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Yusuf inaugurates 2 panels to probe misappropriation of public,

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Gov. Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State on Thursday inaugurated two judicial commissions of inquiry into cases of misappropriation of public property, political violence and missing persons from 2015 to 2023.

During the inauguration, Yusuf  vowed to bring anyone found wanting to book.

Yusuf  stated that investigating the misappropriation of public asset was part of his inaugural pledge to unravel and prosecute those behind cases of political violence recorded in the state.

“Political violence is a major set back to democracy worldwide. It leads to loss of lives and property as well as mistrust on the part of the people and those in power”.

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“The disturbing cases of political killings, especially in 2023, must not be swept under the carpet; this is to ensure we prevent future occurrences,” Yusuf said.

According to him, the first commission under Justice Zuwaira Yusuf, will look into cases of Political violence and missing persons from 2015-2023.

He said the committee was expected  to unravel the criminal network involved and unmask the sponsors to face justice as well as find the root causes and  where violence is associated with 2015, 2019 and 2013.

Inaugurating the second commission of inquiry under Justice Faruk Lawan, Yusuf  gave the commission the mandate of inquiry into cases of misappropriation of public property and assets.

He charged Justice Lawan and his members not to relent at identifying cases of misappropriation of public property and assets, especially by the last administration within and outside the state.

He, however, emphasised that the move was neither political nor targeted at any individual but a move with the mandate of the people of Kano.

He charged the commissions not to compromise their stands but remain faithful to their oath and the people of Kano at large and ensure justice for the state.

 Yusuf  added that the selection of the members of the two commissions and their leaders was careful and thorough and he remained confident that they would deliver as expected.

“We went through your records and we couldn’t find any of you wanting. We believe in you and we expect your full reports in 3 months time.” (NAN) 

By Aminu Garko

EFCC arrests impostor over alleged N500,000 fraud

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The EFCC, Ilorin Zonal Command, has arrested a suspect for allegedly posing as its officer and defrauding victims on the pretext of helping them to get soft-landing regarding their cases with the commission.
The command stated that it made the arrest after receiving intelligence report regarding the suspect’s criminal activities.

According to a statement issued by the commission’s Head, Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, on Thursday in Illorin, the suspect obtained N500,000 from one Mrs Khadizah Abdullahi, a parent of the two suspects held EFCC’s custody over alleged internet fraud.
“Intelligence report, which was found to be credible, led to the arrest of the suspect on March 27 at the General Hospital, Taiwo-Oke area of Ilorin.
“Abdullahi had said she became agitated when the suspect failed to have her two sons held in custody by the EFCC released on bail to her as promised.

“Firstly, she said she went through the same security screening while at the EFCC office with the suspect, a situation that made her wonder why it should be so if truly he was an officer of the commission.
“She also noticed that while in the EFCC office to perfect the ‘phony bail’, the self-styled EFCC staff neither received nor gave salute or compliments to fellow officers, as compliments is a tradition in all security and law enforcement agencies.

“She added that rather than have her sons released to her, the suspect took her to a location outside the office to receive the said sum of N500,000 and demanded for more money to perfect the bail,” he stated.
Oyewale said that it was in the process of collecting additional N200,000 that the long arm of the law caught up with the suspect.

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He said that the suspect would be charged to court upon conclusion of the ongoing investigations. (NAN)

By Olubukola Aiyedogbon

Nnamdi Kanu appeals against trial court’s ruling

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The detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has appealed against the decision of a Federal High Court (FHC), Abuja dismissing his objection to his trial continuation.

Kanu, in a notice of appeal dated and filed March 28 through his team of lawyers led by Aloy Ejimakor, prayed the Court of Appeal, Abuja to allow the appeal and set aside the trial court’s decision.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the IPOB leader had filed a preliminary objection seeking an order for some conditions to be met by the Federal Government before his trial at FHC could proceed.

He had alleged that the Department of State Service (DSS) personnel often seized documents of his lawyers during visitation, stopped his lawyers from taking notes, eavesdropped on his consultation with his lawyers on matters pertaining to his defence, among others.

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He alleged that he had not been given adequate time and facilities to defend himself in accordance with Section 36(6)(b) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

But Justice Binta Nyako of a FHC had, in a ruling on March 19, declined to grant the objection of the detained IPOB leader.

The judge, who ordered accelerated hearing of the trial, also dismissed his application for bail.

However, Kanu, in the notice of appeal, listed the Federal Republic of Nigeria as the sole respondent.

He argued that the trial court erred in law when the court assumed jurisdiction to proceed with the hearing of the criminal trial against him when he was glaringly denied the constitutional right to fair trial.

He alleged that he was denied adequate facilities to prepare for the defence of the criminal allegations against him and his right to counsel of his own choice, thereby occasioning a grave miscarriage of justice.

“The denial of the appellant (Kanu) the opportunity to interact and brief his counsel on what line of defences the appellant tends to agitate in the trial court and rely on was adequately brought to the attention of the trial court by motion.

“The trial court failed and neglected to make necessary orders that would protect the appellant’s aforesaid rights but rather held that the court cannot dictate how the respondent carries out its work,” he said.

He said the trial court had the power to order the respondent to cease and desist from interfering with his constitutional right.

Besides, Kanu said the lower court had the power to order an alternative custodial arrangement or non-custodial arrangement for him, where it is impossible for the respondent to comply or where the respondent persists in the act.

He said: “Denial of the appellant’s right to adequate facilities to prepare defence as enshrined in Section 36 (6) (b) of the 1999 Constitution is a jurisdictional issues in the absence of which the trial court cannot assume or proceed with the jurisdiction over the case unless and until such facilities are accorded to the appellant.”

Kanu argued that though he had prayed the court to stop the DSS alleged unconstitutional acts of forcibly seizing and photocopying confidential legal documents brought to him by his lawyers meant for his defence of the charges against him, the court declined to grant the plea.

He said the trial judge erred in law when the court ordered for accelerated hearing despite the consistently refusal of the respondent to afford him the right to adequate facility to prepare for his defence of the charges levelled against him and his right to counsel.

According to him, the order for accelerated hearing of the case in face of the constitutional breaches of fair hearing/trial rights of the appellant is a credence to the respondent to proceed on the unconstitutional denial of the appellant his right to adequate facilities to prepare for his defence and his right to counsel of his choice.

“In the present case, where Sections 36 (6) (b) and (c) of the Constitution are violated by the respondent against the appellant, the trial court lacks the jurisdiction to hear and or proceed with the hearing of the case,” he added.

The IPOB leader, therefore, prayed the appellate court to allow the appeal, vacate the ruling of the lower court for the trial court to decline jurisdiction to proceed with the hearing of the case unless and until he is granted his right to fair hearing under Section 36(6)(6)(b) and (c) of the constitution.

Alternatively, he urged the Appeal Court for the trial court to order an alternative custodial or non-custodial arrangement free of interference with his said constitutional right to fair hearing.

He equally sought an order setting aside the order for accelerated hearing of the case in the circumstances of the case where he is not allowed facilities to prepare for the defence of the charges against him and denied his right to counsel. .

Kanu sought a stay of proceedings pending when the respondent affords him the constitutional safeguards of being afforded adequate facilities to prepare for his defence and his unfettered right to counsel.(NAN)

By Taiye Agbaje

President Tinubu urges direct ECOWAS election

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President Bola Tinubu has called on the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to consider electing its members directly through universal suffrage, instead of doing so through national parliaments.

The President made this known at the inauguration of the 6th Legislature of the ECOWAS parliament on Thursday in Abuja.

He explained that doing so would give citizens of member states a say in who represented them.

He said: “The practice of directly electing public officers aligns with democratic principles that Nigeria upholds. This principle is also in line with the spirit of the ECOWAS Protocol on democracy and good governance.

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“We believe this will ensure that citizens will have a direct say in their representation and the legitimacy and credibility it will provide.

“As a one-time legislator myself, I look forward to reviewing the proposal regarding this matter. We stand to support the direct elections into ECOWAS Parliament.”

The President assured members of the Sixth ECOWAS Parliament that Nigeria, as host of the community, would continue to support the Parliament to achieve its objectives.

Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, in a goodwill message, called for collaboration among ECOWAS executive, judicial and legislative arms, stressing that it was critical for effective, responsive and transparent governance.

He urged the new members of Parliament to ensure that their positions on key issues were harmonised with the decisions of the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government.

Tuggar said Parliament was crucial in the face of various challenges confronting ECOWAS; hence, the balance between executive, judicial and legislative arms was critical to address subregional peace, stability, security and unity.

He said: “It is, therefore, imperative that the Parliament continues to work in synergy with the ECOWAS Commission and other Institutions that serve as the executive and judicial arms of our organisation.

“Collaboration between the Commission, Court and Parliament is essential to ensure the smooth implementation of policies and programmes that benefit our citizens.

“I encourage you to maintain constructive dialogue with other bodies and to align your efforts with the broader objectives of ECOWAS.”

He explained that consistency in ECOWAS collective stance would strengthen its voice on the international stage and prevent any perception of disunity within the organisation.

Tuggar said the Council of Ministers looked forward to more robust engagement and collaboration with the Parliament to amplify ECOWAS values and increase its visibility through people-oriented programmes and projects.

President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr Omar Toure, in his speech, warned that ECOWAS was currently facing the threat of disintegration, stressing that the subregion’s challenges were numerous and diverse.

He emphasised that disintegration would aggravate the subregion’s security challenges, culminate in political isolation, job cuts, as well as affect the movement of ECOWAS citizens under its protocols.

“ECOWAS is faced with the risk of integration following the threat by Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger on January 29, 2024 of their intentions to quit the bloc.

“Considering the perceived consequences of their decisions, ECOWAS opened a dialogue and initiated other immediate measures, which included representatives from these three countries to join the dialogue to resolve the issues.

“The Commission, therefore, stands to work with the Parliament and all other stakeholders towards achieving success in line with the objectives of ECOWAS,” Toure said.

President of the Nigerian Senate, Godswill Akpabio, in his remark, described the inauguration of the 6th ECOWAS Legislature as the dawn of a new era in West Africa.

He said that the event was an opportunity for ECOWAS “to build bridges of unity instead of building Berlin Walls of isolation.”

“We should ensure free movement of goods and services within the Community and remove obstacles facing us,” the Senate President said.

Also speaking, former Speaker of the 5th Parliament, Sidie Tunis, called for the election of Members into the ECOWAS Parliament by direct universal suffrage, saying that the Parliament under him had already initiated the move

While noting that it was customary for each legislature to set its own agenda, he passionately appealed that, henceforth, election of Members into the ECOWAS Parliament by direct universal suffrage be made top priority by the 6th Legislature.

“The 5th Legislature raised a lot of awareness about the matter, and I can only hope that the 6th Legislature will strengthen the fight for direct election, as it is a requirement for representative governance.

“I am confident that with the quality of membership you have, faithfully serving the interest of the peoples of the Community, success will be achieved in these regards,” Tunis said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that President Tinubu, who is the Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, officially inaugurated 97 members into the 6th ECOWAS parliament.(NAN)

By Mark Longyen

FG fully opens Third Mainland Bridge with speed cameras

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The Federal Government has installed speed limit cameras on the Third Mainland Bridge, to encourage responsible driving, preserve the bridge and improve safety.

The Federal Controller of Works, Lagos, Mrs Olukorede Keisha, announced the unofficial re-opening of the bridge on Thursday, in Lagos.

She said that the speed limit was being done in conjunction with the Federal Road Safety Corps.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the Federal Government had on Jan. 9 begun comprehensive rehabilitation on the bridge due to several failed portions on it.

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She disclosed that the speed cameras would be displayed conspicuously at the median to capture motorists who would exceed the limit.

She explained that anyone caught speeding, would not face immediate penalties on the spot.

Keisha said, “Today we are fixing the speed limits. It is in conjunction with the Federal Road Safety Corps and they are on the bridge now doing that.

“The speed limit has been designed to be 80km/per hour. So, if you speed past 80km in the next few weeks, your honourable Commissioner will have you to contend with.

“And at the renewal of your vehicle license, you will be surcharged. So it’s no longer going to be business as usual.’’

Keisha, who spoke on behalf of the Minister of Works, Sen. Dave Umahi, noted that the bridge, which was fully opened to the public, still had some additional work ongoing on it.

This remaining work, Keisha said, includes installing solar lights and CCTV cameras.

According to her, they are doing this while the bridge is open so as not to disrupt traffic flow in the future.

She said that the main deck repairs would be finished by May 2024, adding that there would be an official commissioning to mark the completion by President Bola Tinubu.

Additionally, Keisha said that work would be done underneath the bridge and underwater.

She assured the users that the work would not cause any traffic issues, noting that it was important to strengthen the overall bridge structure.

She also said that if drivers follow the speed limit and there was no misuse of the road (like overloading or accidents), the Third Mainland Bridge would not require major maintenance for the next two years.

Keisha appealed to motorists to report breakdowns, saying, “If you see something, say something, and if you see a car being repaired on the bridge, you should report it by calling me or the police.

“ We are going to talk with the governor. If your vehicle breaks down, it is not to your own joy or delight. So, you should be assisted instead of being penalised.

“So, if people know that they will be assisted, I’m sure they will be encouraged to drive to a safe place or to park and quickly fix one or two things, but not do major repairs on the bridge.’’

In his remark, the Commissioner for Transportation, Lagos State, Mr Oluwaseun Osiyemi, corroborated Keisha’s statements, urging people to comply.

“ You will see speed limit signs as from today and the speed cameras will come on; the speed limit for Third Mainland Bridge is 80km per hour, so the speed cameras are there.

“So if you go beyond the speed limits, what it does is that it takes a picture of your car and your number plate; we have a data base, and we have our ways of sending your bills to you.

“So I will advise that people comply,’’ he said.(NAN)

By Lydia Ngwakwe

FRSC Joint Task Force arrests 35 trailers carrying 982 passenger

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FRSC: In what seems to be an effective strategy in the fight against trailer crashes and conveyance of human beings by these same category of vehicles, the Inter-agency Joint Task Force recently constituted by the Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps, Dauda Ali Biu to operate along critical corridors have apprehended 35 trailers carrying 982 passengers.

Jonas Agwu, mni, Assistant Corps Marshal and Corps Public Education Officer, FRSC Headquarters disclosed this in a statement Thursday.

Citing the reports of the special intervention patrol operations forwarded to the National Headquarters, Agwu said, a total of 19 Trailers carrying 810 people where apprehended on the Abuja-Kaduna expressway. While, the JTF team covering Bauchi-Maiduguri general operation area of the Corps also arrested 16 trailers conveying 172 passengers on that route.

The arrests were perfected within the first one week beginning from 23 to 30 March, 2024 of its operations on the identified routes.

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At the points of arrests, the Inter-agency Joint Task Force ensured that all passengers onboard the trailers were dropped, cautioned against the deadly act and asked to join passenger vehicles designed for conveying people.

While the special operations is going on, the Corps Marshal also directed Sector Commanders of the states where the act is more prominent, to sustain ongoing engagement with the leadership of road transport unions as well as owners of articulated vehicles. This is to ensure that drivers who engage in such traffic violations are cautioned.

The Corps Marshal had earlier flagged off the Inter-agency Joint Task Force on 23 March, 2024 in Kaduna State, comprising of the Nigerian Police Force, the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, State Traffic Management Agencies and Transport Unions.

The mandate of the JTF is to mitigate trailer related crashes and fatalities as well as stop the use of trailers to convey passengers following the spate of a number of avoidable crashes that involved trailers loaded with goods, animals and passengers that led to deaths and injuries.

Amongst these crashes were those of 04 March, 2024 in Tashan Yari where a trailer loaded with grains and passengers crashed and killed 12 persons. Others were those of 18 March, 2024 where a trailer loaded with goods and 172 passengers crashed on the Kaduna-Abuja expressway, killing 10 people; as well as that of Sunday 31 March, 2024 in Obajana which led to the death of 13 people.

I-G urges timely, accurate police info

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The Inspector-General of Police, Mr Olukayode Egbetokun has urged Assistant Inspectors-General of Police (AIGs), Commissioners of Police (CPs) and Police Public Relations Officers to engage in dissemination of timely and accurate information on police achievements.

Egbetokun stated this on Thursday in Abuja during a conference with Strategic Police Managers, consisting of officers from the rank of Commissioner of Police (CP) and above.

He said effective collaboration among Strategic Police Managers, comprising Zonal AIGs, Command CPs and their respective Police Public Relations Officers was central to successes of the police.

“The dissemination of timely and accurate information regarding our achievements at the grassroots level is pivotal in fostering public trust and confidence in the Nigeria Police Force.

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“It is incumbent upon us to maintain transparency and accountability in our communication efforts, ensuring that the public is well-informed about our endeavours to maintain law and order.

“All Strategic Managers are therefore charged to improve on this salient professional relationship to project all our achievements,” he said.

He said the idea was to improve public confidence in the police and bridge trust gap between the police and the public.

Egbetokun said the Nigeria Police was in the process of conducting a comprehensive review of the Police Regulation and introduction of a Scheme of Service for the Force.

According to him, these critical undertakings are aimed at modernising our legal framework to align with contemporary policing standards backed by Police Act, 2020.

He said the focus was to enhance the welfare and professional development of officers and men as well as to foster a culture of excellence and accountability within the Nigeria Police.

The I-G said the Nigeria Police Force under his leadership was poised to ensuring that the welfare of personnel was prioritised.

He said the Force had successfully, through unrelenting efforts, secured the release of insurance claims of deceased police officers which had accumulated for about eight years.

“We have in the last nine months cumulatively presented cheques amounting to N7.3 billion to 2,514 families of deceased police officers.

“The Force has recently concluded the registration process of the NPF Insurance Company Limited with the Corporate Affairs Commission and we are steadily progressing towards the operationalisation of the company.

“The new company will aid the processing of our insurance funds directly from the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) and the Central Bank of Nigeria,” he said.

According to him, we are unrelenting in finding a solution to the agitation of police retirees, arising from their poor pension earnings and the quest for enhanced pension.

He said this had culminated into protests and demand for exit from the Contributory Pension Scheme.

Egbetokun said the situation, had in the past few years not only been a source of apprehension for serving officers, it had consistently put the force uncomfortably in media space.

The I-G said the Force leadership was working on a scheme that would put an end to the agitations and put smiles on the lips of every policeman, either serving or retired.

Egbetokun said the force arrested 3,685 suspects over various criminal offences, recued 401 kidnapped victims, recovered 216 firearms, 3,601 ammunition and 82 vehicles nationwide in the last eight weeks.

He said the force recoded 141 cases of terrorism/secessionist attacks, 537, murder, 126, armed robbery, 214, kidnapping and 39, unlawful possession of firearms within the period under review.

The I-G said the substantial advancement was propelled by the execution of diverse strategies aimed at mitigating the escalating trend of criminal activities across the country. (NAN)

By Monday Ijeh

Gospel singer Nathaniel Bassey petitions IGP over paternity

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By Lynient Akotonu

Gospel singer Nathaniel Bassey has petitioned the Inspector General of Police  (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, over allegations that he fathered his colleague, Mercy Chinwo’s son.

The singer, in a petition filed by his lawyers, Peter Abraham, Uche Matthew, Gbenga Agunloye, and Anthony Abia, asked the IGP to investigate and prosecute four social media users who accused him of paternal fraud.

Recently, four social media users Okoronkwo Ejike, Kingsley Ibeh, Terrence Ekot, and DJ Spoiltkid alleged that Bassey fathered the son of the popular gospel singer, an allegation that went viral social media.

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They made the allegations on their social media accounts when Mercy and her husband, Blessed Uzochikwa posted pictures of their son and themselves on different social media platforms on March, 29.

Mr Ejike’s post read: “This Mercy Chinwo’s child she was hiding after giving birth, but the truth is that this baby looks exactly like singer Nathaniel Bassey.

“Nothing anybody wants to reason with me oh. This child is Nathaniel Bassey’s Baby. Maybe a secret away match occurred; otherwise, how can we make empirical sense of this.”

Mr Terrence Ekot on the platform “X” reads: “Take a look at the stunning resemblance of Mercy Chinwo’s son and Nathaniel Bassey.

“Though the duo has been working together on several projects, what do you have to say?”

The posts had gone viral on social media, with many calling out  Bassey on why he should he should be involved in such an appalling act .

According to the petition submitted to the IGP on 1 April, the consequences of making such statements on social media had been known to tarnish the reputations of individuals, render marriages unstable.

The lawyers said the social media posts by the four individuals amounted to complete assassination of Bassey’s character.

They therefore, urged the police authorities to urgently treat the petition against the four social media users.

The petition reads in part : “Our client is a gospel music minister whose songs and ministrations have impacted the lives of so many from different walks of life across the globe.

“On Friday, the 29th day of March 2024, Mercy Chinwo Blessed another popular gospel music minister, and her husband posted pictures of their son and themselves on different social media platforms.

“However, our client was disheartened, saddened, and grossly disturbed to find that the above-mentioned suspects, as mischief makers with a criminal intent to destroy the image and character of our client..

“They had made different social media posts of defamatory matter, calling our client ‘the father of minister Mercy Chinwo Blessed’s son,’ a woman who is married to another man.

“In a post on the platform “X” formerly known as Twitter, “Dj SpoiltKid” a verified X user, quoted the statement by Okoronkwo Ejike along with a screenshot of the post and added, “When are we doing DNA test?”

“These nefarious acts of these suspects, if not immediately dealt with, will continue to destroy our client’s image, injure his reputation, assassinate his character and cast aspersion on the good name built by our client over the years.”

The lawyers said the alleged actions of the four individuals contravened sections 373 and 375 of the Criminal Code Act as well as Section 24(1)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.).

“Consequently, we urge you to use your good offices to, in the interest of justice, investigate this matter, arrest, and bring the suspect to justice, which will serve as a deterrent to others.” (NAN)

Shettima urges Nigerians to support I-FAIR, transformative agenda

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Vice-President Kashim Shettima has implored Nigerians to support the Israel-Nigeria Innovation Fellowship for Aspiring Inventors and Researchers (i-FAIR) initiative to advance the transformation agenda in the country.

Shettima made the call at the third i-FAIR cohorts’ graduation ceremony of the nine-month mentorship programme for budding innovators and entrepreneurs, on Thursday in Abuja.

The vice-president was represented by Mr Tope Fasua, the Special Adviser to the President on Economic Affairs in the Office of the Vice-President.

He commended the graduands for boosting the Nigerian population efforts to achieve the transformation agenda of the Federal Government.

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Shettima said. “We live in a kinetically dynamic and

digital world, where we are seeing today’s reality and tomorrow’s innovation by power of technology, Artificial Intelligence (AI), machine learning, internet and others.

“We commend the Innov8Hub centre for what it has been doing so far among our youth and the innovative at heart.

“We have seen numerous innovative displays, many of which have been commercialised and are having impact on Nigeria and beyond.

“We believe this is merely the beginning, I appeal to all and sundry to show maximal support to the idea behind the hub, as it is indeed transformative.

“Our very survival in a fast paced world depends on it.”

The Ambassador of Israel to Nigeria Michael Freeman said the programme comprised twelve companies spanning health, climate change, and agriculture, and embodies the spirit of innovation and resilience.

“I-FAIR was established by the Israeli embassy in collaboration with the Nigerian government; this initiative epitomises the collaboration and innovation pivotal to the Israel-Nigeria relationship.

“President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda resonates deeply with the ethos of the i-FAIR programme in championing empowerment, growth, and prosperity for Nigeria.

“This is with a focus on nurturing the talents of our youth; this programme aligns seamlessly with President Tinubu’s vision of propelling Nigeria towards excellence, notably in digital economy where job creation is paramount.”

He attributed success so far achieved to invaluable partnership by the embassy with TetFund, Air Peace and Zell Innov8 and other collaborators, whose unwavering support has been instrumental in shaping the transformative journey.

Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, Minister of Foreign Affairs, represented by Amb. Akinremi Bolaji, Director, Economic, Trade and Investment at the ministry, attributed success of the programme to the partnership between Israel and Nigeria.

Tuggar said, “This is evidence of innovation. We have no doubt this government and the administration standout as the most innovative government Nigeria ever had.

“It is pertinent to mention that the idea of I-FAIR is predicated on the need to overcome domestic challenges with innovative made in-Nigeria solutions tailored around inspiring Nigeria to become a start-up nation.”

Dr Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy, underscored the need to prioritise transformation agenda to achieve meaningful growth.

“We must prioritise the complete deployment of fibre active network which Nigeria must achieve in the next two-three years and we have backing of the President.

“Also, for AI, every developed country in the world is freaking out about development in AI. For the reality, they do not have the workforce to power it.

“If we do not take advantage of being part of the AI, even if it is just to provide the workforce, we are wasting time.

“In the two to three years, AI will prompt how you think and what you do. AI will prompt development,” he said. (NAN) 

By Fortune Abang

Ningi’s suspension, resolution of Senate not Akpabio’s- Counsel replies Falana Newsdiaryonline

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Mr Umeh Kalu (SAN), Counsel to the Senate President Godswill Akpabio has said that the decision and resolution to suspend Sen. Abdul Ningi (PDP-Bauchi) was that of the Senate sitting in plenary and not that of Akpabio.

Kalu stated this in a letter to Human Rights Lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) titled: “Re: Request to Lift the Suspension of Sen. Abdul Ningi” and made available to newsmen in Abuja on Thursday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ningi was suspended by the Senate for three months on March 12 over the 2024 Budget padding allegation.

Kalu in the letter said: “We are solicitors to Sen. Godswill Akpabio and write you in respect of the above subject matter at his instance.

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“Your letter of March 27, with the above caption has been referred to us with instructions to react thereto.

“We have carefully read through your analysis of the facts and  circumstances leading to your client’s suspension from the Senate.

“We are unable to find reason in your verdict of our client’s sole culpability in the said suspension. “We therefore plead  non est factum for our client. ”

The letter further reads: “In addition to the above and contrary to the contents of your letter under reference, our client was at no time your client’s accuser, prosecutor and
judge.

“Our client’s role at the session of the Senate that led to your client’s  suspension was and remains the statutory role of a Legislative House  Presiding Officer.

“Which role equally includes pronouncing the majority decision of the Legislative House at the end of debate and voting.

“Permit us to mention your attempt at drawing our client’s attention to legal authorities and pronouncements of our Courts of record on the
unconstitutionality of suspending members of Legislative Houses.

“Which attempt we dare say was unhelpful, due to your failure or refusal to make available, the relevant particulars of the said Court decisions in your letter.

“You may wish to provide these legal authorities which you have alluded  to, bearing in mind that every decision of a court emanates from its peculiar facts, circumstances and extant laws.

“In as much as it may not be necessary to canvass herein all the remedies  available to our client, in response to your threats of a court action and
petition to the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC)…

“It is important we mention that legislative proceedings are guided by rules.

“We urge you to give due consideration to the legal issues raised in this letter and be guided accordingly in your further and future action in respect
of this matter.”(NAN) 

By Naomi Sharang

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