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Tag: Nigeria News

  • Edo restates commitment to tourism devt

    …High Priest Ebohon donates museum, artefacts to polytechnic

    The Edo State Government has assured of the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration’s commitment to repositioning the state as a destination of choice for tourists in the country.

    Edo State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu, said this in his speech at the maiden edition of the Edo State Polytechnic Festival of Arts (Edo Poly FEST), held at the institution’s premises, in Usen, Ovia South-West Local Government Area of Edo State.

    At the festival, the Osewengie Ebohon Museum was unveiled, which is to be built and furnished by High Priest Osewengie Ebohon, who donated cultural artefacts to the polytechnic.

    The deputy governor, who was represented at the occasion by Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Diaspora Affairs, Pastor (Mrs.) Dorcas Idehen, said the state government will continue to promote arts, culture and tourism for the benefit of Edo people.

    He said the state got the hosting rights for the 2019 National Festival for Arts and Culture (NAFEST) in recognition of Governor Godwin Obaseki’s effort in promoting and preserving the state’s cultural assets.

    According to him, “This is worth celebrating as arts is celebrated worldwide. As a state, we are poised to project the state and transform it into a tourism hub in the country. We will be celebrating the coronation of the Oba of Benin as well as NAFEST in October this year. These are remarkable events.”

    tourism in Edo
    L-R: Librarian, Edo State Polytechnic, Ehikioya Uduebor; Registrar, Edo State Polytechnic, Simire O. Cyril; High Priest Osemwegie Ebohon; Rector, Edo State Polytechnic, Prof. Abiodun Falodun; representative of Edo State Deputy Governor and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Diaspora Affairs, Mrs. Dorcas Idehen, at the maiden edition of the Edo State Polytechnic Festival of Arts (Edo Poly FEST), held at the polytechnic in Usen.

    Shaibu urged residents in the state to support the successful hosting of the 2019 NAFEST, which will be used to positively project the image of the state globally.

    Commissioner for Arts, Culture, Tourism and Diaspora Affairs, who was represented by Director, Edo Arts Council, Moses Obakpolor, said Edo Poly FEST is a prelude to the 2019 NAFEST, noting, “culture remains the bedrock of society. It represents our past. Anyone without a past will certainly not have a future.”

    “Edo State is not a pushover in terms of cultural heritage. The state hosts several cultural assets. We are proud of our culture and determined to promote and preserve it,” he added.

    READ ALSO: Edo restates commitment to reposition education sector

    The Rector of the Polytechnic, Prof. Abiodun Falodun, said the festival is a celebration of talent and creativity in Ovia community, the institution’s host community, adding, “The festival is aimed at promoting cultural values among students, staff, and provide an opportunity for the exchange of information and ideas.”

    “Culture is not just the economic value of our creative industry. It defines our civilisation, as it helps us explain and understand the world around us. The festival will help us project and resuscitate Edo cultural values and heritage as well as enlighten the youth to cherish their cultural heritage and preserve their creative language.”

    In his lecture entitled “Advancing Edo Culture Through Education, Language and Arts: A Cultural Re-Awakening,” the guest lecturer, High Priest Osemwegie Ebohon, called on stakeholders to work towards correcting misplaced and misrepresented values and norms.

    According to him, “We no longer speak our language and value our inspiring adages, proverbs, parables, idioms and poetry. Superstition and wise-saying are now treated as unholy and one can conclude that we may soon lose our heritage, which codifies our identity.”

  • Illegal Tax deductions: FIRS to refund $2m, others to General Electric

    The Federal Government has urged General Electric to refund two million dollars excess withholding tax (WHT) deducted from Arco Petrochemicals Engineering Company Limited, through its business dealings with General Electric (GE) International Operations Nigeria.

    This was part of outcome of the negotiations between FIRS officials, General Electric, ARCO and the Trade Union Services Department of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment in Abuja on Tuesday.

    GE, a multinational company operating in Nigeria, had engaged Arco, an indigenous Nigerian oil servicing company, for the supply of local personnel.

    But Arco in one of its letters dated June 5, 2018, claimed that GE deducted 10 per cent as withholding tax for the contract between 2006 and 2015 against the five per cent stipulated by Nigerian law.

    The company said the applicable tax rate should be five per cent in line with the FIRS Circular No. 2006/02, dated February 2006.

    Following the controversial tax remittance disputes between General Electric (GE) and Arco Group Plc, 60 per cent of the worker’s entitlement has not been paid since 2009.

    An official of the Ministry of Labour and Employment, who pleaded anonymity said, although the Federal Government was not a debt collector, it intervened because ARCO accepted responsibility that they have financial obligation to settle people’s salaries and Union dues.

    “The ministry is not a debt collection agency, it came into the matter because ARCO accepted its financial obligation for the settlement of salaries and union dues, the company said the only way it could complete the payment is if GE made a refund to it.

    “We gave them three weeks to begin process of refund for those monies that they have an understanding that they were actually over-payment to FIRS. If there is no contention on that, within one week, GE should initiate the process of refund.

    READ ALSO: FIRS gets N23b unpaid tax from corporate firms

    “FIRS said they have to go through some processes before they can get cash back to pay. For those that there are contentions, let them try to get their books together and reach an agreement within two weeks.

    “The unions involved said they have the list of what is due to their members that has not been paid by ARCO. We expect that those reconciliations will be completed and payment will be made.”

    Mr Amadike Ikechukwu, Branch Chairman, ARCO Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), said ARCO paid field workers 100 per cent of their entitlement but paid only 40 per cent to other categories of staff when their employments were terminated.

    He said ARCO claimed that it could not complete the payment because the American company, General Electric, deducted 10 per cent withholding tax from workers earnings and paid the sum, which runs into millions of dollars, to FIRS.

    “As union leaders, we agree with the commitment made by FIRS and GE. We are optimistic that the remaining 60 per cent will be paid to the workers,” he said.

    (NAN)

  • Nigerian professionals take black women’s advancement to UN

    The African Women on Board (AWB) will on Thursday at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York launch its global movement to project the advancement of women of African heritage.

    The meeting will bring together female entrepreneurs, professors, medical doctors, farmers, mothers, activists, artists and scientists of African heritage, the non-profit organisation.

    AWB was founded in 2017 by a former Law teacher at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) Nkiru Balonwu and boasts a membership comprising Nigerian women professionals including UNILAG Law Professor Chioma Agomo.

    Balonwu, in a statement to The Nation, said speakers at the event will include Liberian Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor, Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Oscar Onyema and Mrs Aisha Oyebode, who co-founded the “Bring Back Our Girls” support network for those kidnapped by Boko Haram.

    Others are “Dr. Joyce Payne, Founder of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund; Hilary Pennington, Executive Vice President of the Ford Foundation; Elisabeth Moreno, Managing Director, Africa at HP Inc: Christine Soufrant Ntim, Founder of the Haiti Tech Summit: Betty lrabor, Publisher and Founder of Genevieve Magazine; Derrick Ashong, Emmy-nominated producer and founder of Amp.it; and lgwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe, the Obi of Onitsha.”

    The event will celebrate black women’s journeys and discussion of their contributions to the advancement of global affairs.

    AWB will also at the event announce an international-scale project to showcase the success of African female leaders from the past, present and of the future.

    According to Balonwu, the non-governmental organisation is already working with Wikipedia to profile notable African women, partnering with the London Stock Exchange Africa Advisory Group to produce a report on activating female entrepreneurship.

    READ ALSO: The President and his women

    It is also collaborating with the Ford Foundation for master classes on women in politics, investment and financial literacy.

    She said the campaign has reached into African villages by partnering with schools to recruit and train more girls in science, technology engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects that lead to better paid jobs and opportunities.

    The UN General Assembly’s meeting is the 7th Annual High Level Dialogue on Financing for Development.

    Balonwu said: “No discussion on finance in developing nations is complete without an examination of the gendered disparities experienced at the society level.

    “We are letting out a clarion call for a global movement by and for women of African heritage where we can collectively mobilise to support African women and unlock growth on the continent. Our mission is to advance narratives and improve realities for African women and girls globally by fast tracking women and girls of African heritage into the leadership roles of the future.”

  • NAF airstrikes destroy terrorists’ camp in Borno

    (NAF) on Tuesday said its attack aircraft detailed by the Air Task Force (ATF) of Operation LAFIYA DOLE has destroyed a Boko Haram Terrorists (BHTs) camp at Abulam, a settlement on the fringes of the Allagarno Forest, in Borno State.

    According to a statement signed the Director of Public Relations and Information Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola, the operation was executed on 22 September after series of Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions revealed that some buildings within the settlement were being used by the terrorists to store their supplies and other resources.

    READ ALSO: Air Force strikes Boko Haram terrorists in Sambisa, kills scores

    “The ATF therefore dispatched helicopter gunships and ground attack aircraft to engage the location in successive strikes, scoring devastating hits on the target area leading to destruction of several of the buildings and neutralization of their BHT occupants,” it stated, adding “the NAF, operating in concert with surface Forces, will sustain its efforts to completely destroy all remnants of the terrorists in the Northeast”.

  • India’s investment in Nigeria hits $15b – envoy

    The High Commissioner of India to Nigeria, Mr Abhay Thakur has declared said his country has invested $15 billion in Nigeria through Indian companies operating in the country.

    Thakur also said that India companies were among the highest employer of labour in Nigeria with about 35,000 under its direct employment in Lagos State alone.

    He disclosed this during the unveiling of a new showroom by Simba group and TVS Company in Abuja on Tuesday.

    The envoy said that Nigeria had also benefitted economically from the Simba group, adding that such economic relations were not going to stop.

    Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Tayo Alasoadura urged Simba group to set up factories in Nigeria to create more jobs for the citizens.

    The minister assured the envoy that the Federal Government would encourage whoever is ready to empower Nigerians through job creation.

    READ ALSO: Indian woman commits suicide after husband stops her tobacco intake

    He said: “On behalf of the Federal Government, I invite the Simba group to come and set up factories in Nigeria, so that you can give to us what you do in India and we can replicate it and give to our people.

    “I believe that in the whole of Africa, Nigeria will be your biggest market. You should come down to Nigeria and start manufacturing your products. We have the manpower and land.

    “Our electricity is improving. You can do everything you are doing in India here. It will pay you more.

    “You can empower and employ more people and Nigeria will be happy with you.”

    Also, the Managing Director, Simba Group, Mr. Vineh Grover, said that the company has trained about 500 on how to ride motorcycle.

  • How Buhari plans to lift millions out of poverty – Osinbajo

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN on Tuesday revealed how President Muhammadu Buhari plans to lift millions of Nigerians out of poverty.

    According to him, the Federal Government’s policies and programmes aimed at promoting financial inclusion remain key to the actualization of the plan.

    Prof. Osinbajo spoke in Abuja at the opening session of the 2019 Annual Conference of Chartered Institute of Bankers.

    Osinbajo, in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and publicity, Laolu Akande, was referring to the President’s June 12 speech where he stated that “we are working to lift Nigerians out of poverty and set them on the path to prosperity. We intend to lift 100 million Nigerians out of poverty over the next 10 years”.

    According to the Vice President, “Financial inclusion, of course, is the key to realizing so much of what we expect as an economy and the President promised in his June 12 speech to lift 100 million people out of poverty in ten years, that is the commitment of the government of Nigeria.

    “We started that journey with our collaboration with the Bank of Industry to deliver the GEEP programme, better known as TraderMoni and MarketMoni by providing microcredit to almost 2 million petty traders. The Bank of Industry has now brought this huge bottom of the pyramid into the formal financial system and that has been recognized worldwide. Recently the programme won the AfDB prize for financial inclusion because of the work that was done with TraderMoni. This is a huge task.

    “Going forward, we now need to embark on financial training for all of those who have been brought into the net. As you know, when they’re given N10, 000 and they pay back, they are given N15, 000, N20, 000 and it goes all the way.

    “But at that point they’re given their BVNs, they’re formally included in the financial system, they’re formally included as formal traders, and so we are able to give them financial training and all that.”

    Continuing, the Vice President said “…for very long, that bottom of the pyramid has been completely excluded and yet informal trade is a significant part of trading that is going on in our country.

    “So, there’s a real need out there and we must devise the methods by which those at the bottom of the pyramid can be uplifted and we must look at how we can even resource the entire value chains. What we find is that the petty trader, who just has a trade, is usually selling little bits and pieces from many of the manufacturers or fast-moving products and we found that just by giving them credit, we can resource the whole value chain all the way up.”

    Read Also: Full text of Buhari’s speech at UNGA

    Speaking further on what the Federal Government intends to do in improving opportunities for those at the bottom of the pyramid, Prof. Osinbajo said “we’re working with the Bank of Industry, with several players in the market, especially the marketing services people to identify how to work through those value chains so that more of these people can move from petty trading, higher up in the value chain as they’re resourced”.

    He urged stakeholders in the banking sector to support government’s efforts in resuscitating the MSMEs and real sectors.

    He said “All of that will depend on what the banking industry is prepared to do, how adaptable the banking industry will be to giving loans, especially microcredit. Everything is changing very quickly.

    “We must create good jobs and opportunities. We must rapidly industrialize, we must provide the environment for local businesses, small and large to create wealth and value. We must also address the concerns of young entrepreneurs and startups, and the small traders, the millions at the bottom of the economic value chain, the millions at the bottom of the pyramid, those who sell from their trays and table tops all over the markets in our country.

    “We must develop the housing sector both to provide much needed shelter but also to boost local opportunities in the local building and building materials sectors. We know that we must ramp up our agricultural production, and provide a more efficient farm-to-market value chain, again creating millions of jobs in farming and Agribusiness generally.” he said

  • Senate summons Aregbesola, Dingyadi over Police Colleges

    The Senate on Tuesday summoned the Ministers of Police Affairs, Muhammadu Maigari Dingyadi and Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, over the deteriorating condition of police colleges across the country.

    The Senate also called on the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, to as a matter of national security, intervene in the deteriorating condition of the Police College in Tai Local Government Area of Rivers State.

    It further urged the Police Service Commission to take adequate measures and inventory of police colleges in the country to ensure that they meet acceptable global standards for efficient policing.

    These resolutions followed a motion titled: “The Deteriorating status of the Police College located at Tai Local Government Area of Rivers State and its implication to rising insecurity in the state and in the nation” sponsored by Senator Mpigi Barinada representing Rivers South East in the Senate and nine other Senators.

    Senator Mpigi in his lead debate underscored the role of the police in the provision of security in the country.

    He said that the establishment of police colleges was for the purpose of training effective police officers for the prevention and detection of crime.

    READ ALSO: ‘6000 constables pass out from police colleges’

    Mpigi said, “The Police College, existing in Tai Local Government Area of Rivers State, which serves for the training of police officers across the nation, has been virtually abandoned and at the brink of collapse. Poor staffing management and other facilities make the college unfit for habitation.”

    He said that the Senate is worried that that the College has been allowed to deteriorate despite its laudable functions.

    “The Police College is therefore in a steady degeneration, especially within its institutional setting and through its poorly inducted officer trainees scattered in areas of police operations across the nation,” Mpigi said.

    He lamed that the state of the college has become an urgent security concern instead of being there to train quality officers “primed to check and combat insecurity, law and order in Tai LGA, Rivers State and the country in general.”

  • BREAKING: Umahi sacks Chief Press Secretary

    Ebonyi Governor David Umahi Tuesday has terminated the appointment of his Chief Press Secretary, Emmanuel Uzor.

    Umahi, in a WhatsApp message to our reporter, said he took the decision because the CPS misrepresented him and South East Governors in a statement he issued on the Controversial National Livestock Transformation Programme.

    The Governor described the statement by Uzor as highly embarrassing and regrettable.

    He further noted that the position of the CPS was contrary to his on the issue.

    The statement reads: “I just directed the termination of the appointment of my CPS for misrepresenting me and south east governors on National livestock transformation plan programme of which I had issued press statement on behalf of NEC after our last NEC meeting”.

    Read Also; Umahi appoints 180 additional aides

    “My former Cps was never authorised to talk to the press on the matter. His position is different from mine and that of the south east governors” .

    “His statement is so embarrassing and regrettable,” the governor wrote.

    Mr Umahi also said that the sacked CPS is to hand over to his Principal Secretary, Clement Nweke immediately.

    He wished him well in his future endeavors.

  • Full text of Buhari’s speech at UNGA

    Protocol

    Firstly I wish to thank the General Assembly for the honour bestowed on the Government and people of Nigeria by electing our national, His Excellency, Tijjani Muhammad-Bande to the Presidency of the 74th Session of this august body.

    2. This is indeed a great honour!

    3. Nigerians are truly grateful and shall endeavour to live up to the expectations and responsibilities thrust upon us.

    4. Ambassador Muhammad-Bande is an experienced and seasoned diplomat and I am confident that he will prove to the International Community his suitability for this most demanding assignment.

    5. Let me also offer my sincere thanks to the outgoing President, Her Excellency Maria Fernanda Espinosa Garces for her skill, resourcefulness and endless reservoir of patience in piloting the 73rd General Assembly.

    6. In the same vein, may I commend the Secretary General, His Excellency Antonio Guterres for his tremendous energy, his genuine international outlook exhibited by his leadership of the United Nations.

    Your Excellencies, Delegates,

    7. The theme of the current General Assembly is: “Galvanising multilateral efforts for poverty eradication, quality education, climate action and inclusion”

    8. These are the prime areas calling for collective action which will benefit national and global interests.

    9. Today the world is at a critical juncture. This year marks the first anniversary of the International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace. This year also marks the 100 years of the founding of the League of Nations, leading eventually to the establishment of the United Nations as part of the post-World War II international order.

    10. Article 1 (4) of the UN Charter called for “harmonising the actions of nations in the attainment of common ends”. These common ends include:

    a. International peace and security;

    b. Prosperity and social justice;

    c. Respect for human dignity; and

    d. Protection of the environment.

    11. Multilateralism symbolised by the UN system has brought immense benefits to the people of the world. It has saved lives, prevented wars, restored peace and stability as well as generated economic and social progress in many countries.

    Mr President, Your Excellencies,

    12. We must admit that as the world grows richer, there are regrettable signals in the World Economic and Political Order. Millions in Africa and around the world remain in abject poverty. Furthermore, we are witnessing a backlash against multilateralism in the shape of rising tide of racism, xenophobia, resurgent nationalism, populism and tendencies towards protectionism and unilateralism. The pristine principles of the United Nations appear threatened.

    13. On cessation of hostilities after World War II, the United States in one of the greatest selfless undertakings in history decided to revive Europe through the Marshall Plan and uplift and restore Japan economically. This generous policy catalysed a great economic revival globally.

    14. This action of the United States not only benefited Europe and Japan but the United States as well through vastly improved trade and cross investments.

    15. The United States and Europe have become friends and allies since the end of the war. The United States and Japan have also become friends and allies since the end of the war. This example can be replicated with respect to Africa.

    16. A developed Africa will not be antagonistic to industrialised countries but will become friends and partners in prosperity, security and development. A prosperous Africa will mean greater prosperity for the rest of the world. A poor Africa will be a drag on the rest of the world. Is this what the international community wants?

    17. A coordinated multilateral effort should be set in motion to utilise and maximise use of the enormous resources on the African continent for the benefit of all nations. Investing partners will be able to recoup their investments manifold over time.

    18. Current attempts to help develop Africa by industrial countries are un-coordinated and plainly incremental. We have the skills, the manpower and the natural resources, but in many instances, we lack the capital – hence my plea for industrial countries to take a long-term view of Africa, come and partner with us to develop the continent for the benefit of all.

    19. Africa charges you with the singular task of initiating the effort we are calling for. The United Nations has in place processes for promoting collective action to combat global threats. No threat is more potent than poverty and exclusion.

    20. They are the foul source from which common criminality, insurgency, cross-border crimes, human trafficking and its terrible consequences draw their inspiration.

    21. Poverty in all its manifestations remains one of the greatest challenges facing our world. Its eradication is an indispensable requirement for achieving sustainable development. In this regard, Nigeria has developed a National Social Investment Programme – a pro-poor scheme that targets the poorest and most vulnerable households in the country.

    22. Under this initiative easy access to financial services are facilitated to our traders, artisans, market women and co-operative societies. This type of initiative can help lessen and eventually eliminate mass poverty in Africa.

    23. At the core of our efforts to build an inclusive society, our programmes are focused on youth and women empowerment. These programmes aim at ensuring women and youth participation in governance, industry, climate action and agriculture.

    24. On the international scene, Mr President, the United Nations has new opportunities to take the lead on issues that continue to cloud the prospects for international peace and prosperity, namely;

    a. The rights of the Palestinian people to have their own country free of occupation. Mr President, the international community has spoken from Resolution 242 of 1967 to the present day on the rights of the Palestinian people to have and live in peace in their own land;

    b. The risks associated with nuclear proliferation;

    c. Unfair and unjust trading practices notwithstanding the World Trade Organisation Rules and Precepts;

    d. The looming danger of climate change

    25. On climate change Nigeria stands resolutely with the international community in observing agreed carbon emission targets which I signed in 2015. We have since issued two sovereign Green Bonds and have added an additional 1 million hectares of forested land taking our total forest coverage to 6.7% through collective national effort.

    READ ALSO: Full text of Buhari’s speech at signing of 2019 appropriation bill

    26. As we advocate and strive for inclusion within our societies, we must also ensure inclusion prevails in our collective action as members of International Community. That is why we support the expansion of the Security Council to reflect the diversity and dynamics of the 21st Century.

    Mr President, Your Excellencies,

    27. From Asia to the Middle East, Africa to South America, violence and the threat of conflict continue to blight the lives of too many people.

    28. Our own country is no exception. Nigeria is a nation of nearly 200 million people of diverse groups. Our diversity is our source of strength which is why in elections this year, our people backed the politics of tolerance, inclusion and community over the politics of protest and division.

    29. Our election promises emphasised political stability, freedom and prosperity, tackling poverty, schooling our young and providing them with the tools to build better lives. We are placing special emphasis on the role of women in our female gender advancement programmes.

    30. Our progress and delivery are deliberate, purposeful and measured. We clearly appreciate there are no quick fixes to complex challenges.

    31. In particular, the challenge of education in Africa is enormous. On December 3rd 2018, the General Assembly adopted Resolution 73/25 that proclaimed 24 January of every year as International Day of Education. The Resolution which was spearheaded by Nigeria and co-sponsored by 58 other member states marked a watershed in the recognition of the fundamental role of education in building modern societies.

    32. To ensure access to education for all, our Government has introduced the Home Grown School Feeding Programme to address the challenge of out-of-school and forced-out-of-school children.

    33. This social intervention programme, Mr President, is aimed at encouraging increased school enrolment through provision of free school meals. The benefits extend beyond the school environment. In addition, we have introduced mainstreaming and implementation of Safe Schools Declaration laws and policies across all educational institutions in Nigeria.

    Mr President, Your Excellencies,

    34. The world was shocked and startled by the massacre in New Zealand by a lone gunman taking the lives of 50 worshippers. This and similar crimes which have been fuelled by social media networks risk seeping into the fabric of an emerging digital culture.

    35. Major tech companies must be alive to their responsibilities. They cannot be allowed to continue to facilitate the spread of religious, racist, xenophobic and false messages capable of inciting whole communities against each other, leading to loss of many lives. This could tear some countries apart.

    36. Organised criminal networks, often acting with impunity across international borders present new challenges where only collective action can deliver genuine results.

    37. This is true in the battle against violent extremism, against trafficking in people and drugs and against corruption and money laundering. The present Nigerian government is facing the challenges of corruption head-on. We are giving notice to international criminal groups by the vigorous prosecution of the P&ID scam attempting to cheat Nigeria of billions of dollars.

    Mr President, Your Excellencies,

    38. As a young man, as a soldier, I witnessed at first hand the terrible legacy of destruction and broken lives that conflict leaves in its wake.

    39. As the 75th Anniversary of the end of the Second World War approaches, I wish to pay tribute to the sacrifice made by so many millions across the globe in defence of freedom, tolerance and the rule of law.

    40. In Nigeria, we have made significant strides to put our own house in order. We will work tirelessly to uphold due process. The rule of law remains the permanent, unchanging foundation of the world order.

    41. Freedom, tolerance and the rule of law are universal values and underline the best that this General Assembly represents. And that binds us all.

    Mr. President,

    42. I will conclude my remarks by reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to promoting international peace and security and sustainable development. We are also committed to strengthening partnerships and cooperation with international and regional organisations for the benefit of humanity.

    43. Thank you very much.

  • UPDATED: Court orders DSS to release Sowore

    A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Department of State Services (DSS) to forthwith grant freedom to detained convener of #RevolutionNow protest,Omoyele Sowore.

    Justice Taiwo Taiwo, in a ruling on Tuesday, directed that Sowore, who was also presidential candidate of African Action Congress (AAC) in the last presidential election, be handed to his lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana (SAN), who is to produce him for arraignment whenever he is required.

    Justice Taiwo further directed that, since a charge has already been filed against Sowore, he should deposit his passport and other travel documents to ensure his availability for trial.

    The judge noted that the court’s earlier order, made on August 8, 2019, permitting the DSS to detain Sowore for 45 days in the first instance, expired on September 21, 2019.

    He added that since the DSS withdrew its application, in which it had sought the renewal of the detention order for another 20 days, there is no longer any existing order of court for his continued detention by the DSS.

    The ruling was upon an application for bail raised by Falana earlier on Tuesday.

    The office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) filed a seven counts of treasonable felony and money laundering against Sowore and Olawale Adebayo Bakare (aka Mandate) on Friday.

    The charge is marked: FHC/ ABJ/CR/235/2019.

    Falana, at the commencement of proceedings, withdrew the application he had filed for his client’s bail, on the grounds that it was overtaken by events.

    Read Also: Court strikes out DSS application to detain Sowore

    He was of the view that since Sowore has not been charged with terrorism, there was no basis for the application to be moved.

    Falana thereafter, prayed the court to order his client’s release from DSS’ custody, since its earlier order, permitting the DSS to detain him for 45 days expired by since September 21.

    He also noted that since the DSS equally withdrew its application for the renewal of the detention order, there was no competent subsisting order of court for Sowore’s continued detention.

    Falana said: “Since the application for the renewal of the detention of the respondent has been withdrawn and struck out by the court, we urged the court to make an order for the immediate release of the respondent from custody in line with section 35 of the 1999 constitution.

    “In addition, since the order of this court made on August 8, 2019 for the detention of the respondent by the DSS for 45 days has expired by exclusion of time, the implication is that as from today, there is no order of a competent court for the remand or further detention of the applicant.

    “Furthermore, the initial order for his detention for 45 days was predicated on the information that he was been investigated for terrorism.

    “However, from the seven-count information against the respondent, there is nothing like terrorism,” Falana said.

    In a counter-argument, lawyer to the DSS, Godwin Abadua drew the court’s attention to the charge file against Sowore.

    Agbadua argued that the offence with which Sowore is charged is a capital offence by the provision of Section 161 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015, which he noted, provides that a person arrested and detained for an offence punishable with death can only be admitted to bail by a judge of the High Court under exceptional circumstances.

    He contended that since a charge has been filed, in compliance with constitutional provision, it was only the court that could determine whether or not, a person’s right to freedom of movement should be restrained in certain circumstances.

    Agbadua further contended that the moment a charge is filed against a person, such a person cannot be said to be illegally detained.

    Replying on point of law, Falana urged the court to ignore Agabdua’s submissions on the grounds that mere filling of a charge cannot be equated to a remand order.

    He said the DSS’ lawyer misled the court when he said that the respondent was charged with terrorism, which is a capital offence.

    Falana added that the DSS cannot ask the court to detain a citizen in anticipation of his arraignment based on a charge filed.

    He urged the court to hold that since the order has expired and in view of the withdrawal of the application by the DSS for its renewal, the respondent should be released from detention.

    Upon the court’s ruling, directing Sowore’s release, his supporters, who thronged the court went wild in jubilation.