Cloned Nigerian Anchor

Author: Caroline Ameh

Appear in 24 Hours: Senate orders Registrar General of the CAC

The Senate Committee on Finance has ordered Ishaq Hussain Magaji (SAN), the Registrar General of the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), to appear before it in 24 hours.

The Senator Sani Musa led Committee expressed deep frustration at the failure of Lawal to honor their invitation for the third consecutive time.

The primary reason for Lawal’s appearance, according to the chairman, was to provide explanations regarding discrepancies discovered in the Commission’s 2024 budget, a matter that raised concerns among committee members.

Despite multiple invitations sent to the CAC boss, Lawal remained absent, prompting outrage among senators.

Senator Musa expressed disappointment, highlighting the significance of Lawal’s presence, especially in light of the financial irregularities found within the Commission’s financial records.

Several senior officials from the Corporate Affairs Commission, present at the hearing, were unable to provide convincing reasons for Lawal’s absence, further aggravating the Committee members.

Senator Bello Mandiya, representing Katsina South Senatorial District, strongly criticized Lawal’s non-appearance, drawing a parallel between the absence of the CAC’s Registrar General and the willingness of even the President to appear before such committees.

The Committee, in reaction to the repeated absence of the Registrar General, deliberated on potential punitive actions.
Senator Abdul Ningi emphasized the necessity of Lawal’s presence, urging the CAC officials not to shield him from accountability. Ningi stressed the importance of understanding the financial discrepancies and clarified that the responsibility of explanation rested with the Registrar General.

Senator Musa, invoking Section 89(2), mandated the Inspector General of Police to ensure Lawal’s appearance before the Senate Committee on Finance within the stipulated 24-hour timeframe.
The Committee reiterated the seriousness of the matter, emphasizing Lawal’s role as the custodian of the Corporate Affairs Commission’s financial affairs and the need for accountability in light of the detected irregularities.

The outcome of this directive remains to be seen, as the Senate Committee on Finance continues its efforts to address the financial discrepancies within the Corporate Affairs Commission, placing significant pressure on Garba Lawal to provide the necessary explanations.

12/20/2023
Nigerian Army Honours113 Retiring Generals

The Nigerian Army hosted a grand dinner gala to honor 113 retiring generals in an event to commemorate their remarkable service to the nation.

Among the distinguished group were a full General, a Lieutenant General, 67 major generals, and 44 brigadier generals, individuals who either retired or were slated for retirement within the year.

The ceremony, graced by esteemed figures including retired Gen. Lucky Irabor, the immediate past Chief of Defence Staff, Lt.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya, former Chief of Army Staff, and retired Maj.-Gen. Samuel Adebayo, Ex-Chief of Defence Intelligence, stood as a testament to these senior officers’ 35 years of unwavering dedication to the nation.

Minister of Defence, Muhammad Badaru, lauded the retiring generals for their extensive experience, exceptional skills, integrity, discipline, dedication, loyalty, and inclusive mindset. Badaru emphasized the pivotal role these attributes would continue to play in guiding the retired officers in their future endeavors. He urged them to consider entering politics, citing their potential to instill discipline and patriotism in governance.

While expressing gratitude to the retiring officers, Chief of Army Staff, LT.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, commended their honorable service and congratulated them on their meritorious disengagement from military duty. He extended heartfelt appreciation for their immense contributions to national security and wished them success in their retirement.

Maj.-Gen. Jimmy Akpor, Chief of Administration (Army), underscored the significance of the dinner gala, stating its purpose was to pay tribute to the retiring generals for their unwavering commitment to the nation. He reiterated that such events were instituted by past Nigerian Army leaderships to ensure a memorable departure for retiring officers.

In an expression of gratitude on behalf of the retired generals, Maj.-Gen. Victor Ezugwu conveyed profound thanks to the Chief of Army Staff for the honor bestowed upon them. He assured everyone of their continued dedication to upholding the core values and ideals of the Nigerian Army, even in retirement.

12/20/2023
UN Appoints Nigerian Professor a Member of Fact-Finding Mission for Sudan

The United Nations (UN) has appointed Professor Joy Ezeilo, a distinguished Nigerian legal expert, as a member of the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission for Sudan.

This was announced by Václav Bálek, the President of the UN Human Rights Council.

In a statement on Tuesday, December 19, 2023 Prof. Ezeilo will work alongside with Mohamed Chande Othman of Tanzania and Mona Rishmawi of Jordan/Switzerland on the mission. Othman shall Chair the three members of the new Independent International Fact-Finding Mission.

The statement partly read: “The Human Rights Council established the Fact-Finding Mission in October, through resolution A/HRC/RES/54/2, “to investigate and establish the facts, circumstances and root causes of all alleged human rights violations and abuses and violations of international humanitarian law, including those committed against refugees, and related crimes in the context of the ongoing armed conflict that began on 15 April 2023, between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, as well as other warring parties.”

The Mission, which was established for an initial duration of one year, was further requested to collect and analyse evidence in view of any future legal proceedings; to identify, where possible, individuals and entities responsible; and to make recommendations with a view to ending impunity and ensuring accountability and access to justice for victims.

Prof Ezeilo has served as a Member of the United Nations Civil Society Advisory Board on Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (Feb 2019 to Feb 2021); Board Member, UN Trust Fund for Victims of Trafficking (2013-2016). She is also Council Member Human Rights Institute of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and was recently appointed (April 2023) to the NBA Legal Education Committee.

She was also a former Commissioner for Gender and Social Development, Enugu State, a federal delegate to the National Political Reform Conference, and served as a member of the Governing Council, Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) between 2012 to 2015 and also Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS) 2018- 2021.

She is the founder of Women Aid Collective (WACOL) and Tamar SARC that collectively have provided over 60,000 free legal aid to women and children in difficult circumstances, including victims/survivors of sexual and gender-based violence.

12/20/2023
FCTA to demolish 200 houses for presidential fleet

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has ordered the demolition of 200 houses in Nuwalege community, close to the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport in Abuja, to make way for the Presidential Fleet.

Director, Department of Development Control, Mukhtar Galadima, disclosed this on Tuesday during a community and citizens’ engagement in the community.

“About a month ago, the authority of the Nigerian Air Force wrote to the honourable minister about their needs and desire to remove this village, because it is part of the presidential fleet plots,” he said.

“So, the minister in his wisdom requested them to allow the FCT administration to handle it, because it’s the responsibility of FCT administration. The Nigerian Air Force approached the Department of Development Control on their desire.

“So, as part of our responsibility, we have to do what you call a community and citizens engagement which is why we are here today to discuss with the community and to tell them of our intention, because it will be unfair to just bring the machine here and start removing their houses.

“So, we visited the chiefs at his palace to meet him and we told him our reason for coming to this place today”.

While speaking on the number of houses that will be demolished, Galadima revealed that about 150 to 200 houses with additional commercial stores that are attached to these houses will be taken out.

On the aspect of compensating the affected individuals, he said, “We will discuss with the Air Force, because obviously discussion behind the scene indicates that some forms of compensation were paid, but we have to be certain that this compensation actually were paid, and also who was really given this compensation.

“We are going to conduct further investigation between FCT administration, that’s the Department of Resettlement and Compensation, as well as the Nigerian Air Force and find out if compensation has been paid, to who and When?

“And then we will discuss with our colleague at the Department of Resettlement and Compensation whether at any point in time, there was any compensation that ascertained their claims as regard to the number of structures and people that are going to be affected by this expansion project.”

“There are certain things that we have to look into with consideration like the security, because obviously, this part of some of this settlement is where you have some of these people of the underworld trying to disguise and hide.

“And looking at this, Air Force formation, which is the presidential fleet, is too close , for this thing to co-habit. So we will see if there is that urgent desire to remove part of this community, we will do it.

“So, we have to do some community engagement. It is not the entire community because we have gone around and we have seen the areas affected by the presidential fleet plot and the areas that are outside that plot.”

12/20/2023
US 2024 POLL: Donald Trump Disqualified

By Caroline Ameh

The Colorado Supreme Court has barred former President Donald Trump from featuring on the primary ballot for the 2024 US presidential election in Colorado. This ruling, due to his involvement in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, invokes a rarely used constitutional provision preventing individuals engaged in “insurrection or rebellion” from holding public office.

This historic ruling, likely to escalate to the U.S. Supreme Court, marks the first instance of a presidential candidate being declared ineligible for the presidency under this constitutional clause. While confined to Colorado’s Republican primary on March 5, the decision could impact Trump’s status for the general election, though forecasters anticipate Colorado to lean Democratic, potentially favoring President Joe Biden regardless of Trump’s ballot status.

Trump has swiftly vowed to challenge the ruling at the U.S. Supreme Court, prompting the Colorado court to postpone the implementation of its decision until at least Jan. 4, 2024.

This legal battle stands as a crucial test for broader efforts to disqualify Trump from state ballots under section 3 of the 14th Amendment, initially aimed at barring confederacy supporters from government positions post the Civil War.

The Colorado court’s majority cited Trump’s role in instigating violence during the Capitol certification of the 2020 election results as grounds for his disqualification, acknowledging the weight of their unprecedented decision.

“We do not reach these conclusions lightly,” emphasized the majority justices, underscoring their commitment to impartially apply the law, irrespective of public sentiment.

Conversely, Trump’s campaign denounced the court’s decision as “undemocratic,” promising an immediate appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Initiated by a group of Colorado voters with support from Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, the case contends that Trump should be barred from office for inciting the Capitol attack to disrupt the transfer of power to Biden.

Noah Bookbinder, President of CREW, hailed the court’s decision as crucial to safeguarding democracy’s future in the country.

While similar attempts in other states have failed, this ruling in Colorado may bolster broader disqualification efforts and potentially escalate to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Trump’s legal defense centers on his speech to supporters being protected by free speech rights and argues that the 14th Amendment doesn’t apply to sitting U.S. presidents without a congressional vote for disqualification.

Three justices dissented from Tuesday’s ruling, with Justice Carlos Samour highlighting due process concerns, emphasizing the need for procedural fairness before disqualifying an individual from public office.

This ruling initiates a consequential legal battle that could redefine the criteria for presidential candidacy and has far-reaching implications for the 2024 election.

12/20/2023
Budget 2024: Senate Urges Revenue Agencies to Surpass N18.3 Trillion Revenue Target

The Senate’s Committee on Finance has called upon various federal government revenue-generating agencies to exceed the targeted revenue of N18.324 trillion set for the 2024 fiscal year.

President Bola Tinubu recently presented a total projected expenditure of N27.503 trillion for the 2024 fiscal year before the joint session of the National Assembly. Out of this amount, N18.324 trillion is earmarked as targeted revenue, while N9.18 trillion represents the projected deficit to be covered through internal and external borrowings as well as proceeds from privatization.

At separate meetings to assess their readiness, the Finance Committee Chairman, Senator Mohammed Sani Musa (APC Niger East), charged the agencies not to only meet but surpass the revenue projections assigned to them.

During a recent interface with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCLtd), led by its Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari, Sani Musa urged them to exceed the revenue targets set for the 2024 fiscal year. He acknowledged the company’s contribution of N4.5 trillion in revenue remitted into the federation account between January and October of the current year but emphasized the need for further contributions, given the company’s commercialized status.

“President Bola Tinubu’s budget presentation indicated a shift away from deficit budgeting by projecting a lower deficit of N9.18 trillion for 2024 compared to the N13.4 trillion used in the ending 2023 fiscal year. Our committee, along with other relevant standing committees, will ensure oversight and regular interface with revenue-generating agencies to ensure the necessary revenues for the full implementation of the 2024 budget,” stated Sani Musa.

Speaking at the sidelines of a colloquium celebrating the 61st Birthday of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Senator Sani Musa expressed confidence in achieving the proposed N100 trillion budget size for 2025, suggested by guest speaker Olisa Agbakoba (SAN).

“The proposed budget size for 2025 might seem substantial, but it’s achievable if all revenue-generating agencies tighten their processes and prevent leakages,” he emphasized.

12/18/2023
NNPC Ltd remits N4.5trillion Revenue in 10 months…Says prosperity beckons for Nigeria

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited ( NNPCL), declared Wednesday that it remitted N4.5trillion generated revenue as at October this year into Federation Account .

It also declared that prosperity beckons for the country as indices and parameters in that direction are already showing and being strategically leveraged on by NNPC Ltd and other key players in the oil sector .

Submissions to these effects were made by the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Company , Mele Kyari , during an interactive session with the Senate Committee on Finance.

Kyari in his presentation assured the Committee members that better days are ahead for the company and by extension Nigeria as reform contained in the Petroleum Industry Act for the oil sector, has made NNPC Ltd to be at par with its peers, across the globe.

He said : ” The NNPC Limited that is a creation of the National Assembly, requires that we conduct business transparently and provitably in line with provisions of the law and to create value for shareholders, and not to lose money, and also to continue to add value and pay dividends to shareholders.

” I’m glad to inform you Mr Chairman and Distinguished Senators that as at October we are able to deliver N4.5 trillion Naira into the federation account as a company to this country in 2023 .

“Every national oil company has a trading company. We have always had one which . never worked prior to PIA Implementation.

“Currently NNPC Ltd is delivering on its mandate through the PIA reforms that has brought us to be at par with our peers, across the globe, and not to lose money anymore “.

He added that as NNPC Limited is expanding in bussiness and now the most transparent National Oil Company in Africa , the sector will would be more investment driven by the time the issue of wide margins in exchange rate and import and export windows are narrowed.

“There is always a parallel market in every country. There is also an import and export window in every country, even in the developed world.

“But there is always a narrow gap between the two and it takes time for you to have stability in this gap so that you have a low margin between the two for a sustained period of time, then businesses will thrive .

“There is a line of sight around this. I am very confident that by the end of the first quarter of next year, those margins will narrow and stability will come and you will see others coming into the market”, he said .

12/14/2023
Nigeria Launches 4D Foreign Policy Doctrine

Nigeria has launched a new Foreign policy doctrine that emphasizes Democracy, Development, Demography, and Diaspora.

Described as a 4D Foreign Policy Doctrine, Foriegn Affairs Minister, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar described the policy as a groundbreaking doctrine that is aimed at catalyzing the nation’s progress.

Speaking in Abuja during the official inauguration and exhibition, Ambassador Tuggar underscored the significance of this doctrine, stating that it encapsulates Nigeria’s cultural heritage, values, and aspirations. He emphasized unity for development, peace, progress, and prosperity among Nigeria’s diverse cultures bound by a common history.

“The development of Nigeria and Africa hinges on a new visionary approach, as outlined in President Bola Tinubu’s innovative foreign policy concept,” Ambassador Tuggar highlighted during the ceremony, which showcased Nigeria’s history and diplomatic engagements.

He emphasized the universality of democracy as a form of governance guaranteeing freedom, human rights, and the rule of law. Ambassador Tuggar stressed the need to fortify democratic institutions to serve the collective interests of the people, acknowledging President’s Tinubu’s keen interest in strengthening democracy and addressing its challenges.

Addressing impediments to democratic growth, Ambassador Tuggar highlighted the necessity for Nigeria to leverage the African Continental Free Trade Area (ACFTA) for facilitating trade. He emphasized the importance of economic cooperation, trade fairs, global health initiatives, and transparent global governance to expedite trade and investment for sustainable socio-economic development.

Highlighting Nigeria’s demographic strength with over 200 million people, Ambassador Tuggar emphasized the country’s potential for national development, linking it to the doctrine’s four pillars. He highlighted the burgeoning U.S. population within Nigeria and expressed intent to leverage foreign policy and diplomatic engagements to showcase the skills and talents of Nigeria’s young population for national development and the diaspora.

The Minister also emphasized the pivotal role of Nigerians in the diaspora, acknowledging their significant contributions to Nigeria’s economic growth through remittances. He echoed President Tinubu’s belief in harnessing the diaspora community’s expertise as a catalyst for Nigeria’s progress and direct investment opportunities.

Ambassador Tuggar concluded by emphasizing the importance of a well-structured diaspora community, recognizing its potential to enhance Nigeria’s global image and spur further development.

12/12/2023
Exclusion of Mambilla Power Project from 2024 Budget Intentional – Minister

The Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, confirmed on Monday that the much desired Mambilla Power Project was deliberately excluded from the 2024 budget of the federal government. He affirmed however, that the exclusion was not only deliberate, but intentional.

Addressing the Joint Committee of the Senate and House of Representatives Committee on Power, chaired by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, Chief Adelabu clarified that the absence of the Mambilla Project was a deliberate choice due to a significant legal dispute involving the federal government and Sunrise Power and Transmission Company Limited (SPTCL).

Recall that the legal battle started on October 10, 2017, when SPTCL accused the government of breaching a contract.

The minister highlighted that the contention was over an irregularity on the contract award. He stated that then Minister of Power, Dr Olu Agunloye, bypassed the due process by awarding the contract a day after the federal cabinet allegedly advised him to seek alternative funding sources. This created the loophole that necessitated Sunrise to take legal action against the government.

The ongoing litigations have stalled the progress of the Mambilla Project since 2007 when Sunrise contested a bid process for civil works announced by the government.

Adelabu emphasized to the legislative body that the deliberate omission of the Mambilla Project from the 2024 budget was due to its involvement in international arbitration. Until the legal matters are resolved, no progress can be made on the project.

On the relatated subject of the Zungeru Hydro Power Project, the Minister assured that it was nearly completed, standing at 99.8% readiness. He outlined plans to commence operations and integrate it into the national grid once concessionary fees are settled.

According to him, the major challenge in the power sector is not primarily generation but distribution, citing a significant loss of power during distribution due to outdated facilities of existing power distribution companies.
Adelabu proposed an unbundling solution, stressing the need for states to actively participate, especially in the distribution aspect.

Senator Abaribe expressed concern about the sustainability of free off-grid power ventures, while commending the Minister for his comprehensive understanding of power sector developments.

In his closing remarks, Senator Abaribe pledged to scrutinize the budget and explore collaboration opportunities, requesting a three-year summary of the ministry’s budget performance for evaluation.

12/12/2023
Blame Naira Redesign policy for Farmer bankruptcy, Hunger -Fed Govt.
Clearly overwhelmed by the deluge of socioeconomic crises bedeviling the country, the Federal Government says Nigerians should blame Godwin Emefele, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria for their current suffering.
The government particularly accused the former CBN helmsman of throwing the nation into unwarranted chaos through the poorly thoughtout Naira redesign policy implemented by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) between December 2022 and February this year.
Speaking at a 2024 budget defense session the Honorable Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen Abubakar Kyari said the ill-fated Naira re-design led to severe financial distress among farmers, resulting in bankruptcies. This revelation coincides with an escalating crisis of hunger and famine-induced deaths, particularly affecting impoverished rural communities.

The budget defense session was at the instance of a joint committee on Agriculture which discussed the repercussions of the contentious Naira redesign on farmers’ financial stability.

Senator Kyari emphasized that the 2024 budget proposals for the sector primarily aim at achieving food security. He highlighted various factors, including insecurity and the ill-fated Naira redesign, that significantly hampered farmers and posed a severe threat to the nation’s food security.

“The financial strain caused by the Naira redesign compelled many farmers to sell their produce at significantly reduced prices for survival, while buyers struggled to access cash for purchases,” revealed the Minister during the session.

The policy, coinciding with the harvest season, resulted in widespread financial devastation among farmers, leaving them in dire financial straits.

During the session, Honorable Dahiru Ismaila Haruna from Bauchi State and Honorable Ademorin Kuye from Lagos State highlighted the urgent need for the federal government to address the escalating hunger crisis, primarily exacerbated by insecurity.

Honorable Haruna painted a grim picture of daily deaths due to hunger and stressed the necessity of stocking silos to prevent a full-blown famine, noting an influx of individuals from neighboring countries seeking sustenance.

However, Honorable Ademorin expressed concerns about the alleged concessioning of silos built by the previous administration, casting doubt on their effectiveness.

In response, the Minister assured lawmakers that all issues raised would be decisively addressed in the 2024 fiscal year, emphasizing President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s commitment to food security.

Kyari outlined ongoing plans to ensure food security, including securing farmlands, certifying planting materials for dry season farming, transparent distribution of fertilizers and agro-pesticides, and expediting operations of the National Agricultural Development Fund.

For the 2024 fiscal year, the Ministry has allocated a total of N362.940 billion to the sector, with N124.1 billion earmarked for the Ministry. This allocation includes N10.6 billion for personnel costs, N1.34 billion for overheads, and N112.497 billion for capital expenditure.
12/11/2023