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Ganduje, wife, others for trial in absentia

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Ganduje, wife, others for trial in absentia

A Kano High Court presided over by Justice Amina Aliyu on Thursday ruled that the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Abdullahi Ganduje, his wife, Hafsat, and six others, should not be slammed with a bench warrant in a case of alleged diversion of public funds.

The presiding judge, while giving the ruling, expressed worry that because the polity in the state was already charged and that some people were waiting to use the actions of the court to cause mayhem, the prayers for a bench warrant were struck out.

The judge ruled that the trial would proceed in the defendants’ absence, as they had been properly served but chose not to appear.

The defendants will be tried in absentia, and the legal process will continue without them.

The court entered a plea of not guilty on behalf of the defendants and reserved judgment on the preliminary objections filed by their counsel, Nuraini Jimoh SAN, regarding the charges against his clients

When the case resumed for hearing, Justice Aliyu expressed concern that the defendants had failed to appear in court despite being served with a substituted means of service.

The prosecution counsel led by Adeola Adediyo, SAN, wanted the court to slam the bench warrant on Ganduje, his wife, and six others.

He also prayed that a plea of no guilt be entered for the defendants since they were served and refused to appear, and the bench warrants be issued on them since they were served.

Jimoh asked the court to either strike out the charge or have his preliminary objections heard.

Jimoh filed preliminary objections in the matter, insisting that the court lacks jurisdiction and the constitutionality to grant any order, not until his objections were heard.

He cited relevant sections of the State Administration of Criminal Justice Law that allowed his case 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 respondents in the case include Ganduje (first respondent), his wife, Hafsat (second respondent), and others facing charges related to alleged bribery, diversion, and misappropriation of funds.

Other respondents named in the case are Abubakar Bawuro (third respondent), Umar Abdullahi Umar (fourth respondent), Jibrilla Muhammad (fifth respondent), Lamash Properties Limited (sixth respondent), Safari Textiles Ltd (seventh respondent), and Lesage General Enterprises (eighth respondent).

The presiding judge adjourned the matter till July 23 and 24, 2024, for a hearing of preliminary objections and the substantive charges in the case.

Friends mourn as 25-year-old lady dies seven months after wedding

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Friends mourn as 25-year-old lady dies seven months after wedding

Friends and family members of a 25-year-old lady, Endurance Gunat, have been mourning the sudden death of the Plateau lady seven months after her wedding.

The lady, who reportedly got married on December 9, 2023, died on Sunday, July 6, 2024.

Circumstances surrounding the death of the lady born on March 21, 1999, were not clear as of the time of filing this report.

She is billed to be buried on Friday, July 12 at the family burial ground, Tangur, Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State after a burial service at COCIN Central Church, Bokkos.

Friends and family members of the deceased and her husband have taken to social media to mourn her.

A Facebook user, Fuki Christian Daniel, described the deceased as the wife of his friend, Gunat Japhet.

Daniel expressed his disbelief at the sudden death, stating, “It’s just like I’m dreaming. My friend’s wife is gone.”

Daniel mentioned that Gunat Japhet’s wedding took place on December 9, barely two weeks after his wedding at the same church.

The Facebook user further conveyed his deep sorrow over the incident, reflecting on the fragility of life.

“I feel very sad. On a daily basis, a targeted age of young people keep going,” Daniel wrote as he expressed concern over what appears to be a pattern of premature deaths among the younger generation.

In his condolence message, Daniel turned to faith for solace, saying, “God, teach us to number our days as death is inevitable and a snitch. Rest in peace, dear. It is well when Jesus is involved.”

The deceased’s husband, Japhet, in announcing her death on Facebook three days ago, simply wrote, “What a Black Sunday!”

The post had attracted 420 condolence messages as of Thursday afternoon.

On Wednesday, he posted the burial arrangements of the deceased.

That post had also attracted 384 condolence messages as of the time of filing this report.

We declared fast over LG autonomy – NULGE on Supreme Court judgement

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We declared fast over LG autonomy – NULGE on Supreme Court judgement

The National Union of Local Government Employees, NULGE, Osun chapter, said it declared a fast to ensure a favourable judgment of the Supreme Court on Local Government (LG) financial autonomy.
The Osun State NULGE Chairman, Dr Kehinde Ogungbangbe, said this in an interview with NAN on Thursday in Osogbo.
Ogungbangbe commended the apex court for its judgment granting financial autonomy to the 774 local government councils in the country.
He said the judgment would bring a new lease of life across local government areas in the country in terms of growth and development.
According to him, councils will now have available resources to carry out most of their dealings.
“I am very happy and I believe every local government employee in Nigeria should also be very happy with this latest development.
“Osun has been in support of local government autonomy earlier before now, and I know there cannot be any obstacle in making it a reality,” Ogungbangbe said.
NAN recalls that the Federal Government approached the Supreme Court seeking to compel governors of the 36 states of the federation to grant full financial autonomy to local governments.
The suit, marked SC/CV/343/2024, was filed by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), on behalf of the Federal Government.
NAN also recalls that the Supreme Court in its verdict held that henceforth all local government councils’ allocations should be paid directly into their accounts.
Justice Emmanuel Agim, who led a seven-member panel of Justices of the apex court, gave the order while delivering judgment
We declared fast over LG autonomy – NULGE on Supreme Court judgement

Reps want modern technology deployed in nation’s borders

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Reps want modern technology deployed in nation’s borders

The House of Representatives has called on the Nigeria Customs Service to deploy modern technology to secure the nation’s borders with neighbouring countries.

The Reps’ directive followed the adoption of a motion on “Need to employ the use of modern technology to secure the nation’s borders,” sponsored by the member representing Akwa North/Awka South Federal Constituency, Anambra State, Obiageli Orogbu at Thursday’s plenary.

Consequently, the Reps mandated “The Nigeria Customs Service to beef up the nation’s border security with modern technological gadgets.”

It also directed its Committees on National Security and Intelligence and Customs and Excise to “Interface with the relevant agencies of the executive arm to ensure implementation and report back to the House within four weeks for further legislative action.”

Leading the debate, Orogbu said that there are over 320 illegal routes into Nigeria “That serves as horrendous channels for the influx of inadmissible aliens and goods.

“Nigeria at the moment lacks sufficient security personnel to safeguard the existing illegal routes across the borders. These unmanned routes provide avenues for insecurity, proliferation of arms, and dumping of unwholesome goods into the country;

“The porous borders have provided an impetus to the thriving drug and human trafficking routes all over the country.”

Justifying the significance of the motion, the Labour Party chieftain noted that, “Border policing has since shifted from the mundane use of only human beings to the deployment of sophisticated electronic based equipment for potency.

“The deployment of technologies like electronic sensors, video monitors, and night vision scopes to detect illegal entries has proved more effective in western countries than human security.

“Advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, (drones) and dark fighter cameras are available to further enhance border controls,” she added.

Tinubu, labour leaders’ meeting adjourned till next week

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Tinubu, labour leaders’ meeting adjourned till next week

The Thursday meeting between President Bola Tinubu and labour union leaders to finalise the agreement on the minimum wage has been adjourned till next week.

The meeting was adjourned to next week after about one-hour discussions at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Speaking to journalists after the meeting, the Nigerian Labour Congress President, Joe Ajaero, said the union did not negotiate at the meeting.

“In the real sense, it wasn’t a negotiation but a discussion and we have had that discussion. We agreed to look at the real terms probably and reconvene in the next week.

“So that’s where we are because we didn’t go down there to talk naira and kobo. At least, there were some basic issues that we agreed on,” he said.

On the N250,000 demanded by the NLC, the labour leader said, “I remember mentioning that we didn’t go into naira and kobo discussion. Now the status quo in terms of the amount N250,000 and N62,000 remains until we finish this conversation.”

On his part, the Trade Union Congress President, Comrade Osifo said that the organized labour put all the economic indices on the table and how it was biting on Nigerians.

He said, “In the meeting we tried to put the issues on the table. Issues that are bordering and biting Nigerians today, the economic difficulties and the value of naira, how it has also eroded, how these have affected the prices of commodities and goods in the market.

“So, we tried to put these before Mr President because he is the President of the country and the bulk stops at his table.

“We have had all the conversations with all his agents, but today (Thursday) we said let us meet with the father of the country and have this conversation and make the argument that Labour always make.

“We made all the arguments, the economic analysis, macro, micro, fiscal and monetary issues. so we put everything forward and at the end, the President made his remark as the President and we all agreed let’s go back to internalize it, have some conversations and by one week time, we will come back and we will continue the meeting.”

LGs Autonomy: Supreme Court verdict ends gov’s reign as emperors – Moghalu

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LGs Autonomy: Supreme Court verdict ends gov’s reign as emperors – Moghalu

Former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Kingsley Moghalu has said the judgement of the Supreme Court regarding the autonomy of local government allocations would reduce the reign of state governors as emperors.
Moghalu described the judgement of the Supreme Court as a correct verdict, adding that local government should be encouraged if Nigeria expects development.
He disclosed this via a series of posts on his X page.
According to Noghalu: “The @SupremeCourtNg decision in favour of full autonomy (including direct financial allocation to LGs without passing through state Governors) is a correct one that accords with the Constitution of Nigeria in its present form.
“Local governments and local governance (and their accountability!) should be encouraged if we are to have any hope of development, and will become the next battleground. But it will empower the citizens of Nigeria in the context of democratic governance and reduce the reign of state Governors as “emperors”.
“All of this, however, does not address the core issues of federalism, which in general means two levels of sovereignty- central and sub-national, with sub-nationals (states or regions) creating local governments. Our “Third Tier” LGAs were created by fiat via military decree!
“India is the only major federal state I know where LGs are a constitutional third tier of government. These issues should be addressed in an organized national dialogue and negotiations on a new constitution for Nigeria.”
LGs Autonomy: Supreme Court verdict ends gov’s reign as emperors – Moghalu

Atiku hails Supreme Court judgment on LG autonomy

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Atiku hails Supreme Court judgment on LG autonomy

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has welcomed the Supreme Court’s judgment affirming fiscal autonomy for local government councils across Nigeria.

In a statement released on Thursday via X, Atiku described the ruling as “a win for the people of Nigeria” and a step in the right direction.

The Supreme Court’s decision overturns the previous practice of consolidating local council revenues into state government accounts.

Atiku criticised the earlier arrangement, stating that it was borne out of politics of hasty compromise.

Expressing his support for the ruling, Atiku said, “I align with the decision of the Supreme Court that the structure of the Nigerian government is portioned in three layers, and of these, the local governments should be centres of development.”

The former Vice President went further, advocating for an expansion of fiscal autonomy beyond Federation Account allocations.

“I also share the belief that fiscal autonomy to the local governments should not be limited to revenues from the Federation Accounts, but indeed, should apply to Internally Generated Revenue from the respective local government authorities,” he stated.

Atiku highlighted concerns about state governments, particularly in urban areas, interfering with local councils’ revenue generation.

He wrote, “Many of our states, especially those in the ultra-urban areas with high-density economic activities, have become notorious in muscling local councils from generating revenue on items that border on motor parks, outdoor advertising, rents and many more.”

Atiku further praised the Supreme Court’s role, saying, “The verdict of the court is in tandem with the core functions of the Supreme Court as an arbitration court between and among governments.”

On Thursday, the Supreme Court declared that it is unconstitutional for state governors to hold funds allocated for local government administrations.

The seven-man panel, in the judgment delivered by Justice Emmanuel Agim, declared that the 774 local government councils in the country should manage their funds themselves.

The apex court held that the power of the government is portioned into three arms of government, the federal, the state and the local government.

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

LG Autonomy: You can now hold your leaders responsible – Tinubu to grassroots

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LG Autonomy: You can now hold your leaders responsible – Tinubu to grassroots

President Bola Tinubu has described the Supreme Court ruling on Local Government autonomy as a welcome development, saying the decision affirms the spirit, intent, and purpose of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on the statutory rights of council dwellers.
He insisted that a fundamental challenge to the nation’s advancement over the years has been ineffective local government administration.
According to the President, governance at the critical cellular level of socio-political configuration was nearly absent.
He advised the rural dwellers that the onus is now on local council leaders to ensure that the broad spectrum of Nigerians living at that level are satisfied that they are benefitting from people-oriented service delivery.
Tinubu said, “The Renewed Hope Agenda is about the people of this country, at all levels, irrespective of faith, tribe, gender, political affiliation, or any other artificial line they say exists between us. This country belongs to all of us. By virtue of this judgement, our people – especially the poor – will be able to hold their local leaders to account for their actions and inactions. What is sent to local government accounts will be known, and services must now be provided without excuses.
“My administration instituted this suit because of our unwavering belief that our people must have relief and today’s judgement will ensure that it will be only those local officials elected by the people that will control the resources of the people. This judgement stands as a resounding affirmation that we can use legitimate means of redress to restructure our country and restructure our economy to make Nigeria a better place to live in and a fairer society for all of our people”.
The President further noted that the provision of some essential amenities and public goods, such as the construction and maintenance of certain roads, streets, street lighting, drains, parks, gardens, open spaces, and other residual responsibilities, including community security, has tottered owing to the emasculation of local governments.
According to the President, the decision of the Supreme Court to uphold the constitutional rights and ideals of local governments as regards financial autonomy, and other salient principles, is of historic significance and further reinforces the effort to enhance Nigeria’s true federal fabric for the development of the entire nation.
” I commend the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) for his diligence and patriotic effort on this important assignment.
“My administration remains committed to protecting the principles of the charter governing citizens, institutions of government, arms, and tiers of government in furtherance of building an efficient and performance-driven governance system that works for every Nigerian,” Tinubu added.
LG Autonomy: You can now hold your leaders responsible – Tinubu to grassroots

Nigeria’s military uncovers plan attack on critical infrastructure

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Nigeria’s military uncovers plan attack on critical infrastructure

The Nigerian military has uncovered plans to attack on critical infrastructure in the country by unscrupulous elements.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj Gen Edward Buba, disclosed this at a media briefing on Thursday in Abuja.
He said the appropriate agency responsible for the protection of the nation’s critical infrastructure had been alerted.
Buba noted that some of the plans had already been frustrated.
READ ALSO: Nigerian troops kill bandits who attacked NDA —Kaduna Govt
He said: “We are aware of some of the plans to target some critical infrastructure in the country. Accordingly, we have placed measures to forestall such plans.
“Security agencies responsible for securing critical infrastructure and facilities have also been placed on alert. Accordingly, some of such plans have been frustrated.”
However, the exact nature of the targeted infrastructure and the group behind the plot have not been made public.
The post Nigeria’s military uncovers plan attack on critical infrastructure appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.

Obaseki inaugurates 20-man transition committee four months to end of tenure

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Obaseki inaugurates 20-man transition committee four months to end of tenure

Barely four months to the end of his eight years as governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki has inaugurated a 20-man transition committee to pilot the smooth transition of power and knowledge to the next administration.
TVN reports that Governor Obaseki inaugurated the committee members, at the EXCO Chambers, in Government House, Benin City, with some members joining virtually.
Obaseki, who said the Committee is chaired by a former Commissioner for Finance in the State, Mr Joseph Eboigbe, did not, however, give the names of the remaining 19 members.
He said, ”today is July 11, 2024 and it will mark exactly four months to the day I will hand over this government to the next elected governor of Edo State. As it’s global best practice, I am putting together a transition team that would have the responsibility to document the achievement of this administration in the last eight years.
“The team will look and retrieve all documents and all other related materials relating to policy decisions that have been taken by this administration in every area of government and governance over the last eight years and put them in a structured order in a data room. I believe that most of these materials have almost been digitized.
“A proper digital and regular data room would be created where all documents related to every activity, contract, EXCO decision, presentation, and policy paper in every area will be retrieved, documented, and chronicled as it will serve as institutional memory for the next and subsequent administrations.
“You will all put together reports on each area and aspect of government we have intervened in and recommendations for the next administration.
“This document and resources should serve to smoothly transfer power and knowledge from this administration to the next. We would have both the physical and digital repository of all the information and decisions taken during the life of this administration as these documents will be relevant both for internal and external consumption and research and possibly policy development.
“This report will also give a detailed account of strategic vision and outlook of the administrative structure, policy impact, and completed programmes and initiatives as well as uncompleted programmes and initiatives to enable the incoming administration to know where to take off from”, he said.
Obaseki, who charged members of the committee to complete the project before the 30th of October 2024, noted that the document would form parts of what would be handed over during the transition period on November 11th, 2024.
In his response, the Chairman of the Committee, Joseph Eboigbe promised that the committee would diligently discharge their duties, pledging to deliver the report within the timeline given by the governor
Obaseki inaugurates 20-man transition committee four months to end of tenure

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