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  • Nigeria’s Name, Flag Should Also Be Changed – Mike Ozekhome Tells Tinubu

    Nigeria’s Name, Flag Should Also Be Changed – Mike Ozekhome Tells Tinubu

    Popular rights activist and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mike Ozekhome, has admonished the incumbent government led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to also change Nigeria’s name and national flag.

    This is as he commended the administration for reverting to the old national anthem, describing it as a welcome development.

    According to Ozekhome, the change of the national anthem was long overdue.

    Ozekhome stated this during a press conference on Wednesday where he expressed that he was elated by Nigeria’s return to the old national anthem, 10 years after he moved a motion for it at the 2014 National Conference.

    The SAN said: “Bringing the old National Anthem back is well overdue. It has better lyrics in content and context like the Senate President said. It is better than the other one.

    “The name Nigeria and the flag should also be changed.”

  • FG, Labour To Resume Talks Friday On Minimum Wage

    FG, Labour To Resume Talks Friday On Minimum Wage

    President Bola Tinubu-led government, on Wednesday, reached out to the Organised Labour consisting the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) for the continuation of minimum wage negotiations.

    According to Punch, a source familiar with the matter disclosed the development in Abuja.

    The source noted that Labour would honour the invitation.

    The source said, “A letter has been addressed to Labour by the committee chairman and signed by the NSIWC chairman. The meeting is scheduled for Friday.

    “Of course, Labour will attend. If they present a better offer on Friday we will accept it.”

    Recall that the minimum wage committee, on Tuesday, adjourned indefinitely after talks between the Federal Government and Organised Labour broke down.

    During the meeting labour rejected the Federal Government’s ₦60,000 fresh proposal, up from the earlier ₦57,000 offer.

    At the meeting, labour also lowered its demand by removing ₦3,000 from the ₦497,000 it proposed last week, pegging the new proposal at ₦494,000.

    To fast-track the negotiation process, NLC and TUC on May Day gave the committee till the end of the month to wrap up talks on a new national minimum wage.

    The ultimatum will expire on Friday night.

  • Rivers Traditional Ruler Urges Presidential Intervention in Kano Emirship Dispute

    Rivers Traditional Ruler Urges Presidential Intervention in Kano Emirship Dispute

    In a bid to address escalating tensions surrounding the Emirship tussle in Kano State, HRH Appolus Chu, the Egbere Emere Okori of Eleme, Rivers State, has issued an appeal to President Tinubu, calling for immediate intervention to safeguard the revered institution of the Emir of Kano.

    In his appeal to President Tinubu, HRH Chu highlighted the broader implications of the dispute, stating, “The throne of the Emir of Kano transcends mere governance; it embodies centuries of tradition and serves as a pillar of cultural identity.”

    He expressed deep concern over attempts to politicize and undermine the authority of traditional rulers, warning of potential repercussions for peace and stability.

    “The traditional institution remains a beacon of stability, especially in times of crisis,” Chu affirmed, noting its pivotal role in community cohesion and governance. He urged all parties involved to respect a recent court order maintaining the status quo ante, emphasizing the judiciary’s role in preserving peace.

    Recognizing Kano’s significance as an economic hub and home to millions, HRH Chu appealed for concerted efforts to restore calm and respect for traditional authority.

    He urged President Tinubu to intervene decisively to avert further escalation and uphold the rule of law.

    Kano finds itself in the midst of a contentious dispute over the Emir’s throne.

    Governor Abba Yusuf recently enacted legislation repealing the Emirates law, resulting in the removal of five emirs.

    This move also reinstated deposed Emir Sanusi Lamido, who was previously dethroned under former Governor Ganduje’s administration.

    However, Emir Ado Bayero has opposed his dismissal and initiated legal proceedings in response.

  • Conflicting orders: NBA seeks actions against judges, lawyers involved in Kano Emirate tussle

    Conflicting orders: NBA seeks actions against judges, lawyers involved in Kano Emirate tussle

    The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has called for punitive actions against lawyers and Judges involved in the conflicting orders in the Kano Emirate legal tussle.

    The NBA through it’s President, Yakubu Maikyau, SAN, maintained that actions of lawyers and judges have brought utter disgrace and shame to the profession and have exposed the entire legal profession in Nigeria to public ridicule and opprobrium.

    The association, had in a statement, Wednesday in Abuja, vowed to drag any lawyer found culpable in the matter before the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee LPDC for deserved appropriate sanctions.

    It therefore, called on the Chief Judges of the Federal High Court and his counterpart in the High Court of Kano State to identify the judicial officers involved and drag them before the National Judicial Council NJC for disciplinary action.

    The statement read in part “I have keenly followed the developments on the recent events concerning the stool of the Emir of Kano.

    “I must say, without any equivocation, that the conducts of counsel and the Courts in the handling of the proceedings which culminated in the orders issued by the Federal High Court, the Kano State High Court and again the Federal High Court, in circus, have brought utter disgrace and shame to the profession – have exposed the entire legal profession in Nigeria to public ridicule and opprobrium.

    “The damage is one that would take the legal profession a long time to recover from.
    It is unfortunate and was totally uncalled for.

    “For a country whose legal resources and expertise have for several decades been exported and positively impacted not only the African continent but the world at large, it is completely unacceptable that the processes of our courts would be deployed in the manner we have witnessed in the last couple of days, on a subject matter that is as clear as chieftaincy dispute.

    “This is a subject that has been sufficiently dealt with by legislations and case law, leaving no one confused about the jurisprudence on the subject – both procedural and substantive.

    “Without prejudice to the subsisting actions before both the Federal High Court and the Kano State High Court, it is my considered view that there is urgent need to scrutinize the professional conducts of both Counsel and the Judges involved in these matters.

    “This is to enable the relevant bodies or institutions determine their culpability or otherwise, from an ethical and professional standpoint.

    “I therefore call on the respective heads of the Courts of the Judges concerned, to take immediate steps to look into their conducts with the view to finding any possible abuse of their judicial offices and file a report with the National Judicial Council for necessary action.

    “The NBA on the other hand will investigate the conducts of the counsel involved in these cases and shall not hesitate to commence disciplinary action against them before the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary
    Committee, should there be any finding of alleged professional misconduct against them.

    “The Chairman of the NBA Ethics and Disciplinary Committee has accordingly been directed to invite these counsel for preliminary investigations.

    “While the NBA shall continue to stand for and protect the integrity, welfare, and independence of the Bar and the Judiciary, we shall not hesitate to call out any Judge or counsel, who engages in any professional misconduct.

    “We have consistently maintained that the institution of the Judiciary must be guarded jealously by all (both within and outside the legal profession) including the other arms of Government (Executive and Legislature), because the existence, peace, growth, development of any nation is intricately
    connected with the primary responsibility of the judiciary which is the dispensation of Justice.

    “Sheikh Othman DanFodiyo was reported to have said – “a people can exist without religion but they cannot exist without justice”.

    “Let us quit being religious as a people and begin to search for God and Justice for the people, in order to attain the peace we must all desire for the benefit of our nation.

    “The legal profession as a whole (Bench and Bar) must at all times, resist any attempt to
    compromise its independence, as when this is allowed, we will fail in our noble call and
    assignment of providing direction to the people and advancing the cause of our nation within the confines of the rule of law.

    “The respect in which the legal profession in any country is held, is the best indicator of the freedom enjoyed by that country. We must therefore bring erring members of the profession to book to regain the respect we must have to lead Nigeria to its pride of place in the comity of nations”, the statement said.

  • Tinubu To Present 2024 Supplementary Appropriation Bill To NASS

    Tinubu To Present 2024 Supplementary Appropriation Bill To NASS

    President Bola Tinubu will soon present the 2024 Supplementary Appropriation Bill to the National Assembly (NASS). 

    “I submitted the last budget to you,” the President said when he addressed a joint sitting of the National Assembly on Wednesday.

    “You expeditiously passed it. We are walking the talk. I will soon bring the Year 2024 (Supplementary) Appropriation Bill. That is just for your information,” the President said at the joint sitting to mark the Silver Jubilee Of Nigeria’s 4th Republic.

    In his response, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, said, “Thank you, Mr President, we will be expecting the Supplementary Appropriation Bill of 2024 as soon as possible.”

    Also, at the joint sitting which coincided with the first anniversary of the Tinubu administration, the President confirmed ‘Nigeria, we hail thee’ as the “latest national anthem”.

    Tinubu said, “You rang out the latest national anthem, ‘Nigeria, we hail thee’. This is our diversity, representing all characters and how we blend to be brothers and sisters.”

    The President pleaded with both the Senate and the House of Representatives to continue to collaborate and work together with the administration to build the country on the path of sustained progress and development.

    “We have no other choice; it is our nation. No other institution or personality will help us unless we do it ourselves. No amount of aid from foreign countries or any other nation (will fix us), they take care of themselves first. Let us work together as we are doing to build our nation, not only for us but for generations unborn.

    Tinubu had on January 1, 2024, assented to the N28.7 trillion 2024 Appropriation Bill passed by the Senate.

    The 2024 budget was N1.2 trillion higher than the budget originally proposed by the President to a joint NASS session on November 29, 2023.

  • Lagos Hajj Pilgrim, Oloshogbo Dies In Saudi Arabia

    Lagos Hajj Pilgrim, Oloshogbo Dies In Saudi Arabia

    Idris Oloshogbo, a 68-year-old pilgrim from Lagos State, has passed away in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, during the Hajj pilgrimage.

    The Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board confirmed his death, which occurred shortly after he participated in the Tawaf, the circumambulation of the Holy Kaaba.

    The board Secretary, Saheed Onipede, conveyed the news through a statement by the agency’s spokesperson, Taofeek Lawal, on Wednesday.

    Oloshogbo, a resident of Shomolu Local Government Area, reportedly died while eating his evening meal after performing the Solat Maghrib prayer.

    Medical experts have yet to ascertain the exact cause of death, but it is suspected to be related to high blood pressure and the physical strain of the Tawaf.

    Onipede expressed the state government’s condolences to the family and friends of the deceased and prayed for Allah to forgive his shortcomings and grant him Aljanat Fridauos (Paradise).

    He emphasized that Oloshogbo’s death is particularly poignant as it occurred after fulfilling his intention to perform the Hajj, thereby potentially granting him the full spiritual reward of the pilgrimage.

    The deceased was buried in Makkah according to the principles laid down by Saudi Arabian authorities, with a Janaza prayer observed by a board member, Waheed Shonibare, state officials, and fellow pilgrims at the Kaabah.

    Onipede also used this moment to caution other pilgrims about the physical demands of the rites and advised them to avoid overstressing themselves as they prepare for the more intense rituals of the Hajj.

    The last batch of pilgrims is set to proceed from Madinah to Makkah on Thursday, continuing their spiritual activities.

  • FG Withdraws Terrorism Charges Against Miyetti Allah President

    FG Withdraws Terrorism Charges Against Miyetti Allah President

    The President of Miyetti Allah Kautal Kore, Alhaji Bello Bodejo became a free man on Wednesday after the Federal Government withdrew alleged terrorism charges filed against him.

    The charges against Bodejo were withdrawn by the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) on resumption of the trial on Wednesday.

    Upon resuming hearing, the lawyer to the AGF, Aderonke Imana, moved an oral application for the withdrawal of the three-count charge

    The lawyer said the application was under Section 108 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015.

    She said the request was further predicated on the power of the AGF under Section 174 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

    “Consequently, the Honourable Attorney-General of the Federation has instructed me to withdraw this charge against the defendant in the interest of justice.

    “That is our humble application my lord,” she said.

    Bodejo’s team of lawyers, including Johnson Usman, SAN, but led by Ahmed Raji, SAN, did not oppose the application.

    The senior lawyer thanked the AGF, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, for his “magnanimous gesture.”

    “We urge your lordship to discharge the accused person under the sections refers to by the prosecutor,” Raji said.

    Justice Inyang Ekwo, in a short ruling, thereafter discharged Bodejo.

    Ruling, Justice Ekwo said though the matter was slated for commencement of trial, however, the prosecution applied to withdraw the charge citing relevant sections of the law.

    “The court is hereby moved to consider the application for the discharge of the defendant.

    “Consequently, an order is hereby made discharging the defendant. That is the order of this court,” the judge declared.

    Bodejo was arrested on the alleged raising up an armed militia in detriment of the nation’s unity.

  • National Anthem Reversal: President Tinubu Enacts Bill, Returns “Nigeria, We Hail Thee”

    National Anthem Reversal: President Tinubu Enacts Bill, Returns “Nigeria, We Hail Thee”

    President Bola Tinubu has signed into law the National Anthem Bill 2024, effectively restoring “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” as the country’s official anthem. The decision, announced amidst a backdrop of anticipation and skepticism, marks a significant departure from the anthem “Arise, O Compatriots,” which has held sway since 1978.

    The National Anthem Bill 2024, a contentious piece of legislation that has garnered attention nationwide, underwent rigorous scrutiny in the National Assembly before receiving the presidential assent.

    Advocates for the change argue that the reinstated anthem carries deeper historical resonance and a stronger sense of unity, reflective of Nigeria’s diverse cultural heritage.

    President Tinubu, at the joint national Assembly address following the signing ceremony, emphasized the importance of honoring Nigeria’s past while embracing its future. “Our anthem is more than mere words; it is a symbol of our collective identity and aspirations,” he remarked. “Returning to ‘Nigeria, We Hail Thee’ is a reaffirmation of our commitment to unity in diversity.”

    However, the decision has not been met without criticism. Opponents of the anthem reversal express concerns about erasing decades of symbolism embedded in “Arise, O Compatriots,” which has served as a rallying cry for generations of Nigerians. Some view the move as a regressive step, undermining efforts towards national cohesion and progress.

    As the country prepares for the transition, plans are underway to disseminate the reinstated anthem across various platforms, including educational institutions, government functions, and public events.

    The impact of this reversion on Nigeria’s cultural landscape and national sentiment remains to be seen, as citizens grapple with the implications of this historic decision.

  • Kano State Governor Announces Ban On Public Protests

    Kano State Governor Announces Ban On Public Protests

    The Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has imposed restrictions on public gatherings intended for protests, aiming to curb potential unrest within the state.

    This announcement was made through a statement delivered by his spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Wednesday.

    Under the new directive, Governor Yusuf has authorized the Police, the Directorate of State Security Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) to take robust measures against anyone engaging in public demonstrations.

    According to the governor’s spokesperson, these security agencies are instructed to “apprehend, detain, and prosecute any individual or group partaking in demonstrations on the streets of Kano.”

    The governor’s office described this measure as a preemptive strategy designed to prevent any breakdown of law and order that might be incited by state adversaries.

    The move comes amid concerns that protests could escalate into violence, potentially disturbing peace and public safety.

    This decision has stirred various reactions among the citizens and groups within Kano, with some viewing it as a necessary step towards maintaining stability, while others criticize it as an infringement on democratic rights to free speech and assembly.

    The statement reads: “We are privy to credible intelligence indicating that certain prominent figures from the opposition party in Kano have devised plans to sponsor student associations and political agitators from other northwestern states to incite chaos under the guise of advocating for the dethroned Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero.

    “The state government has explicitly outlawed protests, demonstrations, or processions of any kind, and individuals found on the streets of Kano engaging in such activities will be promptly apprehended.

    “Through this declaration, we caution student groups against being manipulated by troublemakers who are resolute in fomenting disorder in Kano.”

    The governor urged all citizens of the state to carry on with their normal activities as the state retains its tranquility, and the government will persist in vigilant oversight of the situation to promptly address any individuals or factions trying to undermine the relative peace that state presently enjoys.Kano State Governor Announces Ban On Public Protests

    The Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has imposed restrictions on public gatherings intended for protests, aiming to curb potential unrest within the state.

    This announcement was made through a statement delivered by his spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Wednesday.

    Under the new directive, Governor Yusuf has authorized the Police, the Directorate of State Security Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) to take robust measures against anyone engaging in public demonstrations.

    According to the governor’s spokesperson, these security agencies are instructed to “apprehend, detain, and prosecute any individual or group partaking in demonstrations on the streets of Kano.”

    The governor’s office described this measure as a preemptive strategy designed to prevent any breakdown of law and order that might be incited by state adversaries.

    The move comes amid concerns that protests could escalate into violence, potentially disturbing peace and public safety.

    This decision has stirred various reactions among the citizens and groups within Kano, with some viewing it as a necessary step towards maintaining stability, while others criticize it as an infringement on democratic rights to free speech and assembly.

    The statement reads: “We are privy to credible intelligence indicating that certain prominent figures from the opposition party in Kano have devised plans to sponsor student associations and political agitators from other northwestern states to incite chaos under the guise of advocating for the dethroned Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero.

    “The state government has explicitly outlawed protests, demonstrations, or processions of any kind, and individuals found on the streets of Kano engaging in such activities will be promptly apprehended.

    “Through this declaration, we caution student groups against being manipulated by troublemakers who are resolute in fomenting disorder in Kano.”

    The governor urged all citizens of the state to carry on with their normal activities as the state retains its tranquility, and the government will persist in vigilant oversight of the situation to promptly address any individuals or factions trying to undermine the relative peace that state presently enjoys.

  • Tinubu’s anniversary: FG begins N75,000 cash payment to 75 million Nigerians

    Tinubu’s anniversary: FG begins N75,000 cash payment to 75 million Nigerians

    The Federal Government announced on Tuesday the reinstatement of the suspended social investment programme, aimed at providing direct payments to 75 million Nigerians across 50 million households.

    This initiative is intended to alleviate the hardships faced by citizens, particularly vulnerable groups, as disclosed during a ministerial sectoral briefing marking President Bola Tinubu’s first year in office.

    Wale Edun, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, revealed that the cash transfer programme had undergone significant overhauls to address and mitigate fraud.

    This announcement follows the suspension of all National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA) activities by President Tinubu on January 12 for a six-week period, due to alleged mismanagement.

    Concurrently, Betta Edu, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, was suspended on January 8.

    The intervention programmes affected by this suspension included N-Power, the conditional cash transfer scheme, the government enterprise and empowerment programme, and the home-grown school feeding initiative.

    On March 13, the House of Representatives urged the federal government to resume these social investment initiatives.

    To revamp the programme, President Tinubu established a Special Presidential Panel, led by Edun, to conduct an intensive review and audit of the existing financial frameworks and policy guidelines of the social investment programmes.

    Providing an update on the committee’s progress, Edun emphasised the government’s commitment to providing relief for poor Nigerians.

    “I am duty-bound to give you an overview of the strategy, policies, and implementation of Mr President’s reform programme,” Edun said.

    “Immediately upon assuming office, Mr President launched macroeconomic reforms to restore stability to the Nigerian economy, including subsidy reforms and foreign exchange market reforms.

    “These reforms caused a spike in costs for individuals and businesses, but Mr President is committed to counterbalancing the negative effects with interventions across the social spectrum.”

    Edun outlined the government’s restarted social investment programme, which includes direct payments to 75 million Nigerians in 50 million households.

    He also mentioned improvements in access to credit, with ₦1 billion allocated to consumer credit and grants of ₦50,000 being provided to 1 million nanoindustries.