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Kano govt arraigns Ganduje, wife, others in absentia

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Kano govt arraigns Ganduje, wife, others in absentia

The Kano State Government, on Thursday, arraigned immediate-past governor Abdullahi Ganduje, his wife, Hafsat, son, Umar and six others for alleged $413,000 and N1.38bn bribery.

The defendants, who were absent from court, were arraigned in absentia.

The Governor Abba Yusuf-led government had since April filed the charges against Ganduje and others but efforts to serve them the charges had proved abortive.

At the previous hearing on June 5, the prosecution obtained an order to serve the charges on them by substituted means, through newspaper publication.

Justice Amina Aliyu had then adjourned till Thursday, July 11 for their arraignment.

At the resumed proceedings on Thursday, Ganduje, who is now the National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress, and his co-defendants were again absent.

Angered by the development, the prosecuting counsel for the Kano State government, Adeola Adedayo (SAN), urged Justice Aliyu to issue a bench warrant for their arrest.

The judge, however, declined the prayer, noting that the political situation in the state was already charged and being exploited by some to cause mayhem.

Justice Aliyu, however, granted the prayer to arraign the defendants in absentia.

The court entered a plea of not guilty on behalf of the defendants in response to the eight counts filed against them.

Meanwhile, counsel for the 6th defendant, Nureini Jimoh (SAN), who had been the only one appearing in court, reminded the judge of his preliminary objection challenging the jurisdiction of the Kano State High Court to entertain the case.

Jimoh had also opposed the subtituted service of the charges on the defendants.

He cited relevant sections of the Kano State Administration of Criminal Justice Law that allowed his application to be heard and that he had also notified the court, though orally, that they had filed an appeal on the substituted service order earlier granted by the court on June 5, 2024.

The judge, after hearing both counsel, adjourned the matter till July 23 and 24 for hearing of preliminary objections and the substantive charges in the case.

In the charges, the prosecution alleged that “ Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, sometime between the period of January 10, 2016 or thereabouts, at Kano in the Kano Judicial Division, while serving as the Governor of Kano State and being a public servant in the government of Kano State corruptly asked for and received the sum of $200,000  being benefit for yourself from one of the beneficiaries of contracts awarded by the Kano State Government on your instruction and approval as part of your function as the Governor of Kano State.”

The state said Ganduje contrary to Section 22 of the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-corruption Commission Law 2008 (as amended), Law No 2 of 2009, Laws of Kano State of Nigeria.

In another count, the state government said, Ganduje, on February 10, 2017 “dishonestly and/or corruptly to your own advantage collected a kick-back of the sum of $ 213,000  being money generated from people and entities seeking or holding the execution of Kano State Government contact and or project for the remodeling of Kantin Kwari textile market as a bribe through one of the contractors (agent).”

In another count, the state alleged that Ganduje, between September 2020 and March 2021, “together with one Hafsat Umar (your spouse) and Abubakar Bawuro, a businessman, Safari Textile Ltd, a limited liability company, wholly owned and maintained by the 3rd defendant, agreed to do an illegal act to wit: dishonestly converted to your own use the sum of N1,376,000,000 through account No. 7085982019 belonging to the 3rd defendant being money earmarked and approved for the purchase and supply of face masks and other hospital equipment for the health sector, thereby causing wrongful loss to the people and the government of Kano State and thereby jointly committed the offence of criminal conspiracy contrary to Section 96 and punishable under section 97 of The penal code (as amended) CAP,105, Vol.2. The Laws of Kano State of Nigeria, 1991.”

The Kano State’s Attorney General, Muhuyi  Magaji, said he was empowered by Section 211 of the 1999 Constitution and Sections 121(1), 126(b) and 377 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law, 2019, “to apply to prefer the charge attached herewith against the defendants.”

Lagos college registrar abducted over anti-provost protest

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Lagos college registrar abducted over anti-provost protest

The Deputy Registrar of the Federal College of Education (Technical), Akoka, Lagos, Mr Chris Olamiju, has been reportedly taken into custody by the Department of State Services.

Olamiju led the protest embarked upon by members of staff of the institution, insisting on the end of the tenure of the Provost of the college, Dr Ademola Azeez.

A statement made available to The According on Thursday, titled, “S.O.S. on the distress message of Thursday, 11th July 2024 on DSS invasion of FCET, Akoka Senior Staff Quarters,” said Olamiju was abducted by DSS officials around 3.00 am on Thursday.

It added that his wife, children, and other family members were assaulted during the invasion, saying his documents, phones, and laptops, were also carted away.

The institution had been in crisis over a reported tenure elongation for Dr Azeez.

On May 27, staff members began protests against the tenure elongation, arguing that the prolonged stay in office violated the Governing Act of Federal Colleges nationwide.

During the protest in May, the aggrieved workers locked up Azeez’s office, stating that his tenure ended on May 26, 2024, following Section 13, Subsections 7a and b of the new Act signed by President Bola Tinubu.

The provost, however, said he was appointed for the first term of four years in 2019 and was duly reappointed by the institution’s governing council in 2023.

He said he commenced his second term on May 27, 2023, before the amended Act was signed into law on June 12, 2023.

The According reports that the Minister of State for Education, Dr Tanko Sununu, asked Azeez to resume his official duties.

At a reconciliation meeting between the provost and representatives of protesting workers of FCE(T) in Abuja, the report said the pact resolved that the key to the provost’s office should be released to the Chairman of the newly inaugurated governing council of the college.

Announcing the arrest of Olamiju by the DSS, the statement said, “A very disturbing report was sent out around 3:00 am of today, Thursday, 11th July 2024 that a Deputy Registrar and one of the prominent leaders of the protest actions, Mr Chris Olamiju, was violently brutalised and abducted from his residence at FCET, Akoka Senior Staff Quarters, Yaba, Lagos, in a Gestapo-style operation by operatives of DSS.”

“The generality of Staff of FCET have been on peaceful protests for the past five weeks. The peaceful protests are the sequel to multiple grievous allegations of administrative and financial infractions against the Provost (Dr Wahab Ademola Azeez).

“We hereby call on the DG of DSS and well-meaning Nigerians to intervene and ensure the immediate and unconditional release of Mr Chris Olamiju.

“Failure to heed this clarion call will lead to workers of FCET, Akoka, embarking on full-blown strike, which may spread to other federal and state Colleges of Education in Nigeria.”

Senate seeks end to IG, PSC clashes

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Senate seeks end to IG, PSC clashes

The Senate on Thursday frowned at unending clashes between the Inspector General of Police and the Chairman of the Police Service Commission over recruitment exercise.

It accordingly urged the newly confirmed Chairman of PSC, DIG Hashimu Argungu (retd.), to work harmoniously with the police authorities.

Senate’s comments on clashes between the IGP and the Chairman of PSC came after the confirmation of Argungu as Chairman of PSC, Chief Onyemuche Nnamani as Secretary, and Taiwo Lakanu as a member.

The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, in his remarks after the confirmation of the nominees, said, “The Committee on Police Affairs should ensure oversight functions hereafter to avoid the mistakes of yesteryears, particularly the idea of the office of the Inspector-General of Police struggling with the Police Service Commission on issues of recruitment and thereby retarding the progress of security in the nation.”

He added, “In the last two years, we probably would have had an additional 20,000 Nigerians into the Nigerian Police Force, but unfortunately, as a result of personality clashes, the issues went as far as the Supreme Court.

“Whether withdrawn or not withdrawn, this Police Service Commission we have just cleared today, and the office of the Inspector-General of Police should be cautioned to take the interest of Nigerians into consideration and the security of this nation uppermost and not their interest and work harmoniously toward the realisation of Mr President’s vision that Nigerians should be allowed to sleep with their eyes closed.”

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Lagos-based radio station targets Gen Z audience

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Lagos-based radio station targets Gen Z audience

A recently launched radio station, Jusmen 105.7 FM, has said it is targeting Generation Z audience as well as millennial and Generation X populations.

A Thursday statement said the station in three months since its official launch, “has emerged as a refreshing and exciting voice on the Lagos radio landscape while capturing the hearts and minds of an audience which spans across Generation X, Millennials, and Generation Z in a city pulsating with energy and a youthful spirit.”

The statement described the station, based in Oriental Hotel on Victoria Island, as more than just a radio station, but “an escape destination for the mind.”

“With its unique blend of today’s hottest tracks and yesterday’s timeless hits in Afrobeats, R&B, and Hip Hop, the station has carved a niche for itself in the Lagos competitive radio market,” it added.

“Our goal is to create a platform where our listeners feel connected to the music, to each other, and to the city,” said Jonathan Lyamgohn, also known as King-James. “We believe that music is a universal language, and we want to use it to bring people together.”

“Beyond its captivating content, Jusmen 105.7 FM is committed to delivering exceptional value to its commercial partners. The station prides itself on its creative approach to advertising, ensuring maximum impact and return on investment,” the statement said.

“We understand the importance of a strong partnership with our advertisers,” said King-James. “Our goal is to help them achieve their objectives while providing our listeners with engaging and relevant content that is relevant to them and their respective touch points throughout the day.”

LP hails Supreme Court judgment on LG autonomy

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LP hails Supreme Court judgment on LG autonomy

The Labour Party leadership has welcomed Thursday’s judgment of the Supreme Court affirming fiscal autonomy on local government administration in Nigeria.

This was contained in a statement issued by the National Publicity Secretary of LP, Obiora Ifoh, hours after the verdict.

The apex court had granted full autonomy to the 774 local governments in the country as stipulated in the 1999 Constitution (amended).

The seven-man panel, in a unanimous decision, agreed that it is illegal and unconstitutional for governors to continue to receive or retain funds allocated to the local governments.

In the lead judgement delivered by Justice Emmanuel Agim, the apex court declared that the power of the government is divided into three arms of government, the federal, state and local governments.

The court further declared that a state government has no power to elect a caretaker committee, and a local government council is only recognizable with a democratically elected government.

However, in Thursday’s statement, Ifoh emphasised that the move was long coming.

He said, “We at the Labour Party welcome the Supreme Court decision granting financial autonomy to Local Government Councils in the 36 states of the federation, including the Federal Capital Territory. This decision was long in coming. But as the saying goes, it is better late than never.

“It has put to rest the debate as to whether or not local government areas, which are the closest to the ordinary people, deserve to enjoy some form of autonomy to address challenges facing the masses within their jurisdiction. We can now safely say local government areas have greater freedom to initiate and complete projects which will reduce suffering at the grassroots.

“This autonomy comes with a huge responsibility on local government councils just as councillors now owe their constituents a duty to hold local government chairmen accountable by ensuring prudent management of their resources. The expectation of Nigerians from the local government administration now is simple.

“They each must now take up the challenge of this newfound independence to ensure judicious use of public funds in their custody. We would also like to urge council chairmen not to see the additional inflow of public funds as an opportunity to engage in reckless spending and embarking on white elephant projects which can negate the whole essence of the financial autonomy granted them.”

It’s a big shame Nigeria can’t feed itself – Makinde

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It’s a big shame Nigeria can’t feed itself – Makinde

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has declared that it is a big shame that Nigeria cannot feed itself.
Makinde spoke while receiving national executive members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) led by its President, Chris Iziguzo on Thursday in Ibadan, the state capital.
Our correspondent reports that Makinde was invested as Grand Patron of NUJ, Oyo State Council.
The event was attended by his Chief of Staff, Segun Ogunwuyi and Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade.
Others were NUJ President Vice President South-West B Zone, Princess Ronke Afebioye-Samo; National Financial Secretary, Comrade Samuel Dada; National Trustee Member, B Zone, Comrade Adebayo Akamo; Zonal Secretary, South-West, Abdulrazak Alege and NUJ Chairman in the state, Ademola Babalola.
Makinde said that it was unfortunate that many states and local government areas were not producing anything.
He added that the federal allocation was not enough, and charged all and sundry to find ways to produce rather than depending on foreign goods.
“It is a big shame for this country that we cannot feed ourselves. We should go back to those things that will allow us to bring confidence back to our people and to ensure that this country is back on the path of growth and economic progress.
“I would say that it (Supreme Court judgment) has nothing to do with us here in Oyo State because since I came in, we’ve conducted local government election twice, and for one day after we held the first election, there’s been no caretaker anywhere, we planned and gave allowance for election process to go on smoothly. So, it’s not a big problem for us.
“The issue we have is that we’re not producing enough, we’re not productive,” he said.
It’s a big shame Nigeria can’t feed itself – Makinde

LWC pledges better service as Assembly decries lack of water

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LWC pledges better service as Assembly decries lack of water

The Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Environment has expressed concern over the unavailability of water supply in the state during its oversight visit to the Lagos State Water Corporation.

This was revealed in a Thursday statement by the Deputy Director, Corporate Affairs and Brand Management Unit, LWC, Kehinde Fashola.

The House Committee, led by its chairman, Adebola Shabi, expressed concern over the unavailability of water supply in most homes in the state.

Shabi emphasised the need for the House to ensure that the interests and rights of their constituents were protected.

He requested a comprehensive report of the ongoing infrastructural projects and the challenges faced by the LWC in producing water supply.

The Managing Director of the LWC, Mukhtaar Tijani, while receiving the committee members, said he had been working diligently to ensure water supply to many homes in the state.

Tijani cited the recent connection of Baruwa Community to Mosan Okunola Waterworks as one of the steps taken to achieve this goal.

The statement said the Executive Director, Operations, Taiwo Omolanke, acknowledged the challenges faced by the LWC, including the reluctance of customers to pay for water already subsidised by the state government.

She announced plans to meter all customers to ensure accountability for water produced.

During the Cholera outbreak in Lagos recently, the LWC noted that water from the corporation was safe for residents to consume without fear of disease.

It warned against consuming water from uncertified sources.

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Accreditation lapses delay Oyo college graduates’ NYSC mobilisation

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Accreditation lapses delay Oyo college graduates’ NYSC mobilisation

Graduates from the Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology are uncertain of mobilisation for the National Youth Service Corps scheme, as the institution fails to secure accreditation for some of its academic programmes.

The institution has yet to secure accreditation for courses in the Department of Library and Information Science, Faculty of Management, and the Department of Statistics, before admitting students.

Despite assurances, the accreditation issues remained unresolved 15 months after the 2022/23 graduates completed their studies.

The development left them barred from the mandatory national programme.

A graduate from the Department of Library and Information Science, who pleaded anonymity, said the institution assured them of getting accreditation for the courses.

“They told us the accreditation would be in place by the time we finished the programme, but that never happened.

“Instead of mobilising us for the NYSC, they asked us to pay N5,000 each, yet we haven’t been mobilized after payment,” he said.

He said the non-accreditation of courses by the institution had also affected the employment prospects of the graduates.

“Many have been unable to secure jobs due to the NYSC certificate being a prerequisite for employment.

“Even if we’re able to get jobs, we’re still being asked to bring our NYSC certificate and we can’t get that if the school doesn’t mobilise us,” he said.

Another graduate from the Faculty of Management said, “We are the first set of HND students from the faculty, and they did not tell us from the beginning that the courses were not accredited. Now they are lying to us, and our juniors have been mobilised while we remain in limbo.”

Some of the parents who had become frustrated over the accreditation issues also accused the college administration of not discussing the problems with the Oyo State Governor, Mr Seyi Makinde and the education minister.

They accused the authorities of the college being interested in convocation and collection of fees only, without making progress on the accreditation issues.

“The school held convocation after 11 months, likely to collect fees, but there has been no progress on mobilising these students for NYSC,” said one of the parents who spoke also on a condition of anonymity.

Reacting to the development, the National Association of Polytechnic Students wrote to the college’s Rector, demanding a resolution within seven days.

“We frown on this action because of its sensitivity and it should be addressed without any delay by the school management to avoid wasting and prolonging the educational year of the students,” the letter stated.

Speaking on the development, the Director of Student Affairs, Alhaji Onike Ramon, said the current management had secured accreditation for the affected courses.

“The last administration admitted some students before the accreditation of the courses. When this present management came in, they put machinery in motion to get the courses accredited. The affected courses are the Faculty of Management courses. Last year, the courses had been accredited,” he said.

He then said the problem was with the students who were admitted before the accreditation of the courses was concluded.

He said the institution was working with the NYSC, Joint Admission and Matriculation Board, and the National Board for Technical Education to resolve the issue and ensure the affected students, around 200 in number, were mobilised for service.

“The management has even invited the representative of the NYSC to the school to dialogue with the students to let them see the efforts of the management in that regard. It is not a case of not accrediting the courses,” he said.

The Rector of OYCATECH, Prof Akinola Akinlabi, said, “Normally, you need to spend up to two years before you can be mobilised.

“I became the Rector just about a year and a few months ago. They got admitted about four years ago and they graduated last year. As of the time some of them got admitted, the programme had not been accredited. I had to make sure I got it accredited last year.”

The Rector stated that the rules of mobilization for the NYSC had since changed, with NBTE, JAMB, and NYSC requiring specific procedures before a student can be mobilised.

“The JAMB must give you a number and NBTE must send your name to the NYSC before you can be mobilized.

“The NBTE won’t send a list of students in programmes that are not accredited. Before the students can be mobilised would be towards the end of the year. Right now, I am in Abuja. I have been to Abuja more than four times on their issue,” he said.

The Rector expressed his commitment to resolving the issue and stressed that the delay was not his making.

“They should, instead, be praying that we get the issue resolved. I didn’t cause it. They are my children too, I want them to be mobilised.

“That’s why I am putting all these efforts. Currently, we are working on it for those who have graduated. For those who have not graduated, they will be mobilised immediately after they complete their programmes because there is full accreditation from the NBTE now,” Akinlabi stated.

Police ban vigilantes, others from Saturday LGA election in Delta

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Police ban vigilantes, others from Saturday LGA election in Delta

The Delta State Police Command has banned all non-state actors from playing any role during the local government elections in the state on Saturday.
The non-state actors include vigilantes, anti-cult volunteers, hunters and others.
Delta State Commissioner of Police Olufemi Abaniwonda, who stated this ahead of the elections, vowed to decisively deal with any of them found meddling in the election process.
According to him, non-state actors must steer clear of the polling units and the entire election process.
He said the command has also deployed Marine Police to the waterways and others to the 25 local government areas to ensure hitch-free elections.
Abaniwonda said the command, in synergy with other sister agencies, is prepared to protect all polling units, RACs, collation centres, and offices of the Delta State Independent Electoral Commission, DSIEC, its officials and the electorate.
He said further: “There would be restrictions on vehicular movement from 8 am to 3 pm on the day. Only officials on emergency and essential duties, which include accredited election monitors and observers, will be allowed passage during this time.
“NABTEB examination students are also exempted from this restriction of movement order. The ban on VIP escorts during the election will also be enforced, they are therefore advised not to move with their security details on election day, as any officer found wanting will be arrested and sanctioned accordingly.”
While regretting the inconveniences this will cause, members of the public are therefore advised to adhere to the instruction, as anyone found wanting will be made to face the full wrath of the law.
“It is pertinent to note that the success of this election, to a large extent, lies in how the electorate conduct themselves. Residents should be law-abiding, and rest assured that the command will not compromise in carrying out its primary responsibility of ensuring the protection of life and property as well as the preservation of public tranquillity before, during, and after the elections,” the Commissioner of Police stated.
Police ban vigilantes, others from Saturday LGA election in Delta

Policies must impact lives of average Nigerians, says Cardoso

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Policies must impact lives of average Nigerians, says Cardoso

The Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, has emphasised the need for policies to positively impact the lives of average Nigerians.

Speaking at the 2024 Business Day CEO Forum in Lagos on Thursday, Cardoso stated that policymakers have a duty to create policies that foster a stable and prosperous economic environment for all Nigerians.

“Whatever we do must impact the average man on the street,” he declared.

According to a statement shared with our correspondent on Friday, the apex bank governor stressed the importance of transparency and trust in maintaining a resilient financial system and rebuilding trust in the international market and with foreign investors.

Cardoso highlighted the CBN’s efforts in building trust and ensuring a transparent system through its collaborative relationship with the Fiscal Authority.

He noted that the CBN’s policy statement is tailored to address concerns raised by Nigerians in different economic sectors.

The Governor also addressed the ongoing bank recapitalization program, stating that the CBN aims to encourage banks to focus on raising fresh capital from external sources.

“Retained earnings are easily determinable and help for comparability. We must move to a more transparent system within the banking system,” he said.

He emphasised the importance of transparency within the banking system.

The forum featured presentations and panel discussions on leadership and innovation, including “Thriving in an Age of Continuous Reinvention” and “Leadership for the Next Century: Global Trends and Insights for Nigeria”.

The event brought together global leaders and thinkers to share their insights and drive forward the conversation on leadership and innovation.

In his opening remarks, BusinessDay Media Limited CEO, Frank Aigbogun, stated that the forum’s mission is to address economic and development growth challenges in the economy.

He highlighted the importance of leadership and innovation in driving growth and progress.

The event featured a fireside chat with Cardoso, where he fielded questions from Aigbogun and addressed various issues, including the CBN’s efforts to tame inflation and build trust in the economy.

He emphasised the need for policymakers to focus on improving the socio-economic environment in which ordinary Nigerians operate.

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