Nigeria Times

…commend Chairman for probity in discharge of duties

No fewer than 100 civil society groups have passed a vote of confidence on the leadership of the National Population Commission (NPC) on its preparedness to conduct a credible and acceptable census.

Under the aegis of the Coalition of Civil Society Groups for Transparency and Accountability (CCSGTA), the groups lauded the NPC Chairman Hon. Nasir Isa Kwarra for introducing groundbreaking initiatives and reforms to the Commission. 

Obinna Francis, who spoke on behalf of the Coalition, also hailed the NPC boss for instilling transparency, accountability and probity in the operations of the Commission. 

While urging Nigerians to continue to support the Commission, Francis assured of a credible census that will help in addressing the myriads of challenges in the country.   

“The focus on the National Population Commission is in the right direction because of its mandate to ensure accurate census data, which is critical for developing accurate assessments of the nation’s economic well-being and helping the government with proper economic planning,” he said. 

“The Coalition of Civil Society Groups for Transparency and Accountability is confident that the 2023 population census would go a long way in tackling insecurity in the country, given that it will provide data that can help the government take note of the ratio of security officers proportionate to the nation’s population which can help in improving the security of lives and properties. 

“It also has its benefits in the critical agricultural sector in the sense that the census data generated can help to formulate, evaluate, change, and propose policies and programs that help farmers develop market strategies, create more efficient production and distribution systems, and assist in developing and improving methods that will increase agricultural production and profitability.

“We want to seize the opportunity of this Press Briefing to identify with and commend the leadership of the National Population Commission for the laudable initiatives introduced towards attaining a successful National Population Census.  This is on the heels of its leadership’s display of transparency and accountability in utilizing available resources for this national exercise that is critical to translating our hopes and aspirations into tangible realities. 

“It is also on record that the National Population Commission has reiterated its readiness to conduct a credible and acceptable census through the implementation of comprehensive security measures to safeguard its servers, applications, and IT infrastructure through robust and concrete firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention systems, regular security audits, encryption protocols, and multifactorial authentication for privileged accounts.

“The Coalition of Civil Society Groups for Transparency and Accountability is using this medium to pass a vote of confidence on the leadership of the National Population Commission for rising to the occasion in its preparedness for the forthcoming national population census. 

“We also call on other critical stakeholders in the country to see the success of the national population census as a collective endeavour that does not rest on the shoulders of the National Population Commission alone but require a collective action involving all and sundry. “

The Coalition of Minority and Indigenous Ethnic Groups in Nigeria has accused immediate-past Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike of breaching the peace pact he signed with his successor, Siminalayi Fubara.

The group, which made this known at a press conference on Wednesday, also claimed that the FCT Minister is using the judiciary to intimidate Governor Fubara’s perceived loyalists. 

In his address, convener Okwa Dan raised an alarm over a plot to arraign the former Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, now Chief of Staff to the Governor, Edison Ehie as “unacceptable to the spirit of peace”.

While applauding Governor Fubara for honouring the agreement, Dan urged Wike to give peace a chance in Rivers. 

“The Coalition of Minority and Indigenous Ethnic Groups in Nigeria has closely followed the implementation of this accord and is pleased to note that the Rivers State Governor has implemented every single action point that pertains to him in the Rivers Peace Document,” he said.

“In the spirit of doing to the right side what has been done to the left side, we urge the Wike side of the schism to embrace the peace accord and do so with a human face. Wike’s side should give peace a chance under the circumstances as an appointee and ally of Mr. President Tinubu, who recognises the importance of facilitating internal peace and security in Rivers State.
Wike’s side should shelter their sword.

“We are strongly of the view that the peace agreement must not be seen to be one-sided. Our assertion in this regard arose from the recent development in which the judiciary is being used to undermine the State Governor. This is particularly so in the case of the use of the judiciary by some highly placed individuals to humiliate those who are seen to be loyal to the Governor.

“The recent plot to arraign the former Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly who is now Chief of Staff to the State Governor, Edison Ehie is therefore unacceptable to the spirit of peace, which both sides are expected to embrace in the wake of signing the peace accord. Our Coalition is therefore calling on the Federal Government and its agencies to in the spirit of the Peace Accord withdraw all the charges against Edison Ehie and all other Fubara’s loyalists.

“Peace cannot be a one-sided affair. Since Governor Fubara has gone out of his way to give juicy appointments to the loyalists of the FCT, those who are in the Governor’s camp should not be treated differently. Hounding them with the judiciary of federal institutions will only cause fresh provocations that make a mockery of the efforts that President Tinubu has put into restoring peace to that part of the country. It will be most disrespectful to repay Mr President with such behaviour when he has shown the way in how to give peace a chance.

“Our Coalition consequently frowns at attempts to use the judiciary or agencies of the Federal government to witch-hunt officials of the Rivers State Government. Beyond negating the peace accord, it also signposts a threat to the autonomy of the nation’s federating states. We want Mr Wike to take special note that his camp’s stance on remaining belligerent has implications for the relationship between the states and the Federal Government. Today, he enjoys the federal might but tomorrow the shoe may be on the other foot.”

In a strategic move to secure support for Asue Ighodalo’s gubernatorial bid in the upcoming Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) primary elections in Edo State, Governor Godwin Obaseki has undertaken a series of political maneuvers. On the night of Tuesday, January 30, 2024, Obaseki, seeking endorsement for Ighodalo’s candidacy, approached Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State to facilitate a meeting with Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the FCT, in Abuja, TheCable had reported.

The rendezvous as reported on Tuesday occurred at the Wells Carlton Hotel, with Governor Fintiri accompanying Obaseki and Nyesom Wike.
Meanwhile a source privy to the meeting told this medium that Obaseki had during the meeting claimed that his deputy, Comrade Philip Shaibu was being sponsored by the Chief of Staff to the President, Hon. Gbajabiamila. Obaseki urged against supporting Shaibu, asserting that he should not be trusted.

The source added that before this encounter with Wike, Obaseki had undertaken three secretive visits to Governor Bala Muhammed of Bauchi State, accompanied by former governor Udom Emmanuel. In these meetings, Obaseki reportedly repeated similar unfounded claims, accusing Shaibu of being sponsored by Wike to destabilize the PDP in Edo State.

In a separate meeting with Atiku supporters within the PDP, Obaseki once again targeted Wike, accusing him of supporting Shaibu against him due to Obaseki’s allegiance to Atiku. These actions by Obaseki reflect a divisive strategy aimed at destabilizing the party for the benefit of his preferred candidate, utilizing questionable means.

Obaseki’s pursuit of reconciliation and Wike’s support stems from the formidable opposition posed by the current deputy governor, Philip Shaibu, and Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama, a former member of the House of Representatives, both preferred candidates of Dan Orbih, a key ally of Wike in Edo State. In a bid to win over Wike, Obaseki proposed a deal to have Ogbeide-Ihama as Ighodalo’s running mate.

However, Wike reportedly declined Obaseki’s overtures, citing a lack of loyalty on Obaseki’s part towards those who have supported him in the past. Wike insisted on a fair and level playing field to ensure the emergence of the most acceptable candidate.

With the race for the PDP gubernatorial ticket in Edo State intensifying, Obaseki’s political maneuvering and reconciliation efforts highlight the fierce competition within the party. The outcome of the primary elections will undoubtedly shape the course of the PDP’s campaign leading up to the general elections, as Obaseki reportedly allocates substantial funds for printing party cards in the state.

… urges Tinubu to sack under-performing Ministers

A group called Bloggers and Vloggers, Content Creators Association in Nigeria, (BAVCCA), yesterday, passed vote of confidence on President Bola Tinubu and the Group Chief Executive Officer, (GCEO), Engr Mele Kyari over implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act, PIA, and stability in the oil and gas sector.
The leadership of the Association passed the vote of confidence on Tinubu and Kyari in a jointly signed communique by the National President, Comrade Ikechukwu Chukwunyere and Secretary, Alhaji Ibrahim Mohammed respectively.
The communique reads in part, “We pass a vote of confidence on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Group Chief Executive Officer, GCEO, for the implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act commendable achievements and commitment to addressing the state of Nigeria.
“We congratulate the Group Chief Executive Officer, GCEO, NNPCL, Engr Mele Kyari and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the reopening of the Port Harcourt refinery, this is very commendable and we pray that Dr Kyari continues in his giant strides at NNPCL.
“We encourage him to organize more programmes, interactive sessions or town hall briefings about NNPCL to Nigerians and the media.”
However, the Association also called on the President to sack underperforming Ministers I’m order for them not to be clogs in the wheels of his government.
“We appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s efforts in implementing policies aimed at reviving the economy, creating jobs, improving infrastructure, and combating corruption.
“We urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intensify efforts in tackling the security challenges faced by the nation, ensuring the safety and well-being of all Nigerians.
“We implore President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to prioritize measures that stabilize the exchange rates and strengthen the Naira, thereby fostering a healthier economic environment.
“We pray the President to immediately sack under-performing Ministers as we wont tolerate corrupt, lazy and mediocre Ministers.
“We have constituted an independent investigative panel to look into the several allegations of Corruption and oil bunkering against the Navy, these allegations are too grievous and must not be handled with laxity. The committee was also mandated to turn in their reports within seven days.”

In a disturbing turn of events, the arrest and continued detention of 30 women in Nasarawa State have sparked widespread outrage both nationally and internationally.

Recall that the women were detained for participating in peaceful protests against what they perceive as electoral injustice in the 2023 Nasarawa gubernatorial election.

The protests, which were a response to the Supreme Court’s decision to uphold the election results despite allegations of misconduct, saw the women express their grievances peacefully. However, they were met with undue aggression from security forces, leading to their arrest, prosecution, and subsequent incarceration.

Dr. Eki Yemisi Omorogbe, representing the International Law and Policy in Africa Network in a press Release on Tuesday, condemned the actions taken against the women, stating: “The prosecution of these 30 women shows the failure of the Nigerian Police Force and the Government of Nasarawa State to uphold the right of citizens under the 1999 Constitution to protest, assemble and freely express themselves.”

The women, who were demonstrating peacefully and unarmed, were subjected to violence and assault by security personnel, a blatant violation of their constitutional rights. Dr. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, Co-Convener of Womenifesto, emphasized.

“Locking them up in indefinite pre-trial detention at the instance of those whom they were protesting against constitutes political persecution.”

Project – Free Nasarawa 30, a coalition of civil rights activists, citizens’ journalists, and international advocacy groups, has called for the immediate release of the detained women. Chidi Anselm Odinkalu of Atrocities Watch Africa (AWA) asserted: “An attack on the Nasarawa 30 is an attack on all women across the globe.”

The coalition demands an end to the abusive use of state power and the review of bail conditions for the women. They reject the tactics employed against the women and urge for their unconditional release.

As the plight of the Nasarawa 30 continues to draw international attention, pressure mounts on the Nasarawa State government to address the issue and uphold the principles of justice and human rights.

As all aspirants of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) gather in Abuja today ahead of the screening at the party’s headquarters in Wadata Plaza, a heated incident occurred in the waiting room as the screening got underway.

Aspirants under the platform of the party, forced Mr. Asue Ighodalo, a candidate allegedly sponsored by Governor Godwin Obaseki out for being rude to the Deputy Governor.

While all the aspirants were waiting, Mr. Ighodalo was alleged to have made derogatory remarks about the Deputy Governor of Edo State, Rt Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu. Other aspirants quickly called him out, reminding him that he was insulting the office of the Deputy Governor and not Comrade Philip Shaibu. Despite their intervention, Mr Ighodalo insisted on making the remarks, prompting the Deputy Governor to walk him out of the meeting. In solidarity, all the other aspirants agreed that Mr. Ighodalo left the waiting room due to his disrespectful behavior towards the Deputy Governor’s office. Following this command, Mr Ighodalo stormed out.

In a related development, a mild drama unfolded in Abuja as all the aspirants and their supporters united in opposition to the party granting Mr Asue Ighodalo a waiver. The protesters argued that Mr Ighodalo had never voted in Edo State and therefore should not be allowed to run for election under the PDP banner.

The protest escalated, leading to the intervention of riot policemen who were called in to suppress the demonstration. The supporters of the aspirants warned that if Mr Ighodalo were forced upon the party in the state, it would be met with resistance and potentially spell disaster for the party’s standing in the region.

It is worth noting that the party’s national working committee had reportedly granted Mr. Ighodalo a waiver, a decision that many party members perceive as a clandestine effort to impose a candidate who recently joined the party and has neither voted nor actively contributed to its growth and sustenance in the state.

As tensions rise and protests persist, the future of Mr Asue Ighodalo’s candidacy remains uncertain, and the PDP faces the challenge of maintaining unity and trust within its ranks.

The magistrate court in Lafia has slated Wednesday, 30th January, to deliberate on the application filed by the counsel representing 38 protesting women who were remanded to a correctional center for alleged breach of peace in the state.

The women were apprehended immediately following the Supreme Court’s verdict that upheld Governor Abdullahi Sule’s election, citing alleged breaches of public peace and other charges.

In an interview on Monday, Barrister Ayiwulu Baba Ayiwulu, representing the defendants, highlighted the essence of the application: “We have petitioned the court to review the initial order requiring each defendant to produce a director and fulfill other bail requirements.”

Moreover, Ayiwulu added, “We proposed a new bail bond arrangement, suggesting that Hon. Esson Mairiga, the House Committee Chairman on Judiciary, has agreed to stand as the surety for all the women.”

The court has adjourned the ruling on the bail matter to Wednesday, allowing for further review and consideration of the proposed adjustments.

“We remain optimistic that justice will prevail, and the rights of these women will be duly acknowledged,” Ayiwulu emphasized.

The Centre for African Liberation and Socioeconomic Rights (CALSER) has raised an alarm over an alleged plot by some disgruntled elements to blackmail the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla.

Speaking at a press conference on Monday in Abuja, convener,  Professor Thomas Uzah said oil thieves are on the prowl, seeking the head of the Naval Chief for thwarting their illicit business.

Uzah said the allegations against Ogalla and a respected institution like the Nigerian Navy remain a figment of the imagination of the promoters.

While applauding the Navy’s drive to protect national assets on our waterways, he warned that further slander campaign against the Chief of Naval Staff would lead to a nationwide protest.

“Also worthy of mention is that the efforts of the Nigerian Navy have further led to the delisting of Nigeria from the International Maritime Bureau piracy list,” the statement said.

“These are indeed tangibles that the Nigerian Navy has recorded in recent times under the watch of Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla.

“We wish to use this medium to call on the Department of State Services to the diatribe capable of undermining the tangible gains recorded by the Nigerian Navy in addressing crude oil theft in the country.

“The promoters of this campaign of calumny must be identified and brought to book if we are desirous of making progress as a country, given that the major source of revenue is crude oil.

“There is no doubt that those behind crude oil theft have resources at their disposal to undermine the efforts of the Nigerian Navy. As such, they must be identified and brought to book.

“We also wish to inform members of the general public to be circumspect about news stories about the Nigerian Navy. These are the handiwork of enemies of the country who have been diverting the commonwealth of the people.

“The efforts of the Nigerian Navy in recent times is such that has contributed immensely to socioeconomic growth and development. As such, it behoves well-meaning Nigerians to support the Nigerian Navy at this critical point of our existence. “