CSOs Call On Federal Govt To Remove Regulatory Bottlenecks For Smooth Operation

September 15, 2022

Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Nigeria, CSOs have called on the Federal Government to expunge repressive legislation and policies as part of efforts to create a favorable operational environment them.
The programme manager, Global Rights, Edosa Oviawe, who spoke on behalf of other CSOs during a press briefing in Abuja, said that despite the availability of legislations and policies that currently guide the activities of the not for-profit sector, several attempts have been made by different regulatory agencies to introduce new legislations to further regulate CSOs’ operations without recourse to extant legal provisions.
He expressed concerns over the poor level of awareness of existing regulations among relevant stakeholders, including CSOs/NGOs and regulators despite the existence of over a dozen legislations.
“Instead, a misguided perception continues to expand the narrative among these regulatory agencies that CSOs are not adequately regulated.
“Although the need for capacity improvement and enabling regulatory environment require attention to strengthen CSOs operations in Nigeria, it is, however, expedient to address the concerns around the regulatory framework as several issues embedded therein need to be clarified in order to clear the air of the current state of confusion among all concerned stakeholders.
“Currently, there is no unified perspective about what should constitute a body of regulations for CSOs and this has resulted in various interpretations by different actors on how the sector should be regulated. Unless resolved and properly clarified, this issue of multiple definitions will continue to put both regulatory agencies to the boxing of CSO regulations within the broad civic space narrative, where all forms of government repressive actions to the generality of her citizens are interpreted as clamping down on civil society.”
On his part, Registrar-General of the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Alhaji Garba Abubakar, who spoke at the national conference on CSOs operational environment, said that government is working assiduously to create an enabling environment for CSOs to operate.
The programme was supported by the European Union Delegation to Nigeria and West Africa and EU-Agents for Citizen-driven Transformation, ACT, Programme through a collaboration of EU-ACT Programme, Open Society Initiative for West Africa, OSIWA, and USAID-Strengthening Civic Advocacy and Local Engagement, SCALE, aimed at improving the civil society regulatory environment in Nigeria.
He said that in modern times, CSOs are widely understood to be the “third sector” of the economy distinct from government and business.
“The topic ‘unpacking the regulatory framework for CSOs in Nigeria’ presupposes that the environment is currently tightly packed or conscripted and require loosening in order to make it more effective.
“This assumption appears to be an exaggeration or untenable because Section 40 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999) as amended provides that ‘every person shall be entitled to assemble freely and associate with other persons, and in particular.’
“The person may form or belong to a political party, trade union or any other association for the protection of his interests,” he said.
Abubakar said that the constitution had already unpacked the operational environment for CSOs.
The deputy ambassador and head, Politics, Press and Information section of the EU, Elexandre Borges Gomes, said they are great fans of the CSOs in Nigeria and would support them to promote good governance and democracy.

Buhari Offers National Honours On Team Nigerian Contingents At Commonwealth Games; With N200 Million

Greenbarge Reporters

September 15, 2022

President Muhammadu Buhari has approved National Honours and cash awards of N200 million for Team Nigeria contingents to the 2022 Commonwealth Games and World Athletics championships.
Speaking at a presidential reception in honour of the athletes today, September 15 at the Presidential villa, Abuja, the President said that his Government is committed to rewarding excellence, no less for members of Team Nigeria who ignited the spirit of victory in the nation through stellar performances at international competitions.
The President congratulated all the awardees and recipients, and expressed confidence that this will spur them to greater heights.
The President, who described the athletes as champions, worthy ambassadors, national heroes and heroines, heaped praises on them for proudly flying the Nigerian flag in nine sporting events.
”I watched with millions of Nigerians those exciting moments when you all brought smiles to us and our homes by breaking world, national and games records, as well as achieving personal best in your careers.
”Your outstanding performances in recent times are consistent with the determination of a nation always yearning for excellent performance.
”You all, members of Team Nigeria have ignited the spirit for victory in our nation but even more you have been victorious in major sporting championships and games.

“I have followed keenly your achievements at the World Championships in Oregon USA and indeed your remarkable performance at the recently concluded Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, United Kingdom.
”And I am very pleased that you displayed at both the personal and group levels great sporting talents and delivered for your country great podium performances.”
The President told the athletes that their hour of sporting glory beamed the ‘‘radar of the world on Nigeria’’, adding that their exploits have gone a long way in projecting the positive image of the country.
”Twelve times the world stood still as our green, white green national flag was hoisted and the National Anthem recited. Thirty-five times we made it to the podium. You all Team Nigeria made that possible.
”You brought glory and honour to our country. And today, on behalf of the nation- I say, THANK YOU!”
President Buhari called out the names of the gold winners and other medal winners, including the world champion in the 100m hurdles, Tobiloba Amusan, Ese Brume, Blessing Oborodudu , Oluwafemiayo Folashade, Taiwo Liadi, Ikechukwu Obichukwu, Bose Omolayo, Favour Ofili, Nasiru Sule, Ifechukwude Ikpeoyi, Ebikewenimo Welson, Hannah Rueben and Elizabeth Oshoba.
Reiterating the commitment of this administration in providing the enabling environment for youths to ascend to the pinnacle of their chosen careers, the President expressed satisfaction with the impact the Adopt-An-Athlete Initiative of the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports had on the performance of athletes.
He called for more private individuals and corporate organizations to support government’s investment in sports, which has been reclassified from being a recreational activity to being a business in line with modern practices worldwide.
President Buhari acknowledged the many giant strides witnessed in the sports sector under the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare and his team, commending the numerous and sustained successes recorded in the last few years.
The Minister of Youth and Sports Development described 2022 as an outstanding year in the history of Nigerian sports, which shall not be forgotten in a hurry.

According to him, it is a year where many Sporting Federations have surpassed and are surpassing their previous performances, while many athletic records were broken.
Highlighting the most remarkable feats, Dare said in track and field, Amusan in a span of 4 months won Nigeria’s first ever gold medal in World Athletics Championships in Eugene, Oregon, USA with a world record performance in an event highly dominated by the Americans and Europeans.
She also successfully defended her Commonwealth Games title, which she won in 2018 in Gold Coast, with a games record in 2022 in Birmingham; and Diamond League title in Zurich, Switzerland on September 8, 2022, the Minister said, adding that this remarkable performance has never been achieved by any Nigerian in the history of our sports.
The Minister said Brume, another trailblazer in Nigerian sports, won silver medal in the Women’s Long Jump event at the 2022 World Athletics Championships and a gold medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham with a games record performance.
Dare recalled that the first time Nigeria won a medal in wrestling at the Olympic Games since 1952, was at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics by Oborodudu, who clinched a silver medal to the admiration of the entire globe.
”In confirming that the performance was not a fluke, she won a gold medal in the Women’s 68 kg category at the just concluded 2022 Commonwealth Games.”
Describing Nigeria as the best Para Powerlifting nation in the world, the Minister hailed Oluwafemiayo for keeping with this tradition by winning gold medal in the Women’s heavyweight category, setting a new world record in that class at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics and the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
”Mr. President, through the sporting exploits and excellence of the young athletes before you in this hall and several others not able to make it for this reception, Nigeria has served notice that it will not relent.
”That it will show up and compete for every laurel available not only in sports but in youth development, economic progress, social emancipation, political development and many more,” he said.
The Minister thanked the President for being a great source of encouragement and support to the teeming youth in sports and other areas, saying ”this administration’s investment in youth and sports development, will continue to yield dividends years after you might have completed your term as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
He commended some well-meaning Nigerians and sports philanthropists for keying into several initiatives of the Ministry on sports development.

NNPC Heads For Partnership With Morocco On 7,000 Kilometre Gas Pipeline Project

Editorial staff

September 15, 2022

Nigeria National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has taken the bull by the horns by going full length into partnership with the Office National des Hydrocarbures et des Mines (ONHYM) of Morocco and the Economic Commission of West Africa States (ECOWAS).

The partners are expected to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the ceremony which will take place in Rabat, Morocco tomorrow, Thursday, September 15.

The Group Chief Executive Officer of the NNPCL, Malam Mele Kyari, in preparation for the signing ceremony, paid a courtesy call on the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr Omar Touray in Abuja yesterday, September 13.

NNPCL and ONHYN will also sign MOUs with Mauritania and Senegal national oil companies. Both countries will participate in the trans sahara gas pipeline project. A statement about the visit to the ECOWAS Commission and the MOUs to be signed by the three countries was released through the official twitter handle of NNPC.

A statement from the NNPCL said: “in line with Federal Govt’s mandate to drive the execution of the 7000km Nigeria Morocco Gas Pipeline (NMGP) Project, GCEO, NNPC, Mallam Mele Kyari today ( Tuesday ) paid a courtesy call on the President of ECOWAS _cedeao Commission, H.E Dr Omar A. Touray. The visit was in preparation of the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the NNPC, Limited and the Office National des Hydrocarbures et des Mines (ONHYM) of Morocco and the @ecowas_cedeao, scheduled to hold on 15 September, 2022 in Rabat, Morocco. During the visit, NNPC and the @ecowas_cedeao Commission reaffirmed their commitment towards the project, which, when completed, will provide gas to the West African countries through to the Kingdom of Morocco and subsequently to Europe.

“NNPC and ONHYM will also sign two MoUs with Société Mauritanienne des Hydrocarbures (SMH) of Mauritania and Petrosen of Senegal, both of whom are expected to participate in the project.” In August 2017, NNPC and ONHYN began a feasibility study for the pipeline project. It is estimated to cost $25 billion dollars. When completed, the over 7,000 km long gas pipeline, ” being promoted by Office National des Hydrocarbures et des Mines (ONHYM) of Morocco and Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) of Nigeria, will link Nigeria with Morocco, cross 11 west African countries and extend to Europe.”

“It will be the longest offshore pipeline in the world and the second longest pipeline overall. The NMGP pipeline, according to official record,” is expected to traverse 13 countries, and will help to boost local industries and economies by delivering a reliable and sustainable energy source.” It will also support industrial development and create employment opportunities. Additionally, the pipeline will provide a new avenue for countries along the route to export their gas to their neighboring countries and Europe.

Over 3,000 Rendered Homeless, 200 Houses Crumbled, In Devastating Flood, In Benue

Editorial staff

September 14, 2022

File photo of flood victims| photo credit : BBC

A devastating flood after days of torrential downpours in Makurdi, the Benue state capital, has rendered more than 3,000 residents homeless and destroyed over 200 houses.

The executive secretary of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Emmanuel Shior, at the monthly distribution of relief materials to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Makurdi today, September 14, said that parts of the state capital have been submerged due to flood.

Shior listed the affected parts of the city as Naka Road, Achusa Kucha Utebe, Gyado Villa, Judge’s Quarters Extension and parts of Nyiman, among others.

“We are grappling with floods that have submerged most parts of Markudi due to torrential rains.

“The flooding had never been this terrible in the past. As a stop gap, the state’s flood committee has approved the expansion of selected camps in Makurdi, Guma and Logo to accommodate flood victims.”

Source: Ripples Nigeria.

Police Launch War Against Identity Theft, Child Sexual Exploitation, Credit Card Fraud, Others

Editorial staff

September 14, 2022

The Nigeria police force has launched total war against cybercrimes, which include identity theft, child sexual exploitation, cyber-stalking, cyber-bullying, credit card fraud, internet fraud and other forms of cybercrimes online

In a statement today, September 14, the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, quoted the Inspector General of Police, Usman Alkali as having asked members of the public, who are strategic partners in security and policing of the country, to report all such cybercrimes through the Nigeria Police Force Cybercrime Reporting Portal – https://incb.npf.gov.ng, interpolnigeria@npf.gov.ng, via WhatsApp on 07043797900, and via call/SMS on 08094557845.

The statement said that Cybercrime Reporting Portal, which is domiciled at the INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB) Abuja, will avail the Force with access to intelligence and data sharing between the 195 member countries of the INTERPOL.

According to the statement, the portal has various other resources to be enjoyed by visitors to the website, such as abridged cybercrime awareness material, online safety tips, the 2015 Cybercrime Act and Africa’s First Storified Cybersecurity Handbook – “no go fall maga”, in portable document format.

It said that the Inspector General is committed to expand the intelligence gathering capability of the Nigeria Police Force, and has therefore ordered the immediate completion of a new office complex opposite the Louis Edet House for the Force Intelligence Bureau.

“The new complex will be fitted with ICT-based state-of-the-art gadgets which will be in tune with contemporary intelligence gathering realities.

“The IGP, who is an ardent believer in the wide array of possibilities available for effective policing via intelligence gathering, has charged the Assistant Inspector-General of Police Force Intelligence Bureau (AIG-FIB), on the effective deployment of human and materials assets for effective gathering of active intelligence.

“The IGP equally tasked the AIG-FIB to commence immediate training for its officers and men on the use of the new office complex, and deployment of the new gadgets.”

“The Inspector-General of Police while reiterating the commitment of the Force to ensuring protection of lives and property, urges all stakeholders in security to ensure effective and timely dissemination of available and actionable intelligence for prompt police action with a view to achieving effective policing and public safety across the country.”

Atiku Insists PDP Chairman, Ayu, Cannot Be Removed Until Party Constitution Is Amended

Editorial staff

September 14, 2022

Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar has made it clear that the national chairman of the party, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu cannot be removed from office until the constitution of the party is amended.

Atiku, who led other leaders of the party to Ibadan today, September 14, on an interactive session with stakeholders of the PDP said that the call for the recomposition of the National Working Committee is not impossible, but only when the constitution of the party has been amended to accommodate such demand.

“The Peoples Democratic Party is the oldest political party in Nigeria since the return of democracy and even before then. It is a party that has laid down rules and regulations.

“I have been a member of the party since when it was formed and I am still a member of the party up to the point of what it has grown to become.”

Responding to the call by some governors of the party calling for the resignation of Ayu as national chairman, which was also reaffirmed by the chief host of the event and governor of Oyo State, Engineer Seyi Makinde, Atiku said, “there is nothing any individual can do to change the outlook of the National Working Committee of the PDP.

“The PDP is a party where there are laid down rules and regulations. What Governor Makinde is asking for is possible only when we have amended our party’s constitution. As things stand today, no single individual has the power to tamper with the NWC of the party. Doing so will be illegal and it will be against our rules in the party.

“Nigerians will not trust us to govern by the tenets of rule of law if we take such arbitrary action against our own party.”

The Southwest stakeholders’ interactive session was attended by leaders of the PDP across the six states of the geopolitical zone with a common resolution to ensure victory for the PDP in next year’s general election. The PDP leaders who attended the interactive session included the chief host and Oyo State governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde; governorship candidate of the PDP in Ogun State, Chief Ladi Adebutu, former governor of Ekiti State, Ayo Fayose; Osun State Governor-elect, Senator Demola Adeleke; the governorship candidate of the PDP in Lagos State, Olajide Adediran and deputy governorship candidate of the PDP in Lagos State, Funke Akindele. Others are the presidential candidate of the PDP, Atiku Abubakar, Vice Presidential candidate of the PDP and governor of Delta State, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa; Chairman, PDP’s Governors’ Forum and Governor of Sokoto State, Rt. Hon. Aminu Bello Tambuwal; former Governor of Cross River State, Liyel Imoke; Deputy National Chairman of the PDP (North), Umar Damagum and national deputy chairman of the PDP (South) Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja, among other stakeholders from the Southwest.

Naja’atu Muhammad’s Petition To EFCC Forces Police Commission Boss To Resign

Editorial staff

September 14, 2022

A petition of financial mishaps to the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) by a a Commissioner in the Police Service Commission (PSC), Naja’atu Muhammad may have forced the Chairman of the Commission, Alhaji Musiliu Smith to tender his resignation.

Naja’atu Muhammad, in the petition, had alleged that there has been multi-million-naira contract scam, mismanagement of resources and lack of due process in the management of the commission.

In the petition dated June 29, 2022, Naja’atu Muhammad, who is represents Northwest at the commission, alleged that the chairman had arbitrarily awarded bogus contracts without following due process.

Some of the allegations contained in the petition are award of N34,749,375 for the design and development of police e-recruitment portal for the commission.

Another contract payment of N36,228,453.90 to Wedewood Integrated Investment Limited as the final payment of less than 5% retention fee for the partitioning of office space, installation of wall panel and customised cabinet at the PSC head office building. with total contract sum at N447,473,613.00.

Naja’atu Mohammed also alleged in the petition that the Commission’s account No.2994350018 fraudulent transferred about N200 Million to Vita Construction between 9th April 2021 and 14th April 2021 in the tranches of N10 Million Naira for unknown reason.

Although the commission is yet to make an official announcement, a commissioner at the PSC confirmed that Musliu Smith, a retired Inspector General of Police (IGP), was asked to hand over to a retired justice of the Supreme Court, Clara Ogunbiyi, in acting capacity.

Spokesman for the commission, Ikechukwu Ani, also confirmed the resignation, but said it was on health grounds.

Kenyan Pastor Who ‘Prophesied’ Ruto Will Never Be President Says She’s Misquoted

Greenbarge Reporters

September 14, 2022

A Kenyan pastor, Bishop Elizabeth Thuiya, who prophesied that William Ruto will never be president in the just concluded election because God had rejected him, has said that she was misquoted.

In one of the prophecies before the August 9, 2022 Presidential election which he went on to win, the Bishop was captured to have said: “Ruto will not become president. God rejected him.”

Bishop Elizabeth Thuiya was an ardent supporter of Azimio la Umoja, One Kenya Coalition party presidential candidate, Raila Odinga.

The Bishop, who attended the swearing-in of, and subsequent luncheon for President Ruto, told news men that what she actually said was not what was reported in the media.

According to her, my prophesy meant that Ruto had been rejected by God owing to his sour relationship with his former boss, President Uhuru Kenyatta, “not that he would not win if he mends fence with his boss.

“God had told me that He rejected him for his dishonour and disobedience (to his boss). I even said that if he goes back to his boss so that he can also get a blessing from him, he would rule.”

The cleric who is believed to be looking to vie for an elective position in 2022 said that she also plans on going to see the new president at state house because, despite their political differences, they are still friends.

On why she attended the luncheon despite her sharp criticism of the head of state, the bishop said she had finally decided to support Ruto’s administration.

Thuiya asked the citizens to understand that she wears many hearts as many have been questioning why she involves herself in politics yet she is a cleric.

“People need to know there is the political side of me that when I start politicking I can be worse than some other politicians. I am a bishop who operates in the power of God and so If anyone does not want to accept me, then they are not my true follower.”

President Ruto officially took over the reins of power on Tuesday in a colourful ceremony at the Kasarani Stadium.

The President and the commander in chief of the armed forces took and subscribed to the affirmation of; allegiance and of the execution of the functions of the Office of the President.

Ruto later signed a certificate as the chief justice witnessed before appending her signature.

Attack On Ubah: We’re Monitoring Security Situation In Southeast, Others – Buhari

Greenbarge Reporters

September 14, 2022

President Muhammadu Buhari has said that the government is monitoring the security situation in the Southeast region and other parts of the country with a view to embarking on pragmatic actions.

“We are deeply concerned about the activities of armed groups in the region and in other parts of the country.

“We are closely monitoring the situation and waiting for further details on the response to the worrisome situation by the police, the military and other security agencies.”

President Buhari was reacting today, September 14, to what he described as “barbaric and condemnable,” the armed shooting in Anambra State, of the convoy of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, representing Anambra South District.

He regretted that the nation lost four brave policemen and other aides of the Senator in the attack, even as he prayed for the early return of peace and security in Anambra State and all other areas.

“On behalf of the government and the people, I pay homage to these security men and the aides who were brutally murdered. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families at this difficult time.”

The President prayed for the quick recovery of the Senator and all those that were injured.

I Swear To Govern With Fear Of God – Ruto

Greenbarge Reporters

September 14, 2022

Fifth President of Kenya, Dr. William Ruto, taking an oath of office at his swearing-in at Moi International Sports Stadium in Nairobi, Kenya, September 13. Photos: Tolani Alli.

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