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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
Chief, 20 residents kidnapped in Taraba by Gunmen

Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers, in the early hours of Tuesday, kidnapped a Second-Class Chief and 20 residents in the Pupule area of Yorro local government of Taraba state.

The gunmen, according to locals, invaded the community around 2:am and took away 21 members of the community.

Reports from the locals also indicated that, Umaru Abubakar, a Second- Class Chief in the area, his son and his pregnant daughter as well as his police orderly were kidnapped during the operation.

“Twenty one members of our community here in Pupule, were kidnapped this morning. The gunmen invaded our community around 2: am and carried out the attack.

“They kidnapped a second-class chief of our area, Alhaji Umaru Abubakar Nyala, his son and pregnant daughter as well as his police orderly,” the source who pleaded anonymity narrated.

Usman Abdullahi, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Taraba State Police Command, also confirmed the attack.

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
Supreme Court Reserves Judgement On Suit Challenging Sanwo-Olu’s Election Victory

The Supreme Court of Nigeria has postponed giving its decision in two legal suits brought forward by Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour of the Labour Party and Azeez Adediran (known as Jandor) from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Their appeals contest the election victory of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in Lagos.A panel of five judges, led by Justice John Okoro, informed the involved parties that they will receive notification when the court reaches a verdict.

Present at the court session were Deputy Governor Femi Hamzat, State Secretary Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, and other high-ranking officials from the Lagos State Government.Rhodes-Vivour and Adeniran’s appeals challenge the Court of Appeal in Lagos’ rulings, which upheld the decisions of the election tribunal dismissing their petitions that contested Sanwo-Olu’s win in the March 18 governorship election.

12/19/2023
Ex Nassarawa Health Commissioner Dies

Former Nasarawa State Health Commissioner, Dr. Bawa Ahmed Abimiku, has passed away.

He died after a prolonged illness, as disclosed by a family member who chose to remain anonymous.

Known as Durbin Eggon, Dr. Abimiku succumbed to his long-term health battle on Tuesday, December 19, at the Federal Medical Centre in Keffi.

He played vital roles in the health sector, serving as both Commissioner and a Member of the State Executive Council during the tenure of the late Alhaji (Dr) Aliyu Akwe Doma.

His burial ceremony is scheduled to take place at the Abuja Central Mosque, FCT, following Islamic customs, at 2:00 pm.

12/19/2023
Chevron Ltd partner NUJ for media development

In the bid to enhance the skills of journalists to enable them navigate the challenges posed by the evolving media landscape in the world, the Chevron Nigeria Limited, has engaged the Nigeria Union of Journalists, FCT Council, in a capacity training.

As part of its social responsibility, Chevron reiterated its readiness and commitment to developing human capital and supporting the media to enhance their professional capacity.

Chevron expressed this through its General Manager of Policy, Government and Public Affairs, Chevron Nigeria, Mr. Esimaje Brikinn, during a one-day media capacity building program organized for journalists in the FCT.

The impactful programme covered areas like; Harnessing the benefits of social media and internet influence on media development, media in developing countries using Nigeria as a case study, as well as understanding cyber laws and the safety of journalists in Nigeria.

Represented by the Manager Communication, Chevron Nigeria, Victor Anyaegbudike, he lauded the role of journalists in generating informative and educational content for the society and highlighted their crucial role as agenda-setters and opinion moulders.

In conclusion, he expressed gratitude to the media for reportage as it concerns oil and gas industry, providing effective perspectives on the sector’s complex operations.“Through initiatives such as the Advanced Writing and Reporting Skills (AWARES) program, CNL has been actively involved in capacity building for media practitioners.

In collaboration with the Pan Atlantic University, Lagos, the program has benefited over 120 journalists since its inception in 2014. “Aside from supporting Nigerian content development by providing employment opportunities to Nigerians and offering contract opportunities in all their projects, CNL also supports the sustainable development of the communities in which they operate.

“Through the Global Memorandum of Understanding (GMoU), a community-led participatory partnership model, CNL has contributed billions of naira to the Regional Development Committees (RDCs) that represent the communities in its area of operations to execute hundreds of projects in the communities through a governance model that ensures transparency and accountability.”

On his part, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, FCT Council, Comrade Osaretin Osadebamwen, commended the partnership between NUJ and Chevron Nigeria Limited, saying, “this training has been long in coming.

It is in continued fulfilment of our desire to explore all opportunities for capacity training programmes for our members. “He described the training as an important opportunity for journalists to enhance their skills and navigate the challenges posed by the evolving media landscape.

12/19/2023
Rivers Crisis: Tinubu Meets Fubara, Odili In Aso Rock

President Bola Tinubu is currently holding a private discussion with Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

Fubara arrived at the seat of power accompanied by former Rivers State Governor Sir Peter Odili and other influential figures from the state.

The President seems to be intervening to settle the dispute between the governor and his predecessor, Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike.

Earlier, Wike was spotted at the State House.

Sources from within the presidency confirmed that the meeting might be related to recent events in the state.

This includes the defection of 27 out of 32 members of the State House of Assembly, who are supporters of the FCT Minister, from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Before the meeting commenced in earnest, Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima was observed attending the session.

12/18/2023