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  • What Tinubu’s government can do forNigerian women – Akiyode-Afolabi

    What Tinubu’s government can do for
    Nigerian women – Akiyode-Afolabi

    Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi is an activist, Lawyer and former chairperson of the Transition Monitoring Group. In this interview with Yetunde Oladeinde she does a review of the performance of Nigerian women at the last elections, the five gender bills that were thrown away by the National Assembly last year, the challenges, negotiation with political parties, gender-based violence, the role of Civil Society, new opportunities, and the task for the new administration.

    What are your expectations from the new government?

    There are lots of expectations. The first is in terms of the representation of women. If you see what is happening across the world, women’s representation is rising. Even in the recent election in Sierra Leone last week, they had about 30 percent women and it is unfortunate that in Nigeria we are just 4 percent and this is becoming retrogression for women.

    So, we feel that in terms of appointment, the government should do something in this regard. Secondly, the government should also ensure that the constitution is reformed in a way that would benefit women. The five gender bills and the constitution are priority issues. Government should do more in terms of empowerment of women. And we have realized that poverty is affecting women, it’s a double jeopardy for women and there is a need to specifically have a government structure that is women centered in such a way that the needs of the people would be met. Nigerians are going through a lot and women are bearing most of the burden. So, there is not going to be any successful government if you don’t look at those who are suffering. People with disability, women with disability, women struggling to make ends meet and have become heads of most households. There is a need for the government to ensure that life gets better. And if you look at conflict, which is also another area that I think the government should focus on. They should step up; they need to protect the people. The protection of the people has since gone down and women also suffer in that regard and one would expect that there should be a lot done around the issue of security. I think the government should also improve its external relations; the reputation of the country is not getting better. Government should do more to make Nigeria of better value and be seen in a better light.

    This also deals with import, export, and the migration of people. Agriculture is another area where you have a lot of women doing a lot of wonderful work but very little is being seen in terms of investment for women in Agriculture. So, one would think that government would focus on that and tap into the potential of women in this regard.

    What do you think is wrong with women’s representation in politics?

    There are a lot of things. If you look at what happened in Sierra Leone, they picked from the political parties. I think it is important for the government to look at it from that angle or constitutional. I would insist that it is constitutional because what Sierra Leone did was pass an Act. In Nigeria, if an Act is passed and we can still challenge it and say it is not constitutional, which was the argument that we had previously, then the constitutional review will be important to achieve that.

    In the last administration, the Senate President and the speaker had confessed that they felt that they had failed women by not making sure that those gender bills were passed. I think it should be one of the priority things for this government to take over.

    What does the Women’s protest against the NASS on the gender bills signify?

    It signifies that the government is not attending to the needs of women. The constitution is the grand law, the highest law. There is not a single thing that the women demanded in the constitution that they passed. So, coming out was to show that the government was not sensitive. I think this current government should learn from that and learn to be sensitive to the women and the people of Nigeria. Women bear a lot of burden and having women who enjoy development, systems, and structures that are effective would actually better the Nation. Being deliberate and intentional about developing the huge population of women in this country is important. As we speak, 60 percent of women cannot read and write in most of the Northern part of Nigeria. So, it is not smart economics, to have had to lose that number. And that is what we are saying about representation. In this country, we are celebrating the first female commissioner for health in Rivers State. Can you imagine that? We are celebrating the first female deputy speaker after how many years of independence, and many years of the existence of this country. We should have passed those levels which shows that we need to do more to be able to achieve more.

    Read Also: Don asks Tinubu to revamp varsities through PPP

    Over the years, your organization has focused on research. What are some of the things you have done in the past that make you happy?

    There have been a lot of things we have done. For example, we have done a lot of research on Violence Against Women and we have come up with strategies. In the last year, we have been able to work with the UN women spotlight Initiative to set in most companies, what we call Standard Operating procedure in responding to the issue of Gender-based violence. Through our research work, we have been able to draft several research manuals, supporting the learning and training of groups, and women’s movements in Nigeria. We have also had a lot of research around political participation which helped people to understand that some of our research is being read and cited by people in academia and outside the country. We have also done a lot of research on gender budgeting, saying that we should have a gender-responsive budget, a people-centered budget. Our work has also influenced the passage of the Violence Against Persons Bill. It has influenced the designation of courts to address sexual harassment, sexual violence in some states like Yobe State and some other states where this is now effective. We have also contributed a lot of training for government Agencies particularly the Ministry of Women’s Affairs. We have stood for them to say that there is a need for increase and visibility for the Ministry. That sector being effective can also affect the kind of laws women can get from government and government institutions.

    By and large, we have realized that it is a collective effort. So, we work with government, we work with institutions that are effective. We work with civil society organizations and believe that there is a need to strengthen the movement. We need to build the movement of women. If you recall that period of Funmilayo Ransome Kuti, a lot of things worked for them because women worked together. So, we have realized that if we don’t work together as women it might be a difficult thing for us to achieve.

    The women in Civil Society have really come of age because I can see a lot of collaborations. I can see a lot of strengthening around the issue of women’s movement. I can see them working together, working with the government and with the private sector. It’s been a lot learning curve for them because they have lost and won and more or less a time of reflection for them. They come together for agenda, we see CSOs with 500 organizations signing a statement on a particular issue. You see all of them moving together to make sure that they stir us. Look at the way the Violence Against Persons prohibition law was passed in over 32 states. It is unprecedented; it’s a combination of efforts. From having an effective Minister for Women’s Affairs to having the Nigerian governor’s wives that became very effective, an unprecedented way to having a civil Society. Also, having a Civil Society that has come of age and can now work with Senators in a way that they can lobby and give some of those things. I think that there has been a lot of improvement.

    We have seven deputy governors that are female. Does this mean anything for women?

    It means a lot because there was a time in this country when we had just one. I think in 1999, we had just one. If in 2023, we have 7 then I think it is gradually showing that discussing gender equality is not a discussion that people are not familiar with, for example, Adamawa state. This was a state that had a female deputy Governor because a woman came up to run for the governorship. In such a state, you know that they now know and understand the need for a deputy governor. You would be surprised that we would end up having a female governor from the North soon.

  • Emefiele facing gun, ammunition possession charges —Sources

    Emefiele facing gun, ammunition possession charges —Sources

    • •Lagos court to pick judge for case next week •Another court voids suspended CBN gov’s arrest

    The suspended Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Godwin Emefiele is likely to face charges of illegal possession of gun and live ammunition, Channels Television reported last night.

    His trial is scheduled for Lagos next week.

    The Department of State Services (DSS) had said on Thursday that it had charged Emefiele to court but gave no details of the charges.

    However, a Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, sitting at Apo, Abuja, yesterday voided his arrest and detention.

    This came 24 hours after a separate FCT High Court sitting in Maitama, Abuja had ordered the DSS to charge Emefiele to court within seven days or release him.

    Emefiele, according to Channels TV, will face a two count charge of possessing one single barrel shot gun (JOJEFF MAGNUM 8371) without licence, thus committing an offence contrary  to Section 4 of the Firearms Cap F28 Laws of the Federation 2004 and punishable under Section 27 (1) (b) (i) of the same act.

    He is also accused of having in his possession 123 rounds of live ammunition (catridges) without licence.

    The offences were allegedly committed at No.3B Iru Close, Ikoyi, Lagos “on or about the 15th June, 2023”

    Emefiele was arrested on June 10, 2023, the day after he was suspended by President Bola Tinubu.

    Spokesman of DSS, Dr. Peter Afunanya, said on Thursday that the decision to charge Emefiele was in compliance with the court order.

    The service had previously sought to arraign Emefiele for offences bordering on terrorism.

    In February, it said preliminary investigation revealed various acts of terrorism financing, fraudulent activities perpetrated by Emefiele and his involvement in economic crimes of national security dimension.

    The DSS had attempted to arrest Emefiele but a Federal High Court in Maitama, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja issued an order restraining the Service from arresting him.

    This ruling, delivered by Justice M.A. Hassan, also applied to the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) who were listed as defendants.

    Read Also: DSS files charges against Emefiele

    The Nation gathered yesterday that Emefiele is likely to be formally charged at the Federal High Court in Lagos next week.

    Multiple sources said the DSS filed the charge yesterday and it now awaits the assignment of the case to a judge for hearing.

     Suits at the Federal High Court are assigned by the Administrative Judge for each division of the court.

    “The Admin Judge in Lagos will probably assign the case to a judge on Monday,” one of the sources said.

     Again, Court voids Emefiele’s arrest, detention, orders immediate release

    In voiding Emefiele’s arrest yesterday, the Apo, Abuja FCT High Court declared that his arrest, detention and interrogation violated the subsisting judgment and orders of Justice M. A. Hassan in Suit No. FCT/HC/GAR/CV/41/2022.

    Justice Bello Kawu also granted Emefiele’s prayer that the Court make an order setting aside, voiding, quashing, invalidating, and nullifying any warrant of arrest obtained or procured by the respondents, especially the DSS for his arrest, detention, and/or interrogation in connection with the allegations of terrorism financing, fraudulent practices, money laundering, round tripping, threat to national security before or from any court since the date of the judgment of Justice M. A. Hassan.

    In addition, the Court granted an injunction restraining the respondents, particularly the DSS, from arresting, detaining, further detaining or proceeding against, breaching, or interfering with his personal liberty and freedom of movement or taking any other steps against him in connection with any allegations of terrorism financing, fraudulent practices, money laundering, round tripping, threat to national security before or from any court since the date of the judgment of Justice M. A. Hassan.

    Also granted by the presiding judge was an order of injunction directing and mandating the respondents, particularly the DSS, to forthwith release and unfetter Emefiele from any arrest, detention, custody, interrogation concerning allegations of terrorism financing, fraudulent practices, money laundering, round-tripping, the threat to national security before or from any court because of the subsisting judgment of Justice M. A. Hassan.

    Emefiele had in an Originating Motion on Notice against Incorporated Trustees of Forum for Accountability and Good Leadership, the Attorney General of the Federation, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the Inspector General of Police, the DSS and the Central Bank of Nigeria, asked the court to set aside, quash, invalidate, and nullify his arrest and detention being illegal and a nullity given the subsisting judgment of Justice M. A. Hassan delivered on 29th December 2022.

  • Access Bank to acquire Standard Chartered’s stakes in five African countries

    Access Bank to acquire Standard Chartered’s stakes in five African countries

    ACCESS Bank Plc is in talks with Standard Chartered Bank for the acquisition of the latter’s shareholding in its subsidiaries in Angola, Cameroon, The Gambia, and Sierra Leone, as well as its Consumer, Private & Business Banking business in Tanzania.

    However, the transactions will require the approval of the respective country’s banking regulator.

    Standard Chartered made this known at its Headquarters in London in the presence of senior representatives from both banks. Both Sunil Kaushal, Regional CEO, Africa & Middle East, Standard Chartered and Roosevelt Ogbonna, Group Managing Director, Access Bank Plc, initiated the agreement.

    The agreement with Access for the sale of the bank’s business in Sub-Saharan Africa is in line with Standard Chartered’s global strategy aimed at achieving operational efficiencies, reducing complexity and driving scale.

    Access Bank will provide a full range of banking services and continuity for key stakeholders including employees and clients in the Standard Chartered businesses across the five aforementioned countries.

    According to the agreement, Access and Standard Chartered Bank will work closely together in the coming months to ensure a seamless transition, with the transaction expected to be completed over the next 12 months.

    Commenting on the agreement, Sunil Kaushal, Regional CEO, Africa & Middle East, Standard Chartered, said: “Following on the announcement we made in April last year, the project is now substantially completed with the announcement for the sale of the 5 markets and the furtherance of a partnership with Access Bank.

    “This strategic decision allows us to redirect resources within the AME region to other areas with significant growth potential, ultimately enabling us to better support our clients.

    “We look forward to working closely with Access Bank’s team over the coming months to achieve a successful conclusion to this transaction while safeguarding the interests of our valued clients and prioritising our employees.”

    Read Also: I offended several women who may have my kids – Suebebe

    Commenting on the agreement, Roosevelt Ogbonna, Group Managing Director, Access Bank Plc, stated: “We are pleased to sign this agreement today and express our appreciation for being selected as the preferred partner to Standard Chartered Bank through this transaction, in which it is exiting four African markets and refocusing in one.

    “As a distinguished regional and international bank with a rich heritage spanning over 150 years, Standard Chartered Bank has built a solid presence in these markets for over 100 years.”

    For Access, this strategic transaction represents a key step in its journey to build a strong global franchise focused on serving as a gateway for payments, investment, and trade within Africa and between Africa and the rest of the world, anchored by a robust capital base; a relentless focus on execution; and best-in-class customer service & governance structures.

    “At Access Bank, we are committed to reshaping the global perception of Africa and African businesses, even as we continue to build toward our vision to be the World’s Most Respected African Bank.

    “Our 5-year growth plan will see us build a world-class class payments gateway leveraging the power of technology and supported by a dynamic ecosystem of local and international partnerships, enabling us to serve global payments and remittances efficiently.

    “With our recent European expansion and our deepened presence in key trading corridors across Africa, we will bridge the gap between cross-border and domestic transfers across all business segments.

    “More importantly, we are committed to impacting our host communities positively,” Ogbonna added.

    In April 2022, Standard Chartered strategically decided to divest from a number of markets, namely Lebanon, Angola, Cameroon, Gambia, Sierra Leone, Zimbabwe and Jordan, and to exit the CPBB (Consumer Private and Business Banking) business in Côte d’Ivoire and Tanzania.

    The Bank announced its sale of its business in Zimbabwe earlier in June and in Jordan in March this year.

    With this announcement, Standard Chartered has substantially completed the divestment process from the markets announced in April 2022, except Côte d’Ivoire where it remains actively engaged in discussions with potential buyers for the sale of its CPBB business in the country.

  • IPOB kicks as military moves to break sit-at-home

    IPOB kicks as military moves to break sit-at-home

    • Southeast lost N4 trillion in two years to action – Kalu

    The Indigeneous People of Biafra(IPOB) has condemned the statement credited to the Nigerian Army linking IPOB to the incessant and destructive sit-at-home orders and enforcement in the Southeast.

    In a statement on Friday, the group, through its Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, said the Army Chief, Gen. Lagbaja Taoreed will not claim ignorance of all the previous press releases written by IPOB disassociating itself from Simon Ekpa and his criminal sit-at-home  enforcers.

    “For the avoidance of doubt, IPOB is not responsible for Mondays nor failed 7-day and purported two-week sit-at-home orders and enforcement.”

    He said that the reckless and abusive sit-at-home strategy was from the autopilot group led by Simon Ekpa.

    “We have consistently made it known that Simon Ekpa and his autopilot group are not IPOB members and do not represent Mazi Nnamdi Kanu in their violent enforcement of sit-at-home orders.

    “Recently, IPOB members rallied in Lahti City in Finland to demonstrate to the world that Simon Ekpa is not an IPOB member that is why he couldn’t come out to identify with the protesters.

    “Therefore, for the Nigeria Army to associate the reckless sit-at-home enforcement to IPOB is to show that the Nigerian government is using the promoters of violent enforcement of sit-at-home and criminalities in the East to blackmail IPOB and Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

    “General Lagbaja and the government of Nigeria are aware of the man responsible for the violent enforcement of sit-at-home in the East. Why then are they shying away from accusing him? Instead, they prefer to unleash military mayhem on our people in the guise of going after sit-at-home enforcers?

    “They know their camps, so why not visit them there and stop them and stop linking this peaceful IPOB agitation to their criminalities. If they are not behind Simon Ekpa, why haven’t they made any official complaints against him as a democratic government should?”

    He said that IPOB opposes every military intervention in the East because they are usually of evil motives.

    “We support  them if they arrest the criminals and enforcers of the forceful sit-at-home, but they must do so at their camps. We will not support the government’s plan to invade Igbo land because we will continue  to protect our innocent fathers, mothers, and youths.

    “The Nigeria Army uses every opportunity to extrajudicially murder Igbo people any time they are deployed to the East. That is why we object to their presence as much as we detest the malicious sit-at-home and violent enforcement from agent provocateurs. We oppose military interventions because it will be used to kill and destroy the livelihood of our people.”

    A twitter user, Chigozirom Aliyu Emeakayi had yesterday posted about the presence of security operatives in different parts of Anambra State. He said:  “Nnewi/Ozubulu is locked up. Different Security Operatives everywhere! Uli,Azia,Ihiala,Okija,Amorka, all getting beefed up by the Nigerian Military. Soludo is not joking. Peter Obi should ask his boys to stay away from Anambra or face the music.”

    Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, Friday, decried the losses recorded in the Southeast following disruptions of economic activities by the sit-at-home order.

    He said that about N4 trillion has been lost to the problem in the last two years.

    Hon. Kalu also lamented  that the situation observed every Monday in the region has crippled businesses and also stifled opportunities for economic growth.

    Delivering a keynote address at the “All Markets Conference 2023” with the theme: ‘Catalysing Partnership with Traders through Innovation, Technology, Analytics & Sustainability’ in Lagos, the deputy speaker said the situation had forced potential investors out of the south east.

    Hon. Kalu who noted that violence was alien to the region therefore called for a collective efforts by all Igbo sons and daughters to end the menace.

    He said: “The existential threat to Igbo entrepreneurship and businesses now is the insecurity and sit-at-home problem in the South-East. The mutation of this problem is largely unfathomable. It is becoming a cankerworm that is eating deep into our collective fortune as a people. We have to rise up to nip the problem in the bud.

    Read Also: ‘Be ruthless against sit-at-home enforcers’

    “The first wave of the migration of Igbo businesses post-civil war was in the late 1980s and the 1990s, when, due to incessant kidnappings, thievery and a rise in occultism, Igbo businesses domiciled in Igboland moved en masse to other parts of Nigeria and the west & central African region to thrive. We are currently witnessing the second wave of such migration of Igbos businesses, this time around, due to the insecurity and the sit-at-home problem in our beloved region. Ummunnem, this is not us.

    “We are not known for these. If I do not tell you these truths as your son, then it will be difficult for anyone in governance from Ala-Igbo to tell you. I am pained by what our dear land has become. We have to be honest and sincere with ourselves. In conclusion, I make a heartfelt plea to each and every one of you.

    “We cannot afford to retreat from our business endeavors. The stay-at-home order on Mondays has resulted in staggering losses of 4 trillion Naira in the last two years in the Southeast alone according to statistical data. This is also affecting the businesses of our brothers across Nigeria especially in the supply-chain. We must find lasting solutions to the security challenges in Igboland, addressing them collectively with innovative strategies. My brothers and my sisters. We must think and think again!”

     Mbah bemoans devastating effect of sit-at-home in Enugu

    Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has bemoaned the devastating impacts of the unlawful sit-at-home order in the economy of the state by a faction of IPOB.

    Mbah, who spoke in Enugu at a meeting with the Presidents-General (PGs) of all the autonomous communities in the state, said the illegal sit-at-home was impoverishing citizens and scaring potential investors.

    He restated his administration’s resolve to deal ruthlessly with criminal elements disturbing the peace of the state.

    The governor assured residents and visitors carrying on businesses in the state of their safety, stressing that his administration had already placed security agencies on the highest level of alert to forestall security breaches and safeguard their lives and property.

    The governor, who further enjoined them to erase everything about sit-at-home in the state from their memories, said the government was doing everything necessary to liaise with other neighbouring states in order to dislodge criminals from all their hideouts.

    According to him, there’s a connection between sit-at-home and poverty among the people, warning that security operatives would continue to strike hooligans victimising the public over a wrong and unjustifiable cause.

    He wondered why those sitting in the comfort of their homes somewhere overseas would be hurting innocent people in a sponsored bid to destabilize the region, saying it’s only those living in delusion that would hide under the guise of fighting for Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s release to commit atrocities.

    Mbah reiterated his resolve to make the state attractive for private investors, create jobs, train the youths on digital transformation, and restore the lost glory the state was known for through his programmes and policies.

    “It is time to take ownership of our future. It’s time to say enough is enough to this menace because we’re using the sit-at-home to marginalise ourselves. How does this illegal sit-at-home by criminals affect the Federal Government, or the economic planning in Abuja?

    “Don’t be deceived by people who want to make you believe they’re fighting for your cause. They’re criminals sponsored to destabilize our state, our region and our people. We must resist them and say, enough is enough. We must erase everything about sit-at-home from our memories and go back to our culture of industry, creativity and commerce.”

    Meanwhile, residents of Enugu, the Enugu State capital have lauded the commitment of the new Chief of Army Staff to rid Southeast region of criminal elements and putting a stop to the illegal sit-at-home in the region.

    The residents said the new directive given by the COAS to the 82 Division of the Army, Enugu to raid hideouts of IPOB would no doubt stop the enforcement of the Mondays sit-at -home in the region.

    Speaking separately with The Nation in Enugu, the residents urged the army to do everything within its powers to recover Southeast from the hands of bandits.

    One of them, Thankgod Ani, said: “I’m glad to hear about the directive by the COAS. He knows this Southeast very well having worked here as the commander, 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Enugu. So, I expect that with this directive, we would witness raids of black spots in order to eradicate violent crimes and enforcement of sit-at-home in the state. I also know that security agencies know these hideouts.”

    He, however ,charged the army to exhibit complete professionalism and act in accordance with international best practices and also be mindful of human rights abuses.

    “I say this because in some of the places where you find criminal hideouts, innocent citizens also live there. And most times, when security operatives raid such places, they set houses of innocent citizens ablaze and even go as far as arresting everyone around the vicinity.

    “General Lagbaja didn’t have plenty human rights issues when he was here as the General Officer Commanding 82 Division. So, I expect that his men will be able to set Southeast free without serious damage to innocent citizens,” Ani, a security expert said.

    Chief Chidi Anichebe, a resident of One-day in  Enugu South Local Government Area, described the army directive as a welcome development.

    According to him, “we are tired of being ordered by hoodlums to sit at home. I want to tell you that because of the success the sit-at-home enforcers have recorded owing to fear in all of us, they have taken their crime a notch further by stealing and kidnapping people any time they like. This is unacceptable. So, I’m very happy with the directive to flush them out.

    “We are even safer here in the city. I say this because where I come from in Awgu, our people don’t even do anything at all till the following day. And our people have been facing a lot of threats even before the recent political activities, but with the current army directive to raid criminal hideouts, I’m sure our people will be experiencing a new lease of life in the coming weeks,” Anichebe said.

    Army,sister agencies  promise to maintain peace in Abia

    A senior officer  of the 14 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Barracks, Ohafia, Abia State,  has said that the relative peace enjoyed in the state was as a result of the proactiveness of the brigade in collaboration with sister security agencies.

    The officer craved anonymity as he was not authorized to speak to the media on the issue.

    The Army Public Relations Officer (APRO) 14 Brigade, Lt. Innocent Omale refused to respond to answer calls and text messages sent to his WhatsApp messenger over the preparedness of the Brigade to comply with the orders of the Chief of Army Staff, Major-General Taoreed Lagbaja, urging military formations under the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army to raid bushes in their Area of Responsibility (AoR) of members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (who) take refuge in the bush.

    But the senior army officer of the brigade who chose to speak anonymously disclosed that the brigade had adopted different strategies including raiding of black spots and suspected hideouts of the Eastern Security Network (ESN) in the state before the orders of the COAS.

    According to the source who called for more assistance from the state and federal government in providing logistics to the command headquarters, noting that  with the call by the COAS, they would further strengthen their campaign while ensuring that they avoid what he described as collateral damage.

    The source disclosed that the ESN operatives sometimes resort to mixing up with the locals if they got wind of any planned invasion of their camps.

    The source further urged the government of Abia State to give the traditional rulers the necessary support that would spur them to work with security agencies to rid communities and bushes in their communities of ESN operatives who have continued to make life difficult for innocent citizens of the state.

  • NOA personnel trained on grassroots health coverage campaign in A’Ibom

    NOA personnel trained on grassroots health coverage campaign in A’Ibom

    The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has trained the Community Mobilisation Officers (COMO) of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to enable them to drive grassroots enlightenment on the health insurance scheme in Akwa Ibom State.

    Speaking on Thursday during a two-day training workshop for NOA’s personnel in Uyo, the Acting Director on Media of NHIA, Mr Emmanuel Ononokpono noted that the move is geared towards attaining Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in Nigeria.

    “We adopt this strategy to increase health awareness because Nigerians need enough information to enable them to have access to affordable and quality health care,” he added.

    Read Also: Fed Govt ready to reverse shortage in medical personnel

    On his part, the Akwa Ibom State Coordinator of NHIA, Mr Williams Ebiokobo noted that low awareness and funding have been the major challenges confronting the agency.

    Also speaking, the Director-General of NOA, Dr. Garba Abari assured that being an agency to disseminate all government policies and programmes, NOA will take NHIA’s activities to the grassroots Abari represented by the Director, Human Resource Management, Mr Kehinde Ogunkuade noted that the health of all Nigerians also remains the concern of the agency, adding that a “healthy manpower produces a healthy development.”

  • PEPC to deliver judgment same day on Atiku, Obi, APM election petitions

    PEPC to deliver judgment same day on Atiku, Obi, APM election petitions

    •Reserves decision on suit seeking Tinubu’s, Shettima’s sack

    The Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC) yesterday announced that it has scheduled for the same day delivery of its judgments on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)/Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi/Labour Party (LP), and Allied Peoples Movement (APM) petitions against the election of President Bola Tinubu.

    The Presiding Justice of the PEPC, Justice Haruna Tsammani, informed counsel to the parties in the APM petition of this development after the lawyers adopted their final written addresses.

    Justice Tsammani said the court had reserved judgment in the petition until a date to be communicated to the parties.

    The PEPC, according to him, planned to deliver judgments on the same day on the three petitions now pending before court, in line with the provisions of its practice guidelines.

    Adopting their final written addresses earlier, respondents’ lawyers – Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN) for President Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettma; Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) for the All Progressives Congress (APC); Steven Adehi (SAN) for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and Roland Otaru (SAN) for Kabir Masari – urged the court to dismiss the petition for being unmeritorious.

    But counsel to the petitioner, Andrew Malgwi (SAN) prayed the court to allow his client’s petition and grant the reliefs sought.

    The APM had prayed the court  to void Tinubu’s participation in the election, claiming among others, that  he, at the time of the presidential election of February 25, 2023, was not qualified to contest the position of the president as a result of the alleged double nomination of his then running mate, Kashim Shettima.

    The APM claimed that at the time of the election, the APC had no vice presidential candidate because Kabiru Masari (the placeholder) resigned, while Shettima allegedly had double nomination – as candidate for Borno Central Senatorial District and vice presidential candidate.

    It also contended that by their alleged acts, the APC, Tinubu and Shettima breached Section 142 of the Constitution and Section 35 of the Electoral Act, 2022.

    It asked the court to nullify Tinubu’s victory and declare PDP’s candidate, Atiku Abubakar, who came second, as winner of the election.

    In its final written address, the APC argued that the sole issue of non-qualification raised by the APM, which it hinged on its claim of double nomination, was effectively dealt with in the May 26, 2023 judgment of the Supreme Court in the suit filed by the PDP against INEC and two others.

    The party argued that the petition amounted to an abuse of court process as the sole issue raised in it has been caught by the doctrine of issue estoppel.

    It said: “The abstract nature of the petition is further brought to the fore when it is realised that the petitioner’s sole ground of non-qualification anchored on allegation of breach of Section 142 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and Section 35 of the Electoral Act, 2022, sought to be re-litigated by the petitioner against the return of the 3rd and 4th respondents as President and Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, pursuant to the presidential election held on 25th February, 2023, have been settled and determined by the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

    “Indeed, more worrisome is the academic, theoretical and hypothetical nature of the entire petition when considered against the reliefs sought in paragraph 31 of the petition, which is of no practical utilitarian value to the petitioner, who came a distant 13th position, polling a miserly 25, 961 votes as against the 3rd and 4th respondents’ 8,794,726 votes, even if judgment is given in petitioner’s favour.

    “Flowing from the above, as a critical prefatory remark, it is no doubt clear that the instant election petition was from the outset doomed to fail.

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    “Apart from the fact that the averments and materials attached to the petition were grossly insufficient to sustain the petition, the sole ground upon which those facts were predicated was effectively caught by the doctrine of issue estoppel, having been fully and finally determined by the apex court in its decision delivered on the 26 May 2023 in suit No: SC/CV/501/2023 between Peoples Democratic Party V. INEC and 3 others.”

    It argued that neither Tinubu nor Shettima breached the provisions of the constitution and the Electoral Act relied on by the petitioner, adding that the APM was unable to prove that they violated both provisions.

    “It is our humble contention that the 3rd respondent (Tinubu) is a member of the 2nd respondent political party (APC) and was validly sponsored by the 2nd respondent in compliance with the provisions of Section 131(c) of the Constitution and same is not in contention in this petition.

    “Also, the 3rd respondent has nominated the 4th respondent (Shettima) as his associate from the same political party to occupy the office of Vice President and, by that token, deemed to have been duly elected to the office of Vice President upon the election of the 3rd respondent to the office of President at the election of 25th February,2023.

    “We humbly submit that the responsibility of nominating a vice president is on the presidential candidate.

    “The way and manner in which such nomination is to be done is not prescribed by the Constitution or Electoral Act, same being the sole responsibility of the presidential candidate, which duty, the 3rd  respondent, in this petition performed accurately and satisfactorily by nominating the 4th respondent.

    “It is the contention of the petitioner that the 4th respondent was nominated by the 2nd respondent for the office of the Senator representing Borno Central Senatorial District on 25th June, 2022 and was also nominated by the 3rd respondent for the office of the Vice-president in violation of Section 35 of the Electoral Act, 2022.

    “We submit that the office of the vice president is not one for which a primary election is conducted. Rather, a presidential candidate, who is elected during primary election, nominates the vice president of his choice.”

    Tinubu, Shettima and the APC had closed their defence in Atiku’s petition  on July 6, 24 hours after doing the same in respect of the Obi’s petition.

    The court said at the time that it would fix a date for closing arguments by the counsel in the suit.

  • Environmental activist flays destruction of stolen oil vessels by NNPCL

    Environmental activist flays destruction of stolen oil vessels by NNPCL

    ENVIRONMENTAL activist and Executive Director of Health of Mother Earth Foundation, Dr Nnimmo Bassey, has chided the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Ltd for destroying a vessel allegedly laden with 800,000 litres of stolen crude in Nigerian waters.

    Bassey, while describing the act as economic waste and assault to ecology, regretted that personnel of the Nigerian military are ignorant of the ongoing climate crisis the world is faced with.

    NNPC Ltd recently said it intercepted a vessel, MT Tura II, ferrying 800,000-litres of substance suspected to be stolen crude offshore.

    The Nigerian government owned oil company equally claimed that the vessel was heading for Cameroon at the time of the arrest.

    It was said that the company subsequently set the ship ablaze,  to serve as a deterrent to other oil thieves.

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    Speaking on the development, the Activist said Nigerian security agencies need to be educated on climate crises and how  destroying petroleum products affects the environment; stressing that, it is tantamount to ecological assault.

    “The drama that unfolded with regard to the seized and bombed vessel is extremely disturbing. Destroying a vessel loaded with 800,000 barrels of crude oil should be taken as a new low in the demonstration of wastefulness on the part of those who should be watching over the nation’s resources.

    “The entire episode requires urgent investigation. Why would anyone blow up a vessel and dump 800,000 barrels of oil into the environment? If that volume of crude is correct, this must be one of the largest volumes of crude oil spilled in one incident.

    “Our security men are often seen protecting pollution such as gas flares and rotten pipelines and stripping communities of their dignity. In this incident they have demonstrated utter disregard to our constitutional right to a safe environment.

    “One drop of crude oil contaminates 25 litres of water. Imagine what 800,000 barrels of crude oil would do. It means destruction of fisheries and of livelihoods. It also means directly poisoning our people. It is shocking and unacceptable.

  • Gunmen abduct son, father in Kwara

    Gunmen abduct son, father in Kwara

    GUNMEN suspected to be kidnappers have abducted a father and his son in Kwara state.

    The incident happened around 7pm on Thursday at Isanlu-Isin, Isin Local Government Area of the state.

     The suspected gunmen damaged the vehicle in which the abductees were driving in before whisking them away.

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     A concerned member of the local government raised this alarm: “With deepest sympathy and a disturbing mind I would like to inform you that a syndicate of kidnappers has occurred at Isanlu Isin damaging the vehicle and taking away one Femi Ajayi of First Baptist Grammar School Isanlu Isin and his father at Isanlu Isin in Ìsìn LGA Kwara state.

    The spokesperson of the state police command Ajayi Okasanmi confirmed the incident.

    He said that the state police Commissioner Ebunoluwarotimi Adelesi has dispatched teams of policemen supported by local hunters and vigilante to the town for possible search and rescue of the abductees.

  • Ogun tribunal: PDP witness unable to substantiate claim of being polling agent

    Ogun tribunal: PDP witness unable to substantiate claim of being polling agent

    AGAIN, there was confusion at the ongoing governorship election petition Tribunal sitting in Abeokuta, the state capital, with the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), witness unable to substantiate his claim that he was the party’s polling agent during the March 18 governorship election in Ogun State.

    The witness, Isau Lawal from Makun, Sagamu had claimed to have worked as PDP’s polling agent for PU002, Ward 12, but when the All Progressives’ Congress (APC) counsel pointed out that one Yewande Babatunde was the PDP’s polling agent at the said PU002, Ward 12, he backtracked and admitted knowing Yewande Babatunde as the rightful agent of the party for the unit.

    The witness backtracked when he was not been able to show evidence that he worked at the Polling Unit 002 on March 18.

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    However, earlier, during proceedings on the same Friday, the panel overruled an objection of PDP’s counsel over observed repetition and similarity in statements made by its different witnesses in respect of the different polling units they covered.

    Counsel to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Remi Olatubora, had raised the observations and asked questions about the similarities in the PDP witnesses’ statements and several cases of inconsistencies, prompting the petitioner’s counsel, Goddy Uche, to raise objection against it but the Panel overruled him.

    The observations were unanimously endorsed by all the counsel to the respondents.

  • Oborevwori tasks traditional rulers on security

    Oborevwori tasks traditional rulers on security

    DELTA Governor, Chief Sheriff Oborevwori, has appealed to traditional rulers to give priority attention to matters of security in their domains.

    Oborevwori, made the call yesterday during the presentation of Staff of Office to His Royal Majesty, Simpson Sapele Obruche, Obruche (11), the Odion R’ode of Uwheru Kingdom, Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State.

    The governor who was represented by his Deputy, Mr Monday Onyeme, assured that his administration will continue to hold traditional rulers in high esteem.

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    He urged them to work closely with law enforcement agencies and local government councils to ensure that peace prevails in their domains.

    According to him, “The traditional institution remains a priceless legacy in any African society for which there is yet no credible substitute, as a rallying point for the people.”

    Chairman, Central Planning Committee for the event, Hon. Esemeteye Benjamin, thanked Oborevwori for presenting the Staff of Office to their traditional ruler.

    The Chairman, Ughelli North Council, Mr. Adode Godwin, urged youths to ensure that peace is maintained in the kingdom while they channel their energy to productive ventures.