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  • Niger Coup: Tchiani asserts defensive stance against ECOWAS

    Niger Coup: Tchiani asserts defensive stance against ECOWAS

    In the wake of the recent coup in Niger, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, the leader of the mutineers who assumed control, emphasized his nation’s reluctance for conflict but readiness to safeguard itself when necessary.

    Tchiani conveyed that both the military and the populace of Niger are averse to the prospects of war, yet they remain steadfast in their determination to counter any signs of aggression, as reported by Al Jazeera.

    The head of the junta underscored the unawareness of member states within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) regarding Niger’s pivotal role in preventing regional destabilization amidst a surge in terrorist activities.

    He expressed skepticism towards the imposed sanctions on his country, suggesting that they aimed to exert pressure on the rebels rather than resolve the ongoing crisis.

    Tchiani further clarified that the insurgents’ objective isn’t to seize power but to facilitate a solution that aligns with the best interests of the populace.

    The coup leader disclosed that an ECOWAS delegation visited Niger’s capital and held discussions both with the deposed President Mohamed Bazoum, who was removed and detained by his own guard led by Tchiani, and with Tchiani himself.

    Since the coup’s occurrence on July 26, ECOWAS has responded by suspending financial aid to Niger, freezing rebel-held assets, and imposing travel restrictions on flights to and from the nation.

    A subsequent summit in Nigeria’s Abuja resulted in ECOWAS leaders agreeing to ready a standby force to potentially compel the Nigerien military to reinstate Bazoum.

    On a recent note, ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Abdel-Fatau Musah, indicated that the general staff chiefs within ECOWAS have set a date for an undisclosed military intervention. This decision comes as tensions and uncertainties persist within Niger’s political landscape.

    General Abdourahamane Tchiani’s statements echo a stance against war while highlighting the nation’s resolve to defend itself against aggression, as Niger navigates through these challenging times of political transition and unrest.

  • Niger Coup: No harm will come to ousted Bazoum, PM Zein assures

    Niger Coup: No harm will come to ousted Bazoum, PM Zein assures

    *Says Niger will not collaborate with Russia or the Kremlin-backed Wagner group

    Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine, the newly appointed Prime Minister of Niger, has conveyed that the generals responsible for the recent coup, which led to the ousting of President Mohamed Bazoum on July 26, are committed to ensuring his safety.

    In an interview with The New York Times, Zeine, the most prominent civilian figure appointed by the military, emphasized that Niger does not have a history of resorting to violence.

    “Nothing will happen to him, because we don’t have a tradition of violence in Niger,” Zeine, the most senior civilian appointed by the military leaders, told the newspaper in an interview from Dakar on the fate of overthrown President Mohamed Bazoum.

    Speaking from Dakar, Zeine assured that there are no plans for harm to befall President Bazoum, who has been confined to his residence since the coup.

    Zeine also explicitly stated that there is no intention to collaborate with Russia or the Kremlin-backed Wagner group, addressing concerns about external partnerships.

    Reports from The New York Times indicate that the ousted President’s house had its water and electricity supply disrupted by the coup leaders, who also issued threats regarding his safety if other African countries proceed with a military intervention to restore him to power.

    In response to the situation, President Bola Tinubu warned of “grave consequences” should Bazoum’s health deteriorate while under house arrest, as conveyed by a European Union official. Meanwhile, questions about Bazoum’s well-being and his status were raised by reporters at the United Nations headquarters in New York.

    A spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres confirmed that they have received information from a reliable source indicating that Bazoum is alive. Stephane Dujarric, the spokesperson, stated, “As far as we know, he’s alive.”

    Prime Minister Zeine, a trained economist who had previously served as the finance minister, addressed the presence of foreign military forces in Niger. He commented on the presence of 1,100 American soldiers and 1,500 French soldiers involved in anti-terrorist operations alongside the local army. Zeine suggested that a review of such military partnerships might be necessary and acknowledged the diplomatic approach of the White House in resolving the crisis.

    As Niger navigates this complex situation, the commitment to peaceful resolution and the assurance of the safety of ousted leaders remain crucial aspects of the ongoing discourse.

  • Nigerian Navy returns seized vessels involved in oil theft

    Nigerian Navy returns seized vessels involved in oil theft

    In compliance with a court ruling, the Nigerian Navy has handed back a merchant tanker vessel, MV TIS IV, and a Barge Podium, which were impounded for their involvement in oil theft, to their respective owners over the weekend.

    Following the court conviction of the crew and the subsequent decision to forfeit the stolen crude to the federal government while returning the vessels to their owners, the Naval facility Forward Operating Base (FOB) Formoso in Brass, Bayelsa, witnessed the return of these impounded vessels.

    The MV TIS IV had been detained for two years, while the Barge Podium had been held for six years, both on allegations of engaging in crude oil theft. The release of these vessels was conducted in accordance with a directive from the Naval Headquarters, adhering to the court’s judgment.

    The handover took place at a brief ceremony at FOB Egwema, Brass, and was conducted by Commander Dantani Bukar, the Executive Officer of FOB, on behalf of Navy Captain Murtala Rogo, the Commanding Officer, who was represented.

    Commander Rogo recounted the circumstances leading to the vessels’ detention. MV TIS IV was apprehended on December 5, 2021, within the Akassa River creek in Bayelsa, while the Barge Podium was seized on May 15, 2017, in the Alaki area of Rivers State.

    The MV TIS IV, carrying 17 crew members and approximately 700,000 liters of suspected stolen crude, was handed over to the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) for prosecution.

    The crew members were found guilty and sentenced by the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt. The court further ruled that the vessel’s content be forfeited to the federal government, a process executed by the EFCC on February 23, 2023.

    Commander Rogo explained that the court also ordered the vessels’ release to their owners on bond. FOB Formoso, acting on the directives of the Naval Headquarters, facilitated the handover to the owners in the presence of EFCC representatives.

    He emphasized FOB Formoso’s commitment to upholding the strategic goals set by the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla, in the battle against oil theft and illegal bunkering within the maritime domain.

    He reiterated the Nigerian Navy’s dedication to ensuring a secure and safe maritime environment, conducive to legitimate business operations and aligned with national security objectives.

  • Obi conveys grief over soldiers’ tragic demise in helicopter crash

    Obi conveys grief over soldiers’ tragic demise in helicopter crash

    Peter Obi, the former Governor of Anambra State and the Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, has shared his profound sorrow following the tragic accident involving an Air Force helicopter that resulted in the loss of 36 soldiers in Niger State earlier this week.

    Obi conveyed his sentiments through an official statement posted on his verified social media handle (formerly Twitter) on Friday.

    The unfortunate incident occurred on Monday morning when an MI-171 Helicopter, engaged in a casualty evacuation mission, crashed in Niger State.

    The Nigerian Air Force, in an announcement made on Thursday, disclosed that the crash transpired in Chukuba Village, Niger.

    A preliminary investigation is underway to determine the cause of the aviation mishap, according to Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, the spokesperson for the Nigerian Air Force.

    In his statement, Obi expressed profound distress at the loss of the soldiers, who were reportedly victims of a terrorist ambush in Niger State.

    The simultaneous occurrence of the ill-fated military helicopter, engaged in a rescue operation within the same state, only adds to the somberness of the situation.

    He highlighted the distressing reality of rampant insecurity that pervades many regions of the country, a situation that continues to exact a heavy toll in terms of human lives, property, and the overarching economic well-being of the nation.

    Obi extended his heartfelt sympathies to the families of the valiant soldiers who paid the ultimate sacrifice while courageously defending their homeland.

    According to Obi, these individuals, who fell victim to the tragic events, stood unwaveringly against the scourge of insecurity that grips the nation. He added that their contributions, which is marked by selflessness and dedication, will always be remembered and revered.

    “The continual loss of lives, of our military men and other citizens, to insecurity is very painful and disgusting.

    “We must unite as a people, to subdue this monster of insecurity threatening our collective existence, without which, no development will be experienced in the country,” he said.

    While commiserating with the military agencies over the sad incidents, Obi urged them not to be dispirited over the challenges they faced but to see them as the inevitable path to go before achieving a safe and secure nation for all.

    He said: “I commiserate with our military agencies whose personnel have continued to pay the supreme price, for peace and security in our nation.

    “I want you to remain courageous and resilient in the fight. I will also like to encourage a full-scale investigation to be carried out to unravel the cause of the helicopter crash as a way of preventing future occurrences.”

    The former Anambra governor restated his commitment to ensuring safe and secure Nigerians, adding that fighting insecurity in the country would always be his top priority.

    According to him, fighting insecurity squarely, remains my priority in the New Nigeria, and so should it be, for long-lasting peace and progress in Nigeria.

    Finally, Obi prayed God to grant eternal rest to the dead, console their families and console them as a nation over this great loss.

    He said they would never give up on their nation as it was their greatest heritage in whose service all their sacrifices became noble acts.

  • Buni approves N667m for payment of pensioners

    Buni approves N667m for payment of pensioners

    Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni has approved the payment of N667 million to 475 pensioners across the 17 local government areas of the state.

    The approval is contained in a statement by Buni’s Director-General Press and Media Affairs, Alhaji Mamman Mohammed, in Damaturu on Friday.

    He said the approval followed a screening and verification of the pensioners by a committee earlier constituted by the state government.

    “The committee has verified a total of 475 beneficiaries and hereby attached lists of beneficiaries and summary according to local government areas for both living and deceased pensioners,” Mohammed said.

    He assured that the state government would settle all outstanding pensions owed retired workers in the state. 

  • NiMet predicts 3-day cloudy, sunny weather from Friday

    NiMet predicts 3-day cloudy, sunny weather from Friday

    The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted cloudiness and sunshine from Friday to Sunday across the country.

    NiMet’s weather outlook released in Abuja, forecasts cloudy skies on Friday with intervals of sunshine over the northern region.

    It anticipated prospect of isolated thunderstorms over parts of Adamawa, Taraba, Kebbi and Sokoto states during the morning hours. 

    “Later in the day, thunderstorms are expected over parts of Kebbi, Sokoto, Zamfara, Kano, Katsina, Kaduna, Taraba and Adamawa states.

    “Cloudy atmosphere is anticipated over the North central region with prospects of isolated thunderstorms and rains over parts of Niger, Kwara, Nasarawa and the Federal Capital Territory during the morning hours.

    “Later in the day, rains and thunderstorms are envisaged over parts of Niger, Kogi, Benue, Plateau, Kwara and the Federal Capital Territory,“ it said.

    NiMet envisaged cloudy atmosphere over inland states of South and coastal states in the morning with chances of intermittent rains over parts of Osun, Oyo, Ondo, Ogun, Edo, Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, Akwa Ibom and Cross River states.

    It anticipated intermittent rains over parts of Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Ondo, Imo, Enugu, Ebonyi, Abia, Anambra, Edo, Akwa Ibom, Delta, Rivers, Bayelsa, Lagos and Cross River states later in the day.

    According to NiMet, cloudy atmosphere with intervals of sunshine are expected over the northern region during the morning hours on Saturday with prospects of thunderstorms over parts of Taraba, Adamawa and Kebbi states.

    “Later in the day, scattered thunderstorms are expected over parts of Kaduna, Jigawa, Yobe, Borno, Taraba, Adamawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Katsina, Kano and Zamfara states.

    “Cloudy atmosphere is anticipated over the North central region with prospects of isolated thunderstorms and rains over parts of the Federal Capital Territory and Niger states during the morning hours.

    “Thunderstorms with heavy rains are envisaged over parts of Plateau, Niger, Kwara, Benue, Kogi, Nasarawa and the Federal Capital Territory during the afternoon to evening hours,“ it said.

    NiMet forecast cloudy atmosphere over inland and coastal cities of South, with prospects of rains over parts of Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ogun, Enugu, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River states in the morning hours.

    It predicted intermittent rains over parts of Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo, Enugu, Anambra, Imo, Bayelsa, Rivers, and Cross River later in the day.

    NiMet envisaged cloudy skies on Sunday with sunshine intervals over the northern region with prospects of morning thunderstorms over parts of Adamawa, Taraba, Gombe and Bauchi states.

    “Later in the day, thunderstorms with strong winds and rains are anticipated across the region.

    “Cloudy atmosphere is expected over the North central region in the morning hours with chances of isolated thunderstorms over parts of Niger, Nasarawa, and the Federal Capital Territory.

    “Later in the day, widespread thunderstorms and rains are expected over the region,” it said.

    According to it, cloudy atmosphere is expected over the inland states of the South and the coastal states in the morning hours.

    The agency forecast intermittent rains over parts of Ebonyi, Abia, Anambra, Osun, Ekiti, Ondo, Edo, Delta, Cross River and Akwa Ibom states.

    It further forecast intermittent rains over most parts of the region later in the day.

    NiMet advised all Airline operators to avail themselves of weather reports and alerts periodically from its office for effective planning for their operations.

    “Moderate to heavy rainfall could lead to flash floods. The public is advised to take necessary caution, avoid driving and walking through flood waters.

    “Disaster risk managers, agencies and individuals should be proactive, to avert loss of lives and property during the rainy season, “ it said.

  • 36 Military officers lost in tragic incident in Niger State -DHQ

    36 Military officers lost in tragic incident in Niger State -DHQ

    In a heartbreaking announcement, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has confirmed that 36 military officers lost their lives in Niger State.

    Speaking during the biweekly briefing of the Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, the Director of Defence Media Operations, provided a somber breakdown of the casualties stemming from two separate incidents: an ambush on troops and a tragic helicopter crash that occurred on August 14, 2023.

    Responding to inquiries about the helicopter crash’s cause, Major General Buba reiterated that a comprehensive investigation is currently underway to ascertain the factors behind the incident.

    He also emphasized the importance of remaining vigilant against terrorist propaganda and staying steadfast in one’s patriotic commitment.

    According to him, the tragedy unfolded when insurgents ambushed troops in the Zungeru area of Niger State, resulting in the ultimate sacrifice paid by valiant members of the Nigerian Army.

    Additionally, in a separate incident, a Nigerian Air Force MI-171 Helicopter, en route for a casualty evacuation mission, tragically crashed in the Shiroro Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.

  • Fresh Charges: Second defendant’s absence stalls Emefiele’s re-arraignment

    Fresh Charges: Second defendant’s absence stalls Emefiele’s re-arraignment

    *Case adjourned till August 23

    The re-arraignment of Godwin Emefiele, the suspended Central Bank Governor, on a new 20-count charge related to a breach of the Procurement Act, was brought to a standstill on Thursday due to the non-appearance of the second defendant, Sa’adatu Yaro. The trial, which was scheduled to take place at the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, was postponed to a later date.

    Upon the commencement of the proceedings, Emefiele appeared in court, but the Director of Public Procurement (DPP), Abubakar Mohammed, representing the government, informed the court that the second defendant was not present. Mohammed explained that Sa’adatu Yaro, the 2nd defendant, had fallen ill that morning and was unable to attend the court session. He consequently requested an adjournment from the court.

    Justice Hamza Muazu, presiding over the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Maitama, granted the adjournment, rescheduling the arraignment to August 23.

    It is worth noting that just the previous day, the federal government withdrew the charges involving illegal firearm possession that had been leveled against Emefiele at the Federal High Court in Lagos. However, the government subsequently filed a fresh 20-count charge against him and his associates, accusing them of being involved in a N6.9 billion procurement fraud. The case was filed at the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Maitama, Abuja.

    Emefiele is facing these charges alongside Sa’adatu Yaro, a female employee of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and her company, April1616 Investment Limited. The charges include allegations of procurement fraud, conspiracy, and conferring corrupt advantages upon associates.

    The prosecution contends that Emefiele, the former CBN Governor, granted corrupt advantages to Yaro, who is a director at April 1616 Investment Ltd. These actions are believed to be in violation of section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000. If found guilty, Emefiele could face a prison sentence of up to five years without the option of a fine.

    The charges, signed by officials including the Director of Public Prosecutions, Mohammed Abubakar, and Deputy Director of Public Prosecution, Mrs. N Jones-Nebo, detail accusations that the accused individuals collectively acquired a fleet of over 98 luxury vehicles and armored buses, valued at approximately N6.9 billion, between 2018 and 2020. The purchases included 84 Toyota Hilux vehicles, 10 armored Mercedes Benz buses, three Toyota Landcruisers, and one Toyota Avalon car.

    Emefiele is specifically accused of using his position as the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria to confer corrupt advantages upon Sa’adatu Yaro, awarding contracts to her company. The charges highlight various instances of this alleged misconduct involving the procurement of vehicles and other items.

    The trial proceedings have now been temporarily halted due to the illness of the second defendant, Sa’adatu Yaro, and are set to resume on August 23, when Emefiele and his co-defendants will face the fresh charges in court.

  • Tinubu Assigns Ministerial Roles: Wike is FCT Minister, Keyamo, Aviation, 43 others get portfolios

    Tinubu Assigns Ministerial Roles: Wike is FCT Minister, Keyamo, Aviation, 43 others get portfolios

    In a recent development, President Bola Tinubu has unveiled the designated roles for the 45 confirmed ministerial nominees.

    Notably, former Rivers State governor Nyesom Wike has been entrusted with the leadership of the Ministry of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), while Festus Keyamo takes on the responsibility of overseeing the Ministry of Aviation.

    Among the other appointments, Wale Edun will preside over the Ministry of Finance and serve as the Coordinating Minister of the Economy.

    Adegboyega Oyetola will be at the helm of the Ministry of Transportation, David Umahi will manage the Ministry of Works, and Betta Edu is tasked with the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.

    This comprehensive list of ministerial appointments was disseminated through an official statement, which was made on Wednesday.

    The unveiling of these portfolios marks a significant step in shaping the administration’s leadership and key decision-making in various sectors.

    See the full list below:

    Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani

    Minister of State, Environment and Ecological Management, Ishak Salaco

    Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Wale Edun

    Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Bunmi Tunji

    Minister of Power, Adedayo Adelabu

    Minister of State, Health and Social Welfare, Tunisia Alausa

    Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake

    Minister of Tourism, Lola Ade-John

    Minister of Transportation, Adegboyega Oyetola

    Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Doris Anite

    Minister of Innovation Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji

    Minister of State, Labour and Employment, Nkiruka Onyejeocha

    Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy

    Minister of Works, David Umahi

    Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo

    Minister of Youth, Abubakar Momoh

    Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu

    Minister of State, Gas Resources, Ekperikpe Ekpo

    Minister of State, Petroleum Resources, Heineken Lokpobiri

    Minister of Sports Development, John Enoh

    Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike

    Minister of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa

    Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru

    Minister of State Defence, Bello Matawalle

    Minister of State Education, Yusuf T. Sunumu

    Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed M. Dangiwa

    Minister of State, Housing and Urban Development, Abdullah T. Gwarzo

    Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu

    Minister of State, Federal Capital Territory, Mairiga Mahmud

    Minister of State, Water Resources and Sanitation, Bello M. Goronyo

    Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyar

    Minister of Education, Tahir Maman

    Minister of Interior, Sa’Idu A. Alkali

    Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf M. Tuggar

    Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Ali Pate

    Minister of Police Affairs, Ibrahim Geidam

    Minister of State, Steel Development, U. Maigari Ahmadu

    Minister of Steel Development, Shuaibu A. Audu

    Minister of Information and National Orientation, Muhammed Idris

    Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi

    Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon B. Lalong

    Minister of State, Police Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim

    Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Zephaniah Jisalo

    Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Joseph Utsev

    Minister of State, Agriculture and Food Security, Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi

    Minister of Environment and Ecological Management, (Kaduna)

  • Ban single-use plastics, experts urge FG  

    Ban single-use plastics, experts urge FG  

    Environment stakeholders have called on the Federal Government to ban the production of single-use plastics in the country.

    According to them, a total ban on the production will help mitigate the effect of climate change.

    Single-use Plastic Products (SUPs) are used once, or for a short period of time, before being thrown away. Analysts have said that they are more likely to end up in the ocean than reusable options.

    In a webinar organized by Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria (ERA/FoEN) on Wednesday in Abuja, the Director, Global Climate Programme Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA), Ms Mariel Vilella, said plastic production and pollution resulted in greenhouse gas emissions at each stage of its lifecycle.

    Vilella said there is a need for effective waste management policies in Africa, which would promote zero and reduced plastic waste, saying that it contributed 20 per cent of anthropogenic methane.

    This, she said, made it an extremely dangerous greenhouse gas and a super pollutant.

    “Seventy per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions come from product life cycles – the stuff we extract, transport, and use and how we waste it,” she said.

    In his opening remark, Dr Chima Williams, Director of the ERA/FoEN said a lot of policies that would outlaw single use plastics were needed in the global south.

    The call for ban, he said, was necessary due to the problems associated with the use of the product such as flooding that always lead to perennial loss of lives and properties in the developing countries.

    Also speaking, the Executive Director, Sustainable Research and Action for Environmental Development (SRADev) Nigeria, Mr Leslie Adogame advocated policies that would fill the gap between waste management vis-a-vis plastic waste management in the country.

    He suggested cross-fertilisation of ideas across Africa on how to leverage on zero waste to address the climate crisis.