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Betta Edu denies transferring N25bn CCT fund to Defence Minister

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On Wednesday, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu, rejected a report on an allegation that bothered the transfer of a N25 billion Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) intended for retired military pensioners to the Minister of Defense.

Special Advisor on Media and Public Affairs to the Minister, Mr. Rasheed Zubair, released a statement that included the rejection.

While pointing out that the Ministry has not released, nor plans to release, any funds intended for the Renewed Hope Cash Transfer to any person or organization, Mr. Zubair revealed that all approved funds, upon verification of the beneficiaries’ information, will be sent directly to them through their bank accounts and are verifiable, in accordance with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive.

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“A fake news item in the media and public spaces alleging that N25 billion allegedly meant for the Retired Military Pensioners from the Conditional Cash Transfer Funds has been given to the Honourable Minister of Defence, Muhammad Badaru Abubakar, has drawn the attention of the Honourable Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu,” he said.

People who are discontent, adversaries of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the current administration, and miscreants are asked to ignore this news as it is not only fake but also a calculated, malevolent, and inane attempt to damage the reputation and honor of the Honourable Minister.

As per the records, the Honourable Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation never gave or considered giving Ministers or Ministries money intended for the pensioners of retired military personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces.”Just to be clear, in the third week of November, the Nigerian Legion and the Pensioners group submitted a list of 17,077 Veterans and 264,560 Pensioners to the National Social Safety-Nets Coordinating Office (NASSCO). The process of physically verifying the names is still in progress.

Analogously, the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation’s office in charge of verifying the register is laboriously working with the World Bank. Upon completion of the meticulous verification process, all captured retired warriors who fulfill the requirements and pensions will get payment.

This press statement informs the public, particularly the media, that the ministry has not distributed any funds intended for the Renewed Hope Cash Transfer to any specific person or organization, nor does it aim to do so.

Following verification of the recipients’ information, all money are to be delivered directly to them through their bank accounts and are verifiable, per President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s direction.

“Nigerians should appreciate the novel idea and first of its kind in the country’s history—the President’s good intention to expand the National Social Register and begin paying N25,000 for three months to accommodate veterans of the Nigerian Armed Forces—and not allow themselves to be misled or distracted by naysayers,” Mr. Zubair stated in the statement.

Protests erupt in Zaria over Nigerian Army bombing of Kaduna community killing 120 civilians

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The Nigerian Army bombing of the Tudun Biri hamlet in the Igabi local government area has sparked continuous protests in Zaria, Kaduna State, as locals air their frustrations.

Photographs show that the demonstrators carried posters that said “Justice for Arewa,” “Justice for Igabi,” and “Secure North” as they marched through the town.

One of the bloodiest accidental military bombings in the history of the nation claimed the lives of almost 120 people during airstrikes carried out by the Nigerian Army at Tudun Biri village.

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On Tuesday, survivors of the unintentional bombing of Tudun Biri in the Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State HAD claimed that the Nigerian Army had attacked their community twice. Amnesty International officials had visited the affected areas and verified the higher death toll.

It was previously reported that 66 more victims were injured in Sunday’s blast, and that National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) zonal spokesman Halima Suleiman had confirmed 85 deaths on Monday. She added that the hunt for more casualties was still ongoing.

After the victims’ Monday funerals, she added, the local authorities provided the death toll.

“Although a search is still ongoing, the Northwest Zonal Office has learned from the local authorities that 85 dead bodies have been buried thus far,” NEMA stated.

To get to the village, rescue personnel were still in talks with local authorities to defuse the situation.

Tuesday saw President Bola Tinubu order an investigation after the army admitted that one of its drones had inadvertently struck Tudun Biri hamlet when the locals were enjoying a Muslim holiday.

Residents reported that 85 individuals, many of them women and children, had died in the incident; the army did not provide any official death toll.

According to a statement sent by the presidential spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, “President Tinubu describes the incident as very unfortunate, disturbing, and painful, expressing indignation and grief over the tragic loss of Nigerian lives.”

Court sentences four men to death for armed robbery in Ekiti

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Four men were found guilty of armed robbery and given the death penalty by an Ekiti State High Court.

On July 17, 2020, Justice Adekunle Adeleye arraigned the guilty individuals, Segun Friday (39), Tijani Semiu Seun (27), Ogunyemi Segun Olarewaju (29) and Adebayo Tope (23), on a two-count charge of conspiracy and forced robbery.
Armed with weapons, the defendants allegedly planned to perpetrate a felony and rob Adeleke Abiodun of his Bajaj motorcycle on December 24, 2018, in Irare Village, Erinmope, Moba Local Government Area, Ekiti State.
Section 1(2)(a) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act, Cap. RII, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and Section 6(b) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act, Vol. 14, are violated by the offenses.

“I’m a commercial motorcycle rider operating in Otun and Erinmope, Ekiti,” the victim stated in his court evidence. That fateful day, I drove a woman from Otun to Erinmope, Ekiti. I was being followed to Irare village by a man who stopped me on my way back to Otun. The realization that I was entering a forest made me reluctant to continue.

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The man stated he was the one who transported the man from Ado Ekiti but ran out of petrol. I consented after he interfered in the argument and told me that I would be safe. While we were traveling, he made multiple phone calls.

Before I knew it, the man behind me attempted to strangle me on the motorcycle as we passed another man and another man in front of me. I avoided the person in front of me and they joined, taking the motorcycle away from me as they fled as we were dragging it when we fell.

After reporting what had happened to a man and his wife who had been riding a motorcycle from their farm, the villagers came out and searched the area, which resulted in one of them being taken into custody. After then, the police received him. The motorcycle was never located until today, but he later led the police to the Atikankan neighborhood in Ado Ekiti, where more gang members were taken into custody.

Using the statements of the defendants through their attorney, Adeyinka Opaleke, as a conduit, the prosecution, Julius Ajibare, called three witnesses in order to bolster his case.

There is evidence of a direct plan amongst the conspirators, Justice Adekunle Adeleye stated in his ruling. The first, second, third, and fourth accused did, in fact, take action to carry out the heist that was agreed upon.

“The complainant’s evidence has proven, beyond a reasonable doubt, that the defendants had the intention of displacing the motorcycle owner.

“It is also unequivocally established that the defendants took actions to carry out the agreed-upon illegal act of giving up his Bajaj motorcycle.” As charged, counts one (conspiracy) and two (armed robbery) are decided in favor of the four defendants.
Following that, the judge gave the guilty men the death penalty.

NJI administrator assigns judiciary correspondents to court reportage

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Juridical correspondents have been charged by Justice Salisu Garba Abdullahi (rtd), the administrator of the National Judicial Institute (NJI), Abuja, to ensure fair and impartial reporting of judicial proceedings, particularly in this day and age when fake news is frequently spread via social media.

During the opening of a two-day training for members of the Abuja branch of the National Association of Judiciary Correspondents, hosted by the NJI, Justice Abdullahi made this statement on Wednesday.

As judicial correspondents, the Administrator informed the participants that public opinion and public confidence are directly impacted by their portrayal of the judiciary in a positive light.
The NJI Administrator encouraged judiciary reporters to consistently follow the rules and ethics of journalism practice, with the topic being “Pursuing Media Service Excellence for Optimal Productivity in the Judiciary.”

Abdullahi gave off the assurance that consistently upholding the profession’s ethics will undoubtedly foster media quality, which will further maximize judicial output as the topic states.

“It’s critical that I stress the need for journalists and judiciary correspondents to maintain objectivity.”It is said that the pen is mightier than the sword. Since biased reporting would undoubtedly spark partisan reactions, you will concur with me that it goes against the foundations of a democratic society.
“Consequently, it is imperative that all stakeholders work together to accomplish the goal of making sure you are on par with your peers in other regions and adhere to international best practices,” the NJI Administrator stated.
Justice Abdullahi emphasized to the attendees that judicial integrity plays a critical role in fostering public confidence in the judiciary. As such, reporters covering the judiciary must carefully craft their reporting to accurately portray the integrity of judicial officers, as this is what he said is most important.

The Administrator emphasized once more how crucial a role court reporters play in covering judicial authorities in order to enhance openness.

Abdullazeez Olumo Esq., the Secretary of the National Judicial Institute, reminded attendees that the workshop’s theme also applies to the media during his remarks.

Recognizing the strong rapport that exists between judiciary correspondents and the NJI, Mr. Olumo regretted that the public’s opinion of the judiciary has not been positive and praiseworthy.

According to Mr. Olumo, what Nigerians read in the media and on social media is to blame for the declining and unfavorable public opinion of the judiciary.

He clarified that the public is typically unaware of how the judiciary functions and insisted that, instead of focusing on sensationalism and biased reporting, the media, and especially judiciary reporters in particular, should use their reports to educate the public about this issue.

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Olumo claims that certain cases that shouldn’t even be in court are filed, and when the side losing ends up with a negative ruling, they turn to criticizing the judiciary in public statements.

When a matter is heard and decided by the court, the following factors are crucial: the law, the facts, and the evidence. You will undoubtedly obtain justice if you compare these three problems and make a strong case in court.

“The court will return to you what you give it. The court is not a Santa Claus that grants wishes without asking.

In order to lessen the people’s unfavorable opinion of the judiciary, Olumo stated that the media, particularly judiciary correspondents, should work to educate the public through unbiased, factual, and knowledgeable reporting.

“Only the judiciary correspondents possess this ability, and we urge you to maintain objectivity and impartiality in your reporting, avoiding sensationalism,” said the NJI Secretary.

Assuring that the workshop is here to stay, Olumo from the Institute stated that learning is a lifelong process.
According to Olumo, education is a lifelong process that ends when a person passes away.

For this reason, he gave his word that the NJI would keep holding seminars aimed at developing the competence of Judiciary Correspondents.

The National Association of Judiciary Correspondents Abuja Chapter Chairman, Mr. Kayode Lawal, also spoke and praised Justice Garba Abdullahi (rtd), the Administrator of NJI, for keeping his word and making sure the yearly workshop for Judiciary Correspondents continues.

Lawal acknowledged that since the capacity-building workshop’s founding many years ago, Judiciary Correspondents have improved their reporting of the courts by being more exact, deliberate, and cautious in their use of technical terms and reporting goals.

He promised that in addition to avoiding disrespectful topics, sensationalism, and objective reporting, judiciary reporters will continue to carry out their duty without fear or favor.

The first paper presentation was given by Venerable Tunde Oyesina Esq. of the New Telegraph newspaper, with the topic “Reportage of Court in Proceedings: Respect for Victims, Privacies and Presenting the Truth to the Public.”

Tinubu expresses regret over unfortunate incident in Kaduna

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The terrible incident that occurred in the Tudun Biri community in Kaduna state and resulted in the deaths of innocent individuals has been deeply regretted by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

In order to determine the true cause of what he called a “operational error,” the President further demanded a “thorough investigation” into the situation.
The President was represented by Dr. Bello Matawalle, the Minister of State for Defense, according to a statement released by Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, Director of Defense Information.
The statement claims that the team met with religious leaders, Kaduna State security committee members, and Deputy Governor Dr. Hadiza Balarabe to show support and understanding during this trying time.

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“Honorable Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, has swiftly dispatched a high-level delegation to convey heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Tudun Biri community in Kaduna state,” the statement states in response to the unfortunate incident at Tudun Biri community.

“A thorough investigation is necessary to determine the facts surrounding the incident,” the President stressed.

He gave the public the assurance that the “results would be communicated transparently, reaffirming the federal government’s commitment to preventing future occurrences.”

The President made an appeal for composure, collaboration, and unwavering support for Nigeria’s armed forces.

Along with wishing the wounded a quick recovery, Tinubu also offered prayers for the deceased’s souls.

At the same time, he called on religious leaders to educate their followers, stating that the Armed Forces of Nigeria, which are steadfast in their mission to secure the whole nation, sincerely grieved the occurrence.
President Tinubu was thanked by Dr. Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, the Deputy Governor of Kaduna, for the timely delegation visit.

In order to preserve harmony and reduce tensions, she emphasized the state government’s ongoing interactions with the impacted community and religious authorities.

In order to offer the injured people best wishes, the party also went to the Kaduna Nursing Home. Distinguished members of the group included Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, Chief of Army Staff; General Christopher Gwabin Musa, Chief of Defense Staff; and Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defense.

Nigerians don’t trust APC, PDP, other parties – Akpabio explains why

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Nigerians do not trust political parties, according to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, because of impunity and a lack of responsibility.

However, Akpabio pointed out that shifting the parties’ positions will aid in regaining the public’s faith and confidence in them.

Speaking at an event hosted by the Kukah Center in Abuja, the Senate President emphasized that political parties have contributed to the improvement of Nigeria’s policies and government. He was represented by Senator Victor Umeh of Anambra Central.

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It would be negligent of Nigerians to ignore the problems that have tarnished the nation’s democratic culture, he said, adding that political parties have given people a forum to engage in the democratic process.

“Public trust and confidence in political parties have decreased as a result of these challenges.

“Observing citizens lose faith in the very institutions that are supposed to represent their interests and protect their democratic rights is depressing.”

President Tinubu, Shettima To Spend N10billion On Trips In 2024, N200milion To Feed Aso Rock Animals

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President Bola Tinubu and his vice, Kashim Shettima, are estimated to spend N10.13 billion on meals and travels in the 2024 Nigerian budget plan.

The National Assembly is currently reviewing the N27.5 trillion budget plan.

The proposed budget states that Tinubu will spend N7.6 billion on travel—N638.5 million for domestic travel and N6.9 billion for international travel.

Shettima’s travel expenses would total N1.8 billion, of which N1.2 billion will be spent abroad and N618.4 million on local travel.

The N660.5 million feeding budget was designated for “refreshment & meal and foodstuff for the offices of Tinubu and Shettima.” Of this sum, N372.6 million is allocated to the vice president’s office and N287.8 million to the president’s office.

A closer look at the budget proposal reveals that N33.6 million will go into the president’s meals and refreshments, and another N254.2 million will go toward supplies for food and catering.

The vice president plans to spend N35 million on meals and refreshments and N337.5 million on food and supplies for catering.

The budget document also reveals that N201.4 million will be spent on animal feeding at the Aso Rock zoo, which is classified as “wildlife conservation.”

N800 million will be spent on renovating the president and vice president’s quarters at the State House: N300 million for Shettima and N500 million for Tinubu.

The President voted N13.5 billion to repair President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kassim Shettima’s official houses in Lagos and Abuja as part of the 2023 supplemental budget that was approved last month.

The approved expense came from the N2.176 trillion supplemental budget’s N28 billion allocation for the State House.

The breakdown indicated that N4 billion would be used to renovate the President’s residential quarters; N2.5 billion would be used to renovate Aguda House; N4 billion would be spent renovating Dodan Barracks, the President’s official residence in Lagos; and N3 billion would be spent renovating the Vice President’s official quarters in Lagos, for a total of N13.5 billion.

The honorarium and sitting allowance for the president and vice were estimated in the 2024 budget proposal to be N152.3 million and N67.3 million, respectively.

The State House’s generators would cost N37.9 million to power, while N260.8 million is set aside for electrical costs.

Tinubu salutes Tanko Yakasai at 98

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President Bola Tinubu has participated in honoring Tanko Yakasai, an esteemed statesman and original member of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), on his 98th birthday.

The President honors the outstanding figure along with the Yakasai family, friends, and allies, according to Ajuri Ngelale, Special Advisor to the President (Media & Publicity), who made this announcement on Tuesday. Yakasai has committed his life’s work to promoting justice, the rule of law, the voiceless masses in our nation, the formation of good governance, and openness in official government.

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As a patriot and one of the most noblemen in Nigerian history, the President praised the older statesman.

He prayed that Alhaji Yakasai’s birth anniversary would bring about the significant causes for which the statesman has valiantly battled.

“May the nonagenarian be blessed with long life and happiness,” the President continued.

Tinubu back to Abuja from COP28 summit in Dubai

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Following a productive journey to Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), where he took part in the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28), President Bola Tinubu has returned to Abuja.

President Tinubu held a number of bilateral discussions during COP28, including gatherings with the president of the United Arab Emirates and King Charles of England.

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In addition, President Tinubu observed the signing of an accelerated performance agreement between Germany and Nigeria with the goal of enhancing Nigeria’s electrical supply.

Although there was much admiration for President Tinubu’s presence to COP28, others questioned the size of the Nigerian delegation, which included more than 1,400 registered participants. Only 422 people were formally supported by the state, the government claimed in defense of the delegation’s size.

Tinubu left Abuja for Dubai on November 29, 2023, in preparation for the summit, which was scheduled to conclude on December 12, 2023.

250 athletes, 70 veterans to participate in CDS Half Marathon – DHQ

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Approximately 70 veterans and no fewer than 250 participants, both male and female, will take part in the Chief of Defence Staff Armed Forces and Other Security Agencies Half Marathon in Abuja in 2023.

AVM Abidemi Marquis, the Director of Sports at Defence Headquarters, announced this during a press conference on Tuesday in Abuja.

Participants from the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies will fight for the prized automobile prize at the Marathon, according to Marquis.

According to Marquis, the CDS half marathon race has taken place three times in the last eight years: once, twice, and three times.

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He claimed that the COVID-19 and the growing military involvement in domestic security activities prevented the 4th edition from taking place until 2020.

In order to provide a forum for members of the armed forces, security services, and their staff to participate in competitive sports, the director announced that the 4th edition would now take place on December 9.

According to him, this would enhance their abilities, identify potential for the country, and foster communication among them to maintain the professional partnership.

Two events are planned for this year’s championship: a 5 km veteran’s road race and a 21.1 km male and female race.

Thus, competitions for both individuals and groups will be held simultaneously.

We anticipate finishing the road marking by Thursday, according our plans,” he stated.

According to the director, DHQ was aware of the disruptions that the athletic events would bring about for drivers using the Kubwa route.

In order to facilitate marking on Thursday and the event on Saturday, he asked drivers to cooperate.

In order to encourage sports-loving Abuja residents and those in the surrounding area to attend this year’s event, we are taking this chance to do so.

“Every strategy is fully set up to guarantee a flawless competition.

“We are ready to make sure that this marathon is successfully completed, and we have medical facilities for any unanticipated medical situations.

As a result, we are hoping that every runner is as prepared as we are to win this competition’s Star Prize.

“One brand-new automobile will be awarded as the Star Award to the best female and male marathoners, respectively.

“We have individual and group competitors who will receive a certificate of participation, in addition to cash prizes for placing second and third,” he continued.

Marquis forbade doping and other forms of cheating throughout the competition and exhorted competitors to compete aggressively but fairly.