The Nation Newspaper

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  • Onikoyi Stool: Indigenes appeal to Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu to step into crisis

    Onikoyi Stool: Indigenes appeal to Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu to step into crisis

    Stakeholders and indigenous people of Ikoyi and Imoba land in Lagos Island have called on President Bola Tinubu and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to quickly step into the Onikoyi vacant stool imbroglio.  

    Since the demise of the late Oba Patrick Ibikunle Fafunwa in November, the ancient town of Lagos has not known peace, as a result of internal wrangling among three royal families on whose turn it is to mount the traditional stool of their forefathers.

    Royal families of Fafunwa, Ojubiari, and Dosunmu are laying claim to the stool and have appointed different oba-elect to spike up the already charged atmosphere. Onikoyi Descendants Association of Lagos State appealed to President Tinubu, Gov. Sanwo-Olu and Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, the Council of Chiefs, and other Lagos leaders to save Ikoyi land by insisting on rotational kingship as agreed with and signed by President Tinubu and other stakeholders as agreed in 2006.

    Read Also: Peter Obi pledges N5millions to support Plateau attack victims

    Its spokesman Prince Tunde Onikoyi said: “President Tinubu while he was governor of the state in 2006; restore peace by institutionalised rotational chieftaincy agreement which lists ten royal families of the town to produce monarchs in orderly succession. Since the late monarch was from the Fafunwa Royal House, it was lawful for the Ojubiari family to produce the next king.

    The order of succession was captured by the resolution instituted by the ten royal families in 2006 which placed Prince Wasiu Akanni Sulaiman of the Ojubiari as the next Oba in succession of the Onikoyi of Ikoyi and Imoba land.” Onikoyi added.

  • Peter Obi pledges N5millions to support Plateau attack victims

    Peter Obi pledges N5millions to support Plateau attack victims

    Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, on Saturday, December 30, visited internally displaced persons in Bokkos and Barkin-ladi local government areas of Plateau State, where armed bandits attacked on Christmas Eve.

    Accompanied by state party officials, Obi pledged a donation of five million naira to each of the affected local government areas, providing support to those currently residing there.

    He expressed shock and denounced the attacks that resulted in the loss of life and property, emphasising that the government must fulfill its obligation to safeguard people and property.

    Read Also: Akeredolu: A governor that defended his family

    Obi raised the alarm about the amount of Nigerians who are fleeing their country as displaced people, calling it intolerable and stating that the government need to do something.

    Over 190 people were killed on Christmas Eve when gunmen broke into over 15 settlements in the state’s Barkin-Ladi and Bokkos Local Government Areas.

  • JUST IN: Governor Mbah visits Tinubu in Lagos

    JUST IN: Governor Mbah visits Tinubu in Lagos

    President Bola Tinubu, on Saturday, December 30, received the Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, who paid him a Christmas homage at his Bourdillon residence in Ikoyi, Lagos.

    Governor Mbah, who spoke to journalists after the meeting, also reiterated his support for the administration’s economic reforms.

    He further assured that his administration would deliver on the over N300bn Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) target in the 2024 Appropriation Law of the State, which he signed on Wednesday.

    Mbah said: “Essentially, I came to convey warm greetings and season’s best wishes on behalf of the government and the good people of the Enugu state to Mr. President.

    “I also seized the opportunity to discuss, once again, with Mr. President the impact of some of the policies he has initiated on some of the things we are doing in Enugu State, particularly as it relates to the attraction of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). You know that foreign exchange (FX) unification and the removal of the fuel subsidiary have essentially meant that a number of FDI are flowing towards our direction in Enugu State.”

    Read Also: Akeredolu: A governor that defended his family

    On the state’s N521.5bn 2024 budget, the governor said: “We are poised to harness the resources. Enugu has played consequential roles in the economic development of Nigeria. So, what we are simply doing is bringing her back to that preeminent position, making sure that we harness all the resources we have within Enugu and to make sure we also mobilise our domestic revenue.

    “So, yes, we have proposed an ambitious budget and made ambitious revenue projections. But we are convinced that we are going to realise those revenues”, he said.

    Mbah stressed the commitment of his administration to expanding the infrastructural base of the state, quality service delivery, and migration of the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to digital platforms for that purpose.

    “I am sure you are aware that we have fulfilled what we promised the people in 180 days, which was to provide water to the people in all the homes in the urban areas. And for those who still don’t have, we are expanding the pipeline network to reach them.

    “We are building 260 Smart Schools across all the wards in the state. We’re building 260 Primary Healthcare Centres Type-2 across all the 260 wards.

    “We are migrating our manual ways of doing things in our various institutions and our various MDAs to a digital platform so we can offer an efficient service to the people of the state,” he concluded.

  • Akeredolu: Mimiko pays condolence visit to Aiyedatiwa

    Akeredolu: Mimiko pays condolence visit to Aiyedatiwa

    Former Governor of Ondo State, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, on Saturday paid a condolence visit to Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa over the demise of his predecessor, the late Rotimi Akeredolu.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mimiko, who led an entourage of past government officials to the Government House in Akure, condoled with the Akeredolu family, the government and people of Ondo State.

    “I came with this large entourage because this visit is a significant one,” he said.

    He acknowledged the deep sorrow felt by many for the departed former governor who he affectionately referred to as “Aketi”.

    “He was many things to many people, but for me, he was a friend. Once he made up his mind about anything, nothing could change it. That was the Aketi we knew,” he said.

    Mimiko prayed for Aiyedatiwa, for guidance in steering the affairs of the state.

    He also appreciated the unity and support demonstrated by the people of Ondo State to the new governor.

    Mimiko expressed gratitude for the warm reception accorded the visiting team.

    Responding, Aiyedatiwa thanked Mimiko for  leading the entourage and for his support during the challenging time.

    “Thank you on behalf of the Ondo State Government for coming to pay us a condolence visit”, Aiyedatiwa said.

    Read Also: I’ll sustain Akeredolu’s legacies — Aiyedatiwa

    He recognised the significance of Mimiko’s presence as the only surviving past civilian governor at this time.

    The governor recalled his predecessor’s admiration for Mimiko, both as a friend and a statesman.

    “He had always said you were his friend, even in politics.

    “As the state mourns the loss of their former leader, the visit serves as an important reminder of the unity and support among past and present leaders in navigating the challenges faced by Ondo State,” he said.

    (NAN)

  • Canada-based Nigerian lawyer, Ayokunle Odekunle dies after battle with cancer

    Canada-based Nigerian lawyer, Ayokunle Odekunle dies after battle with cancer

    A Nigerian legal practitioner based in Alberta, Canada, Ayokunle Odekunle is dead.

    Odekunle, popularly known as Oddy4real on “X”, died on Friday after a prolonged battle with cancer which was diagnosed in 2020.

    He lost his life to stage 4 cancer.

    Announcing his death on Saturday, one X user, @KayceeMaduYEG, tweeted: “It is with profound sadness that I bring to you that our dear brother, friend and colleague, Ayokunle Odekunle, @oddy4real, lost his courageous battle with stage 4 cancer.

    “Ayo was a brilliant young lawyer who sacrificed so much to be called to the Alberta Bar this past June whilst terminally ill. We had hoped for a miracle.”

    Odekunle is an alumnus of the University of Ibadan where he graduated in 2011 before he was called to the Nigerian Bar.

    He was recently called to the Alberta Bar in June 2023 whilst terminally ill.

    He was married to Halima with whom he had two children.

    Read Also: Canada re-launches two immigration schemes for caregivers, families

    Friends and associates of the deceased have taken to social media to pay glowing tributes.

    Social media commentator @Omojuwa, tweeted, “Rest in peace my brother @oddy4real. I am glad I spent time with you and your beautiful family on my visit to Canada earlier this month. You were strong and dogged. You couldn’t have done more. I love you, brother. Rest in peace.”

    Another X user, @OgbeniDipo, wrote, “Rest in peace @oddy4real. You fought a good fight. May God bless your soul and comfort your wife and kids. Amen.”

    @alexlobaloba tweeted, “Rest in peace, my dear brother, friend and a great mentor! The writing seed you planted in me back in Mayflower and University of Ibadan will continue to blossom. Thank you for everything, I am grateful.  This hits to the marrow.

  • Two killed, one injured as tanker catches fire on Ebonyi Airport bridge

    Two killed, one injured as tanker catches fire on Ebonyi Airport bridge

    Two persons have died while one person sustained serious injuries on Friday night as a  tanker laden with petroleum products caught fire in Ebonyi state.

    The tanker driver, it was gathered, lost control of the vehicle atop the flyover at the state International Airport junction Onueke on the Abakaliki- Afikpo highway.

    It crashed into the bridge’s shoulders, fell sideways and caught fire, killing two persons while one sustained serious injuries and was later rushed to hospital.

    Senior Special Assistant to Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru on Petroleum, Nnaemeka John Nwafor confirmed the incident.

    He said the remains of the victims have been deposited at the Mortuary.

    The SSA called on motorists, pedestrians and other road users not to panic over the incident as Ebonyi state government had brought the ugly situation under control by creating free flow of traffic in the Area.

    He said: “There is no cause to be afraid over the petrol tanker accident at Onueke Airport flyover junction as the Ebonyi State Government is highly on top of it to stop the menace and create free flow traffic in the the area.

    “The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), other security agencies and the men of the Ebonyi state fire service were on ground to ensure free flow of traffic.”

    Read Also: Umahi’s younger brother withdraws from Ebonyi South Senatorial race

    He commended the men of Ebonyi State Fire Service for their tireless effort in putting off the fire and further appreciated the youths who assisted in the exercise.

    He added: “People are advised to obey the directives of security agencies on the diversion of roads and it’s obedience to roads signs that guarantees a hitch free traffic flow.

    “Motorists are advised to be cautious of the area as the government is in a top gear to ensure a hitch free evacuation of the affected tanker.

    “The Government of His Excellency Rt Hon Bldr Nwifuru Francis Ogbonna is committed to safeguarding the lives and properties of the people.

    “Let’s continue to support the State Government as it discharges its responsibility towards the people.”

  • Child marriage: Bayelsa govt summons four-year-old girl’s parents, ‘husband’, others

    Child marriage: Bayelsa govt summons four-year-old girl’s parents, ‘husband’, others

    Bayelsa state government has invited parents of a four-year-old girl as well as the 54-year-old man involved in a purported marriage in Akeddei community in Sagbama local government area of the state.

    The state government through the Ministry of Women Affairs, Children and Social Development and the State Gender Response Initiative Team (GRIT), frowned on the development.

    It also expressed concern over the illegal marriage based on tradition and customs, saying it was repugnant to natural justice, equity and good conscience.

    The ministry and the GRIT acknowledged the receipt of a formal complaint from a child rights advocacy group, DO Foundation, on the controversial marriage. 

    The Director in charge of Child Development in the  ministry, Panebi Jacob, the chairman of GRIT, Dr. Dise Ogbise-Goddy Harry, and the state human rights commission, said in a statement on Saturday, December 30, that the traditional ruler of Akeddei community honoured the government’s invitation and promised to produce the child, her parents, the 54-year-old man as well as the youth leader and the chairman of the Community Development Committee (CDC). 

    The statement noted that the state government does not support child marriage under any guise.

    The statement said: “That is why the state government did not hesitate to assent to the  passage of the  Bayelsa State Child Rights Law.

    “We are taking steps to rescue the child from all the key actors in relation to this illegal ceremony that they tagged a ‘mere spiritual affair.’

    “The law is clear on issues of tradition and customs that are repugnant to natural justice, equity and good conscience and working with the Bayelsa State police command, we shall ensure incidents like this do not occur in the state again.

    “On behalf of the Governor of Bayelsa State, we express our gratitude to all the non-governmental organisations including FIDA and DO Foundation that have risen to the rescue of this innocent child. Bayelsa State is children-friendly and this case will be pursued to its logical conclusion.”

    Recall that on December 27, 2023, one 54-year-old Akpos allegedly consummated a marriage with a four-year-old girl reportedly with parents’ consent at Akeddei community in Sagbama LGA. 

    It was gathered that in the culture of the Akeddei people, it is totally unacceptable for a minor to be given out in marriage under any circumstances. 

    However, it was further learnt that the event that took place on that day was a matter that had to do with reincarnation as it is believed that in some ijaw culture there is reincarnation and life after death. 

    A concerned indigene of Akeddei town claimed that the said minor and Akpos were allegedly betrothed to each other in their first life and on a certain day close to their marriage she went out and returned home only to find out that her lover was dead and out of the love she had for him she also committed suicide to join him.

    Read Also: NDDC distributes palliatives to Bayelsa communities

    The minor was said to have been previously born into three different communities in search of him but since she could not find her lover, she ended up dying prematurely through sickness and other mysterious ways before being born in Akeddei town for the fourth time.

    The community source claimed that the minor usually falls sick to the point of death within her four years, until a certain day when the man was passing by and she then saw him and allegedly ran to meet him.

    The source said that she then saw the mark that they both shared as a sign of their love, noting that since that day once she falls sick and she is brought to him, she effortlessly becomes sound and strong. 

    The source said that if the marriage rite is not observed as agreed in their first life, the man himself will not be able to marry and he will not achieve any success in life. Evidently, according to the source, the 54-year-old man has not been able to marry throughout his life.

    The source said that in order to break the bond and rescue the little girl’s life, the formality marriage was conducted on that day by both families, stressing, however, that it was not a formal marriage that means they are going to live together as husband and wife.

  • Nigeria’s economy will witness boom in 2024, Presidency assures

    Nigeria’s economy will witness boom in 2024, Presidency assures

    The presidency has assured Nigerians that the country’s economy will witness major turn around in 2024 with efforts being made by President Bola Tinubu to change the narratives.

    The senior special assistant to the president on media and publicity,  Temitope Ajayi said that the federal government was working round the clock to revamp the economy and invariably address the current hardship Nigerians are facing.

    The presidential aide spoke in Ikere-Ekiti, headquarters of Ikere Council  Area of Ekiti State  during a Get-Together Party organized in his honour by Annunciation School Old Boys Association (ASOBA) 1995 set.

    Ajayi explained that the President Tinubu was committed to fulfilling his renewed hope agenda for the country, adding that Nigerians will soon witness the positive impacts of the current programmes and policies of his administration.

    Ajayi who acknowledged the economic challenges confronting the citizens, he expressed optimism that the president and his team are assiduously working to change the narratives in the new year for the betterment of Nigerians.

    He pleaded with Nigerians to have trust in President Tinubu’s efforts towards re-engineering the nation’s economic, social and infrastructural structures in order to birth a new Nigeria that would work for all irrespective of social and economic status. 

    He said: “Nigerians should look forward to a great year in 2024. The president is going to speak to Nigerians on January 1st in a national broadcast where he is to once again highlights some of the reforms he has taken and what he is doing to make sure Nigerians feel the impact of his government.

    “Of course, things are a bit tight but the president is working round the clock to make sure that Nigerians feel a new sense of life starting from next year; it is going to be a year of prosperity, a year of abundance, a year for economic breakthrough, a year of a lot of social engineering, where Nigerians will see high impact economic projects that will transform our lives, that will give us a good quality of life in roads and other critical infrastructures that this economy needs to take off and really boom.

    Read Also: VC: UNILAG has made steady progress, despite harsh economy

    “Those are things the president is focusing on and he will remain focus on them in 2024 and throughout his tenure.”

    He commended members of the old students association for honoring him with the event, adding it would further encourage him to be committed to duty and never let their formal school down in discharge of his responsibilities at the presidency.

    “I feel so good and elated to be part of this event organized for me and I can say that there is nothing that can be more greater and satisfying for your colleagues to honor you.”

    The chairman of the 1995 Set, Oladayo Orolu commended President Tinubu for appointing their colleague as one of his media aides, expressing optimism that Ajayi would in no small measure assist the president in achieving his agenda for the country.

  • Reps approve securitization of N7.388 Ways and Means

    Reps approve securitization of N7.388 Ways and Means

    The House of Representatives on Saturday considered and passed the securitisation of outstanding 7.388trn debit balance (Ways and Means) in the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF) following a request by President Bola Tinubu.

    President Tinubu, in a letter read by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, said while the federal government is considering various measures to forestall the use of Ways and Means advances for domestic debt servicing, it has become highly imperative to securitize the outstanding ways and means advanced to the FGN, before the end of the year 2023.

    Tinubu said the securitization of the Ways and Means will lead to the realization of many benefits.

    The letter reads: “I write to draw the kind attention of the House of Representatives to the provisions of Section 38 of the subsisting Central Bank of Nigeria, (CBN)’s Act 2007, which stipulates that the apex bank may grant temporary advances to the federal government in respect of temporary deficiency of budget revenue. provided such overdraft do not surpass five percent of the government’s revenue from the previous year.

    “The House is invited to note that, from available information by the CBN, the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF) Account of the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) stood at N7,388,696,034,520.87 as at December 11 2023. largely due to domestic debt servicing, principal and interest

    “While the Federal Government is considering various measures to forestall the use of ways and means advances for domestic debt servicing, it has become highly imperative to securitize the outstanding ways and means advanced to the FGN, before the end of the year 2023 The securitization of the “Ways and Means will lead to the realization of the following benefits amongst others.

    Read Also: Nigeria: Time to cancel existing stock of ways and means?

    “a) Reduction of Debt Service Cost, as the Interest Rate for the securitized ways and means advances is lower at 9% p.a compared to MPR-3%

    “b) The savings arising from the much lower Interest Rate could help to reduce the deficit in the Budget

    “c) Improvement in debt transparency as securitized Ways and Means Advances are included in the public debt statistics.

    “In view of the foregoing the House of Representatives is invited to kindly consider and approve the securitization of the outstanding debit balance of N7,388,696,034,520.87 in the CRF as at December 11, 2023.”

  • Reps to IGP, other security agencies: arrest perpetrators of Christmas eve attack in Plateau

    Reps to IGP, other security agencies: arrest perpetrators of Christmas eve attack in Plateau

    The House of Representatives on Saturday, December 30, urged the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to immediately conduct a detailed investigation into the Christmas Eve attack in Bokkos, Barkin Ladi, Mangu local government areas and other parts of Plateau state, with a view to identifying the perpetrators and bringing them to justice.

    The House urged the Minister of Defense to initiate a coordinated Joint Security Operation within these Local Government Areas and adjoining towns located in Plateau, Bauchi, Gombe, Taraba and Nasarawa States to flush out the criminals and bandits and prevent them from escaping to other States.

    The House also urged the Chief of Air Staff in collaboration with the Chief of Army Staff to provide aerial surveillance and support to flush out criminal hideouts and camps.

    It urged the Department of State Services and Directorate of Military intelligence to gather intelligence information on the influx, camping and operations of criminal groups within Bokkos, Barkin Ladi, Mangu and other volatile Local Government Areas and adjoining towns and share same with other sister security agencies.

    The House also urged the Chief of Army Staff to establish Military presence/bases in the said local government areas and other volatile areas of Plateau state.

    The House Committee on Police, Defense, Army and National Intelligence, were mandated to investigate the root cause of these incessant killings with a view to providing lasting solutions.

    The House set up a delegation to visit the scenes of the killings in order to condole with families of victims and the government and people of Plateau State.

    It directed the Committees on NEMA, Defense, Army, Air force, Police and Legislative Compliance to ensure compliance and furnish the House with a monthly report until the security situation is resolved.

    It also directed the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to immediately assess the extent of damage and displacement in attacked communities within the said Local Government Areas with a view to providing necessary relief materials.

    The House observed a one-minute silence in respect of the soul of all those killed in the recent attack.

    These resolutions followed the adoption of a motion of urgent importance to condemn and investigate the attack moved by Hon Idris Wase.

    The motion reads: “THE HOUSE NOTES: that On the 24th December at 2200hrs, the following twelve (12) villages in Bokkos LGA were attacked; Ndun, Ngyong, Murfet, Makundary, Tamiso, Chiang, Tahore, Gawarba, Dares, Meyenga, Darwat and Butura Kampani village according to preliminary police report.

    FURTHER NOTE: that Similarly on 24th December, 2023 at about 2245hrs, three (3) villages in Barkin-Ladi LGA namely; NTV, Hurum and Darawat were also attacked.

    “INFORMED: that Findings from the assessment of the ugly incidents in Bokkos LGA revealed that the total number of villages attacked is Twelve (12), Two Hundred and twenty-one (221) houses were set ablaze, Twenty- seven (27) motorcycles were burnt, Eight (8) motor-vehicles were burnt down and over Seventy -nine (79) persons were killed. while Seventeen deaths was recorded in Barkin-ladi LGA.

    “FURTHER INFORMED: That the death toll from the various attacks at Bokkos, Barkin Ladi and Mangu LGAs of Plateau State has surpassed over 200 as at 29th December 2023 with many others seriously injured according to several news sources.

    Read Also: Plateau killings: IGP orders investigations, deploys manpower, resources

    “AWARE: that chapter 2 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) particularly Section 14(2) (b) provides thus:

    “It is hereby accordingly declared that: the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government”.

    “FURTHER AWARE: that up until this moment, security agencies are yet to identify the perpetrators of these heinous attacks that has claimed hundreds of lives of innocent citizens and destroyed properties worth millions.

    “WORRIED: That, if these dastardly attacks are left unchecked, they will escalate with time and worsen the already volatile security situation on the Plateau;

    “FURTHER WORRIED: that further escalation in these killings may lead to a conflagration in the whole of the Northcentral zone which may spill unto other Geopolitical Zones in the country.”