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Supreme Court Justice, Chima Centus Nweze dies @64

Supreme Court Justice Chima Centus Nweze has passed on. He died on Sunday at the age of 64.

Festus Akande, the Director of Information at the Supreme Court, confirmed the news to NIGERIAN ANCHOR, whilst adding that and an official press statement will be released soon.

Justice Nweze gained prominence for his dissenting judgment in 2020, which declared Emeka Ihedioha of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the rightful winner of the 2019 Governorship election in Imo State.

This decision triggered extensive debates and divided opinions among legal experts and the public.

In another significant moment of his judicial career, Justice Nweze, in a three-against-two split decision, declared Ahmad Lawan, then Senate President, as the authentic candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for Yobe North Senatorial District during the 25 February general election.

These rulings underscored the profound impact of his decisions on the political landscape.

Born on September 25, 1958, in Obollo, Udenu Local Government Area of Enugu State, Justice Chima Centus Nweze had a long and distinguished career within the Nigerian legal system.

In 2014, former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration approved his appointment to the Supreme Court upon the recommendation of the National Judicial Council (NJC).

Justice Nweze’s demise leaves a significant void in the legal community.

He was renowned for his thoughtful and meticulous approach to cases, earning respect among peers and legal scholars alike.

As the nation mourns the loss of this accomplished jurist, his legacy of upholding justice and the rule of law will undoubtedly endure in Nigeria’s legal history.

07/31/2023
Adamawa Lootings: Fintiri relaxes curfew by 12 hours

Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri has relaxed the 24-hour curfew earlier imposed on the state by 12 hours.

This contain in a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to Fintiri, Humwashi Wonosikou, in Yola on Monday.

The state government said the curfew was relaxed from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. after meetings with security chiefs in the state.

Fintiri, who was represented by his Deputy, Kaletapwa Farauta, urged parents to send their wards to school and also encouraged businesses to open and go about their daily activities as the government would not fold its arms and allow miscreants to disrupt public peace.

The governor warned hoodlums and the public to abide by the curfew and remain courteous and cooperative if approached and questioned by security personnel.

Fintiri has declared a 24-hour curfew on the state with immediate effect, following wide scale anarchy, looting and attacks on citizens by alleged hoodlums.

The state government said the hoodlums, complaining of hunger and high cost of foodstuff following the recent increase in price of fuel, ransacked government-owned and private food storages and warehouses, carting away anything in sight in anger.

The governor said the situation had assumed a dangerous dimension in Yola, as the protesters attacked people with machetes and broke into business premises and homes stealing goods and property.

“With the curfew imposed, there will be no movement throughout the state. Only those on essential duties with valid identification would be permitted to move around during the period of the curfew,” he said.

Fintiri appealed to law-abiding residents to comply with the directive, warning that anyone caught contravening the order would be arrested and prosecuted.

07/31/2023
Niger Coup: ECOWAS calls for immediate release, reinstatement of President Bazoum

Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS on Sunday in Abuja called for the immediate release and reinstatement of President Mohamed Bazoum as the legitimate Head of State and Government of the Republic of Niger.

This is contained in a communique at the end of the Extraordinary Summit on Socio-Political Situation in the Republic of Niger read by the President, ECOWAS Commission, Dr Omar Touray.

The leaders also rejected any form of purported resignation by Bazoum and declared him as the only recognised and elected President by ECOWAS, the African Union and the international community.

‘‘In this regard, only official acts of President Bazoum or his duly-mandated officials will be recognized by ECOWAS,’’ they said.

The leaders expressed strong condemnation of the attempted overthrow of constitutional order in Niger, and the illegal detention of President Bazoum, as well as members of his family and government.

They demanded full restoration of constitutional order in the Republic of Niger and considered the illegal detention of Bazoum as a hostage situation, holding the coupists solely responsible for his safety and that of his family and government.

In the event the ECOWAS’ demands are not met within one week, the leaders said they would take all measures necessary to restore constitutional order in the Republic of Niger.

“Such measures may include the use of force for this effect, the Chiefs of Defence staff of ECOWAS is to meet immediately,’’ the leaders said.

ECOWAS leaders also condemned the pronouncement of support by foreign governments and foreign private military contractors, while expressing appreciation to various governments and partners for their stance and solidarity.

The Summit hosted by President Bola Tinubu, in his capacity as the Chairperson of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, also agreed to appoint and dispatch a Special Representative to deliver the demands of the authority.

In response to the coup attempt, the Summit announced immediate sanctions on Niger including the closure of land and air borders between ECOWAS countries and Niger.

They also agree on establishing a no-fly zone on all commercial flights to and from Niger, and suspending all commercial and financial transactions between ECOWAS Member States and Niger.

Furthermore, assets of the Republic of Niger in ECOWAS Central Bank, Niger state enterprises, and parastatals in commercial banks will be frozen.

Niger will also be suspended from all financial assistance and transactions with financial institutions within ECOWAS.

Additionally, travel bans and assets freezes were imposed on the military officials involved in the coup attempt, as well as their family members and civilians who accept to participate in any institution or government established by these military officials.

In his closing remark, Tinubu thanked fellow leaders, Moussa Faki Mahamat, the African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson, the Special Representative of the Secretary -General and Head of the United Nations Office in West Africa and the Sahel, Leonardo Simaõ, for their active engagement and invaluable contributions to the discussions.

‘‘As we come close to this Extraordinary Summit on the socio- political situation in the Republic of Niger, I send my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you for your active engagement in our open and closed door meeting.

‘‘Your invaluable contributions to our discussions have got us this far and hopefully, we will achieve our objective.

‘‘The essence of African unity and solidarity is hereby reaffirmed. Our unwavering commitment to democracy, peace and prosperity is hereby resolved.

‘‘Throughout our deliberations, we have recognized that the challenges faced by Niger are inter connected with broader issues affecting our region.

‘‘As African leaders, it is our shared responsibility to foster stability and progress, placing the wellbeing of our people at the forefront of our endeavours, and working together towards their prosperity and happiness must always consistently be our goals.

‘‘We will stand with our people in freedom and our commitment to the rule of law and not the barrel of gun. Africa has come of age. We reject coup and interruption to constitutional order,’’ he said.

Before the Summit, the President also held bilateral meetings with President Umaro Embalo of Guinea Bissau, President Mahmat Itno of Chad, and Michael Health, the US Deputy Assistant Secretary of African Affairs.

Presidents Patrice Talon of Benin Republic, Alassane Ouattara of Cote d’Ivoire, Adama Barrow of The Gambia, Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana, Embalo of Guinea Bissau, Macky Sall of Senegal, Faure Gnassingbé of Togo attended the Summit while the Presidents of Cape Verde, Liberia, Niger and Sierra Leone were represented.

07/31/2023
NLC’s planned protest, strike according to law –Falana

Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana has said the Nigeria Labour Congress and its affiliates can proceed on the August 2 strike and protest as planned, and that the exercise does not translate to any contempt of court.

This is contained in a letter from the Falana Falana Chambers, solicitors to the NLC, by Sam Ogala, titled “Re- NLC in contemt of Court” and addressed to the Permanent Secretary/ Solicitor-General, Federal Ministry of Justice on July 28.

According to the Senior Advocate of Nigeria, the decision of Nigerian workers to participate in peaceful rallies is for the interest of the masses and to protest the worsening economic crisis in the country.

“You were reported to have accused the leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress of treating the order of the National Industrial Court with contempt.

“Contrary to your unwarranted allegation, the Nigeria Labour Congress does not intend to disobey the ex parte order of the National Industrial Court.

“And to the effect that “the defendants/respondents are hereby restrained from embarking on the planned Industrial Action/or strike of any nature, pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice dated June 5.”

Falana added that the National Industrial Court or any other Court had not granted an order of interim, interlocutory or perpetual injunction restraining Nigerian workers from participating in peaceful rallies convened by the NLC.

He argued that it was the constitutional right of Nigerian workers to protest peacefully and cannot by any stretch of imagination be classified as an industrial action or strike of any nature.

“It is pertinent to draw your attention to the case of Inspector- General of Polic vs Nigeria People Party (2008) of where the Court 12 WRN 65, where the Court upheld the fundamental right of Nigerians to protest without police permit in the leading judgment of the Court, Justice Adekeye.

“This includes the right to demonstrate, and the right to protest on matters of public concern are rights which are in the public interest and that which individuals must possess, and which they should exercise without impediment as long as no wrongful act is done.

“If as speculated by law enforcement agents, that breach of the peace will occur, our criminal code has made adequate provisions for sanctions against breakdown of law and order.

“So that the requirement of permit as a conditionality to holding meetings and rallies can no longer be justified in a democratic society.”

He added that, finally, freedom of speech and freedom of assembly are part of democratic rights of every citizen of the country.

“Our legislature must guard these rights jealously as they are part of the foundation upon which the government itself rests.

“Having advised the NLC and its allies to conduct the rallies peacefully, you may wish to advise the Nigeria Police Force to comply with section 83(4) of the Police Establishment Act 2020.

“Where a person or organisation notifies the police of his or its intention to hold a public meeting, rally or procession on a public highway or such meetings in a place where the public has access to.

“The police officer responsible for the area where the meeting rally or procession will take place shall mobilise personnel to provide security to provide security cover for the meeting, rally or the procession,” he said.

The National Industrial Court in Abuja on June 5, restrained the NLC and the Trade Union Congress, TUC, from embarking on their planned strike to protest the unilateral removal of fuel subsidy by the Federal Government.

The court, in a ruling that was delivered by Justice O. Y. Anuwe, barred the two organizations from proceeding with the strike action, pending the determination of a suit that was brought before it by FG.

The court held that the interim order, as well as the substantive suit, should be immediately served on both the NLC and the TUC, which were cited as defendants/respondents in the suit marked: NICN/ABJ/158/2023, even it fixed the matter for hearing on June 19.

The court order followed an ex-parte application that FG filed through the Federal Ministry of Justice.

FG’s lawyer, Mrs. Maimuna Lami Shiru, who moved the application, maintained that the proposed strike action was capable of disrupting economic activities, the health sector and the educational sector.

FG further tendered Exhibits FGN 1, 2 and 3, which were notices from the NLC, TUC and the Nigerian Union of Journalists, NUJ, to their members, asking them to withdraw their services with effect from Wednesday, June 7.

The court, in its ruling, held that it was empowered by section 7(b) of the NIC Act, 2006, with the exclusive jurisdiction in matters relating to the grant of any order to restrain any person or body from taking part in any strike, lockout or any industrial action.

It held that sections 16 and 19(a) of the NIC Act 2006, also empowered it to grant urgent interim reliefs.

The court held that the affidavit of urgency as well as the submission of FG’s lawyer revealed: “a scenario that may gravely affect the larger society and the well-being of the nation at large”.

On July 27, the Federal Government said the planned strike by the NLC over the removal of fuel subsidy and its attendant hardship is in contempt of an order of the National Industrial Court.

Solicitor-General of the Federation Beatrice Jeddy-Agba, in a statement on the issue, warned the NLC leadership to desist from threatening court orders with disdain.

The NLC, on July 19, issued a notice to begin a nationwide strike on Aug. 2 to protest the removal of fuel subsidy amid an astronomical hike in the pump price of petrol resulting from the policy announced by President Bola Tinubu at his inauguration on May 29.

07/31/2023
4 die, 10 injured in Jigawa auto crash – FRSC

About four persons have died, while 10 others sustained varying degrees of injuries in an accident involving two vehicles on Gumel-Kano Road in Jigawa.

Mr Ibrahim Gambo, the Spokesman, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in the state, confirmed the accident in a Road Traffic Report (RTC), in Dutse on Monday.

He said the accident occurred at about 12:25 a.m. when a bus had a head-on collision with an upcoming vehicle at Achauya village in Gumel Local Government Area of the state.

“A commercial bus (Sharon) with registration number GML 260 XX carrying passengers was involved in a collision with a truck with registration number GUS 648 XA coming from the opposite direction.

“It could be attributed to speed violation and loss of control, 14 persons, consisting of 11 males and three females were involved in the crash,” he said.

He said that four male passengers were certified dead by a medical doctor at a hospital in the area while seven males and three females were receiving treatment.

He advised motorists to shun night journeys and respect traffic rules to ensure safety on the road.

07/31/2023
Reps to probe illegal helicopters’ sale by NCAT

The House of Representatives Committee on Public Assets has resolved to probe alleged sales of two training helicopters by the Nigeria College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria, Kaduna State.

The Committee Chairman, Hon. Ademorin Kuye said this in a statement in Abuja on Monday.

The chairman said the committee attention was drawn to the development through media reports on July 30, 2023, on the purported sale of 2 Bell 206L-3 helicopters.

He said the helicopters were public assets acquired for training pilots by the NCAT for N1.2 billion.

“The Sale of the helicopters under the pretext of under-utilisation by the authorities of the College of Aviation in March 2023 has now become a symptom of the worrying trend of asset stripping.”

This according to him cut across all sectors of the economy by all MDAs toward the twilight of the last administration.

“This is in spite the offer of Nigerian Navy to acquire same and possibly use to address the security challenge facing the country in the area of oil pipeline vandalisation and crude oil theft.”

He said the committee equally felt the assets could have been converted to the use of Nigerian Police to fight banditry and insurgency in the country.

He said the urgency in the sales and concession of public assets at the twilight of the last administration called for suspicion since the supposed approval was gotten from that administration.

He said it was only right that the new administration is allowed to be part of the completion of the sale process if there were no hidden agenda.

He said the committee would investigate the sale of those important training national assets to ensure that due process was followed and that the country was not shortchanged in the deal.

The Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria, Kaduna State, had said it auctioned two helicopters at 556,200,322USD (₦1.2 billion), because of under-utilisation.

The Rector and Chief Executive Officer of the institution, Capt. Alkali Modibbo, told newsmen on Sunday in Zaria that the two Bell 206B – III model helicopters were disposed after satisfying all due diligence.

Modibbo explained that a Federal Government licenced auctioneer, Messrs Tresmo Nigeria Limited, was appointed to dispose the affected helicopters sequel to the approval and valuation reports obtained from the Federal Ministries of Aviation and Works, respectively.

According to him, the auctioneer paid $275,782,661.25 and $280,417,661.25 (totalling ₦1.2bn) vide FGN Remita receipts bearing reference numbers 3008-4333-3046 and 1008-4304-1098, accordingly.

07/31/2023
Tinubu to address Nigerians amid nationwide hardship

On Monday, July 31, 2023, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will deliver a broadcast to the nation at 7 pm.

The announcement was made on Monday morning by Dele Alake, the presidential spokesman, urging television, radio stations, and other electronic media outlets to tune in to the network services of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and Radio Nigeria for the broadcast.

Though the specific content of the address remains undisclosed, it comes at a time when the country is grappling with widespread hardship due to the removal of fuel subsidy, leading to an increase in petrol prices.

President Tinubu has consistently appealed for calm, assuring the public that the government is diligently working to improve living conditions and alleviate the prevailing challenges.

Interestingly, this address coincides with an upcoming nationwide protest by the organized labour, which is parleying civil society organisations as they prepare for an industrial action on August 2, and the ongoing strike by the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD).

The NARD has rejected the recent 25% increment in basic salary announced by the federal government, demanding the full restoration of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure to its original value as approved in 2009.

The association, represented by its president, Dr. Orji Emeka Innocent, secretary-general Dr. Chikezie Kelechi, and publicity and social secretary Dr. Umar Musa, vows to continue the nationwide total and indefinite strike action until the government takes significant steps to address their demands, including the release of the circular on the One-for-One policy for the replacement of exited clinical workers to ease work overload caused by brain drain.

As Nigerians await President Tinubu’s address on Monday night, the nation is at a crucial juncture, grappling with pressing issues that demand immediate attention and resolution.

07/31/2023
UBA increases staff salaries to address rising cost of Living

The United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, Africa’s global bank, has reaffirmed its dedication to the well-being of its staff and their families amid the current economic challenges impacting living conditions which is occasioned by the removal of fuel subsidy.

In response to this rising cost of living, the bank’s Board of Directors has taken decisive action by implementing a cost of living adjustment for its employees, effective immediately.

This marks the third time in three years that the bank has raised the salaries of its staff, underscoring its commitment to recognizing and valuing the contributions of its employees.

Additionally, in line with its commitment to rewarding excellence, UBA announced the promotion of over 1,500 staff across Africa in March 2023, building on the elevation of close to 1,000 staff in the previous year.

Oliver Alawuba, UBA’s Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, stated, “We are aware of the impact of recent economic policy pronouncements on prices and your capacity to meet your financial commitments to family and personal needs. As an organization focused on the well-being of our people, I am pleased to inform you that the Board of UBA Plc has approved a Welfare Allowance for all employees.”

This decision by UBA to adjust staff remuneration once again reflects the bank’s unwavering commitment to maintaining a standard of living for its employees that is in line with prevailing economic conditions.

By prioritizing staff welfare, UBA aims to support its workforce in navigating the challenges posed by the changing economic landscape.

Alawuba explained that the decision to adjust the staff’s remuneration package once again demonstrates UBA’s unwavering commitment to maintaining the standard of living for its employees at a level that is commensurate with prevailing economic conditions.

“This move will serve to alleviate the financial burdens faced by our staff and their families, reinforcing the bank’s position as a responsible and caring employer,” he explained.

United Bank for Africa is one of the largest employers in the financial sector on the African continent with 25,000 employees’ group wide and serving over 35 million customers globally.

Operating in 20 African countries and in the United Kingdom, the United States of America, France and the United Arab Emirates, UBA provides retail, commercial and institutional banking services, leading financial inclusion and implementing cutting edge technology.

07/30/2023
Tinubu employs special investigator to probe Emefiele, CBN’s activities

President Bola Tinubu has taken a significant step in the fight against corruption by appointing Jim Obazee as a Special Investigator.

Mr. Obazee’s primary task is to conduct a thorough investigation into the activities of the Central Bank of Nigeria and other Related Entities.

This decision, as stated in a letter dated 28 July, is firmly grounded in Section 15(5) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), underscoring the administration’s commitment to combating corruption.

The appointment of Mr. Obazee is already in effect, and he will be reporting directly to President Tinubu.

The specific terms of his engagement as a special investigator will be communicated to him in due course, according to the letter signed by the president. It is worth noting that Mr. Obazee brings significant expertise to this role, having previously served as the chief executive officer of the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRCN).

Tinubu also requested regular updates from Mr. Obazee on the progress of the assignment. In the same letter, he directed Mr. Obazee’s attention to his earlier directive to suspend the CBN governor, Godwin Emefiele, on 9 June. This move indicates a keen interest in ensuring a comprehensive investigation into the matter.

Regarding the suspended CBN governor, there have been subsequent developments. After being suspended by Mr. Tinubu, Godwin Emefiele was arrested at his Lagos residence by operatives of the State Security Service (SSS).

He was subsequently transported to Abuja for further proceedings. The SSS is prosecuting him for allegedly possessing an unregistered firearm. However, last week, the Federal High Court in Abuja granted him bail.

Despite being granted bail by the court, Mr. Emefiele was re-arrested by the SSS on the court premises, leading to a confrontation between SSS officers and personnel from the Nigerian Correctional Centre, who attempted to take him into their custody. The reason for Mr. Emefiele’s continued detention has not been publicly disclosed by the secret service.

This ongoing situation has sparked considerable interest and concern, and the appointment of Jim Obazee as Special Investigator is expected to shed light on the matter. With his expertise and the mandate given by President Tinubu, the investigation aims to bring transparency and accountability to the activities of the Central Bank of Nigeria and associated entities.

07/30/2023
Adamawa Lootings: Fintiri imposes 24-hour curfew

Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa on Sunday declared a 24-hour curfew on the state with immediate effect.

The governor made the declaration in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Humwashi Wonosikou in Yola.

The curfew followed wide-scale looting and attacks on citizens by hoodlums.

According to him, the situation has assumed a dangerous dimension as hoodlums in Yola attack people with machetes and broke into business premises and homes carting away property.

“With the curfew imposed, there will be no movement throughout the state.

“Only those on essential duties with valid identification would be permitted to move around during the period of the curfew,” he added.

Fintiri appealed to law-abiding residents to comply with the directive, warning that anyone caught contravening the order would be arrested and prosecuted.

Hundreds of hoodlums had broken into Federal and State government storage facilities and looted food and non-food items in Yola.

Mr Ladan Ayuba, Head of Operations National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) said that the armed hoodlums looted bags of Rice, Maize, Corn, and Beans, as well as Generators, wrappers, mattresses, and plastic buckets among others from the NEMA facility.

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He said that the hoodlums also vandalized and looted facilities at the NEMA office that was recently reconstructed and furnished.

It was gathered that the hoodlums attempted to break into a silo but were not successful and later moved to attack other government storage facilities.

At least three of the hoodlums were believed to have died while several others were arrested.

SP Suleiman Nguroje, the Police Public Relations Officer in Adamawa confirmed the incident, saying that

Police and other security operatives have been deployed to protect critical assets and infrastructure.

07/30/2023