The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Ohanaeze’s blather, Iwuanyanwu’s walk-back

    Ohanaeze’s blather, Iwuanyanwu’s walk-back

    For the most reckless comment on the suspension of Godwin Emefiele, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor, look no farther than that of Chima Uzor, who claimed to be the Ohanaeze Ndigbo’s director of national interest matters.

    “To say the least,” Uzor barked, “this suspension is without due process and the arrest, despite a court order against DSS from arresting him, is provocative; and well-meaning Nigerians must resist and ensure it does not stand.  We view the development,” he darkly warned, “as clearly part of the new administration’s scheme of ethnic cleansing of the Igbos from public offices.  This is nothing” he insisted, “but a witch-hunt directed at the Igbos for no other reason other than they dared to oppose the new administration in the last general election.”

    And how about this for a roaring clincher of a final and triumphal threat: “We are therefore asking President Bola Tinubu to beware of starting his administration with actions capable of driving an already shaking nation into chaos”?

    What rubbish! 

    It’s good though, that Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, the Ohanaeze president-general, swiftly countermanded Uzor in a statement Iwuanyanwu personally signed; dismissing Uzor as an impostor unknown to the body, stating Ohanaeze had no office for national interest matters. Just as well!

    “Ohanaeze … has no intention whatsoever to interfere with the investigations by the DSS or other security agencies of the country.  Individuals,” he reasoned, “have a right to go to court and when the court of law proves the individual innocent, and Ohanaeze is convinced that the individual is innocent, Ohanaeze will take every step necessary to assist the individual.”

    Read Also: Over 50 killed, 170 houses burnt in Imo community, Ohanaeze youths allege

    That is wisdom.  That is common sense.  That is due process.  Any other thing is balderdash — and that’s the sum total of Uzor’s rookie outpouring.

    To start with, the release teems with ignorance: suspension of the CBN governor opposes no due process.  It’s within the president’s powers.  What the president can’t do is a summary sack: he would need two-third majority of the Senate to do that.

    And mischief: does Atiku Abubakar, a prominent northerner running in the 2023 presidential election, now equate the ‘North’ “daring to oppose” the winner of that election?  What sub-clannish thinking!

    But the one that rankles most is the hare-brained malice: Emefiele’s suspension as ethnic cleansing of the Igbo from public office!  Where did that mind spring — from the darkest pit of Plato’s allegory of the cave?

    Lost souls, like Uzor, can’t help the Igbo — or any other people.  It’s so embarrassing that it stresses yet again a golden silence, instead of spewing plain rubbish.  It’s good the rookie has been shut down by the right quarters.

  • Eid-el-Kabir: Governors call for unity, religious harmony

    Eid-el-Kabir: Governors call for unity, religious harmony

    • • ’Pray for Nigeria, Tinubu administration’

    Governors yesterday called for a united Nigeria and religious harmony as Muslim faithful today join their counterparts globally in celebrating this year’s Eid-el-Kabir. 

    The governors admonished the Muslims to commit Nigeria in the hands of God and pray for the Bola Tinubu administration to succeed in its tasks ahead.

    They also noted that Eid-el-Kabir symbolises faith and total reliance on God.

    Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Ademola Adeleke (Osun), AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (Kwara), Yahaya Bello (Kogi), Umaru Dikko-Radda (Katsina), Bassey Otu (Cross River) and Abdullahi Sule (Nasarawa) enjoined the Muslim faithful to abide by the good examples of Prophets Ibrahim (AS) and Mohammad (SAW). 

    Sanwo-Olu urged Nigerians, especially Muslims, to imbibe the lessons in the sacrifice made by Prophet Ibrahim.

    He also encouraged the Muslim faithful to work with other faiths for the peace, unity and progress of Nigeria.

    The governor advised Muslims to continue on the path of spirituality and peaceful co-existence as exemplified by Prophet Mohammed.   

    “Eid-el-Kabir has become a symbolic event in human history, as a reminder that there will always be great rewards when we have abiding faith and patience in trying periods; persistence in prayers, and tenacity in our belief.

    “It also reminds us of the sacrifice we are expected to make, not only for spiritual fulfilment but also for the progress of mankind and the development of our society.

    “As we celebrate today, I urge Lagosians and Nigerians to continue on the path of spirituality and peaceful coexistence.”

    Abiodun urged Nigerians to imbibe the spirit of selflessness, sacrifice and patriotism in the quest to build a virile and economically viable country.

    He noted that what Nigeria needed at this stage of its development are sacrifices, love and unity.

    He said: “The significance of this celebration should not be lost on every Nigerian. The new government, led by President Bola Tinubu, has introduced measures to launch the country on the path to development. Some of these measures, including the withdrawal of fuel subsidy, which are meant to curb wastages, require the sacrifice and the cooperation of every citizen to make them work.”   

    Makinde enjoined Oyo State residents to continue to pray for his administration, the state and Nigeria.

    He said: “I use this occasion to congratulate the Muslim Ummah in Oyo State and, indeed, all residents of the state on witnessing the 2023 Eid-el-Kabir.

    “I appreciate their prayers and support over the years and call for more prayers and support as we work round the clock to improve the lives of our people and deliver sustainable development as promised during the electioneering.

    Read Also: Eid-el-Kabir: Jigawa declares Friday work free day

    “My prayer is that Allah (SWT) will accept the act of worship and sacrifices of our Muslim brothers and sisters.” 

    Adeleke extolled Muslims and promised better welfare for all residents of the state.

    He said: “As an elected governor who enjoys the goodwill of the good people of this state, let me assure you that we are going to continue with measures of better welfare for the citizens of our state and most significantly, our workers.”

    AbdulRazaq urged Nigerians to join hands with government at all levels to keep the communal values oneness.

    AbdulRazaq, who is also the Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF), said doing so would help develop the country and Kwara State.

    Governor Bello enjoined Muslims to embrace sacrifice and generosity, as demonstrated by Prophet Ibrahim.

    He said: “On this joyous occasion of Eid-el-Kabir, as we celebrate Prophet Ibrahim’s unwavering devotion and obedience to Allah, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Muslims around the globe.

    “Today, let us draw inspiration from the exemplary virtues demonstrated by Prophet Ibrahim: his sacrifice, patience, steadfastness, generosity, and unwavering obedience to Allah’s command and constituted authority.”

    Also, Katsinan State Governor Dikko-Radda enjoined Nigerians, especially Muslim and Christian faithful, to use the occasion to foster national unity and harmonious living.

    “We must see each other as one. It is fundamental that we all live peacefully and harmoniously as that will help to foster peace, love and true brotherhood among all Nigerians,” he said.

    Cross River State Governor Otu urged Muslims to embrace peace and support his administration to reposition the state.

    “I call on all Muslim faithful to be tolerant, obedient, and show act of sacrifice as exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim who was ready to sacrifice his only son in obedience and submission to the will of Allah,” he said.

    Also, Governor Sule enjoined Nigerians to pray for President Tinubu to turn around the fortunes of the country.

    “My brothers and sisters, I wish to remind us that an occasion such as this calls for the Ummah to reflect on our relationships with Allah (SWT) and fellow human beings as a symbol of righteous living, love and peaceful coexistence in society,” he said.

  • Vehicle owners to pay N1,000 yearly for proof of ownership

    Vehicle owners to pay N1,000 yearly for proof of ownership

    • •New policy begins in Lagos Saturday

    The Federal Government has started the issuance of Proof of Ownership Certificate (POC) for all categories of registered vehicles nationwide.

    Unveiling the new policy at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre in Alausa, Ikeja, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Transportation, AbdulHafiz Toriola, said the certificate, which will come into force next month across the state, would be among the requirements for annual renewed.

    This means it is now mandatory for all vehicle owners to obtain the POC annually, unlike what hitherto obtained when they only obtained proof of ownership of vehicles while buying a used vehicle or changing the engine of vehicles.

    Toriola said: “This certificate, upon successful completion of the necessary requirements and procedures, will serve as part of official documentation of a vehicle’s legal owners.”

    The permanent secretary explained that the POC, which would affect all classes of vehicles – from motorcycle, to tricycle, to mini-vehicles, saloon cars, all classes of trucks, articulated vehicles – and such likes that covey people or products from one point to the other.

    He said the POC would contain vital information, including the vehicle’s registration details, such as number plate, model, year of manufacture, in addition to the owner’s name and address.

    Toriola said all states of the federation are expected to begin the implementation of the new policy in July and each vehicle owner will pay a minimum of N1,000 to procure the document.

    “Having critically reviewed the challenges encountered in ensuring promotion of safety and security of lives and property through the issuance of POC nationally and especially in our dear state, the Joint Tax Board, in its communiqué issued at the end of the emergency meeting held on May 9, 2023, adopted and made a resolution that proof of ownership certificate (POC) be issued to motorists on an annual basis nationwide.

    Read Also: N200m official vehicle: Ramatu the ‘golden fish’

    “This decision, among other things, is aimed at tracking the real time status and guarantees the integrity of all vehicles registered on the National Vehicle and Identification Scheme (NVIS) database,” he said.

    The permanent secretary also said the POC is specially printed and is connected with other vehicle documents, adding that the document would provide real time statistics of vehicular population nationwide, minimise cases of car theft and recovery of stolen vehicles, and further streamline the drive for a uniform licensing scheme mandate.

    According to him, with the POC, motor vehicle documents from all states can easily be verified, regardless of the issuing state, ensure the safety and security of vehicles and their owners, enhance national vehicle database for national security and enhance planning and economic development.

    Toriola said the POC would be issued by the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), which is the lead agency in the sector, adding that it would boost the state’s aggressive drive for greater data penetration.

    FRSC’s Sector Commander Babatunde Farinloye said the agency was happy that the initiative was coming six years after it ought to have taken off.

    Farinloye, who was represented by the agency’s Head of Logistics Department, Tajudeen Mafe, said it was incumbent on the lead agency to enforce, regulate, and coordinate road safety transport management in the state.

    The General Manager Motor Vehicle Administration Agency, Mrs. Lade Kilanko, who was represented by Mrs. Olabisi Olowolagba, said the agency, which is saddled with generating motor vehicle data for the state government, would ensure the success of the POC initiative.

    The Joint Tax Board’s Consultant, Prince Olusegun Obayendo, said the board intended to use the new policy to drive data that would aide in planning and growing the economy.

  • Ribadu and Nigeria’s security challenges

    Ribadu and Nigeria’s security challenges

    For pioneer Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) chairman, Nuhu Ribadu, taking over as Nigeria’s latest National Security Adviser (NSA) was something emotional. To mark the special occasion, he embarked on a mental journey – remembering some of those who helped him on his way up. He wore robes and a pair of shoes gifted him by his late mentor, Dr. Mahmud Tukur. The cap on his head came from another benefactor, former Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Coomasssie.

    But this wasn’t just about personal achievement, it was also a time to acknowledge the weight of responsibilities that had just been thrust on him. He was taking over from Babagana Monguno who, despite occupying the position for eight years, was leaving an in-tray brimming with unresolved security problems.

    Ribadu assumes office with many questioning whether he’s the right fit for the job. All that’s academic now. He came to national prominence after being appointed EFCC chairman by former President Olusegun Obasanjo. He took to the assignment with characteristic dash only for a change of government to consign him to premature retirement. He left his career as an intelligence officer as an Assistant Inspector General (AIG) of Police. Despite the relatively senior position, some worried whether given that background he would be respected by the military hierarchy. These doubts flow from Nigeria’s past under military dictatorship, where soldiers saw the police as lesser mortals.

    Ribadu’s return to the corridors of power marks a break in the pattern of appointments to the office of NSA over the last 25 years where only former military officers were considered suitable. But such doubters forget that before the era of military domination of the position, another senior police officer, Ismaila Gwarzo, played the role for five years, first under Ernest Shonekan and later with General Sani Abacha.

    It bears pointing out that whatever influenced the thinking that only retired military officers were suitable as NSA, wasn’t supported by the reality on the ground as their leadership never delivered the pacific conditions the country needed to thrive.

    In the United States from where we copied the role, there have been as many former ex-military officers as there have been intellectuals occupying the position, with the tally weighted more in favour of the civilians. Such names as Henry Kissinger, Zbigniew Brzezinski, George Shultz, Condoleeza Rice, Susan Rice, John Bolton etc come to mind.

    Monguno was a general who was a former director of military intelligence. So you would have expected that he would have had an easy time dealing with those from his professional constituency. But for much of his eight years in office he battled for the kind of pull and influence of some his predecessors like Col. Sambo Dasuki, Gwarzo etc. had.

    Part of that power and influence had to do with involvement in multi-billion naira arms procurement contracts. Many would remember that the office of the NSA (ONSA) under Dasuki was neck deep in the wheeling and dealing during the Goodluck Jonathan years, so much so that much of the funds that were supposed to be used to purchase arms to fight the insurgency ended up being diverted to fighting the 2015 general elections.

    Monguno clearly saw his office as more than just a security clearing house. It never happened as the service chiefs refused to be surbodinated to him. At some point when he made a move in that direction he swiftly received a memo from Buhari’s office warning him not to give direct instructions to the service chiefs, but to stay within his advisory and coordinating remit. He wasn’t also allowed to get involved in procurement as this was left to the Ministries of Defence and Police Affairs. Would Ribadu be more involved or would the last administration’s arrangements remain?

    President Bola Tinubu very early in office made it clear that he was constructing a new security architecture where coordination would be paramount. He warned that service chiefs should be ready to work as part of a team and not as rivals. What he didn’t delve into is the level of control the NSA would have over them. Would he be giving orders to the chiefs ? Would that not be veering into the turf of the commander-in-chief?

    Read Also: Lawal hails Tinubu for appointing Ribadu as NSA

    These questions are important because of the gravity of the nation’s security challenges. The Boko Haram insurgency is largely crushed but they are still a nuisance along with ISWAP around the fringes of the Lake Chad. The spectre of terror is an ever present reality given events from the Sahel right up to Libya and across North Africa. Our long and porous borders means it is virtually impossible to keep out undesirable elements who are pouring in from conflict zones earlier identified.

    Killings in the North-Central region linked to herders remain a problem. In the last three months scores of people have lost their lives to the conflict. The activities of bandits is also a headache in the Northwest and in parts of North-Central.

    Kidnapping seems to be on the wane although not totally eliminated.

    In the Southeast the problem of rampaging gunmen is linked to the secessionist agitation. This much is clear from the fact that mainstream politicians have argued that the release of the Independent Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu, could bring an end to the killings. Would Ribadu subscribe to this line of thought or would he sustain the Buhari regime orthodoxy that insists the courts be left to decide his fate.

    Off our coasts, sea piracy is damaging our maritime prospects. But of greater worry in the South South zone is oil theft that seems unstoppable. Former Niger Delta agitator, Asari Dokubo, stirred the hornets nest recently when he accused military officials of colluding in the theft. He wasn’t saying anything new because the huge vessels that ferry out stolen crude are in waters supposedly patrolled by our Navy. Most roads in the region through which crude used for illegal refining travels have countless checkpoints points manned by soldiers, yet, the criminal activity continues.

    While so much has been said about the removal of fuel subsidy and the naira floatation, improving security conditions is intricately tied to turning the economy around. Imagine the the boost to the system if we can stamp out the theft of crude that goes on unchallenged every day. Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) officials estimated in 2022 that the country was losing as much as $700 million monthly to this activity.

    Imagine what can happen with agriculture if people in the nation’s food baskets are able to return to their farms? There can be no debate as to our ability to feed ourselves. What stands in our way is taking back our farmlands from homicidal maniacs who have scared farmers away.

    Getting wins in the area of security may not be as swift as we would all like. What would make a difference is fresh thinking. That is the biggest challenge facing the new man at ONSA. The old ideas from the military establishment are not working. He needs to deliver ideas that would produce quantifiable short term results.

    Certain measures like the state police require constitutional amendments. The good news is that there seems to be a national consensus that the time to get this done is now. Ribadu would be carving a special niche for himself if working with the National Assembly and state governments this idea becomes reality soon. The pressure is on and he must stand and deliver!

  • Southsouth Initiative to NSCDC: sustain battle against oil theft

    Southsouth Initiative to NSCDC: sustain battle against oil theft

    SOUTHSouthsouth Youth Initiative (SSYL) has urged Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to sustain the battle against oil theft.

    SSYL President, Saviour Oscar Imeabe, said NSCDC under Commandant-General, Dr. Ahmed Audi, deserved commendation for success recorded.

    Imeabe said the agency had helped to eliminate the soot disturbing Rivers and other Niger Delta states.

    He added from its findings, a backlog of over N300 million to families of deceased and injured officers of the corps have been paid.

    Speaking in Port Harcourt, Rivers State,  Imeabe observed NSCDC had demonstrated zero tolerance to corruption; shown respect for rule of law and operated within the Act establishing it.

    He said: “We have carried out investigations on the CG and his activities as commandant-general of NSCDC, and as a responsible organisation that deals with facts and not rumours, we can state CG Audi needs to be commended.

    Read Also: Eid-el-Kabir: NSCDC deploys 2,500 personnel in Kano

    “We are proud that with men like CG Audi the nation is on the part of getting it right in security. CG Audi should be given more opportunities  in public offices …”

    He said youths decided to commend him to motivate other heads of security under President Bola Tinubu to observe the rules of conduct.

    Imeabe said: “Before now, people lobby for a promotion, but the CG eliminated this and has maintained that only officers and men who stand on merit are promoted or posted.

    “He eliminated nepotism, tribalism and favouritism in posting of personnel to Southsouth, especially, Rivers State command. The CG has ensured respect for federal character in appointment and posting of state commandants. This was not given attention by his predecessors, but he has ensured all parts of the nation are given equal attention.”

    Imeabe urged Audi to continue to drive his men in the battle against oil theft, especially in Southsouth and Southeast.

    He said: “We recall that under Audi, 34 rifles were recovered from criminals in Imo State in December 2021.

    “He ensured regular promotion of personnel based on federal character. He worked for establishment of training schools, among others.

    “As a responsible organisation, whose interest is on good governance, accountability, transparency and equity, we reward and commend excellent commitment to service by public office holders…”

    “In the same vein, we condemn public officeholders who misappropriate the powers given to them for their selfish gain.

    “We thank President Ahmed Bola Tinubu for approving all necessary entitlements required for the smooth running of the NSCDC.”

  • Arewa24 launches mental health, wellness campaign

    Arewa24 launches mental health, wellness campaign

    AREWA24, leading Hausa language entertainment and lifestyle channel, has announced its inaugural Focus on Mental Health and Wellness Month. 

    In July, AREWA24 will devote segments of its breakfast show, Gari Ya Waye, and its women’s show, Mata A Yau to  discussions and interviews with top doctors, therapists and health experts on mental health and wellness. Although experts agree mental health is an integral part of good health and well-being, it has been neglected in Nigeria. 

    The Association of Psychiatrists in Nigeria (APN), said over 60 million Nigerians suffer from some form of mental illness, but only 10 per cent access appropriate care.

    Read Also: Firm holds mental health workshop for women

    APN President, Taiwo Obindo, noted the gap in treatment is a result of lack of knowledge, which leaves people with insufficient information about mental illness, and the ability to identify and seek appropriate treatment. 

    Despite prevalence of mental illness, Nigerian Medical Association said only 350 psychiatrists serve 220 million.

    It is estimated that at least one of every four Nigerians live with some sort or mental illness. “People do not have an understanding about mental health,” says Nigerian mental health expert, Aisha Bubah. “So mental health gets attributed to so many cultural beliefs, superstitious beliefs and evil. And the image people have is always about the extreme cases.”

  • Ladipo canvasses regular cleanliness of markets

    Ladipo canvasses regular cleanliness of markets

    LADIPO Auto Spareparts International Market, Mushin, Lagos, has  canvassed constant cleanliness of markets.

     Environmental Sanitation Committee Chairman, Nonso Chiufo, spoke during sanitation day in the market.

    Scoring the exercise high on compliance, he said they would continue to observe the day following government’s policy on clean environment.

    Chiufo added: “We prepared for the rainy season. The canals, drainages; everywhere is clean. Whenever it rains, the floods follow into the channel.”

    He congratulated President Bola Tinubu and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on his inauguration and second term.

    Read Also: Ladipo hits Basketmouth, hails Buhari for AY’s National Honour

    Market’s General Secretary,  Africanus Ogudoro, said the exercise, held quarterly, is a sensitisation for members.

    Besides, he said members were told to clean their environment after business daily  to ensure everything is neat the following day.

    On its parts, he said, the market’s association provided a dumping site for traders to take their refuse.

    Ogudoro thanked the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) for being alive to its statutory responsibilities, saying without the agency’s support, it would have been difficult for them to keep the market clean.

  • U.S. backs Nigeria on zero infected babies for HIV, others

    U.S. backs Nigeria on zero infected babies for HIV, others

    UNITED States Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has backed Nigeria to achieve zero infected babies for HIV, Hepatitis B and Syphillis.

     It noted while deaths of babies due to vaccine preventable infections in developed nations are declining, many babies born in Africa die from diseases that are vaccine-prevented and treatable.

     The centre also said besides support for end mother-to-child-transmission of HIV, Hepatitis B and Syphilis, it will aid adolescents and young adults adversely and disproportionately more affected.

      Speaking during a roundtable in Abuja, Country Director, Dr. Mary Boyd, said: “In Nigeria, the drivers of mortality remain primarily infections. Many of these are preventable and/or treatable. Second is neonatal disorders. If you look at the babies with neonatal disorders, some of them are due to vaccine preventable diseases in their mothers. We must support the mother and baby to do well with regards to infections…

    Read Also: CSOs task pharma firm on patent rights for HIV, hepatitis drugs

      National Coordinator of National AIDS and STDs Control Programme, Dr. Bashorun Adebobola, said: “There is a link between antenatal care attendance and Prevention of Mother-to-child-transmission (PMTCT) of HIV. We are also expanding this to Hepatitis B and Syphilis to achieve zero transmission of these diseases to babies.

      “Nigerian is committed to ensuring women attend antenatal care clinics. This will help to ensure there is no infection transferred to children from mothers. We are focusing on community-centred interventions to ensure women attend antenatal and postnatal care in health care centres.”

  • ‘Lagos didn’t remove RTEAN chair’

    ‘Lagos didn’t remove RTEAN chair’

    LEADERSHIP of Lagos State Parks & Garages Administrators (LASPAGA) has dispelled rumours government removed  former Chairman of Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), Alhaji Musa Muhammed, from office.

    In a statement, Secretary of LASPGA, Abdulrahman Amusan noted members passed a vote of no-confidence in him.

    The administrators said Muhammed’s removal was orchestrated by members following alleged mismanagement of funds, abuse of office, high-handedness, among others.

    Read Also: RTEAN accuses monarch of sponsoring attacks on members

    “It has become imperative for us to put the records straight and enlighten the public as well as Trade Union Congress and Nigeria Labour Congress that Lagos State should be absolved from the crisis between Lagos State Parks & Garages Administrators (LASPAGA) and Musa Muhammed…

    “The  state has nothing to do with him, and the purported court order of National Industrial Court had been appealed,” it said.

  • Writers urge Tinubu to secure Nigeria

    Writers urge Tinubu to secure Nigeria

    Writers, under auspices of Nigerian Centre of PEN International (aka PEN Nigeria), has urged President Bola Tinubu-led administration to improve the security situation and economy.

    The group lamented that terror attacks has made it difficult for “writers, in particular, to interact with other members of the literary community, just as many farmers dread going to their farms –  a threat to food security”.

     The group spoke in a statement by its President, Folu Agoi, and Secretary, Dagga Tolar.

    Read Also: VIDEO: President Tinubu arrives Lagos residence for Sallah

     Appreciating the government for steps taken to confront the problem, it called on Tinubu to stop the attacks “so citizens can move freely for cultural collaboration, integration, and growth in socio-economic and other activities”.

     It called on National Assembly to revisit and approve the National Book Policy (NBP) to take care of the interests of book stakeholders.

    “… The policy, essential for development, good value system, and advancement of civilisation, was submitted to the Assembly in 2013,” it said.