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Lawmakers seek overhaul of maritime law to grow economy

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Lawmakers seek overhaul of maritime law to grow economy

The House of Representatives has reiterated its call for the urgent need to amend the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency Act of 2007, to enhance shipping operations in the country.

The lawmaking body stated this in Abuja on Friday at the presentation of a book titled, “Nigeria’s Shipping Policy and Maritime Trade up to the Early 21st Century, written by Edmund Chilaka.

At the event, the House Committee on Maritime Safety, Education, and Administration highlighted the need to revisit the 17-year-old NIMASA Act.

In a statement issued on Saturday, House spokesman, Akin Rotimi noted that the lower legislative chamber was represented at the event by the Chairman of the Committee, Khadijah Ibrahim (APC, Yobe) and Adebayo Samuel (APC, Lagos).

Areas of the amendment proposed by Adebayo include the modernisation of terms-replacing “Free on Board” with “Cost, Insurance and Freight,” in line with contemporary practices, introduction of an open international registry and enhancing prosecutorial powers of the agency.

Others will include strengthening Clause 17 (7) to enhance financial autonomy as well as improving coordination and avoiding duplication of functions among government agencies.

According to the statement, “Stakeholders and experts at the event emphasised the critical need to increase cargo allocations for indigenous shipowners.

“They argued that such measures would support sustainable local shipping operations and strengthen Sections 35-38 of the NIMASA Act concerning the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund,” the statement read in part.

“The House initiative aims at revitalising dormant sectors of the Marine and Blue Economy and mitigate capital flight, which currently sees an estimated $9 billion annually in freight costs paid to foreign shipping lines,” Rotimi added.

Participants also call for clear cargo reservation policies and maintaining a percentage of cargo for domestic shipping companies, in addition to a more proactive role for NIMASA in international trade and cargo management.

The statement however lamented that “Despite the focus on NIMASA’s legislation, officials from the agency were notably absent from the event.

Planned protest: Kano traders set up ‘special guards’ to prevent looting

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Planned protest: Kano traders set up ‘special guards’ to prevent looting

A group, Patriotic Elders Forum of Nigeria, has asked the organizers of the planned nationwide protest to shelve the exercise and embrace dialogue.
The call is coming as the Kano business community floated an emergency squad to provide security across markets and business places during the planned nationwide protest.
At a stakeholders meeting with market leaders in Kano on Saturday, National President of the Patriotic Elders, Dr Bature AbdulAziz, and leader of the Kano Business Community, Alhaji Sabi’u Bako, stressed the need to take proactive steps to forestall looting.
AbdulAziz noted that protests do not always provide the required results, noting that most times, it plunges nations into catastrophe and uncertainties.
He said there was a need for the government and the planners of the protest to hold talks towards addressing their concerns.
During the meeting, a 20 member committee was inaugurated to coordinate the operations of the emergency market safety squad.
Speaking at the meeting, Alhaji Balarabe Tatari, the chairman, Kantin Kwari Market Traders Association, urged youths to desist from engaging in acts capable of disrupting the peaceful atmosphere in Kano State.
Tatari noted that reports making the rounds indicate that the protest will be conducted peacefully.
However, he noted, “It is incumbent on us to provide adequate measures to protect Kano as the center of commerce.”
“We are aware that in such cases, bad elements usually penetrate and turn it into something else by looting and destroying properties.
“I am appealing to the youths to put it at the back of their mind that Kano is their home and any attempt to make it inhabitable would lead to unforseen circumstances.
“Kano is our state and we must work together to ensure that whatever comes up does not disrupt law and order,” he added.
On his part, the Managing Director, Kantin Kwari Textile Market Management Board, Alhaji Hamisu Saadu Dogon Nama, called on traders and other business owners to comply with directives and contribute their quota to the maintenance of law and order.
Similarly, the managing director, Sabon Gari/Galadima and Singa Markets, Alhaji Abdullahi, said, “We have informed our members to come out on the day of the protest to protect our business premises.”
Planned protest: Kano traders set up ‘special guards’ to prevent looting

Ijaw group cautions FG on use of brute force

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Ijaw group cautions FG on use of brute force

The Ijaw National Congress has advised the Federal Government and security agencies to exercise caution in their responses to the nationwide protest planned to be held Aug.1-Aug.10.

Prof. Benjamin Okaba, President, INC, gave the advice in Abuja on Saturday at a news conference tagged “State of the Nation: What the Federal Government Should Do”.

Okaba said that the Federal Government should guide against inflammatory rhetoric and heavy-handed tactics, which could exacerbate tensions and plunge the nation into chaos.

“As our nation teeters on the brink of a proposed protest amidst unprecedented national hardship, the Ijaw National Congress (INC) urges the Federal Government and security agencies to exercise extreme caution in their responses to the agitations.

“We advise against inflammatory rhetoric and heavy-handed tactics, which could exacerbate tensions and plunge our nation into chaos.

“We equally advise all Nigerians; a peace protest is not criminal in as much as we all play according to the rules and regulations guiding such civil demonstrations”, he said.

Okaba said that the current state of the Nigerian nation was one of great concern, as it was bedeviled with various challenges threatening the peace, stability and prosperity of the country.

“From political instability to economic hardship, security threats, social inequality, environmental degradation, infrastructure deficits, corruption, and governance issues, Nigeria is facing a myriad of complex problems.

“These problems require immediate attention, pragmatic policies and actions by all in and out of government.

“This proposed protest and its consequences are avoidable if only the government takes urgent steps to faithfully address the root causes of the multifarious challenges we face as a nation.

“The root causes are principally that of energy scarcity and expensiveness and the astronomical hike in the cost of basic amenities like foods, housing, transportation, security, health care services and water,’’ he said.

He urged the government to embark on constructive engagement with stakeholders with a view to providing immediate, medium term and long term remedies to the challenges.

“The application of brute force or any oppressive measures will only aggravate the present level of oppression and repression”, Okaba said.

The INC President therefore appealed to the Federal Government to take immediate steps to address the root causes of these challenges.

He said that such steps should include economic reforms to stimulate growth and reduce poverty, insecurity and violence in the nation.

He also advocated transparency and accountability in governance, social justice and equality for all Nigerians.

“The Federal Government should also ensure security and justice for all, engage in a heart-to-heart conversation with Nigerians, reduce the cost of governance, promote fiscal federalism, diversify the economy, address environmental degradation, tackle corruption among others.

“However, we urge all Nigerians especially the Ijaws and Niger Delta region where the brunt of national hardship is felt to remain peaceful and law-abiding even in the midst of the planned protest if it must hold.

“We also urge all Nigerians to come together, regardless of tribe, religion, or political affiliation, to work towards a brighter future for our nation’’, Okaba said.

NAN.

Biafra: Simon Ekpa claims 49 million have voted in ‘self-referendum’

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Biafra: Simon Ekpa claims 49 million have voted in ‘self-referendum’

The head of Biafra Republic Government in Exile, Simon Ekpa has claimed that over 49 million Igbos have voted in a ‘self-referendum’.
Ekpa disclosed this in a statement posted on his official X handle on Saturday.
The Biafra agitator claimed that the voting process was e-voting and physical voting.
“Over 49 million Biafrans have voted in the ongoing Biafra self-referendum,” he claimed.
Ekpa said the process began in February, claiming that the number of those who have voted for self-referendum in the last six months surpassed the number of voters in the 2023 Nigerian presidential election.
He said the exercise will last till November.
BRGIE had cited marginalization, underdevelopment, insecurity and poverty in the South-East region as justification for the self-referendum.
Biafra: Simon Ekpa claims 49 million have voted in ‘self-referendum’

Senator who survived fraud charge, lost governorship bid

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Senator who survived fraud charge, lost governorship bid

The Senator representing Anambra South Senatorial District at the National Assembly, Ifeanyi Ubah, has died at the age of 52.

Ubah, who was the Chief Executive Officer of Capital Oil, died in a hotel in London, the United Kingdom, on Saturday.

The late lawmaker was a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress and a renowned businessman.

In this article, According Online takes a look at the fraud charges levelled against Ubah by the Federal Government, which was later dismissed, and his failed governorship ambition.

Dismissed fraud charge

In December 2019, the federal government filed a criminal charge against Ubah and his company, Capital Oil, for alleged false claims and debt of N135bn to the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria.

This led to the Federal High Court in Lagos, on June 13, 2023, directing that criminal summons be issued to the senator and his company.

The order was given on an 8-count charge bordering on his alleged indebtedness to AMCON.

According to the debt-recovery agency, Ubah and Capital Oil allegedly conspired to make false claims about the actual values of certain assets transferred to AMCON under a consent judgment he and his company made with AMCON.

The defendants were also alleged to have obstructed AMCON in the realisation of part of his outstanding debt of N135 billion by frustrating the sale of a property at Banana Island, Lagos.

However, on October 8, 2023, AMCON, on behalf of the federal government, withdrew the charges filed against Senator Ubah and his firm.

The case against the senator was withdrawn after both parties reached agreements, and a consent judgment was reached in a sister case before the Federal Capital Territory court in Abuja.

Failed governorship bid

Ubah contested the 2014 Anambra governorship election on the platform of the Labour Party but lost the race to Willie Obiano of the All Progressives Grand Alliance.

On February 24, 2019, he defected to the Young Progressive Party and was declared the winner of the Anambra South Senatorial election on the platform of the party. He won his re-election into the Senate on February 28, 2023.

However, the Anambra senator defected to Nigeria’s ruling party, the All Progressive Congress, on Oct 12, 2023.

The late lawmaker declared interest in contesting the 2025 Anambra governorship election.

A few days ago, Ubah and his campaign council donated N71m to APC in the state to bolster the party’s presence and strength ahead of the election.

Stakeholders call for stronger corporate governance frameworks in Nigeria’s public sector

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Stakeholders call for stronger corporate governance frameworks in Nigeria’s public sector

Stakeholders have called for the institutionalization of corporate governance in Nigeria’s public sector to foster transformation and support the government’s goal of achieving a trillion-dollar economy.
This call was made at the second edition of the National Corporate Governance Summit, held on Thursday in Lagos.
The event, with the theme, ‘Institutionalising Good Governance for National Transformation: The Imperative of Public/Private Sector Collaboration’, was organized by the Institute of Directors’ Centre for Corporate Governance (IoDCCD), the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI), the Financial Reporting Council (FRC), and the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria (ICSAN).
The summit emphasized the need for robust governance practices in the public sector.
Managing Partner at Compliance Professionals Plc, who was also the former chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, Mrs Ifueko Okauru, highlighted the necessity of good corporate governance despite cultural, experiential, and ethnic divides.
Drawing from her public sector experience, she asserted that establishing corporate governance is achievable with dedication, personal sacrifice, and firm commitment.
Okauru stressed that Nigeria must adopt good governance practices to align better with international business standards.
She also called for a legal framework to support this institutionalization and structures to drive national transformation.
Okauru further emphasized the symbolic importance of national elements like the anthem and flag in fostering unity and driving transformation.
She noted that institutionalizing good governance demands significant investment in time, deep thinking, discipline, and sincerity to harness the nation’s diverse population.
Additionally, she urged the development of policies that recognize Nigeria’s diversity and build the trust needed for effective collaboration among governance professionals.
Chairman of IoD CCG, Mr U. K. Eke, stressed the importance of integrating the public sector into national development efforts.
He underscored the critical role of corporate governance in achieving high performance across both private and public sectors, advocating for the application of governance principles across all economic sectors.
Executive Secretary of FRC, Dr Rabiu Olowo, pointed out that good governance is globally recognized as the foundation of economic growth. He commended the success of the Nigerian Code of Corporate Governance, 2018, in enhancing private sector governance and called for similar efforts in the public sector to drive national transformation.
Olowo equally emphasized the need for higher accountability standards in the public sector, similar to those in the private sector.
The CEO of MOFI, Dr Armstrong Takang, stressed the necessity of adopting and institutionalizing corporate governance in the public sector.
He noted that while the private sector, particularly banking, has seen significant success from good governance, government institutions often lack transparency and accountability. Takang expressed optimism that entrenching good governance principles would lead to noticeable improvements.
President of ICSAN, Mrs Funmi Ekundayo, underscored the importance of continuous collaboration between the public and private sectors to embed good governance for national transformation. She stated that good governance would address key challenges such as corruption, insecurity, and economic instability, thereby promoting national development.
Ekundayo added that institutionalizing good governance would enhance accountability, transparency, and resource management, fostering a stable environment for economic growth and public service effectiveness.
Stakeholders call for stronger corporate governance frameworks in Nigeria’s public sector

Two fake lecturers arrested in BUK 

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Two fake lecturers arrested in BUK 

The security operatives in Bayero University, Kano, have arrested two persons for parading themselves as lecturers and selling books to unsuspecting fresh students.

This was contained in a statement by the Publication Secretary, Special Bulletin, Bala Abdullahi, on behalf of the Registrar of the university, a copy of which was made available to According Online on Saturday.

According to the statement, the two suspects, David Iluebe from Edo State and Chike Eke from Delta State, surreptitiously entered a lecture hall at the Faculty of Engineering and introduced themselves to 100-level students as lecturers of the department.

“Thereafter, they presented a set of four different textbooks on the Use of English, Statistics, Nigerian People and Culture, and lastly, Algebra and Geometry Mathematics threatening the students to purchase these books as a requirement for their Continuous Assessment (CA) otherwise they’ll fail their courses.

“The apprehensive students present in the hall responded by buying several copies to meet the course requirement,” the statement said.

However, nemesis caught up with the suspects when the security operatives swooped in on them following a report.

“The two persons were, however, arrested on July 25, 2024, by the security operatives for suspected criminal trespass, impersonation and cheating.

“During preliminary investigation, the suspects claimed that they were the authors of the books they were selling to the students and they confessed to all the allegations leveled against them, revealing that they were hustling to make a living due to lack of a job.

“The suspects further disclosed that this was the second time they were coming to the state, having been to the Kano State Polytechnic earlier this year.

According to the statement, the set of books found in their possession were all of poor quality and believed to have been pirated.

“This is a very disturbing emerging trend in our tertiary institutions which are being invaded by crooks and charlatans masquerading as academicians in order to dupe and exploit our unsuspecting students,” the statement added.

Abdullahi further said, the suspects would be handed over to the Police for further appropriate action, while students would be sensitized on the ugly development.

He also said, “The management of the university, therefore, warmed students and the general public to be wary of such impersonators adding that surveillance has been beefed up in the university to avert the recurrence of such an ugly incident.”

Youth group warns against politicization of planned protest

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Youth group warns against politicization of planned protest

A youth group, the National Youth Solidarity Front (NYSFN), has thrown its weight behind the right to protest but cautioned against the potential misuse of such actions for political gain.
At a press conference held on Saturday in Abuja, the group’s Vice Chairman, Hon. Chinazam Ike, stated that while peaceful protests are a fundamental aspect of democracy, there are concerns that the proposed demonstrations could be hijacked by politicians with ulterior motives.
Ike emphasized the importance of protests as a tool for addressing societal issues and holding government accountable. However, he expressed fears that the current situation might escalate into instability if not carefully managed.
The NYSFN also highlighted the nation’s economic challenges, primarily blaming them on the inability to effectively manage the country’s resources. The group appealed to the youth to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s call for caution, emphasizing the potential negative impact of widespread protests on Nigeria’s future.
READ ALSO:Group requests security support from Lagos CP for upcoming hunger protest
The statement reads in part, “We strongly agree with the spirit and the letter of holding government accountable, airing views or even expressing displeasures, these are not just fundamentals of a democracy or free society, they are the very foundations upon which the founding fathers of our nation built it. The move from nationalism that eventually led to the independence of the country and subsequently the battle for the return to democracy are a few of the struggles that have been achieved through relentless and ideological protests. As young people we wholly subscribe to the instrumentalities of a peaceful protest geared towards the actualization of courses that are in the greater good of our dear Nation.
“However, the consequent weaponization of protest to initiate political instability is what we are averse with. We have seen many stories around the African countries where peaceful protests have led to peaceful resolution of social issues, we have equally seen situations where nations crumble at the instance that peaceful protests become weaponized by desperate politicians to create political instability, usurp power of truncate the very democracy that guaranteed the right and liberties of protests in the first place. We have strong reasons to believe that the proposed protests favour the latter, we have confidential and classified information that has alluded to the interference of the proposed protest by politicians who see it as a means of settling their political scores.
“As youth who owe a responsibility to the present and the future of our nation, we find it unpatriotic to go ahead and provide an enabling environment for desperate politicians to take advantage of to concoct instability.
“The bane of the economy of our dear Nation has been our inability to transform our resources into equitable wealth like other oil rich nations have done. As a matter of fact the artificial hardship that the country is facing is occasioned by its inability to provide affordable fuel which powers the economy of the nation. Therefore, we are re-addressing our protests to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu who has come out to appeal to us the youth to be careful not to put down this very nation that holds the promise of our bright future.”
The post Youth group warns against politicization of planned protest appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.

Fubara redeems N100m pledge as police hand over slain DPO’s body to family

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Fubara redeems N100m pledge as police hand over slain DPO’s body to family

The Rivers State Police Command has handed over the remains of slain Divisional Police Officer, Bako Angbashin, to his family.

This is also as the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, has redeemed his N100m bounty pledge.

Superintendent Angbashin was until his death the DPO of Ahoada East Local Government Area of the state.

He was captured and dismembered by an Iceland cultist group led by its leader, Gift Okpara, popularly known as 2Baba in the Oduemude community in Ahoada East, on September 8, 2023.

Six months later, the police killed the wanted cult leader during a raid in his hideout in the Idu-Ekpeye community in Ahoada on March 25, 2024, while his body was recovered a few days later I’m Ibrass forest in Ahoada West LGA both in the state.

At the State Police headquarters, along Moscow Road on Saturday, a parade was conducted in honour of the late DPO, under the supervision of the State Commissioner, Olatunji Disu.

In his remarks, Disu noted that the late Angbashin dedicated his life to fighting crime in the state, including the arrest of a notorious cult leader in the Ogoni axis of the state identified as Boboski.

He said, “He (Angbashin) was instrumental in arresting the notorious criminal, Boboski, who had terrorised motorists along the Akwa-Ibom section of the East-West Road, and restored order to Bori and its environs by eliminating all forms of cultism when he was the Divisional Police Officer in Bori.

“His gallantry and operational expertise led to his transfer to the Ahoada Division, where he was tasked with effecting the arrest of a most-wanted criminal, Gift Opara, also known as 2Baba.

“He employed all his skills and experience to apprehend 2Baba and his associates alive and was on the verge of a breakthrough when he met the tragic event that resulted in his murder and dismemberment.

“Following the gory incident, the Command was initially unable to recover the late SP Bako Angbashim’s remains. However, we are now pleased to announce that we have successfully recovered his remains.”

He added that investigations led to the apprehension of Angbashim’s murderers.

He said, “Investigations into the murder of the late SP Bako Angbashim led the Command to launch an assault on those responsible, 2Baba and his cohorts.

“The operation resulted in the neutralisation of the suspects and the subsequent recovery of remains believed to be those of the late officer. To ensure closure for the bereaved family and the Police, a thorough examination was conducted to confirm the identity of the recovered remains.”

The CP also disclosed that Fubara had redeemed the N100 million bounty he pledged on the head of the wanted cult kingpin.

He said, “I would like to express my deepest appreciation to the Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalaiyi Fubara, who kept his word and redeemed the ₦100 million pledge to those who provided credible information that led to the neutralization of the suspect, 2Baba, and the recovery of his corpse which was hidden by his gang members.

“I also want to thank the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun PhD, NPM, for his encouragement and support throughout the operation.”

Receiving the casket containing the remains of the late DPO, the deceased’s elder brother, Dogo Angbashin, expressed happiness that his brother served the nation meritoriously as a police officer.

He also said the late Angbashin bequeathed a legacy of gallantry in the State Police and the Force in general.

“I’m here on behalf of the family and the good people of Nassarawa State to receive the remains of our late brother, SO Bako Angbashin.

“I thank the Rivers State Police Command, the CP in particular and his men for its efforts to ensure that the killers of my late brother were brought to book and the extra effort to recover his body”, Dogo said.

Dangote Refinery: Reps threaten to demand sack of NNPCL boss, Kyari

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Dangote Refinery: Reps threaten to demand sack of NNPCL boss, Kyari

The House of Representatives has said it would call for the sack of Group Chief Executive Officer of Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, Mele Kyari, if what they described as the “attempt to destroy Dangote Refinery” does not stop immediately.
The deputy spokesperson of the House, Philip Agbese, stated this while speaking with newsmen in Abuja on Saturday.
Agbese noted that the lawmakers had already called for the sack of the leadership of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, NMDPRA.
He observed that both agencies – NNPCL and NMDPRA – have shown that they are interested in destroying the Dangote Refinery.
He stated that many Nigerians have called off the proposed hardship protest, but added that they want to see Kyari sacked if that would guarantee the smooth functioning of the country.
According to him, the House would investigate the ongoing spat between Dangote Refinery and the NMDPRA.
Agbese said the investigation is in line with the House’s commitment to protect all national assets and critical economic infrastructure, like the Dangote Refinery.
He said: “We have been seeing a lot by way of demarketing campaigns to discredit the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and given the negative impact of this, which has caused panic in the country.
“It is on record that the House directed the President to sack NMDPRA’s CEO.
“The House of Representatives will not hesitate to call for the sack of Mele Kyari if the attempt to destroy the refinery project, a national asset, does not stop immediately.”
Recall that the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, had earlier led a delegation of the House on a visit to the Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals Company in Lagos.
Abbas said the visit provided valuable insights that would guide the House’s legislative measures and decisions.
He said the House was working to create a more business-friendly environment to make Nigeria an attractive destination for local and international investors.
Dangote Refinery: Reps threaten to demand sack of NNPCL boss, Kyari

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