The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Akeredolu, Aiyedatiwa peace agreement heads for collapse

    Akeredolu, Aiyedatiwa peace agreement heads for collapse

    • Deputy governor’s  loyalists pushing lawmakers to make him acting governor
    • I stand on Abuja deal, Speaker insists

    The peace deal brokered by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was threatened yesterday following the misinterpretation of its terms by some members of the Ondo State House of Assembly.

    There was tension in the state chapter of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Ondo State Executive Council over a plot to unseat Governor Rotimi Akeredolu by some lawmakers who insisted that Deputy Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa should be pronounced as Acting Governor, contrary to the terms of the agreement.

    Also, trouble is brewing over whether the local government election should be conducted or whether interim management committees should be set up.

    The crisis escalated as pro-Ayedatiwa lawmakers claimed that the Abuja peace deal had conferred on the deputy governor the power of the Acting Governor.

    However, the House of Assembly Speaker, Olamide Oladiji, disagreed, saying he would stand by the agreement reached at Aso Villa.

    President Tinubu, during a meeting with the Akeredolu and Ayedatiwa camps at the weekend, urged them to sheathe their swords.

    The president met the two camps on Friday after his consultation with Akeredolu on the telephone twice.

    The governor has been recuperating in his Ibadan, Oyo State residence since his return from medical vacation in Germany on September 7.

    Before leaving for Germany, Akeredolu transmitted a letter to the House of Assembly transferring power to his deputy. He took back power on his return.

    At the weekend’s meeting were Ayedatiwa, party chairman Ade Adetimehin, Secretary to Government Oladunni Odu, Oladiji, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim and others.

    Sources said President Tinubu, who pacified the two camps, warned about the consequence of splitting the Ondo APC structure, to which the two camps belong.

    According to the source, the warring camps agreed on some terms, which should not be breached.

    The source said: “It was agreed that the impeachment moves against the deputy governor would be dropped, the deputy governor will withdraw pending cases in court, the state executive council will not be reshuffled, the party’s executive and the House of Assembly principal leadership will not be tampered with and Ayedatiwa, who will continue to function as deputy governor, should consult his boss, Akeredolu, in running the affairs of the state.”

    Besides, the deputy governor, who was asked to declare his loyalty to the governor, subscribed to an undertaking that the terms would not be breached.

    He is also not expected to exploit the grave situation in the state to kick off any campaign in anticipation of next year’s governorship primary.

    To ensure compliance with the terms, the source said the President raised a three-man panel to monitor Ayedatiwa’s activities and report to him.

    Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to President Tinubu, Ajuri Ngelalec , in a statement after the meeting, said the President advised that the status quo be maintained.

    He added: “This means that Governor Akeredolu remains Chief Executive of the State, Aiyedatiwa remains Deputy Governor, and members of the State Executive Council continue their respective duties, even as the leadership of the House of Assembly and the APC Chapter in Ondo State is preserved.c “

    However, the state was enveloped in tension yesterday as 11 lawmakers loyal to Aiyedatiwa started to woo Akeredolu’s loyalists to their side in a bid to get majority support to pronounce the deputy governor as acting governor.

    One of the lawmakers, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said some lawmakers were bent on shoving Akeredolu aside and installing Ayedatiwa as acting governor at today’s plenary.

    He said: “On Sunday, a number of us received a call from the deputy governor. He informed us that he must be declared acting governor on Tuesday. 

    “When we reminded him that it wasn’t part of the resolutions reached at the meeting with the President, he said the President can’t tell us how to run Ondo State.

    “All efforts to make the deputy governor understand that the resolutions would only engender peace and allow the state to move forward failed as he yelled and said over his dead body would Akeredolu remain as governor.

    “The deputy governor has failed to understand that the President has given the best political solution to the issue at hand. I wonder what Mr. Deputy Governor wants again. The agreement is that you should go and do your job. Represent your boss and get the people together. Is that too hard?

    “Why is he hell-bent on becoming acting governor? Is he doing it in the interest of the people of the state? The answer is definitely no. 

    “Aiyedatiwa believes that the only way for him to become governor is if he forcefully takes power from Akeredolu now.

    “The painful part is the unbridled affront to the President’s directive that the status quo should remain. President Tinubu is a man who should be respected in Ondo State. 

    “Especially if you are a loyal member of the APC, you must understand that Tinubu has invested so much in the party over the years.”

    The party chairman, Adetimehin, said party leaders who met with the president were committed to the peace plan.

    He said no politician in the state can move against the resolution reached with President Tinubu on the impasse.

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    He said: “There’s nothing of such. No one dared go against the resolution reached with the President. Can anyone go against what President Tinubu has pronounced? That agreement stands and nothing more.”

    Oladiji maintained that the lawmakers will abide by the outcome of the meeting with the President.

    He said: “Go and read the statement from the state on the meeting. That will answer all your questions.”

    The Majority Leader, Emmanuel Ogunmolasuyi, said there was no plan to either welcome the deputy governor with fanfare on Tuesday or proclaim him as acting governor.

    He said: “It was collectively agreed that Akeredolu remains the governor while Aiyedatiwa remains the deputy governor and not as acting governor.

    “The meeting also agreed that there should be no impeachment, the House of Assembly remains one while the State Exco remains intact. No sacking of any member and party Exco remains intact.”

    The Ondo Progressives Network (OPN) expressed worry over speculations that Aiyedatiwa was plotting with some lawmakers to make him acting governor.

    The group, in a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Ogunika Taiwo, cautioned those backing Aiyedatiwa that a breach of the resolution reached with the President would amount to insubordination and flagrant disrespect.

    The statement reads: “We have observed a growing trend of discontent and dissatisfaction in the camp of the deputy governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa. 

    “The activities of his known and close allies and personal aides have shown a total rejection of the stance of the President and other stakeholders who attended the Abuja meeting.

    “However, we are saddened by the latest news and speculations of plots by the deputy governor in collaboration with some members of the House of Assembly to declare him acting governor against the resolutions reached in Abuja. 

    “We consider this as an act of insubordination and gross disrespect to the office of the President.

    “We would like to advise the deputy governor Aiyedatiwa to be guided in his ambitious drive and resist the lure of desperation and insatiable quest for power. The agreement reached in Abuja would serve the interests of the people and the state….

     “This is a clarion call to the deputy governor to lay all these matters to rest. Continue to function as deputy governor and desist from troubling the political water of the state. 

    “Fortunately, an election is around the corner. Since Mr. Deputy Governor is interested in the next election, we think disobeying the President will amount to political suicide.

    “Let peace reign supreme in Ondo State. The deputy governor should also, as a matter of urgency, call his followers and allies to order. What else does Aiyedatiwa want?

    “The President has stopped your impeachment. You have been guaranteed to stay till the end of the tenure. Why is he hell-bent on becoming acting governor?”

    Although Aiyedatiwa could not be reached, a source close to him denied the plot, saying the deputy governor is a gentleman who believes in respecting agreements.

    “The deputy governor would not go out of his way to disregard Mr President,” the source told The Nation.

  • National Assembly under pressure over 2024 Budget

    National Assembly under pressure over 2024 Budget

    • President to present  N27.5tr Appropriation Bill tomorrow

    Tomorrow’s presentation of the N27.5 trillion Budget 2024 to the National Assembly by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will put senators and representatives under pressure to pass the Appropriation Bill before end of next month.

    The Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved the bill for presentation at its meeting yesterday, Budget and Economic Planning Minister Atiku Bagudu told reporters at the State House in Abuja.

    He put the targeted revenue at N18.32 trillion.

    According to him the N27.5 trillion proposal is an increase of over N1.5 trillion when compared to the earlier projection of N26.01 trillion.

    He also said that the deficit was lower than that of the outgoing year.

    The lawmakers would have to work round the clock to screen the figures and pass the Bill it for the President’s assent expected to be by December 31.

    This is line with the objective of keeping the January-December Budget Cycle.

    A source said: “Don’t forget that the Senate President, who is the Chairman of the National Assembly, had vowed the commitment of the 10th National Assembly to keep to the January-December cycle.

    “Also, don’t forget that the President had warned ministers and heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to always honour the summons of the National Assembly Committees as a matter of duty.

    “Gone were the days when heads of MDAs will travel out of the country to evade appearing before relevant committees.

    “After the presentation of the budget on Wednesday (tomorrow), the National Assembly will still have a clear one month period to consider and pass the budget.”

    Another source said the Chairman of the Senate Committee Appropriation, Solomon Adeola has demonstrated to be a goal-getter on critical national assignments.

    The source said: “When he was the chairman of the Finance Committee during the 9th Senate, he ensured that important Bills like the Finance Bill were passed in record time even if he had to work for 24 hours to get the job done.

    “He has equally said that apart from MDAs appearing before relevant committees, he will summon any head of MDAs that has issues to explain their allocations.”

    But another senator said that getting the budget ready might be tedious for the lawmakers going by the enormous work involved.

    The President will tomorrow present the Appropriation Bill to a joint session of the National Assembly.

    The Appropriation Bill will contain the estimated income and expenditure of the Federal Government for the next fiscal year.

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    It is the first full-year budget to be presented by Tinubu, who assumed office on May 29.

    The Nation learnt that Tinubu conveyed his intention to address the joint session of the legislative chambers through the Senate President and House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas.

    The two leaders are expected to read the letter to senators and members of the House of Representatives during today’s plenary.

    Speaking at a retreat for Chairmen and Deputy Chairmen of the House Standing Committees yesterday, Speaker Abbas said that the budget will be presented in a few days.

    The House notice paper containing activities for plenary for the week sighted by The Nation left tomorrow blank without any activity unlike today and Thursday.

    But when contacted, spokesman of the House, Akin Rotimi, confirmed that the budget will be presented this week. He was however silent on the date.

    He merely said “it will be presented this week”.

    Last week, the National Assembly passed the 2024-2026 Medium Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy Paper (MTEF/FSP).

    The passage of the MTEF/FSP usually heralds the presentation of the appropriation to a joint session of the federal legislature by the President.

    In the MTEF/FSP report, the National Assembly approved proposals by the executive for the 2024 Budget which include the sum of N26 trillion aggregate expenditure for 2024, N10.2 trillion Recurrent Expenditure, made up of Personnel Costs (MDAs) of N4.49 trillion; Capital Expenditure (exclusive of Transfers) of N5.9 trillion; Special Intervention (Recurrent) of N200 billion; and Special Intervention (Capital) of N7 billion comprising the aggregate FGN Expenditure of N26 trillion.

    It also approved a revenue projection of N16.9 trillion; N9 trillion budget deficit; N7.8 trillion borrowings and statutory transfers of N1.3 trillion.

    Others are N8.2 trillion for debt service, N243.6 billion for sinking fund and N1.27 trillion for Pension and gratuities.

    It also approved the N26.1 trillion proposed as 2024 budget and other parameters as proposed by President Tinubu.

    The oil price benchmark for next year was pegged at $73.96 and oil production at 1.78 million barrels per day.

    Other parameters approved are: Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth rate of 3.76 per cent; inflation rate of (21.40 per cent); suggested benchmark exchange rate at N700/$ and projected budget deficit of N9.04 trillion.

    The report reads in part: “FGN recommended spending N26trillion with N16.9trillion as retained revenue. N9 trillion budget deficit (including GOEs), N7.8 trillion in new borrowings (including borrowing from foreign and domestic sources).

     “N1.3 trillion worth of statutory transfers, an estimated N8.2 trillion in debt service, N234.6 billion in the sinking fund, N1.27 trillion in pension, gratuity and retiree benefits.

    “Total recurrent (non-debt) of N10.2 trillion and N4.49 trillion as capital expenditure.

  • Tinubu orders massive fixing of  Fed roads

    Tinubu orders massive fixing of  Fed roads

    • Report bad roads via dedicated phone lines

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered a massive rehabilitation of dilapidated federal roads across the country.

    The roads include the Makurdi-Nsukka 9th Mile, East West road, Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway, Benin bypass, collapsed bridges of Enugu-Port Harcourt road, collapsed bridges of Shandam-Plateau, Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano and Gombe- Bauchi roads, among others.

    Umahi, in a statement, noted that despite inheriting N6 trillion deficit in road infrastructure, President Tinubu is determined to confront the challenges.

    He said besides practical steps taken since the assumption of office in May, the President has approved a 2023 supplementary budget of N300 billion for the Ministry of Works.

    This comprises N100 billion for immediate palliative works in 36 states and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and N200 billion for the continuation of critical road projects.

    According to him, the President urged the public to track the projects and give appropriate feedback to the government.

    The government urged Nigerians to report any road that is poorly constructed anywhere in the country.

    They are to send photographs of the road, location and name of the contractor to 08030986263, 08037086137 and 08106423197.

    Umahi said: “Without prejudice to all the good efforts of the past administration on road infrastructure development which they tackled within the limit of their resources, the work to be done to change the ugly state of our roads is quite enormous.

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    “Mr. President is not complaining of the challenges he inherited in nearly all sectors of the economy, especially as it concerns our road infrastructure, but he is quite courageous as he had promised to tackle the problems head-on which he has started to do not minding the debt burden inherited especially the funding gap of over N6 trillion from most of the inherited on-going road projects.

    “Mr. President has since reeled out plans of commitment, consistency, and innovations towards actualising a sustainable road infrastructure development throughout the country.”

    Umahi said the President has directed that the palliative works must commence before Friday.

    Calling for support, the minister said: “It is the right of every Nigerian to have value for their money deployed to the road infrastructure sector and therefore must show both interest and passion in all the ongoing projects by the Federal Ministry of Works and FERMA, and indeed all projects of the Federal, State and Local governments.

    “The Federal Ministry of Works will document such complaints sent by Nigerians, verify and take effective action to correct such infractions.

    “The Federal Ministry of Works shall also periodically recognise publicly those who made such reports that are genuine in a public engagement forum to be hosted quarterly by the Federal Ministry of Works and will sanction such erring contractors publicly too.”

    On concrete road criticisms, the minister said: “Those who are complaining and demarketing this policy are simply those who do not wish Nigeria well.

    “They are the same people that use adulterated bitumen in their projects while putting pressure on our Naira through the importation of adulterated bitumen instead of developing our abundant God-given bitumen deposits in Ondo State and other parts of Nigeria.

    “Insofar as this new policy has not violated any law, the Federal Ministry of Works is forging ahead with this new policy. 

    “As of today, most of the ongoing projects are with asphalt pavement in line with this new policy while some are redesigned on concrete pavement, depending on the terrain and with a full understanding of the affected contractors of those projects.”

    While warning contractors handling Federal Government road projects to adhere strictly to the new road policies, Umahi said the government would not tolerate a breach of contract.

  • Shaibu: I’m intimidated, my allocation seized

    Shaibu: I’m intimidated, my allocation seized

    Edo State Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu yesterday cried out that he was being intimidated for declaring his ambition to succeed his boss, Governor Godwin Obaseki on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    Shaibu, who unfolded his aspiration in Benin City, the state capital, complained that the allocation to his office has been withheld in the last five months.

    Although the declaration was scheduled for Eterno Hotel, Aiguobasimwin Crescent, off Ikpokpan Road, Government Reservation Area (GRA), it was shifted to Bishop Kelly Pastoral Centre of St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Airport Road, Benin, after supporters of the governor under the aegis of ‘Finish Well Group’ stormed the place for a rally.

    Obaseki, who has refused to endorse the deputy governor as his successor in next year’s election, offered his best wishes.

    Edo Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, who reacted on behalf of the Edo State Government said: “We wish Shaibu well. His incompetent handlers should be blamed for losing initial venue of declaration.”

    He added:”So shameful that he (Shaibu) could not make adequate arrangement for his declaration. Shame on him and his handlers. Edo State Government or Governor Godwin Obaseki should not be blamed. Eterno Hotel is a private business. We do not interfere with the management of the hotel.”

    My allocation seized, says Shaibu

    Shaibu, who said has suffered intimidation, complained that his office has not received any allocation from the state government in the last five years.

    The deputy governor, who spoke on a live television programme, said he was unperturbed by his ordeals, adding that as the candidate to be, he would not be distracted.

    Shaibu  has been in the eye of the storm since his ambition became a public knowledge.

    His official office was relocated from Government House and his media crew disbanded.

    The deputy governor said it was unfortunate that  Obaseki has allowed some individuals with vested interests to come in between them.

    Dismissinv insinuations of rift with his boss, he said he was only being threatened for declaring his bid.

    Shaibu said he was sure of getting the support of Edo voters because his style of governance since 2016 has reflected competence and capabilities.

    He said: “I’m sure of getting support from Edo South, Central and my own senatorial district, which is Edo North.

    “This because I’m completely home boy and detribalised. I have support base from across the three senatorial districts because I am a grassroots person and I relate with people seamlessly.

    “I use the word that I am a street boy as I’m always with the people.  So, I’m confident and sure of winning the race.

    “With how they have been going after me, I have therefore, seen that I am the candidate to beat. This is why they are blocking me from declaring.

    “How come I am the only one that is being asked not to contest?  I am the only one that my office was relocated because I wanted to declare my intention.

    “I am the only one that, close to five months now, no allocation to my office just because I declared.

    “When I said I was pressed, but not distressed, I understand the kind of intimidation and oppression I have gone through.

    “Notwithstanding, the truth is that all these point to the fact that I am the candidate to beat and I will not want to reveal my plans.

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    “I have my strategies and all I’ve done is that I refused to be distracted.  I can bet you that even the Governor will support me when the time comes.”

    Shaibu said he would defeat Obaseki’s anointed candidate. His words:“Definitely, I’ll defeat the so-called candidate of the governor, not because I have the power, but because Edo people want their own and I am their own. Edo people do not want importation; they want their own.

    “The problem I have with the governor is that he has allowed certain individuals that have interest in governance to come between us.  He is managing in his own style and the way he feels he can manage it.  I am also managing it the way I feel I can manage it.

    “They are beating me and I am crying and I am buying handkerchiefs to clear the tears.

    “People say we are fighting, but I’m not fighting.  I’m being beaten.

    “They’re doing everything to stop me, but they can’t.  The truth is that Edo people have made up their mind.

    “Edo people hate intimidation.  Ah, the kind of intimidation and harassment I have received within this period is only God that has actually seen me through. Irrespective of the intimidation, I have resolved not to fight.

    “If PDP wants to win the race, the party needs a unifier, who I am.”

    ‘My plan for Edo’

    Shaibu, a former Majority Leader of Edo House of Assembly, and ex-member of the House of Representatives, maintained that he remained undeterred, focused, and determined.

    Shedding light on his achievements,  he said: “Back in the day, you did not just call me ‘Mr. Constituency Project,’ for nothing. In my time as a legislator, I delivered 49 constituency projects at the state level, and 13 solid constituency projects within my short stint at the federal level.

    “I have fought the good fight for you, my people. Along the way, I suffered humiliations, and enjoyed many moments of victory, but I am thankful in all things.

    “I have been pressed, but not crushed, persecuted but not abandoned, badly hurt but not destroyed. I resonate with the tireless and irrepressible spirit of the Edo People. By the grace of God, nothing and no one can stop us. After all, I be original Edo son, 100 per cent home boy.

    “This is why today, I stand before you with great conviction and resolve, as I declare my intention to run for the office of the Governor of Edo State, on the platform of the PDP, in the upcoming 2024 election, and I am confident that with your support, we can take Edo State to even greater heights.”

    The deputy governor said he joined the race to fulfil the vision of the founding fathers of the state.

    He said: “When Edo State was created in 1991, our brilliant leaders, fully aware of our ancestral destiny named us ‘The Heart Beat of The Nation.’

    That was not an ordinary slogan. It was a call to destiny…mandate that we must collectively achieve.

    “As your Deputy Governor in the last seven years, I have had the privilege of working closely with our amiable Governor, His Excellency Governor Godwin Obaseki, to lay a solid foundation for progress in Edo State. Under our administration, we have seen remarkable achievements and milestones, but there is still much work to be done.

    “I am aware of the need by the greater Edo people for a more inclusive government, a government of the Edo people, by the Edo people, and for the Edo people. A government of individuals who have been there and know the pains and wishes of an average Edolite. A government, together, with the greater Edo people, will reignite the Edo spirit and transform our tomorrow.

    “Since my foray into politics three decades ago, I have lived among you and you have loved me as your very own son. I have felt your pains at close quarters, sat with the elders to benefit from their words of wisdom, led the youths in many struggles for their rights, visibility and freedom, learned the intricacies of modern governance and built adequate service capacity.

    “You all are witnesses to my antecedents in government. When the waters of the Lagdo dam flooded our lands and threatened our means of livelihood, I led the emergency response team that managed the impact and kept it in check, and continued to be involved in most humanitarian issues within the state.

    “When COVID-19 came to threaten our very existence, I put my life on the line in its very early days, when protection was not available, and worked to restore calm and order at the isolation centres.

    “Our sporting treasure, Bendel Insurance Football Club, became my responsibility at some point within this administration. Through strategic management and relentless commitment, we have returned Bendel Insurance to the height of glory it belongs.

    “When kidnappers took some of our citizens from Ubiaja and Igueben train station, I worked with the rescue team, led the rescue mission from the front and brought back the kidnapped citizens safe and sound. 

    “Under my supervision as the Deputy Governor, our Internally-Generated Revenue (IGR) has grown impressively. Thanks to the introduction of digital and cutting-edge ideas.”

    Shaibu said his campaigns would be built upon five core pillars, which are vital to the transformation and prosperity of the state.

    These are infrastructural development and economic transformation; education, sports, skills’ development and job creation; healthcare and social welfare systems; agriculture, rural development, and poverty alleviation; and security, environmental sustainability, and transparent governance.

    He said: “These five pillars of our agenda, among others, represent the values and priorities that we hold dear as Edolites. They represent our commitment to building a prosperous, inclusive, and viable future for all.

    “To our traditional rulers and religious leaders, we acknowledge your place in the development of our state, and we would ensure that under our watch, our ancestral heritage is promoted and preserved.

    “It is time for us to rise above partisanship, sentiments and unite under the banner of progress and development. Let us all come together to build a brighter future for ourselves and for generations to come.

    “My dear people of Edo State, this declaration is not just a political affair, it is a call to destiny, a call to become the heartbeat of this nation, not just in words, but indeed.

    “I humbly seek your support, your trust, and your nomination in this upcoming election, as we embark on this journey together; united in our determination to make Edo State a better place for ourselves and generations to come. I am Philip Shaibu, your guy. Your one hundred per cent homeboy. Together, we will reignite the Edo spirit and transform our tomorrow.”

  • Supreme Court will get full  21 justices, Ariwoola pledges

    Supreme Court will get full  21 justices, Ariwoola pledges

    For the first time in its history, the Supreme Court will soon have the full complement of 21 justices, Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Olukayode Ariwoola, promised yesterday.

    He expressed his determination to break the jinx as one of his legacies.

    The number of Supreme Court Justices dropped to 10 from 13 with the retirement of Justice Amina Augie, the death of Justice Chima Nweze, and the retirement of Justice Musa Dattijo Muhammad.

    Last two weeks, the Federal Judicial Service Commission (FJSC) nominated 11 justices and 11 reserves from the Court of Appeal for elevation to the Supreme Court, subject National Judicial Council (NJC) and Senate clearance.

    Justice Ariwoola, who spoke in Abuja at a special court session to mark the Supreme Court’s 2023/2024 legal year and the swearing-in of 58 new Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs), said he had been working to fill the vacancies.

    He and the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), called for a reduction in the number of cases that get to the Supreme Court to reduce the workload.

    Chief Justice Ariwoola said the apex court delivered 251 judgments during the 2022/2023 legal year, noting that Nigerians are too litigious.

    He said: “I have made it clear on different occasions that it is not every dispute that must find its way to the court; it is not every matter that must come up to the Supreme Court on appeal.

    “Our laws have to be amended to make most appeals end at the Court of Appeal, which is competent, dexterous and well-equipped with the right materials and manpower to adjudicate effectively and resourcefully.”

    On the need to appoint more justices, the CJN said: “Efforts were made by my predecessor to increase the number, but that was unsuccessful before he left office. 

    “However, the cheery news is that as soon as I assumed office on the 27th of June, 2022, I immediately got down to work on this urgent and immediate need in particular. 

    “Though we have not gotten them on board yet, I can convincingly assure the public that within a very short while, the Supreme Court of Nigeria will, for the very first time in its history, get the constitutionally prescribed full complement of 21 Justices. 

    “That is one of the legacies I have been working assiduously to leave behind as it now seems that the court has been somewhat ‘jinxed’ from meeting its constitutional requirement since that piece of legislation was enacted several years ago.”

    Chief Justice Ariwoola, while acknowledging the need for public trust in the Judiciary, urged judges to be guided by law rather than the “loud voices of the mob” in reaching decisions.

    He added: “The Judiciary, as it is today, is more deserving of public trust and confidence than ever before.

    “We are poised to reposition it for effective justice delivery to make our beloved country a destination of note in the observance of the rule of law and tenets of constitutionalism. 

    “The law remains the law, no matter whose interest is involved. In all we do, as interpreters of the law, we should endeavour to sever the strings of emotion from logic and assumption from fact.

    “We should never be overwhelmed by the actions or loud voices of the mob or crowd and now begin to confuse law with sentiment or something else in deciding our cases

    “Judges owe the society a great duty of always deciding cases without fear or favour, affection or ill will, friend or foe. 

    “I wish to honestly assure all judicial officers that if you are discharging your functions as an upright judicial officer by genuinely following the norms, then you have no cause to be afraid or feel intimidated by the often frivolous complaints or vitriolic attacks made by persons having vested interest.”

    Stressing the importance of judicial independence in a democracy, he added: “We actually expected the independence of the judiciary to be given adequate statutory protection, not just at the Federal level alone but equally at the state level so that they could be seen to be truly and genuinely independent in all ramifications. 

    “The rule of law, with all its well-understood facets, has been highly questionable since the advent of democratic governance in 1999. 

    “It is noteworthy that reputation can take a long time to establish but can be dissolved and completely destroyed in an instant, sometimes, inadvertently, though. 

    “The rule of law and the holistic independence of the judiciary should always be cherished by all.”

    On the performance of the Supreme Court in the last legal year, the CJN said 1,271 cases, comprising motions and appeals, were filed between September 12, 2022 and July 11, 2023.

    Of the number, 388 were political, 215 were criminal and 464 were civil appeals. 

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    Chief Justice Ariwoola said the court considered 49 criminal, 153 civil and two political motions. 

    He said the Supreme Court delivered 251 judgments between September 30, 2022 and July 11, among them 125 political, 81 civil and 45 criminal appeals. 

    “Within the period under review (precisely 10 months’ duration), a total number of 91 rulings were delivered by the honourable court,” he said.

    The CJN urged the new SANs to display “enormous integrity, self-discipline and high standard of advocacy as custodians of justice.”

    AGF: reduce cases that go on appeal 

    The AGF said the huge volume of cases before the Supreme Court makes it necessary to reduce cases that go before the apex court.

    He said: “The foregoing is no doubt a very concerning situation that must be holistically addressed if we are to get the best of our Supreme Court and indeed their lordships. 

    “We must begin to develop innovative solutions towards enhancing the working capacity of the Supreme Court, cutting down on the number of appeals that gets to this honourable court, implementing critical judicial reforms, as well a adopting alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.”

    Fagbemi urged the NJC to fast-track the ongoing process of appointing more Justices.

    He said: “I am aware that the process of filling the vacancies for the Justices of the Supreme Court has begun. 

    “I would, however, like to use this opportunity to urge the leadership of the NJC to fast-track the process of achieving a full complement of the Supreme Court and to also concurrently put in place the process of filling the consequential vacancies that will be occasioned at the Court of Appeal to avoid undue delay and minimise disruptions at that level. 

    “The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has severally expressed readiness to implement judicial reforms with the cooperation of the judiciary. 

    “We, therefore, earnestly await the Judiciary to set the ball rolling to enable the other arms to play their part in this critical aspect of nation-building.”

    Fagbemi cautioned lawyers against commenting on pending cases.

    He said: “It is fast becoming a sad norm and regrettably so for legal practitioners to appear at television or radio stations discussing pending matters. 

    “We have also seen lawyers, after court sitting, discussing what transpired in the proceedings. You must resist the urge to engage in such practice. 

    “You must also reject the temptation by media houses inviting you to analyse or discuss pending matters. 

    “The doctrine of sub-judice enjoins lawyers and even members of the public to refrain from commenting and discussing cases. You should not be seen breaching this doctrine.”

    The AGF drew the attention of the new SANs to the provision of Paragraph 26(4) of the 2022 Guidelines for the Conferment of the Rank of SAN and All Matters Pertaining to the Rank, which prohibits the restoration of withheld SAN rank.

    “One of the highlights of the new Guidelines is that, unlike the 2018 Guidelines which contains provisions for discipline of erring holders of the rank and for the restoration of the rank after three years of withdrawal upon the fulfilment of certain conditions, the 2022 Guidelines makes no provision for the restoration of the rank after withdrawal. 

    “In other words, once the Legal Practitioners Privileges Committee, pursuant to the provisions of Paragraph 26(4) of the Guidelines, withdraws the rank from any holder who may have breached the provisions in sub-paragraph (a)-(h), the withdrawal is final and the rank cannot be restored afterwards. 

    “It, therefore, behoves on any SAN to strive to conduct himself in utmost professional standards and to avoid running foul of the Rules of Professional Misconduct for Legal Practitioners,” Fagbemi advised.

  • Can You Teach English In Vietnam As A Non-Native English Speaker?

    Can You Teach English In Vietnam As A Non-Native English Speaker?

    The allure of teaching English abroad is a dream for many adventure-seekers, offering a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in a foreign culture while sharing the gift of language. Vietnam, a nation defined by its captivating history, breathtaking landscapes, and a burgeoning appetite for English education, has rapidly become a top choice for aspiring educators. However, if you’re a non-native English speaker, you might wonder, “Can I still find a fulfilling teaching experience in Vietnam?”

    In the article we will dispel common myths, unveil practical tips for success, spotlight the most promising teaching locations, and touch on the challenges faced by non-native English speakers in countries like South Korea and China, where restrictions can be daunting.

    Beyond these borders, we’ll also introduce alternative destinations, such as Thailand and Taiwan, for those facing barriers in Vietnam. So if you are interested in teaching English in Vietnam and are from Nigeria, Kenya, Russia, France, Sweden, or any other non native English speaking country, this article aims to enlighten you about the myriad opportunities and choices within the dynamic world of teaching English abroad.

    Myths About Teaching English in Vietnam as a Non-Native Speaker

    Teaching English in Vietnam as a non-native speaker often comes with a cloud of misconceptions that can deter potential educators. Let’s debunk some of the most prevalent myths.

    Fluency Is Non-Negotiable

    One of the most common misconceptions is that non-native English speakers must be as fluent as native speakers to teach. While a high level of proficiency is essential, it’s not always necessary to be a native speaker. Many schools in Vietnam value competent and qualified non-native speakers who can effectively communicate and teach the language.

    Limited Job Opportunities

    Some believe that non-native speakers face a scarcity of job opportunities in Vietnam. In reality, there is a growing demand for English teachers, and many institutions are open to hiring qualified non-native speakers who meet their criteria.

    Teaching Qualifications Are Rigid

    There’s a myth that only native speakers with extensive teaching credentials can secure teaching positions. While having relevant qualifications certainly helps, many schools in Vietnam are open to non-native speakers who hold recognized TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) or TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) certifications.

    Pronunciation Is Everything

    Another myth suggests that non-native speakers may be overly scrutinised for their pronunciation. While clear pronunciation is important, it doesn’t mean that a non-native speaker’s accent is an obstacle. In fact, diverse accents can enhance students’ language skills by exposing them to various English dialects.

    Cultural Barrier Challenges

    Some assume that non-native speakers might struggle with cultural differences and understanding the local context. While cultural awareness is essential, it’s not limited to native speakers. Many non-native teachers successfully integrate into Vietnamese society by embracing the culture and learning as they go.

    Lower Earning Potential

    It’s a misconception that non-native speakers earn significantly less than native speakers. Salaries can vary based on experience and qualifications, but many non-native teachers in Vietnam enjoy competitive compensation and benefits.

    Language Barriers in the Classroom

    The fear of not being able to manage language barriers effectively is a common myth. In reality, many schools in Vietnam promote an English-speaking environment, and non-native teachers often use creative techniques to bridge communication gaps in the classroom.

    Restrictions on Non-Native English Speakers in South Korea and China

    In the world of teaching English, the landscape can vary significantly from one country to another. While some nations are known for embracing non-native English speakers as educators, others impose stringent restrictions. South Korea and China, in particular, have notable prerequisites for English teachers that may pose significant challenges for non-native speakers.

    To teach English in South Korea you will need to be from a specific native English-speaking country, such as the United States, Canada, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and the United Kingdom. This means that non-native speakers often encounter hurdles due to the government’s strict visa and qualification regulations, making it an arduous task to secure teaching positions. In recent years, China has also reinforced similar restrictions, adding further complexities to the process of obtaining a work visa for non-native English speakers.

    Nonetheless, opportunities do exist for non-native English speakers looking to teach abroad, and several countries, including Vietnam, actively welcome them to share their language skills with enthusiastic students. These nations are characterised by their open approach, diverse job prospects, and welcoming cultures, making them appealing choices for educators worldwide. With this in mind, let’s now explore the specific advantages that Vietnam, among other countries, offers to non-native English-speaking teachers.

    Teaching in Vietnam as a Non-Native English Speaker: Opportunities and Tips

    Vietnam has become a popular destination for English teachers, including non-native speakers. The welcoming attitude towards non-native English speakers has opened doors to a world of opportunities.

    Vietnam offers diverse teaching locations, catering to different preferences and job prospects. The vibrant streets of Ho Chi Minh City, the historical charm of Hanoi, and the coastal beauty of Da Nang are just a few options. Your choice of location can significantly impact your overall experience. Most jobs are concentrated in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi but it’s possible to find jobs anywhere in the country.

    Obtaining a Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) or Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) certification is a requirement to teach English in Vietnam for non-native English speakers.. Besides that, many schools prefer candidates with these qualifications, and they can also improve your teaching skills.

    Vietnam’s education landscape includes a wide array of language centres and schools that actively seek non-native English speakers who meet their criteria. Networking with local agencies and exploring job listings can help you discover opportunities that align with your qualifications and goals.

    Language barriers, especially in rural areas, can pose challenges. Learning some basic Vietnamese phrases can go a long way in breaking down communication barriers and building rapport with students and locals.

    Engage with both the expatriate and local teaching communities to build a support network. Connecting with experienced teachers can provide valuable insights, job leads, and guidance on navigating life in Vietnam.

    Ensuring you have the correct visa and work permits is essential. Teaching English without proper documentation can lead to legal issues. Research and adhere to Vietnam’s visa regulations to maintain a legal and secure status throughout your teaching journey.

    Teaching in Vietnam as a non-native English speaker is a rewarding experience. The growing demand for English education, coupled with the warm and hospitable culture, creates an inviting atmosphere for educators from various backgrounds. With the right qualifications, cultural sensitivity, and a sense of adventure, you can embark on a fulfilling teaching journey in this vibrant and diverse Southeast Asian nation.

    Finding Your Path to Teaching in Vietnam

    Teaching English in Vietnam as a non-native English speaker is not only possible but also a truly enriching experience. We have explored the myths surrounding this endeavour, dispelling common misconceptions and highlighting the welcome embrace of non-native educators by Vietnam.

    While other countries in the region, like South Korea and China, impose stringent restrictions, Vietnam stands out as a beacon of opportunity. Its diverse locations, ranging from the bustling urban centres to serene coastal towns, offer choices that cater to various preferences and job prospects. This diversity, coupled with the country’s rich culture, makes Vietnam an enticing destination for teachers worldwide.

    The tips provided, including the value of obtaining TEFL or TESOL certifications, and the benefits of language proficiency, are invaluable for any teacher, native or non-native, embarking on their teaching journey in Vietnam. Networking, both with the local community and expatriate teachers, can provide essential support and guidance in navigating the intricacies of living and working in Vietnam.

    Furthermore, securing the appropriate visa and work permits is a legal necessity when teaching in Vietnam. Ensuring you meet the necessary requirements is essential for a smooth and secure experience.

    Remember that this nation’s warm and hospitable culture is eager to embrace educators from diverse linguistic backgrounds. Vietnam’s growing demand for English education and its welcoming approach to non-native speakers offer an exciting opportunity to make a positive impact on students while discovering the wonders of this beautiful country.

    Finding an English teaching job in Vietnam is achievable. Many language centres, schools, and agencies actively recruit non-native English speakers who are qualified and passionate about teaching. Job listings on sites like Teast can help you identify the right opportunity that matches your qualifications and aspirations.

  • Tuggar, others seek end to Gaza hostilities during parley with French minister

    Tuggar, others seek end to Gaza hostilities during parley with French minister

    Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar and foreign ministers of Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Egypt, and the Secretary General of the Arab League  have urged France to help in addressing the humanitarian crisis caused by the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.

    They made the appeal to French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris through French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna.

    Tuggar and his counterparts, according to a statement by the media aide to the minister, AlKasim AbdulKadir, lamented the disproportionate use of violence against innocent civilians and the need to swiftly find a lasting political solution that will result in a two-state solution.

    The visit was part of the ongoing efforts by the ministerial committee constituted by the Joint Arab-Islamic Extraordinary Summit to find a lasting solution to the war in Gaza.

    Tuggar, in his remarks at the meeting, again reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to a two-state solution and called for a ceasefire between Israeli Defence Forces and Hamas.

    He also condemned the disproportionate use of force against innocent civilians and the destruction of critical infrastructure in Gaza.

    The meeting discussed the situation in the Gaza Strip and its surroundings as well as ceasefire efforts and protection of civilians.

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    It also discussed many topics of common interest aimed at enhancing the security and stability of the Middle East and the world.

    The committee had earlier met with the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Affairs of the United Kingdom, David Cameron last Tuesday, where they had a robust discussion on the situation in Gaza.

    The committee which is chaired by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, met with Colonna, in furtherance of its engagement with global leaders aimed at restoring permanent peace in the Gaza Strip.

    The members who participated in the meeting included: the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, Ayman Al-Safadi, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Arab Republic of Egypt, Sameh Shoukry, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of the State of Palestine, Riad Malki, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye, Hakan Fidan, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, Retno Marsudi, and the Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, Ahmed Aboul Gheit.

  • Israel offers Hamas ‘option’ to extend truce

    Israel offers Hamas ‘option’ to extend truce

    The Israeli government said yesterday it had put Hamas “on notice” that an “option for an extension” of the truce in the Gaza Strip was open.

    “We want to receive another additional 50 hostages beyond tonight on our way to bringing everyone home,” government spokesman Eylon Levy told reporters, while announcing the move.

    The terms of the truce agreement pausing the fighting in the Gaza Strip indicates that it can be extended beyond its initial four-day term as long as 10 hostages are released for each extra day, with three times as many Palestinians freed in return.

    As such, another 50 hostages would imply a five-day extension.

    Hamas has signalled its willingness to extend the truce, with a source telling AFP on Sunday that the group had informed mediators they were open to prolonging it by “two to four days”.

    “The resistance believes it is possible to ensure the release of 20 to 40 Israeli prisoners” in that time, the source close to the movement said.

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    The negotiations are being mediated by Qatar and Egypt.

    An Egyptian security source said yesterday that there was disagreement between the two sides on the mechanism of the extension, with Hamas seeking a four-day addition and Israel seeking a day-by-day extension.

    “The mediators are making intensive efforts to secure this extension of the truce and ceasefire for several days.”

    Israeli spokesman Levy added that the campaign to “end Hamas… will resume immediately with the end of the hostages release pause”.

    He added: “It is of course Israeli military pressure that has brought Hamas to bear to agree to release those hostages. We have had it begging for a breather because it has been clobbered over the last months and that pressure will continue until we get everyone home.”

  • Curfew partially lifted in Sierra Leone after attempted coup

    Curfew partially lifted in Sierra Leone after attempted coup

    Daily life began to resume amid a heavy security presence in Sierra Leone’s capital Freetown on yesterday, as the government partially lifted a curfew imposed after armed clashes erupted in the city.

    Early on Sunday, armed assailants stormed a military armoury and several prisons, sparking battles with security forces that lasted for hours in the capital.

    Sierra Leone is an English-speaking West African country that has been going through a political crisis following elections in June.

    Yesterday, the government lifted the daytime curfew that it had imposed and urged people to resume their daily lives while remaining vigilant.

    It said a curfew would remain in place between 9:00 pm (2100 GMT) and 6:00 am.

    “While we encourage citizens to return to their normal activities… we continue to urge everyone to remain calm but vigilant, and to report any suspicious or unusual activity to the nearest police station”, the information ministry said in a statement overnight.

    In Freetown, some stores and banks opened and traffic had restarted, but schools remained shut, according to an AFP correspondent in the city.

    Checkpoints had been set up on the main roads, where members of the security forces were searching vehicles.

    Meanwhile many questions remained over what happened in the country, amid fears of another coup in West Africa, where Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger and Guinea have all experienced putsches since 2020.

    The current president, Julius Maada Bio, himself led a coup in the 1990s before handing over power and returning to politics as a civilian years later.

    Early on Sunday, armed assailants tried to break into a military armoury in Freetown, sparking clashes with security forces. Several prisons were also stormed, with some prisoners reportedly escaping.

    Late on Sunday, Bio said that calm had been restored after what he described as an attempt to undermine peace and stability.

    “Most of the leaders have been arrested. Security operations and investigations are ongoing,” Bio said on national television, adding that the government would “ensure that those responsible are held accountable”.

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    The government has not identified the attackers or their motives.

    No death toll from the violence, nor any information on those arrested, has been officially released.

    Videos posted on social media appeared to show men in uniform under arrest in the back or beside a military pick-up truck.

    American Support

    West African bloc ECOWAS described Sunday’s events as an attempt to “disrupt peace and constitutional order”, language commonly used for political coups.

    Sierra Leone’s various partners called for “constitutional order” to be respected.

    Former president Ernest Bai Koromo of the opposition APC said in a statement that one of the soldiers assigned to guard him had been shot dead at close range and that another had been abducted.

    He said he strongly condemned Sunday’s attacks and called for calm and order.

    The US embassy said it “strongly supports President Bio in his call for national unity”, in a message posted on social media.

    “We honour and remember those who gave their lives yesterday in defence of Sierra Leone’s Constitution and government”, it said.

    Bio was in June re-elected to a second term as president, winning 56.17 percent of the vote, according to the results published by the electoral commission.

    The main opposition party disputes the results of the presidential election, as well as legislative and local elections in June.

    A political crisis ensued until an agreement was reached in October following mediation by the Commonwealth, the African Union and ECOWAS.

  • UK confirms first human case of swine flu strain H1N2

    UK confirms first human case of swine flu strain H1N2

    United Kingdom public health officials yesterday said they had confirmed a first human case of a swine flu strain similar to one that has been circulating in pigs.

    The variant of the H1N2 virus was confirmed in an individual who had been tested by their doctor after experiencing respiratory symptoms. It has not previously been detected in humans in the country, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said.

    “This is the first time we have detected this virus in humans in the UK, though it is very similar to viruses that have been detected in pigs,” said the agency’s incident director Meera Chand.

    “We are working rapidly to trace close contacts and reduce any potential spread.”

    The individual concerned experienced a mild illness and had fully recovered, the agency said in a statement. The source of their infection, however, was undetermined and is being investigated.

    UKHSA chief veterinary officer Christine Middlemiss said veterinary and scientific knowledge is being provided to support its probe.

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    Influenza A(H1) viruses are endemic in swine populations in most regions of the world.

    The H1N1, H1N2 and H3N2 viruses are major subtypes of swine influenza A viruses in pigs.

    They occasionally infect humans, usually after direct or indirect exposure to pigs or contaminated environments.

    The H1N1 pandemic in 2009 was the first major influenza outbreak in the 21st century.

    The official death toll of 18,500 was later revised upwards by The Lancet medical journal to between 151,700 and 575,400 dead.