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Zamfara Students’ Abduction: FG Not Negotiating With Terrorists –Minister

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has described as misleading, allegation that the Federal Government was negotiating with the Zamfara terrorists to secure the release of the abducted students of Federal University, Gusau.

This is contained in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja, by Mr Hope Attari, Acting Director of Press and Public Relations, MoD.

Attari said that the Minister of Defence, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru, was reacting to a statement credited to a governor that the Federal Government was negotiating with the terrorists to secure the release of the students.

Badaru, while condemning the act and reassuring Zamfara residents, said that the Federal Government was doing everything possible to secure their release.

He explained that President Bola Tinubu had given marching order to the military and other security agencies to ensure the release of those abducted.

According to him, the Federal Government is not negotiating with the Zamfara terrorists to secure the release of the abducted. The government is working assiduously round the clock to ensure that the girls and others return home.

“The allegation is false and misleading as the ministry has not mandated any body or group to negotiate on behalf of the Federal Government.”

He reassured Zamfara residents and Nigerians at large of the progress being made for the quick return of the female students and others of Federal University Gusau.

He expressed confidence that the joint security task forces was working discreetly round the clock to get the students rescued.

He extended his heartfelt sympathy to the parents, the academic community, and the entire residents of the state for the tragic abduction.

He, however, noted that the order of the president had started yielding result as 13 of the abducted students and 3 others regained their freedom on Monday.

“This feat was achieved through the professional efforts of the military.

“I condole with the families of the girls and others that were abducted; I share in your pain and strongly condemn this reprehensible act carried out by suspected bandits,” he said.

09/26/2023
Appeal Court Has Delivered 7,295 Judgements, 3,665 Motions -President

The President of Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem has revealed that the court delivered a total of 7,295 judgments and 3,665 motions in the 2022/2023 legal year.

Speaking at the commencement of the 2023/2024 new legal year, Justice Dongben-Mensen recalled that a total of 98 panels were constituted to hear election petitions across the country to handle a total of 1,209 petitions that were filed.

Breaking down the delivery, she noted that among the petitions, five were filed at the presidential election petition court and have been concluded, while some of 147 filed at the Senatorial election tribunal have been delivered and 417 petitions from the House of Representatives election are also being attended to.

Also, a total of 557 petitions associated with the State Houses of Assembly, and 83 Gubernatorial Elections petitions are being disposed off, added that twenty-eight States participated in the Governorship elections, and petitions were filed in 24 states.

Concluding, she appealed to the Minister of the FCT, Nyeson Wike to provide a large piece of land for the construction of the Abuja Division, adding that Abuja division is currently overwhelmed by voluminous documents and suffers from lack of adequate storage facilities and office space.

A former Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Mr. Kanu Agabi (SAN) said on Monday that Nigeria’s continued survival greatly depends on the transparency of judicial officers in the discharge of their judicial functions.

Agabi, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria has therefore pleaded Judges and Justices not to lose confidence and principles in themselves no matter the challenges.

He expressed that, in spite of the contributions and sacrifices of judicial officers to the survival of the country, they are still been unwarantedly attacked and criticised.

He warned that the country would be doomed unless the unjust attacks against judicial officers are stopped.

“It is only here that judicial officers work harder than slaves and yet, they are not appreciated. But the consolation is that the Judges in Nigeria are no match to the devil they are contending with.

“Whether we like it or not, we have to be proud of our Justices. They are brilliant and bold and some of them appointed as Justices in other countries.

“A mistake by one Justice should be not be generalised to warrant general condemnation from any quarter. They surpass Judges from other countries. They deserve commendation for resisting the evils.

“Majority of judicial officers are standing in the face of challenges and unless we are careful with the way we attack Judges, we will lose our minds and conscience”, he said.

He said, those who criticise judicial officers are at liberty to do so, but they have to cautious in the way they go about it adding that, while criticising the judiciary, they must not abuse it.

The former Minister of Justice spoke against granting of outlandish bail conditions to suspected criminals.

He noted that the law presumes them innocent until guilt is established adding that, granting of outlandish bail that will keep them in custody is unconstitutional

According to him, “We need not to slam bail conditions that are unattainable as the principles which govern bail conditions are the same as fine governed by the constitution”.

He challenged the current AGF to use his office to improve the welfare and work conditions of judicial officers.

In his speech, the AGF and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) said that President Bola Tinubu’s administration will address the issue of shortage of Justices at the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court.

09/25/2023
Kano Guber: Don’t Allow Tribunal Truncate Justice In Kano, CCLCA Cautions FG

*As Kano women beg FG for intervention

A coalition of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) accredited foreign and domestic observers for the 2023 Kano Governorship election, has warned the political gladiators to desist from truncating the will of the Kano people.

The group, made up of seven civil society organization, maintained that INEC’s declaration of the NNPP candidate, Abba Kabir Yusuf as the winner of that election, represents the voice of the people and in consistent with their observation in the field.

Meanwhile, Kano woman have cried out to the federal government, to allow justice prevail in Kano, adding that they will have no home and their children will have no school to attend if problems escalated.

Addressing the press on Monday, the Director General, Centre for Credible Leadership and Citizens Awareness (CCLCA), Dr Gabriel Nwambu, decried the miscarriage of justice perpetrated by the Kano state tribunal.

To drive home his point, Dr Nwambu noted that Justice Flora Azinge, one of the justices of the State Assembly tribunal raised alarm over an attempt to offer N10 million to one of his staff, with the intension to subvert justice in the course of the proceedings of the tribunal.

According to him, this implies that there has been an unprecedented attempt to subvert justice and subvert the popular wish of the electorate in Kano state.

The group also expressed shocked over the Tribunals ruling bothering on the disqualification of the Governor of Kano state as member of the NNPP, adding that the matter is a pre-election matter which the tribunal had no jurisdiction.

They were also dismayed on the nullification of over one hundred thousands valid votes which was an integral part of the power exercised by the electorates as enshrined in the 1999 constitution as amended has never been seen before in the history of Nigeria.

They therefore, call for caution, noting how the spate of coup d’etat in Africa is spreading very fast and advise the political elites to look beyond their personal gains and focus on the unity and coexistence of the Nigerian nation.

“By this medium, we wish to advice the political elites in Kano state to shield their swords and allow the people’s votes to count. Kano state is a cosmopolitan City in Nigeria, therefore igniting issues capable of causing breakdown of law and order would not be in the interest of the Nigerian nation.

“The present situation in Kano could deteriorate even further if not treated with utmost caution and urgency. The Judiciary is said to be the hope of the common man. We, hereby advice that care should be taken in Kano state to resolve the present judicial process with utmost caution. Let us allow the NNPP which is the party that truly won the 18th March, 2023 Governorship election serve the people of Kano,” he concluded.

The coalition group includes Centre for Credible Leadership and Citizens Awareness, Pan African Women Projects, African Union and Organization orf Justice and Equity.

Also among the coalition are Intercontinental Leadership Initiative, Global Centre for Conscious Living Against Corruption and Initiative for Voter Awareness and Electoral Reform.

09/25/2023
Yahaya Bello Sacks Special Adviser, Anthony Ogah

Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi on Monday announced the sack of his Special Adviser (SA) on Stakeholders Relations, Mr Anthony Ogah.

The sack is contained in a statement issued in Lokoja by Mrs Folashade Arike-Ayoade, Secretary to the Government of Kogi.

The government said that the sack takes effect from Sunday.

”Gov. Bello has issued a directive for the immediate dismissal of Ogah, who served as the Special Adviser to the Governor on Stakeholders Relations.

“The termination of Ogah as the special adviser to the governor is effective from September 24.

“Governor Bello extends his best wishes to Ogah in his future endeavours,” the state government said.

No reason was given for Ogah’s dismissal. He was instructed to “promptly hand over his identity card and any other government property or documents in his possession to the Permanent Secretary, Administration, in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the state.”

09/25/2023
Flood Sacks Riverine Communities In Delta

No fewer than five riverine communities in Delta have been sacked by water in the Warri North Local Government Area.

Mr Kenren Pere, Councillor representing Ogbinbiri ward 18, in Asigborodo Community disclosed this to newsmen on Monday in Warri.

Pere said that the affected communities included Torukubuagbene, Awanba, Koropigbene, Itagbene and Asigborodo as well as adjourning communities.

According to him, the incident began more than a week ago and the situation became worse on Friday.

While appealing for an urgent intervention by the state government, the councillor said that the life of his people were at stake.

Pere said: “I cannot attribute the course to flooding or the heavy torrential downpour that has been happening in recent time, though, rain has been falling before, but we have not had it so bad like this.

“Many valuables including local boats, clothes, food items, and other means of livelihood have been destroyed by the unfortunate occurrence.

“Lives are at stake, people can no longer go about their normal daily activities to feed, so there is hunger in the affected communities.

“The overflow started more than a week ago, but the situation became worse three days ago, leaving my people in fear,” he said.

Pere also appealed to the state government to send relief materials including food items to the people.

to alleviate their suffering.”

However, when contacted, Mr Smart Asekutu, Chairman, Warri North Local Government Area did not pick the several calls put across to his mobile line nor respond to the WhatsApp messages sent to his cell phone.

Meanwhile, Mr Daniel Okpor, Director, Administration and Finance, Delta Emergency Management Agency said that the agency was not aware of the development.

Okpor, however, requested for video clips of the incident to aid their findings and response.

“Was the incident a result of flood or rainfall? We believe more on video than photographs. In the absence of video, you can send me photographs,” he requested.

09/25/2023
Gunmen Kidnap Benue Commissioner For Information

The Benue State Government has confirmed the abduction of Mr Matthew Aboh, Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, on Sunday evening.

The Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the Governor, Sir Tersoo Kula, confirmed on Monday in Makurdi.

According to Sir Kula, Governor Hyacinth Alia had received the unfortunate news and has already directed security operatives to ensure his safe release.

The abduction allegedly took place about 8pm.

“Yes, we received the unfortunate news, and the governor has already detailed security operatives to do everything possible to ensure his safe release,” the text message read.

There were confirmed reports that several gunmen stormed the commissioner’s residence in Zaki-Biam, Ukum Local Government Area and kidnapped him.

Eyewitnesses stated that the kidnappers who came on four motorcycles, ordered everyone in the house, including Mrs Aboh and children, to lie face down before they took the Commissioner to an unknown destination.

The witnesses said the abductors compelled the commissioner at gun point to sit behind the rider of one of the motorcycles while a gunman sand-witched him.

Mr Aboh was sworn in as a member of the Benue State Executive Council on August 29.

He hails from Ukum LGA of Sankera axis, a major flashpoint of criminal activities with rampant killings and kidnappings for years now.

Meanwhile, the State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Sewuese Anene, said the Command was yet to receive the report on the incident.

09/25/2023
Breaking News: Fire Engulfs Supreme Court Complex

In a shocking development, a section of the Supreme Court complex, located in the heart of the Three Arms Zone in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has been engulfed in flames.

Reports, although unconfirmed at this time, suggest that the offices of the three Justices of the Court have been affected by the fire.

The incident has thrown a shroud of uncertainty over the nation, as the perpetrators and the Justices directly impacted by the attack remain unknown.

This unfortunate event has occurred at a particularly sensitive juncture, with all eyes fixed on the Supreme Court due to its pivotal role in handling presidential election petitions. The news has left Nigerians deeply concerned.

Further details on this developing situation will be provided shortly as the investigation unfolds.

More details shortly…

09/25/2023
Wike Revokes 22 Allocations, Offers 3-Month Devt Window To 21 Embassies, 168 Others

In a significant move, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike has revoked 21 plots of land in the Central Business District (CBD), citing violations of the terms of development as the primary reason for this decision.

The revocation notice was formally issued by Mr. Olusade Adesola, the Permanent Secretary in the FCT Administration, who stated that the minister was exercising his authority under Section 28(5)(a) & (b) of the Land Use Act 1978.

The lands were revoked due to “continued contravention of the terms of development of the Right of Occupancy, to wit non-development.” Several prominent entities were affected by this revocation, including Lowe Lintas, Tourist Company of Nigeria, Coscharis Motors, CFA Motors, and Chidol Properties, among others.

In a parallel development, the FCT Minister also extended a three-month grace period to 189 titleholders who have acquired Building Plan Approvals but have not yet initiated development on their respective properties.

The official statement from the Director of Information and Communication in the FCTA, Muhammad Hazat Sule, explained that this grace period is an opportunity for these titleholders to commence development or risk having their titles revoked.

This three-month grace period applies to a diverse group of stakeholders, including embassies and government agencies. Notable embassies such as the Embassy of Ireland, Embassy of France, Canadian High Commission, Embassy of the Democratic Republic of Congo, and several others are among those who have been granted this extension.

Additionally, numerous government agencies, including those within the FCT Administration, fall under this category.

The grace period also covers various other organizations and entities such as the Abuja National Mosque Council, Daily Times of Nigeria, Elf Petroleum, Access Bank, Federal Housing Authority, and several individuals including Adamu Ajuji Waziri, Isa Yuguda, Eyitayo Lambo, Abba Gana, Mohammed Abubakar Rimi, and more.

It is emphasized that this extension is solely for those who have already acquired Building Plan Approvals and have expressed a genuine intent to develop their properties but have not initiated development.

The FCT Administration emphasized that this extension is a gesture to support those who have demonstrated a clear commitment to property development by obtaining the necessary approvals. It is a response to their willingness to comply with the terms outlined in the Offer of the Right-Of-Occupancy.

The statement further encourages affected property owners to make use of this opportunity and proceed with development within the stipulated three-month period. Failure to do so will result in the revocation of their titles, in accordance with the provisions of the law. The FCT Administration has extended this grace period to both individual property owners and corporate organizations that have shown a sincere desire to develop their properties.

Simultaneously, the three-month grace period extended to 189 titleholders is a strategic move aimed at encouraging and facilitating property development within the Federal Capital City.

Property owners, including embassies, government agencies, and corporate entities, are urged to take advantage of this opportunity to ensure the continued validity of their titles and contribute to the growth and development of the city.

09/25/2023
World Bank Support Girls’ Learning, Empowerment In Nigeria With $700m

The World Bank has approved a fresh $700 million loan for Nigeria to boost adolescent girls’ learning and empowerment.

According to a statement published on its website, the lender said the new loan will serve as additional funds for an ongoing project known as the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment.

The Bank noted that apart from the girls that would benefit from the financing, others included over 15 million students and beneficiaries, such as teachers, administrators, families, communities, and staff in existing and newly constructed schools.

“The World Bank approved additional financing of $700m for Nigeria to scale up the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment programme whose goal is to improve secondary education opportunities among girls in targeted states.

“The additional financing will scale up project activities from the current seven states to eleven additional states and increase the targeted beneficiaries to include out-of-school girls, those who are married, and those who have disabilities,” the statement read.

The World Bank put Nigeria’s out of school children at over 12 million, with many of them in Northern Nigeria.

It was also noted that an estimated one million children were affected by increased insecurity around schools in 2020-2021.

The statement added, “In the seven AGILE programme implementing states – Borno, Ekiti, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, and Plateau – the number of girls in secondary schools has increased from about 900,000 to over 1.6 million.

“Under the programme, over 5,000 classrooms have been renovated and over 250,000 eligible girls have received scholarships.

“The AGILE programme has supported construction and rehabilitation of WASH facilities in secondary schools and the installation of computers and solar panels which make attending school more convenient and conducive for both girls and boys. Life skills, systems strengthening, and advocacy are other key aspects of the program which address social norms impeding girls’ education.”

The World Bank Nigeria Country Director, Shubham Chaudhuri, stated that, “Closing the gender gaps in economic empowerment by ensuring girls have access to education and skills is key for Nigeria’s development and economic prosperity.

“Nigeria’s working population will soon be one of the youngest and largest around the world, which means that investing in adolescent girls is imperative when addressing overall economic prospects and growth.”

09/24/2023
Tinubu Orders Security Agencies To Rescue Abducted Gusau Varsity Students

President Bola Tinubu has taken decisive action, instructing security agencies to undertake the immediate rescue operation of the abducted female students from the Federal University Gusau, who were forcibly taken by terrorists last Thursday.

In a statement released by his media aide, Mr. Ajuri Ngelale, President Tinubu strongly condemned this abhorrent act of abduction. He expressed his deep concern that there could be no moral justification for such a heinous crime committed against innocent victims whose only ‘offense’ was their pursuit of a quality education.

The President has reassured the families of the abducted students that no effort will be spared in ensuring their safe return.

Tinubu has made a firm commitment that the Federal Government will uphold the sanctity of educational institutions, preserving them as bastions of knowledge, growth, and opportunity, and free from the menacing threats of terrorists.

The horrifying incident unfolded when bandits attacked three female students’ hostels in Sabon Gida, an area where students live outside the main campus of the university, during the midnight hours last Thursday, leading to the abduction of an unknown number of students. Although many female students were kidnapped, some managed to escape.

09/24/2023