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IG bows to pressure, suspends e-motor registry enforcement

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Police to commence e-motor registry enforcement July 29

The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has suspended the enforcement of electronic central motor registry registration for vehicle owners in the country.

The Force Spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, had on Saturday said the IG ordered that the enforcement of the e-CMR should commence on July 29.

The enforcement order sparked an outcry from Nigerians, who accused the police of creating an opportunity to extort vehicle owners.

Also, the chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association Section on Public Interest and Development Law, John Aikpokpo-Martins, said the directive by Egbetokun to begin enforcing the digitised Central Motor Registry was a blatant disregard for the rule of law.

But in a statement on Sunday, Adejobi announced that the IG has suspended the enforcement of the e-CMR.

He added that there was the need to sensitise the citizens on the initiative, which he said was designed to secure vehicles.

He said, “Following the reconfiguration and commencement of the electronic central motor registry registration process the Police have deemed it necessary to highlight the benefits and effectiveness of the e-CMR initiative which is designed to ensure the safety and security of all types of vehicles including motorcycles by collating data imputed into the system by vehicle owners and acting on such to flag the vehicles if reported stolen.

“The e-CMR will provide a firsthand database to the Force for curbing vehicular crimes as dedicated officers can access real-time comprehensive data of every vehicle on their tablets.

“Similarly, the e-CMR will prevent multiple registrations of vehicles and serve as a database to collate biometric and other data of vehicle owners and individuals, adding value to the national database and incident report portal generated from other Ministries, Departments and Agencies towards general security.”

Adejobi denied that the e-CMR was a revenue-generating platform.

He said, “Furthermore, contrary to news making the rounds and insinuations about the e-CMR, the NPF wishes to state categorically that the e-CMR is not a revenue-generating platform but an initiative to digitalize policing for effectiveness and general safety of lives and property of Nigeria residents. “

Adejobi said the IG ordered the immediate suspension he had earlier given.

He stated, “The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun has ordered an immediate suspension of the proposed enforcement of the e-CMR initially scheduled to commence on the 29th of July, 2024. This is to give ample opportunity for mass enlightenment and education of all citizens and residents on the process, benefits and effectiveness in solving the challenge of vehicle-related crimes, and protection of individual and corporate vehicle ownership.”

Adejobi sought the understanding of the citizens and key into the initiative.

He warned police officers to stop requesting the e-CMR certificate from vehicle owners, adding that anyone caught would be punished.

Adejobi added, “ In light of this, we seek the understanding and support of all well-meaning Nigerians and residents to key into the e-CMR system. In the same vein, the IGP charges all Police officers to desist from requesting e-CMR certificates as individuals found extorting or exploiting members of the public on the guise of not having e-CMR certificates will be sanctioned accordingly as the enforcement which will be done by only dedicated officers has been suspended till further notice. “

Spain’s Rodri named best player of Euro 2024

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Spain's Rodri named best player of Euro 2024

Spain midfielder Rodri was named the best player of Euro 2024 after helping La Roja beat England 2-1 to win the competition for a fourth time in Berlin on Sunday.

Rodri had to be replaced at half-time of the final after picking up a knee injury but was rewarded for his excellent performances as Spain also overcame hosts Germany and France to reach the final.

The Manchester City man’s only goal of the tournament came in scoring the equaliser in a 4-1 win over Georgia in the last 16.

However, he was hailed by coach Luis de la Fuente as a “perfect computer” for his metronomic passing and reading of the game that proved vital to carrying a young side through a devilishly difficult draw to glory.

Rodri has now lost just once in his last 80 games in all competitions for club and country and can add the Euros to a glittering list of silverware in that time.

The 28-year-old has won two Premier League titles, the Champions League, one FA Cup, the UEFA Super Cup and the Club World Cup with City, as well as the Nations League with Spain.

AFP

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Information Minister lauds security forces for swift rescue of abducted Kaduna journalists

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Mohammed Idris, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, expressed heartfelt gratitude following the release of two Kaduna-based journalists who were abducted from their homes on the outskirts of Kaduna last weekend.
Abdulgafar Alabelewe, a journalist with The Nation, and AbdulRaheem Aodu from Blueprint newspaper, were taken alongside their families in a daring raid by bandits in Dahono Community, Millennium City area of Chikun Local Government Area.
In a statement issued on Sunday by his Special Assistant on Media, Rabiu Ibrahim, Minister Mohammed Idris commended the security agencies for their swift action in rescuing the kidnapped victims. The journalists and their families regained their freedom on Saturday night, thanks to the coordinated efforts of security forces.
“We are most grateful for what you have done. We are aware that this is part of your ongoing effort to ensure that all kidnapped victims are rescued alive and reunited with their families,” the minister’s statement read.
Minister Idris also extended sympathy to the families of the abducted journalists and called upon Nigerians to maintain trust in President Bola Tinubu’s administration and the security agencies.
“We want to urge Nigerians to keep faith with the current administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and our security agencies. The security agencies under the coordination of the NSA are working tirelessly to ensure that all those who have been taken into unlawful custody are freed without paying any ransom,” the statement further stated.
Read also: Spain emerge Euro champions as England’s 58-yr trophy wait continues
The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, formally handed over the rescued victims to Minister Idris, highlighting that the successful rescue operation was the outcome of meticulous planning and collaboration among security agencies.
Abdulgafar Alabelewe, also the chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists in Kaduna State, expressed profound gratitude to the NSA and his team for their rapid response.
“The rescue mission which brought us out of the bush yesterday gave us hope in our country and gave us confidence to believe that the government is serious about tackling this problem of kidnapping. I never thought that within a week of our kidnap, we could get out,” Alabelewe stated.
“We are grateful that the government swung into action and ensured that we were released,” he concluded.
The abduction of the journalists and their subsequent rescue underscores the ongoing security challenges faced in parts of Nigeria. However, it also highlights the proactive measures being taken by the government and security agencies to ensure the safety of all citizens.
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Lagos clarifies ban on Danfo, Korope buses along Lekki-Epe corridor

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Lagos clarifies ban on Danfo, Korope buses along Lekki-Epe corridor

The Lagos State Government has clarified plans to ban Danfo and Korope buses along the Lekki-Epe corridor starting from October 1, 2024.

According to the Special Adviser on Transportation to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Transportation, Sola Giwa, in a statement on Sunday, the move is part of the state’s Bus Reform Initiative aimed at enhancing public commuting and better serving the residents of Lagos.

Giwa, who was reacting to media reports that Danfos would be banned in Lagos, explained that the initiative will introduce mass transit buses for the Lekki-Epe corridor.

He stated that Danfo buses that meet the standards of the Vehicle Inspection Service will operate as mid-capacity buses.

Korope buses that also meet the standards will be integrated into the First Mile Last Mile services to serve the interior roads along the stretch from Obalende/CMS to Ajah.

The Special Adviser emphasised that the current state of bus operations on the corridor is chaotic, and the need to regulate and integrate the informal transport sector into the State’s Bus Reform Initiative is necessary.

“The primary goal of the Bus Reform Initiative is to restructure commercial bus operations. We are committed to providing a comfortable and efficient public transportation system for the residents of Lagos,” Giwa said.

He warned that any operator who contravenes the regulations will be fined and will forfeit their vehicles if they ignore the notice of their fines.

He added, “Designated routes will be assigned, and compliance will be strictly monitored.

“Passenger comfort is a top priority; therefore, an e-ticketing system will be introduced.”

Giwa disclosed that a stakeholders’ meeting held on June 27th, which included heads of Transport Unions, key Transport Operators, officials from the State’s Ministry of Transportation, and the Special Adviser and Permanent Secretary of Transportation, addressed all doubts and concerns, and a communique was signed.

SEC partners AfDB to boost Nigeria’s green finance leadership

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SEC partners AfDB to boost Nigeria’s green finance leadership

The Securities and Exchange Commission, in collaboration with the African Development Bank, is enhancing Nigeria’s role as Africa’s foremost hub for green and sustainable finance.

This is made known in a statement made available by the commission on Sunday in Lagos.

The commission said that it aimed to establish Nigeria as a focal point for green and sustainable finance in Africa, aligning with global green standards.

To this end, the regulator said that it would be equipping capital markets operators with the necessary knowledge and skills, to support the development and issuance of green bonds and other sustainable financial instruments.

SEC stated that this reinforces Nigeria’s commitment to environmental sustainability and economic resilience.

According to the commission, it will host a capacity-building workshop for capital markets operators on Green Finance on July 23 in Lagos.

“This strategic initiative, funded by the Capital Markets Development Trust Fund (CMDTF) and administered by the AfDB, is a vital step in consolidating these gains and ensuring the Nigerian capital market meets the goal of becoming Africa’s deepest and most liquid capital market.

“Over the past decade, the Nigerian capital market has experienced substantial growth, marked by increased activities in both equity and bond markets.

“In alignment with global sustainability mandates, SEC launched rules for green bonds issuance in December 2018, creating a conducive environment for green finance,” the commission said.

According to SEC, delegates from various sectors of the financial ecosystem, including investors, issuers, regulators government agencies and market intermediaries among others would attend the workshop.

The commission noted that participants in the workshop would gain several key benefits, including enriched discussions and learning experiences from a diverse group of participants.

It said that it also includes insight into the entire green finance ecosystem from regulatory frameworks to investment strategies and networking opportunities.

Commenting through the statement, the Director General of SEC, Dr Emomotimi Agama, said the regulator was committed to fostering a sustainable financial ecosystem in Nigeria.

According to Agama, the workshop is part of the commission’s broader strategy to integrate green finance into the capital markets and attract more sustainable investments.

He said: “By enhancing the capabilities of our market operators, we are not only promoting environmental stewardship but also driving long-term economic growth.

“The primary objective of the workshop is to enhance the knowledge and understanding of capital market operators regarding green finance.

“By developing the necessary skills and competencies, the workshop aims to: promote collaboration and networking among stakeholders, and support regulatory compliance with SEC’s rules.

“Attract more sustainable investments and Integrate Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors into investment strategies.”

He explained that other objectives of the workshop were to enhance the reputation and credibility of capital market operators and facilitate funding for innovative, environmentally friendly projects driving sustainable economic growth.

Also, Co-founder and Executive Director of Climate Transition Ltd., Mr Olumide Lala, stated that the transition to a green economy was essential for Nigeria’s sustainable development, and green finance as a critical component of the transition.

Lala said the workshop would provide market operators with the tools they needed to drive the change and contribute to a more resilient and sustainable economy.

NAN.

NBA urges police to reconsider CMRIS certificate, disowns ex-SPIDEL excos

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NBA urges police to reconsider CMRIS certificate, disowns ex-SPIDEL excos

The leadership of the Nigerian Bar Association has disassociated itself from a statement authored by the sacked executives of the NBA-Section on Public Interest and Development Law on the call for the stoppage of issuance of Central Motor Registry Information System Certificate by the Nigerian Police Force.

To this end, it has called on the general public to disregard the said statement purportedly issued on behalf of the NBA-SPIDEL by both the former chairman and secretary, John Aikpokpo-Martins and Funmi Adeogun.

The NBA, however acknowledged that the issuance of CMRIS certificate is one that the Nigeria Police Force ought to reconsider in view of the various levies that Nigerian citizens and businesses are already subjected to

The association made its position known, in a statement on Sunday.

In the statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Akorede Lawal, the NBA said the earlier statement :was neither issued with the consent nor authority of the NBA.”

The statement was titled:”Re:Issuance of Central Motor Registry Information System (CMRIS) Certificate by the Nigeria Police Force:A demand for the immediate stoppage of same.

It read in part, “The NBA has become aware of a statement authored by John Aikpokpo-Martins and Funmi Adeogun allegedly on behalf of the NBA-Section on Public Interest and Development Law (NBA-SPIDEL) on the above subject.

“The NBA hereby disclaims the said statement credited to John Aikpokpo-Martins and Funmi Adeogun on behalf of the NBA-SPIDEL. The said statement was neither issued with the consent nor authority of the NBA.

“To be certain, both Aikpokpo-Martins and Funmi Adeogun have no authority whatsoever to issue a statement on behalf of the NBA-SPIDEL or any Section or Forum of the NBA.

It added, “The NBA-National Executive Council had since February 29, 2024 removed the Executive Members of SPIDEL, of which John Aikpokpo-Martins Martins and Funmi Adeogun were Chairman and Secretary respectively, and replaced with a Caretaker Committee.

“Other members that were removed alongside John Aikpokpo-Martins and Funmi Adeogun are: Princess Frank-Chukwuani, Chinedu Obienu, Abdullahi Karaye, Charity Ibezim, Dr. Monday Ubani, Prof. Paul Ananaba SAN, Kunle Adegoke, SAN, Uju Agomoh, Esq, Kunle Edun, Esq, Okey Ohagba, Esq, Yakubu Bawa, Esq, Dorn-Claimz Enamhe, Esq, Igbeaku Evulukwu, Esq, Chinelo Ofoegbunam, Esq, Sam Ajayi Jaiye, Esq and Chisom Onuoha, Esq.

“Both John Aikpokpo-Martins and Funmi Adeogun are not only aware of this fact, they have filed an action to challenge their removal (which by itself acknowledges that they have been removed). Therefore, it is not only a misrepresentation to hold themselves out as they did, it is criminal, illegal, and gross misconduct on their part to do so.”

NBA named members of the newly constituted caretaker committee of the NBA-SPIDEL as Sir Steve Adehi, (SAN) as Chairman; Yakubu Philemon, (SAN) as Alternate Chairman;Ben Oji as Secretary;Eva Amadi as treasurer and Ronke Adeyemi as member.

“The NBA, therefore, urges the general public to disregard the said statement purportedly issued on behalf of the NBA-SPIDEL by both John Aikpokpo-Martins and Funmi Adeogun, as they lack the authority to do so.

“The NBA, however acknowledges that the issuance of CMRIS certificate is one that the Nigeria Police Force ought to critically reconsider in view of the various levies that Nigerian citizens and businesses are already subjected to, and the present unfavourable economic condition of the country.

“ The concern by NBA over multiple taxations, tariffs, levies, and charges on Nigerians is the primary reason for convening a one day conference coming up on 18 July 2024, with the theme: Tax, Tariffs and the Taxpayer: Exploring the Impact on the Public and Economy, “the statement added.

It explained that, “The President of the NBA, Mr. Yakubu Maikyau, (SAN) ,has reached out to the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force on the introduction of this new levy and will engage the IGP and if need be, the Presidency on the need to reconsider this, or any other government policy that seeks to impose any additional burden on Nigerians.”

15 killed in Israel strike on school, says Gaza civil defence

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15 killed in Israel strike on school, says Gaza civil defence

The civil defence agency in Hamas-run Gaza said Sunday that 15 people were killed in a strike on a school sheltering war displaced where the Israeli military said it had targeted “terrorists”.

The strike on the UN-run Abu Araban site in central Gaza’s Nuseirat camp was the fifth on a school-turned-shelter in eight days.

The Abu Araban school was housing “thousands of displaced people,” civil defence agency spokesman Mahmud Bassal told AFP, adding that most of the dead were women and children.

Schools in Nuseirat were the target for two of the earlier school strikes as Israel keeps up its offensive against Hamas Palestinian militants who triggered the war with their October 7 attack on Israel.

The Israeli military said its air force “struck a number of terrorists who were operating in the area of UNRWA’s Abu Araban school building in Nuseirat”.

It said the building had “served as a hideout” and base for “attacks” on Israeli troops.

AFPTV images showed the three-storey complex standing, with clothes and bedding airing out over its railings. A wall bearing the UN logo had been blown out, and rooms inside were damaged.

On July 6, Israeli aircraft hit Al-Jawni school, also run by the United Nations relief agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA), in Nuseirat.

UNRWA said about 2,000 people were sheltering there at the time.

The following day, four people died in a strike on the church-run Holy Family school in Gaza City, in the territory’s north, according to the Civil Defence agency.

On Monday, Israel hit another Nuseirat school, again saying it was targeting “terrorists”.

The next day, a hospital source said at least 29 people died in a strike at the entrance to Al-Awda school in the Khan Yunis area, southern Gaza.

Israel says Hamas uses schools, hospitals and other public infrastructure for military purposes. Hamas denies the accusation.

France and Germany on Wednesday called for an investigation into the school strikes.

After the Al-Jawni strike, UNRWA spokesperson Juliette Touma told AFP that when the war began “we closed the schools and they became shelters.”

UNRWA is the main relief agency in Gaza but more than half, or 190, of its facilities have been hit — “some more than once” — in the military response to the October 7 Hamas attacks, she said.

AFP

Deputy gov confident in Kano LG chiefs

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Deputy gov confident in Kano LG chiefs

The Deputy Governor of Kano State and Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Aminu Abdussalam, on Sunday, expressed confidence in the calibre and quality of individuals mandated to oversee local government activities in the state.

Gwarzo, according to a press statement, issued and signed by the office of the Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor, declared his confidence while inaugurating a three-day orientation retreat in Kaduna State, focusing on the “Operational Guidelines for the Kano State Local Government Interim Management Committee.”

He explained that the seminar, featuring a series of presentations, is designed to equip participants with the prerequisite knowledge needed to effectively discharge their responsibilities and promote the development of local government areas.

The Deputy Governor emphasised the importance of understanding operational guidelines, as they will serve as the legal framework for their functions.

“You need to understand all aspects of LGA functions, including the budgeting process, and seek clarifications from your DPMs or Treasurers,  where necessary,” Gwarzo advised the interim chairmen.

He reminded all the Interim Caretaker Committee chairmen, Vice-chairmen, Directors of Personnel Management, and Treasurers that their appointments were based on professionalism, qualifications, and the confidence reposed in them by the current New Nigeria People’s Party administration.

“You are all expected to be responsible in discharging all local government affairs,” Gwarzo urged.

He also called on the seminar consultants to focus on fostering collaborative and sustainable working relationships among Interim Caretaker Committee Chairmen, their vice-chairmen, DPMs, Treasurers, and the entire Interim Members Committee for the betterment of their respective LGs.

Earlier, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ibrahim Kabara, thanked the Deputy Governor for the timely training and encouraged participants to engage wholeheartedly to enhance the development of all LGs in the state.

The Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly, Jibril Falgore, represented by his Deputy, Muhammad Bello, highlighted that the operational guidelines would provide a framework for the day-to-day LGA activities, promoting transparency and accountability to enhance effective service delivery.

Participants expressed appreciation to Governor Abba Yusuf for his leadership and support of grassroots governance, and to the Deputy Governor for approving the empowerment of LG administrators with the knowledge necessary for sustainable development.

No faction in Ebonyi PDP – Caretaker committee chairman Oruruo

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The leadership crisis rocking the Ebonyi State chapter of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, may soon be a thing of the past.
This followed the successful conduct of a stakeholder meeting convened by the caretaker committee chairman of the party, Barrister Steve Oruruo.
At a meeting held in Enugu on Sunday with the theme “Engagement for Peaceful and Transparent Congresses,” Oruruo reminded the stakeholders that “PDP is the bedrock of other political parties in Nigeria and, as such, shouldn’t be allowed to go down.”
Oruruo expressed optimism that peace has returned to the party at last.
“With the class of people that are here today, the PDP will bounce back. We’re not oblivious to the balkanization of the party as a result of improper conduct. The era of anyhowness is gone and every member of the party will have a say and that’s what we’ve come to do.
“Ebonyi is a PDP state, and those that have been chased away by power tussles are yearning to come back to their home, and we’re working to make the party accommodating and welcome these our brothers and sisters but the party needs to be strong enough to welcome them and as well offer the needed opposition to the APC in the state.
“We’re here to talk openly and genuinely and after this meeting, we will leave as one body,” he said.
Briefing newsmen after the meeting, which lasted for over four hours, Oruruo said: “A very successful meeting. We were able to bring the elders and leaders of the party to the table.
“For a while, there has been a kind of fuss. The fact that they came together is also a victory on the surface. Beyond that, they were able to embellish their point, and speak from different points of opinion because I’m an entity of plurality of opinion.
“So, it was nice that they aired their views and we were able to reconcile their points, bring them together and also set the tone for the next outing—the congress of the party.”
While admitting that there might still be pockets of resistance, the caretaker committee chairman assured that they’re equal to the task.
He said: “We’ve been containing the problem with constant and sustained advocacy because we prefer peace and building bridges instead of walls.
“So, with that, continuous prayer and working together, I think the pains in the party will end.”
Also speaking briefly on the official defection of Senator Anyim Pius Anyim to the All Progressives Congress, APC, Oruruo said: “Senator Anyim Pius Anyim wrote to the party many months ago, indicating that he has resigned from the party, so this celebration is just an act of establishing the fact that he has made a choice in terms of the party to serve. So joining APC is very normal.
“Our part is the biggest party in West Africa and Africa as a whole and the only party that begot every political gladiator in Ebonyi State. The party is open, the umbrella is so large and those who have defected, at the appropriate time, will be back.”
The meeting was attended by the national vice chairman of PDP, Chief Ali Odefa; former governor of the state, Senator Sam Egwu who was represented by Fred Onwe; and the governorship candidate of the party in the last election, Chief Ifeanyi Odii, who was represented by the deputy governorship candidate, Senator Igwe Nwagu Paulinus.
Others are the former national secretary of PDP, Onwe Solomon Onwe, and the members of the caretaker committee.
No faction in Ebonyi PDP – Caretaker committee chairman Oruruo

Spain beat England 2-1 to win Euro 2024

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Historic rivalry reignited for Euro 2024 final

The Spanish national team on Sunday night defeated the Three Lions of England 2-1 to lift the Euro 2024 trophy.

Spain’s Mikel Oyarzabal 86th minute goal secured the trophy for a record fourth time.

Nico Williams had earlier in the second half put Spain ahead in Berlin, Germany, before Cole Palmer levelled for England.

Meanwhile, Marc Guehi’s effort to equalise for the Three Lions at the last minute was frustrated by Dani Olmo to finally sealed the trophy for the Spanish team.

Details later…

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