Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, has expressed deep grief over the death of the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, describing it as the fall of a great iroko and an incalculable loss to Ndigbo and Nigeria in general.
Governor Mbah said Iwuanyanwu was unapologetically Igbo, yet a consummate nationalist and quintessential statesman, who gave his all-in service to the nation and to the Igbo race.
Reacting to the unfortunate incident on Thursday, he said, “I received with a deep of grief the shocking news of the demise of Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, an icon, pan Nigerian, national colossus, and an absolute patriot, who gave his all for the peace and progress of Ndigbo and Nigeria.
“Ahaejiagamba, as he was popularly known, took up the mantle of leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo at a very difficult time, and acquitted himself most creditably as a courageous leader, whose vision was to chart a new roadmap for Igbo renaissance in the Nigerian commonwealth.
“He was an erudite scholar, researcher, media entrepreneur, sports enthusiast and financier, business mogul with interest in many critical sectors of the nation’s economy, and indeed a philanthropist.
“His politics was no less remarkable. His views were candid and unpretentious, but never divisive. His maturity shone brightly, as he often sought to build bridges.
“Indeed, Chief Iwuanyanwu, a pan Africanist, would be missed by not only Ndigbo and Nigeria, but Africa as a whole.
“On behalf of the Government and people of Enugu State, I offer my condolences to his family and pray that God comforts and grants them as well as the Government and people of Imo State, Ndigbo, and the nation the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.
“Rest in peace, Ahaejiagamba Ndigbo.”
Great Iroko has fallen’ – Gov Mbah mourns Iwuanyanwu
Great Iroko has fallen’ – Gov Mbah mourns Iwuanyanwu
27-year-old arrested for defiling minor in Ogun
A 27-year-old man, Damilola Orelaja, has been arrested by the Ogun State Police Command for allegedly defiling a 14-year-old girl in the Omu Ijebu area of Ogun State.
The command’s spokesperson, Omolola Odutola, confirmed the arrest to our correspondent via a WhatsApp message on Thursday.
According to her, the suspect allegedly lured the survivor into his apartment on Araromi Street, Ọmu-Ijebu, at around 8:00 pm on July 22, 2024, while the survivor was returning from errands.
The police spokesperson said the officers in the Omu division immediately swung into action after the survivor’s father, identified simply as Wasiu, reported the matter.
“The suspect was immediately arrested when the matter was brought to our attention on July 23. He will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for prosecution,” Odutola stated.
According to a According Online report, a police officer in Lagos was accused a few weeks ago of raping a 17-year-old girl inside a police station when she went there to file a report about her missing phone.
Due to the increasing number of gender-related crimes in the country, some civil society organizations have called for swift justice for survivors, while others have advocated for community involvement in addressing the issue.
During a recent interview with our correspondent, a co-founder and director of Action Health Incorporated, Dr Uwemedimo Esiet, said an “increase in public education and enlightenment” was needed to ensure that the communities “become custodians of the children and young people’s rights to life, association, education, and to just enjoy their fundamental human rights.”
Anambra Judiciary workers suspend strike
Judiciary Workers in Anambra State, under the aegis of Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) have suspended their ongoing strike.
The suspension came after paralysing court activities in the state for two weeks as a result of protest over non-payment of Consolidated Judiciary Salary Structure Structure (CONJUS).
A letter to Directors, Deputy Directors, Assistant Chief Registrars, Registrars In-charge and Staff of Anambra State Judiciary announcing the suspension, which was signed by the chairman and the secretary of JUSUN in Anambra, Mr Ezeoke Henry and Nwezi Ugochukwu, respectively was sighted by TVN.
The letter read: “Sequel to the meeting held between the Governor of Anambra State and the Executives of Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), Anambra State Branch on the 24 of July, being in respect of the Consolidated Judiciary Salary Structure (CONJUS).
“Mr. Governor promised to set up a committee to address the issue of CONJUS after the implementation of the new minimum wage in the state.
“After much deliberations and consideration of the matter by the congress in her emergency meeting held on the 26 of duly, 2024 at the Judiciary Headquarters, High Court of Justice, Awka, the congress reached a decision to suspend the ongoing indefinite strike by the branch.
“In accordance with the decision of the congress, all staff of Anambra State Judiciary are by this notice directed to resume work tomorrow (today) being Friday, the 26 day of July, 2024.”
Anambra Judiciary workers suspend strike
APC mourns Ohanaeze President General, Iwuanyanwu
The ruling All Progressives Congress has expressed its condolence to the Anambra State Government, the people of South East and the family of Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu over the demise of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo President General.
Iwuanyanwu died on Thursday in Abuja.
In a condolence message issued in Abuja on Thursday, the National Publicity Secretary of the APC, Felix Morka, described Iwuanyanwu as an icon a d elder statesman.
He said, “It is with shock and sadness that the All Progressives Congress has received the news of the passing of Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.
“We extend our deepest condolences to his family, the government and the people of Imo State and Ndi Igbo, at home and around the world, on the loss of this icon, elder statesman and highly distinguished Nigerian. May his soul rest in perfect peace.”
The According journalist, Adebayo, has over 20 years of experience covering politics, health, metro, entertainment and properties
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Makinde mourns Osi Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Adebimpe
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Thursday, expressed his condolences to the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin and the Olubadan-in-Council over the death of the Osi Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Lateef Adebimpe, who died on Wednesday.
According Online reports that the monarch died after a brief illness, on Wednesday.
Makinde, in a statement by his Special Assistant on Print Media, Moses Alao, described the late Oba as a charismatic personality who would be missed by the people of Ibadan and the state generally.
He commiserated with the immediate family of the royal father and the people of the metropolis.
The governor, therefore, prayed to God to grant repose to the soul of the oba, while also granting his family the fortitude to bear the loss.
Makinde said, “I express my condolences to the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Olakulehin and the Olubadan-in-Council on the demise of Oba Adebimpe, the Osi Balogun of Ibadanland.
“Oba Adebimpe was a charismatic royal father, who will be missed by everyone. I pray to God to grant repose to his soul and grant the family members the fortitude to bear the loss.”
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President Jinping invites Tinubu to China
Chinese leader President Xi Jinping has invited President Bola Tinubu to pay a state visit to China in September.
China’s Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chen Xiaodong delivered the invitation to Tinubu at the Aso Villa on Thursday.
The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, made this known in a statement issued via his official X handle on Friday.
According to the statement, Tinubu has accepted the invitation and hoped that it would strengthen Nigeria-China bilateral relations and the proposed currency swap agreement.
The statement added, “Chen, who came with a large entourage, said President Xi would also welcome First Lady Remi Tinubu during the visit.“
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Nationwide protest: Let’s not set Nigeria on fire – Lagos ex-lawmaker, Udimogu
A former two-term Lagos lawmaker of Igbo extraction, Mr Jude Idimogu, has urged Nigerian youths not to set the country on fire with the proposed nationwide protest.
Idimogu, who represented Oshodi-Isolo Constituency II in the Lagos State House of Assembly, made the appeal in an interview with NAN on Thursday in Lagos.
The lawmaker, who is also Deputy Apex Leader, Ndigbo in Lagos State APC, said that Nigerian youths must avert destructive protest and give President Bola Tinubu more time to reposition the economy.
According to him, the youth need to toe the path of dialogue rather than any protest that can be hijacked by the enemies of the nation.
“I want all of us to be patriotic, no matter how it is. We know President Bola Tinubu’s background as someone who has also suffered before getting to the office. He feels the pains of Nigerians.
“The President knows Nigerians are suffering, and he is working hard to end the suffering, I want to appeal to you to please save this nation.
“Let this nation not go on fire, I am begging the Nigerian youths in particular, let us not use our hands to destroy our country,” he said.
Idimogu called on Nigerians to be united in efforts toward improving the nation’s economy.
“Though tribes and tongues may differ, in brotherhood we stand. This country belongs to us because we don’t have any other place that is ours.
“Others may have destroyed their country but we must not follow their footsteps.
“Yet, protest is our right but you can use other channels to meet with the government and express your opinion.” he said.
Nationwide protest: Let’s not set Nigeria on fire – Lagos ex-lawmaker, Udimogu
Nigeria sinking deeper into a debt hole
CONVENTIONAL wisdom dictates that you cannot get out of a hole by digging deeper. This is exactly what the Federal Government is doing with the N6.2 trillion supplementary budget approved by the Senate on Tuesday.
This addition brings the 2024 budget to N35.05 trillion, up from N28.7 trillion initially approved. President Bola Tinubu sought approval from the National Assembly last week to raise the budget figure to provide an additional N3.2 trillion for certain infrastructure projects and N3 trillion for the new minimum wage.
The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, Olamilekan Adeola (APC, Ogun West), said that the increase would be financed with the one-time windfall tax on banks’ forex profits for 2023 as approved by NASS.
While the government has presented justification for the additional expenses, the supplementary appropriation raised concerns about Nigeria’s worsening debt situation. The Tinubu administration passed a supplementary budget of N2.7 trillion last year.
The Debt Management Office stated that the country’s total public debt has increased significantly to N121.67 trillion (approximately $91.46 billion) as of March, up from N97.34 trillion in December. This rise is attributed to new borrowings to fund the 2024 budget deficit and the securitisation of a portion of the N7.3 trillion Ways and Means Advances with the CBN. The debt-to-GDP ratio surpassed 50 per cent for the first time since 1991.
The 2024 budget was predicated on a total expenditure of N28.78 trillion with a projected revenue of N19.7 trillion, implying a budget deficit of N10 trillion. The supplementary budget will widen this deficit since the windfall tax on bank forex gains is still uncertain.
The fresh appropriation will be funded by borrowing, despite what the government says. This will increase already high debt servicing obligations.
Nigeria spent N7.8 trillion to service its debt obligations in 2023, a 121 per cent increase compared to N3.52 trillion in the previous year.
A recent report by PwC Nigeria projected that debt service could rise from N8.25 trillion in 2024 to N9.3 trillion in 2025 and N11.1 trillion in 2026, which may affect the country’s debt servicing ability, credit rating outlook, and borrowing cost.
This year alone, the CBN has raised about N2.05 trillion through Treasury Bill auctions, while the DMO raised over N2 trillion from bond auctions. The Federal Government is seeking $1 billion from the World Bank and a Eurobond issue later in the year.
Budget deficits are dangerous to the economy because they result in increased national debt, high-interest payments, low national spending, high taxation, and worsen the already high inflationary trend. Nigeria needs to generate more revenues from within.
Part of the problem is the defective tax structure, which overtaxes the poor while the wealthy fail to pay appropriate taxes. Compliance is weak, default rates are high. Nigeria’s tax-to-GDP ratio, at 10.8 per cent, is below the African average of 16.5 per cent and one of the lowest in the world. The fiscal and tax reforms proposed by the Taiwo Oyedele committee, which addresses these anomalies, should be implemented immediately.
Increasing crude oil revenues by stopping oil theft and sundry leakages will add at least $6 billion annually to the treasury.
The government needs to reduce the cost of governance by containing the culture of waste and extravagance, which has been its hallmark. Expectations were that the Tinubu administration would have implemented the Steve Oronsaye report, which recommended streamlining the MDAs for effectiveness and to save costs. The government operates over 1,300 MDAs including foreign missions, which are not properly funded.
Nigeria will be left much worse off if this borrowing spree and budgetary deficit expansion trend are not curtailed.
‘Manufacturers will adjust to tariff hike with improved power supply’
The Ondo State Commissioner for Energy, Razaq Obe, has said manufacturers will adjust to paying more for electricity as they get better value.
He told The According that it would take some time but manufacturers, who had fought against recent electricity tariff hikes, to adjust, noting that they were better off with electricity from DisCos than generating power by buying AGOs.
“If you want to get power, you pay a little more,” the Ondo energy commissioner stated.
Obe, a speaker at a breakfast seminar hosted by the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry themed ‘Developing a Sustainable Energy Market,’ in Lagos on Thursday, said the profitability of the DisCos would grow the market and make it more sustainable as the cost of electricity generation was high.
Other speakers at the energy seminar included the Lagos State Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Biodun Ogunleye and the LCCI President, Gabriel Idahosa, who recommended strategic initiatives, collaboration, and innovation as a path to sustainable energy in Nigeria.
Ogunleye emphasised the importance of a sustainable electricity market for Lagos State, Nigeria’s economic powerhouse.
The commissioner highlighted the necessity of reliable electricity to power homes, businesses, and industries, acknowledging the persistent challenges of insufficient generation capacity, ageing infrastructure, high transmission losses, and inadequate distribution networks.
However, he emphasised significant opportunities within those challenges, driven by global advancements in renewable energy and innovative business models.
“The global energy landscape is undergoing a transformation, driven by technological advancements, renewable energy sources, and innovative business models. Lagos State is uniquely positioned to leverage these opportunities and become a leader in developing a sustainable electricity market,” the commissioner stated.
Ogunleye recommended increasing electricity generation through a mix of traditional and renewable energy sources.
He noted that investing in renewable energy projects (solar, wind, and biomass) would reduce the carbon footprint and stimulate local economic growth.
He also suggested modernising infrastructure by upgrading transmission and distribution networks with smart grid technologies to improve efficiency and reliability.
Ogunleye said Lagos State would create an enabling environment for private investments in the electricity sector and foster innovation and research by establishing research centres and innovation hubs to explore new technologies and business models in the energy sector.
He also announced the state government’s legislative effort through the Lagos Electricity Bill, currently in the state House of Assembly, which aims to create a sustainable and efficient electricity market.
“The administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-olu is bullish in its plans to make Lagos a 24/7 powered economy, as captured in its THEMES+ Agenda. Plans are in motion to build 5 energy hubs across the state and over the next two years, achieve 1GW of renewable energy and 2GW of fossil fuel power generation capacity,” he said.
Earlier, the LCCI president stated the need for a sustainable state energy market, emphasising the strategic importance of collaboration, innovation, and investment.
He noted the African Development Bank’s commitment of $1bn to support Nigeria’s power sector and the legislative advancements through the Electricity Act of 2023.
He called for stakeholders to embrace renewable energy as an environmental and economic opportunity and for more investment in training and education to sustain growth in the energy sector.
“Developing the skills and expertise of our workforce is essential for sustaining growth in the energy sector. Investments in training and education, as well as fostering partnerships with educational institutions and industry, will ensure that we have the human capital needed to drive innovation and efficiency in the sector,” the LCCI president remarked.
Idahosa pointed out that despite an installed grid generation capacity of approximately 13,014.14 MW, Nigeria’s energy sector has been struggling with reliability, leaving over 92 million Nigerians in energy poverty.
He urged the federal and state governments to be proactive in policy formulation and infrastructure development.
NGOs condemn delay in probe of suspected cop
Some Non Governmental Organisations have condemned what they describe as a lengthy investigation of a police officer accused of raping a 17-year-old girl inside a police station in Lagos.
According Metro reported that the suspect, who was believed to be attached with the Ogudu Area H Command, allegedly raped the teenager after she went to the station to report a stolen phone.
Despite assurances from the state police command and the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency that there would be no cover-up, the findings of the probe have not been disclosed two weeks later.
The command spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, had also said on July 14, 2024, that the command would not shield the suspect, saying, “The case is under full investigation. There is no plan to cover up the allegation.”
When According Metro reached out to Hundeyin on Thursday, his mobile phone rang without an answer, but he sent a text message instructing our correspondent to text him. As of the time this report was filed, he had not responded to the text message.
Additionally, the Lagos State DSVA had claimed that a medical test was being conducted on the survivor. When our correspondent contacted the spokesperson, Adejoke Ladenegan-Oginni, about the test status, she said the agency would forward the results to the appropriate channel once available.
“We are not the ones conducting the medical examination. We will forward the results to the appropriate authorities once they are available. We are on top of the situation,” she told our correspondent on Thursday.
Responding to the prolonged investigation, the President of the Centre for Human and Social Economic Rights, Comrade Alex Omotehinse, criticised the Nigeria Police Force for setting a bad precedent.
“This is a usual police tactic. The LSDSVA should try as much as possible not to allow this investigation to drag on. They should do as much as possible to do a proper follow-up or else the police will sweep this case under the rug.
“This case would have been a proper incident for the police to clean their system. It should have been used as a deterrent to other officers who are using their offices in their divisions to perpetrate evil,” he said.
The founder of Serene Early-Trobb Concept (Inclusive Initiative), Rhoda Olorunfemi, urged other civil society organisations to support the survivor and ensure that justice was served.
She said, “When I hear cases like this, I get angry because we are in a society where women and girls are not taken seriously. Every woman should be angry that the investigation is taking this long. Every civil society organisation should not sleep on this matter.
“The Nigeria Police Force is supposed to be protecting the masses and rights of the girl children. They are supposed to be enforcing the law. This matter may die if people don’t speak for the survivor.”
The suspect whose identities has yet to be made public had reportedly absconded from work after the incident but turned himself in for questioning later.
