Nigeria Times

The Federal Government has been urged to urgently scrap the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) and terminate the appointment of its Director General, Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote over incompetence, corruption allegations, amongst others
The call was made during a press conference addressed by Adegoruwa Omobolanle, National Spokesperson of Tinubu Shettima Support Campaign Council (TSSCC) on Tuesday in Ibadan.
According to Omobolanle TSSCC as a prominent grassroots organization committed to advancing good governance, grassroots development, and the welfare of Nigerian citizens is “deeply concerned about the recent appointment of the current Director General of NIMC, and growing cases of fraud within the commission.
TSSCC also added that stakeholders from the NIMC Director General’s home state and region are disappointed with her inefficacy and fraud allegations rocking the Commission, hence are in support of calls for her sack.
Part of his statement read: “We are deeply concerned about the recent appointment of Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote as the Director General/CEO of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) and hereby call for immediate action to rectify the situation.
Unfortunately, Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote’s appointment has proven to be a gross misjudgment, evident by her incompetence in effectively carrying out the duties of Director General/CEO. Under her tenure, NIMC has failed to fulfill its primary objective of providing a reliable and efficient national identity management system. This failure is a significant setback for national development and undermines the rights and interests of Nigerian citizens.
Additionally, corruption cases within NIMC have further tarnished its already diminishing reputation and it is an obvious fact that a person who is corrupt lacks the morality and capacity to check corruption. The alleged corrupt practices, misappropriation of funds, and lack of transparency have eroded public trust in the commission. Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote’s oversight in such cases is deeply concerning and raises questions about her ethical integrity and ability to lead effectively.
Furthermore, NIMC has been plagued by a range of other issues, including mismanagement of resources, inadequate staffing, and technological inefficiency. These issues hamper the commission’s ability to operate efficiently and provide the necessary services to the Nigerian population.”
Given the gravity of these concerns, TSSCC urgently calls for the following actions to be taken:

1. Terminate the appointment of Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote as the Director General/CEO of NIMC, as her incompetence and alleged involvement in corruption cases makes her unfit for the position.
2. Conduct a thorough and independent investigation into the corruption cases within NIMC, ensuring transparency, accountability, and appropriate action against those responsible.
3. Scrutinize the overall operations and structure of NIMC, identifying and rectifying the root causes of its failures, including mismanagement of resources, inadequate staffing, and technological inefficiencies.
4. Consider alternatives to NIMC that can effectively address the primary objective of providing a reliable and efficient national identity management system, prioritizing competency and accountability.
   It is crucial that immediate action is taken to rectify the situation at NIMC and restore public confidence in the commission. The provision of a transparent, effective, and corruption-free identity management system is paramount for the security and prosperity of Nigerian citizens

The Nigerian Coalition of Civil Society Organizations (NCCSO) has commended the recent flag-off of the National Cash Transfer Programme by President Bola Tinubu-led administration over its poverty reduction potentials.

The commendation came during a press conference addressed by the leader of NCCSO, Abimbola Ademola on Tuesday in Abuja.

Speaking on behalf of the Coalition, Ademola stated that the civil society groups welcome the Federal Government unwavering resolve to tackle poverty through the “Renewed Hope Cash Transfer”, while backing the National Cash Transfer Office under the leadership of the Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Beta Edu to deliver on the initiative.

The Coalition stressed that the National Cash Transfer Programme will help the poor develop savings skills and ultimately reduce poverty, while urging the Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation not to relent in doing the right thing.
Part of the statement read: “We want to express our joy and happiness in the transparency thus far, we also encourage Dr. Edu to keep up the good works as we are satisfied with her hard work and achievements.

“President Bola Tinubu’s initiation of the Renewed Hope Cash Transfer Programme is highly commendable as the Programme has successfully credited about 2.6 million Nigerians with N25,000, through their bank accounts. These Nigerians, though extremely poor, previously had no bank accounts to enable them to benefit from the programme. These nearly three million Nigerians will receive additional N25,000 for two months totaling N75, 000. They are representatives of poor and vulnerable households identified through the National Social Register.

“The National Cash Transfer Office under the able leadership of Dr. Beta Edu, the Minister for Humanitarian affairs and Poverty Alleviation aims to reach 15 million poor and vulnerable households, with cash transfers of 25 thousand Naira monthly for three months, under the renewed hope conditional cash transfer program of Mr President.

“This is being done in a phased approach of 5 million households per month. The National Cash Transfer Program has also made a breakthrough as it was able to validate existing poor vulnerable household data from the National Social Register, through its ongoing beneficiary enrolment process. The office is currently in the hinterland of Nigeria’s rural areas, physically identifying these poor individuals, who have largely been unbanked and have also been without any form of telecommunications exposure.

“They are enrolling them into a beneficiary register with its vast network of about 10,000 cash transfer facilitators, spread across every ward of the federation, doing physical identification and engagements with these vulnerable individuals to ensure that only the poorest of the poor benefit from the National Cash Transfer Programme.

“This in itself is a huge task because it helps identify new Nigerians that had previously been left behind in the planning process of this country, bringing them into the forefront of Nigeria’s resource allocation initiatives.

“All these and more are being midwifed by the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs under the leadership of Dr. Betta Edu through the National Cash Transfer Office and the National Social Safety Net Coordinating Office, initiatives conceived under the National Social Safety Net Programme, which is a poverty mapping and alleviation collaboration between the Nigerian Government through the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Ministry of Finance and the World Bank

“All in the bid to create financial access for these beneficiaries, and alleviate the interim hardships emanating from Nigeria’s ongoing economic reforms.
“The funds are transferred directly into the beneficiary bank accounts, from the accounts of the Cash Transfer Office in the CBN, without any intermediary funds warehousing as promised by Mr President.

“The Cash Transfer Office is also ensuring that all beneficiaries have BVN or NIN generated for them, as directed by the CBN, which further strengthens Nigeria’s ability to identify and plan for the well-being of its vast number of citizens.

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has been applauded for his laudable reforms in the aviation sector in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The Coalition of Civil Society Organizations for Monitoring and Evaluation of the Renewed Hope Agenda gave the commendation in collaboration with the Coalition of Middle Belt Groups and Faith-Based Organizations. 

The groups said significant progress has been made in infrastructure development, safety and security, reforms, policy formulation as well as institutional Strengthening.

In a detailed report signed and made public by the convener, Tobias Ogbe, the group noted that the industry under Keyamo is experiencing an evolution thanks to President Tinubu’s resolve to prioritise the development and modernisation of the aviation sector.

“One of the key areas of focus has been the upgrade and expansion of airport infrastructure across the country. Several airports have undergone extensive renovations, leading to improved facilities, enhanced capacity, and increased operational efficiency. These infrastructure developments have not only boosted economic activities but have also positioned Nigeria as a regional aviation hub, attracting more airlines and promoting tourism,” Ogbe said. 

“We are happy with the way President Tinubu’s administration has placed a strong emphasis on enhancing safety and security measures in the aviation sector, and the Minister made sure to speak this development into reality through his actions. Stringent regulations, improved training programs, and the implementation of advanced technology have so far contributed to a significant reduction in accidents and incidents. It is also worthy of note to state that the establishment of effective security protocols has also played a crucial role in safeguarding passengers, crew, and airport facilities.

“The aviation sector reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda have been instrumental in reshaping the industry and promoting sustainable growth. Key reforms have been implemented in various areas, including regulatory frameworks, policy formulation, and institutional strengthening. Several reformations have implemented to further solidify this agenda. 

“President Tinubu’s administration has prioritized the review and update of existing aviation regulations to align with international standards and best practices. This has created a more conducive environment for both domestic and foreign investors, fostering healthy competition and encouraging innovation in the sector.

“The Renewed Hope Agenda has also focused on formulating policies that promote the growth and development of the aviation industry. Streamlined processes, simplified procedures, and the removal of unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles have made it easier for stakeholders to operate efficiently. These policies have also encouraged the emergence of new airlines, improved connectivity, and increased accessibility for remote areas.

“Owing to the need to ensure effective implementation of reforms, the Tinubu administration has worked towards strengthening the institutions responsible for overseeing the aviation sector. Training and capacity-building programs have been introduced to enhance the skills and knowledge of industry professionals. Collaboration with international aviation bodies has further facilitated knowledge transfer and exchange of best practices.”

The group, however, admitted there is still a lot of work to be done. Ogbe harped on: “Continued investment in airport infrastructure to support the growing demand for air travel and ensure passenger comfort.

“Strengthening of safety and security measures through regular audits, training, and adoption of advanced technologies. Enhancement of regulatory frameworks to promote healthy competition, protect consumer rights, and attract more foreign investment.”

By our Correspondent

Ahead of the Court of Appeal verdict over the Adamawa state governorship election dispute, an aide to governor Ahmadu Fintiri, on new media, Alhaji Muhammad B. Tukur, has boosted in the Adamawa state capital yola, that the appellate court will today, deliver judgment in favour of his principal and the appeal will be dismissed.

The Court had slated December 18, 2023 to pronounce its decision on the appeal before it by the Adamawa State Governorship candidate of All Progressives Congress, APC, Senator Aishatu Ahmed (Binani).

A highly placed political source yesterday night told our Correspondent that one of the senior media handlers to governor Ahmadu Fintiri, had claimed that his principal had reached out to Justice Tunde Oyebamiji Awotoye( Presiding) and Justice Ebiowei Tobi, ahead of the judgment.

On the panel of justices handling the election dispute are Justice Tunde Oyebamiji Awotoye( Presiding), JUSTICE EBIOWEI TOBI and Justice Amina Audi Wambai, respectively.

A highly placed political source, late last night told our Correspondent that one of the governor top political aide, Alhaji Tukur, has claimed that the governor through his legal team has reached out to the panel members that are adjudicating over the matter to secure judgment in favour of governor Fintiri.

According to the source, already close members of the governor’s kitchen cabinet, political associates and family members are already celebrating the judgment that is yet to be delivered later today, particularly, in yola Adamawa state capital.

Senator Binani, is challenging the victory of the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the last governorship election, Ahmadu Fintiri, who has since been functioning as the state governor.

The Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal, which had earlier heard the case and reserved judgment, will today deliver the awaited judgment

Binani had gone to the Court of Appeal shortly after the Adamawa State Governorship Electoral Petitions Tribunal in October 2023 dismissed the petition filed by the All Progressives Congress, APC and herself.

Binani had approached the tribunal asking it to quash the declaration of Governor Fintiri by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, as elected governor of Adamawa State.

In her petition challenging the governorship election conducted by INEC on March 18, 2023, Binani, who named INEC, Fintiri, and PDP as the first, second, and third respondents respectively, asked the tribunal to annul the election over non-compliance with the Nigerian Electoral Act.

The tribunal had, however, dismissed Binani’s petition and affirmed Fintiri’s victory, after which Binani filed an appeal at the appellate court.

…accuses former Governor of using son to control CBN budget

The Middle-Belt Patriotic Congress (MBPC) has alerted Nigerians to an alleged plot by former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, to manipulate the Central Bank of Nigeria into funding his presidential ambition. 

The group, which made this known at a press conference on Sunday in Abuja, said El-Rufai is already buying northern leaders in his destabilization agenda against President Bola Tinubu’s government.

In his address, the convener of the group, Garuba Jacob, said that Bello Mohammed El-Rufai who is the Chairman of the House Committee on Banking Regulations is part of the grand scheme to finance his father’s ambition by manipulating the CBN. 

The statement said: “We have noted that el-Rufai, being who he is, has perfected the funding plan for his questionable enterprise, which he is hiding under his venture capital/private equity firm, Afri-Venture Capital Company Limited, will begin operations in 2024, with $100 million, that is more than N100 billion that he is deploying for inducing the youth, mostly Muslim youths as part of a plot for further disenfranchise the Christian population. We understand that the youths are being mobilized under the guise of grooming them for enterprise, but they will be later corralled into being willing tools for protests that will ground the country at el-Rufai’s behest.

“Gentlemen of the press, it is at this point that Nigerians should ask how the venture capital firm is getting its $100 million funds. The answer is right before our eyes. His son, Hon. Bello Mohammed El-Rufai is the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Banking Regulations. The position places him in a vantage position to manipulate the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) funds to finance his father’s ambition. It also gives him the leverage to coerce financial institutions to put money in the venture capital firm not minding the glaring conflict of interests.

“In this aspect, we blame the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Right Honorable Tajudeen Abbas for assigning such a powerful and strategic Committee to a member whose family has a long tradition of genocidal anti-Christian and anti-non-Fulani utterances and actions. The Middle Belt Patriotic Congress [MBPC] hereby calls on the Speaker to undo the damage that el-Rufai’s leadership of the House Committee on Banking Regulations is causing the country. It is wrong to put the nation’s well-being in the hands of a family that has shown they hate others in the country.

“The younger el-Rufai’s occupation of that office is nothing but his father having a continuous hold on Nigeria’s commonwealth through a strangling control of the CBN. This control of the CBN is already hurting the economy, which leaves us in fear of what will happen when he unleashes his agenda to forcefully become the president in the 2027 Presidential Election.”

The group, therefore, urged northern elders, including former President Muhammadu Buhari and General Ibrahim Babangida o be wary of further granting el-Rufai audience in the interest of Nigeria’s stability. 

The statement added: “They must carefully weigh the implications of enabling a man who had openly endorsed Fulani reprisals for perceived wrongs done to his ethnic stock and has also vowed Islamic domination of Nigeria because we know that his fanatical views do not reflect the values held by esteemed leaders in the north.

“MBPC advises President Tinubu to take the necessary precautions to ward off el-Rufai’s plot to destabilize his government and the threats constituted to Nigeria by his estranged associate. The President must particularly watch out for contrived security and economic crises, being strategies that el-Rufai had in the past devised to undermine the government at the center whenever he is at loggerheads with the nation’s number one citizen.

“Additionally, we urge our law enforcement agencies, the ones with the jurisdiction, to urgently investigate and review el-Rufai’s activities while he was abroad, particularly as they relate to the networks he maintained while outside the shores of this country and financial transactions around his person, family, and associates since a lot learned about his destabilization plot by following the money.”

• indicts Justice Okorowo

The Centre for Africa Liberation and Socioeconomic Rights (CALSER) has raised an alarm over an alleged plot by some members of the Rivers State Assembly to thwart the conduct of by-elections in the state. 

The Centre, which made this known at a press conference, said the lawmakers plan to approach the courts to challenge the legality of the letter sent to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct by-elections to fill the vacuum created as a result of their defection to another political party. 

The Executive Director of the Centre, Princess Ajibola, also alleged that the 27 lawmakers have induced Justice Donatus Okorowo of the Federal High Court Abuja to rule in their favour.

Ajibola, however, called on the lower courts not to allow itself to be used to undermine the stability of the country by rejecting the overtures from the 27 defected lawmakers in the Rivers State House of Assembly. 

She added: “The position of the Supreme Court is clear about defection from one political party to another. Section 109. (1) (g) of the Nigeria constitution clearly states that ‘A member of a House of Assembly shall vacate his seat in the House if being a person whose election to the House of Assembly was sponsored by a political party, he becomes a member of another political party before the expiration of the period for which that House was elected.’

“We must recall that in 2022, a Federal High Court in Abuja sacked 16 Ebonyi House of Assembly members for defection. The court held that the movement breached Section 109(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution as amended, providing that defector legislators are not allowed to retain their legislative seats.

“The same provisions were also applied in Cross River state, including the Federal House of Representatives. Suppose this is the position of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended in Section 109(1)(g). In that case, the lower courts do not have the jurisdiction to entertain any matter of defection from one political party to another. 

“The Centre for Africa Liberation and Socioeconomic Rights wishes to remind the lower courts that any attempt to entertain the planned suit by the 27 defected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly would amount to turning the law on its head. 

“Therefore, we are firmly convinced that the 27 defected lawmakers do not have any locus standi to approach the courts to challenge the legality of the letter sent to the Independent National Electoral Commission to conduct by-elections to fill the vacant seats. 

“If the lower courts entertain such a matter, it would amount to judicial rascality and with its attendant implications for the growth and development of democracy in Nigeria. 

“Nigerians must resist the planned judicial rascality in Rivers State. The plan by the 27 defected lawmakers must be resisted by all and sundry. The lower courts must prove to Nigerians that the judiciary is the dispenser of Justice, protector of the rights of the people, and guardian protector of the Constitution of the State. “

… Describes judgment as freedom for Nigerians, South East residents

…Advises stakeholders to choose courage over blackmail
From Lateef Taiwo

Following thursdays’ landmark decision of the supreme court between the Federal government and IPOB, a frontline Pro-democracy movement, the Save Nigeria Movement (SNM) has reacted to the Supreme court judgment which affirmed the constitutionality of the ongoing trial of IPOB’s leader before the Nigerian courts. In a statement signed by the groups’ convener, Rev Solomon Semaka, the CSO described the judgement as not only historic but a further affirmation that the rule of law will always prevail over blackmail and sensationalism if our judicial officers are uncompromising and upright in the administration of justice as expected in a democracy “

“As patriots, it is important to note that prior to this judgement, the deployment of smear campaign, blackmail, slander and propaganda by IPOB and her sympathizers as a tool against the Federal government since the trial of their leader began has been a major focus of the terrorist movement (IPOB)

” By this landmark judgement, Nigerians are as excited and committed at the prospects of a full trial of Nnamdi Kanu as confirmed by the nation’s highest court. The stated noted that nigerians, particularly the good people of the South East region are generally excited by the judgment of the Supreme court which signifies the sincerity of the Nigerian state in her efforts to seek justice for Nigerians in the trial of Nnamdi Kanu since the beginning of the trial ” The group also noted that instead of IPOB and critical stakeholders to reign in on Nnamdi Kanu to denounce violence in its acclaimed struggle, both stakeholders are hell bent on blackmailing the Federal government and twisting narratives on the legitimate trial of Nnamdi Kanu with a view to escaping an open and fair judicial process in line with the rule of law as prescribed by the constitution.

“There’s nothing like political solution in the administration of justice. “All the calls by politicians for a political solution is only for political patronage and nothing more “
” Further to the above, the judgement of the supreme court has also vindicated our Organization’s earlier position that IPOB and their leadership was on a wild goose chase all along. The judgment has also punctured certain judicial victories previously bandied about by IPOB and her lawyers who are more interested in advancing their selfish interests rather than go through a fair trial to seek justice for their leader.

“Particularly, for instance, the Enugu High court Judgement delivered by justice A O Onovo in favor IPOB couldn’t serve beyond certain pecuniary interests at the time” the group insisted that the supreme judgment marks the end of the road for the violent extremists to give peace a chance in the South East region”
While encouraging stakeholders participation for a peaceful co-existence , the statement cautioned political players and other socio-cultural groups to show sincerity in their comments on the development. The group also blamed economic underdevelopment of the region on IPOB’s extremism , violence and hostility calling on stakeholders especially politicians to desist from playing politics with the issue for personal gains as that would not help the region to recover from IPOB’s inflicted woes on the people. Rev Semaka advised that the courage needed for the stakeholders to call out Nnamdi Kanu to denounce violence was more important than the path to political mind games employed by certain politicians in the region for political patronage.