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Reps promise to support Abuja market fire victims

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Reps promise to support Abuja market fire victims

The House of Representatives has pledged support for the victims of the recent fire outbreak at Karu Market in the Federal Capital Territory.

The Chairman, House Committee on FCT Area Councils and Ancillary Matters, Hon. Fredrick Agbedi, made the pledge on Wednesday during an assessment visit to the market.

Agbebi, who led other members of the committee on the visit to assess the extent of damage by the fire outbreak, highlighted the significance of community market to local economy.

While acknowledging the severe impacts of the fire, Agbedi assured thd affected traders that the House would get the Federal Government to intervene in providing succour to the affected traders in a matter of days.

“We want to condole with our brothers and sisters who are traders in this market and have lost their valuables to the inferno.

“Upon hearing of the incident, we promptly communicated our condolences to the market association and those affected.

“As an assembly that makes laws for the FCT, we have come to identify with you as bonafide citizens who contribute to the development of the FCT and the nation,” he said.

The lawmaker added that efforts were underway to collaborate with relevant authorities, including the Abuja Municipal Area Council, the market union, FCT Administration, and federal agencies, to provide relief and support to the victims.

He also called on the National Emergency Management Agency and other federal agencies to assist in mitigating the  impact of the disaster.

Earlier, the AMAC Chairman, Mr Christopher Maikalangu, stressed the enormity of the impact of the fire outbreak, saying majority of the 1,300 traders in the market were affected.

“Honourable Chairman, the impact of the fire is devastating. You can see things for yourself.

“The affected traders need help. They need urgent intervention,” Maikalangu said.

Also speaking, the Chief of Karu, Joseph Narai, thanked the National Assembly members and AMAC Chairman for coming to commiserate with the traders.

He said many affected traders were in different hospitals as a result of shocks from the news of the inferno.

“Goods worth millions of Naira are lost to the inferno. In fact, many traders are still in shock because of the inferno,” he said.

The Chairman, Board of Trustees of the market, Suleiman Haliru, reiterated that many traders were affected and needed urgent help.

He underscored the need for improved safety measures in FCT markets, as well as robust support systems for traders.

NAN

Naval chief extends operation against oil thieves by 90 days 

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Naval chief extends operation against oil thieves by 90 days 

The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, has extended the Nigerian Navy’s Operation Delta Sanity by 90 days.

The operation was inaugurated on January 6, 2024, to combat oil theft and related crimes.

This is in line with President Bola Tinubu’s directive to eradicate crude oil theft and ramp up Nigeria’s production for an improved economy.

A statement on Wednesday, by the Director, Naval Information, Commodore A. Adams-Aliu, stated that Operation Delta Sanity involved the deployment of personnel, platforms, helicopters and UAVs on aggressive surveillance and interdiction operations across the Niger Delta area.

According to him, the Naval Chief who was represented by the Chief of Training and Operations, Rear Admiral Olusegun Ferreira, disclosed the extension onboard Nigerian Navy Ship Okpabana at Onne, Rivers State.

He said, “The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla has extended the Nigerian Navy’s Operation Delta Sanity by 90 days. Operation Delta Sanity was launched on January 6, 2024, to combat oil theft and related crimes. This is in line with the President and Commander-in-Chief’s directive to eradicate crude oil theft and ramp up Nigeria’s production for an improved economy.

“Accordingly, Operation Delta Sanity involved the deployment of personnel, platforms, helicopters and UAVs on aggressive surveillance and interdiction operations across the Niger Delta area. The successes were immediate and remarkable including the recovery of massive quantities of stolen products, the dismantling of Illegal Refining Sites, the arrest of suspects and the seizure of stolen products. Hence, the Operation was extended to April 2024 for 90 days.

“While assessing the achievements of the operation during a Press Briefing on Tuesday, July 9, 2024, the Commander Task Group, Rear Admiral Samson Bura stated that since the extension in April 2024, a total of 22 suspects have been arrested and about 122 Illegal Refinery Sites were deactivated.”

He added that a total of 57 boats and 65 storage storage tanks were deactivated while 6 vessels were arrested.

“Furthermore, large quantities of crude oil and illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil were seized and appropriately handled. Also, a total of 57 wooden boats, 45 dugout pits and 65 storage tanks were deactivated while 6 vessels were arrested. Additionally, several items and equipment used in the construction of illegal refineries were seized.

“The achievements and successes of Op Delta Sanity underscore the need for the operation to be extended. Hence the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla has approved the extension of Operation Delta Sanity for a further 90 days effective from July 10, 2024,” the statement added.

Fulfill obligations to $5bn energy bank, petroleum producers tell govts

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Fulfill obligations to $5bn energy bank, petroleum producers tell govts

The African Petroleum Producers’ Organisation has urged member countries to fulfill their financial obligations towards establishing the $5bn Africa Energy Bank.

Last week Nigeria secured the hosting rights for the Africa Energy Bank, which will be located in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

To ensure the bank’s operationalisation, APPO Secretary-General, Dr. Umar Ibrahim called on African oil-producing member countries to contribute their subscription fees of $83m, aiming for the bank’s launch in September 2024.

He made this appeal during the 18th ordinary meeting of the APPO executive board in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo, where APPO’s headquarters is situated, according to a statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Ambassador Nicholas Ella.

Ella led the Nigerian delegation at the executive board meeting in Brazzaville, as he stated that Ibrahim reaffirmed the APPO Council of Ministers’ resolution to confer the hosting rights of the Africa Energy Bank on Nigeria.

“We are aligned with the resolutions of the APPO Council of Ministers from last week. We will double our efforts to ensure we gather the necessary funds to initiate the Africa Energy Bank,” Ibrahim reportedly stated.

He further disclosed that the oil-producing member countries had formally written to the Nigerian government to discuss expedited steps to establish the bank.

“On Friday, July 5, 2024, we formally wrote to the Federal Republic of Nigeria. We will discuss how quickly the bank building will be ready and the host country agreement prepared for signature. We already have one member country that has signed the establishment agreement; we need one more signature to proceed,” Ibrahim added.

Expressing President Bola Tinubu’s gratitude to member states for their unwavering support and confidence in Nigeria’s bid to host the Africa Energy Bank, Ella reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to the continental bloc’s ideals to enhance energy security in Africa.

“The gathering of the 18-member countries of APPO in Brazzaville demonstrates our collective dedication to fostering unity, cooperation, and sustainable development within the African energy sector,” he stated,

He pledged Nigeria’s determination to collaborate with other members to address the financial needs of Africa’s energy sector through funding oil and gas projects and urged member countries to “harness the collective strength of our nations to build a brighter, more prosperous future for Africa.”

Ella added, “Together, we will create an institution that addresses the financial needs of our energy projects and champions sustainable development, environmental stewardship, and economic inclusivity across Africa.”

The Africa Energy Bank is an initiative of the African Petroleum Producers Organisation and Afreximbank.

Stakeholders demand parole funding to decongest Delta prisons

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Stakeholders demand parole funding to decongest Delta prisons

In a bid to reduce overcrowding in Delta State correctional centres, stakeholders in the administration of the justice system in Nigeria have appealed to the Delta State government to, as a matter of urgency, fund the parole system.

The stakeholders made the call on Monday in a communique at the end of a two-day workshop in Asaba, the Delta State capital, signed by the Executive Director of the CLEEN Foundation, Mr Gad Peter, on behalf of the participants.

They urged the state government to allocate resources for the training of parole officers, implementation of monitoring technologies, and support services for parolees.

The communiqué reads in part, “An effective parole system offers numerous benefits, including reducing prison overcrowding, promoting rehabilitation, and enhancing public safety.

“It provides a structured pathway for offenders to reintegrate into society while ensuring they are monitored and supported, reducing the likelihood of re-offending

“In light of the pressing need to reform our criminal justice system and enhance the effectiveness of offender rehabilitation, the parole system has been identified as a critical component.’’

“The CLEEN Foundation, as a leading organization working within the justice sector, with the support from MacArthur Foundation, convened a stakeholders meeting to discuss the need to depoliticize the parole process as well as standardize the criteria for selection of inmates in the Nigerian Correctional Service facilities in Delta State.

“The two-day Performance Appraisal Workshop on The Legal Framework on Parole and the Administration of Criminal Justice in Nigeria, held in Asaba, Delta State, delved into various aspects of parole, including its legislative underpinnings, procedural challenges, and the role of different stakeholders in its administration.”

They noted that parole helps to manage custodial centres’ population by allowing eligible inmates to serve part of their sentences under supervised release.

The foundation urged the state government to enact laws and policies which define the criteria and procedures for parole eligibility and ensure parolees adhere to their parole conditions through regular check-ins and collaboration with law enforcement agencies.

The participants noted that the Delta State Parole Board set up two years ago never functions due to lack of funding, asserting that the Parole Board is to assess and determine parole eligibility based on established criteria, including the inmate’s behaviour, rehabilitation progress, and risk assessment.

The communique also called on NGOs to offer housing, employment, counselling, and other support services to parolees to facilitate their reintegration, as well as advocate for reforms and raise public awareness about the benefits of an effective parole system.

106,604 human rights abuses reported in June, says NHRC

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106,604 human rights abuses reported in June, says NHRC

The National Human Rights Commission has raised the alarm over the sudden increase in reported human rights violations for June 2024.

The Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Anthony Ojukwu (SAN), who stated this during the commission’s sixth dashboard meeting held at its headquarters in Abuja on Monday, attributed the surge in complaints to growing awareness among citizens.

“For the month of June, we have received an unprecedented number of 106,604 complaints. This increase is disturbing but not unexpected,” Ojukwu said, stating, “This is a positive development and a testament to the concerted efforts of all stakeholders.”

He emphasised that the increase in complaints underscores the impact of targeted interventions and collaborative efforts in protecting the rights of vulnerable populations.

The executive secretary thereby highlighted the importance of the monthly dashboard meetings in identifying key trends and issues in communities and called on all relevant stakeholders to safeguard human rights.

Presenting the dashboard report, a senior human rights Adviser to the NHRC, Hilary Ogbonna, highlighted child rights as a critical issue.

“For children who are facing the issues of right to survival and development, they are also likely to face other and serial human rights issues including child marriage, child labour, sexual abuse, right to education being abridged, and finally abandonment,” Ogbonna said.

The report also revealed that the North-Central region recorded the highest number of human rights violations in June, with the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, having two collection centres for complaints.

South-East had 9,164 reported cases; South-West (18,458); South-South (21,603); North-East (12,907); North-West (15,101); and North-Central (29,462), the report stated.

34% of Nigeria’s education, health expenditures lost to absenteeism –W’Bank

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34% of Nigeria’s education, health expenditures lost to absenteeism –W’Bank

The World Bank has said that the consequences of absenteeism on public expenditure in health and education sectors combined can be as high as 34 per cent.

This was revealed in the latest World Bank’s Human Capital Public Expenditure and Institutional Review on Nigeria.

The report indicated that the country’s public expenditure on health and education was below par.

The World Bank said, “The level of absenteeism of health workers and teachers is a critical factor affecting the quality of spending in education and health in Nigeria.

“Due to the absenteeism of teachers and health workers, up to 13 per cent of public expenditures in education and 21 per cent of public expenditures in health are lost. According to the multilateral lender, leakage in Lagos State is as high as $6.7m from the health and education systems ($3.6m from the education and $3.1m from the health systems) in 2021.”

The World Bank’s Service Delivery Indicator Survey stated that, on average, 13.7 per cent of teachers were found to be absent from school.

“Of those at school, about a fifth (19.1 per cent) were not in the class teaching and when they are in school, they are found to spend an average of 20.7 per cent of their time on non-teaching activities. When combined, the results indicate that teachers spend less than three-quarters of the scheduled teaching time on actual teaching activities,” it noted.

According to the survey, a third (31.7 per cent) of the randomly selected health providers who were supposed to be at work were absent during an unannounced visit.

The rate of absence was observed to be higher in urban facilities at 34.2 per cent, compared to 30.0 per cent in rural facilities.

The rate of absence also differed by the type of health facility, with health centres displaying the highest overall absence rates at 33.6 per cent, and the lowest at health posts at 24.3 per cent.

The report said that absence rates among nurses were the highest at 40.9 per cent.

It was projected that Nigeria’s economy could be up to 2.77 times larger if comprehensive education and health services were provided, “To put this into perspective, this represents an additional growth of approximately 2.06 percentage points annually over the next five decades.”

The bank stated that Nigeria had the largest number of out-of-school children in the world, the largest number of children under five who die every year globally and the largest contributor to maternal deaths in the world (34 per cent).

“Globally, one in every six deaths of children under five is in Nigeria, and one of every 12 children out of school globally is Nigerian as well. More than 844,000 children die every year in Nigeria before they reach their fifth birthday. This constitutes the largest number registered anywhere in the world. In Nigeria, a child who starts school at age four can expect to complete only five years of education when factoring in what the child learns,” the report indicated.

It indicated that overall public spending, at merely 12 per cent of gross domestic product, fell below the threshold necessary to finance those public services.

It noted that it was lower than the Sub-Saharan African average of 17.2 per cent.

“Over the past five years, Nigeria’s health and education expenditure has fluctuated between 10 and 12 per cent of GDP when measured against international standards, it becomes evident that this level of investment is insufficient for delivering adequate essential public services.

“At $23 and $15 per capita, public expenditure on education and health in Nigeria, respectively, is inadequate by any standard. Of the $23 per capita spending on education, states spend $14 and the remainder is spent by the Federal Government.

Similarly, of the $15 per capita spending on health, states spend US$8.5. This level of spending compares poorly to Nigeria’s peers. It is far more inadequate given the need to tackle significant issues such as the high rates of out-of-school children and child mortality,” the report said.

To tackle the situation, the World Bank recommended that the Nigerian government invest at least $1,000 per primary school student to stem the poverty rate in the country.

“Considering its stage of economic development, Nigeria should ideally be investing at least $1,000 per primary student, which means increasing the per-student expenditure sixfold.

“Moreover, with a significant number of children not attending school and a rapidly growing school-age population, by 2030 Nigeria would need to increase its investment in basic education ninefold from its 2022 level to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 4.”

SDG4 is focused on quality education.

PDP appeals judgment nullifying Edo gov primary

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PDP appeals judgment nullifying Edo gov primary

The Peoples Democratic Party, on Wednesday, approached the Court of Appeal in Abuja to challenge the judgment of the Federal High Court nullifying its February 22 governorship primary in Edo State, which produced Asue Igbodalo as the party’s flag-bearer for the September 21 governorship election.

The appellant, in an appeal hinged on 25 grounds, asked the appellate court to set aside the judgment of the lower court delivered on July 4, 2024.

Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja, had declared the PDP primary election held on February 22 in Edo State as invalid.

He held that the party did not comply with the relevant provisions of its constitution or the electoral guidelines for primary elections when it excluded 378 elected ward delegates from participating in the exercise

The trial judge held that this act itself was against the provision of Article 50(3) of the party’s constitution and further declared that it was a legal requirement that political parties must obey their constitution, guidelines, and regulations.

“The failure to comply with the electoral guidelines is not different from the effect of non-compliance with the constitution of the political party or noncompliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2022.

“The decision of the second defendant (PDP) not to include the plaintiffs in the governorship primary for which they were elected at the ward congress was arbitrarily wrong.

“Ward congresses are to be held in accordance with the law, the party’s constitution, and electoral guidelines.

“After being held, they cannot be cancelled except in the manner provided in the Electoral Act 2022, the party’s constitution, and electoral guidelines,” Ekwo ruled

He then ordered, “An order is hereby made directing the defendants, who are bound by the provisions of Section 82 of the Electoral Act 2022 and Article 50(3) of the second defendant’s constitution (as amended in 2017), to abide by the outcome of the three ad-hoc delegates ward congress of February 4, 2024, at which the plaintiffs and the other 378 delegates, whose names and election results appear on Exhibits BID 8A to 8L, were elected, and to allow the plaintiffs and the 375 other lawfully elected delegates to participate in the primary election of February 22, 2024.

“An order of mandatory injunction is hereby made restraining the first, second, and third defendants from unlawfully excluding the plaintiffs and the other lawfully elected delegates whose names and election results appear on Exhibits BID 8A to 8L herein from participating as 3 ad-hoc ward delegates in the governorship election primaries of the second defendant slated for the 22nd of February 2024 or any other date.”

The PDP, in the appeal dated July 9, marked CA/ABJ/CV/2024 and filed through their lawyer Adeyemi Ajibade (SAN), argued that the decision of the trial court was against the weight of evidence.

The respondents in the appeal are Kelvin Mohammed, Gabriel Okoduwa, Ederaho Osagie (for themselves and on behalf of the 378 ad hoc delegates), the Independent National Electoral Commission, the National Secretary of the PDP, and the Vice Chairman, PDP South-South, as first to sixth respondents respectively.

The appellant said, “The lower court erred in law when it granted reliefs 2, 3, and 4 sought by the first to third respondents.”

It further contended that there was no basis for the trial court to have arrived at its decision.

The PDP said on February 4, it conducted a three-man ad hoc ward congress across the 18 Local Government Areas in Edo State and the first to third respondents did not participate and were not among the persons who emerged as elected delegates.

The party said its candidate, Ighodalo, was duly elected by the ad hoc delegates who participated in its primary election.

On these grounds, the party sought “an order allowing the appeal, an order setting aside the judgment of the lower court, and an order striking out or dismissing the entire suit for want of jurisdiction.”

Nigerian govt declares man wanted for defiling 3-year-old daughter

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Nigerian govt declares man wanted for defiling 3-year-old daughter

The Federal Government has placed a N1 billion bounty on one Magnus Okpalannadi who allegedly defiled his three-year-old daughter.
The Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs. Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, announced the measure in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Head of Information and Public Relations in the ministry, Mrs. Grace Njoku.
She said: “The ministry received a report that Okpalannadi, a resident of Onitsha, Anambra State, has been sexually molesting his little daughter.
READ ALSO: Lagos school bus driver receives life sentence for defiling 3-yr-old girl
“When he was found out, he disappeared before he could be apprehended.
“President Bola Tinubu-led administration has zero tolerance for child abuse and molestation.
”Hence would ensure the immediate prosecution of the peadophile to serve as a deterrent to would-be perpetrators.”
The post Nigerian govt declares man wanted for defiling 3-year-old daughter appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.

BREAKING: EFCC to arraign ex-Power Minister Saleh Mamman for N33bn money laundering

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BREAKING: EFCC to arraign ex-Power Minister Saleh Mamman for N33bn money laundering

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, will on Thursday, July 11, arraign a former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, before Justice J. K. Omotosho for alleged N33 billion money laundering offences.
According to an insider at the commission, Mamman would be arraigned on a 12-count charge bordering on conspiracy to commit money laundering and possession and use of known proceeds of criminal conduct.
The charge documents signed by the prosecution counsel, Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, SAN, and others, which were sighted by TVN read that counts 1-2 border on conspiracy to commit money laundering; counts 3-4 border on money laundering by cash payment in excess of the lawful limit;
count 5 borders on purchase of landed property with cash payment; while counts 6–12 border on possession and use of known proceeds of criminal conduct.
The investigation spanned from 2019 to 2022 when he was a minister under former President Muhammadu Buhari.
BREAKING: EFCC to arraign ex-Power Minister Saleh Mamman for N33bn money laundering

Prepare your defence, Kaduna Assembly tells El-Rufai’s aides

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Prepare your defence, Kaduna Assembly tells El-Rufai’s aides

The Kaduna State House of Assembly on Wednesday asked aides to the immediate-past governor of the state, Malam Nasir El-Rufai to prepare towards defending themselves before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related Commission or court.

The state Assembly expressed concern over the former political appointees’ futile attempt to ‘rubbish’ the probe report which indicted the former administration’s alleged mismanagement of N423bn state funds.

The Punch reports that El-Rufai’s former aides said that Sani’s administration has been drawing from the various foreign loans facilitated by the immediate-past government in the state.

The ex-officials dismissed accusations that the El-Rufai government drew down the loans before it exited office in May 2023, just as they described as unfair and irresponsible the allegation by the Kaduna State House of Assembly that the former government mismanaged N423bn state funds.

However, the Kaduna Assembly through its Adhoc Committee Chairman, Henry Magaji, in a statement issued in the state capital on Wednesday, insisted that the committee did a thorough work which unearthed a monumental heist allegedly perpetrated by the former administration in the state.

Magaji, who is also the Deputy Speaker of the House added that an attempt to rubbish the work of the committee won’t work, urging El-Rufai’s former aides to deploy their energies towards preparing their defence before the EFCC, ICPC or court as the case may be.

According to him, the House in line with its constitutional mandate and in response to public demand, carried out a thorough probe into the humongous debts incurred by the immediate past administration without commensurate projects.

He said the house dug deep and unearthed the monumental heist carried out in the state in the guise of project execution which revealed a litany of poorly executed projects, abandoned projects, and projects that exist only in the imagination of “executive scammers.”

Magaji said, “The attention of the Kaduna State House of Assembly has been drawn to a press conference addressed by some senior political appointees of the immediate past administration of Malam Nasir El-Rufai. In the press conference, the former political appointees made strenuous efforts to pick holes in the report of the Probe Committee.

“They resorted to name calling and wild allegations on the motivations for the House Probe. We wish to state as follows: The press conference was just a rehash of the vituperations and innuendoes heaped on us by the former political appointees in their first press briefing.

“There was nothing new that should warrant our response. They failed to address the main issue, which is the systematic and coordinated cornering of the resources of Kaduna State through phoney contracts and outright looting.”

He added that the former governor’s aides failed to address the main issue which was the systematic and coordinated cornering of the resources of Kaduna State through phoney contracts and outright looting.

He stated, “The State House of Assembly, in line with its constitutional mandate and in response to public demand, carried out a thorough probe into the humongous debts incurred by the immediate past administration without commensurate projects.

“We dug deep and unearthed the monumental heist carried out in Kaduna State in the guise of project execution. Our findings revealed a litany of poorly executed projects, abandoned projects, and projects that exist only in the imagination of executive scammers.”

He added, “We have called on anti-corruption agencies to step in and invite indicted persons for questioning. It is the anti-corruption agencies that can either validate or disprove our findings, not individuals who spent their days in public office cornering the common patrimony of the people of Kaduna State and mortgaging the future of its children and grandchildren.

“We urge the former political appointees to deploy their energies towards preparing their defences before the anti-corruption agencies, and eventually the courts. The House of Assembly is not in a battle of wits with them. We have done our duty to the people of Kaduna State. Let them answer to the charges of malfeasance, abuse of office, disrespect for the law and due process levelled against them.

“We are currently in court with the head of the indicted administration, Malam Nasir El-Rufai over the issue of fair hearing. We shall not comment on the matter because it is sub-judice. We stand for the rule of law and due process. The few political appointees who have been making desperate but futile moves to denigrate the House and cover up the alleged fraud perpetrated by the previous government represent no one but themselves.

“If they genuinely have the interest of Kaduna State and are truly men and women of integrity, they would have applied themselves to developing the state instead of participating in the alleged pilfering of its scarce resources.”

Recall that an ad-hoc committee set up by the state House of Assembly to investigate all finances, loans and contracts awarded under the immediate-past governor had indicted El-Rufai and some of his appointees of siphoning N423bn state funds.

The Assembly, while adopting the report of the 13-man panel, asked the state governor to refer El-Rufai, his finance commissioner and other aides to relevant security agencies for investigation.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission subsequently set up a panel to investigate the alleged fraud.

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