The Nigerian House of Representatives has dismissed claims of a rift between Speaker Tajudeen Abbas and Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu.
The House also refuted allegations that members bribed their way into key committee positions.
In a statement issued by House Spokesperson Akin Rotimi Jnr on Wednesday, the House clarified that the recent dissolution of the Joint Ad Hoc Committee on Midstream and Downstream Petroleum adhered to the 1999 Constitution and the House’s standing rules.
Rotimi stated that the House’s internal mechanisms are supported by Section 60 of the 1999 Constitution, which grants it the authority to regulate its own procedures.
He said: “The leadership of the House reserves the right to disband or dissolve an ad hoc committee as needed.”
The statement also addressed rumors of bribery, asserting: “At no point did the House leadership or any individual receive inducements for committee appointments. The Selection Committee, which included members from all states of the federation, diligently executed these appointments between June and July 2023.”
Rotimi refuted the notion of discord between the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker, affirming: “There is no rift between the two. They maintain a strong, respectful relationship and are committed to their duties without internal conflicts.”
The House urged journalists to verify information before publication and to avoid spreading misinformation.
It reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and openness with the public and media.
Reps deny rift between Speaker Abbas, Deputy Kalu
Reps deny rift between Speaker Abbas, Deputy Kalu
Court tells Ecobank to pay N1bn to ex-Oceanic Bank workers
The National Industrial Court Lagos division has ordered Ecobank Nigeria Limited to pay the sum of N1,086,611,589.11 being judgment debt into the account of the Chief Registrar of the National Industrial Court, pending the hearing and determination of the appeal filed by Ecobank Bank against the judgment of the Court.
Justice R. H. Gwandu made the order on July 16, 2024, while ruling on an appeal filed by Ecobank against the previous judgment that directed the bank to pay 1,742 former Oceanic Bank staff for unpaid gratuities and staff savings.
The bank applied for a stay of execution but was denied. However, the court granted the ex-employees application for an Order Nisi to attach all monies owed to Ecobank with the Central Bank of Nigeria and other commercial banks, pending the determination of the appeal.
“The court refuses the application to stay the execution of the judgment and grants the Order Nisi as prayed.
“It is imperative to protect the integrity of this court’s judgment and ensure the judgment sum is secured pending the outcome of the appeal,” Justice Gwandu held.
It would be recalled that following the suit filed by 1,742 ex-Oceanic Bank employees against Ecobank who were denied their legitimate entitlements by the bank, the National Industrial Court, Lagos Division in a judgment had ordered Ecobank Nigeria Limited to pay the sum of N1, 086,611,589.11 to the ex-workers.
Dissatisfied with the Court, Ecobank filed an appeal against the judgment of the court and an application for a stay of the execution of the judgment.
Justice Gwandu in his ruling on the application for stay, and the application for order nisi held: “Order nisi is granted as prayed, stay of execution is denied.”
In the bench ruling, the court also held, “It, therefore, behoves this court to take steps to protect the integrity of its judgment and see that the Res is protected even when the appeal may or may not be pending.
“I hereby order the judgment debtor to pay the judgment sum into the account of the Chief Registrar of National Industrial Court of Nigeria pending the outcome of the appeal filed by the applicants.”
The claimants Babajide Bayode, Yemisi Adesote, Adeboyejo Oladimeji, Seun Aina, Yusuf Kadiri, Segun Alasan, Adetayo Familugba, and Lolade Olaribigbe, had through their counsel Mr Nwabu Okoye, filed the suit against Ecobank.
They sued for themselves and as representatives of 1,733 other ex-employees of Oceanic Bank now Ecobank Nigeria Limited.
Tinubu appoints governing council chairmen, members for federal varsities, others
President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointments of individuals to the governing councils of some federal universities and tertiary institutions across the country.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, in Abuja on Wednesday.
See the full list below:
Nigerian Maritime University, Okerenkoko, Delta State
- Temi Harriman — Chairman
- Adeola Adeogun — Member
- Benedict Aguele — Member
- Freeman Kasa — Member
- Babangida Abdullahi — Member
Nigerian University of Science and Technology, Abuja
- Rabe Bala — Chairman
- Mr. Akinola Fagbemi — Member
- Rakiatou Bagnou — Member
- Alwel Egwurugu — Member
- Femi Osabinu — Member
Federal University of Agriculture, Bassam-Biri, Bayelsa State
- Bram Baifa — Chairman
- Richard Odigbo — Member
- Yomi Johnson — Member
- Fatima Owuna — Member
- Christy Omoruyi — Member
Federal University of Health Sciences, Kwale, Delta State
- Ahmadu Salisu — Chairman
- Aragbaye Gbolagunte — Member
- Talba Bauchi — Member
- Akaninodo Adekunle — Member
- Chibuike Ikenga — Member
Federal University of Medical Sciences, Katsina State
- Habib Ibrahim — Chairman
- Yau Abdulkadir — Member
- Shehu Kaka — Member
- Ibrahim Abbah — Member
- Isijola Rasaki — Member
Federal University of Agriculture, Mubi, Adamawa State
- Rukayyatu Gurin — Chairman
- Peter Dogara — Member
- Amina Ndala — Member
- Owolabi Oseni — Member
- Olufemi Lawson — Member
Admiralty University, Ibusa, Delta State
- Yusuf Mohammed — Chairman
- Sani Ndanusa — Member
- Abdul Oroh — Member
- Mary Okaba Agbo — Member
- Omasan Agbajoh — Member
Nigeria French Language Village, Badagry, Lagos State
- Labiru Musa Kafur — Chairman
- Ibitoye Victor Philips — Member
- Bamgbose S. — Member
- Musa Ayas — Member
- Ogenyi Okpokwu Emmanuel — Member
National Institute of Nigerian Languages, Aba, Abia State
- Victor Ukaogo — Chairman
- Anjare Samuel — Member
- David Ismaila — Member
- Adimchinaka Onwukwe — Member
- Ify Okoye — Member
Nigerian Army University, Biu, Borno State
- Awal Morike — Chairman
- Mohammed Umar — Member
- Monday Nanza — Member
- Mohammed Audu — Member
- Sheriff Abdullahi — Member
Federal University of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Abeokuta, Ogun State
- Usman Shanawa — Chairman
- Kabiru Yahaya — Member
- Chinenye Moses — Member
- Uyiosasere Ekhosuehi — Member
- Joshua Adewale — Member
Nigeria Arabic Language Village, Gamboru Ngala, Borno State
- Ahmed Wambai — Chairman
- Gazali Suleiman — Member
- Imam Rahaman — Member
- Isah Kwayami — Member
- Mohammed Mamman — Member
National Mathematical Centre, Sheda, Kwali, FCT
- Edna Njoku — Chairman
- Kovie Epetutu — Member
- Oyinkasola Okewoye — Member
- Ibrahim Musa — Member
- Sarah Tukura — Member
“The President expects that the new members of the governing boards of these institutions will perform their functions effectively and creditably and within the ambits of their statutory responsibilities,” the statement added.
Trigger-happy soldiers kill one, injure 4 others in Bauchi
Soldiers attached to the Operation Safe Haven in Tafawa Balewa unit of Bauchi State has shot dead a youngman identified as Habibu Aminu in the state.
Four other persons were seriously injured in the incident at Lere village in Tafawa Balewa local government area of the state on Tuesday.
The spokesman for the state police command, Ahmed Wakili, confirmed the incident to journalists on Wednesday in Bauchi.
He said: “Today, 7th August, 2024, some members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from Lere Village in Tafawa Balewa LGA in 3 Sharon vehicles went for a campaign in Lere District preparatory to local government elections coming up on the 17th of August, 2024.
“On their way back, they had to pass through a checkpoint mounted by Personnel of Operation Safe Heaven based in Tafawa Balewa. They were stopped at the checkpoint but refused to stop and drove to Lere.
“However, the troops went and arrested one of the drivers in his house at Lere. Consequently, the people became more aggressive and went back to the checkpoint in order to free the arrested driver. The troops retracted and opened fire at the people.
“As a result, one Habibu Aminu, Babawo, Nawawu, Abdulrashid, Ahmed Yashim and Yakubu Bello, all residents of Tafawa Balewa sustained various degrees of injuries. The said Habibu Aminu later died at the hospital while others are responding to treatment.”
By: Yemi Kainji
The post Trigger-happy soldiers kill one, injure 4 others in Bauchi appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.
Edo denies hoarding FG rice, claims proper distribution
The Edo State Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, on Wednesday, said that the state government received a few trucks of rice from the Federal Government early this year. Nehikhare, who stated this at a press conference in Benin, said that the said rice was 25kg each and would have in no way alleviated
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BREAKING: Tinubu appoints governing council for Maritime University, Others
President Bola Tinubu has appointed heads of governing councils of selected federal universities and tertiary institutions of learning.
Nigerian Maritime University, Okerenkoko, Delta State, has Temi Harriman as Chairman, and Adeola Adeogun, Benedict Aguele, Freeman Kasa and Babangida Alhassan Abdullahi as members of governing council.
Nigerian University of Science and Technology, Abuja, has Rabe Mudi Bala as Chairman while Akinola Fagbemi, Rakiatou Bagnou, Alwel Egwurugu and Femi Osabinu will serve as members.
Federal University of Agriculture, Bassam-Biri, Bayelsa, has Bram Baifa serving as Chairman while Richard Odigbo, Yomi Johnson, Fatima Owuna and Christy Akpehuan-Omoruyi will serve as members.
Others are as follows:
Federal University of Health Sciences, Kwale, Delta State:
Ahmadu Barau Banye Salisu (Chairman), Aragbaye Oluwatosin Gbolagunte, Talba Bauchi, Akaninodo Kehinde Adekunle and Chibuike Ikenga.
Federal University of Medical Sciences, Katsina State: Habib Mohammed Ibrahim (Chairman), Yau Aisha Abdulkadir, Shehu Kaka, Ibrahim Umar Abbah and
Isijola Rasaki.
Federal University of Agriculture, Mubi, Adamawa State:
Rukayyatu Abdulkareem Gurin (Chairman),
Peter Tanko Dogara, Amina Ibrahim Ndala, Owolabi Shamsideen Oseni and Olufemi Laws on.
Admiralty University, Ibusa, Delta State:
Yusuf Mohammed (Chairman), Sani Ndanusa, Abdul Oroh, Mary Okaba Agbo and Omasan Agbajoh.
The Nigeria French Language Village , Badagry, Lagos State:
Labiru Musa Kafur (Chairman), Ibitoye Victor Philips, Bamgbose S, Musa Ayas and Ogenyi Okpokwu Emmanuel.
National Institute of Nigerian Languages , Aba, Abia State:
Victor O. Ukaogo ( Chairman), Anjare Samuel, David Turuka Ismaila, Adimchinaka Onwukwe and Princess Ify Ugo Okoye.
NIGERIAN ARMY UNIVERSITY, BIU, BORNO STATE
(1) Awal Bawa Morike — Chairman
(2) Mohammed Bashir Umar — Member
(3) Monday Nanza — Member
(4) Mohammed Alhaji Audu — Member
(5) Sheriff Abdullahi — Member
Federal University of Medicine And Medical Sciences , Abeokuta , Ogun State:
Usman Mohammed Shanawa (Chairman),
Kabiru Yahaya, Chinenye Love Moses, Uyiosasere Ekhosuehi and Joshua Oludare Adewale.
Nigeria Arabic Language Village , Gamboru Ngala, Borno State:
Ahmed Wamba (Chairman), Gazali Hamza Suleiman,
Imam Alfa Rahaman, Isah Kwayami and Mohammed Ize Mamman.
National Mathematical Centre , Sheda, Kwali , FCT:
Edna Njoku (Chairman), Kovie Andrew Epetutu, Oyinkasola Okewoye, Ibrahim Musa and Sarah Tukura.
A statement by Tinubu’s Media Aide, Ajuri Ngelale on Wednesday, noted that the President expects the new members of the governing boards to perform their functions effectively and creditably and within the ambits of their statutory responsibilities.
BREAKING: Tinubu appoints governing council for Maritime University, Others
Tinubu appoints new governing councils for six federal colleges of education
President Bola Tinubu has appointed 30 individuals to serve on the governing councils of six federal colleges of education located in Kebbi, Benue, Edo, Ebonyi, Bauchi, and Sokoto states.
The Presidency announced the appointments on Wednesday in a statement signed by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, titled “President Tinubu Appoints Governing Councils of Federal Colleges of Education.”
At the Federal College of Education (Technical), Yauri, Kebbi State, he appointed Ismaila Gadaka as Chairman of the governing council. Members include Abdulhakeem Adegoke, Pam Ishaya, Abubakar Fakai, and Zara Usman.
At the Federal College of Education (Technical), Isu, Ebonyi State, Tinubu named Mohammed Takori as Chairman, while Dauda Onipede, Victor Danzaria, Solomon Ayuba, and Mario Owumi will serve as members.
Baba Homsuk will now serve as Chairman of the governing council of the Federal College of Education, Odugbo, Benue State, with Kayode Ajiboye, Rex Ogbonna, Jude Ngaji, and John Viko as members.
Tinubu also named Aisha Tahir as Chairwoman of the governing council of the Federal College of Education, Jama’are, Bauchi State. The council members are Dorren Udechukwu, Bar Yaji, Mustapha Shehu, and Joshua Adewale.
At the Federal College of Education, Gidan Madi, Sokoto, he appointed Abdullahi Adamu as Chairman, with Olatunji Akinbiyi, Mohammed Malala, Saleh Audu, and Lami Oguogho as members.
The Federal College of Education (Technical), Benin City, Edo State, also received Tukur Jikamshi as Chairman of its governing council. Members include Abdullahi Loko, Asimiyu Alarape, Abubakar Bello, and Christopher Okaeben.
The President anticipates that the new members of the boards of these institutions will “serve with dedication and commitment to improving the standards of learning in the nation’s federal colleges of education,” the statement added.
Withdrawal of Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso from ECOWAS threatens regional security — Commissioner
The Economic Community of West African States Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security, Ambassador Abdel-Fatau Musah, has stated that the withdrawal of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso from the regional bloc will lead to unintended security consequences.
In January, the three military-led West African nations announced their immediate withdrawal from ECOWAS, accusing the organisation of becoming a threat to its member states.
Speaking at the 42nd ordinary session of the Committee of ECOWAS Chiefs of Defence Staff in Abuja on Wednesday,
Musah stressed that their withdrawal would inevitably undermine coordination and cooperation in combating terrorism, human trafficking, and transnational organised crime.
He said, “The exit of these countries from ECOWAS after almost five decades of diplomatic, political, and security cooperation will eventually generate unintended consequences on the security front.
“Such a withdrawal will inevitably undermine coordination and cooperation in the fight against terrorism, human trafficking, and transnational organised crime in our region. This situation compels this gathering to also focus deliberations on reassessing our peace and security strategies moving forward.”
Musah called on the ECOWAS Defence Chiefs to finalise the planning for the deployment to stabilise Sierra Leone and the operationalisation of the ECOWAS Logistics Depot at Lungi in the Republic of Sierra Leone.
He added, “This meeting will also be updated on progress in the operationalisation of the ECOWAS Logistics Depot at Lungi in the Republic of Sierra Leone, among other initiatives.”
The Nigerian Minister of Defence, Mohammad Badaru, called for the development of new military strategies to ensure peace and stability in the region.
He said, “As we develop new military strategies and coordinate regional security, we must ensure peace, stability, and effective responses to emerging threats. Your capacity to devise solutions is more essential than ever as we strive to protect our security and uphold regional peace, stability, and security, as inclusively stated under the fundamental principles of the Air Force.”
He also urged the regional defence chiefs to reflect deeply on the rapidly evolving and complex security situation in West Africa.
He said, “The threats we face are multi-faceted, ranging from violence, terrorism, and insurgency to organised crime and piracy.
“As the vanguard of our peace and security efforts, your strategies, decisions, and actions are vital in determining our security landscape and architecture.”
Badaru also called for a new mechanism to curb the proliferation of small arms in the region, adding that the influx had reached an alarming level.
He said, “The illicit movement of small arms and light weapons in our region has reached alarming levels. There is a need for the development of new mechanisms to complement the existing Convention on Small Arms and Light Weapons to effectively prevent further proliferation of these weapons.”
NYSC declares Akwa Ibom coordinator, driver missing
The National Youth Service Corps has declared Okun Christopher, the Akwa Ibom State coordinator of the scheme, and his driver, Daniel Effiong Asibong, missing.
Christopher and Asibong went missing while travelling for an official assignment between Delta and Akwa Ibom States on Monday, 29 July 2024.
Confirming the development to newsmen in Abuja on Wednesday, the Director of the Press and Public Relations Department, Eddy Megwa, stated that the duo was abducted during their journey.
Megwa lamented that despite all efforts, there has been no breakthrough in locating their whereabouts.
He stated that the NYSC is in contact with their families to gather information about their location. Megwa urged anyone with useful information to contact the scheme.
The vehicle they were using was a white official Hilux with registration number “27D31FG”.
“Anyone with information regarding their whereabouts should contact any of the 37 NYSC state secretariats, area offices, the National Directorate Headquarters in Abuja, or the nearest police station or security agency for prompt action,” Megwa said.
Okun Christopher resumed as the 19th state coordinator of the NYSC in Akwa Ibom in April 2024.
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Police nab inter-state armed robbery gang in Osun
The Osun State Police Command on Wednesday paraded members of an inter-state armed robbery gang based in Lagos State but carrying out robbery operations in the state.
One of those arrested, Solomon Michael, while responding to questions from According Metro, admitted participating in three different robbery operations with the gang, serving as the driver of the group.
Michael admitted to having had an accident while returning from a robbery operation in Ede.
The suspect further said he used to work as a truck driver before an issue involving him and his employer landed him in Kirikiri Custodial Centre, Lagos.
There, he met Sunday Felix, who initiated him fully into armed robbery.
Earlier, while presenting the suspects to journalists at the command headquarters in Osogbo, the state Police/Public Relations Officer, Yemisi Opalola, said the gang had carried out many robbery operations in Ede before they were arrested.
According to her, on April 7, 2024, a complainant had reported at ‘B’ Division Ede, that four armed robbery gangs stormed his house located at Akankan Area, Ede, and dispossessed him and other occupants of items such as iPhone 13 Promax, Iphone 7plus, Iphone 6S, clothes, and other property valued N4.9 million.
Opalola also disclosed that the same gang had on April 14, 2024, travelling in a Toyota Corolla car, stormed a house located in Fiwasaye Agbale Area, Ede, and kidnapped a resident after stealing 3 HP laptop computer sets belonging to the occupants of the building.
“The victim was not released until 4:30 am after collecting the sum of one hundred and twenty-three thousand naira (#123,000) ransom which was transferred to Account No. 2022108661 belonging to one of the armed robbers, Solomon Michael,” she said.
During the operation, one of the armed robbers named Sunday Felix fired on the complainant’s brother; Ali Monday Segun on his right leg.
The victim was rushed to the Obafemi Awolowo Teaching Hospital, Ile-Ife where the ammunition was removed after operation.
Also paraded was Tajudeen Abiola, who specialises in duping Point of Sale operators, using fake credit alerts.
Opalola said all the suspects would be arraigned before court after the completion of an investigation into their cases, adding that efforts would also be geared towards arresting fleeing suspects mentioned in connection to crimes in the state.