Former federal lawmaker and activist, Shehu Sani, has said that no politician has ever made electoral reforms that led to their downfall apart from former President Goodluck Jonathan.
Sani spoke in Abuja on Thursday as one of the discussants at the first Roundtable of Inter-Party Advisory Council, IPAC, with the theme, the Role of the Judiciary in Nigeria’s Democratic Sustainability.’
The former Senator, who represented Kaduna central senatorial district in the 8th assembly, said there is no integrity among politicians.
“Well, I had the privilege of being in the civil society and I’ve been in politics. And if you mix these two experiences you’ll be able to know the two sides and also to be able to understand where the issues are,” he said.
“As activists, our thinking fundamentally differs from politicians. I’m still trying to find out if there’s any electoral reform Nigerian politicians cannot reconvent.
“We talk about the judiciary as the last hope of the common man, why are the political parties not the last hope of the common man, why is INEC not the last hope of the common man, why is the Presidency, the military, Senate and House of Reps not the last hope of the common man?
“We want a perfect judiciary in an imperfect system. In the field of activism, we’ve two sets of ideas – this is wrong and this is right – politicians don’t have that.
“We expert more from our judiciary. No president will make electoral reform that would lead to his downfall in office, only Jonathan.
“Only Jonathan appointed a Chairman of INEC he never knew and never met. Only Jonathan can introduce a data capturing machine and ended up being captured,” he said.
No President makes reforms leading to his downfall, only Jonathan – Shehu Sani
No President makes reforms leading to his downfall, only Jonathan – Shehu Sani
Africa to declare public health emergency over Mpox
The African continent is poised to declare a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security as the Mpox (Monkeypox) outbreak continues to spread across many countries.
Dr Jean Kaseya, Director General of the Africa Centre for Disease Control, said this during a webinar on Thursday on the Mpox outbreak situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo and other African countries.
The News Agency of Nigeria, reports that Mpox is a viral disease caused by the monkeypox virus. It is similar to smallpox, though generally less severe.
Mpox is characterised by symptoms such as fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes.
The disease can spread from animals to humans and between humans; through close contact, respiratory droplets, and contaminated objects.
The World Health Organisation and other health bodies renamed monkeypox to “pox” in 2022 to reduce the stigma and discrimination associated with the original name.
Kaseya highlighted the urgent need for a coordinated response to contain the disease.
“Mpox is the reality, and Africans are dying.
“We are taking decisive actions to protect our people. Next week, more likely, we will declare the PHECS,” he said.
According to him, the move is expected to mobilise resources, streamline cross-border responses, and fortify the continent’s health systems against the outbreak.
He also stressed the importance of engaging the continent’s youths in the fight against the outbreak.
He said that the declaration of the PHECS would be based on guidance from health experts and political leaders across Africa, to ensure a unified and effective approach to the outbreak.
“This call for youths’ involvement is vital to harnessing their energy and innovation in combating the spread of the virus.
“This will help us to have an appropriate response, to help stop this outbreak, and also reinforce the health system in Africa,” Kaseya said.
He said that the Africa CDC had been at the forefront of monitoring and responding to the Mpox outbreak, which has caused significant concern due to its rapid spread and the rising number of fatalities.
“Public health officials have warned that without urgent action, the situation could worsen, putting even more lives at risk.
“As the continent braces for the official declaration of the PHECS, there is a growing sense of urgency to contain the outbreak.
“The declaration is expected to facilitate the rapid deployment of medical supplies, enhance the sharing of critical information, and improve the overall resilience of public health systems across Africa.
“The global community is closely monitoring these developments, recognising that Africa’s response to the Mpox outbreak will have far-reaching implications for public health security both on the continent and worldwide,” he said.
He said that as Mpox cases surge across Africa, with all five regions and 16 countries currently affected, the continent faced a significant public health challenge.
Since January 2022, Africa has recorded 38,465 Mpox cases and 1,456 deaths, with a 160 per cent increase in cases in 2024 compared to 2023.
According to Kaseya, the disease has spread through cross-border transmission, sexual contact, and co-morbidities, particularly in regions with vulnerable populations such as those with malnutrition or HIV.
“The outbreak has reached new countries like Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya, and Uganda, marking their first-ever reported cases,” he said.
Speaking on case study from the affected countries, Kaseya said that the Côte d’Ivoire’s Ministry of Health declared its first Mpox outbreak, involving a 46-year-old agricultural worker.
He said that a 20-year-old student was also discovered to have contracted the disease, adding that both of them are from Abidjan.
“The mode of exposure remains unclear, and the circulating clade is yet to be identified.
“in Kenya, a 42-year-old long-distance truck driver was identified as the first Mpox case at the Taita Taveta point of entry on the Kenya-Tanzania border.
“in Uganda, two female cases were reported in the Kasese district, both imported from the Democratic Republic of Congo,” he said.
Kaseya said that Mpox posed a high risk due to its 3.2 per cent case fatality rate, with children under 15 being the most affected, demographically.
NAN recalls that on July 17, the African Union’s Executive Council approved a statute allowing the Africa CDC to make independent public health decisions.
This move followed WHO’s July 23, 2022, declaration of monkeypox as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, despite Africa dealing with the disease since the 1970s.
NAN
Controversy over Ebonyi govt’s N1.3bn youth empowerment scheme
Controversy is brewing in Ebonyi State over the committee set up by the state government to oversee the N1.3bn empowerment for 1,300 youths across the 13 local government areas of the state.
Governor Francis Nwifuru had last week announced his decision to empower 1,300 youths with one million naira each for not participating in the ongoing nationwide #EndBadGovernance protests against President Bola Tinubu-led federal government.
On Wednesday, the State Executive Council set up a 9-man committee to oversee the selection process, with the Deputy Governor, Princess Patricia Obila, as Chairman.
Other members include: Rt. Hon. Moses Odunwa, Speaker Ebonyi State House of Assembly; Sen. Ken Eze, representing Ebonyi Central Constituency in the Senate; Mr Emmanuel Uguru, Member Representing Abakaliki/Izzi Constituency in the House of Representatives.
Others are Stanley Okoro Emegha, State APC Chairman; Mrs. Ann Aligwe, Commissioner for Human Capital Development; Okorie Philip Ogbonnaya, Commissioner for Inter-Party; Comrade Chinedu Emerike, President FON Youth Movement; and Comrade Joshua Nwafor, Special Assistant to the Governor on Student Affairs.
However, the Committee is generating controversy as many in the state view the list with suspicion.
Many have expressed fear that the committee will be used to siphon the money.
A resident in the state, Mr Udoka Ede, argued that the committee will not yield the desired results.
He said: “This is not a party affair, hence the APC chairman shouldn’t have any business with the committee unless it’s merely for political compensation like the looted, misappropriated and unaccounted audio hawkers’ fund.
“The Deputy Governor should also not be seen in the committee because she was not able to make public her findings on the looted hawkers’ fund as the chairman of the investigative committee.
“Lastly, the Governor should step down the committee to local government levels, using upright, unbiased and independent people.”
A constitutional Lawyer, Ifeanyi Chukwu, condemned the drafting of legislators into the committee.
“How do you explain that a serving Senator representing a senatorial district is made a committee member constituted by the State Governor?” He queried.
According to him, the appointment of three legislators was against the separation of powers in a democracy.
“We practice democracy and in democracy, there is separation of powers with the Legislators acting as a check to the Executive.
“Making the Speaker of Ebonyi State House of Assembly a member of a committee to be chaired by the Deputy Governor of the state is an abuse of democracy,” he stated.
Another resident, Ogbonna Francisca argued that distributing the money to the youths will not solve the unemployment problem in the state.
“The governor should use that money to build an industry in Ebonyi. This idea of giving people money is just a temporary fix. He should build industries thereby creating jobs for the people,” she said.
Reacting, the Special Assistant to the Governor on New Media, Leo Oketa, promised that the Committee will be transparent.
“The Governor constituted a committee for the selection of youths to benefit from the N1m empowerment to ensure it is not left in the hands of one particular state ministry.
“The committee will definitely work sincerely to justify their inclusion in this delicate assignment.
“But more important than any comment about them, will be an insightful suggestion on how they can get it right,” he said.
Controversy over Ebonyi govt’s N1.3bn youth empowerment scheme
Kano files fresh charge against Ganduje, three others
The Kano State Government has filed a fresh fraud charge against the immediate past governor of the state, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, his Commissioner for Local Government, Murtala Garo, and two others.
According to the charge sheet, Garo, Lamin Sani and Muhammad Takai were charged with criminal conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, making false statements or return and criminal misappropriation.
The state accused them of mismanaging the 44 Local Government’s statutory allocations remitted to the State Joint Local Governments account from the Federation account.
They were also accused of criminally diverting N57.4billion through several personal accounts of Local Government’s Cashiers and other Personal and Cooperate Accounts,the charge sheet said.
The state government also accused them of transfering the funds into dollars for their personal benefits.
The state further alleged that they acquired a service apartment on the Murtala Muhammad Way, a commercial apartment at Akoya Oxygen – x20868 Dubai in Tigerwood and plot 2201 Floor 22 Damac Height, Marsa Dubai Marina, a multi billion Naira Hotel in Jabi, Abuja.
Others are filling stations, on Gwarzo Road Kano, Eastern Bypass Kano.
In the charge sheet, the state said it will call 143 witnesses.
No date has been fixed for the matter.
NAN reports that on April 4, the Kano government filed a suit against Ganduje, his wife, Hafsat Umar and six others before the Kano High Court.The six others include Ganduje’s son, Umar Abdullahi Umar, Abubakar Bawuro, Jibrilla Muhammad, Lamash Properties Ltd., Safari Textiles Ltd., and Lesage General Enterprises.
NAN also reports that on Juky 16, in the charge sheet with case No. K/143c/24, the state government accused Ganduje and erstwhile commissioner for justice, Musa Lawan, were charged with criminal conspiracy and misappropriation.
The Kano government accused Ganduje and Lawan of abuse of office.
NAN
Form govt of National Unity – Ex-Reps member, Onyeagucha urges Tinubu
A human rights lawyer and activist, Barrister Uche Onyeagucha, has advised president Bola Tinubu to form a government of National Unity.
The lawmaker represented Owerri federal constituency at the lower chamber and was the former secretary to lmo State government under ex-governor Emeka Ihedioha.
The former National Welfare Secretary of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) stated this in an open letter he addressed to President Bola Tinubu and made available to TVN on Thursday.
The statement reads, “l m the young man (wearing a red cap and dressed in white) holding the microphone for you in the video, (which has gone viral) where you were calling for a National Protest in 2013.
“We were Pro-Democracy activists during the Regime of General Sani Abacha. In 1995, in our quest for democracy, we both attended the World Conference on Democracy in Washington DC sponsored by the National Endowment for Democracy, NED.
“We were both formerly in the opposition political parties of the defunct Action Congress (AC), Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and the All Progressive Congress, (APC).
“I write to you with respect to the National Protests against hunger and Bad Governance which started on 1st of August. In truth, you have united Nigerians with your bad government and hunger.
“I doubt that your appointees are telling you the truth about the state of affairs in Nigeria. Your contempt and/or ignorance about the level of hunger and anger against your administration was perfectly captured in your Broadcast to the Nation on Sunday, 4th August 2024.
“Your broadcast to the Nation has added serious fuel to the flame. The anger of Nigerians against you and your administration is now unparalleled.
“Mr President Sir, respectfully under the circumstances, you have only two options left: You should dissolve your Government immediately and proclaim the formation of a Government of National Unity (GNU).
“I pray that God will touch Nigerians to accept this option in light of the contempt which you displayed against Nigerians in your Broadcast.
“Sir, your failure to consider any of these options would very likely drive Nigeria into a political, economic and social crisis of huge proportions. I pray that you find the wisdom, courage, discipline and statesmanship to act on my advice.”
Form govt of National Unity – Ex-Reps member, Onyeagucha urges Tinubu
Governor Idris hails military over recovery of Kebbi villages from bandits
Kebbi State Governor, Dr. Nasir Idris, on Thursday, commended the Nigerian military for its significant achievements in reclaiming villages in the state from the control of bandits.
The governor made these remarks while hosting the acting General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division, Sokoto, Brig. Gen. Ibikunle Ademola-Ajose, at the Government House in Kebbi.
He recounted the dire security situation when he assumed office, with several areas of the state under bandit control, forcing residents to flee their homes and abandon their farmlands.
He noted that the military’s intervention has led to a substantial improvement in security, allowing villagers to return to their homes and resume farming activities.
“On the issue of security in Kebbi State, it is a well-known fact that the military has made us proud. We have no cause whatsoever not to thank the officers and the men.
“When I became governor, people had abandoned their towns and villages, abandoned their farmlands because of fear of banditry, especially in the southern part of Kebbi State,” he stated.
Kebbi, known for its agrarian economy, particularly in the southern region, saw a drastic disruption in agricultural activities due to banditry.
The governor pointed out the collaborative efforts between the state government and security agencies, which have successfully restored peace to the affected areas.
“We sat down with the security agencies, put everything on the table, and this yielded positive results. Because of your efforts, many people now go back to their farms,” he said.
The governor urged the military to continue its efforts, assuring them of his administration’s unwavering support.
“I charge you to continue with the efforts to enable people to sleep in their houses with their two eyes closed and go to their farms without any fear of bandits,” he added.
Governor Idris also praised Brig. Gen. Sani Ahmed, the previous GOC, for his relentless work in combating insecurity in the state. He encouraged Brig. Gen. Ademola-Ajose to build on his predecessor’s legacy and maintain the momentum in the fight against banditry.
Responding, Brig. Gen. Ademola-Ajose expressed his gratitude for the warm reception and described his return to Kebbi as nostalgic, having served in the state two decades ago as a captain in 1 Battalion.
“I must sincerely appreciate His Excellency and the people of Kebbi for the support given to the military, especially in the fight against criminals,” the GOC said.
Governor Idris hails military over recovery of Kebbi villages from bandits
Labour gives Nasarawa govt three-week ultimatum on N70,000 minimum wage
Organised labour in Nasarawa State has issued a three-week ultimatum to Governor Abdullahi Sule, demanding the immediate implementation of the N70,000 new minimum wage for workers in the state.
The labour union also called for the payment of a backlog of workers’ entitlements, which have accumulated to approximately N250 million.
Ismaila Okoh, Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Nasarawa State, delivered the ultimatum during a press briefing in Lafia, the state capital on Thursday.
The announcement followed an emergency meeting between labour leaders and workers in the state.
“We are giving the Nasarawa State government until the end of August to start paying the new national minimum wage and other entitlements of workers in the state in order to avert an indefinite strike,” Okoh declared.
He stated that civil servants in Nasarawa State have made significant sacrifices for the development of the state and urged the government to act swiftly to enhance workers’ welfare.
Okah warned that failure to meet those demands would lead to a statewide strike, potentially crippling essential services.
When reached for comment, the state’s Head of Civil Service, Abigail Waya, acknowledged that the government has yet to finalize plans for the implementation of the new minimum wage.
However, she reassured workers of the state government’s commitment to improving their welfare.
Labour gives Nasarawa govt three-week ultimatum on N70,000 minimum wage
Road projects: Umahi expresses worry over price differentials
Minister of Works, Engr David Umahi has tasked the leading construction giant, Julius Berger on the completion of ongoing road projects across the country.
Umahi’s directive was coming on the heels of the Federal Executive Council meeting with respect to all inherited and new projects being handled by a number of multinational companies, but delayed due to issues of price differentials and poor funding.
The Minister said the Federal Ministry of Works has opened a decisive discussion with Julius Berger on all the inherited and new projects handled by them with a view to appraising their performance and taking decisions on funding and milestones completion of all such awarded projects.
This was contained in a statement issued on Thursday by the Minister’s Special Adviser on Media, Uchenna Orji at the end of the crucial meeting of the ministry with the management of Julius Berger in Abuja.
Speaking on the resolutions reached during the meeting, Umahi reiterated the firmness of the Ministry on issues of price control, commitment of contractors to project execution, value for money, and uniform pricing.
The minister decried the unacceptable conditions of some of the inherited and new projects of all ongoing federal roads awarded to Julius Berger, which were within the economic corridor of the nation and which were being delayed due to issues of price differentials or lack of effective funding.
He listed the projects affected to include: the 82km by 2 dualization of section of Abuja-Kaduna- Zaria- Kano Highway currently handled by Julius Berger; phase 2 of Lagos-Ibadan expressway, whose pavement elements had been changed from asphalt to concrete; section 2A bypass at the 2nd Niger Bridge whose pavement element was changed to concrete; the Bodo-bonny road funded by NLNG Tax Credit; the under deck structural works at 3rd Mainland Bridge, Iddo Bridge and Carter Bridge.
He urged the contractor to be open to a mutually agreed modality for milestone execution and funding of the projects at reviewed rates as may be agreed upon and approved by the Federal Executive Council.
He said, “Our job is to develop this mechanism based on FEC directives, and engage with the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, and finally we take our recommendations back to Mr. President, and of course FEC for consideration.
“On the section of Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano road agreed to be handled by Julius Berger, he commended the quality of work being done but directed the contractor to stick to one carriageway at a time within the scope and conclude their works.
“The contractor was further directed to, within three weeks, fill the two carriageways with stone base and level it to alleviate the sufferings of road users.
“We agreed that this project, within their own corridor, will last for 14 months. Project execution should be deployed in four sections, and we’ll be paying Berger N20 billion every month to get the job completed.”
On the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway phase 2, Umahi said the Ministry had no choice but to determine the contract and ask the Bureau of Public Procurement for No Objection for selective tendering.
He recalled, “We changed the elements of the pavement from asphalt to concrete, and the total cost we came up with based on prevailing cost is N153 billion. But they are offering N258 billion.
“Since we’ve been on this since September 2023, we have no choice but to determine this contract. And then we ask BPP for No Objection for selective tendering, whereby we will be sending our own advice of N153 billion to BPP, and we send their own of N258 billion to BPP, and then we invite other contractors to also bid. This we will conclude within the next one month so that we can get that job concluded.”
On the Second Niger Bridge Bypass handled by Julius Berger he said, “one of the bypasses, which is 17.27 kilometers by two on asphalt, was awarded to Julius Berger. We changed the pavement elements to concrete and the cost that we came up with was N133 billion.
“Berger almost gave us more than twice our cost, which is N279 billion. We have disagreed with this cost at the time of negotiation since September 2023. We’ve also decided to get the project back to BPP and invite more contractors to bid because this is public fund”.
On the Bodo-Bonny project being funded by NLNG Tax Credit, the Minister expressed concerns that Julius Berger had mobilized back to site after an additional cost of N80 billon was approved for the work.
“We agreed on an additional cost of N80 billion, which will bring the project to about N280 billion fixed and non-varying with the unit rates agreed, and we agreed that this project will not increase in cost beyond N280 billion,” he said.
Road projects: Umahi expresses worry over price differentials
Market remodelling: ‘We won’t shortchange you’ – Otti addresses traders’ fears
Abia State Governor, Alex Otti has flagged off the formal remodelling of the Ekeoha Market in Aba, with a promise to the traders that they won’t be shortchanged or made to lose their original shops.
Otti, who gave the assurance in his address to the traders during the flag off of rebuilding of the market, said that the project is a Public-Private Partnership (PPP).
He noted that the market would not be demolished immediately after the flag off as feared by traders, but would be done in phases.
“Again, let me give my words that nobody will be shortchanged because this is our collective project.
“This project has become very necessary to avert an imminent disaster. We remain eternally grateful to God that the ugly event of July 2023 did not cost lives but we must be careful not to overstretch our luck through unnecessary delays,” he said.
He informed the traders that the cost of owning shops in Ekeoha may be upward because of the current cost of building materials but explained that financial leverages would be provided for those genuinely interested in acquiring shops.
The new market, according to Otti, would on completion, have CCTV cameras for the safety of traders and their customers, as well as regular power supply, among other facilities.
“I am aware that there is discomfort amongst a certain section of traders about the cost of the project and this is understandable in view of the challenging economic realities in the land.
“At any rate, it is also important for us to understand that the new structures will be much bigger, better and more modern than what we had before now”, said Otti.
On Tuesday, a group of traders from Ekeoha Market, led by Chris Uruakpa and Tochukwu Oguguo stormed the Abia State House of Assembly, Umuahia, to stage a peaceful protest.
The traders, who lifted their placards during the protest at the Assembly complex, said that they were in support of Abia State government’s remodelling of their market, but expressed fears that the original owners may lose their shops or be out-priced after the completion of the reconstruction.
Market remodelling: ‘We won’t shortchange you’ – Otti addresses traders’ fears
Top 10 stories from across Nigerian Newspapers, Friday, August 9, 2024
Here are the top 10 stories making headlines across the country.
1. PROTESTS: Sanusi says security agencies knew of plans to loot in Kano but failed to act
The 16th Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II, has offered an explanation as to why violence and looting broke out during the #EndBadGovernance protests in Kano State.Read more
2. Bode George to Tinubu: Revisit your policies to address hardship in Nigeria
A former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George, on Thursday urged President Bola Tinubu to revisit some of his government’s policies to put smiles on the faces of Nigerians.Read more
3. Afenifere demands probe into killings, foreign intervention calls during protests
The Pan Yoruba Socio-Political Group, Afenifere, has called on the Federal Government to launch a comprehensive investigation into the killings, alleged foreign interests, and calls for military intervention during the recent nationwide protests.Read more
4. NLC questions Nigeria’s democracy, as security forces storm Labour House in might-time raid
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has provided details about the nighttime raid on its headquarters, the Labour House in Abuja, by armed security personnel on Wednesday.Read more
5. APC chairman, Ganduje, downplays hardship protests, says challenges are normal
Amid ongoing protests in the capital city and other parts of the country, the National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, has played down the demonstrations, stating that challenges and protests against government policies are not unique to Nigeria.Read more
READ ALSO:Top 10 stories from across Nigerian Newspapers, Thursday, August 8, 2024
6. ‘I have no murder case on my neck,’ Doguwa replies Jibrin
The member of the House of Representatives for Doguwa/Tudun Wada Federal Constituency of Kano State, Alhassan Doguwa, declared on Thursday there was no murder case hanging on his neck.Read more
7. Nigerian govt lifts suspension on Arik Air’s operations
The Federal Government has lifted the suspension of Arik Air’s operations.Read more
8. Capital import, diaspora remittance boost FX flows by 55% in six months —CBN
The Central Bank of Nigeria has disclosed that capital importation and diaspora remittances have boosted the net foreign exchange flows into the country which has increased to $25.4bn in the first six months of 2024.Read more
9. S’Africa accuses mother of Miss SA contestant Chidinma Adetshina of fraud, identity theft
Concerned authorities in South Africa have accused the mother Miss South Africa Contestant, Chidimma Vanessa Adetshina of fraud and identity theft following findings.Read more
10. Ese Brume finishes 5th as Nigeria’s medal wait continues after Day 13 in Paris
Team Nigeria have yet to make a podium finish at the ongoing Olympic Games in Paris, and the games have gone on for 13 days.Read more
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