benefitted through the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) and Consolidated Health Sector Salary Structure (CONHESS).”
Source: NAN.
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has announced plans for a nationwide protest in response to the ongoing fuel scarcity and electricity crisis.
The student body is demanding the removal of key officials, including the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, and the Minister for Power, Honorable Adebayo Adelabu, whom they hold accountable for exacerbating the issues.
The protest, according to the students body, aimed at amplifying the students’ message and ensuring widespread participation, will take place across various zones of the country, with designated locations including Abuja Junction, Airport Road, Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Onitsha-Asaba Head Bridge, and Wuntin Dada.
NANS urges all Nigerians to join the protest and stand together in the fight for a brighter future.
Atiku AbubakarFormer Vice President, Atiku Abubakar has expressed solidarity with Nigerian workers, stating that they have never had it so bad due to government policies that neglect their welfare.
In a May Day message, Atiku noted that despite promises, the government has failed to improve workers’ conditions, with wage increments remaining a mirage.
He criticized the government’s handling of the petrol subsidy removal, which has led to hardships and frustration for Nigerians.
Atiku also condemned the increase in tariffs without addressing corruption and inefficiencies, saying it amounts to Nigerians subsidizing the system’s flaws.
He praised Nigerian workers for their historical role in fighting tyranny and bad governance, but lamented that this administration has trampled their rights like no other.
Atiku expressed sympathy for workers’ struggles and hoped that the government would prioritize their concerns, especially on this year’s Workers Day, which focuses on ensuring safety and health at work.
Aliko DangoteChairman of Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc, Aliko Dangote has said that the company is planning to produce 700,000 metric tonnes of refined sugar from locally grown sugarcane in the next four years through its Backward Integration Programme (BIP).
Speaking at the company’s 18th Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Lagos, Dangote said that in alignment with the Federal Government’s policy guidelines, the company would continue to focus on, and enhance its Backward Integration Project by deploying and reviewing project strategies to ensure efficient delivery.
This is coming even as the Nigerian Exchange released the company’s first-quarter result for 2024, indicating an increase of 20.1 per cent in its revenue to N122.7 billion.
According to Dangote, the planned 700,000 metric tonnes would meet 50 per cent of the current market demand for refined sugar.
He said that the 10-year sugar development plan to produce 1.5 million MT of sugar per annum from locally grown sugarcane remains an important roadmap to the attainment of the Company’s objectives.
“Our focus is on achieving the revised targets set for DSR Numan Operations, Dangote Adamawa Sugar Limited, and Nasarawa Sugar Company Limited, while we are hopeful that the Taraba State Government will resolve the community payment issues that have led to the stoppage of activities at the Dangote Taraba Sugar Limited, Lau/Tau project.
“…During the year under review, despite the challenges we were faced with, the company significantly scaled up investment in the Backward Integration Projects with the ongoing expansion of the DSR Numan factory refining capacity from 3,000TCD to 9,800TCD year-end.
“The factory will be increased with an additional 5,200TCD to 15,000 TCD (tonnes of cane crushed per day) eventually to meet the need in view of the massive land development activities also going on at the site. The aim is to achieve 24,200 hectares in total by the year 2029.”
Dangote emphasised that despite the adverse impact on the business environment by the continuous increase in the inflationary trend, lack of liquidity and FX to fund the company’s equipment import among others for the backward integration projects, concerted efforts are ongoing to secure the needed funds for the development of the Nasarawa Sugar Company Limited project at Tunga in Awe Local Government Area of the state.
“This will enable the company to put in place the needed infrastructure for the eventual commencement of full-scale production and ensure that the Dangote Sugar Backward Integration ‘Sugar for Nigeria Project’ is achieved. In the end, over $700 million investment would be committed to the Backward Integration Programme.”
He said that the Dangote Sugar (Ghana) Limited, was established as a subsidiary of the Company during the year under review, in line with the plan to expand its presence in the sugar industry across Africa.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen has raised eyebrow over Nigeria’s efficiency in collecting Value Added Tax (VAT) which he said “is the lowest among its African peers.
According to him, the low VAT is an indication of what he called “significant inefficiencies in its (Nigeria’s) tax system.”
In a keynote address he delivered at the opening of a two-day retreat for members of the House today, April 30, Abbas, insisted on reforms to help in the government economic policies and programmes.
He also suggested engagements with stakeholders on laws governing finance, tax, and oil sub-sectors of the economy, with the aim of evolving positive reforms.
The Speaker said that the House of Reps had made a deliberate decision to focus on tax reforms and modernisation as well as a review of the implementation of the Petroleum Industry Reform Act (2021).
“The overarching objective is to discuss and identify concrete legislative strategies for economic transformation.”
The Speaker is happy that the legislative retreat is taking place “at a point in our nation’s economic landscape when the current administration is diligently implementing policies and initiatives to steer our economy towards recovery, growth, and sustainable development.”
He said that the commitment and foresight shown by the government in addressing economic challenges “deserve commendation, and it is imperative that we, as legislators, align our efforts to support and enhance these endeavours.
“As a critical arm of government, the legislature has a crucial role in shaping our nation’s economic transformation and development. Part of our law-making powers is the authority to enact tax reforms and strengthen resource governance mechanisms. By designing and implementing progressive tax policies, we strive to ensure a fair and efficient tax system that boosts revenue while fostering economic growth and equity. This involves not only broadening the tax base and simplifying tax codes but also enhancing compliance and minimising loopholes that benefit only the wealthy.
“Furthermore, the legislature’s oversight function is central in the governance of natural and financial resources. It ensures transparency and accountability in the exploitation and management of resources, which is essential for sustainable development. By holding government and private sectors accountable, the legislature helps prevent the mismanagement and corruption that can often undermine economic progress.”
The legislative retreat on economic transformation and development was organised by the House in collaboration with the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and the Konrad Adenauer – Stiftung Foundation (KAS).
The theme of the retreat is ‘Navigating Change: Legislative Strategies for Economic Transformation.’
.. Horatius….
The Acting Director General of Civil Aviation, Captain Chris Ona Najomo has inaugurated NCAA Project Monitoring and Evaluation Committee.
Captain Najomo, while inaugurating the committee at the Authority’s Corporate Headquarters, in Abuja, said that the creation of the Directorate of Special Duties and the establishment of a Project Monitoring and Contract Evaluation Unit within the Directorate necessitated the reconstitution of the committee.
According to him, project monitoring entails planning and execution as well as diligent supervision and continuous monitoring and evaluation towards achieving specific goals.
Acting DG said that the 10-man committee was first constituted in 2021, and its reconstitution demonstrates NCAA Management’s collective dedication to transparency, accountability, and value for resources.
He clarified that the project monitoring and contract evaluation team is not responsible for contract award or negotiation, but purely to monitor compliance and ensure that Management’s standard and specifications are met.
He tasked the committee members to be the lens through which projects in NCAA will be viewed to ensure strict compliance with the Authority’s Service Level Agreements, compliance with extant laws and regulations, identify potential risks and liabilities, ensure value for money, as well as proffer recommendations to guide Management’s decision-making in project delivery.
Admitting that the task ahead of the committee is enormous, considering their primary assignments in the NCAA, the Acting DG asked members of the committee to see themselves as agents of change in line with his (Najomo’s) NCAA Project 2024 and beyond, assuring members of his support in the discharge of their responsibilities.
The committee, which is chaired by the Director of Special Duties, Horatius Egua, has members drawn from Directorates/Departments of Finance, Legal Services, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Aerodrome and Airspace Standards, Procurement and Human Resources and Administration.
