Home Blog Page 1140

Mali Junta arrests 11 oppositions calling for civilian rule

admin
-
0
Mali Junta arrests 11 oppositions calling for civilian rule

Eleven opponents of Mali’s ruling junta were arrested as they met in the capital after calling for the return of civilian rule in the West African nation, their coalition said Friday.

The military which seized power in 2020 had promised to organise elections and hand over power to civilians by the end of March this year but later postponed elections indefinitely.

Those detained include the heads of parties and political movements which signed a declaration in March calling for the handover of power to civilians, it said in a statement sent to AFP.

They were arrested late Thursday as they took part in an illegal meeting when political party activities are banned, a source in the legal investigation unit said.

They are due to appear before a prosecutor on Friday, a judicial source said.

Their arrest took place during a “private meeting” at the home of a coalition official, the grouping said.

It criticised what it said was yet another “violation of fundamental freedoms” and denounced “these arbitrary arrests”.

Signatories of the declaration dated March 31 had condemned the “legal and institutional void” after a deadline passed for the junta to hand over power.

They called for presidential elections to be called “as soon as possible”.

The colonels in Mali have kept a tight hold on power, suspending all party-political activities and muzzling opponents, journalists and human rights activists.

Mali has since 2012 been plunged into a political and security crisis fuelled by attacks from jihadist and other armed groups, as well as a separatist struggle in the north.

AFP

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from According.

Contact: [email protected]

Kano CP gives reasons for ignoring eviction order on deposed Emir Bayero

admin
-
0
Kano CP gives reasons for ignoring eviction order on deposed Emir Bayero

The Kano State Police Commissioner, AIG Usaini Gumel, has given reasons why the police ignored Governor Abba Yusuf’s directive on the eviction of the deposed Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero.

Recall that Yusuf had on Thursday night, through the State Attorney General And Commissioner of Justice, Haruna Dederi, directed the CP to remove the deposed 15 Emir of Kano from the Nasarawa mini palace where he is staying.

Speaking in a telephone interview with The Punch on Friday, the police commissioner said obeying the governor’s eviction order would be tantamount to “jumping the gun”.

According to him, the same government that gave the order had filed a case at the State High Court on the eviction order, which would come up on Monday, 24th June 2024.

“The police will not evict the deposed Emir because the same government has filed a case at the State High Court on the eviction order, which would come up on Monday, 24th June 2024.

“The government is jumping the gun because the same government has filed a case on the eviction order, which is coming up on the 24th of June, 2024. So, if we carry out the order, it is like we are pre-empting the court because we don’t know what will happen at the court,” he added.

Meanwhile, security has been beefed up around the Nasarawa mini palace where the deposed Emir Aminu Ado Bayero is currently staying.

A correspondent of The Punch who visited the mini palace around 11:30 am reports that more security personnel have been deployed to the place in addition to the ones on the ground.

It was observed that all four major routes leading to the mini palace had been blocked by security personnel as the police had yet to remove the deposed Emir as directed by Governor Yusuf.

However, while the CP had yet to comply with the governor’s directive, the deposed Emir was still in the mini palace with his retinue of palace guards and other supporters.

One of his (Bayero’s) supporters, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told The Punch that Bayero was still in the mini palace receiving the “traditional greetings” from some traditional rulers loyal to him.

“Let me tell you, Emir Aminu Ado Bayero is still in the mini palace and as I am talking to you now, he is receiving the “traditional greetings” from those loyal to him,” the source said.

He debunked the rumours being peddled in some quarters that a bulldozer has been stationed at the palace in readiness for the demolition of the place.

“I heard that there is a rumour going around in some quarters that a bulldozer has been stationed at the Nasarawa mini palace ahead of the demolition. This is a social media propaganda,” the source added.

ASUU blames govt for Kebbi varsity’s woes

admin
-
0
ASUU blames govt for Kebbi varsity’s woes

The Academic Staff Union of Nigerian Universities, Kebbi State University of Science and Technology, has said that poor funding could lead to the collapse of the university.

The Chairman of the union, Dr Abubakar Umar, in a press conference in Birnin Kebbi on Friday said the university is facing a myriad of problems from infrastructure decay which include poor accommodation for lecturers and inadequate student hostels and none payments of earned academic allowances for 11 years.

He said “For over six years, lecturers of the university have not gotten promotion implementations not to talk of arrears and even when they get the promotion.

“Sometimes, it takes almost a year before the implementation which was responsible for the mass exit of over 20 vibrant and intelligent academic staff.

“Poor electricity in the university is hindering research works in the laboratory, hence the technical lab lays waste due to poor power supply which also affects the machines that are supposed to be operated almost daily to enhance productivity and increase academic research,” Umar said.

He further explained, “The size of the university workforce has increased but the structures are not only bad but insufficient to accommodate them.

“The same thing is happening to students who had to stay off-campus in Jega or Birnin Kebbi the state capital daily to attend lectures, I am afraid if the university remains underfunded with decaying infrastructure it will collapse,” he warned.

On healthcare, he said the university clinic has had no doctor since it was established and they have written over the issue nothing has been done.

He also said the security of the university is another source of worry as a lecturer was once kidnapped, while another was marked for killing but escaped by the whiskers, “therefore the university needs security to operate without any fear of attack by gunmen.

“I appealed to the Kebbi State government to meet our demands to avert the collapse of the university.

“We believe our comrade governor would address the issues raised to save the only state-owned university where children of the poor study,” the Chairman of the Union averred.

When contacted, the state Commissioner for High Education, Abubakar Tunga, denied the allegations through text message.

He however directs journalists to visit the university, while declining to comment on unpaid academic earned allowances and promotions implementations.

Africa needs to be competitive, says Chike-Obi, Fidelity Bank’s Chairman

admin
-
0
Africa needs to be competitive, says Chike-Obi, Fidelity Bank’s Chairman

Africa needs to be competitive and efficient in its area of strength, according to Mustafa Chike-Obi, the Chairman of Fidelity Bank.
Speaking recently on the sidelines of the AFREXIMBANK Annual meetings in Nassau, the Bahamas, Chike-Obi emphasized the importance of focused and sharp leadership in harnessing the continent’s strengths to achieve prosperity.
He highlighted the need for Africa to identify areas of competitive advantage in producing goods and services efficiently to unlock its full potential.
He pointed out that success stories in areas like sports demonstrate Africa’s potential when leveraging advantages. However, he stressed the crucial role of collaboration and seamless interaction among African nations and regions for sustainable development.
READ ALSO:Fidelity Bank to raise N127.1bn to meet CBN’s new capital base requirement
The chairman urged for enhanced integration to facilitate the movement of goods and services across the continent, emphasizing the necessity to work collectively towards common goals.
Chike-Obi also addressed the importance of prioritizing Africa’s strengths, such as power supply, through cohesive policies and agreements to drive economic growth. He emphasized the need for coordinated banking policies to promote financial integration within Africa and with external partners, emphasizing the significance of streamlined banking services and transactions.
The Chairman highlighted the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a significant opportunity for economic advancement but called for more practical implementation to ensure its effectiveness. He underscored the importance of execution in translating policies into tangible outcomes for the African people.
Reflecting on the annual meetings and the discussions on trade and investment, Chike-Obi reiterated the critical importance of collaboration for Africa’s progress, emphasizing that unity and concerted efforts are essential for realizing the continent’s potential.
The post Africa needs to be competitive, says Chike-Obi, Fidelity Bank’s Chairman appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.

Provide evidence of corruption in recruitment exercise, PSC tells IG

admin
-
0
Provide evidence of corruption in recruitment exercise, PSC tells IG

The Police Service Commission has challenged the Nigeria Police Force to provide verifiable evidence to support the allegations regarding the recruitment of constables.

The police had, in a statement on Saturday by the force spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, rejected the names of those recruited by the commission.

Adejobi added that the PSC portal was scrutinised, and it was discovered that “several names of persons purported to be names of successful candidates are those who did not even apply and therefore did not take part in the recruitment exercise.”

The Joint Union Congress of the Police Service Commission had several denied the allegations, demanding the removal of the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.

On Thursday, Egbetokun denied having scores to settle with the PSC, adding that his action was to ensure qualified people were recruited into the force.

Speaking on the matter for the first time, the PSC in a statement on Friday by its Head of Press and Public Relations, Ikechukwu Ani, said the allegations by the police were to give the commission a bad name.

The statement partly read, “The Commission has studied the issues around this successfully concluded recruitment exercise and has come to the conclusion that even after the Supreme Court Judgment, the Police is reluctant to allow the Commission perform this constitutional assignment. The Commission demands that the Police should provide verifiable evidence to prove the allegations peddled against it as it is obvious that it is a case of giving a dog a bad name to hang it.”

Ani noted that due process was followed throughout the exercise, stating that a forensic audit be conducted on the list the PSC released.

He said, “It is important to state that due process was meticulously followed throughout the exercise, and the Commission wishes to assert its prerogative to exercise full control over recruitments into the Nigeria Police Force.

“The Commission is also insisting that its list of successful candidates and that of the Police should be subjected to a forensic audit using the result of the JAMB computer-based test.”

Ani stressed that in the Supreme Court Judgment delivered on July 11, 2023, which gave the power to recruit to the commission there was no role given to the police.

This claim was contrary to what the IGP.

Egbetokun noted that while the Supreme Court gave the PSC the power to recruit, it, however, did not order the exclusion of the force from the process.

Ani said, “In this judgment, there was no role assigned to any person or persons outside the Commission in the conduct of recruitment, and as such, any claim to that effect is serious contempt of Court.

“The Commission, however, had, in its wisdom, invited relevant stakeholders into a Board for the recruitment exercise to ensure inclusiveness and transparency. This magnanimity has since been misconstrued. It is relevant to state that the judgment and even the Constitution did not give the Police any role in the recruitment of any cadre of Officers into the Police Force.”

Ani noted that while the police attributed their inability to perform to poor recruitment practices, he added that the previous recruitment carried out by the police was now hindering their ability to discharge their duties effectively.

He said, “It is unfortunate that the Police has attributed its obvious failure to protect lives and properties and safeguard our nation from banditry and terrorism to bad recruitment. This claim is self-indicting and provocative. Since 2019 when the Police forcefully snatched the exercise from the Commission, they have gone ahead against the provisions of the law to Superintendent over the 2020 and 2021 exercises. It is the fraudulent Recruits they brought into the system during these exercises that are currently haunting the Nigeria Police Force.

“The Commission is aware that this current brazen show of power by the Police with attendant spurious allegations is to perpetuate their stranglehold on the recruitment of Constables, even against the judgment of the Supreme Court. “

Ani called on President Bola Tinubu to caution Egbetokun to respect the constitutional mandate of the commission.

He said, “The Commission wishes to appeal to Mr. President to protect it and rein in the Nigeria Police Force to respect the Constitutional Mandate of the Commission to recruit. The Nigeria Police Force is created to enforce the law and not to circumvent it in whatever guise.

“It is the considered opinion of the Commission that the successful candidates should be allowed to proceed on training without delay.”

Kwara gov reshuffles cabinet

admin
-
0
Kwara gov reshuffles cabinet

The Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, on Friday, announced a minor reshuffle in the State Executive Council.

This is contained in a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Rafiu Ajakaye, in Ilorin on Friday.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that those affected include, Commissioner for Social Development, Mrs Justina Afolashade,
who has been redeployed to the Ministry of Women Affairs.

Also, Mrs Bosede Buraimoh, who was hitherto in charge of the Ministry of Women Affairs was moved to the Ministry of Social Development.

Similarly, the Commissioner for Youth Development, Mrs Nafisat Buge, was moved to the Ministry of Environment, while Mr Shehu Usman, who was hitherto in charge of the ministry, moved to the Ministry of Youth Development.

According to Ajakaye, the cabinet reshuffle takes immediate effect.

NAN

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from According.

Contact: [email protected]

Firm unveils platforms to empower artisans

admin
-
0
Firm unveils platforms to empower artisans

A Nigerian ed-tech organisation, TedPrime Hub, has unveiled a digital platform tailored to uplift Nigeria’s artisans and informal sector as a move towards fostering economic empowerment and digital inclusion.

The initiative aims to empower artisans, technicians, and craftworkers across the country by providing them with the tools and resources needed to thrive in an increasingly digital world.

The co-founders of TedPrime Hub, Olalekan Adeeko and Odeogbola Ayodele, in a statement they jointly signed on Thursday, said on the new TACBay platform, artisans would have access to robust digital marketing tools, allowing them to showcase their skills and products to a wider audience.

They explained that user-friendly profiles and portfolios make it easier for artisans to market their services, explore new opportunities, and expand their reach, thereby stimulating economic growth within the sector.

“Beyond its role as a marketplace, TACBay serves as a hub for digital inclusion and learning within the informal sector. Artisans can access a wide range of resources on digital and financial literacy, as well as health and well-being. By staying updated with industry trends and exploring new techniques, artisans are better equipped to thrive in the digital age.

“TACBay represents a significant step towards empowering Nigeria’s artisans with the tools and knowledge needed to succeed in today’s digital world. We believe that by harnessing the power of technology, we can unlock unprecedented opportunities for economic growth and social development.

“Originally launched in 2021, TACBay has been instrumental in providing artisans, technicians, and craftworkers with a robust digital marketing platform, enabling them to showcase their skills and products to a broader audience. With its user-friendly interface and multi-lingual support, the platform ensures inclusivity and facilitates seamless communication and collaboration among providers.

According to them, this not only enables artisans to tap into a broader customer base but also leads to increased revenue streams for skilled workers.

Naira slump, loans push public debt to N121tn

admin
-
0
Naira slump, loans push public debt to N121tn

Nigeria’s total public debt has reached N121.67tn, increasing by N24.33tn or 24.99 per cent within three months, the Debt Management Office has announced.

This new figure is from a total debt of N97.34tn ($108.23bn) as of December 2023.

The DMO in a statement on Thursday said the public debt comprises both the total domestic and external debts of the Federal Government of Nigeria, the 36 state governments, and the Federal Capital Territory between January and March 2024.

The report read, “Nigeria’s total public debt stood at N121.67tn ($91.46bn) as of March 31, 2024. The comparative figure for December 31, 2023, was N97.34 trillion ($108.23bn). Total Domestic Debt was N65.65tn ($46.29bn) while total external debt was N56.02tn ($42.12bn).”

Our correspondent further observed that the increase is driven majorly by naira depreciation, as the total debt was reduced in dollar terms by $16.77bn or 18.34 per cent.

The office used an official exchange rate of N1,330/$ to convert external debts to naira from N899.39 used to convert the debt in December 2023.

It added that excluding the impact of the naira exchange rate movement in the first quarter of 2024, the domestic debt saw a marked increase to N65.65tn on March 31, 2024, from N59.12tn on December 31, 2023,

The 36 states and FCT also have an external debt of $3.1bn and N4.068tn domestic debt.

The rise is also attributed to a new borrowing undertaken to partly finance the 2024 budget deficit and the securitisation of a portion of the N7.3tn Ways and Means advances at the Central Bank of Nigeria.

The statement added, “Excluding Naira exchange rate movements in Q1 2024, only the Domestic Debt component of Total Public Debt grew from N59.12 trillion on December 31, 2023, to N65.65 trillion on March 31, 2024.

“The increase was from new borrowing to part-finance the 2024 Budget deficit and securitization of a portion of the N7.3 trillion Ways and Means Advances at the Central Bank of Nigeria.

“Whilst borrowing, as provided in the 2024 Appropriation Act, will continue, we expect improvements in the Government’s Revenue to enhance debt sustainability.”

On Thursday, The According reported that the government has borrowed a total of $4.95bn in loans from the World Bank in the past 12  months amidst worries about the increasing costs of servicing external debt.

This came as the government still expects fresh loan approval worth $4.4bn from the international lender and the Africa Development Bank over the next year.

An analysis by our correspondent showed that the bank approved funding for six projects including $750m for power sector financing, $500m for women empowerment, $700m for girl child education, $750m for renewable energy solutions, $750m on resource mobilisation reforms and $1.5bn for economic stabilisation reforms.

President Bola Tinubu had expressed his administration’s commitment to breaking the cycle of overreliance on borrowing for public spending and the resultant burden of debt servicing it placed on the management of limited government revenues.

Tinubu recently said the country could not continue to service its debt with 90 per cent of its revenue.

He noted that the country was heading for destruction if that continued.

The President said, “Can we continue to service external debts with 90 per cent of our revenue? It is a path to destruction. It is not sustainable. We must make the very difficult changes necessary for our country to get (wake) up from slumber and be respected among the world’s great nations.

“To build a great nation, we must make bold decisions; even though it may be painful, it is not about you and me. It is about generations yet unborn.”

The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, has been quite vocal against loans, stating that to stabilise the economy the country would need to rely less on borrowing.

But it remains to be seen if this promise will be kept.

In a document titled, ‘2024: The Hard Road Ahead,’ the Chief Executive Officer, Financial Derivatives Company, Bismarck Rewane, highlighted that Nigeria’s debt was becoming unsustainable and the country’s debt burden would be further worsened by high interest rates in 2024.

He said, “Nigeria’s debt is becoming unsustainable. Nigeria serviced its debt with 99 per cent of its revenue in H1’23. Nigeria’s debt burden will be exacerbated by high interest rates in 2024. Efficient use of borrowed funds is crucial for its debt sustainability. The federal government must spend on productive sectors to boost revenue sources.”

He noted that a one per cent increase in public debt will have a 16.7 per cent negative effect on GDP and that if public debt increases to $114.3bn, real GDP growth will fall to 2.12 per cent.

He added, “High debt burden but Nigeria is likely to withstand the shock.”

EFCC arraigns one for tearing its official letters

admin
-
0
EFCC arraigns one for tearing its official letters

The Gombe Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) recently arraigned one Usman Mallam for allegedly tearing EFCC’s official Investigation Activities’ letters and obstructing its investigation.
He was arraigned before Justice TG Ringim of the Federal High Court sitting in Gombe, Gombe State.
Mallam, a desk officer in charge of responding to official correspondences in the office of the Secretary to the State Government, (SSG) Gombe State, was arraigned on a one – count charge of willful obstruction of investigation activities and tearing official documents of the EFCC.
The lone charge against Mallam reads “that you, Usman Mallam on or about 26th day of February 2024 at Gombe, Gombe State within the jurisdiction of this honourable court while the officers of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC were caring out an investigation activity involving an alleged economic and financial crime, did willfully obstruct the said investigation by tearing the EFCC formal letters of investigation activities dated January 1, 2024 and February 21, 2024 respectively” and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 38 (1) and punishable under Section 38 (2) (a) and (b) of the Economic and financial Crimes Commission Establishment Act”.
READ ALSO:EFCC to continue trial of Binance director, Gambaryan
Upon arraignment, the defendant pleaded not guilty to the one count charge, prompting the prosecution counsel AM Labaran to say, “My Lord, the defendant has put himself to trial hence we shall be asking for a date for trial”.
However, counsel to the defendant, SS Usman said, “My Lord, we have a bail application dated July 11, 2024, we are asking the court to exercise its discretion and grant the defendant bail”
Justice Ringim thereafter granted the defendant bail in the sum of N10 million and one surety in like sum . The surety shall be a director in a government establishment or a private company with a capital worth of not less than N10 million.
In addition to the conditions, the Registrar of the court should verify the identity of the surety and both the surety and the defendant shall submit two passport photographs to the court.
Justice Ringim remanded the defendant in Gombe State Correctional Service pending the fulfilment of the bail conditions and adjourned the case to July 9, 2024 for trial.
The post EFCC arraigns one for tearing its official letters appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.

Bayelsa to prosecute Sylva, others over PDP member’s death

admin
-
0
Bayelsa to prosecute Sylva, others over PDP member’s death

The Bayelsa State government is set to prosecute former Minister of State, Petroleum Resources and the All Progressive Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Timipre Sylva, over the death of one person recorded in Brass during the governorship election in November 2023.

A member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and an agent for the election, One George Sibo, was said to have been killed at the Independent National Electoral Commission Collation Centre, Brass Local Government Area, during the election.

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, who stated this during the burial of the deceased on Thursday in Twon-Brass, directed the state Attorney-General to commence legal action against Sylva, over the incident.

Diri, while expressing sadness over the dastardly killing of the young man, described the deceased as a hero of democracy and promised that the state government would bring the culprits to book.

He stated that as chief security officer of the state, he declined to use his powers in the face of provocation against the main opposition party candidate in the election, who prevented the PDP from campaigning in his community, Nembe-Bassambiri.

Diri emphasised that as governor, he deliberately did not challenge the excesses of the APC candidate as it would have resulted in the loss of innocent lives.

He said, “There are a lot of questions to answer. What was the candidate of the APC, Timipre Sylva, doing at the collation centre in Twon-Brass a day after the election? Why did he go there with the large crowd that led to the killing of this young man?

“I am pained and that was why I directed that autopsy be carried out, which has been done. I have further directed the Attorney-General to institute a case against Timipre Sylva and all those who invaded the collation centre that led to the killing of George Sibo.

“The Attorney-General of Bayelsa State will institute legal action to unravel his killers. The government of Bayelsa State is there to protect the lives of our people. I came here to mourn with you as we enter a promising young man of our state and Brass kingdom.”

The governor also directed the immediate employment of the deceased’s two wives in the state civil service to enable them to take care of their children.

The Brass PDP Caucus Chairman, Chief Sam Ateke, commended the governor for his resolve to unmask the killers of the party faithful through legal means and promised that the Brass people would cooperate with the government to get justice.

1...1,1391,1401,141...2,842Page 1,140 of 2,842
© Newspaper WordPress Theme by TagDiv