The Katsina State government has set up a seven-member panel to investigate the allegation of torture by personnel of the state’s Hisbah Board.
This followed the emergence of a video showing the board’s personnel torturing individuals in the state.
The Secretary to the State Government, Abdullahi Garba-Faskari, said in a statement on Wednesday the decision followed complaints received by the government.
He said the acting governor, Faruk Lawal-Jobe, ordered the establishment of the committee to investigate the allegations and make recommendations.
Garba-Faskari revealed that the committee would be headed by the state’s Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Alhaji Aliyu Lawal.
Members of the committee were drawn from the Ministries of Religious Affairs, Internal Security and Justice, the Department of Public Service Administration, and Coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), while the Director of Security, SSG Office would serve as secretary.
The committee was mandated to investigate the veracity or otherwise of the alleged torture of individuals by the Hisbah personnel.
The SSG said: “Investigate other allegations of victimisation and torture being perpetuated by the operatives; study the law establishing Hisbah board to determine lapses (if any) leading to violations of human rights.
“To come up with recommendations that will address findings, identify Hisbah personnel who are involved in the act of victimisation and torture of people and recommend sanctions.”
The committee is expected to submit its report within 10 days.
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Katsina govt sets up panel to investigate alleged torture by Hisbah officers
APC, NNPP bicker over Ndume’s removal as chief whip
The leadership of the New Nigeria People’s Party has raised concerns over the removal of Senator Ali Ndume as chief whip of the Senate last Wednesday.
Following his sack, Ndume was immediately replaced by the Senator representing Borno North, Tahir Monguno.
Ndume’s replacement by the Senate followed a directive issued to that effect in a letter written by the National Chairman of the party, Umar Ganduje and National Secretary, Senator Bashir Ajibola.
The request was put to voice votes by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and loudly affirmed by all the APC senators.
In an exclusive interview with our correspondent, the National Publicity Secretary of NNPP, Ladipo Johnson disclosed that they are happy Nigerians are beginning to see the true character of the ruling party unfolding.
He said, “That is the party at the centre, the APC playing their gymnastics. A party that does not believe in freedom of expression, even among its senior members; a party whose national chairman (Dr Abdullahi Ganduje) refused to obey a valid court summon. I am talking about himself and his family.
“This same party dares to tell Nigerians they believe in the rule of law. No, they don’t and that (sacking of Ndume) is what they are showing. Anyway, it is their internal problem or whatever they decide to call it.”
The NNPP’s criticism is coming in the wake of a similar condemnation by the leadership of the Labour Party.
Earlier, the National Publicity Secretary of LP, Obiora Ifoh, also voiced concerns that the APC government is fast becoming intolerant of the same system that brought it into power.
Ifoh stated that with Ndume’s removal as chief whip, speaking truth to power is gradually becoming a crime in the country.
According to him, the humiliation of Ndume by the Goodwill Akpabio’s led Senate has portrayed the dictatorial inclination of the APC.
The ruling APC, however, disagreed with the notions of the two opposition parties.
In an exclusive phone chat with our correspondent, Deputy National Organising Secretary of the APC, Nze Chidi Duru said many people seemed to miss the point of why Ndume was removed.
He said, “The reality is that there was a concern whether as chief whip, he did not have access to the leadership of the country and the leadership of the party. We are unaware that he was denied the opportunity to meet with Mr President. He should be in a position to enjoy such liberty.
“It is only on that account if he had said that he is not enjoying that privilege, that it could be something to put on the table. But a blanket statement of him saying Mr President has become insular may be what informed the position of Senate to remove him from his position as chief whip of the party.”
Continuing, Duru disclosed that the fear that the APC government is beginning to wear a toga of a dictator is unfounded.
This was even as he maintained that the ruling party would always welcome constructive criticism from the opposition and aggrieved members of the public.
“We welcome every view, whether positive or contrary. It is the beauty of democracy. Parties must be allowed to ventilate their views and people must again be allowed to express their opinion on any matter, so long as it coheres to party discipline, and members interaction and ensuring that it does not disturb the cohesion within the party.
“As for the Labour Party and NNPP releasing statements, it is what an opposition should do. I am happy they are doing what they should do as an opposition party. If other parties release a statement in that account, again, it is what they should do as the opposition.
“But we are confident that as APC, given the fact that we took over power from a party that was in government in 2015, we would never do anything that would suggest a stifling of alternative views and constructive criticisms in Nigeria. We are noted for being a party that allows all shades of opinion to bloom and be canvassed.”
Planned nationwide protest wrongly timed, says Uzodimma
Imo State Governor and Chairman of the Progressives Governors’ Forum, Hope Uzodinma, has said the planned nationwide protest is coming at the wrong time.
Uzodimma cited the EndSARS movement of 2020, emphasising the fragile political environment and warning about the potential for hijack by criminals.
Speaking with State House correspondents on Wednesday after meeting with President Bola Tinubu, the governor urged citizens to protect the nation’s stability and avoid actions that could worsen economic hardships.
His appeal follows growing public outcry and calls for nationwide protests from August 1-10, in response to economic hardship and policy decisions.
So far, no persons have come forward as leaders of the planned protest.
Details shortly…
With three years of experience, Stephen, The According correspondent, has been covering Nigeria’s presidency, politics, security, immigration and trafficking in persons
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Planned protest may not end in peace – Bwala warns
Former Spokesman to former presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Daniel Bwala has cautioned those planning to stage protests over prevailing economic hardship that it may not end peacefully in the long run.
Bwala who is perfecting a defection move to the ruling All Progressives Congress, said just like what transpired in Kenya, the government in power will continue to run while the people will end up being the victims of the mass protest.
“For those who are planning to go and protest. The issue with the protests is that everybody has the right, you know, to show his dissent right, to protest is constitutional.
“But if you look at the situation that we are facing today, and you look at the talking point, even in social media, you will understand that this protest is not built to end in peace. If you go to a protest that turns violent, you are likely to find that the people who claim to be fighting for you end up destroying and looting shops, and burning government infrastructure. At the end of the day, we will be taken aback and the government will start all over again.
“If you look at Kenya that is what is happening. Government will continue to run but then we have gone backwards because our people will continue to be in hunger and deprivation, I’m glad that the President is making all the effort to meet with the needs of the Nigerian people,” he stated on Wednesday.
Planned protest may not end in peace – Bwala warns
Abacha family drags FG to A’Court over revoked property
The family of the late military head of state, General Sani Abacha, on Tuesday approached the Court of Appeal, Abuja division, to void and set aside Justice Peter Lifu’s judgment dismissing a property suit the family brought before the lower court.
Justice Lifu dismissed the suit the family instituted against the Federal Government on Monday, July 22, 2024, challenging the propriety of revocation of the property of the former Military head of state.
In the judgment, Lifu predicated the dismissal on various grounds, among which were that the suit had become statute-barred when it was filed in 2015 and that those who initiated the case had no locus standi (legal power) to do so.
Abacha’s wife, Mariam Abacha, and son, Mohammed Abacha, dissatisfied with this judgment, approached the Appeal Court claiming that the federal government revoked their ownership of the property and sold it to a private company, Salamed Ventures Limited, without their knowledge or compensation.
The family, in the appeal, sued the President, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, and two others for alleged unlawful revocation of the property located in the Maitama district in Abuja at the
The notice of appeal filed by Reuben Atabo (SAN) on behalf of the appellants (Mariam and son), predicated on 11 grounds and two major reliefs, prayed the Appeal Court to invoke section 15 of the Court of Appeal Act to take over the legal battle as a court of first instance and do justice to the matter.
The respondents in the appeal are the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Federal Capital Development Authority, President, Federal Republic of Nigeria and Salamed Ventures Limited.
The appellants in their notice of appeal against the judgment of the high court, contended that Justice Lifu erred in law in his findings and conclusions in their case on the property.
According to them, Mohammed Abacha, the 1st appellant disclosed his status as the eldest surviving son of the late General Sani Abacha while the 2nd appellant, Mariam Abacha also disclosed her capacity in the suit as the widow of the late General Sani Abacha.
They claimed that they have the locus standi to institute the action either with or without Letters of Administration to the property of the former head of state.
Among other things, they stated that Justice Lifu erred in law when he held that their claims at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in suit No: FCT/HC/CV/317/2006 and that of the Court of Appeal in Appeal No: CA/A/197/2010 were dismissed, whereas they were struck out for lack of jurisdiction.
The appellants said that the Judge also erred in law when he relied on Section 39 of the Land Use Act to hold that the Federal High Court has no jurisdiction under the Land Use Act to recover land, contrary to the decision of the Court of Appeal, which held that the proper Court to handle such a case is the Federal High Court.
Other grounds are that Justice Lifu erred in law when the ‘suo motu’ held that they had no locus standing to file the suit on behalf of the Estate of the late General Abacha and decided the case without calling on parties to address the Court, contrary to the principles of fair hearing as enshrined in Section 36 of the 1999.
They argued that the Judge erred in law when he held that their case was statute-barred at the expense of the exceptions to the applicability of the Public Officers Protection Act.
According to them, the originating summons leading to this instant appeal was filed at the Federal High Court on May 25, 2015, after the Court of Appeal decision of May 18, 2015, adding that the judge failed to disclose in his judgment where their cause of action lapsed.
They also faulted the Judge for erring in law when he recognised Salamed Ventures Limited as 4th respondent who derived title to their property in dispute during the pendency of their case between the FCT Minister and the Federal Capital Development Administration.
“The Certificate of Occupancy upon which the 4th Respondent claims the title was issued to it by the 1st – 3rd Respondents on the 25th day of May 2011 during the pendency of Appellants’ appeal to the Court of Appeal with appeal No: CA/A/197/2010.
“By Section 6 of the 1999 Constitution, judicial powers are vested in our Courts, and it is the duty of Courts to determine disputes between individuals and government or government agencies. Where a party to a proceeding transfers title to the property in a dispute, such attitude is an affront to the authority of our Courts, and the same will not be condoned.
“The trial Judge of the lower court erred in Law when he held that the revocation of the Appellants title to plot 3119 Maitama, Abuja, was valid even when the purported revocation was not carried out in accordance with Section 28 of the Land.
“The learned trial judge erred in Law when he held that the Appellants’ action is not for the recovery of land and payment of compensation contrary to the endorsement of the Appellant’s claim before the Court.
“The Appellant’s action questioned the validity of the 1st – 3rd Respondent’s action to revoke the title to plot 3119 Maitama, Abuja, under a non-existent law and without payment of compensation.
“The learned trial Judge of the lower court erred in Law when he awarded a cost of N500,000.00 in favour of the 4th Respondent, who is neither a proper party nor necessary party before the Court.”
Delta: Tinubu didn’t cause hunger in Nigeria – APC Chieftain, Emami
A Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC in Delta State, Ayirimi Emami has said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu did not cause the hunger ravaging the nation and its citizens.
Emami made the claims in a chat with newsmen during the Ologbotsere Day Celebration held in Ubeji, Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State.
The politician who agreed that people are suffering all over the country said hunger is part of the problems the president inherited when he took over the reins of power.
He stressed that hunger in the land is the result of the “wrong foundation” President Tinubu inherited in his government which he is struggling with.
While noting that protest is ideal in any democracy as Nigeria, Emami said the manner the organisers of the planned nationwide protest against hunger are going about it, is not ideal.
He advised them to be cautious in their actions and be peaceful with their planned protests.
He said, “Hunger is not caused by Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. It is a problem he inherited.”
”They have to be cautious in their actions and be peaceful with their planned protests, anything contrary to that, makes your planned protest become stupid.”
He added that they should not allow anyone to hijack their protest pointing out that the president is working out modalities to tackle hunger headlong as well as ensure that the citizens have/get better welfare and live in satisfaction.
Delta: Tinubu didn’t cause hunger in Nigeria – APC Chieftain, Emami
Borno indigenes protest, seek Ndume’s reinstatement as Chief Whip
Indigenes of Borno State in their numbers on Wednesday stormed the Unity Fountain, Abuja protesting against the removal of Senator Ali Ndume (APC Borno South) as Senate Chief Whip by the Senate.
The aggrieved protesters carried placards with various inscriptions like, “We reject removal of Senator Ndume as Whip of the Senate; “Ndume’s utterances are for the good of the country; “Senate should correct injustice meted to Senator Ndume” amongst others.
The Senate had last week Tuesday on the strength of a request from the National Working Committee of the All Progressives Congress through a jointly signed letter by the National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, and Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, removed Ndume as Whip and replaced him with Senator Mohammed Monguno (APC Borno North).
Expressing their displeasure over the Senate’s action, the Borno group under the aegis of the Southern Borno Development Association led by one Muhammad Biu, said the injustice meted out to Ndume must be redress.
The leader of the group in a letter titled: “Appeal over the removal of Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume as Senate Whip for expressing views on burning National Issues,” read to journalists, called for reversal of the decision.
The letter addressed to the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, reads in part, “On behalf of the good people of Southern Borno Senatorial District of Borno State, we humbly wish to appeal to the Distinguished Senate under your able leadership to passionately reconsider the APC Senate Caucus decision that removed Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume as the Senate Chief Whip and also Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriation based on the letter written to the Senate by the National Chairman of All Progressive Congress.
“We wish to state with the deepest sense of responsibility that Senator Ndume’s comments on the food insecurity issue appear to have been misunderstood as they were not intended to disparage the administration of President Bola Tinubu. On the contrary, it should be understood in the context of our collective effort to find solutions to our current food insecurity which the Government is fully aware.”
It added, “It is a well-known fact that Nigeria is currently facing a severe food crisis, with widespread hunger threatening the well-being of Nigerians. Senator Ndume, driven by a sense of responsibility and patriotism only called the attention of government to these pressing issues, hoping that prompt and effective action would be taken to address them.
“It is also on record that other prominent APC Senators had expressed similar views on the floor of the Senate and equally called on President Tinubu to take urgent measures to avert the seeming imminent food crisis.
“It is also on record that Sen Ndume is a dedicated APC member who laboured tirelessly from its formative stage to its present position and has never done anything that undermined the success of the party or its leadership, but rather offered constructive advice on good governance for the wellbeing of Nigerians.”
The letter further noted, “The Senate could have done better by deploying its internal democratic mechanism of resolving issues affecting its members. We pray that the Senate will not throw away the bath water with the baby over an issue that could amicably be resolved.
“In light of these facts and the need to give our Senatorial District its due position in the leadership of the Senate, we humbly appeal to the Senate to reconsider its position on the measures taken against Senator Ndume in the interest of fairness, justice, and equity and reinstate him accordingly.
“Additionally, we urge President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, GCFR, the leader of our great party, a true democrat who upholds the tenets of democracy to passionately intervene.”
Morocco beat Argentina in dramatic Olympics match which lasted 4hrs
Morocco defeated Argentina 2-1 in a dramatic men’s football match which took four hours to reach conclusion at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
The clash, a Group B opener, took place at Stade Geoffroy-Guichard on Wednesday from 2:00p.m local time and after a crowd trouble the game was resumed to finally end around 6:00p.m.
Fans appeared to throw missiles at players after Argentina’s leveller in 16th minute of injury time makes it 2-2, leaving Morocco flabbergasted.
Read Also: ‘Team Nigeria must surpass 1996 Olympics performance’
Players were then taken away from the field before the equaliser was ruled out by VAR almost two hours later as play resumed for final three minutes in empty stadium.
Cristian Medina’s late equaliser was ruled out as VAR showed the Argentina player was offside.
It was the late goal which sparked an angry reaction from some Morocco supporters, who threw bottles and flares onto the field with others invading the pitch.
With the eventual win, Morocco sit top of Group B, with Iraq and Ukraine – the other two nations in the pool – just under way in their match in Lyon.
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Governors will develop region with South East Development Commission – Ohanaeze
The apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, on Wednesday, said Southeast governors will use the Southeast Development Commission, SEDC, to develop the region.
The SEDC bill which was co-sponsored by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, comprises Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo States.
The SEDC is expected to manage funds allocated from the Federation Account for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of roads, and other infrastructural deficits suffered by the Southeast region due to age-long neglect.
The SEDC will also tackle ecological problems and related environmental challenges that have devastated the Southeast for decades.
However, a statement by Ohanaeze’s National Publicity Secretary, Alex Ogbonnia, reads partly: “Furthermore, the South East governors led by the governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma, will leverage the opportunity created by the Commission to anchor programmes that will fully harness and promote the industrial, agricultural, tourism, energy, commercial and investment potentials in the zone. It will also help to create the much-desired centrally coordinated security architecture in the zone; and more.
“A few days ago, the Minister of Works, Senator David Nweze Umahi, in Abakaliki, announced plans by the Federal Government to construct a 477 kilometre – six-lane Super Highway, traversing five states to the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
According to the minister, the super highway will, among others, pass through Abakiliki, Enugu, and Nsukka, leading to Abuja.
“The President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide Chief Engr. Dr Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, MFR; OFR; CFR; FNICE; FNSE; FNIST; KSG (Ahaejiagamba Ndigbo) is highly elated and sends a warm gratitude to Mr. President over these developments.
“The Ohanaeze Ndigbo has maintained that the cause of backpedalling by Nigeria is the Igbophobia-a pathological fear of the Igbo in a country they have sacrificed so much to uphold. As it stands, President Bola Tinubu has shown a major departure from the Buhari regime by signing the SEDC Bill into Law; appointing Sen. Dave Nweze Umahi, a brilliant and prudent engineer as the federal minister for Works, and Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla as the Chief of the Naval Staff.
“This is a quantum leap and a new beginning. An Awka man asked the wife, “ineme elee omanaese”?”
Governors will develop region with South East Development Commission – Ohanaeze
Give us more time, FG begs Nigerians
The Federal Government has assured that the issues prompting the proposed nationwide protest will be resolved to ensure peace and stability in the country.
Some groups and individuals had been mobilising for nationwide protests scheduled for August 1 in response to the economic hardship in the country.
In response to the proposed protest, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume on Wednesday held a closed-door meeting with ministers.
Speaking after the meeting, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said no one would go to sleep among them until the issues were resolved.
He said, “We have discussed issues of national interest and all of us are working for Nigeria and we hope and believe that Nigeria is going to be great again.
“The planned protest is a family matter. All issues will be resolved in a way to ensures the peace and stability of the country. No one is going to sleep. Those who are agitating and asking for protests are Nigerians, they are our brothers, they are our sisters, they are all Nigerians and those in positions of authority; the ministers, the President, everybody, we are all Nigerians too. So, this is a family matter. This is a Nigerian family issue and all of us are looking at this issue very well and we hope that peace will prevail at the end of the day.”
Idris said the government had been engaging with stakeholders and other organisers of the proposed nationwide protest.
He said, “This is not a peculiar situation. Engagement has been ongoing. The President has met severally with all key stakeholders. I have also been meeting with stakeholders, other government functionaries have also been meeting with other key stakeholders.”
Reacting to reports by top Nigerians, including constitutional lawyer and human rights activist Femi Falana, SAN, that the protests must hold, Idris said the senior lawyer was entitled to his opinion in a democracy.
“He (Falana) is an individual. This is a democracy, everyone is entitled to his opinion. The protesters are also Nigerians, this is a democratic situation. What I keep saying is that we are all Nigerians and we are all acting in the interest of Nigeria, but suffice to say that yesterday, Mr President said there is no need for any protest, let us calm down.
“A lot is happening, Nigeria is going to move and march on and we believe that whatever government comes out with will be in the interest of Nigeria. We don’t think that there is a need for any protest, we are appealing for calm; we are appealing for a peaceful resolution or peaceful approach to any issue.
“If you have anything that you want to put out there, you are free to put it out there, but the government is insisting that we are all Nigerians, we have to be calm, we have to be patient, and suffice it to say that let us give peace a chance. Mr President is working round the clock, his ministers are working, everyone is working, all hands are on deck.”
Idris said the President’s message to all citizens was to calm down and give him more time.
He said, “Like I said yesterday, everyone is listening; we are all listening, the President is listening and he has a message for all Nigerians, that message is that they should all calm down, they should please give the man more time. Everything they asked for, all their pleas will be answered,” Idris said.