The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • DSS probes assault on correctional officers at Lagos court

    DSS probes assault on correctional officers at Lagos court

    The Department of State Services (DSS) said it is probing an incident where its staff assaulted personnel of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) at the Federal High Court in Lagos.

    Spokesman of the Service, Dr Peter Afunanya, in a statement on Wednesday described the incident as unfortunate

    He said it does not reflect the professional disposition of the Service.

    Afunanya said the Service has respect for the judiciary and will not undermine it.

    He said the DSS has not broken any laws in handling the Emefiele case despite efforts by some elements to skew the narratives to the contrary.

    The statement was titled: DSS INVESTIGATES 25TH JULY, 2023, FEDERAL HIGH COURT, IKOYI, LAGOS INCIDENT.

    It reads: “The public will recall that Mr Godwin Emefiele, suspended CBN Governor, was arraigned at the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos, on 25th July, 2023. The Service has noted the incident that took place between its staff and those of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) and wish to state as follows:

    “i.        The incident was unfortunate and does not in any way reflect the professional disposition of the DSS;

    “ii.        The Service did not and would never encourage the incident under reference;

    Read Also: DSS, NCoS brawl disgraceful, says Emefiele’s brother

    “iii.       The Service has tremendous respect for the Judiciary as an Arm and Institution of Government and will not go out of its way to undermine it. The DSS recognises the Judiciary as a critical component in nation building, national development and security management. Also, the Service has robust working relationship with sister security and law enforcement agencies including the NCoS;

    “iv        While noting that the personnel from both Agencies exhibited undue overzealousness, the Service has further initiated detailed investigations into the matter. This is with a view to identifying the role played by specific persons as well as undertaking disciplinary actions if necessary and drawing some lessons going forward.

    “For emphasis, the DSS has not broken any laws in handling the Emefiele Case despite efforts by some elements to skew the narratives to the contrary. The Service had since alerted the public of sinister plots to discredit its leadership. In pursuit of its assignments, it will strive to remain professional, maintain ethical standards and a high sense of discipline.

    “The Service will ensure that it will not be used for clout and fame chasing or delusional heroism. It will, however, remain focused on its national security mandate and, therefore, enjoin well-meaning Nigerians to support it in achieving the desired security goals for the nation. It is imperative to note that we have no other country but Nigeria. We should join hands, with love and tolerance, to build it.”

  • Subsidy removal: Fintiri approves N10,000 monthly palliative for civil servants, pensioners

    Subsidy removal: Fintiri approves N10,000 monthly palliative for civil servants, pensioners

    Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa has approved N10,000 monthly as palliative for civil servants and pensioners for six months to cushion the harsh effects of the petrol subsidy removal.

    The Governor’s Chief of Staff, Dr Edgar Amos, disclosed this during an interactive session with newsmen in Yola on Wednesday.

    Amos, who is the Chairman, Special Committee on mitigating the effect of fuel subsidy removal on the residents of the state, said that the governor also approved the full implementation of the national minimum wage for local government workers with effect from August.

    According to him, the governor also approved the procurement of 70 trucks of maize and 20 trucks of rice for distribution to the people at subsidised rate.

    He further said that the government would also purchase 50 trucks of fertiliser for state civil servants at subsidised rate.

    Read Also: Fintiri bans tree felling in Adamawa

    He said that plans had been concluded to purchase shuttle buses to convey workers to and fro the state secretariat and for inter-local government transportation.

    Amos said the measures were part of the recommendations submitted by the special committee constituted to work put palliatives to cushion the effect of the subsidy removal policy. (NAN)

  • Kaduna Central Senatorial: Court dismisses suit seeking Sen. Usman’s sack

    Kaduna Central Senatorial: Court dismisses suit seeking Sen. Usman’s sack

    A Federal High Court (FHC), Abuja, on Wednesday, dismissed a suit seeking to invalidate the nomination of Sen. Lawal Usman as Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)’s candidate for the Feb. 25 Kaduna State Central Senatorial election.
    Justice James Omotosho, in a judgment, held that the suit, filed by Mr Ibrahim Usman, an aggrieved aspirant in the party’s primary held on May 23, 2022, was an abuse of court process.
    Justice Omotosho held that the matter, having been decided by an Appeal Court and subsequently affirmed by the Supreme Court, lacked merit.
    The judge said though the plaintiff’s suit, marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/333/23, was not statute barred, having been filed within the 14-day period prescribed by the law, he however agreed with the defence that the subject matter of the instant suit was similar to the earlier one he filed before a FHC sitting in Kaduna, which had been decided by the apex court.
    He said for a lower court to review the decision of a superior court did not go with “the doctrine of stare decisis,” and such suit had been caught up by “the principle of res judicata.”
    He, therefore, said that Usman’s suit constituted an abuse of court process for asking the lower court to review the decision of the Appeal Court and the judgment of the Supreme Court.
    The judge, who said that instituting the case was like flogging the dead horse, said the court also found that the action was a deliberate attempt to turn the decision  of the court over its head and to go into judicial rascality.
    “This suit ought to be thrown into the dustbin. The matter has already been decided and cannot be reinstituted.
    “The plaintiff is bound to obey the decision of the Supreme Court as you cannot put something on nothing and expect it to stand,” he said.
    According to Justice Omotosho, no matter how incorrect a judgment of a higher court might be, it cannot be reviewed by a lower court.
    He said that the PDP primary poll conducted on Nov. 7, 2022 against the primaries held on May 23, 2022, never existed, having been set aside by the apex court.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a FHC in Kaduna had, in its judgment in suit number: FHC/KD/CS/73/22, nullified the PDP primaries conducted on May 23, 2022 which produced the 2nd defendant (Sen. Usman) as PDP candidate, and ordered for a fresh poll.
    The party had organised another primaries on Nov. 7 which produced the plaintiff as its candidate.
    But an Appeal Court, in the appeal marked: CA/K/257/22 filed by the 2nd defendant (Sen. Usman), on Dec. 19, 2022, set aside the judgement of the trial court that ordered for the Nov. 7, 2022 primary election.
    The Supreme Court, also in its judgment on Feb. 17 on appeal number: SC/CV/1691/2022 filed by the plaintiff, affirmed the judgment of the Court of Appeal.
    However, the plaintiff, unsatisfied with the decision, had sued the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Lawal Adamu Usman and PDP as 1st to 3rd defendants respectively before Justice Omotosho of a FHC, Abuja.

    Read Also: My wife connives with her mother to milk me dry, banker tells court

    In the writ of summons dated and filed March 10 by his lawyer, Chief P.H. Ogbole, SAN, the plaintiff sought 14 reliefs, which include an order voiding the pronouncement made by INEC on Feb. 28, declaring and returning the 2nd defendant (Sen. Usman) as the winner of the Kaduna Central Senatorial District election conducted on Feb. 25.
    He also sought an order directing the commission to issue and hand over to him a Certificate of Return in respect of the Feb. 25 election as validly elected candidate of the party, among others.
    In his statement of claim, the plaintiff averred that he won the PDP primary poll conducted on Nov. 7 to determine its standard bearer for the general elections.
    But in his preliminary objection, the 2nd defendant (Sen. Usman), urged the court to dismiss the suit for being an abuse of court process.
    He argued that the  subject matter of the suit had been determined by the Supreme Court which was predicated on who was the validly elected candidate of the PDP for the Kaduna Central Senatorial District at the general election held on Feb. 25.

    (NAN)

  • NLC issues seven-day nationwide strike notice

    NLC issues seven-day nationwide strike notice

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to reverse all perceived anti-poor policies, including the recent hike in the pump price of petrol, or face an indefinite nationwide strike from August 2.

    The Nation learnt that this was one of the decisions reached at NLC’s Central Working Committee (CWC) meeting on Tuesday at Abuja Labour House.

    The NLC has directed all its affiliates and state councils to immediately begin mobilisation of workers and other Nigerians, including civil society allies, for a long-lasting strike and mass protests should the government fail to meet its demands.

    Read Also: NLC knocks FG on new pump price, palliatives plan

    An industrial court had in June granted an interim order restraining the Nigerian Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress from embarking on strike.

    NLC

  • How ladies should handle cheating partners, by Don Jazzy

    How ladies should handle cheating partners, by Don Jazzy

    Ace music executive Don Jazzy has unveiled an update for ladies whose partners are serial cheats.
    The Mavin boss shared a ‘whimsical’ clip, hinting ladies on the latest way to curb the excesses of their cheating partners.
    The clip sees a man about to go out, whose partner decided to perform quite an unusual stunt on him while he stood with a backpack looking at her without any kind of objection.
    His partner who was seated decided to use a big padlock on his trouser instead of buttoning it after which she requested the key from the man who reached into his pocket and handed it to her.
    Reacting to the footage, Jazzy suggested the ladies may just have been intimated with an up-to-date style of curbing infidelity among men.
    He engaged his female fans, inquiring if they would be willing to try the same on their partners.
    He wrote: “Ladies, see update o! Can you do this to your cheating partner?”
    The funny clip meanwhile, has gathered varying reactions from his male and female fans.
    thisisdamii said: “If you like chain a man. Man wey go cheat go cheat.”
    allyssa_att wrote: “Na to cut the trouser buy another one na.”

    Read Also: Don Jazzy highlights six pointers for getting on Mavins 

    wilsonthepoet stated: “The guy is smiling in his head because he has a spare key in his backpack.”
    p.terry asked: “So make he piss for body abi?”
    stephniealex4 said: “Na wetin I go do my husband be this.”
    a__malaika wrote: “Hope you guys have not forgotten that there are other means too they use?? Hands and mouth.”
    chinesewithsarah_ stated: “May God never make anyone here be with a partner that won’t give them peace of mind.”
    bigbadromeo quizzed: “Please, how do we manage cheating ladies? Asking for a friend.”
  • Man beheaded, organ cut off in Anambra cult clash

    Man beheaded, organ cut off in Anambra cult clash

    A young man was on Wednesday shot dead and his body dismembered in a bloody clash between rival cult groups in the popular Eke Awka market in Awka, Anambra State.
    The deceased, Igwe Omali, said to be a prominent figure in his cult group, was a victim of a cruel assault carried out by the rival faction.
    The Nation gathered that the suspect was shot dead and his head and male organ chopped off by the suspect who fled with the parts, leaving the market rowdy and traders engulfed in fear.
    A source who claimed to be familiar with the matter linked the clash to market politics and control with the deceased being used by the leadership to enforce compliance among market members.

    Read Also:  Anambra community to immortalise Achebe with varsity

    “The altercation between the cult groups resulted in the Igwe seeking refuge inside the market, at the same time rallying his followers for support.
    “Unfortunately, luck ran out on him as he was captured, fatally attacked, and body mutilated before his followers arrived.
    When contacted, Police spokesman, Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed that the suspect escaped with the victim’s head.
    He assured that officers of the Command were at the scene while efforts were on to apprehend the suspects involved in the incident.
  • Sit-at-home ban: Three feared dead as traders protest in Enugu

    Sit-at-home ban: Three feared dead as traders protest in Enugu

    No fewer than three persons were reportedly shot dead on Wednesday when protests abruptly erupted at Ogbete Market in Enugu.
    It was gathered that the protest by the traders followed the closure of some of their shops and offices by the State Government on Monday.
    The government had made good its threat to close down businesses that failed to open on Monday over its ban on the illegal sit-at-home order imposed by a faction of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
    Also on Tuesday, the government insisted that all businesses sealed would remain shut for one week, adding that all sealed businesses could only be reopened after the owners must have provided their current tax clearance certificates and all other relevant revenue documents.
    Some of the shops and offices sealed in the market included those of the Ogbete Market Amalgamated Traders Association (OMATA).
    Irked by the announcement, the traders were said to have announced that the market remains shut in solidarity with their members whose businesses had been closed, following the Governor’s directive.
    With this, the traders were said to have begun demonstrations in the market as they marched from the market to the major roads angrily..
    It was gathered, however that the real trouble started when some of the protesters climbed up and started destroying billboards of Governor Peter Mbah.
    Eyewitnesses told our correspondent that it was in the course of attempting to disperse the protesters that some policemen shot and killed three persons, including a woman.
    While the protest quickly spread as other residents joined, all the roads leading to the Ogbete Market and the adjoining Okpara Avenue and Ogui Road were barricaded.

    Read Also: Enugu residents protest Monday’s sit-at-home

    The development caused panic as motorists and traders ran for their dear lives with the protesters creating burnfires in the middle of the roads and chanting anti-government slogans.
    But, reacting to the development, the spokesman of the state police command, Daniel Ndukwe, said normalcy had been restored at Ogbete Market Enugu and its surroundings.
    Though, he did not say anything about those killed, Ndukwe said the peaceful protest was hijacked.
    He said the protest was caused by the attempts by those whose shops were sealed to force others whose shops were not sealed to close theirs in solidarity.
    The police statement reads: “The initially peaceful protest was hijacked and made to become violent.
    “Traders in the market and citizens alike have been pleaded with to remain law-abiding, peaceful and cooperative while using approved channels to express their grievances.
    “Full-scale investigation has been initiated on the orders of the Commissioner of Police, while further development, especially as it concerns reports of casualties being circulated, will be communicated as soon as possible, please”.
  • Niger: Presidency says uprising by national army ‘in vain’

    Niger: Presidency says uprising by national army ‘in vain’

    Presidential guards on Wednesday held Niger President Mohammed Bazoum inside his palace in the capital Niamey, but the presidency said the guards had started an “anti-republican” movement “in vain” and that Bazoum was well.

    In a statement, the presidency said the national army was ready to attack them if they did not come to their senses.

    The statement followed reports that presidential guards had cut access to the presidential palace and blocked Bazoum inside, raising concern West Africa’s sixth coup since 2020 could be underway.

    “The President of the Republic and his family are well,” the presidency said on its social media pages without providing further details.

    The statement was later deleted amid doubts about who was in control. Niger’s national television was playing music and a soap opera on Wednesday afternoon.

    The rest of Niamey appeared calm, with normal traffic on the road and full internet access, a Reuter reporter said.

    A military takeover in Niger could further complicate Western efforts to help countries in the Sahel region fight a jihadist insurgency that has spread from Mali over the past decade.

    Niger has become a pivotal ally for Western powers seeking to help fight the insurgency but facing growing acrimony from the new juntas in charge in Mali and Burkina Faso.

    It is also a key European Union ally in the fight against irregular migration from sub-Saharan Africa.

    France moved troops to Niger from Mali last year after its relations with interim authorities here soured. It is also withdrawing Special Forces from Burkina Faso due to similar tensions.

    The United States said it has spent around 500 million dollars since 2012 to help Niger boost its security.

    Germany announced in April that it would take part in a three-year European military mission aimed at improving the country’s military.

    Ulf Laessing, head of the Sahel programme for Germany’s Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung think-tank said “Bazoum has been the West’s only hope in the Sahel region. France, the U.S. and the EU have spent much of their resources in the region to bolster Niger and its security forces.’’

    He added that a coup would create an opportunity for Russia and other actors to spread their influence in Niger.

    Read Also: Niger’s president being held inside palace – Security sources

    Frustrations over state failures to prevent violent attacks on towns and villages partly spurred two coups in Mali and two in Burkina Faso since 2020.

    A junta also snatched power in Guinea in 2021, contributing to instability in a region that had begun to shed its reputation as a “coup belt”.

    There was a thwarted coup attempt in Niger in March 2021, when a military unit tried to seize the presidential palace days before the recently elected Bazoum was due to be sworn in.

    On Wednesday morning, military vehicles barred access to the presidential palace in Niamey.

    Security sources later confirmed that presidential guards were blocking Bazoum inside the building.

    Bazoum’s election was the first democratic transition of power in a state that has witnessed four military coups since independence from France in 1960.

    Military action and community engagement have spared Niger from the brunt of the insurgency, which has killed thousands and displaced over six million across the Sahel.

    (Reuters/NAN)

  • Senate confirms nominations of NEDC Board

    Senate confirms nominations of NEDC Board

    Senate has confirmed President Bola Tinubu’s nominations for appointments as members of the Board of the North -East Development Commission (NEDC).

    The confirmation is sequel to the screening of the nominees at plenary on Wednesday.

    Those confirmed are: Gen. Paul Tarfa, Chairman for re-appointment (North -East) Adamawa),Gambo Maikomo member (North -East Taraba),Abdullahi Abbas member ( North -West Kano ).

    Others are Tsav Aondoana member (North- Central Benue) Chief Mutiu Lawal- Areh Member (South- West Lagos), Samuel Onuigbo Member (South-East Abia), Frank Owhor, member (South-South Rivers) and Mohammad Alkali (Managing Director North -East Borno) Re-appointment.

    Others are Ahmed Yahaya Executive Director operations, North -East Gombe, Dr Abubakar Iliya, Executive Director Admin and finance, (North -East Yobe) and  Musa Yashi, Executive Director Humanitarian Affairs ( North- East Bauchi)

    Earlier, before their confirmation, Tarfa,  Chairaman designate of NEDC, who was reappointed, pledged continued commitment of the board to discharge its mandate in line with the Act establishing the commission.

    Mohammad Alkali, Managing Director of NEDC said the board had initiated and has ongoing projects across education, health, agriculture among other sectors across the North-East states.

    He commended the Federal Government for its support and commitment, saying that funding was a challenge in execution of projects.

    Sen.Abdul Ningi (PDP-Bauchi) said the North -East Senate caucus would partner with the NEDC board to ensure execution of projects.

    He, however, urged the board to ensure judicious use of the funds appropriated for projects implementation, saying that the North-East zone was the least developed.

    Read Also: Senate will get Tinubu’s ministerial list on Thursday, says Bamidele

    Sen. Ahmed Lawan, (APC-Yobe) commended Tinubu for the nominations and said the commission was established to take care of the people of North- East.

    He, however, said that there was an overbalance by the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management on the activities of the NEDC.

    Lawan urged the board to partner state governments in the region on projects initiation and execution.

    He appealed to the committee over sighting the commission, when constituted to be mindful of its oversight, especially on issues relating to overbearing influence of the ministry.

    President of the Senate Godswill Akpabio, urged the board to also engage state governments and other stakeholders to avoid duplication of projects.

    He urged the board to liase with the Senate to work assiduously to alleviate the pains and sufferings of the people of the region.

    (NAN)

  • Renewed Hope Initiative: First lady reiterates commitment to assist farmers

    Renewed Hope Initiative: First lady reiterates commitment to assist farmers

    Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, the First Lady,  has reiterated commitment to focus on assisting farmers across the country as part of major priorities of her Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI).

    Mrs Tinubu made the promise in Abuja on Wednesday when she received the executives of the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADFUND), led by the Executive Secretary, Dr Garzali Mohammed in her office.

    She said this was important in view of the state of emergency declaration on food security made by President Bola Tinubu.

    She said the enthusiasm of existing and prospective farmers in the country to work with the Federal Government in driving ongoing food security agenda would be matched with grants and other support from the initiative.

    Read Also: Tinubu, Renewed Hope and new Nigeria

    The initiative received a boost with the readiness of NADFUND to collaborate with it on capacity building, guided direction on provision of implements, inputs and expertise advice on agricultural scope of RHI.

    The first lady described the visit as one that would boost the initiative’s quest for a better deal for women in the agricultural sector.

    She pointed out that the initiative intended to get to the six geopolitical zones of the country, to enhance the agricultural sector through women participation and improved capacity.

    She assured the agency of her support in possible areas and sharing her wealth of experience at the appropriate time.

    Earlier, Mohammed had said that NADFUND, which started over a year ago, was saddled with the responsibility of building robust capacity in the agricultural sector, providing market for agricultural produce and financial inclusion.

    (NAN)