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  • Ex-terrorist negotiator, Tukur Mamu wants transfer from DSS custody to Kuje prison

    Ex-terrorist negotiator, Tukur Mamu wants transfer from DSS custody to Kuje prison

    Former terrorist negotiator, Mohammed Tukur Mamu, has asked Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court Abuja, to transfer him out of the custody of the Department of the State Service (DSS) to Kuje prison.

    The DSS, on March 21, 2023, arraigned him on 10 count charge of terrorism financing, among others.

    He pleaded not guilty to the charges.

    Mamu was arrested at the Aminu Kano International Airport upon his arrival from Egypt on September 6, 2022, over his alleged relationship with the terrorists who attacked the Abuja-Kaduna train on March 28, 2022.

    At the resumption of his trial on Monday, Mamu through his counsel Abdul Mohammed SAN, alleged that the order of the court made on December 19, 2023, that he be allowed access to his personal physician for medical treatment was not complied with by DSS.

    In his motion on notice argued by Mohammed, the former terrorist negotiator claimed that he was allowed access to the physician once during which a report of comprehensive medical examination to be carried out on him was submitted to the DSS.

    Since the submission of the report, Mamu alleged that the physician had not been allowed to access him and that he needed urgent surgical operations in any hospital in the county.

    The defendant further claimed that his health had since deteriorated and that he may lose his life any moment if he was not moved out of DSS custody to Kuje prison.

    He promised regular attendance at the trial in the terrorism charges adding that he can only stand trial when alive.

    There was however a mild drama at the proceeding when a federal government lawyer, David Emmanuel Kaswe who was billed to respond to Mamu’s request suddenly disappeared in the court room without any excuse or notification .

    The situation forced the court to stand down the proceeding for over one hour but yet the prosecution counsel did not show up.

    Justice Ekwo who expressed shock over the attitude of the lawyer to the court said “Iam aware that the prosecution counsel was in this court room this morning.

    “The miracle of his disappearance is however beyond my understanding. This court stands on the side of justice and the antics of the prosecution will be tolerated for today’s proceeding only”.

    Justice Ekwo invoked the rule of the court and ordered that the processes filed by the lawyer against Mamu’s application be deemed adopted.

    The Judge subsequently fixed May 20 for ruling on whether to move the defendant out of DSS custody to Kuje prison or not.

  • Senator Wamakko’s Brother, Liman Tambari Is Dead

    Senator Wamakko’s Brother, Liman Tambari Is Dead

    Former Governor of Sokoto State, Senator Aliyu Wamakko’s older sibling, Alhaji Liman Tambari Wamakko, has reportedly died.

    Reports revealed that Wamakko passed away on Sunday evening in Sokoto.

    The deceased reportedly died at the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital Sokoto after a short illness.

    The funeral prayer for the late Liman Tambari was conducted by the Chief Imam of Wamakko Central Mosque, Liman Shehu Ardo Wamakko.

    The younger brother of the deceased, Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, Sokoto State Governor Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto, Speaker of the Sokoto State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Tukur Bala Bodinga, SSG Muhammadu Bello Sifawa, and former Minister of Police Affairs Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi were in attendance at the funeral prayer.

    Also present were former Nigerian Ambassador to the Republic of Tanzania, Amb. Sahabi Isah Gada, members of the Sokoto State House of Assembly, members of the State Executive Council, and Special Advisers.

    Others included Galadiman Garin Sokoto, Alhaji Aliyu Attahiru Galadanci, traditional rulers, politicians, and Ulamas, along with numerous other important personalities from within and outside Sokoto State.

    Shortly after the burial of the late Ubandoma, Sen. Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko explained that death is inevitable.

    He admonished, “Therefore, every soul will surely test it one day.

    “It is inevitable for all mortals to depart this world only at God’s appointed time.”

    According to Tribune, the Senator reminisced about the past, remembering that their family once consisted of eleven members, which included the late Ubandoma Liman Tambari. However, only three of them remain today.

    He beseeched the Almighty Allah to pardon all the sins of the departed and grant him Jannatul Firdausi as his eternal resting place.

    Sen. Wamakko also took the opportunity to express his gratitude to all those who attended the funeral of his older brother, praying for Allah to bless them abundantly.

    Mallam Muhammadu Dangande Wamakko, the Chief Imam of Dinkyal Jumu’at Mosque in Wamakko Local Government Area of the state, offered a special prayer for the peaceful repose of the deceased’s soul.

    At the age of 86, the late Liman Tambari Wamakko left behind three wives and 15 children.

  • Ighodalo Denies Involvement In Shaibu’s Impeachment

    Ighodalo Denies Involvement In Shaibu’s Impeachment

    The Governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State, Asue Ighodalo, has refuted claims that he has a hand in the impeachment of the state’s former Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu.

    Ighodalo, who described the allegation as fake, added that the claims were cooked up to tarnish his reputation.

    This was contained in a statement released by his media team on Monday.

    The statement read, “While we would not usually join issues in response to every passing comment, it has become imperative to address the recent spurious allegations by former Deputy Governor Phillip Shaibu.

    “It is necessary for the record, to state in no uncertain terms, that Mr. Asue Ighodalo has had no role or involvement in any form whatsoever in the very public process leading to Mr. Shuaibu’s impeachment and subsequent removal from office by the Edo State House of Assembly.

    “These claims are completely without merit, and Mr. Ighodalo categorically denies any such involvement. These allegations are a clear attempt to unjustly tarnish his reputation and divert attention from the actual issues at hand.”

    He, however, called on the public to disregard the claim, saying, “We urge the public and the media to regard these false statements with well-deserved scepticism.”

  • Former PDP presidential aspirant dumps party

    Former PDP presidential aspirant dumps party

    Dr Cosmos Ndukwe, a 2023 presidential aspirant of the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has resigned his membership of the party.

    Ndukwe’s resignation was contained in a letter written by the former deputy speaker, Abia State House of Assembly, to the chairman of his Item C Ward in Bende Local Government Area, and copied to the state chairman of the party, Hon. Asiforo Okere; and the acting national chairman, Umar Damagum.

    Ndukwe, a former chief of staff to the governor and commissioner for works under ex-Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu, cited personal reasons, current commitments and aspirations for his decision to quit the opposition party.

    He commended the party for giving him the platform to come to political limelight, and wished it success in the state.

    The letter, which was posted on his Facebook page on Monday morning reads: “I hope this letter finds you well. It is with a heavy heart that I compose this correspondence to tender my resignation as a member and stakeholder in the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Abia State, effective immediately.

    “My decision to resign as a member within the party stems from personal reasons and reflections on my current commitments and aspirations.

    “After careful consideration, I have come to the conclusion that potting out of PDP is the best course of action for me at this time.

    “I am immensely grateful for the opportunities that the PDP has afforded me during my tenure as a Councillor, Deputy Chairman Local Government, Chief of Staff to Executive Governor of Abia State, Deputy Speaker Abia 6th House of Assembly and Presidential Aspirant PDP 2023.

    “Serving within the party has been a privilege, and I have valued the relationships I have built with fellow members, as well as the chance to contribute to the party’s objectives and ideals.

    “I want to express my appreciation to you, the Ward Executive Committee, and all members of the PDP Abia State for the support and camaraderie extended to me throughout my association with the party.

    “While I may be stepping away from my formal role, I remain committed to the principles of democracy and the progress of our great state Abia.

    “Please consider this letter as my formal resignation from all duties and responsibilities associated with my position as a member and stakeholder in the PDP Abia State.

    “I wish the PDP Abia State continued success in all its endeavors, and I extend my best wishes for the future. Thank you once again for the opportunities and experiences.”

  • NNPCL Speaks On Fuel Scarcity Across Nigeria

    NNPCL Speaks On Fuel Scarcity Across Nigeria

    Far short of advancing cogent reasons for sudden fall in supply of petroleum products nationwide, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), on Sunday, reacted to the scarcity of fuel by merely stating that the scarcity will soon abate.

    The Chief Corporate Communications Officer, NNPC Ltd, Olufemi Soneye, in his reaction to the crisis, expressed optimism that the long queues will clear in the coming days, adding that NNPC Ltd has adequate stock.

    He said, “The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, wishes to clarify that the tightness in the supply of Premium Motor Spirit currently being experienced in some areas across the country is a result of logistics issues and they have been resolved.

    “It also wishes to reiterate that prices of petroleum products are not changing. It urges Nigerians to avoid panic buying as there are sufficient products in the country.”

    Similarly, the Chief Executive Officer/Executive Secretary, Major Energy Marketers Association of Nigeria, Mr. Clement Isong, said, “As the NNPC Ltd said, there were logistics issues and they have been resolved. The marketers who have fuel, are working round the clock and the queues will be cleared in the coming days.”

    However, the shortage of petrol witnessed in Nasarawa, Niger, Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, last week, spread to Lagos, Oyo, Osun and other states, weekend, thus affecting the movement of goods and persons and by extension, the nation’s economy.

    In Lagos, motorists and other users woke up yesterday to witness long queues at the few filling stations which had the product to sell, while many outlets belonging mostly to independent marketers, without the product, were closed.

    However, some major marketers, including 11 Plc and NNPC Ltd, with stocks sold the product at over N600 per litre, while the few independent marketers with the product sold it at between N650 and N700 per litre, depending on location.

  • Niger State Gov Bago’s Special Adviser Is Dead

    Niger State Gov Bago’s Special Adviser Is Dead

    Mohammed Adam Erena, a Special Adviser to Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago on Labour Matters, has reportedly died.

    Governor Bago confirmed the sad development in a condolence message conveyed through his chief press secretary, Bologi Ibrahim.

    The governor expressed that the loss of the former secretary to the state government (SSG) is a significant one for the entire state.

    He highlighted the deceased’s dedication as a public servant and his invaluable contributions to the state, emphasizing that his legacy of unwavering commitment to service and tireless efforts in advancing the development of Niger State will always be cherished.

    Bago offered prayers for the deceased to be granted entry into Aljannah Firdausi, and encouraged the family members of Comrade Erena to accept this loss with patience and faith, recognizing that the will of Allah is absolute.

    Erena, who sadly passed away, held the position of SSG of Niger State during the tenure of the late former governor Abdulkadir Abdullahi Kure from 2002 to 2007.

    Additionally, he dedicated his service to the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria at both the national and state levels. He also served as the national vice president of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) under Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and served two terms as the chairman of the Niger State Council of NLC.

  • Tinubu govt lacks the capacity to tackle Nigeria’s economic challenge – Suswam

    Tinubu govt lacks the capacity to tackle Nigeria’s economic challenge – Suswam

    Former Governor of Benue State, Gabriel Suswam, said the government of President Bola Tinubu can not change Nigeria’s economic fortunes.

    Suswam made this statement in an interview on Channels Television.

    He said the Tinubu administration can not take the country out of the economic woe inflicted by his predecessor Muhammadu Buhari.

    “Well, it’s rather unfortunate right from the Buhari Government where the mantra of ‘Change’ was the singsong. Unfortunately, people didn’t ask what kind of change he was bringing into governance. Is it positive change or negative change?

    “What we experienced under those eight years were what dovetailed into what we’re experiencing today because whatever foundation that was built by the PDP was completely destroyed by that (Buhari) government.

    “We now began a journey to the abyss. The state of the nation, economically, is nothing to talk about, it’s unfortunate that the current (Tinubu) leadership does not have what it takes to change the economic fortunes of this country,” he said.

    According to him, the removal of petrol subsidy, floating of the naira, and an increase in electricity tariff, among other policies, is evident that the government is out to make things worse for the Nigerian masses.

  • NNPCL refuses FOI request on staff, Asabe Waziri over multi-million naira property In Abuja, Lagos …says personal details of staff not discloseable

    NNPCL refuses FOI request on staff, Asabe Waziri over multi-million naira property In Abuja, Lagos …says personal details of staff not discloseable

    The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has turned down a Freedom Of Information, FOl, request on regarding employment status and alleged multi-million naira property acquisition by a staff of the company, Ms. Asabe Waziri.

    In its reply, the company said the personal inflation of nuts staff is not discloseable.

    NNPCL, through its counsel, Chief Afe Babalola, SAN, in its reply dated April 22, 2024 to an FOI request by Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria, HURIWA, said, “Accordingly, we regret our client’s inability to accede to your demand for the requested information. Our client, with this, outrightly rejects your request.”

    In the FOI request, HURIWA had sought to know the following:
    The current employment status of Ms. Waziri with NNPC Limited, including her position, department, and any relevant employment records, her salaries and benefits date of enlistment with any records indicating her length of service.

    Other information sought by HURIWA include, acquisition of property: clarification on how Ms. Waziri, as a public servant, allegedly acquired two units of residential property (specifically, units 3B and 3C, Abbey Signature Apartments, 1 Mekong Close, Maitama Abuja FCT) valued at N260 million and the verification of the allegation that Ms. Waziri made a purchase of a prized housing asset in Lagos and information regarding any additional actions or disciplinary measures taken by NNPCL.

    In its response, the company said, “Having reviewed your request, we invite you to please note that our client has ceased to be subject to the Freedom of Information Act 2011 (FOIA) following the coming into force of the Petroleum Industry Act 2021, by which the erstwhile Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (the Corporation), which was a public institution, transited to a limited liability company upon the registration of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) under the Companies and Allied Matters Act 2020. Thus, our client is not obligated to respond to demands for information under the FOIA. Be that as it may, our client highlights the following in the interest of due process and transparency: i. The information listed as items 1 to 4 are exempted from the application of the Freedom of Information Act, 2011. Section 14 (1)(b) of the Freedom of Information Act, 2011 reads: “…a public institution must deny an application for information that contains .ersonal in ormation and in ormation exem ted under this subsection includes – @) -ersonnel ‘les and 22 onal in ormation maintained with res .. ct to employees, appointees or elected officials of any public institution or applicants for such positions,”

    “As information regarding the salaries, salary scale, benefits, benefits package, additional compensation from our client, date of enlistment position, department, acquisition of property, and any relevant employment records are employees‘ personal information in personnel files, our client must deny your request.

    “Furthermore, information regarding any additional actions or disciplinary measures taken by our client concerning its staff is not disclosable under the Freedom of Information Act 2011. Please see Section 12 (1) (a) of the Freedom of Information Act 2011, which prohibits the release of information in relation to records compiled by the institution for administrative enforcement proceedings or internal matters. It provides that: “12. (1) A public institution may deny an application for any information which contains(a) Records compiled by any public institution for administrative enforcement proceedings and by any law enforcement or correctional agency for law enforcement purposes or for internal matters of a public institution…”

    “As our client is not a party to the alleged suit(s) and dispute between Ms Waziri, Abbey Signature Limited, or any other person, it will not get involved in any matter(s) arising from or connected to the dispute.”

  • Rivers LGA chairmen to court: Compel IGP, DSS to provide us adequate security

    Rivers LGA chairmen to court: Compel IGP, DSS to provide us adequate security

    Local Government Chairmen in Rivers State, have asked the Federal High Court in Abuja to compel the Inspector General of Police (IGP), and the Director General, State Security Service (SSS) to provide them adequate security for their lives and properties.

    In a fresh suit, they claimed that under sections 215 of the 1999 Constitution and sections 4, 7 and 9 of the Police Act 2020, the IGP, SSS and other security agencies are under statutory obligations and bound to ensure their security and welfare.

    In an originating summons instituted on their behalf by Mahmud Abubakar Magaji SAN, the council Chairmen also sought order of the Court against the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), not to allow any other laws to be implemented for local governments in Rivers other than the ones enacted by the State House of Assembly.

    They predicated their fears on alleged threat and boast by the Rivers State Government not to implement or enforce the laws made the state House of Assembly for the local governments.

    They formulated seven major issues for the court to determine in resolving their grievances with all the defendants in the suit.

    Among others, they asked the court to determine “whether by the combined provisions of sections 215 and 14 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as well as sections 4, 7 and 9 of the Police Act 2020, the IGP, CP Rivers, SSS and Director, SSS and other security agencies are not statutorily bound to provide security and welfare for their lives and properties.

    “Whether by the combined provisions of sections 215 and 14 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as well as sections 4, 7 and 9 of the Police Act 2020, the IGP, CP Rivers, SSS and Director, SSS are not bound to recognize and enforce all laws and regulations made by the Rivers State House of Assembly.

    Whether by the combined provisions of sections 215 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and sections 4, 7 and 9 of the Police Act 2020, the defendants are not bound to recognize and enforce Rivers State Local Government (Amendment) Law No. 4 of the 2024 passed by the Rivers State House of Assembly.

    “Whether by virtue of the combined provisions of sections 7 and the Fourth Schedule of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, the local government coincils in Rivers State are not Constitutionally recognized and autonomous as the 3rd tier of government and thereby entitled to Allocation from Federation Account.

    Upon resolving the issues in their favour, the Chairmen asked the court to make declaration that the IGP, CP Rivers, SSS and Director, SSS and other security agencies are statutorily bound to provide security and welfare for their lives and properties

    They also applied for a declaration that the IGP, CP Rivers, SSS and Director, SSS and other security agencies are bound to recognize and enforce all laws and regulations inclusive of the one made by the State House of Assembly of Rivers State.

    The chairmen also want declaration that no organ of any government has power to withhold the financial allocations due to local governments in Rivers State.

    The originating summons is supported by a 29 paragraph affidavit deposed to by one Dr Chidi LLoyd, a legal practitioner and Chairman of Emohua Local Government on behalf of other 41 Chairmen.

    Some of the Chairmen who filed the suit are Dr Chidi LLoyd, Chairman, Emohua local government, Hon Alwell Ihunda Chairman,Port Harcourt local government, Dr Nwanosike Samuel, Ikwerre local government area, Barrister George Ariolu, Chairman, Obio-Akpor local government, Dr Obbinna Anyawu, Chairman, Etchi local government area and Hon Chidorom Nwaiwu, Chairman, Omuma local government area.

    Others are Dr Hope Ikiriko, Chairman, Ahoada West local government area, Barrister Benjamin Isreal Eke, Chairman, Ahoada East Local Government and Dr Roland Sekibo, Chairman, Akuku-Toru local government area among others.

    The defendants are IGP, CP Rivers, DG SSS, Director SSS Rivers, AGF, Chairman Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission, Rivers State Government, AG Rivers State and Finance Commissioner in Rivers State as 1st to 9th defendants.

    A Federal High Court in Abuja had on Friday last week stopped the Rivers State Government from withholding the financial allocations of the 42 Local Government Areas in the state pending the determination of a.motion on notice for interlocutory injunction instituted by the Chairmen of the Council against the state and nine others.

    In a ruling, the Court stopped the Inspector General of Police IGP, Police Commissioner in Rivers, Director General, State Security Service, SSS and Director, State Security Service SSS from withdrawing the security personnel of the local government Chairmen pending the final resolution of the their motion on notice.

    Justice James Kolawole Omotoso issued the order for status quo to be maintained by the parties in the a marked FHC/ABJ/CS/537/2024.

    Meanwhile, no date has been set for hearing of the originating summons.

  • Guinness Nigeria reports N62bn loss despite price hikes

    Guinness Nigeria reports N62bn loss despite price hikes

    Despite the hikes in prices of it’s products, Guinness Nigeria has reported a loss of N61.7 billion for the nine-month period ended March 31, 2024, compared to a profit of N5.9 billion in the same period of 2023 despite an increase in price.

    The brewer recorded 28 per cent growth in revenue to N220.3 billion compared to N172.5 billion in the same period last year.

    The Managing Director/CEO of Guinness Nigeria Plc, Adebayo Alli, who expressed this said that, while the current macroeconomic environment will continue to present challenges, “I am confident in the resilience of our business and our ability to navigate the volatility.”

    “Our focus remains steadfast on innovation and stepping up operational excellence to meet our consumers’ evolving tastes and preferences.

    “Furthermore, the company intensified its focus on consumer engagement and trade support, leveraging its digital platforms.

    Notably, categories such as non-alcoholic malt, ready-to-serve beverages, and international premium spirits witnessed substantial revenue growth, underscoring the effectiveness of these strategies,” he said.

    Recall that earlier in May, Guinness Nigeria implemented a price increase on all its products, which was ascribed to the rising cost of production and cost of doing business.

    It said in a notice titled, “Price Increase by Guinness Nigeria Plc – Selected Brands,” which was signed by its Ag. commercial director, Olusanya Adesanya, that the new range of prices would take effect from today.

    “Following the prevailing economic realities which have impacted significantly on the costs of our production materials and cost of doing business, this is to inform you that we plan to take a price increase on selected SKUs in our Beer and MSS category,” Guinness Nigeria said.

    “This new price structure will be effective from Wednesday, March 13, 2024, (Go-Live date), and further details will be communicated subsequently,” it said.

    Guinness further told its customers to, “please note the following conditions regarding the price increase. Maximum purchase volume before price increase at old pricing is capped at one-week depletion subject to stock availability.

    Affected products are Guinness Stout, Guinness FES, Guinness Smooth, Malta Guinness, Dubic Malt, Smirnoff Ice, Orijin, Orijin Bitters, Gordon’s Pink Berry, Gordon’s Sunset Orange, Gordon’s Moringa Citrus, Smirnoff X1 Smooth and Choco, Captain Morgan and Orijin Herbal Gin.

    Guinness price of about N500 now sells for N800 and N900, indicating 80 per cent increase. Big stout retails N1000 from N700, which is a 43 per cent increase.

    Trophy’s price increased by 40 per cent to N700 from N500 while Guilder retails N1000 from N600, indicating 67 per cent increase.

    Guinness Nigeria, a Nigerian-based subsidiary of Diageo Plc of the United Kingdom, was incorporated in 1962 with the building of a brewery in Ikeja. The brewery was the first Guinness operation outside Ireland and Great Britain. Other breweries have been opened over time: Ogba brewery in 1963 and Benin City brewery.