President Bola Tinubu has appointed former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Attahiru Jega, as co-chairman of the Presidential Committee on Implementation of Livestock Reforms.
Tinubu disclosed Jega’s appointment during the inauguration of the committee on Tuesday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
The committee will address the obstacles to agricultural productivity and open up new opportunities which benefit farmers, herders, processors, and distributors in the livestock-farming value chain.
He noted that the implementation of the reforms would require the collective efforts of members, drawn from the public and private sectors, state governors, and all Nigerians.
According to Tinubu: “When we have great opportunities in our states, why should Nigerians continue to experience conflicts?
“With the calibre of people that are here, this presents a unique opportunity to also delineate and establish a centric ministry called the Ministry of Livestock Development.
“It will give us the opportunity so that our veterinary doctors can have the necessary access to research and cross-breed. We can stop the wanton killings.”
The President noted that the traditional method of livestock farming would need to be reviewed and repositioned with the support of stakeholders, which include state governments, to open up new opportunities for growth and prosperity.
He also thanked the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Abdullahi Ganduje for his efforts in “assembling experienced and reputable experts to ensure the activation of opportunities in the livestock sector.”
Tinubu said the “Ministry of Livestock Development will be created to further explore the potential in the area.”
Tinubu appoints Jega to head herders-farmers crisis committee, thanks Ganduje
Tinubu appoints Jega to head herders-farmers crisis committee, thanks Ganduje
PDP appeals judgment nullifying Edo gov primary
The Peoples Democratic Party has approached the Court of Appeal, Abuja division, to appeal the Federal High Court judgment that invalidated the primaries that produced Asue Ighodalo as its gubernatorial candidate in the forthcoming 2024 governorship election in Edo State.
The appellant (PDP), 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.
Recall that Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja, had declared the PDP primary election held on February 22 in Edo State as invalid.
Justice Ekwo held that the PDP 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 primary election.
The trial judge held that this act itself is against the provision of Article 50(3) of the party’s constitution.
He further declared that it is a legal requirement that political parties must obey their constitution, guidelines, and regulations.
Justice Ekwo said, “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 primaries 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.
“Consequently, I find that the case of the plaintiffs succeeds on the merits upon a preponderance of evidence as required by law.
“A declaration is hereby made that by virtue of the provisions of Article 50 (3) of the constitution of the second defendant (as amended in 2017), the plaintiffs, together with the other lawfully elected delegates whose names and election results appear on Exhibits BID 8A to 8L herein, are the lawfully elected ward congress delegates in their respective wards and by virtue of which the defendants cannot exclude them from participating as 3 ad-hoc ward delegates at the Governorship primary election of Edo State slated for the 22nd of February 2024 or any other date.
“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.”
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 is 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), Independent National Electoral Commission, The National Secretary of the PDP, and The Vice Chairman, PDP South-South, as 1st to 6th respondents respectively.
The appellant said, “The lower court erred in law when it granted reliefs 2, 3, and 4 sought by the 1st to 3rd respondents”.
The political party further contended that there was no basis for the trial court to have arrived at its decision.
The appellant said that on February 4, it conducted a three-man ad-hoc ward congress across the 18 local governments in Edo State, and the 1st to 3rd respondents did not participate and were not among the persons who emerged as elected delegates.
The party said its candidate (Asue Ighodalo) was duly elected by the ad-hoc delegates who participated in its primary election.
PDP also said the court misapprehended their case as the lower court wrongly evaluated their evidence.
It argued that “The lower court judgment is unsupported in law.”
It contended that they did not breach any of the applicable laws and “the respondents’ relief two, being declaratory, ought to have been supported by cogent and compelling evidence.”
On these grounds, they sought the following reliefs: “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.”
USA crash out of Copa in group phase as Uruguay, Panama advance
The United States crashed out of the Copa America on Monday after a 1-0 defeat to Uruguay, as Panama sealed their place in the quarter-finals with a 3-1 win over Bolivia.
The tournament hosts suffered an upset 2-1 defeat to Panama last week and went into Monday’s final Group C game at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City needing to match or better Panama’s result against Bolivia to advance.
But US coach Gregg Berhalter’s side never looked like doing enough to seriously threaten a well-drilled Uruguay who advance to the last eight as group winners.
“Just looking at the faces of the staff and the players, we’re bitterly disappointed with the results,” Berhalter said.
“We know that we’re capable of more and in this tournament we didn’t show it. It’s really as simple as that. We should have done better.
“We’ll do a review and figure out what went wrong, why it went wrong, but it’s an empty feeling right now for sure.”
USA captain Christian Pulisic blamed a lack of attacking quality.
“We had a good start and brought a lot of energy, but just didn’t have enough quality,” he said. “We just couldn’t find a solution.”
Hopes of a great escape for Berhalter’s men faded inside the first 30 minutes as news filtered through that Panama had taken a 1-0 lead against Bolivia in Orlando.
US hopes were revived early in the second half after Bolivia equalised, leaving the hosts on course for qualification, provided they continued to hold Uruguay.
Yet the US optimism was punctured just moments later when Uruguay took the lead in controversial circumstances through Mathias Olivera on 66 minutes.
– ‘Pretty crazy’ –
Ronald Araujo’s powerful header from Nicolas de la Cruz’s free-kick was parried away by US goalkeeper Matt Turner, but only into the path of Olivera, who tucked away the rebound.
Replays appeared to show that Olivera was offside when Araujo first made contact with the ball, but despite a lengthy VAR review, Peruvian referee Kevin Ortega ruled that the goal should stand.
“It’s pretty crazy,” Berhalter said. “I don’t understand it, I feel like I know the offside rule pretty well.
“It’s disappointing. It really is. But you know that that happens in football, and we have to live with it.”
The mathematics of qualification looked even more bleak for the US after news that Panama had scored again through Eduardo Guerrero to regain the lead at 2-1, and the final nail in the coffin came when Cesar Yanis added a third for Panama in stoppage time.
The USA’s first-round exit raises fresh questions about the future of Berhalter, who remains deeply unpopular amongst swathes of American fans.
Berhalter was only reappointed to the US job in June last year following a hiatus after leading the team to the 2022 World Cup.
The nature of Monday’s early exit is certain to reignite debate about whether he is the best man to lead the United States into the 2026 World Cup on home soil.
Failure to defeat Uruguay, 14th in the latest FIFA rankings, extends Berhalter’s poor record against top 20 teams.
Berhalter has just five wins in 20 matches against top-20 teams during his reign, and four of those victories came against regional rivals Mexico — who were also eliminated from the Copa in the first round.
That dismal sequence continued after a toothless attacking performance against Uruguay, where the US registered only three shots on goal in a misfiring offensive display.
Defender Antonee Robinson described the officiating as “amateur hour” but stressed responsibility for the defeat lay with the players.
“Just not enough quality in the final third,” Robinson said.
“At the end of the day we weren’t good enough to get the result today. This is on us.”
AFP
Arms centre to destroy N4bn weapons seized by Customs
The National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons has said the large cache of arms and ammunition intercepted by the Nigerian Customs Service would be destroyed after documentation has been completed.
The centre also confirmed that the customs had handed over the weapons to it.
The Nigerian Customs had during one of its operations intercepted a 40-foot container loaded with 844 rifles and 112,500 live ammunition in Port Harcourt.
The arms and ammunition were said to have been skillfully concealed within items such as doors, furniture, plumbing fittings and leather bags.
The intercepted container was also reported to have originated from Turkey and its duty-paid value was put at N4bn.
In a statement on Monday, the centre’s Director, Strategic Communications and Information, Group Captain Pius Okwuego, said the handing over of the seized weapons was done in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital.
“The Nigerian Customs Service, under the leadership of Comptroller General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, officially handed over the seized arms and ammunition to the NCCSALW today in Port Harcourt.
“This transfer is a significant step in the collaborative efforts between national
security agencies to safeguard Nigeria’s borders and public safety,” the statement read.
Okwuego noted that the National Coordinator of the Centre, Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Johnson Kokumo (retd.), said the weapons would be destroyed to prevent them from constituting a threat to society.
“This seizure is a testament to the
unwavering contributions of the Nigerian Customs Service to protect our
nation from the dangers posed by illicit arms. The NCCSALW will ensure
that these weapons are properly documented and destroyed to prevent
them from ever posing a threat to our society,” Kokumo was quoted as saying.
Wike not an emperor, subject to scrutiny – Sam Amadi
The Director of the Abuja School of Social and Political Thoughts, Sam Amadi, has said that the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, and the National Assembly has a legal framework to audit and oversee public expenditure by Nyesom Wike.
Wike is the current Minister of the FCT.
Amadi said the FCT Minister is not an emperor, stressing that he should be subject to due process review for public expenditure.
In a post on his X handle on Monday, the former Executive Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC,
wrote: “I hope the FCT and NASS has a legal framework to audit and oversee Wike’s public expenditure in Abuja.
“He is not an emperor. He is a public official and should be subject to due process review for public expenditure as well.”
Wike had threatened to unseat the Senator representing the FCT, Ireti Kingibe for criticising him.
Speaking at the flag-off of the Mabushi Bus Terminal in Abuja, the Minister said that he overheard somebody, a lawmaker in the National Assembly castigating the successes being recorded in FCT.
Wike not an emperor, subject to scrutiny – Sam Amadi
Groundnut seller bags life jail for defiling four-year-old
The Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court on Monday sentenced Sunday Uche, a 21-year-old groundnut trader, to life imprisonment for defiling a four year-old-girl
Justice Ramon Oshodi held that the prosecution was able to prove the offence of defilement against the convict without reasonable doubt, stating that the defendant’s actions were heinous and deserving of the maximum punishment under the law.
Uche was remanded in custody on February 1, 2017, on a count of defilement by penetration preferred against him by the state, to which he pleaded not guilty.
According to the prosecution counsel, I.D. Solarin, the offence committed by Uche contravenes Section 137 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State.
The court heard that the incident occurred on February 2, 2017, in the house of the convict.
Uche, who worked as a groundnut trader, defiled the minor in his home after she came to beg for groundnuts.
“I was at home when one small boy brought a four-year-old girl to my house to beg for groundnuts, so I decided to have sexual intercourse with her. After everything, I gave her some groundnuts. The small baby cried. I knew what I was doing was wrong but I was so eager, but I did not release inside the vagina. After releasing sperm, I became weak, surprisingly the mother of the girl came to my house to look for me,” he said.
The victim’s mother reported the crime to the authorities, leading to Uche’s arrest.
According Metro gathered that during cross-examination, Uche presented a starkly different account of the event that happened on February 2, 2017. But once he was presented with judicial Exhibit E, a statement made by him on February 3, 2017, at the State Criminal Investigation Department, the overall case significantly shifted.
Delivering his judgment, Justice Oshodi Ramon held that the evidence presented found the defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, under Sections 135i and 139 of the Criminal Law of Lagos.
“Based on the evidence presented, a statement of the IPO of the Sabo Police Command, Lagos State, a statement from the victim’s mother, the police referral for medical examination, a detailed medical report from Mirabel Centre dated February 2, 2017, and the defendant’s statements, I find the defendant guilty and convict him under Section 137 of the Criminal Law of Lagos.”
He further held, “This is a grave offence that carries a mandatory sentence of life imprisonment. The parts of this case are alarming: you took advantage of a four-year-old girl who came to you simply asking for groundnut. You exploited her vulnerability and trust, in the most heinous way imaginable. The physical and psychological harm you have inflicted on this young victim is immeasurable and likely to have a long-lasting effect.”
He convicted the defendant on one count of defilement by penetration and sentenced him to life imprisonment, ordering that the name of the convict should be registered in the Lagos State Sexual Offences Register.
Justice Oshodi acknowledged the convict’s plea for mercy, saying, “I have considered other factors like the lack of previous convictions and your plea for mercy and sentencing. However, the aggravating factors outweigh any other circumstances.
“The purposes of sentencing in this case must prioritise the protection of the public, particularly vulnerable children and to send a message to others. Taking all factors into account, I sentence you to life imprisonment and you will be registered as a sex offender.”
Girl-child education should be top priority – Rotary
The newly created Rotary District 9127, on Monday, pledged to give priority to girl-child education and impact youths in the country positively.
The Pioneer District Governor of Rotary District 9127, Rotarian Mike Ukachi Nwanoshiri, gave the pledge during his inaugural press conference in Abuja.
The new District covers all Northern States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Nwanoshiri said: “We are going to introduce girl child education. It’s a decision. If we don’t do it as their parents, they would not grow well. We talk about mental health? What is the cause of mental health? It is from our parents.
“What type of training did you give your young girl when she was young? How did you bring her up? We don’t allow them to be lost. If we don’t start now to treat that issue, we will be in trouble.”
The District Governor added that “we also have to encourage our young girls. They should not be cheap articles in the hands of men. They have to respect themselves knowing that through them birth came to the world.
“We teach them not to always depend on men to give them. I know I have some mothers in different clubs that will take that up to make sure we take the project up and make sure by the time they leave their youthful age, they would have the experience to have managed themselves.
“We have been talking about youth empowerment but this time around I would change the scenario. Now it would be about youth impact.
He urged youths to avoid vices in the society but develop themselves and work hard to succeed.
He expressed delight to be the new District Governor of the newly created Rotary District 9127.
“I am excited to lead this vibrant and dedicated community of Rotarians, and I am committed to building on the excellent work of our past Governors,” he added.
Girl-child education should be top priority – Rotary
FCCPC raids steel companies in Ogun
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission conducted raids on three steel manufacturing companies in Ogun State due to the alleged production of substandard iron rods and other anti-competition practices.
According to the commission, the affected companies are African Foundries Limited in Ogijo, Monarch Steel Mill Limited in Sagamu, and Kam Steel Integrated Company, also in Sagamu.
Addressing journalists recently, the Acting Executive Vice Chairman of FCCPC, Dr Adamu Abdullahi, stated that the commission’s visit was based on intelligence suggesting potential anti-competitive behaviour by these companies.
“Essentially, we received intelligence and surveillance reports that these companies are allegedly involved in anti-competitive behaviour. That is the reason we decided to visit these three companies,” Abdullahi explained.
The FCCPC chief further elaborated that some iron manufacturers produced 10mm iron rods but labelled and marketed them as 12mm.
“We are here to take samples of their products and review their records to determine if they are engaging in false, misleading, and deceptive practices,” he said.
According to Abdullahi, this malpractice is a significant contributor to building collapses in Nigeria.
“We are concerned about the safety of Nigerians, which is the essence of consumer protection. We need to ensure the safety of our population.
“We need to examine their processes to see if they are cutting corners. If they are, we will enforce the full extent of the law. That is why we are here,” he stated.
He also commented on the cooperation of the companies during the investigation, noting that all three firms were very cooperative.
“Their lawyers were involved, and our laws permit that,” he said.
However, Abdullahi emphasised that the FCCPC was still in the information-gathering stage and had not yet found any of the companies liable.
“We are still collecting information. We will return to our office and allow forensic experts to analyse the gathered materials. Their analysis will guide our findings,” he remarked.
No Cholera in Nasarawa – Health Commissioner
Nasarawa State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Gaza Gwamna, announced on Monday that there are no confirmed cases of cholera in the state.
Gwamna, who spoke at a press conference in Akwanga, addressed concerns raised by reports of suspected cholera cases.
According to the commissioner, 29 suspected cases of cholera have been recorded in two out of the state’s 13 local government areas, stating that 19 suspected cases were identified in Kokona, and 10 in Nasarawa-Eggon, including one mortality.
“The cases at the moment are still suspected and even the person that died in Nasarawa-Eggon was not confirmed, but treated as a suspected case before his death,” Gwamna stated.
He assured that all suspected cases were currently undergoing thorough medical examinations to determine their status.
In light of cholera outbreaks in other states, Gwamna stated that the Nasarawa State Ministry of Health has implemented precautionary measures to prevent an outbreak.
Gwamna noted that cholera outbreaks were common during the rainy season due to potential water contamination.
The health commissioner pointed out the ministry’s efforts to increase public awareness about hygiene and sanitation through collaborations with traditional rulers and other stakeholders.
He added that to enhance monitoring and response, Disease Surveillance Officers have been deployed to every electoral ward across the state.
Gwamna said these officers were responsible for daily reporting of any suspected cases to the ministry to facilitate prompt action.
He said, “They are expected to give reports of happenings in their areas on a daily basis to enable the government to take action in case of any outbreak.”
He reaffirmed the commitment of Governor Abdullahi Sule’s administration to providing quality and affordable healthcare services.
He also announced the governor’s approval to upgrade four Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) to General Hospitals, aiming to improve service delivery.
The PHCs designated for upgrade are located in Assakyo (Lafia), Gudi (Akwanga), New Karu (Karu), and Azara (Awe).
No Cholera in Nasarawa – Health Commissioner
Sacked Enyimba accountant challenges club over unpaid N38m benefits
A former accountant of Enyimba FC, Ebere Ahiara, has alleged that the nine-time Nigerian champions owe him salaries and allowances to the tune of N38m following the termination of his appointment after 33 years of service at the club, The According reports.
Ahira was relieved of his duties by the club in a letter dated December 29, 2023, following the appointment of another accountant.
“I regret to inform you that the management has been forced to strategically downsize due to the current economic conditions and the difficulty in managing the inadequate finances of the club,” Sam Anozie, Chief of Staff to the Enyimba chairman, Nwankwo Kanu, notified Ahire on behalf of the chairman.
“In light of the above, your services will no longer be needed by the club as the management has improvised another way to provide those services you render.
“Your salary has been paid up till December 2023, which is the last month you will receive salary from Enyimba FC.”
In his acceptance, Ahire, however, noted that he received the letter February 9, 2024, thus claiming salaries for January and February 2024 and an outstanding March 2023 salary plus other allowances.
“I am grateful to God for the opportunity given to me to serve the club meritoriously in the Accounts/Finance Department for 33 years and six months without a single record of misconduct,” Ahire’s response read.
“Sir, I am confident that the management of the club will be willing to approve and make payment of my terminal benefits hereunder listed: March 2023 salary, balance of October 2023 salary, balance of December 2023 salary, January 2024 salary, February 2024 salary, six months salaries in lieu of notice, annual leave allowances and in lieu of leave allowances for 33 years totaling N38,462,000.00,” Ahira wrote.
Reacting to the allegations, the Chief of Staff to Kanu, Anozie, described Ahire’s claim as frivolous.
“He is talking about a leave allowance of N1m every year and we asked if he worked for 33 years and didn’t receive leave allowance. How would the new management pay him such money? That is a very frivolous claim,” Anozie told The According.
“The government appointed another accountant for the club, so, we decided to let him go, as the whole place was overstaffed. He was supposed to have left before December, immediately another person was appointed, but we paid him up till December in lieu.
“What was he doing by the January and February he is claiming? Nothing,” Anozie added.
Enyimba, two-time winners of the CAF Champions League, finished the 2023/24 Nigeria Premier League in third-place and will be competing in the CAF Confederation Cup next season.