Nigeria Times

Chief Edwin Clark, former Federal Commissioner for Information and South-South Leader, has called on President Bola Tinubu to urgently declare a state of emergency on food security in Nigeria. Speaking at his Asokoro residence in Abuja, Clark emphasized the growing hunger and anger among Nigerians, urging immediate government action.

During a visit from the President of Host Communities of Nigeria Producing Oil and Gas (HOSTCOM), High Chief Benjamin Tamaranebi, Clark highlighted the dire situation facing the country, noting that citizens have the right to protest against the harsh economic conditions. He mentioned that while Tinubu is not to blame for the removal of fuel subsidies, the government must find effective ways to alleviate poverty and reduce the suffering caused by the decision.

Clark also criticized the poor management and leadership that have plagued Nigeria’s oil sector, making the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) ineffective two years after its passage. He urged the government to ensure the proper functioning of the nation’s refineries and to address the ongoing fuel scarcity, which has been exacerbated by the alleged refusal of International Oil Companies (IOCs) to supply crude oil to the Dangote Refinery.

HOSTCOM President, High Chief Benjamin Tamaranebi, echoed these concerns, calling for the immediate repair and optimal functioning of the Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna refineries. He also urged the federal government to compel IOCs to sell crude oil to local refineries in Naira, which would reduce the reliance on imported refined petroleum products and help lower the cost of petrol and other essential goods.

Despite ongoing calls to reduce governance costs and limit borrowing, 12 state governors have collectively appointed more than 4,835 aides since taking office in 2023, Saturday PUNCH reports.

The 1999 Constitution allows governors to appoint various aides, including Special Assistants, Special Advisers, and others, to help in their duties. However, some governors have significantly increased their number of aides, contributing to concerns about excessive spending.

Among the most notable, Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo appointed 170 aides in May 2023, followed by Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni, who appointed 24 aides around the same time. The trend continued with Adamawa, Kano, and Plateau States, among others, making similar appointments.

This increase in the number of aides comes as these states face rising domestic and external debts. For example, Niger State’s domestic debt grew from N121.95 billion to N139.80 billion in just six months under Governor Mohammed Bago, while Plateau State saw its debt rise from N157.62 billion to N173.93 billion in the same period under Governor Caleb Mutfwang.

The domestic and foreign debts of these states have surged, raising concerns about financial management and the sustainability of such appointments. Experts, including Olujide Oke, Chairman of the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors in Lagos, have emphasized the need to cut unnecessary spending and reduce the number of government appointees to ensure more funds are available for critical development projects.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administered the oath of office to Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as the acting Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) on Friday, pending Senate confirmation. The ceremony, held at the Council Chamber of the State House in Abuja, marks the swearing-in of Nigeria’s 23rd Chief Justice and its second female to hold the position.

In a statement by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, President Tinubu called on the new acting CJN to uphold the independence of the judiciary and promote justice. He underscored the importance of integrity, discipline, and transparency within the judicial system.

Tinubu commended Justice Kekere-Ekun for her outstanding reputation and career, highlighting her rise from magistrate to Supreme Court justice as a testament to her dedication and excellence. He expressed confidence in her ability to inspire young women and contribute significantly to the judiciary’s evolution.

Following her swearing-in, Justice Kekere-Ekun pledged to improve the judiciary’s reputation and public confidence, stressing the need for collective effort in driving necessary reforms.

The event was attended by key figures including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, former Chief Justices, Supreme Court justices, and members of the Federal Executive Council. Justice Kekere-Ekun’s family, led by her husband, Mr. Akin Kekere-Ekun, was also present.

By: News Agency of Nigeria

The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) has confiscated suspected pirated books valued at ₦50 million during a raid in the Yaba area of Lagos State.

The operation, led by Charles Amudipe, Deputy Director of Operations and Head of Operations at the NCC Lagos office, targeted the Yaba Book Market. The raid resulted in the seizure of pirated materials from five bookshops and three warehouses, along with the arrest of the shop owners involved.

Amudipe emphasized that the NCC’s anti-piracy action serves as a strong warning to the public, particularly booksellers, schools, and printers, that the commission will not tolerate any form of piracy. “The anti-piracy raid is to send a signal to the public that the commission has upscaled its enforcement activities,” he said.

He also highlighted the growing issue of pirated books being directly sold to schools and warned that any school found participating in such activities would be treated as a collaborator in piracy.

The NCC has mandated all printers, booksellers, and schools dealing in books to maintain proper documentation and receipts as proof of purchase from legitimate sources. Amudipe warned that failure to adhere to these regulations would result in severe penalties under the copyright act.