Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan representing Kogi Central Senatorial District has described the mode of playing politics in Nigeria as extremely dangerous for women.
Speaking at the ECOWAS Female Parliament Association spotlight initiative titled: “Rethinking Women’s Proportional Representation in Governance: Case Study of Nigeria” on Monday, Sen Akpoti-Uduaghan highlighted the high cost of politics in Nigeria, which puts women at a disadvantage as most men are more financially stable than women in Nigeria.
“Politics is extremely dangerous in Nigeria. In Nigeria, you can’t be gentle as a woman. I honestly wish politics in Nigeria would not be so tough because when a woman who is born to nurture becomes too tough, it’s not good.
“I am so tough now that I rarely cry except maybe something totally touches my heart that I pushed myself. That is what violence teaches you, so I have to constantly tell myself, do not let your experiences change you because I don’t want to be like those who attacked me,” she said.
The Kogi lawmaker emphasised the financial aspect of politics, stating that running for office in Nigeria is expensive.
She also shared her motivation for joining politics, expressing her desire to bring democratic dividends to her people.
Narrating her political journey, she described her intentional move to join politics in 2018, the challenges she faced during elections, and her determination to serve her community.
Sen Akpoti-Uduaghan highlighted the need for a less financially burdensome electoral process and expressed her interest in studying the independent candidature system in Liberia as a potential solution.
She also touched on the personal sacrifices she made for her political career, including surviving accidents and enduring physical hardships while running for office.
In her speech, she addressed the challenges women face in Nigerian politics, including the loss of dignity and the cultural barriers they encounter.
She urged male leaders to be mindful of their words when addressing women in politics, adding that they should rather support and encourage women in their political endeavors.
Finally, she advised women to carefully craft their political agendas and be mindful of overpromising during their campaigns, sharing her own experiences and the toll it took on her health.
She also mentioned her collaboration with Senator Ireti Kingibe to present a bill for gender equity, focusing on 45 per cent women inclusion.
Politics in Nigeria, extremely dangerous enterprise for women – Senator Natasha
Politics in Nigeria, extremely dangerous enterprise for women – Senator Natasha
Hardship: Listen to Nigerians, protest may get out of hand – Ndume to Tinubu
Former Senate Chief Whip, Ali Ndume, has urged President Bola Tinubu to listen to Nigerians youths ahead of the planned nationwide protest.
Ndume warned Tinubu that the planned protest might get out of hand, hence he should listen to the youths.
Speaking on Channels Television on Monday, the Borno South Senator said the planned protest might get out of hand because there is no identified leader.
According to Ndume: “My fear is, looking at what happened during the EndSARS. I hope it does not get out of hand, especially when you cannot identify the leadership, that makes it more difficult.
“I second the motion of the NLC president that Tinubu should listen to Nigerians. The president should talk to the youth.”
Popular activist, Omoyele Sowore had called for a nationwide protest against the Nigerian government in August due to the hardship in the country.
This is coming when Ndume had accused Tinubu of shutting his doors against his Ministers and lawmakers over the hardship in the country.
In October 2020, young Nigerians took to the streets to protest against the disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).
The protests took another turn after soldiers shot at demonstrators at the Lekki tollgate in Lagos.
Hardship: Listen to Nigerians, protest may get out of hand – Ndume to Tinubu
Israeli soldiers kill five in West Bank raid
Palestinian officials said Israeli troops killed five Palestinians, including two women, in a pre-dawn raid on a refugee camp in the occupied West Bank on Tuesday.
The deaths came when Israeli forces raided the Tulkarem camp in the northern West Bank, the head of its popular committee, Faisal Salamah, told AFP. An activist at the camp confirmed the toll. The Israeli military did not immediately comment.
The Palestinian Red Crescent said it had treated a 30-year-old man for bullet wounds to the abdomen, thigh and hand, and three women for shrapnel wounds, one of them to the eye.
Palestinian official news agency Wafa said more than 25 military vehicles, including bulldozers, stormed the camp, scooping up rubble to block off its narrow alleys.
The town of Tulkarem is known as a hub of Palestinian militant activity and is frequently raided by Israeli troops.
Violence in the West Bank has spiked since Hamas’s October 7 attack on Israel triggered war in Gaza.
At least 579 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli soldiers or settlers in the territory since the conflict began, according to health ministry figures.
AFP.
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Ex-parte order: Court declines Ortom’s application for leave to appeal
A Makurdi High Court presided over by Justice Tertsea Asue, on Monday declined to grant an application by former governor of Benue, Samuel Ortom seeking to appeal against its ruling.
In the ruling, the court had dismissed his ex parte motion seeking to stop Governor Hyacinth Alia from investigating him.
The court also turned down an interlocutory injunction by the ex-governor for a stay of proceedings on the matter, pending the determination of the substantive case before the court.
The matter was slated for hearing of the motion on notice for the substantive suit.
Oba Maduabuchi, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and counsel to Otorm filed for leave of notice to appeal the ruling that vacated the order and motion for the stay of further proceedings in the case.
Mohammed Ndarani, SAN, counsel to the 7th, 8th and 9th respondents challenged the application on the ground that there was no case before the court to warrant application for appeal.
He said that he filed a motion on notice challenging the jurisdiction of the court to entertain the matter.
“Where the issue of jurisdiction is raised, the same must be given prominence and eminence over and above all other proceedings since it is the live wire of adjudication,’’ he said.
He argued that there were only two exceptions to the principle on jurisdiction citing contempt, and where the court is seeking to correct an order that was wrongly made for want of jurisdiction.
He said the only option open to the court was to consider the applicant’s motion for leave to file for judicial review and the respective notices of preliminary objection raised by the respondents.
He argued that the plaintiff’s action was contrary to the acceptable legal standards.
He, therefore, prayed the court to dismiss the application for extension of time to file for judicial review as the time could not be extended in the circumstance.
In his argument, the 3rd respondent, Fidelis Mnyim, who is also the State Attorney General, said the plaintiff had no case before the court following his inability to move the motion on notice.
Mnyim said the two applications were yet to be served on him, adding that there was no suit before the court and so, it should be struck out.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria, in a bench ruling, the court upheld the submission of the respondents’ counsel and ordered that the applicant move his application seeking leave for extension of time to file for judicial review.
The court subsequently adjourned to July 30, 2024 to determine the propriety or otherwise of the applicant’s application.
Recall that Ortom had dragged the state government, Attorney General and all members of the commission of inquiry before the court, challenging their competence to check the finances of his administration.
Alia had in February, set up two separate panels to probe the management of the state’s finances and assets under the immediate past administration of Ortom.
Ortom had argued that the Auditor-General of the state, who is mandated by the provisions of the 1999 Constitution, has already audited the accounts of the state, among other reasons.
He said the period under review was audited and the report submitted to the Benue State House of Assembly as required by the provisions of the 1999 Constitution.
Ortom also argued that the same issues were before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
He said that it was wrong to set up another probe panel to investigate finances of the state within the same period, as it would amount to double investigation of the same issues by two different bodies.
Ex-parte order: Court declines Ortom’s application for leave to appeal
Higher interest rates could cripple businesses, says NACCIMA
The President of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture, Dele Oye has warned of possible negative effects on businesses if the Central Bank of Nigeria raises interest rates.
In a statement sent to According Online on Monday, Oye said while an increase in the benchmark interest rate can help control inflation, it often introduces higher costs and increased uncertainty for businesses.
He said such could have a range of negative impacts on their operations and growth prospects.
According to him, some of the consequences include increased borrowing costs, reduced investment, decreased consumer spending, impact on stock prices, cash flow challenges, inflation control, and long-term planning, among others.
The statement read, “A hike in the benchmark interest rate (MPR) by the CBN can have several potential consequences for businesses, including:
“Increased Borrowing Costs: Higher interest rates mean that loans and lines of credit become more expensive. This can increase the cost of financing for businesses, leading to higher operational costs.
“Reduced Investment: As borrowing becomes more expensive, businesses may delay or scale back on investments in expansion, new projects, or capital improvements. This can slow down business growth and innovation.
“Decreased Consumer Spending: Higher interest rates can lead to increased borrowing costs for consumers as well, which can reduce their disposable income. This typically results in lower consumer spending, which can negatively impact businesses, particularly those in the retail and service sectors.
“Cash Flow Challenges: Businesses that rely heavily on debt to manage cash flow may find it more challenging to service their debt, leading to potential liquidity issues.”
Oye further explained, “Higher interest rates can make bonds and other fixed-income investments more attractive compared to stocks. This may lead to a decline in stock prices, affecting businesses’ market valuations and their ability to raise capital through equity financing.
“Foreign Exchange Rates: An increase in the benchmark interest rate can strengthen the national currency. While this might reduce the cost of imports, it can make exports less competitive, potentially harming businesses that rely on international markets.
“Inflation Control: While the primary goal of raising interest rates is often to control inflation, it can have a mixed impact on businesses. On the one hand, controlling inflation helps maintain purchasing power and economic stability; on the other hand, the immediate effects of higher rates can strain business operations.
“Consumer Confidence: If consumers perceive rate hikes as a sign of an overheating economy or a response to high inflation, their confidence may be shaken, leading to reduced spending and investment.
“Credit Availability: Tighter monetary policy can lead to stricter lending standards, making it harder for businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), to obtain credit.”
Others according to the NACCIMA President include, “Long-Term Planning: Uncertainty about future interest rate movements can make long-term planning more difficult for businesses. Companies may become more cautious in their strategic decisions, potentially slowing down growth and innovation.”
Oye added, “In summary, while an increase in the benchmark interest rate can help control inflation, it often introduces higher costs and increased uncertainty for businesses, which can have a range of negative impacts on their operations and growth prospects.”
Nigerian Govt vows to address pavement failures on East-West Road – Umahi
The federal government said it has introduced more formidable measures of construction to end pavement failures and years of infrastructural neglect on the East West Road of South South Nigeria.
Minister of Works, Engr David Umahi revealed this during his visit to the project sites at East West Road section II Kaiama- Ahoada in Rivers/ Bayelsa States.
The construction of Multiple Box Culverts at flood damaged locations along the dualization of East West Road handled by Messrs Rock Results Nigeria Ltd and the dualization of East West Road, Section II ( sub section II) handled by SETRACO Nigeria Ltd dated 22nd July 2024.
Speaking after the inspection of work progress, Umahi said that the Federal Government redesigned the inherited ongoing project, using reinforced concrete technology to end the perennial pavement failures and years of road neglect across the wetland Niger Delta.
He said that some sections of the East-West Road starting from Lokoja to Benin were also rescopped and redesigned in reinforced concrete, and that the height of the road was increased above the flood level, and that the redesign factored the peculiar environment, geomorphology and soil characteristics which were responsible for the failures of flexible pavement used over the years by successive administrations.
This was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Minister’s Special Adviser on Media, Mr Uchenna Orji.
On the Kaiama-Ahoada section, he said,”When we came on board, the job was already awarded by the past administration. And so the only new thing in all these locations under President Tinubu is the relief culverts that these two local contractors are putting, and are proving themselves to be of a very high reputation in terms of their works. We are encouraging many more local contractors to come and work, because there’s so much to work.”
“He observed that the impact of climate change was largely responsible for the flood that came over the two sections of the road but commended the two contractors handling the relief culverts for their deep commitment to the intervention work despite having not been paid.
He stated, “And so our directive is that the contractor shouldn’t open more relief culverts. Let us contain the floods by working with NDDC. And I commend the MD of NDDC for the fantastic work they are doing.”
“He thanked Rock Results, who also did emergency works, even though it’s outside the scope and the 29 Battalion with other paramilitary outfits for the management of the traffic which he said would continue for the next two to four weeks. While seeking for patience on the side of the road users, he assured that permanent solution was underway as the project was being procured to raise the road above the flood level while reinforced concrete of 12 inches would be used to do the overlay.
“The Honourable Minister who also visited the KM 15 Section 3A of the East- West road (from Eleme Junction to Onne Port Junction) handled by Messrs RCC Nigeria Ltd, commended the quality of work being done but urged the contractor to re-mobilize at least in 6 sections of the project to ensure timely project delivery or be prepared to relinquish the other carriageway for award to another contractor.
He staed, “It is Presidential order that this road should be given the maximum attention, and that’s why he asked me to come and look at it, and then give him a report.
“So we’re looking at December for project delivery, but certainly not at the pace that RCC is going.”While reacting to the statement credited to a Clergy, Buba Isa on the state of some federal roads, the Honourable Minister reiterated the commitment of the Renewed Hope administration in fixing all the inherited ongoing projects and backlogs of road infrastructure deficits nationwide orchestrated by many years of neglect.
“While commending President Tinubu for the glaring deference in road infrastructure under his administration which road users are attesting to, he called for patience and understanding as enduring solution to road failures had been reinvented by the Renewed Hope administration and very soon Nigerians would enjoy sustainable infrastructure delivery.”
Nigerian Govt vows to address pavement failures on East-West Road – Umahi
Tobi Amusan named Nigeria’s flagbearer for Paris 2024 Olympics
World record holder Tobi Amusan has been selected as the country’s flagbearer for the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
This appointment marks a historic moment for Nigerian athletics, as Amusan becomes the first track and field athlete in two decades to receive this honour.
A tweet by Making of Champions on social media platform X on Tuesday said, “Tobi Amusan has been named as Nigeria’s flagbearer for the opening ceremony of #Paris2024 #Olympics – she becomes the first athlete from Athletics in 20yrs, since Mary Onyali at the Athens 2004 Games, to have such honours.”
Amusan, known for her outstanding performances in the 100m hurdles, will lead the Nigerian contingent during the parade of nations at the opening ceremony.
This recognition comes as a testament to her achievements and her status as one of Nigeria’s most prominent athletes on the global stage.
In addition to Amusan’s appointment, the Nigerian Olympic Committee has made another key selection for the country’s Olympic team.
The post further stated, “In another appointment, the Nigerian Olympic Committee (NOC) also announced Badminton player, Anuoluwapo Opeyori as the General Team captain for Nigeria in Paris.”
These appointments set the stage for Nigeria’s participation in the Paris 2024 Olympics.
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Ukraine’s top diplomat in Beijing for talks on ending war
Ukraine’s foreign minister was in China Tuesday for talks on how officials there might help end the war with Russia, whose ties with Beijing have grown stronger since the conflict began.
China presents itself as a neutral party in the war and says it is not sending lethal assistance to either side, unlike the United States and other Western nations.
However, its deepening “no limits” partnership with Russia has led NATO members to brand it a “decisive enabler” of Moscow’s war, which Beijing has never condemned.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba’s visit until Friday is his first since the war began in February 2022.
Kyiv said Kuleba’s visit would focus on “ways to stop Russian aggression” as well as “China’s possible role in achieving a sustainable and just peace”.
Beijing said Tuesday the talks would focus on “advancing China-Ukraine cooperation and other issues of common interest”.
“On the Ukraine crisis, China always believes that an early ceasefire and a political settlement serves the common interests of all parties,” foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said.
“China will continue to stand on the side of peace and dialogue,” she said.
China has sought to paint itself as a mediator in the war, sending envoy Li Hui to Europe on multiple rounds of “shuttle diplomacy”.
President Xi Jinping told Hungary’s Viktor Orban this month that world powers should help Russia and Ukraine restart direct negotiations. Orban’s visit to Beijing was branded as a “peace mission”.
China also released a paper last year calling for a “political settlement” to the conflict. However, it was criticised by Western countries for enabling Russia to retain much of the territory it has seized in Ukraine.
Beijing has rebuffed claims it is supporting Russia’s war effort, insisting last week that its position was “open and above board” and accusing the West of fuelling the conflict through arms shipments to Kyiv.
Beijing, a close political and economic ally of Russia, did not attend a peace summit in Switzerland last month in protest against Moscow not being invited.
• ‘Extract a price’ –
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called during that summit for Beijing to engage seriously with developing peace proposals.
Alexander Gabuev, director of the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center, told AFP that Kyiv could likely seek this week to “convince China that it should participate in a second peace summit”.
“Beijing can try to extract a price, even for sending somebody like Special Envoy Ambassador Li Hui,” he said.
China has offered a critical lifeline to Russia’s isolated economy since the conflict began.
That economic partnership has come under close scrutiny from the West in recent months, with Washington vowing to go after financial institutions that facilitate Moscow’s war effort.
The United States and Europe have also accused China of selling components and equipment necessary to keep Russia’s military production afloat.
Gabuev suggested that Beijing may this week “try to leverage this Ukrainian interest in a second peace summit… in order to get itself off the hook for deepening sanctions”.
But another analyst said it was possible that Beijing could be keen to play a larger role in mediating a conflict “that threatens to become increasingly costly for Chinese businesses and interests”.
“China is undoubtedly sustaining its overall support for Russia,” Bjorn Alexander Duben, an assistant professor at China’s Jilin University, told AFP.
“But there are signs that Beijing is getting increasingly wary of the diplomatic, political, and economic cost of its ongoing de facto support for Moscow,” he added.
AFP.
EFCC arraigns fake content creator for internet fraud in Jos
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Kaduna Zonal Command, has arraigned a “fake content creator”, Audu Ishida, also known as Baddie Kylemilli, over allegations of internet fraud.
In a post on its X page on Tuesday, the antigraft agency said Ishida is facing a single charge of impersonation, retention of proceeds of crime, and money laundering before Justice Hauwa’u Buhari of the Federal High Court in Kaduna State.
Ishida was arrested alongside other members of an internet fraud ring in Jos, Plateau State, following an intelligence-driven raid by operatives of the Kaduna Zonal Command of the EFCC.
The agency stated that investigations revealed that the defendant created fake online video content and dating sites to defraud unsuspecting victims.
Further investigations showed he obtained the proceeds of his crime through gift cards, which he traded online using an FSS card app in foreign currency, later converting them to Naira and depositing them into his bank accounts.
“That you, Audu Ishida (Baddie Kylemilli), on or about the 2nd of June, 2024, in Jos, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, retained the total sum of $50 USD from your victim, which you reasonably ought to have known forms part of the proceeds of an unlawful act, thereby committing an offence contrary to Section 20(a) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and punishable under Section 20(b) of the same Act,” the charge against Ishida read.
He, however, pleaded “not guilty” to the charge.
Prosecution counsel M.E. Eimonye requested a trial date and for the defendant to be remanded in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service. Defence counsel Umar Usman did not oppose the request.
Justice Buhari ordered Ishida’s remand in the Nigerian Correctional Centre, Kaduna, and adjourned the case to November 7, 2024, for the commencement of trial.
Dangote refinery too vital to fail
The 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has voiced his support for the Dangote Refinery, urging the Nigerian government to resolve ongoing conflicts and provide necessary assistance for the project’s success.
In a statement on Tuesday via X, Obi emphasised the critical importance of the refinery to Nigeria’s economic future.
“The recent conflicts between Dangote Industries and some government agencies are deeply troubling,” Obi stated.
He stressed that the issue transcends political affiliations and personal grievances and is fundamentally about Nigeria’s economy and the well-being of its citizens.
Highlighting the refinery’s potential impact, Obi said, “The refinery has the potential to generate approximately $21 billion in annual revenue and create over 100,000 jobs, with numerous additional positive impacts on the economy.”
He underscored its strategic importance in addressing Nigeria’s fuel crisis and boosting foreign exchange earnings.
He said, “The refinery is too vital to fail and must not be hindered, considering its crucial role in our national welfare.”
Obi praised Aliko Dangote’s contributions to Nigeria’s industrial landscape, describing him as a national and African brand symbolising patriotism, commitment, and impactful entrepreneurship.
He pointed out Dangote’s diverse industrial portfolio, which spans over 15 sectors including cement, sugar, fertiliser, and petrochemicals.
“Alhaji Dangote’s unwavering dedication to Nigeria’s industrialization, job creation, and economic growth, despite adversities, warrants full support and protection,” Obi said.
He argued that given Nigeria’s current economic challenges, enterprises like Dangote Industries should be regarded as national treasures, meriting robust support and protection.
The former Anambra State governor called on the Federal Government to recognise the significance of Dangote’s contributions and provide all necessary support, particularly for the refinery.
“The success of Dangote is intrinsically linked to the success of Nigeria and Africa,” Obi said, warning that its failure would be a significant setback for both the country and the continent.