A former chairperson of the Kaduna State Independent Electoral Commission, SIECOM, Hannatu Binniyat, has decried the lack of women participation in elective positions in the country’s elections.
With the forthcoming council elections in Kaduna State in October, this year, she said women should stand out in their numbers to contest in the chairmanship and councillors election.
Speaking in Kaduna on Tuesday at a Women’s stakeholders meeting on “Advance: Women political participation project in Nigeria”, she said, “We women need to re-strategise our stand for us to have more women in elective positions in the coming council elections in the state.
“We need to build strategy, build relationships and work as a family irrespective of any differences because politics is a game of numbers and looking at the number of women, if we work as a family, women contesting elective positions will definitely carry the day.”
Earlier, the Program Specialist, UN Women, Chundung Ashley Dauda, explained that the programme is meant to ensure the promotion of women through economic empowerment.
She added, “It is also meant to promote women’s leadership and security that will go a long way to promote women in leadership as one of the ways of sustaining women’s development in any society.”
According to her, significant representation of women in leadership led to fast development, lamenting that Nigeria is far behind in women’s leadership positions.
She called on women to take a definite stand, especially in Kaduna State with the coming council elections to ensure more women are elected into various council positions.
Kaduna LG Poll: Stakeholders call for more women in elective positions in Nigeria
Kaduna LG Poll: Stakeholders call for more women in elective positions in Nigeria
Students Loan: Kano APC conducts sensitization for students on easy access
The Kano State All Progressives Congress, APC, Students Council have organized a sensitization workshop on the Nigerian Education Loan Fund to enable students to understand the modalities of application and access.
The National Chairman of All Progressives Congress, APC, Abdullahi Ganduje represented by Suleiman Bichi, who underscored the importance of education, and encouraged students to apply for the education Loan to improve learning.
He said the aim of the sensitization was to reawaken the student’s consciousness about the readiness of President Bola Tinubu to increase access to Education in the country.
Suleiman Bichi noted that “we have a president who is visionary for a better Nigeria in the future.”
The President of the Kano State APC Students Council, Yahya Usman, on his part said the essence of the sensitisation was to enlighten students on the benefits of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund scheme.
Usman said the loan is accessible to all students as it will help in promoting Education at the tertiary institutions.
He commended President Bola Tinubu for his resolve in assisting students and making it possible for Nigerian students.
Usman urged Kano State students to utilize the opportunity to advance their education.
While providing insights on the significance of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, Dr Salim Hamza Ringim, drew the attention of the students to understand the responsibilities and conditions guiding the Education Loan Fund.
He described the Nigerian Education Loan Fund as open-ended and accessible until a student completes his or her Education.
Ringim noted that because of its simplicity, the terms are easier and more flexible, taking into cognisance the student’s Financial status.
“The borrowers pay 15% of their income monthly for up to 25 years based on the income repayment plan while the standard repayment plan requires students to pay a fixed amount monthly for up to ten years.”
Dr Ringim tasked students in Kano to apply and obtain Education Loans to advance their careers.
The APC Chairman, Kano State Abdullahi Abbas represented by the organizing secretary Shafi’u Abdullahi called on Kano students to embrace the loan scheme for the benefits of education.
He urged them to support the party and policies of President Bola Tinubu.
Recall that President Bola Tinubu recently signed the Nigerian Education Loan Fund into law. The Act allows Nigerian students to apply for and fund their education.
Students Loan: Kano APC conducts sensitization for students on easy access
NAPTIP denies claims of negligence by GBV victim
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons has denied claims by a victim of gender-based violence, Jamila Sirajo, who in her viral video, said the agency did nothing regarding her complaint of domestic abuse.
“These claims are both shocking and utterly unfounded…we strongly refute the false allegations,” NAPTIP said in a statement signed by its communications officer, Adekoye Vincent, on Tuesday.
The statement is titled, ‘NAPTIP affirms commitment to justice amidst false accusations by Jamila Sidi Sirajo.’
On September 30, 2020, Jamila Sirajo reported a case of spousal battery and abandonment against her estranged husband, Mohammed Tafida.
NAPTIP said despite the commencement of investigations, she withdrew her petition on October 12, 2020, citing advice from family and friends to resolve the matter privately.
“In a twist of events, on November 9, 2020, Jamila requested the Agency to reopen her case, which NAPTIP promptly did, recommencing the investigation.
“Upon conclusion of the investigation, a two-count charge was filed against Mohammed Tafida at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, dated July 8, 2021 (Federal Republic of Nigeria v. Mohammed Tafida, Charge No: CR/226/2021).
“The Charge is presently pending before Hon. Justice Abubakar Shani sitting at Court 30 Apo, Abuja. The arraignment scheduled for November 9, 2021, was stalled due to the defendant’s absence, leading to multiple adjournments and the eventual issuance of a bench warrant. The matter was further adjourned to the February 24, 2022,” said NAPTIP.
The agency said at the resumed hearing, the defendant who was still absent from the proceedings was represented by counsel who filed processes to set aside the bench warrant against him.
In a considered ruling delivered on March 14, 2022, the court set aside the bench warrant and ordered the prosecutor (NAPTIP) to serve the defendant with a summons and all other Court processes.
Adekoye said, “Despite extensive efforts, including seeking cooperation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other entities, the defendant’s whereabouts remained unknown until it was discovered he had been posted to Pakistan as a diplomat.
“The Agency was further compelled to apply for substituted service, granted on October 5, 2022, to serve court processes at the defendant’s last known address and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, being his office. The Baliff of the court effected service by substituted means as ordered by the Court.
“The defendant’s counsel repeatedly challenged the court’s jurisdiction and alleged bias, both of which were dismissed by the court after thorough consideration of the prosecution’s counter affidavit.”
The defendant’s counsel also petitioned the agency to the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice alleging victimisation and persecution of the defendant.
Against the foregoing, NAPTIP said it had, “demonstrated unwavering diligence in prosecuting the case, countering unfounded accusations from Jamila Sidi Sirajo.”
The anti-trafficking agency said despite the overbearing conduct and unjustified imputations of compromise by the complainant on several occasions, its officers have maintained professional integrity and commitment to justice.
It concluded, “The officer originally prosecuting the matter had to request to withdraw from the case due to all the unfounded allegations by Jamila and the case was transferred to another officer to prosecute.
“NAPTIP will not be swayed by attempts to undermine its mission through baseless allegations by Jamila.
“The Agency remains steadfast in upholding the law and ensuring justice for all victims of sexual and domestic violence in the Federal Capital Territory. We continue to call on all stakeholders to support our efforts and ensure justice is served.”
Police dismisses rumour on sale of Falomo Barracks in Lagos
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has dismissed a rumour about the planned sale of the Falomo Barracks in Lagos State.
The Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, made the clarification on Tuesday in Abuja.
He was reacting to claims on social media on the sale of the barracks.
He said the police authority was carrying out comprehensive renovation of some police barracks in the state.
The spokesman said: “It has become pertinent for the Nigeria Police Force to address the shocking and unfounded trends of discussions on the dilapidated status of barracks and their redevelopment, specifically the Falomo Barracks and others in Lagos.
“While we appreciate the concerns and interests of concerned groups and individuals on the general welfare of police personnel, we aim to provide clear and accurate information about these unpalatable allegations.
“Due to the critical state of several police barracks (including the Falomo Barracks), the NPF leadership conceived a partnership arrangement with sub-national governments and reputable developers to unlock value in the assets by redeveloping the barracks into more befitting and modern barracks.
“The redevelopment of the barracks (including Falomo Barracks), will be speedily completed, after which the occupants will be duly offered fresh accommodation in the redeveloped sites.
“In specific terms, the occupants of Falomo Barracks Blocks A and B have each received a sum of N2 million only as temporary relocation allowances.
“This payment has been made to 347 families after a validation process to facilitate their temporary relocation.
“It is important to note that this initiative is not limited to Falomo Barracks alone.
“Similar redevelopment projects will be implemented across all police barracks nationwide over time.”
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Bandit Video: Turji mentally deranged – Shinkafi dismisses claims against Matawalle
A former governorship candidate in Zamfara State, Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi, has told wanted bandit kingpin, Kachalla Bello Turji that the law would soon catch up with him.
Shinkafi, who released a statement on the platform of the Patriots for the Advancement of Peace and Social Development, said the criminal is struggling for a last breath as the military chases him down to his hideouts.
This was in reaction to a recent video released by the bandit kingpin, where he claimed to have received support from some top politicians in Zamfara State, including a former Governor of the state Bello Matawalle.
Shinkafi said the story was concocted and fabricated by a mentally deranged terrorist feeling the heat of a military onslaught.
He said that the Turji is nothing but a murderer long wanted by the military and will be captured to face the full weight of the law for crime against the fatherland.
On the allegation that arms were stored in Zamfara State Government House, he said the Zamfara Government House has no armoury or arms and ammunition facility.
“All arms recovered or submitted by repented bandits were handed over to security agencies and proper inventory taken,” Shinkafi, who served as a special adviser to the former Governor, said in a statement on Tuesday.
He said the Minister of State for Defence, Matawalle would discharge his duties without fear or favour and restore national security, safety and peace essential for sustainable development.
“The current synergy amongst security agencies in the fight against terror is an eloquent testimony of Matawalle’s leadership acumen and political savvy,” it added.
“It is this laudable synergy and cohesion amongst security agencies in intelligence sharing and taking the fight to bandits’ camps that provoked attacks on the minister.”
Before the recent video, the bandits had released other videos in which they attacked or praised some political leaders, including the incumbent governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal.
Shinkafi urged members of the public to ignore the ranting, saying it was that of a deranged terrorist seeking public attention.
He commended security agencies for their patriotism in the war against terror and for upholding the territorial integrity of the nation.
Bandit Video: Turji mentally deranged – Shinkafi dismisses claims against Matawalle
Wike, not our member, doesn’t attend meetings
The All Progressives Congress on Tuesday dismissed insinuation that the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, influences the decisions taken by the Rivers State chapter of the party.
The party buttressed his submission, saying the former governor of Rivers is neither a member of the APC nor attend any of their political meetings.
Addressing newsmen at the national secretariat of the party in Abuja, the Chairman of Rivers APC caretaker committee, Chief Tony Okocha, disclosed that despite spirited efforts made to woo Wike over to the party, they are fully convinced the FCT minister will remain an ‘unrepentant’ member of the Peoples Democratic Party.
He said: “When I hear this, I laugh because Wike is a member of PDP, unrepentant PDP. We are APC here. Will anybody suggest that because Mr Wike is a minister under our government of APC, we should be at dagger with him?
“Wike doesn’t attend our meeting. I have briefed you here. We have held meetings with stakeholders, but Wike was never there. So at what point does he influence APC in Rivers State? His influence, as much as you know, is because he is a minister under an APC government. So we can’t be in enmity with him. But to say that he influences us, how? Does he pay our bills or attend our meetings? The answer is no.”
Continuing, Okocha also explained why nobody from their camp refers to former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, as their member again.
Amaechi contested the presidential primary election with the incumbent President Bola Tinubu and lost in 2022.
The former governor has, however, stayed away from the activities of the party since then.
But the Rivers APC chair disclosed that Amaechi had warned the state party secretary not to extend an invitation for any meeting to him again.
“On the issue of Ameachi, I have no question to answer. I was Chief of Staff to Rotimi Amaechi. Recall that at one point, he got into law school and from that one year became incommunicado. You are also aware that after the presidential primary election, he disappeared into thin air.
“So on whether he is still a party member or not, I wouldn’t know because in all the meetings we called, he didn’t show up. Let me give you an example of a meeting we called for all former governors and ministers, he (Amaechi) sent a message to the secretary of the party and warned him to never dare send him a message about the party again.
“So when you meet him, ask him where he belongs. As for me, I don’t know where he belongs,” he explained.
Reps ask FG to suspend NMDPRA boss over anti-Dangote refinery comment
The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to suspend the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, Farouk Ahmed, pending the conclusion of the investigations of allegations against what it called the unguarded statement by the CEO.
The resolution of the House followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by the member representing Esosa Federal Constituency, Edo State, Esosa Iyawe, during Tuesday’s plenary on the need to address issues arising from Farouk’s utterances about the nation’s local refineries.
The lawmaker reminded his colleagues that claims of adulterated fuel in the Nigerian market must be thoroughly investigated, stating that fuel quality can impact engine hardware.
This he said, is the reason ultra-low sulphur diesel is recommended for all types of power plants, storage tanks, industrial facilities, fleets and heavy equipment, and even ships, as high sulphur content in fuels, causes damage to engines and contributes to air pollution.
He said considering the various risks associated with sulphur, countries across the world have taken steps to regulate it by setting standards that require maximum reduction of emissions of this chemical compound, which diesel producers are expected to adhere to.
The Labour Party lawmaker, however, noted that the NMDPRA permits local refiners to produce diesel with Sulphur content of up to 650 parts per million until January 2025, as approved by the Economic Community of West African States.
He quoted the NMDPRA boss as saying that the diesel produced by the Dangote Refinery is inferior to the ones imported into the country and that their fuel had a large content of sulphur, which he put at between 650 to 1,200 ppm.
He said, “In their defence, Dangote called for a test of their products, which was supervised by members of the House of Representatives, wherein it was revealed that Dangote’s diesel had a Sulphur content of 87.6 ppm (parts per million), whereas the other two samples diesel imported showed sulphur levels exceeding 1800 ppm and 2000 ppm respectively, thus disproving the allegations made by the NMDPRA boss.
“Allegations have been made that the NMDPRA was giving licences to some traders who regularly import high-sulphur content diesel into Nigeria, and the use of such products poses grave health risks and huge financial losses for Nigerians.
“The unguarded statements by the Chief Executive of the NMDPRA, which has since been disproved, sparked an outrage from Nigerians who tagged his undermining of local refineries and insistence on the continued importation of fuel an act of economic sabotage, as the imported products have been shown to contain high levels of dangerous compounds.”
He condemned what he called the careless statement by Farouk, noting that “Without conducting any prior investigation, he was not only unprofessional but also unpatriotic, especially in the face of the recent calls for protest against the Federal Government.”
Recall that a joint committee of the House on Monday, July 22, 2024, commenced investigations into Farouk’s allegations against Dangote Refinery.
The panel, made up of the Committees on Petroleum (Downstream and Midstream) is also conducting a legislative forensic investigation into “The presence of middlemen in crude trading and alleged unavailability of international standard laboratories to check adulterated products”, among others.
You have no power to remove any monarch in your communities – Gov Diri warns Bayelsa youths
Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has warned youths of Ogboinbiri community, in the Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of the state, to desist from the unlawful removal of paramount rulers.
Governor Diri, who also extended the warnings to other youths in the state, said there were laws guiding chieftaincy issues in the state and that any chief or traditional ruler recognised by the government cannot be removed without following due process.
He gave the warning on Tuesday in Government House, Yenagoa, during a meeting with leaders of Ogboinbiri community, which had been embroiled in a crisis recently.
He noted that the youths of Ogboinbiri infringed on the state’s chieftaincy law by attempting to forcefully remove their paramount ruler.
While condemning the action of the youths and the community development committee, Gov Diri, said the youth president and CDC chairman as well as the paramount ruler would remain in their positions but directed that they write a letter of apology to the state government with a promise to work with the paramount ruler.
The governor further warned that the full weight of the law would descend on anyone who forcefully removes a government-recognised paramount ruler while explaining
that the interest of his administration was to maintain peace in the state to engender development.
He said: “Henceforth, we will not take it lightly with community youths that contravene our laws. They will face the wrath of the law in court. Enough of the brigandage in our communities.
“Across the length and breadth of Bayelsa State, any youth who takes the law into his hands on the issue of removal of chiefs would be prosecuted.
“The moment a chief is recognised by the state, whether he is third class, second class or first class, you cannot remove him again. Our law states that he is the chief of that community for life. Unless he has contravened the law, involved in financial mismanagement, absent from his domain and he cannot discharge the duties and functions of a traditional ruler. Even at that, you are not the one to remove him.
You have no power to remove any monarch in your communities – Gov Diri warns Bayelsa youths
Reps caucus adopts call for Kanu’s release
At least 180 members of the minority caucus of the House of Representatives have adopted the call for the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
The caucus adopted a motion presented by the lawmaker from Abita State, Obi Aguocha, at the caucus end of dinner on Monday in Abuja.
The caucus consists of all members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party, New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Social Democratic Party (SDP), Young Progressives Party (YPP) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Aguocha, the lawmaker representing Ikwuano, Umuahia North, and Umuahia South Federal Constituency of Abia State, had made a passionate appeal to the minority caucus to push for Kanu’s release.
He urged his colleagues to take a position on the ongoing discourse surrounding Kanu and to explore a political solution to the matter.
He stressed that the resolution of Kanu’s case was crucial for peace, stability, and unity of the country.
He called for immediate and strategic engagement with relevant stakeholders to advocate a peaceful and political resolution to the matter.
Kanu, who was brought back to the country in June 2021, is standing trial for alleged treason and terrorism at the Federal High Court, Abuja.
Governors of five states in the South-East had earlier this month resolved to meet the Federal Government to facilitate the release of the IPOB leader.
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Crime rates dropped nationwide, says IG
The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, on Tuesday, said there was a decline in crime rates across the country in the past few months due to the strategies deployed by the police.
Specifically, he noted that major crimes dropped to 416 in the last month, compared to 734 in May and 530 in June.
Egbetokun who spoke during a meeting with Commissioners of Police on Tuesday in Abuja commended personnel of the Force for their passion and commitment to the execution of his strategies.
He said, “It is gratifying to note that the strategies deployed and duly executed by our officers and their undiluted passion and commitment have yielded significant results across the length and breadth of our nation. Undoubtedly, the results achieved by our men and officers within the past months have accentuated the stability of the internal security order of the country. This is evident by the steady decline in crime rates over the past few months.
“A review of the monthly major crimes returns table revealed a significantly positive outlook. A drop in the major crimes reported in the last month, which stood at 416, compared with 734 and 530 for May and June respectively.”
Egbetokun added that, in the fight against criminal activities in the last month, the police arrested a total of 1,284 individuals nationwide.
He said, “In addition, we recorded remarkable successes in the fight against criminalities in the last month, manifesting in the arrest of a total of 1,284 suspects nationwide, and the recovery of 284 firearms, 6,702 ammunition, 107 vehicles, and we rescued 97 kidnapped victims.”
The IG also said the special task force on petroleum has arrested some suspects and recovered exhibits from them.
He said, “We have taken steps to reorganize and reposition the IGP Special Task Force on Petroleum and Illegal Corporate to enhance their operations as part of efforts towards combating the menace of oil thefts in Nigeria. Meanwhile, the Task Force recently recorded touching incidents of interceptions of suspected stolen goods and arrests of the perpetrators, as well as seizure of exhibits.
“Most of the cases are already in courts for timely dispensation of justice, and others still undergo investigation. It is imperative for me to mention here that the achievements recorded are the outcome of cooperation and collaboration with members of the public and other security agencies. They are also testaments to your dedication and professionalism.”