The presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 election, Peter Obi said the biggest problem of Nigeria’s democracy is the judiciary and not the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.
Obi stated this at the fifth memorial of late Justice Anthony Aniagolu at the Godfrey Okoye University in Enugu.
According to the former Anambra governor, justice in Nigeria “goes to the highest bidder” and has become “commodified.”
He said, “While the judiciary, today, still boasts of a few outstanding judges, there is an undeniable decline in our judicial system.
“This decline poses a significant threat to the future of Nigeria. Justice is increasingly commodified, and delivered in favour of the highest bidder.
“Whenever democracy is discussed, fingers point to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as the problem. But INEC is not the problem, instead, the judiciary is. The judiciary is the biggest threat to Nigeria. If our judiciary is effective, our businesses will thrive.
“When the rule of law is compromised, the most vulnerable members of society are disproportionately affected, and the fabric of our society begins to fray. The integrity of our institutions, the protection of human rights, and the stability of our nation are all jeopardised.
“The rule of law is the highest intangible and most valuable asset of any society, and we must work tirelessly to protect and preserve it. We must prioritise the pursuit of justice above all else.
“I emphasised the urgent need to revitalise our judicial system by safeguarding its independence and promoting the values of character, competence, capability, compassion, and integrity among our jurists, as well as within our political leadership.
“By doing so, we can ensure justice and fairness prevail as we endeavour to build a better Nigeria for all.
“Nigeria has become a country where anything goes. There is no rule of law, there is almost no judiciary. Everybody could be pushed down because there is no rule of law.
“Because the judiciary has become commercialised and depends on how much one pays, it has become difficult to get true justice in the judiciary.
“At any point in time where the judiciary is not working, the society suffers.”
Dangote Refinery is set to buy at least 24 million barrels of US crude over the next year as it ramps up its processing capabilities.
A report by Bloomberg revealed that the $20 billion refinery has issued a term tender for the purchase of 2 million barrels a month of West Texas Intermediate Midland (WTI) crude for 12 months starting in July, which amounts to 24 million barrels of crude in one year.
The call for US oil reflects Nigeria’s struggle to lift its own crude production, which remains well below theoretical capacity, as well as Dangote’s willingness to tap cheaper supplies than it can find at home. It also highlights how influential the refinery will be in global crude and fuel trading.
Elitsa Georgieva, Executive Director at Citac, an energy consultancy specializing in the African downstream sector, said: “Supply of Nigerian crude is insufficient or unavailable and sometimes unreliable. WTI on the other hand, is available, with reliable supply and competitively priced.
“Buying different feed stocks also provides flexibility and optionality for the refinery, so the tender makes economic sense for Dangote,”
Nigeria has not been able to meet its Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) + quota for at least a year. The nation pumped about 1.45 million barrels a day of crude and liquids in April, still far below its estimated production capacity of 2.6 million barrels a day.
Crude theft, aging oil pipelines, low investment, and divestments from oil majors operating in the country have all contributed to declining production.
To ensure enough local supply to the 650,000 barrel-a-day refinery, Nigeria’s upstream regulator, the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), released new draft rules last month that will compel its oil producers to sell crude to domestic refineries. NUPRC mandated all oil companies in Nigeria to supply crude to domestic refineries that are unable to procure it locally.
Producers are allowed to export crude only after meeting these domestic supply obligations.
Under the new rules, NUPRC will act as an intermediary between local refiners and producers when agreements on crude supply are not reached, facilitating a sales purchase agreement using a willing-buyer, willing-seller model.
This new policy could benefit Dangote refinery by enabling it to procure crude oil from local suppliers rather than depending on imports. The plant, currently running at about half capacity, is taking advantage of cheaper US oil imports for as much as a third of its feedstock. Since the start of this year, it has received at least one supertanker carrying about 2 million barrels of WTI Midland each month.
An official at Dangote declined to comment on the report, Bloomberg stated.
Cybercrime: Police does not have the constitutional authority to arrest Nigerians over cyberstalking — Falana
Admin
Mr. Femi Falana, SAN, a human rights attorney, emphasized yesterday that the police and other security services are powerless to detain, arrest, and bring charges against Nigerians for cyberstalking.
Falana noted that the ECOWAS Court of the Economic Community of West African States had ruled that Section 24 of the Cybercrime Act 2015 was unlawful. Falana urged for the withdrawal of all ongoing cases pertaining to this section of the act.
He said that the Federal Government had also been ordered by the ECOWAS court to change the clause in order to comply with Nigerians’ right to free speech.
“It has become illegal to arrest journalists for cyberstalking, insult, causing annoyance, offensive message, and criminal intimidation,” the rights activist stated in a statement.
“Section 24 of the Cybercrime Act, 2015 had criminalised ‘cyberstalking’, ‘insult’, ‘causing annoyance’, ‘sending offensive messages’, and ‘criminal intimidation’ ‘insult’, ‘causing annoyance’, ‘sending offensive messages’, and ‘criminal intimidation’. Specifically, section 24 provided as follows: (a) Any person who, knowingly or intentionally sends a message or other matter using computer systems or network that (a) is grossly offensive, pornographic or of an indecent, obscene, or menacing character or causes any such message or matter to be so sent; or (b) He knows to be false for causing annoyance, inconvenience danger, obstruction, insult, injury, criminal intimidation, enmity, hatred, ill will or needless anxiety to another or causes such a message to be sent: commits an offence under this Act and shall be liable on conviction to a fine of not more than N7million or imprisonment for a term of not more than 3 years or to both such fine and imprisonment.
“However, in the cases of Laws and Rights Awareness Initiative (Suit No. ECW/CCJ/APP/53/18) and Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (Suit Laws and Rights Awareness Initiative (Suit No ECW/CCJ/APP/09/19), the Ecowas Court declared section 24 of the Cybercrime Act 2015 illegal and directed the federal government to amend the section to make the law conform with the fundamental rights of Nigerian citizens to freedom of expression guaranteed by section 39 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,1999 and article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.
“In line with both judgments of the Ecowas Court, the Government of Nigeria has repealed section 24 by removing the provisions relating to ‘cyber stalking’, ‘insult’, ‘causing annoyance’, ‘sending offensive messages’, and ‘criminal intimidation’ from the Cybercrime Act 2015 and replaced same with Section 5 of the Cybercrime Amendment Act which provides as follows: Any person who knowingly or intentionally sends a message or other matter using computer systems.
[OpinionNigeria]
The Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) has recently disclosed the distribution of N1.208 trillion to different government tiers for the month of May 2024.
This allocation, derived from several revenue streams such as statutory allocations, Value Added Tax (VAT), and Electronic Money Transfer Levies (EMTL), originates from the revenues collected in April 2024.
This latest disbursement marks an approximate 8% increase from the N1.123 trillion allocated in the previous month, signaling a modest but notable rise in government revenue flows.
According to a statement from the Office of the Accountant General signed by its Director (Press and Public Relations), Bawa Mokwa, the figure was disclosed in a communiqué issued by FAAC after the May 2024 meeting.
The N1.208 trillion total distributable revenue consisted of N284.716 billion distributable statutory revenue, N466.457 billion distributable Value Added Tax (VAT) revenue, N18.024 billion Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL) revenue, and N438.884 billion Exchange Difference revenue.
About 55% of revenue made was shared among three tiers of government
The total revenue available for April 2024 was N2.192 trillion. After deducting N80.517 billion for the cost of collection and N903.479 billion for transfers, interventions, and refunds, the remaining amount was distributed among the three tiers of government. Approximately 55% of revenue made in April was shared among the three tiers of government by May 2024.
- From the N1.208 trillion total distributable revenue, the Federal Government received N390.412 billion, the state governments received N403.403 billion, and the local government councils received N293.816 billion.
- Additionally, N120.450 billion (13% of mineral revenue) was allocated to the oil-producing states as derivation revenue.
Revenue Details and Distribution
- The gross statutory revenue for April 2024 was N1.233 trillion, an increase of N216.282 billion compared to the N1.017 trillion received in March 2024
- However, the gross revenue from VAT decreased to N500.920 billion in April 2024, down by N48.778 billion from March 2024’s N549.698 billion. The Federal Government received N69.969 billion, the state governments received N233.229 billion, and the local government councils received N163.260 billion from the N466.457 billion distributable VAT revenue.
- For the N284.716 billion distributable statutory revenue, the Federal Government received N112.148 billion, the state governments received N56.883 billion, and the local government councils were given N43.855 billion. From this, N71.830 billion (13% of mineral revenue) was shared among the oil-producing states as derivation revenue.
- The N18.024 billion EMTL was allocated with N2.704 billion to the Federal Government, N9.012 billion to the state governments, and N6.308 billion to the local government councils.
- From the N438.884 billion Exchange Difference revenue, the Federal Government received N205.591 billion, the state governments received N104.279 billion, and the local government councils received N80.394 billion. An additional N48.620 billion (13% of mineral revenue) was allocated to the oil-producing states.
The communiqué highlighted significant increases in oil and gas royalties, companies income tax (CIT), excise duty, petroleum profit tax (PPT), electronic money transfer Levy (EMTL), and CET Levies for April 2024. Conversely, import duty and VAT recorded notable decreases.
The Excess Crude Account (ECA) balance stood at $473,754.57 as of the end of April 2024.
[Nairametrics]
The Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC) has temporarily suspended new licence issuance to operators in three categories.
Naija News reports that the NCC made this known on Friday in a statement via its X handle, signed by the Director of the Public Affairs Department, Nigerian Communications Commission, Reuben Muoka.
The categories suspended include Mobile Virtual Network Operator Licence, Interconnect Exchange Licence and Value Added Service Aggregator Licence.
The NCC said the suspension is in accordance with its powers under the Nigerian Communications Act 2003 to grant and renew licenses and promote fair competition.
The commission noted that the temporary suspension is to enable a thorough review of several key areas of market saturation, competition level and current market dynamics.
However, it noted that the new directive does not affect pending applications, which would be considered based on merit.
The statement titled “Temporary Suspension Of The Issuance Of Communications Licences In Three Categories” read,
“In line with its powers under the Nigerian Communications Act 2003 to grant and renew licenses, promote fair competition and develop the Communications Industry, the Nigerian Communications Commission (The Commissions) hereby informs all stakeholders of a temporary suspension on issuance of new licenses in the following categories, Interconnect Exchange License, Mobile Virtual Network Operator License and Value Added Service Aggregator License.
“This temporary suspension is necessary to enable the commission to Commissionthorough review of several key areas within these categories, including the current level of competition, market saturation and current market dynamics.
“The public is invited to note that during the suspension period commencing on 17th of May, 2024, new applications for the aforementioned licenses will not be accepted. This is without prejudice to pending applications before the Commission whiCommission considered on its merits.
“Any enquiries of clarification in respect of this Suspension Notice should be forwarded to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..”
[NaijaNews]
House of Representatives has urged the federal government to suspend the introduction of new Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) crops in the country, pending the conclusion of a comprehensive investigation by its Committee on Agricultural Production and Services.
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion by Hon. Muktar Shagaya (APC-Kwara) at plenary yesterday.
Moving the motion, Shagaya noted that genetically modified crops, commonly known as GM Crops, are plants used for agricultural purposes whose DNA has been altered using genetic engineering methods.
The lawmaker said that the recent introduction of genetically modified crops in Nigeria has raised concerns and questions about safety.
He said concerns have also been raised on regulatory oversight and the potential impact on the country’s biosafety and ecosystem following the introduction of GMOs.
“Aware that genetically modified foods can be created to contain almost anything, including genes which have higher levels of toxicity and negative long-term effects on human health.
“Introducing these crops has led to public outcries, with serious concerns about the potential risks these GM crops may pose to human health, environmental degradation, and food security.
“The National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) has been accused of approving the introduction of GM crops into Nigeria without following due process and scientific protocols.
“Concerned that these GM crops are being introduced into Nigeria at a time when the said crops have been banned in several countries like France, Russia, Germany, China, India, and a host of other countries in Europe due to safety concerns,” he said.
According to him, the introduction of genetically modified crops could have far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s food security and could potentially transfer control to foreign biotechnology companies which are primarily driven by profit and cost reduction.
He said that GMO crops’ long-term impact on human health remains uncertain, prompting precautionary measures due to potential health risks including cancer, antibiotic resistance, allergic reactions, and reproductive issues.
Shagaya said there is a need to prioritise public health, biodiversity, and traditional farming practices due to uncertainties surrounding the long-term impact of GMOs on health, the environment, and food security.
The green chambers urge the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to cause the already introduced GM foods and crops in Nigeria to be properly labeled to safeguard consumers.
In his ruling, the deputy speaker, Benjamin Kalu mandated the Committee on Agricultural Production and Services to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the introduction of GMOs by NBMA.
The deputy speaker mandated the committee to assess the potential health and environmental risks associated with genetically modified crops and report back within four weeks and mandated the Committee on Legislative Compliance to ensure compliance.
[Leadership]
Governor Sim Fubara of Rivers State has described himself as the most abused person in the State but has remained calm in the face of serious provocations.
He, however, urged people of the state to remain calm and allow peace to reign because he is against trouble.
The governor’s remark came on the bedrock of his rift with his predecessor and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike.
Fubara and Wike have been at loggerheads over the political control and resources of the state.
Amid the cold war, despite President Bola Tinubu’s intervention, the governor declared that his enemies had been defeated.
He noted that his political rivals in the state now sleep with their eyes open and are restless.
However, speaking during the flag-off of the construction of Elele-Omoku Road on Thursday, Fubara said: “As a matter of fact, I am the most abused, ‘mumu governor wey no know wetin to do with power,’ Is it not?
“Have I said anything? So, please just endure until when you finish you go your way, I don’t want any trouble.”
The governor vowed never to allow his detractors to cause political tension in the state.
Fubara disclosed assuring Tinubu that he would take the path of peace and not renege on the promise.
[DailyPost]
The federal government has asked labour leaders and other stakeholders to return to the negotiating table and continue discussions on the new minimum wage for Nigerian workers.
Naija News understands the Chairman of the Tripartite Committee on National Minimum Wage, Bukar Goni, sent a letter of invitation to labour leaders dated May 16, 2024 for a meeting on Tuesday, 21st May.
This development comes barely 24 hours after the leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) stormed out of a meeting of the minimum wage negotiation committee on Wednesday over what they termed a ridiculous offer from the government.
It would be recalled that the government offered ₦48,000 as the new minimum wage while the Organized Private Sector (OPS), proposed N54,000 during the meeting while the labour maintained its stand on a ₦615,000 minimum wage for workers.
In a statement released after the meeting, the labour leaders expressed disappointment, saying the federal government has shown its unseriousness with the amount it proposed.
They described the ₦48,000 proposed new minimum wage by the federal government as an insult to the sensibility of Nigerian workers.
However, according to Punch, there are indications the government may review its proposal upward during the fresh meeting.
The tripartite committee chairman, in his letter, is understood to have indicated the willingness of the government to shift grounds on its ₦48,000 offer.
The letter was titled, ‘Tripartite Committee on National Minimum Wage: Negotiation.’
The Federal Government yesterday admitted that most of the electricity Distribution Companies, DisCos, in Nigeria are technically insolvent and unable to pay for invoices sent to them from the electricity market and invest in network expansion projects.
Speaking at the 8th Africa Energy Market Place 2024 in Abuja, Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, Engr. Sanusi Garba, said the poor financial state of the DisCos makes it difficult for them to raise the needed capital to invest.
Garba pointed out that the challenges facing the sector were a culmination of past inactions and missteps by those saddled with the responsibilities of managing the sector, both at policy and operational levels.
According to him, “Today when you look at distribution companies, they are clearly and technically insolvent, and you also want them to raise capital in terms of debt or equity. It’s a herculean task.
“I also want to mention that implementing the power sector reform requires powerful political will to implement decisions that impact the wider public.”
On his part, the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, said the government is working to get the distribution companies solvent and effective by unbundling their operations along state boundaries.
Adelabu insisted that the areas covered by the current DisCos are too large for them to deliver effective services to consumers.
Speaking on how the government will tackle the N1.3 trillion owed to power generation companies and the $1.3 billion debt to gas companies, the minister disclosed that President Bola Tinubu has approved a plan to liquidate the debts.
He said: “Mr. President has approved the submission made by the Minister of State Petroleum (Gas) to defray outstanding debts owed to gas supply companies by power generation companies.
‘’The payments are in two parts, the legacy debts and the current debts. For the current debt, approval has been given to pay about N130 billion from the gas stabilization fund which the Federal Ministry of Finance will pay.
“The payment of the legacy debt will be made from future royalties in exchange for incomes in the gas sub-sector which is quite satisfactory to the gas suppliers. This will allow the companies to enter into firm contracts with power generation companies.
“For the power generation companies, the debt is about N1.3 trillion and I can also tell you that we have the consent of the President to pay, on condition that the actual figures are reconciled between the government and the companies.
“This we have successfully done and it is being signed off by both parties now. The majority has signed off and we are engaging to ensure that we have 100 per cent sign-off.
“The debt will be paid in two ways, immediate cash injection and through a guaranteed debt instrument, preferably a promissory note. This assures the companies that in the next three to five years, the government is ready to defray these debts.”
On its part, the African Development Bank, AfDB, said it had so far spent over $450 million to support various power sector projects and programmes with another $1 billion planned to support the power sector reform effort by the government.
Vice President, of Power, Energy, Climate and Green Growth Complex, AfDB, Dr. Kevin K. Kariuki, pointed out that with 90 million out of 600 million people in Africa without access to electricity living in Nigeria, the effectiveness of the reforms will be measured based how much of the over 13GigaWatts of installed capacity Nigeria utilizes for its development.
“The African Development Bank is acutely aware of the extent of the challenge, ranging from addressing the electricity access deficit to rehabilitating and upgrading the power system to meet a load of 20GW which is believed to be the true demand, for Nigeria’s 200 million people, hence, we must have all our hands (i.e. all stakeholders) on the deck empowered by the new Electricity Act, 2023!
“At AfDB, we put our money where our mouth is! As is manifested by the fact, we will be shortly seeking board approval for a one billion US dollars policy-based operation (PBO) with a significant energy component aimed at supporting the ongoing power sector reforms triggered by the new Electricity Act,” he stated.
How Nigeria can overcome energy crisis – Mahama, Nnaji, Obi, Kwankwaso, Duke, Ooni
Meanwhile, eminent Nigerians and leaders, including former Ghanaian President, John Mahama, yesterday, dissected Nigeria’s energy crisis and returned a grim verdict: The country has no business with epileptic electricity supply given her huge resources. They said there is a need for a state of emergency to be declared in the energy sector to address the challenges.
Those who proffered solutions to Nigeria’s energy crisis included founder and chairman of Geometric Power Group, Professor Barth Nnaji; 2023 Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, LP, Mr Peter Obi; former Cross River State Governor, Mr. Donald Duke; former Kano State Governor and 2023 Presidential Candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP, Senator Musa Kwankwaso; Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi; Chairman of British Tobacco, Chief Kola Kareem; and Dr Dele Momodu among others.
They spoke at the Inaugural Dele Momodu Leadership Lecture held at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, NIIA, Lagos.
Held as part of activities to mark the 64th birthday of Dele Momodu, publisher of The Ovation magazine, the event lived up to its billing, drawing participants across political and regional divides.
We can’t continue paying for electricity and getting darkness — Momodu
Welcoming participants, Momodu said the country’s endless energy crisis has become embarrassing and he has elected to encourage dialogue to halt the trend.
His words: “On the occasion of my 64th birthday, you may be wondering why I am starting a lecture series. The reason is not far-fetched. The clock is ticking, and by the grace of God, on my next birthday, I will be 65 years old and will undoubtedly be called an elder statesman. In my moment of soliloquy, I asked what next. I wrote over a thousand articles and spoke endlessly on radio and television, but not much has changed in my greatly endowed country. My verdict is that criticism alone could not do the job. I decided to reach out to our leaders, technocrats, and my fellow citizens in general.
“The next facet of my struggle would be to encourage dialogue and conversation, so I came up with the idea of a national and international lecture. My country is riddled with all the denigrating challenges of which we are all guilty.
Rather than continue to have a blame game, why can’t we end this endless energy crisis? It is the most disturbing and embarrassing thing for a Nigerian. If I want to buy any product, all I need to do is pay, and it will be delivered. So how come we paid for electricity and it cannot be delivered? That is the challenge I am throwing at our leaders today. With all our investment in electricity, it has gone up in smoke. The more we paid, the less electricity we got. It seems that electricity affects all of us; we should propose a solution to it in a non-partisan way.”
Nigeria has all it takes to advance Africa’s collective energy — Mahama
Former President Mahama of Ghana, who chaired the lecture, said the theme of the inaugural lecture: “The Politics of Energy and the Way Forward in Nigeria’’, is the most appropriate and suitable because, despite Africa’s tremendous energy resources, such as hydro, wind, and solar, the continent continues to suffer from severe energy deficit, which undermines the totality of economic growth and development.
Mahama who recalled Ghana’s energy challenges despite generating over 5,500 MW of electricity, said: “The African continent is home to about 17.8 per cent of the world’s population, of which about 600 million people are without access to electricity. And 98 per cent of sub-Saharan Africa and another 940 million people lack access to clean cooking fuels and technology. This calls for bold policies by leaders and pooling resources to achieve Sustainable Development Goal No. 7, which is access to affordable, reliable energy by the year 2030.
“Nigeria can be described as a continental economic leader and powerhouse of Africa. Nigeria has a unique opportunity and potential to achieve energy security and sufficiency for itself and the entire West African sub-region.
“Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa have to address the critical question of which energy path we intend to adopt. Are we to take the path of a wholesome transition by tapping our gas or must we adopt a customized energy transition that prioritizes climate justice, wealth creation, and inclusive growth? This is the basic question we need to answer. This is the moment Nigeria must show leadership in the global politics of energy.
I wish to call on Nigeria to lead the politics of energy resources in Africa. There’s an urgent need for Ghana and Nigeria to deepen our economic and technical cooperation in harnessing and developing our energy resources for energy security and reliability as a catalyst for industrialization for the entire sub-region. The energy sector is the foundation for economic growth, and Nigeria must take the leadership mantle to build a regional consensus that would provide a more promising future for Africa.
We need emergency in energy sector – Obi
Also speaking, Obi commended Momodu for renovating the NIIA, and providing rugs and air conditioners, and said there is a need to imbibe a maintenance culture in Nigeria.
With Ghana of about 24 million people producing over 5,500Mw of electricity and Nigeria of over 200 million people generating less, he said there is a need to declare an emergency in the energy sector and boost the supply of gas locally.
“We must declare an emergency on power. We need embedded power and the way to go is very simple, I insist on gas supply. Making Nigeria productive and pulling our people out of poverty will give more dollars than export,” he said.
Kwankwaso, Ooni, others speak
Speaking at the lecture, Kwankwaso, who recalled that he did a 35MW power project in 2015 and $43m in Kano treasury for his successor to do the transmission, urged Nigerian businessmen and women to emulate the good work of Professor Nnaji in Aba where his Aba power project is providing power to nine of the 17 local councils of Abia State. “I urge our governors to join forces and ensure we have electricity in Nigeria,” he added.
On his part, the Ooni of Ife, urged Nigerians to join forces, shun partisan considerations and collectively tackle the challenges of the country.
How Nigeria’s rejection of gas pipeline proposal from US hurt us — Duke
On his part, Duke rued Nigeria’s missed opportunities in rejecting the proposal of the United States to build a gas pipeline from the Niger-Delta that would pass through Niger Republic, Algeria to Europe in the 1980s.
His words: “The topic is very important in terms of this continent and where it is going. Nigeria has a $37 billion oil reserve. In 1985, as an intern in the US, an American lady asked me a question in a rebuking manner, asking what was wrong with Nigeria. I was about 23 years old, so I didn’t understand what she meant. She said she just come back from the White House, and she had an interview with the chief of staff, and they proposed a gas pipeline from Nigeria to Europe.
I thought it was a brilliant idea that it was going to be paid for by the Western world, but we gave a condition, and the condition was that the United States would have to pull out of South Africa. She said it was a very stupid decision, that no one gave the United States conditions. It would have made more sense if we agreed, and we would have had a lot more leverage. This is a nation that has been flaring 2.5 billion cubic meters of gas daily for over 40 years. That is equivalent to burning 25 million gallons of diesel.”
[Vangaurd]
Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 election, says the judiciary is the biggest threat to the nation’s democracy — and not the electoral umpire.
Obi said this while delivering a keynote speech at the fifth memorial of late Justice Anthony Aniagolu at the Godfrey Okoye University in Enugu.
The former Anambra governor said justice in Nigeria “goes to the highest bidder” and has become “commodified”.
“While the judiciary, today, still boasts of a few outstanding judges, there is an undeniable decline in our judicial system,” he said.
“This decline poses a significant threat to the future of Nigeria. Justice is increasingly commodified, and delivered in favour of the highest bidder.
“Whenever democracy is discussed, fingers point to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as the problem. But INEC is not the problem, instead, the judiciary is. The judiciary is the biggest threat to Nigeria. If our judiciary is effective, our businesses will thrive.
“When the rule of law is compromised, the most vulnerable members of society are disproportionately affected, and the fabric of our society begins to fray. The integrity of our institutions, the protection of human rights, and the stability of our nation are all jeopardised.
“The rule of law is the highest intangible and most valuable asset of any society, and we must work tirelessly to protect and preserve it. We must prioritise the pursuit of justice above all else.
“I emphasised the urgent need to revitalise our judicial system by safeguarding its independence and promoting the values of character, competence, capability, compassion, and integrity among our jurists, as well as within our political leadership.
“By doing so, we can ensure justice and fairness prevail as we endeavour to build a better Nigeria for all.
“Nigeria has become a country where anything goes. There is no rule of law, there is almost no judiciary. Everybody could be pushed down because there is no rule of law.
“Because the judiciary has become commercialised and depends on how much one pays, it has become difficult to get true justice in the judiciary.
“At any point in time where the judiciary is not working, the society suffers.”
Bola Tinubu of the All Progressive Congress (APC) won the 2023 presidential election with 8,794,726 votes; Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) came second with 6,984,520 votes; while Obi polled third with 6,101,533 votes.
Obi and Abubakar challenged Tinubu’s election all the way to the supreme court.
On October 26, 2023, the apex court dismissed the appeals of Abubakar and Obi and affirmed Tinubu as president.
[TheCable]
More...
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved part payment of all power sector debts, estimated at N3.3 trillion.
Adebayo Adelabu, Nigeria’s Minister of Power, disclosed this at Thursday’s 8th Africa Energy Marketplace in Abuja.
He noted that the federal government’s N1.3 trillion debt to power-generating companies would be paid via cash injections and promissory notes, while about $1.3 billion (N1.994 trillion using the current official closing rate) owed to gas companies will be paid via cash and future royalties.
Adelabu stressed that the federal government had commenced payment of the cash part of the N1.3 trillion debt owed Gencos and concluded plans to settle the second part via promissory notes within two to five years.
“The debt for the power-generating companies is N1.3tn. I can also tell you that Mr. President has consented to pay on the condition of reconciling these debts between the government and the power-generating companies.
“It is true that I mentioned that Mr President has approved the submission of the Hon. Minister of State Petroleum (Gas) to defray the outstanding debts owed to the gas supplying companies to the power sector operators.
“The payments will be in parts. We have the legacy debt and the current debt. For the current debt, approval has been given for a cash payment of about N130bn from the Gas Stabilisation Fund, which the Federal Ministry of Finance will pay if it hasn’t already,” he said.
In March, the government paid $120 million out of the $1.3bn indebtedness to gas companies.
On different occasions, Adelabu has blamed indebtedness to gencos for the epileptic power supply in the country.
Recall that on April 3, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission approved a 230 per cent electricity tariff hike for band A customers, who receive a 20-24 power supply.
A month later, the government slashed the hike by N18.2 to N206.8 per kilowatt-hour from 225kwh.
However, the Nigeria Labour Congress, Trade Union Congress, and other Nigerians have kicked against the hike, calling for its complete reversal.
The National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, Abdullahi Ganduje has said that the decisions, policies and programmes introduced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will take the country out of the woods to progress and prosperity.
He gave the assurance on Thursday night when he hosted officials at the Forum of APC Local Government Chairmen of Nigeria at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja.
While commending the leadership virtues of Tinubu, the APC Chairman noted that the President, unlike his predecessors, took bold decisions to give the country the push that will usher her into the next level of prosperity and development.
“I assure you that our President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is also a grassroots politician, tested and trusted. He is great, because he is bold enough to take some decisions which the previous administrations could not take and very soon, you will start seeing the positive effects of the reforms that he’s introducing.
“Our refineries will soon be producing abundant fuel. It is all over the world now that the narrative is changing about the use of petrol, CNG vehicles will soon be on ground where transportation will be cheaper.
“The reforms Asiwaju is introducing will take Nigeria to the next level,” Ganduje said.
The Federal Government, through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, on Thursday, announced May 24, 2024, as the official date for “the opening of the portal for student loan applications.”
The announcement was made in a statement by the media lead for the NELFund, Nasir Ayantogo.
Ayantogo, in the statement, said the opening of the application portal marked a significant milestone in the commitment of President Bola Tinubu to “fostering accessible and inclusive education for all Nigerian students.”
On June 12, 2023, Tinubu signed the Access to Higher Education Act, 2023 into law to enable indigent students to access interest-free loans for their educational pursuits in any Nigerian tertiary institution.
The move was in “fulfillment of one of his campaign promises to liberalise funding of education,” a member of the then Presidential Strategy Team, Dele Alake, said.
The Act, popularly known as the Students Loan Law, also established the Nigerian Education Loan Fund to process all loan requests, grants, disbursement, and recovery.
Although the government initially announced that the scheme would be launched in September, it suffered several delays leading to an indefinite postponement in early March.
The Presidency had linked the delay to Tinubu’s directive to expand the scheme to include loans for vocational skills.
After receiving briefing from the NELFund team led by the Minister of State for Education, Dr Yusuf Sununu, on January 22, the President had directed the Fund to extend interest-free loans to Nigerian students interested in skill-development programmes.
Tinubu based his decision on the need for the scheme to accommodate those who may not want to pursue a university education, noting that skill acquisition is as essential as obtaining undergraduate and graduate academic qualifications.
“This is not an exclusive programme. It is catering to all of our young people. Young Nigerians are gifted in different areas.
“This is not only for those who want to be doctors, lawyers, and accountants. It is also for those who aspire to use their skilled and trained hands to build our nation.
“In accordance with this, I have instructed NELFund to explore all opportunities to inculcate skill-development programmes because not everybody wants to go through a full university education,” he had said.
Through the portal, students can now access loans to pursue their academic aspirations without financial constraints.
The portal, according to the statement, provides a user-friendly interface for students to submit their loan applications conveniently.
“We encourage all eligible students to take advantage of this opportunity to invest in their future and contribute to the growth and development of our nation.
“Students can access the portal on www.nelf.gov.ng to begin application,” the statement said.
The details of the meeting between President Bola Tinubu and his Senegalese counterpart, Bassirou Faye have emerged.
Recall that the Senegal President arrived in Nigeria on Thursday and met with President Tinuhu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
A statement issued by the presidential spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, quoted President Tinubu saying that countries in West Africa must unite to defeat the scourge of terrorism, human trafficking, and poverty in the region.
He urged leaders in the region to make the people the focal point of governance, noting that the essence of democracy is lost when citizens are not enjoying dividends.
The president emphasised that democratic values and constitutional order are sacrosanct and must be protected.
He added that critical institutions like the judiciary must be respected and obeyed for the sustenance of democracy.
He said: “Constitutional democracy is what Senegal proved to the rest of the world and Africa. It is a joy to have you here and to meet the hope and aspirations of our youths. You fit in perfectly well.
“A critical time it is in the history of constitutional democracy, particularly in West Africa. What you have embarked upon, a struggle couched in freedom, is remarkable.”
The president described Nigeria and Senegal as brotherly nations, recounting both countries’ long history of cooperation.
He added: “We are brothers. We have shared an interest in democracy. To make democracy sustainable in the interest of our people, we definitely must work hard.
“I am glad that you are a shining example of patience, perseverance, and commitment to democratic values.
“We must partner to make our people the focus of our democratic commitment. Your belief in the sovereignty of Africa is shared by all of us.
“But how can we work for our people and make them the focus of our democracy if we are violating the rule of law and promoting an unconstitutional takeover of government?
“As the chairman of ECOWAS, I am inviting you to collaborate and meet those other brothers. To persuade them to come back to the fold.
“We will continue to work together. We share good backgrounds, and we will continue to embrace and promote democratic governance.
“We must be able to partner and build the freedom we believe in – in economic growth, development, and other spheres of governance. It is left for us to provide assurance to our people and walk our talk.
“We must defeat human trafficking; we must defeat terrorism, banditry, and poverty in our society. That must be our focus and commitment.”
Speaking during the meeting, Faye acknowledged Nigeria and Senegal’s shared values and challenges, noting that both nations have always had good relations since the 1960s.
He called for the reactivation of the Nigeria-Senegal joint commission to strengthen bilateral relations across the areas of diplomacy, trade, and other spheres.
On ECOWAS, Faye said with Tinubu’s wisdom and experience, relations among member states can be strengthened for the advancement of the community.
He said: “The good relations we have and the relations between our private sectors should be beneficial to our countries.
“ECOWAS is the beacon of successful regional integration in Africa and globally. It is something we owe to the founding fathers of the community.
“I have no doubt that you want to continue this legacy of integration. The union is going through a rough patch, but not everything is lost.
“I know I can rely on your wisdom and experience, as the leader of this great African nation.
“Your wisdom and your democratic values should be an asset to that vision, and my youth and determination can also be an asset.
“If we come together, with all these assets and advantages, I am convinced we can open a window of opportunity to discuss.
“United, we are stronger. Faced with common challenges, such as human trafficking, migrant smuggling, and all other challenges, we need to show resolve to confront these challenges so that economically we can thrive and satisfy the wishes of our people.”