Nigeria Times

The Department of State Services (DSS) has released Adejuwon Soyinka, a former editor of the BBC Pidgin Service, after detaining him for several hours at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos. Soyinka, who is also the West African editor of The Conversation Africa, was arrested upon his arrival from the UK on Sunday morning.

The DSS did not disclose the reason for Soyinka’s detention, although it is believed to be part of an increasing crackdown on journalists in Nigeria. Initially, DSS spokesperson Peter Afunanya denied knowledge of the arrest, but later confirmed that Soyinka was held at the request of another agency.

The International Press Institute (IPI), a global network of editors and media executives, intervened, leading to Soyinka’s release. However, his international passport remains in the possession of the DSS. IPI condemned the arrest, describing it as an attempt to intimidate journalists under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, and demanded the immediate return of Soyinka’s passport. The IPI also called for an end to the harassment and intimidation of journalists in Nigeria.

A Zimbabwean bishop, Eben K. Nhiwatiwa, of the United Methodist Church, has been arrested in Yola, Adamawa State, Nigeria, during a visit aimed at initiating the process of electing a new bishop following the resignation of the former bishop, John Wesley Yohanna. Bishop Nhiwatiwa was reportedly detained by the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) and later transferred to their headquarters in Abuja.

The church, which has been embroiled in internal conflicts since an international conference in the U.S. where some members supported same-sex marriage, expressed deep concern over the bishop’s arrest. In a statement, Pastor Salisu Waziri suggested that members of a breakaway faction of the church were behind the arrest, despite Bishop Nhiwatiwa possessing all necessary documents.

The Taraba State Government has responded to the church crisis by closing all United Methodist Church branches across the state, citing concerns over potential violence as factions struggle for control of church properties. Further arrests of church members, including pastors, are feared as the situation escalates.

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), has strongly criticized Nigerian politicians for weaponizing insecurity for political gain. Speaking at the Nigerian Bar Association’s 2024 Annual General Conference in Lagos, Okonjo-Iweala emphasized that socioeconomic development is impossible without security and condemned political actors who instigate unrest to undermine their opponents.

In her keynote address titled “A Social Contract For Nigeria’s Future,” the former finance minister called for an end to this harmful practice, stressing that it often results in the loss of lives and property. She also highlighted the availability of technological solutions to combat crude oil theft in Nigeria, urging authorities to take decisive action against those responsible.

A Federal Court in Abuja has frozen the bank accounts of 32 individuals and companies linked to the #EndBadGovernance protest, pending investigation and prosecution. Justice Emeka Nwite ruled in favor of the motion filed by the Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Mohammed, directing banks to place a Post-No-Debit order on the accounts and to apprehend any persons transacting on them.

The accounts, spread across various banks, are suspected to be involved in unlawful activities, including terrorism financing and treasonable felony. The ruling comes as authorities intensify efforts to investigate the financial networks behind the 10-day protest.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called out President Bola Tinubu for allegedly giving his nephew undue advantage in the acquisition of significant oil assets in Nigeria. In a statement released by his Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku questioned why Oando Plc, a company owned by Tinubu’s nephew, received expedited approval to purchase AGIP and ENI’s onshore assets, while other transactions like the Shell/Renaissance and Mobil/Seplat deals remain delayed.

Atiku criticized the Tinubu administration for favoring family interests in the oil and gas sector, accusing it of undermining democracy. He also took aim at the House of Representatives for not adequately addressing concerns related to the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), which he claimed has been “mortgaging the country’s national oil assets to vested interests.”

Atiku argued that democracy under Tinubu has devolved into a government that serves the President and his family, rather than the people of Nigeria. He highlighted the speed with which the Nigerian Upstream Production Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) approved Oando’s acquisition, contrasting it with the stalled Mobil/Seplat deal, whose consent letter remains on Tinubu’s desk.

Furthermore, Atiku accused the NNPC of disregarding a directive from the House of Representatives to suspend its acquisition of OVH assets pending an investigation. Despite ongoing issues in the oil sector, key officials continue to retain their positions, which Atiku views as a sign of their loyalty to Tinubu’s interests.

The Nigerian government has appointed three of the nation’s most prominent business leaders—Aliko Dangote of Dangote Group, Tony Elumelu of Heirs Holdings, and Femi Otedola of Geregu Power Plc—to lead the charge against malaria through the Nigeria End Malaria Council (NEMC).

The NEMC, established in 2017 and officially launched by former President Muhammadu Buhari on August 16, 2022, is tasked with coordinating national efforts to eradicate malaria in Nigeria.

These newly appointed leaders are expected to intensify efforts under the NEMC to address the malaria crisis, which remains a significant health challenge in the country.

During the inauguration ceremony held in Abuja, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Tunji Alausa, highlighted the critical impact of malaria in Nigeria. He noted that Nigeria accounts for over 25% of global malaria cases and roughly a third of global malaria-related deaths, with children and pregnant women being the most vulnerable groups.

Alausa described the situation as “tragic,” emphasizing that malaria contributes to approximately 25-30% of childhood deaths and 60% of hospital visits in Nigeria. The disease also leads to significant absenteeism in schools, workplaces, and markets, exacerbating financial burdens on households.

The newly appointed NEMC leaders will collaborate with the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF), national assembly health committees, and women’s organizations to advance the agenda of malaria elimination in Nigeria.

Alausa stated, “It is my honor to be part of this important initiative aimed at reducing the malaria burden and ultimately eliminating malaria in Nigeria, which will significantly enhance the quality of life for all Nigerians.”

He further remarked, “Nigeria remains a major contributor to global malaria cases and deaths, particularly among children and pregnant women. Malaria accounts for a significant portion of childhood mortality and hospital visits in our country.”

“Despite progress in other nations, Nigeria continues to see a rise in malaria cases. The majority of our malaria interventions are donor-funded, which is neither sufficient nor sustainable.”

To address this, Alausa recalled the African Heads of States’ initiative launched in 2009, the African Leaders Malaria Alliance (ALMA), and the Malaria Scorecard developed in 2011 to monitor national performance and advocate for stronger governmental action.

The establishment of the NEMC is intended to ensure that malaria remains a top priority at both national and state levels, with strong political commitment and the mobilization of resources from diverse sources.

Alausa concluded, “Given your influential positions in Nigeria, your commitment to health issues, particularly malaria, and the communities you represent, your membership in this council is crucial for the benefit of society, especially for children and pregnant women who are most affected and will be forever grateful.”

As part of the ceremony, the minister formally handed over the leadership of the council to Aliko Dangote.