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Cop killed as youths dislodge pro-Wike LG chairmen

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June 19, 2024

Cop killed as youths dislodge pro-Wike LG chairmen

The crisis in Rivers State on Tuesday worsened over the tenure of 23 local government chairmen as protesting youths loyal to the state Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, dislodged no fewer than three chairmen who refused to vacate their offices.

A policeman was killed at Eberi-Omuma in the Omuma Local Government Council secretariat during a clash between supporters of Fubara and his predecessor, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

To prevent a breakdown of law and order, the police on Tuesday evening announced the takeover of the 23 council secretariats.

The three-year tenure of the 23 chairmen expired on Monday but they had vowed to remain in office, citing the Local Government Amendment Law 2024 made by the Martin Amaewhule-led House of Assembly.

The law by the 27 lawmakers loyal to Wike, empowers them to remain in office for six months due to the failure of Fubara to conduct local government elections.

One of the council bosses and Secretary of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, Rivers State chapter, Obarimate Ollor, Ollor, had alleged, while addressing stakeholders at the first Annual General Meeting of the Aleto Clan Association in Port Harcourt last Thursday, that there were plans to invade the council on Monday (yesterday).

On Monday, youths occupied the secretariats of three local governments of the Kalabari-speaking areas, namely, Asari-Toru, Akuku-Toru and Degema and vowed not to allow the chairmen access because their tenure had expired.

This came as Fubara, in a state-wide broadcast on Tuesday, directed the heads of local government administrations to take charge of council affairs from Wednesday, (tomorrow) pending further directives.

Protesting youths

But the crisis deepened later on Tuesday at the Port Harcourt City Local Government Area Council, when the state ALGON Chairman Allwell Ihunda, escaped death narrowly when scores of protesting Ijaw youths chased him in front of the council while trying to make his way into the facility situated between Bank Road and Moscow Road.

Ihunda, who is the outgoing Chairman of Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, was on his way to the council secretariat with some aides and security details when the youths blocked him, saying they were enforcing the order of the governor, who had directed heads of local government administrations to take charge of the 23 LGAs.

As he tried to have his way, the youths started shouting, chasing him and attempting to get hold of Ibunda who raced towards his car.

But the security details attached to the Mayor, as he is fondly called, resisted the youths from reaching their principal and consequently shot sporadically into the air to disperse them.

Ihunda raced into his waiting SUV vehicle escorted by aides and zoomed off with his convoy, while the youths chased and rained curses at him.

Some of the youths were heard shouting with a tone of mockery and pelted stones at his vehicle, saying, “That is him, Allwell. Chase him. Who is he? Look at him, Mayor is running. Chase him. Don’t run, come you will see pressure. We are not afraid of you’’.

Soon afterwards, a team of policemen arrived at the scene, firing gunshots into the air as well as teargas canisters in an attempt to disperse the protesters who included members of the Ijaw Youths Council, even as they challenged the operatives saying they were there on a peaceful protest.

One of the protesters, who refused to mention his name for fear of being identified, said they were at the secretariat to carry out a peaceful demonstration against Ihunda, whom they claimed had vowed not to vacate office despite the expiration of his tenure on Monday.

He, however, alleged that policemen started shooting live bullets and teargas canisters in their direction as soon as they sighted the youths, even as they approached newsmen to lodge their complaint.

He stated, “The tenures of the LG chairmen have elapsed and we are we came here as citizens of Rivers State. We stand here as Ijaw youths for peace and tranquillity. But the police are shooting at us. We are here for the governor of Rivers State. We are not here to make trouble.”

One of the youth leaders identified as Ichemanti alleged that one of the protesting youths was shot at by the police, even as the deafening sound of gunshots rented the air.

Soon after the situation calmed, the protesters mounted several canopies in front of the council as the policemen watched them dancing, singing, dancing with the IYC flags and displaying placards showing solidarity for Fubara.

In the Eleme LGA, the state ALGON secretary and outgoing chairman was said to have gone to the council with some of his aides and supporters but pro-Fubara supporters mobilised themselves and chased him out of the facility after a heated argument between them and his supporters.

In Obio/Akpor, the LGA of the FCT minister, hundreds of youths occupied the secretariat in Rumuodomaya early on Tuesday morning but the council chairman, George Ariolu was nowhere to be found.

The angry youths pulled down a gigantic billboard of the FCT Minister inside the council and smashed the windscreen of one of the vehicles of the outgoing LG chairman, even as they remained in the secretariat.

In the Emuoha LGA, the planned distribution of farm implements to farmers in the 14 wards of the area by the outgoing Chairman, Dr Chidi Lloyd, was stalled as the youths also occupied the secretariat.

Speaking on the incident, Lloyd, a former leader of the State House of Assembly, took a swipe at Fubara over his directive for the heads of LG administrations to take charge of council activities across the 23 LGAs, describing it as ill-advised.

He stated, “What has happened is that the governor was ill-advised because the governor also knows that the state Assembly led by Martin Amaewhule had amended the Local Government Law and outlawed the use of caretakers as heads of local governments.

“And recall that even when they went to court before Justice Kion Kio, he only expunged the section that has to do with tenure elongation.

“Every other section in that law is still alive. So the governor couldn’t have asked heads of local governments to go and take over councils. No, they do not have such powers anywhere to take over the councils.”

Policeman killed

At Eberi-Omuma, in the Omuma LGA, a policeman and a member of a local vigilante group were killed during a scuffle, though the police said both men were there to prevent a breakdown of law and order.

A source said a policeman attached to a politician in the Omuma LGA had allegedly shot the member of the vigilante group codenamed the Omuma Security Planning and Advisory Committee. The politician was in one of the groups that clashed at the council secretariat.

The source said the protesters attacked and killed the policeman in reprisal.

But when contacted, the spokesperson for the state Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the death of the policeman and the vigilante. She, however, did not disclose the cause of the death.

She said, “Yes, we lost a police officer and a vigilante member. Investigations are ongoing to ascertain the immediate and remote causes of the incident.”

Also in Obio/Akpor, Emohua, Eleme and Khana LGAs, there were reports of shooting by unidentified persons.

But in the Ikwerre Local Government Area, the outgoing Chairman, Dr Samuel Nwanosike, succeeded in staying put in the council until much later when he left, as he was seen in a viral video speaking from the council, although there were reports of gunshots in some parts of the area.

Nwanosike, an ally to the FCT minister, accused the governor and the Chief of Staff, at Government House. Dr Edison Ehie, of hiring cultists and gunmen to unleash mayhem in the 23 LGAs.

Nwanosike, in a trending video on Tuesday alleged that the governor hired creek dwellers and brought them to the state, saying “They are going about LGA by LGAs shooting and looting the properties” of the councils particularly that of the Ikwerre LGA.

“They went and hired cultists who are shooting and looting council properties in the name of governing a state. They even shot a policeman. Is this the best for democracy!?

He called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene and uphold the constitution of Nigeria in the Rivers crisis to forestall a breakdown of law and order.

“We are calling on Mr President that this is the time to uphold the constitution of Nigeria. Governor Fubara has brought insecurity full blown into Rivers State”.

Reacting to the allegation, the state Commissioner for information and Communications, Joseph Johnson, said the former chairman was merely trying to be clever by half, noting that there was no shooting anywhere in the state as alleged.

Johnson stated, “His allegations or claims are very funny. We are not in any desperate mode to take over any council in the state. The Constitution is very clear on this matter. It says that any law that is enacted at the lower level cannot supersede the constitution of the country.

“The judgment of Justice D.G. Kio of the State High Court is there for everybody to make references to. The law No. 2 that they made had been expunged and is not only invalid but is nonexistent. Regarding insecurity in the state, you can see that Rivers State is very peaceful. There is no gunshot anywhere.

“I am right now sitting with the oldest man in my family, aged 90, for a meeting and my house is at the centre of Port Harcourt. There is no single gunshot anywhere here or the entire state”, Johnson said,

LG council

Our correspondent reports that Fubara’s CoS and former factional speaker, Dr Edison Ehie, was spotted inside the Obio/Akpor council secretariat exchanging pleasantries with the state Chairman of the National Youths Council of Nigeria, Chijioke Ihunwo, even as he was later spotted at his LG, Ahoada East secretariat.

Aside from Governor Fubara’s LGA, Opobo and neighbouring Bonny LGA, there was palpable tension in other local governments though no noticeable violence was recorded, especially in Andoni and Gokana where many said two council chairmen, Awortu Erastus and Confidence Deko, have performed creditably.

In Opobo and Bonny LGAs, the council bosses, Eyiada Cookey-Gam and Anengi Barasua, had since distanced themselves from their colleagues, as they both held separate thanksgiving preparatory to handover.

Later on Tuesday, Fubara convened a state security council meeting where he vowed to resist the arrest of his supporters whom he said are standing for the truth.

The governor however stated that that he would fearlessly lead the way to ensure that peace continued to prevail in the state while also protecting all patriotic supporters for their stand on the path of truth.

Fubara made the vow while addressing newsmen, shortly after rising from a State Security Council meeting with heads of the security agencies at Government House in Port Harcourt on Tuesday.

He emphasised that no grand plan to arrest such patriotic supporters on trumped-up charges would be tolerated.

This was contained in a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Neslon Chukwudi.

Fubara stated that there was no extension of tenures of elected local government chairmen, adding that the law is unambiguous it, clarifying that the court has also affirmed the position of the law.

The governor said, “Let me also say this: I’m also aware that there is a grand plan to come and arrest some of our supporters. This time around, you have to pass through me to arrest them because I don’t think there is anything that any of those people following us has done.

“Rather, they are standing on the side of truth. If it will cost us our lives to stand on the part of truth, we will do that. And I will be the one that will lead the course. Let me assure everyone, more especially, the great and peace-loving people of Rivers State: the law is the law. The law has said that there is no extension of tenure.

“The court said so, and whoever is assuring anybody anywhere of whatever, I advise them to desist from it because peace is what we need in this state. I assure every one of you that whatever it takes to make sure that we maintain peace and order, we are not going back on that.”

He explained that the security council meeting was called because of the recent threat to the peace of the state by the chairmen.

He added, “You are all aware that the tenure of the council chairmen ended yesterday, 17th June 2024, and today, we have ordered the heads of local government administrations to be in charge while they await further directives.

“It’s really unfortunate that we started hearing some disturbing news from some LGAs of invasion of council secretariats, and it is really unfortunate. So, we have called the security council meeting so that the needful will be done.

“We are also aware that our enemy is also planning a lot of things. But we will not fall into that plot. We will not also allow him or them to destroy the peace that we are enjoying in the state,” he added.

He thanked the media and the peace-loving people of the state for their support and urged everyone to continue to remain law-abiding for the unity and progress of the State.

Police takeover

Meanwhile, the state police command said its men had taken over the 23 local government councils in the state as well as some critical infrastructure in the state.

The police said the action followed the renewed crisis which had spread over the tenure of the outgoing local government chairmen.

The spokesperson for the command, Grace Iringe-Koko, disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday night and sent to newsmen.

Iringe-Koko also confirmed the killing of a policeman and a member of a local vigilante outfit.

The statement reads, “Following the breakdown of law and order in the various Local Government Council secretariats in Rivers State where supporters of the two Political factions clashed over the tenure of Local Government Council Chairmen, a case of death was recorded at Eberi-Omuma, Omuma LGA, where a Police officer and a vigilante were killed.

“To forestall more bloodshed and prevent a further breakdown of law and order, the Police have taken over all the 23 Council Secretariats and some critical government infrastructure in the state.

“ Conventional police officers and anti-riot police officers have been deployed to these facilities.

“While urging all groups and individuals to be law-abiding, the Command also warn anyone who intends to cause mayhem as we will not hesitate to impose the full weight of the law on them.

“We also wish to ask the law-abiding residents and visitors in the state to go about their lawful businesses without fear. We are resolved to carry out our constitutional duty of protecting lives and property.”

With this development, the directive of the governor to heads of local government administration to take charge of affairs of the 23 LG council may be kept on hold.

Recall that the Amaewhule led 27 lawmakers loyal to the FCT Minister, Nysom Wike have been having a running battle with Fubara, following the disagreement between him and his predecessor and estranged political godfather.

The crisis led to the bombing of the state House of Assembly on October 30 last year, even as the state legislature has remained under lock and key ever since.

The following day, Fubara survived an attempt to impeach him by the Amaewhue-led pro-Wike lawmakers. This worsened the political crisis in the state and factionalised the House.

Edison Ehie, then House Leader, while speaking with newsmen in Government claimed he had been elected speaker by 24 of his colleagues and announced the suspension of some opposing lawmakers.

As the crisis festered, the Amaewhule led 27 pro-Wike lawmakers during one of their sittings, announced their defection from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress.

On December 13th, 2023, the state government ordered the demolition of the Assembly complex citing structural defects.

At the peak of the political crisis, President Bola Tinubu intervened and invited the feuding parties to Abuja leading to an eight-point peace agreement which both Wike and Fubara signed and pledged to implement.

But soon after the peace deal, both parties were not seeing each other and a few weeks down the line it collapsed, as Wike ruled out any reconciliation resulting in fresh which was championed by their supporters.

Speaking to newsmen on Sunday, the State Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, disclosed that the command had received more operatives from the police headquarters, saying the police were ready to do their job.

Meanwhile, some lawmakers in the House of Representatives under the aegis of G-60 on Tuesday rose from an emergency meeting in Abuja to demand the trial of 23 former local government chairmen loyal to Wike, for treason for forcefully trying to retain their seats after the constitutional expiration of their three years in office.

The group led the lawmaker representing Ideato North/Ideato South Federal Constituency, Imo State, Ikenga Ugochinyere at a press conference held at the National Assembly Complex called on the Rivers State Government to immediately prepare treason charges against the local government chairmen and their sponsors over the committal of the alleged act.

In attendance at the press conference were Aliyu Mustapha (PDP, Kaduna), Matthew Nwogu (LP, Imo) and Midaila Usman(PDP, Borno).

•Additional report: Dirisu Yakubu

LASG urges youths to maximise tech skills

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June 19, 2024

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LASG urges youths to maximise tech skills

The Lagos State Commissioner for Youths and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, on Tuesday, urged youths to maximise skills in technology to build a brighter future for themselves and society.

The commissioner spoke while unveiling the Lagos State Upskill Programme for youths in the state, launched in conjunction with GFA Technologies and WEMA Bank.

Speaking at the ministry’s conference room at the Secretariat in Alausa, Ikeja, Ogunlende said the skills to be learnt by the youths would provide them with hands-on training in the latest technology and mentorship from experts.

“It is to provide you with hands-on training in the latest technology, mentorship from industry experts, and the opportunity to work on projects that address real-world challenges,” the commissioner said,

He added that beyond the above, the training would also “nurture your creativity, foster your innovation and build your resilience.”

“I urge you to take full advantage of this opportunity. Be curious, proactive and collaborative because the skills you acquire here will be your tools to building a brighter future, not only for yourselves but for the entire community,” Ogunlende said.

As part of efforts to tackle unemployment, the Chairman of the Somolu Local Government Area of Lagos, Abdul-Hamed Salawu, in March, collaborated with Somolu Tech Innovation and a start-up firm, Tech Shepherd, to organise a second edition of the free ICT training for youths in Somolu.

Salawu, represented by the LG’s Supervisor of Youth and Sports, Hector Ayo-Coker, unveiled SKILLSHOP, a four-day intensive tech boot camp catering to over 100 registered youths from across Lagos. The unveiling was done at the council’s secretariat.

Elumelu restates Heirs Holdings’ commitment to impact

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June 19, 2024

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Elumelu restates Heirs Holdings’ commitment to impact

The Group Chairman of Heirs Holdings, Tony Elumelu, has reiterated the commitment of the group to impacting lives and doing so in a sustainable way.

Elumelu made this commitment at the HH Group Summit held in Abuja recently.

Elumelu emphasised HH’s mandate to ‘build to last’ and to ‘build for impact’, saying, “Over the past decade, we have inculcated in our business the criticality of strong corporate governance practices. We only invest for the long term, strategically and patiently. These twin commitments are fundamental to our success; we are, indeed, building to last, redefining success in every sector we operate in, and demonstrating our purpose to improve lives and transform Africa.”

At the closing ceremony and dinner, the Vice President of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima, hailed Elumelu for his contributions to the Nigerian economy.

He said, “When the history of Nigeria and indeed Africa’s banking history and revolution will be written, one name will stand out – having carved a niche for itself and engraved its name on the walls of banking and Africa’s entrepreneurship.

“Tony Elumelu has become an enigma, a banking colossus, a power industrialist, and a force that cannot be ignored. He is one of our own who believed in Nigeria and threw his heart into it.”

He is a Nigerian economist, entrepreneur and indeed a philanthropist, who has given life meaning to millions of Nigerians and Africans.”

The summit brought together board members of investee companies from sectors where HH invests: healthcare, power, energy, technology, financial services, hospitality, and real estate.

Enhancing revenue generation with digitalised Customs service

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June 19, 2024

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Enhancing revenue generation with digitalised Customs service

When discussing Nigeria’s escalating debt, experts often agree that the core issue is a chronic revenue generation challenge, not the debt itself. So, the options on the table include increasing revenue generation, particularly from non-oil sources, as the shift towards cleaner energy intensifies and the craving for fossil fuels declines.

However, efforts to increase revenue and boost foreign exchange reserves are hindered by excessive bureaucracy, outdated infrastructure, and a fragmented trade facilitation system. Recognising its crucial role in trade, revenue, and security, the Nigeria Customs Service initiated the Trade Modernisation Project. This presidential initiative is a part of the Federal Government’s economic rejuvenation and diversification agenda. The TMP leverages cutting-edge technologies to automate and streamline Customs operations, thus smoothing international trade. Succinctly put, the project stands on a tripod; boosting revenue generation, deepening legitimate trade and combating corruption.

The Federal Government is eyeing $250 billion in revenue over a 20-year concession period through the TMP, which is poised to have a profound, long-term impact on the country’s social and economic development. Implemented through a Public-Private Partnership, detailed in a concession agreement signed on May 30, 2022, between the Federal Government and Trade Modernisation Project Limited, the initiative delineates responsibilities and risk allocation. Ratified by the Federal Executive Council on April 18, 2023, the agreement paves the way for the transformation of the Nigeria Customs Service into an efficient organisation equipped with the latest technology and facilities, facilitating streamlined services for businesses and government agencies. Under the agreement, the concessionaire commits to investing $3.2 billion over the concession period, with 2,500 Customs officers slated for training by the first quarter of 2025 to drive the initiative.

The project, implemented in phases, sees Phase 1 already underway, with TMP having committed over $400 million in investments by December 31, 2023. The concession expires on September 27, 2042.

Comptroller General of Customs, Mr Wale Adeniyi, prioritises trade facilitation, emphasising simplification of processes. The project’s three phases span deployment, management, and eventual handover to Customs officers. Chief Superintendent of Customs and National Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Maiwada, at a recent interface with journalists, underscored the project’s role in facilitating trade and revenue collection, while General Manager of TMP Limited, Mr Ahmed Ogunsola, highlighted ongoing collaboration with the NCS to achieve outlined milestones, including the development and deployment of a new Customs management system.

Ogunshola said that the system’s software, described as the Unified Customs Management System, has seven layers of security designed to withstand cyber attacks. As part of this commitment, funds have been allocated to cover pre-development expenses, the creation of a new Customs platform, procurement of new scanners, initiation of geospatial activities, upgrade of ageing network infrastructure, and the establishment of a fully integrated Project Management Office, inaugurated by the Comptroller-General of Customs on June 1, 2023. Additionally, construction is underway for a Tier 3 Data Centre cum Risk Control and Command Centre at the new NCS headquarters, positioning it as one of the leading customs facilities in Africa.

These initiatives align with the asset transfer process from the NCS to TMP. TMP anticipates the transfer of additional assets, including ageing network infrastructure, the legacy Customs system, and other physical assets, as outlined in the project’s scope and provisions. The total projected expenditure for the project across the 20-year concession period is approximately $3.2 billion, encompassing both capital expenditure and operating expenditure. Each of the three phases, spanning the entirety of the concession, involves significant investment. Phase one involves a CAPEX investment of about $300 million, while phases two and three require investments of $465.4 million and $435.8 million respectively.

The CAPEX of $1.2 billion for each deployment phase includes hardware, Customs application, equipment, application implementation services, technology infrastructure, marine deployment, and special purpose vehicle costs. The estimated OPEX for the concession period amounts to $1.896 billion, covering fixed and variable costs, expenses, and charges associated with the day-to-day operations of the NCS platform.

The proposed work by the concessionaire entails developing, deploying, implementing, and ensuring timely delivery of the project across NCS locations nationwide. This will be carried out according to the specified implementation schedule, output specifications and standards, and technical requirements outlined in the agreement.

For capacity fortification, TMP has signed and is implementing nine technical agreements with its technical and financial partners. These partners are as follows: Access Bank Plc – Financial Partner; Huawei – Lead Technical Partner; CBXP Limited – Software Development; Nuctech Company Limited –Non-Intrusive Inspection (cargo scanners); Boya E-Project Limited – Independent Expert to NCS and TMP; Emi Solutions Limited – Quality Assurance Expert to NCS and TMP; Chert Solutions Limited – OEM representative for hardware and services; Sambus Global Nigeria Limited – Geospatial Services; Sandhall Global Consulting and Services Limited – Facility Management and Site Improvement.

The project is structured into three phases: Phase One – Year One to Year Three (Initial Deployment): This phase focuses on implementing core project services, including the Unified Customs Management System comprising revenue, enforcement, and office automation clusters; Trade Portal serving as a central hub for trading activities and integration with other government agencies; Non-Intrusive Inspection System integrating 67 cargo scanners for enhanced cargo scanning and post-clearance audit; Risk Control Centre for nationwide command and control activities; Electronic Cargo Tracking System for monitoring cargo transit; Cargo Release System facilitating automated cargo release; Geospatial Services utilising GIS for enforcement and border management; telecommunication, video surveillance, and connectivity backbone; capacity building programme focusing on knowledge and skills transfer within the NCS.

This comprehensive approach ensures the modernisation and efficiency enhancement of the NCS operations across various fronts, contributing to streamlined Customs processes and enhanced trade facilitation. The concessionaire will develop, deploy, implement, and ensure the timely delivery of the project at NCS’ relevant locations nationwide, in accordance with the following implementation schedule, output specifications and standards, and technical requirements set out in the agreement. TMP is implementing the project in line with the following overall plan.

Phase one – Year one to Year three (initial deployment): This phase is broken into two segments which are Year one to Year three and Year four to Year six. Year one to Year three focuses on implementing the project’s core services which cover the Unified Customs Management System which is the core of the operational activities and underpins the decision chain and command of goods clearance for release, in line with requisite taxes and waivers of the Federal Government.

The UCMS is divided into three main clusters. The Revenue Cluster consists of modules that support the revenue generation functions of the service in line with the revenue-generating business processes of the NCS. Again, there is the Enforcement Cluster which consists of modules that support the enforcement functions of the service in line with the enforcement-related business processes of the NCS.

Thirdly, there is Office Automation Cluster which consists of modules that enhance the administrative functions, in support of frontline and operational activities of the NCS. The automation modules will be fully developed during the expanded deployment stage of this phase.

There is a trade portal: This is a central hub of all trading activities that key into the UCMS and will provide the integration interface for other government agencies. The trade hub will further simplify how the public obtains import and export licences and other non-NCS related certifications that enhance the import and export decision capacity of the NCS.

There is also the non-intrusive inspection system that integrates 67 cargo scanners of various types and capacities at seaports, airports and land borders. The system will provide anonymity in cargo scanning, coordinated release decisions and seamless post-clearance audit to ensure optimal performance of inspection image analysts.

The Risk Control Centre is where command and control activities will be undertaken to provide nationwide visibility to the NCS. The RCC will be two-tiered with each zonal command having its own mini-RCC, all of which are seamlessly integrated into the RCC at the headquarters.

Electronic Cargo Tracking System is part of the package and it allows the NCS to track all cargo transiting through the country. It covers cargo marked for re-export, either through other land borders or through Free Trade Zones, as well as excise cargo for manufacturing purposes. Cargo will be monitored through electronic seals.

As it is in foreign climes, there is the Cargo Release System that will provide physical infrastructure to manage the automated release of cargo once clearance has been obtained. The system will entail an intelligent gate system (i-Gate); a truck and driver identification and management system; an electronic seal integration system; and port traffic management integration. Geospatial Services will ensure the use of Geographic Information System to enhance the operations of the NCS, majorly through an enforcement system, which will provide an operational platform for the NCS to conduct physical inspection of goods, while gathering evidence on-the-go, to ensure transparency and preserve the integrity of operations.

There is the Border Management System that entails the monitoring of border traffic and providing tactical support for border patrol teams, as well as border traffic intelligence. This keyed into the overall national security architecture of the country through intelligence briefings. For telecommunication, video surveillance and connectivity, it provides the information and data management backbone for the NCS and covers the main and recovery data centres. Nationwide Campus Fixed and Wireless Wide Area Network; Campus Communication Management System; and Nationwide Live Video and Closed Circuit Television System.

An aspect of the TMP covers capacity building to ensure that knowledge and skills are continuously transferred to the NCS by the project technical partners. This phase will focus on developing an expansive capacity-building programme, supported with the required technology solutions, in terms of infrastructure, software and services for efficient skills development and knowledge transfer, within a train-the-trainer framework.

Year Four to Year Six is the expanded deployment phase and focuses on office automation to support the administrative and operational functions of Customs in line with business processes, finance and accounts, human resource management, document management, tariff and trade policy management, data analytics and business intelligence, continuous capacity building and knowledge transfer.

Phase Two (Year Seven to Year 12) will focus on the deployment of the first upgrade/update to the technology systems, including the deployment of marine-related technology and related equipment. The capacity-building activities will continue in this phase to enhance the skills and knowledge of the NCS for technology optimisation.

Phase Three (Year 13 to Year 20) will see the deployment of the second and continuous upgrade to the technology systems, as well as the hand back of the assets to the NCS, given the expected independence of skills and capacity of NCS personnel, based on the continuous capacity building activities of the project.

The Project Steering Committee is composed of key public and private sector stakeholders. One of the key stakeholders is the Director, Home Finance at the Federal Ministry of Finance. For the Federal Ministry of Justice, the Director of Legal Services and Legal Adviser to the NCS is involved.

At the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission, the Director, PPP, is part of the initiative. At the NCS, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs, HRD, Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs, T&T, Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs, ICT-Modernisation are parties to it. For Trade Modernisation Project Limited, the Chairman and Managing Director, Project Implementation, are in the ecosystem.

The NCS collaborates with TMP in project implementation through the Project Implementation Committee, while TMP implements the project through its technical and financial partners, as well as technology and services vendors. To ensure that the CA is implemented within scope, the NCS and TMP have jointly appointed an independent expert to provide clarity, where necessary on project scope and responsibilities. Both the NCS and TMP have also jointly appointed a quality assurance expert to ensure that implementation standards align with the agreed global standards in the project.

Countdown to coronation, Olakulehin’s family unveils ‘aso-ebi’

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June 19, 2024

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Countdown to coronation, Olakulehin’s family unveils ‘aso-ebi’

The long wait to crown the Olubadan-designate, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, is taking a toll on activities to mark the coronation. ‘LAOLU AFOLABI, in this report, revealed that more than three months after the death of Oba Lekan Balogun, the people of Ibadan remain in a state of anticipation, looking to Governor Seyi Makinde to announce the coronation of their monarch

In anticipation of the coronation of the Olubadan-designate, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, as substantive Olubadan, his family has started the sale of ceremony fabric, commonly called aso ebi, in Yoruba land.

The Ankara fabric with blue and black colour alongside a stripped yellow ofi fabric for cap and headgear is conspicuously on display at Olakulehin’s residence in Alalubosa Estate, Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

During a visit on Tuesday, the materials were on display for sale at a spacious apartment sectioned off in the spacious compound.

The sale of the fabric was in high demand in the first few weeks after the burial of the last occupant of the Olubadan throne, Oba Lekan Balogun, who died on March 14, 2024.

The enthusiasm was, however, not the same again as seen during the visit to the compound on Tuesday.

Walking up to the canopy set up to shield the vendors from the sun, along with chairs and tables to facilitate comfortable transactions, the woman managing the sales gave the price of the Ankara fabric as N1,000 per yard, the men’s matching cap for N2,000 and the headgear for women was priced at N5,000.

At the family compound at Ita Baale, Olugbode, it was gathered that the weekly meeting held on Sunday had become more participatory, with family members in large attendance, anticipating the coronation of the family head as the Olubadan of Ibadanland.

A family source, who preferred anonymity because he was not authorised to speak, said, “We are eagerly waiting. Baba is in high spirits. We believe God’s will shall be done. The delay by those in authority shall not be the denial for Oba Olakulehin.”

When asked if he had bought the aso ebi for the occasion, the source said, “Every member of the Okugbaja family, the larger clan of the Olakulehin family in Ita Baale and all our neighbours, is anticipating and has bought the Ankara fabric and the cap to match. We will celebrate the coronation by God’s grace.

“You remember Oba Olakulehin said he knew he would become Olubadan. He will certainly be, by God’s grace.”

The stool of the Olubadan of Ibadanland became vacant on March 14, 2024, following the demise of Oba Lekan Balogun.

Ibadan, known for its rancour-free ascension to the throne of its ruler, the Olubadan, has been without the crowned monarch since March 14, in what is arguably the longest wait to fill the throne in recent history.

Following the demise of the 37th Olubadan, Oba Yesufu Asanike, on December 24, 1993, his successor, Oba Emmanuel Adeyemo, was crowned the Olubadan on January 14, 1994, exactly 21 days after the throne became vacant.

After a little more than a five-year reign, Olubadan Adeyemo died on April 8, 1999, and his successor, Olubadan Ogundipe Arapasowu, was crowned less than 30 days later on May 7, 1999.

Ogundipe went on to reign for eight years and he eventually joined his ancestors on July 8, 2007, while his successor, Oba Samuel Lana Odugade I, ascended the throne on August 11, 2007, about 33 days after the demise of the late Oba Ogundipe.

Oba Lana, who reigned for nine years, transited to eternity on January 19, 2016, and was succeeded by Oba Saliu Adetunji on March 4, 2016, 45 days later.

The first longer wait in recent history for the new Olubadan was the period between the transition of Oba Adetunji and the ascension to the throne of Oba Balogun. Oba Adetunji died on January 2, 2022, and the next occupant of the throne, Oba Balogun, was crowned by Governor Seyi Makinde exactly 68 days later.

Oba Balogun died on March 14 and 96 days after, the Olubadan-designate is still waiting to be crowned.

The According reports that Governor Makinde, speaking at the final burial ceremony of Olubadan Balogun, held at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Liberty Road, Ibadan, on June 8, 2024, confirmed the legitimacy of the choice of Oba Olakulehin as the Olubadan-designate.

The governor, however, said he would perform the enthronement of the next Olubadan as soon as Oba Olakulehin was confirmed strong for the coronation.

The Otun Olubadan and head of the Ibadan Kingmakers, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, on Sunday, however, faulted the stance of Governor Makinde on the coronation, as he stressed that the governor could only present certificate and staff of office while the head of the traditional institution in Ibadanland, the Oluwo of Ibadan, would crown the monarch.

Ladoja also said to become Olubadan, one must have spent years on the line, saying that for Oba Olakulehin who started the journey to become Olubadan in 1983, he must have become aged over the years.

Speaking after observing Eid prayers for the Eid-el-Kabir celebration, Ladoja, at his Bodija residence, said, “I am the head of the kingmakers (Afobaje) of Ibadanland today. I called a meeting for the selection process of the new king. The governor confirmed that we followed due process and approved our recommendation.

“With this, nothing is stopping Olakulehin from being crowned as the next Olubadan. The only thing that may stop him now is the non-presentation of staff of office and instrument of office which is the property of the government.

“But the question of whether he is medically fit or not is left for the people of Ibadanland to determine.

“We have not faced this kind of situation before, but as it is now, there is a need to differentiate between the role of the government and that of the people.

“The role of the government is to present the staff of office and instrument of office to the new monarch. The role of the Oluwo of Ibadanland is to perform the installation rites and crown the monarch,” he said.

On June 14, Oba Olakulehin went on an inspection visit to the ultra-modern Olubadan palace and told the waiting journalists that he always knew he would ascend the revered Olubadan stool.

“When we started the ladder (Mogaji), I asked, ‘Do we get to the climax?’ And they said yes. So, I knew that I would become Olubadan of Ibadanland. Now that we are there, we still need to pray to God because He has done good things for us in Ibadan. So, we must continue to praise Him,” he said.

For Olakulehin to get to the zenith of the ladder, it took him 41 years from emerging as Mogaji. He started the journey in 1983. As expected, he must be of an advanced age. Looking at the ages of Olubadans in history, they are usually old men, having spent years climbing the succession ladder.

For Ibadan, whoever emerges the Olubadan at every given time must have passed through a 22-rung or 23-rung ladder, depending on the line of ascendancy. For the civil line, there will be 22 promotions from Jagun Olubadan while there are 23 promotions from Jagun Balogun to Olubadan.

The first step for a prospective aspirant is to emerge Mogaji of his family, in what is known as the family head. Then, the struggle begins to emerge as Jagun on either line of Otun or Balogun. For Balogun line, the promotion line is from Jagun Balogun – Ajia – Bada – Aare Onibon – Gbonnka – Aare Egbe Omo-Oota – Lagunna – Aare Ago – Ayingun – Asaju – Ikolaba – Aare Alasa – Agba Akin – Ekefa – Maye – Abese – Ekarun Balogun – Ekerin Balogun – Ashipa Balogun – Osi Balogun – Otun Balogun – Balogun and eventually Olubadan.

For the Otun line, the nomenclature is similar but shorter by one step. The movement is from Jagun Olubadan – Ajia – Bada – Aare Onibon – Gbonnka – Aare Egbe Omo-Oota – Lagunna – Aare Ago – Ayingun – Asaju – Ikolaba – Aare Alasa – Agba Akin – Ekefa – Maye – Abese – Ekarun Olubadan – Ekerin Olubadan – Ashipa Olubadan – Osi Olubadan – Otun Olubadan and eventually Olubadan.

The late Olubadan Yunusa Bankole Ogundipe queued for 35 years after emerging Jagun Balogun in 1964 before emerging Olubadan in 1999. The late Oba (Dr) Lana began the journey as Jagun Olubadan in 1972. He eventually became Olubadan in 2007, after a 35-year journey. Olubadan Saliu Adetunji became Mogaji in 1976 and Jagun Balogun in 1978. He became Olubadan in 2016, after almost 38 years. The current Olubadan-designate started his journey as Mogaji in 1983.

Would an Olubadan be younger on the ascension of the throne? History is replete with old men, save for Oba Kobiowu, who became the Olubadan in his 50s and eventually died six months on the throne. Despite their old age, many Olubadans in history also lived long and spent more years on the throne.

Oba Isaac Babalola Akinyele of Alafara fame reigned between 1955 and 1964, a nine-year successful reign. The popular Olubadan Asanike reigned for 10 years, having ascended the throne on February 4, 1983 and died on December 24, 1993. His successor and 38th Olubadan, Oba Adeyemo, ascended the throne at the age of 89 in 1994. He spent five years as a king.

The late Oba Yinusa Ogundipe Arapasowu, the 39th Olubadan, had some health challenges which threatened to stop his coronation. But reasons of tradition, culture and morality prevailed and he was eventually crowned and went on to spend eight years on the throne.

Oba Lana became the Olubadan at the ripe age of 91, had his 100th birthday celebrated at the St. Peters Anglican Church, Aremo, Ibadan and eventually died at 101 years, having spent nine years on the throne.

Oba Saliu Adetunji became Olubadan at the age of 87. After a tedious walk to Mapo Hall, after he was crowned, he nearly fainted due to suffocation. He went on thereafter to reign for six years and eventually died at the age of 93.

Oba Olakulehin will make history as another older Olubadan to ascend the throne when he is eventually crowned. His records show he is 89 years old. He became the Mogaji of the family in 1983 during the reign of Olubadan Asanike. He began his Olubadan journey as Jagun Balogun in 1986. It was a journey of 38 years before fate pushed him to the zenith of the ladder.

Attack on officials won’t stop executive order’s enforcement – Plateau

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June 19, 2024

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Attack on officials won’t stop executive order’s enforcement – Plateau

The Plateau State Government has said it would not succumb to blackmail and intimidation in its determination to develop the state.

The government, in a statement on Tuesday, was reacting to attacks on its officials working to implement the Jos City Renewal Policy of the Governor Governor Mutfwang’s administration

The According reports that during the attacks in the Bukuru community of the Jos South Local Government Area of the state, on Monday, one person was killed, while several properties, including cars and buildings, were set ablaze by the hoodlums.

Before the Bukuru incident, a police officer attached to the enforcement team of the Jos Metropolitan Development Board was shot dead when the task force officials working to clear the streets of trading clashed with hoodlums at the Jos Terminus Market.

Also, a section of transporters and other trade unions, under the auspices of the Plateau State Joint Transport, Traders and Marketers Association, equally declared a sit-at-home across the state, in a bid to voice out their rejection of the policy of the government.

The violence orchestrated by the hoodlums and the opposition mounted by some trade unions followed the signing of an Executive Order by the governor, to control illegal erection of buildings and traffic in the state.

According to the General Manager of JMDB, Hart Bankat, who announced Executive Order No. 003, 2024, it became imperative, considering the indiscriminate manner in which buildings were being erected with traffic control abysmally degenerated within the Greater Jos Master Plan.

The order also followed the prevalence of building collapse in the state with the JMDB vowing to ensure its implementation until its objectives were achieved.

In a Tuesday statement signed by the Commissioner for Information, Musa Ashoms, the government vowed that it would not be deterred in achieving its objectives, which informed the executive order.

The statement described the actions of the hoodlums as not only in bad taste but provocative.

Despite the massive publicity and engagement with stakeholders, the government wondered why such attacks would be visited on its officials carrying on their legitimate duties.

Reiterating its capacity to enforce the law for the good of the people, despite disapproval by those who did not mean well for the state, the statement, titled “Bukuru incident in bad faith, provocative,” read in part: “Plateau State on Monday, June 17, 2024, woke up to another gory descent to criminality as the Joint Task Force executing the Executive Order 003 made to carry out its lawful duty in the Bukuru metropolitan area.

“In line with its brief, the JMDB Joint Task Force was at the Bukuru Market in the Jos South Local Government Area to ensure that businesses were in operation within the ambit of the law, given that the market was designated by the government to accommodate only lawful activities without the provision for street vendors.

“But like an apparition of the recent Ahmadu Bello Way incident where resistance to the enforcement of this order led to the tragedy of that day, gangs of miscreants came at the task force, once again.

“We condemn the destruction of property and sympathise with those pained by the losses incurred. We assure the public of the government’s capacity not only to rein in this emerging tendency but to also bring perpetrators to book.”

It added that it would move the state in the direction of positive transformation, adding that nothing would stop the objective.

“We see this recurring bad behaviour as not only sad but provocative. That government’s authority to enforce law and order for the common good, despite massive publicity and engagement, can be so brazenly challenged amounts to blackmail to which the government is not ready to succumb.

“As a government that embodies the legitimate aspirations of its citizens, we recall the massive publicity and engagement with stakeholders and various communities.

“It is unfortunate, therefore, that elements fixated on the old ugly path of retrogression are trying to impede the march of progress. But we dare say the time to let go of the past is now, as no amount of resistance by beneficiaries of a bad system will stop the progress being made.

“The government is determined to move Plateau State in the direction of positive transformation and nothing will stop the attainment of this noble objective,” it added.

Newlywed bride killed in Anambra gunmen attack

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June 19, 2024

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Newlywed bride killed in Anambra gunmen attack

A 22-year-old newly-wedded bride (name withheld), who had her traditional marriage a week ago, was among those killed during the gunmen attack in Nnobi, Anambra State on Monday, According Metro gathered.

A family source who spoke to our correspondent who visited the town on the condition of anonymity on Tuesday said the victim, who was the only child of her parents, was waiting for her husband based overseas to return home before she was felled by the stray bullets of the assailants.

According Metro reports that some yet-to-be-identified assailants on Monday attacked Nnewi town in Nnewi North LGA and Nnobi in Idemili South LGA, killing a yet-to-be-identified number of persons, including some vigilante operatives, while several other persons were injured.

The situation created panic in both towns as traders and residents ran indoors while the assailants, suspected to be enforcers of the Monday sit-at-home shot sporadically into the air. Both Nnewi and Nnobi are neighbouring twons.

The source said, “Among those killed yesterday (Monday) at Nnobi was a relative of mine. She was a newly traditionally married bride of one week old, who was waiting for her husband based abroad to return. She was 22 years old and the only child of her parents.

“It was a heartbreaking incident and a heavy blow on the family yesterday (Monday). Her mum sent her to their farm to bring vegetables for the preparation of their food. On her way back home, she was hit by stray bullets during the gunfire between security officials and those dare-devil criminals.

“The hoodlums invaded the Nnobi community in a black Landcruiser jeep, and opened fire on some vigilante operatives, leaving two of the security operatives seriously injured. It is a serious concern that more than 24 hours after, no arrest has been made. We don’t understand why Igbo land has become a land for shedding of blood with all impunity.”

Our correspondent gathered on Tuesday that the police command and the vigilante service in the state had begun a hunt to fish out those who carried out the Monday attacks.

While reacting to the development in a statement on Tuesday, the Anambra State police spokesman, Tochukwu Ikenga, said the police had ordered an immediate manhunt on the assailants based on the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Nnaghe Obono Itam.

Ikenga assured the people that the police would get justice for the heroic act of the murdered vigilante operative and others who were killed in the attack.

He said, “The Commissioner of Police, CP Nnaghe Obono Itam, has ordered an immediate manhunt operation on the armed men operating in a red Highlander jeep, who abducted a citizen in Nnewi by 1:30 pm on Monday and were trailed to Nnobi, where they engaged security operatives in a gun battle.

“During the gun duel, one of the security operatives was fatally hit by the bullet, and due to the indiscriminate shootings by the hoodlums in an attempt to escape the scene, the bullet also fatally struck two innocent passersby in the area.

“The Police Responding Team at the scene recovered the bodies of the victims and took them to the hospital but regrettably, three of the victims, including a 22-year-old lady were confirmed dead by the doctors on duty while two others are currently receiving treatment.

“The commissioner condemned the killing in the strongest possible terms and described the killers as cowards who have murdered sleep.”

Ikenga said the CP also condoled with the families of the deceased and vowed to get justice for the heroic vigilante operative and unsuspecting members at the scene.

He also called on members of the public, especially the eyewitnesses to assist the police with information on the ongoing operation, adding that further development would be communicated.

Similarly, the Public Relations Officer of the Anambra State Vigilante Service, Nweke Nweke, said the group had vowed to work round the clock alongside other security forces to apprehend all involved in the killing of its commander at Nnewi and make the perpetrators pay with their blood.

Nweke recalled that the deceased AVG officer, who he identified as Eloka Ubajekwe, otherwise known as ‘Tallest’, was gruesomely murdered by the “children of the darkness who claimed they were enforcing a sit-at-home order” in the Nnewi area of the state on Monday.

He said, “The ugly incident happened when the Nnewi North Local Government Area sector of the AVG got wind that the gunmen were about to enter Nnewi through Nnobi in the Idemili South Local Government Area. He decided to confront them at the boundary between the two communities, unfortunately, the Commander, Eloka Ubajekwe, was the victim.”

At Nnewi, our correspondent gathered that one of the victims (name withheld) who sustained injuries during the attack, had died due to the severity of the wound.

However, the victim’s family declined to comment on the incident, as they said they were still in trauma and shock the unexpected development had brought to them.

Although the real casualty figure has not been ascertained, sources in both communities confirmed that over six persons died in the attacks.

Nine killed, 78 injured in 13 road crashes during Sallah

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June 19, 2024

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Nine killed, 78 injured in 13 road crashes during Sallah

The command also said 78 others who sustained varying degrees of injury in the crashes, involving 21 vehicles and 128 people, were swiftly conveyed to hospitals across the zone, while 41 other persons were rescued without injuries during the period.

Reviewing activities in the first three days of the command’s special operation for Sallah, which started on Friday, covering major routes within its jurisdiction in a statement obtained in Osogbo, the acting Zonal Commanding Officer, Leye Adegboyega, further said the corps deployed a total of 3,018 personnel, 57 patrol vehicles, five ambulances and two heavy-duty tow trucks, during the period.

According to him, the personnel from the command covered about 65 major routes across the zone daily to ensure good visibility to reduce avoidable speed-related crashes, while standby rescue teams were also stationed across all commands in the zone for quick response to distress calls from accident scenes.

The statement further read in parts, “The 2024 Eid El Kabir Sallah Special Patrol Operation is scheduled to be held between Friday, June 14 and Friday, June 21, 2024 across the country. Zone RS11 Osogbo of the Corps, which comprises Osun, Ondo and Oyo states, has keyed into the mission of the operation, which is to ensure a free flow of traffic, minimise the occurrence of RTCs, provide prompt rescue services in the event of crashes and ensure timely clearance of obstructions on all major roads and the critical corridors across the three states of the zone during and after the Sallah festivities.

“For the zone to achieve the mission of the operation, a total of 3,018 personnel (comprising 2,155 Regular Marshals and 863 Special Marshals), 57 Patrol Vehicles, five ambulances and two Heavy Duty Tow Trucks have been deployed across the component commands.

“Included in the roads we cover on a daily basis are the following critical corridors which we give particular attention: i. Ibadan-Lagos Expressway;

I. Ibadan-Ife Expressway; iii. Ife-Ilesa Expressway; iv. Ilesa-Ipetujesa-Akure Expressway; v. Sagamu-Ore-Benin Expressway and vi. Ibadan-Oyo-Ogbomoso Expressway.”

The zonal commander said in the first three days of the operation, they recorded the following achievements: i. The arrest of 737 traffic offenders who were duly contravened for 766 various traffic offences that might otherwise have led to avoidable road traffic crashes. ii. Execution of 219 various public enlightenment activities across the news media, motor parks, churches, mosques and other public places, to drive home the road safety message and create public awareness on the need for safety consciousness. Others were the provision of prompt rescue services for the victims of 13 RTCs which involved 21 vehicles and 128 people, out of which nine unfortunately lost their lives and 78 others sustained varying degrees of injuries and were swiftly conveyed to hospitals across the zone where they sustained cordial relationship, for treatment and 41 other persons who were rescued without injuries and continued their journeys.

On the plans of the command for the future, Adegboyega on behalf of the zone, appealed to the public and all road users to use the roads responsibly and contribute their quota to reduction in the loss of lives and valuable property.

Senate denies alleged emergency rule, NBA probes lawyers

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June 19, 2024

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Senate denies alleged emergency rule, NBA probes lawyers

The Senate on Tuesday dismissed an alleged plot to declare a state of emergency in Kano State over the emirate tussle between Ado Bayero and Muhammad Sanusi II.

The Senate spokesperson, Yemi Adaramodu, told The According that such a motion was not before the red chamber.

The Senate’s rebuttal came as the Nigerian Bar Association disclosed that its disciplinary committee had received eight memos from the lawyers involved in the Kano Emirate conflicting court orders.

Kano has been enmeshed in a crisis since the reinstatement of Muhammadu Sanusi as the 16th Emir of Kano, following the enactment of the new Kano Emirate Council Law and the deposition of Bayero.

The national leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party, Rabiu Kwankwaso, had alleged that the Federal Government was planning to declare a state of emergency in Kano State.

Kwankwaso, who was the party’s presidential candidate in last year’s general election, alleged that the All Progressives Congress-led Federal Government was taking sides in the Kano emirate tussle.

“Some people from Kano, who are enemies of the state, are the ones advising the Federal Government on how to take over Kano through a state of emergency. This is madness of the highest order that the good, peace-loving, and committed people of Kano will resist,’’ Kwankwaso said.

Similarly, in an interview with Arise Tv, an NNPP chieftain, Buba Galadima, warned President Bola Tinubu to steer clear of Kano politics.

Galadima warned that the President’s involvement in Kano politics could wreck his administration.

He said, “I want to tell the Federal Government, including my friend, President Bola Tinubu, that he should be mindful of Kano politics, it will destroy his Presidency.

“They never agree on any issue and I have an inherent knowledge of how we dealt with the issue of Kano politics during the NPN when I was the youth leader.

“I know some very powerful politicians in Kano, including some rich men who came to meet the President that they should remove Abba Yusuf and nothing will happen.”

However, the Presidency denied the allegation as a mere rumour.

Presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, affirmed that there was no circumstance to warrant an emergency declaration in Kano state.

“There is no truth in it. It is a mere rumour. The Federal Government cannot declare any state of emergency in any state without the involvement of the National Assembly. There is no such plan.

“The National Assembly is in recess. No President can just wake up and declare a state of emergency in any state,’’ Onanuga said.

Reacting to the alleged plot to suspend democratic structures in Kano State, the Senate spokesperson said there was no point discussing the issue.

Senator Adaramodu said, “Declaration of State of Emergency is not before the Senate, so discussing such is unnecessary. The major assignments before us when we resume work after the Salah break are the consideration of the Supplementary Budget and the minimum wage bill. Equally, the issue of Constitutional review and amendment. Also, the electoral laws shall be attended to.”

Efforts to get the House spokesperson, Akin Rotimi, proved abortive as he couldn’t be reached on the phone.

NBA probes lawyers

Speaking on the ongoing NBA probe of the conflicting court orders on the emirate tussle, the Bar association’s Publicity Secretary, Akorede Lawal, disclosed that the NBA Ethics and Disciplinary Committeehad received eight memos from the lawyers involved in the cases.

He said the eight memos were being reviewed.

Following the conflicting court orders that emanated from the Federal High Court in Kano and the Kano State High Courts over the emirate seat tussle, the NBA President, Yakubu Maikyau (SAN), vowed to bring the lawyers involved to book.

Mikyau condemned the act, calling it a show of utter disgrace that had brought the legal profession in Nigeria to ridicule.

While calling on the heads of the courts involved in the cases to immediately look into the matter, he disclosed that the NBA Ethics and Disciplinary Committee had been instructed to probe the lawyers involved.

He said, “Without prejudice to the subsisting actions before both the Federal High Court and the Kano State High Court, it is my considered view that there is an urgent need to scrutinise the professional conduct of both counsel and the judges involved in these matters.

“This is to enable the relevant bodies or institutions to determine their culpability or otherwise, from an ethical and professional standpoint.’’

Giving an update on the probe on Tuesday, Lawal stated, “The process is ongoing. The committee has been set up and the counsel have been ordered to submit their presentation in the spirit of fair hearing. The disciplinary committee has also received responses from all the lawyers involved; they are eight in total.”

APC counters Kwankwaso

Meanwhile, the All Progressives Congress has faulted Kwankwaso and Galadima’s allegations that the Presidency was interfering in Kano politics to compromise its security and ultimately declare a state of emergency.

The ruling party described the allegations as wild and insensitive.

The National Publicity Secretary of the APC, Felix Morka, who reacted to their statements in a statement on Tuesday, cautioned the NNPP chieftains against making unguarded statements.

He noted, “What is wrong with these people? They are playing with fire in Rivers and Kano. Will they be doing this if it was an APC government ruling the states?

“Kwankwaso’s wild and unhinged comments were made concerning the lingering emirate tussle in Kano. We consider Kwankwaso’s comments to be disappointing, highly incendiary and unconscionable for an individual of his standing.

“As a former governor and Minister of Defence, we expect him to demonstrate high-grade discretion. His unguarded utterances are capable of fuelling tension and strife in the good state of Kano.’’

Morka said it was disturbing that Galadima would so casually accuse the Federal Government of attempting to create a new breed of Boko Haram terrorists and insurgents in the state.

“The leader of our party, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a pan-Nigeria bridge builder for peace, security and unity in our land, and will not, cannot, must not be directly or remotely tainted with a flimsy and unjustifiable allegation of promoting violent crisis in any part of our dear country of which he is the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.

“The situation in Kano State calls for calm as the nation awaits judicial or political resolution of all outstanding matters. The good people of Kano deserve to live in peace, unity and security,” the APC scribe declared.

But the NNPP spokesman, Ladipo Johnson, endorsed the claims made by the two party chieftains.

Johnson stated that the deployment of soldiers to man the palace of the deposed emir and the defiance of the state police commissioner were signs that the Presidency was stoking the crisis in the ancient city.

He said, “Unfortunately, we are left with no option than to assume the words on the streets that the APC and the presidency are fanning the embers of chaos in Kano.

‘’We have no option but to assume that it is true hence the comments coming from us. That is why you see Buba Galadima telling them to be wary of what they are doing.

“That is why you saw Kwankwaso also venting what he said. We will not be held responsible. The citizens of Kano are very politically savvy.

‘’History shows us they know what is going on but the NSA said they are not involved. The President said they are not involved. So who authorised the military and the security forces to be guarding Ado Bayero?’’

The opposition Peoples Democratic Party asserted that the Presidency and the National Chairman of the APC, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, should be held responsible for fuelling the crisis in Kano ostensibly to pave the way for the declaration of a state of emergency in the state.

The PDP Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Ibrahim Abdullahi, who identified a ‘defective system’ as the root cause of the tension in the ancient city, challenged the Tinubu administration to make its position clear on the matter, ‘instead of playing the Ostrich.’

He added, “The National chairman of the party, Abdullahi Ganduje was the governor of Kano who masterminded all these things and he is using his position now to influence things in that respect. But it will amount to nought unless the right thing is done. That evil desire of theirs would fail.

“How can two emirs be presiding over affairs in one domain? It is clear that this position is condoned by the Federal Government and they are trying to do all of these to create a situation of unrest in Kano which would be tantamount, as Buba Galadima says, to the declaration of a state of emergency and an attempt to foist a sole administrator to take control of the state for APC.”

While calling for the law to be respected, the PDP image-maker added that the Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, has constitutional powers ‘’to enthrone and dethrone.’’

He stated that just as Sanusi was dethroned by the previous government, the present governor can equally wield such powers.

He continued, “The Constitution is clear about that. If Aminu Ado-Bayero’s tenure has come to an end, which is the case, the Federal Government should come clean about its position and ensure the enforcement of the rule of law.”

Lending his voice to the controversy, human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, noted that the Federal High Court and the National Industrial Court have no jurisdiction to determine chieftaincy matters.

Falana in a statement on Tuesday accused both courts of separately conferring, “jurisdiction on themselves to determine chieftaincy matters.”

Falana described both decisions as “highly erroneous” as they cannot be justified under sections 251 and 254(C) of the Constitution.

He explained that the two courts overruled the judgments of the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal on the subject matter.

Falana stated, “The intervention of the Federal High Court in the dispute arising from the deposition of Emir Ado Bayero & co as well as the restoration of Emir Sanusi Lamido Sanusi is a brazen repudiation of the decision of the Supreme Court in the celebrated case of Tukur v Government of Gongola State (1987) 4 NWLR (117) 517 where it was held that “The question raised in this claim is not a fundamental right question.

“As in the first prayer, the right to be emir is not guaranteed by the Fundamental Rights provisions of the Constitution and the Federal High Court has no jurisdiction whatever in the matter.

‘’The Court of Appeal was therefore not in error of law to hold that the Federal High Court has no jurisdiction to grant the two reliefs. Since the apex court has said that the right to be an emir is not a fundamental right under chapter four of the Constitution, the Federal High Court sitting in Kano ought to have declined jurisdiction to continue to entertain the dispute over the chieftaincy matter in Kano.

‘’In any case, the allegation of infringement of the fundamental rights of the applicants is an ancillary claim to the substantive reliefs emanating from the deposition and reinstatement of the embattled emirs.”

In conclusion, Falana submitted that section 254(C)(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, as amended, did not confer jurisdiction on the National Industrial Court to hear and determine chieftaincy matters.

“However, a traditional ruler who was deposed by a state governor without a fair hearing is not without a legal redress,’’ he stressed.

WHO, UNICEF hold emergency meeting, experts warn corpers

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June 19, 2024

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WHO, UNICEF hold emergency meeting, experts warn corpers

As Nigeria battles cholera outbreak in 30 states, the World Health Organisation, the United Nations Children’s Fund, and the International Organisation for Migration held an emergency meeting on Tuesday in Lagos State.

The WHO Country Representative, Dr Walter Mulombo, disclosed this on his X handle.

He said, “Happening Now: @WHONigeria @UNICEF_Nigeria @IOM_Nigeria hold an emergency meeting on the emerging cholera outbreak in Lagos State. The three agencies are discussing joint @UN_Nigeria support @NCDCgov @ProfAkinAbayomi.”

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, in its latest report, said from January 1 to June 11, 2024, over 1,141 suspected and over 65 confirmed cases of cholera, resulting in over 30 deaths, had been reported from 96 LGAs in 30 states.

However, the Lagos State Ministry of Health said it has recorded 350 suspected cases of cholera in 29 wards across multiple local government areas with 17 confirmed cases and 15 fatalities attributed to severe dehydration caused by delayed presentation.

The state Commissioner for Health, Prof Akin Abayomi, said the Island area of Lagos was found to be the epicentre of the outbreak.

Abayomi said 106 out of the 350 suspected cases in the state were recorded on Lagos Island.

Experts warns ahead of NYSC camping

As the 37 permanent camps of the National Youth Service Corps across the country open to thousands of prospective corps members, for their three-week-long orientation exercise on June 26, 2024, medical experts say poor sanitary conditions, lack of clean water, and cleaning supplies can predispose corps members to a cholera outbreak.

According to them, such camps sometimes suffer from sanitation and hygiene issues, consequently, illnesses and diseases can easily spread.

A professor of Public Health at the University of Ilorin and Consultant Public Health physician at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Kwara State, Kayode Osagbemi, urged the NYSC authorities to ensure the camps are clean and suitable for stay before prospective corps members resume.

He said this is the best time to provide a clean water supply and environmental sanitation to prevent the outbreak of cholera or other diseases.

Osagbemi stated, “We don’t need to wait until they start having the infection before we start treating because prevention is easier, better, and cheaper than treatment. We would not recommend that people should not go to camps because of cholera, the important thing is to observe the preventive measures.

“There are some camps that have pipe-borne water and boreholes with safe and clean water, but there are some that water tankers supply them water, so such water should be treated before being dispatched to the camps.

“The corps members should also obey the rules of personal hygiene, environmental sanitation, and regular washing of hands. If they can abide by that, there’s no risk or there’s no reason to stop them from going to the camps.

“Just like as the schools are resuming after the break, the same principles apply to them, even the universities. Anywhere you have a huge gathering of people, you need to observe strict hygiene.”

The public health expert harped on the need for concerted efforts by the Federal Government, state governments, relevant agencies, and partners to ensure safe camping for every corps member.

A public health policy and management specialist, Dr Laz Eze, said cholera is a deadly but preventable bacterial infectious disease.

Eze, who is also the Chief Executive Officer of TalkHealth9ja, stated, “Poor environmental hygiene, unsafe drinking water, unclean toilets, open defecation, and poor hand hygiene are risk factors for contracting and spreading cholera.

“To prevent cholera, there has to be proper education for the inhabitants of the NYSC camps on water hygiene, environmental sanitation, and hand hygiene. Safe drinking water, clean toilets, and proper waste disposal should be made available.

“Foods should be cooked properly, plates washed with safe clean water, toilets cleaned up regularly and corps members should wash their hands regularly with soap and running water.”

The Team Leader/Chief Executive at Q-Impact Medicare, Dr Lekan Adelakun, said officials of the NYSC must ensure corps members are safe in the camps.

“They must ensure that they are healthy, they live healthy, the environment is healthy, their kitchens are healthy, and the foods are well cooked. Environmental cleanliness has to be done, especially food hygiene. They have to educate the corps members on preventive measures and ensure that anybody with gastrointestinal symptoms should be taken to the hospital immediately,” Adelakun advised.

Efforts to reach the Director of Press and Public Relations of the NYSC, Eddy Megwa, to discuss preventive measures to mitigate the outbreak and spread of cholera at the camps proved abortive, despite several phone calls and WhatsApp messages from our correspondent.

FCTA sensitises schools

As part of measures to prevent the outbreak and the spread of cholera in schools across the Federal Capital Territory, the Director of the FCT Secondary Education Board, Sani Ladan, said the board had sensitised schools’ Principals, put in place measures, including sanitation, and monitoring of food vendors, to mitigate against the disease.

Ladan also said that the board had provided disinfectants, toilet papers, and hand washing at the school toilet facilities to ensure clean use for students, as well as bins to ensure proper sorting and disposal of waste.

“The (school) principals were sensitised to that issue, and there are so many measures that we are working on. One is the sanitation of the schools. Secondly, the food handling because even before now, all our cooks are well schooled on how to handle food issues. From the store, to where they would prepare it, to how they would package it, and how the students will eat it, and how the plates will be gathered and washed.

“And most of our schools now, we don’t even allow students to eat and drop anything anyhow. We have designed something like a bottle, so if there is anything watery or inside the water bottle, you will discard it there,” Ladan said.

He added that the board was working closely with the Public Health and Disease Control Departments of the FCT Health, Human Services, and Environment Secretariat, in the event of any cases of an outbreak across the schools.

Ondo activates surveillance

The Ondo State Commissioner for Health, Dr Banji Ajaka, said the state has put safety measures in place to combat the spread of cholera in Ondo state.

Ajaka said it has also activated its surveillance for immediate response to any case of cholera in the state.

This was contained in a statement issued by the Press Officer of the state Ministry of Health, Bisi Lawani, in Akure, the state capital on Tuesday.

Ajaka disclosed that two cases of the disease were recorded in the Okitipupa Local Government Areas of the state at the beginning of the year, but were curtailed by the rapid response team of the state

“An emergency preparedness committee would be put in place to work on issues such as the provision of potable water, sanitation, strengthening of the health institutions and other relevant sectors which would be a collaborative effort between all the agencies in the health sector and other MDAs such as Ministries of Environment, Agriculture, Information, Water Resources, and Waste Management Agency,” the commissioner added.