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Climate Change: Forum to assist NGOs, SMEs, others access funding
Some of the participants at the Summit in Abuja
Climate Change: Forum to assist NGOs, SMEs, others access funding
Funding
By Collins Yakubu-Hammer
Abuja, June 21, 2024 (NAN) The Africa Business Ventures and Investment Group, says it will assist Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and others access funding to address climate change and infrastructure deficit in Africa.
The Chairman of the Board, Mr Moses Owharo made this known at the inaugural Washington DC edition of the African Infrastructure, Climate Change and Investment Summit (AICIS) and Exhibition held via zoom, on Friday.
The Summit with the theme “Fastening Collaboration with United States of America in Fostering Climate Resilient, Economic and Infrastructure, and Industrialisation in Africa” was organised by the Group.
Those in collaboration with the Group include Office of Secretary to Government of the Federation (SGF), and the private sector.
Owharo, who is also a Harvard Business School Alumni, said the forum usually organised international conferences and Summit where policy makers, government and private sectors come together to look at challenging issues.
“We have had programmes in Ghana, Russia and other countries.
“This one holding is in the Washington DC, USA and due to some challenges; we are doing it in both Nigeria and U.S. via zoom.
“The objective is to set up a fund for Africa. That fund will assist organisations and even governments across Africa. This is because government cannot do it alone.
“Where there are gaps, we want to close the gaps. So we will set up those funds that practitioners, NGOs, Small and Medium-sized Enterprtise (SMEs), local governments and countries in Africa will participate.
“We will not do it alone, we will work with UN, American Government, Nigerian Government and other countries in Africa.
“This is to ensure that our deprived NGOs, CSOs SMEs and citizens of African can have resources that can be used to be actively involved in climate change actions and area of economy development,” Owharo said.
On the area of Mining, he said that a lot of small scales Miners in Africa did not have capital to involve in active mining.
According to him, lack of capital usually push them into illegal mining that lead to collapse of mining site and death of Miners
He stressed that mining was a good venture but they needed training, capacity building and initial seed funding.
“There is need to open a portal or data base for them.
“That is one of the things that we are doing, especially with SMEs that are into commodity.
“We want to help them package and showcase their commodity to the international community which will increase their revenue.
“We also want to help them source for funding from funding agencies across the world,” he said.
Owharo further explained that the group also had partners in health infrastructure that would want to donate medical equipment to institutions that could deliver quality health care services to their community.
He also said that the group was in collaboration with Ministries of Trade and Investment, Foreign Affairs, Environment and SGF, Climate Change Council and many others.
Owharo added that the group would expand and solidify its relationships with both international and local partners.
Meanwhile, Prof. Chris Schrage from the University of Northern Iowa, said that Africa needed to address the issue of mismanagement.
Schrage, who said that some African countries have unique transportation and educational system, added that climate change campaign should start from the schools.
She said that this was necessary to enable the young one get educated on dangers of climate change and how to address it.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that during the Summit, Dr Brima Deen and other experts on Infrastructure, climate change and business investments from Washington DC and Abuja in Nigeria made impactful presentations. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
CMY/AMM
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Edited by Abiemwense Moru
June 21, 2024
CAF announces new dates for AFCON, WAFCON
CAF announces new dates for AFCON, WAFCON
CAF
By Ijeoma Okigbo
Abuja, June 21, 2024 (NAN) The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced dates for the CAF TotalEnergies African Cup of Nations (AFCON) and the Women African Cup of Nations (WAFCON) billed for Morocco.
CAF Executive Committee ratified the dates at a meeting on Friday and published them on its website, with AFCON scheduled for Dec. 21 2025 to Jan. 18, 2026.
The Women’s tournament which was scheduled for this year has now been postponed to hold from July 5 to July 26, 2025.
The President of CAF, Patrice Motsepe said the delay in the announcement of the dates was due to the extensive global football calendar.
He is, however, hopeful that the tournaments in Morocco would be the best in the continent’s history.
“The announcement of the dates of the CAF TotalEnergies AFCON Morocco 2025 took much longer than expected, as there were complex and at times challenging discussions with various interested parties, in the light of the extensive International and Domestic Match Calendars.
“ CAF is committed to protecting and advancing the interests of African players, playing in football clubs in Europe and worldwide.
“CAF is also committed to building mutually beneficial relationships with the ECA, UEFA, other Football Confederations and FIFA.
“We will continue to make significant progress in developing and ensuring that African Football is globally competitive and amongst the best in the World,” Mosepe said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
IHA/SOA
Edited by Oluwole Sogunle

June 21, 2024
FCTA mobilising stakeholders to invest in children’s education, protection – Secretary
Children
By Angela Atabo
Abuja, June 21, 2023 (NAN) The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) is mobilising stakeholders to invest in children’s education and support them to grow and thrive.
Dr Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, the Mandate Secretary, Women Affairs Secretariat, FCTA, stated this in Abuja on Friday, during an Inter-School Quiz Competition organised to commemorate the 2024 International Day of the African Child.
The quiz was organised by African Scholars Care Initiative, an NGO, in collaboration with the Women Affairs Secretariat.
Benjamins-Laniyi, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Adetoyi Kolawole, called on stakeholders to support the government in creating a better world for children.
“We want a world where we will all invest in children’s education, respect their rights, welfare and create opportunities for them to grow and thrive.
“The Federal Capital Territory Administration is promoting policies that protect children’s rights to education and access to other necessities of life that will ensure their uninterrupted growth and development.
“The Nyesom Wike-led FCTA had established the Women Affairs Secretariat to give women and children the attention they deserved.
The mandate secretary described children as Africa’s greatest assets, adding that with the right education and skills, they would significantly contribute to the growth and development of Nigeria and Africa at large.
She said that the theme of the celebration, “Education for all African Children: The Time is Now”, resonates with the FCTA’s recognition of education as an important key to unlocking the potential of children.
She called on children across Africa to focus on education and Skill acquisition for self-reliance.
Similarly, the Country Director, Nutritional International, Dr Osita Okonkwo, also called on the government, parents and caregivers to invest in the nutritional wellbeing of children.
In a paper entitled, “The Role of Nutrition in Education”, Okonkwo argued that good nutrition was the bedrock of child development, adding that it enables young minds and bodies to grow and flourish.
Also, the founding partner, African Scholars Care Initiative, Ms Joy Osomiamhe, said that the organisation was galvanising support for the African child to be able to compete favourably among their peers anywhere in the world.
Osomiamhe, however, said that this could only be achieved through the provisions of quality education and optimal nutrition to the African child.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 11 schools participated in the quiz competition, of which Local Education Authority (LEA) Primary School, Wuse Zone 2, emerged the winner.
LEA Primary School Kpana and Pilot Nursery and Primary School Wuse, Zone 5, emerged the first and second runner-up respectively.
One of the pupils of LEA Primary School, Wuse Zone 2, Paul Agada said: “I am very grateful to the organisers of this wonderful event.
“This competition has inspired me and my fellow pupils to read more and aim higher. I am grateful to FCTA Women Affairs Secretariat and the African Scholars Care Initiative for giving us this opportunity.
“It shows that our hard work and dedication can lead to success.” (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
ATAB/FDY
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Edited by Philip Yatai
June 21, 2024
Imo: NYCN hails appointment of “youth-friendly” Ukaegbu as commissioner
New Imo Commissioner for Youth Development and Talent Hunt, Dr Mandela Ukaegbu.
Appointment
By Victor Nwachukwu
Owerri, June 21, 2024 (NAN) The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) has lauded Gov. Hope Uzodinma of Imo for appointing Mr Mandela Ukaegbu as a commissioner in the state.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ukaegbu, widely known for being youth-friendly, was appointed the Commissioner for Youth Development and Talent Hunt.
The commendation is contained in a statement signed by the group’s South East Organising Secretary, Mr Izunna Agwuncha, and made available to newsmen in Owerri, on Friday.
He was one of the five new commissioners inaugurated on Wednesday by the governor.
Others were Mr Rex Anunobi, Dr Henry Okafor, Prof. Victor Nwachukwu and Prof. Michael Ubaka.
Agwuncha described Ukaegbu’s appointment as the pioneer commissioner for the expanded ministry “as one of the best decisions of the governor, which would uplift the young people of the state “.
He also described the commissioner as a passionate young leader with clear vision, especially in human capital development.
“We have no doubt that he will inject his transformational leadership skills to recover, redefine and reposition Imo youths.
“The entire youth constituency is happy with the governor and pray for God’s wisdom and guidance on the commissioner,” Agwuncha stated. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
VIN/OJI/USO
Edited by Maureen Ojinaka/Sam Oditah

June 21, 2024
Military making operational adjustment to protect farmers – DHQ
Military making operational adjustment to protect farmers – DHQ
Operation
By Sumaila Ogbaje
Abuja, June 21, 2024 (NAN) The Defence Headquarters says operational adjustments have been made by the military to prioritise protection for farmers to ensure a successful rainy season farming.
The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, made this known on Friday in Abuja while giving updates on the operations of the armed forces.
Buba said the armed forces had intensified intelligence collection effort targeted at hunting terrorists and striking them where they may be hiding and hibernating.
He said the aim was to eliminate the terrorists and the infrastructure that supports their activities.
According to him, troops will continue to employ significant firepower to neutralise terrorists and disrupt their activities across the country.
“Winning the war against the terrorist is non-negotiable,” he said.
Buba said the troops had, in different operations, neutralised 220, apprehended 395 suspects and rescued 202 kidnapped hostages in the last one week.
He added that troops recovered 432 assorted weapons and 9,004 assorted ammunition comprising three PKT guns, one G3 rifle, 83 AK47 rifles and 18 locally-fabricated guns.
Also recovered were 16 dane guns, 14 RPG bombs, one RPG launcher, two tear gas launchers, 234 smoke grenades and one bandolier.
Others include 5,893 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 2,064 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 401 rounds of 9mm ammo, 200 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm, 154 rounds of 7.62 x 51mm, 195 live cartridges, and 17 magazines.
In the North-East, Buba said, the troops of Operation Hadin Kai neutralised 83 terrorists, arrested 98 suspects and rescued 61 kidnappers hostages.
Assorted arms were also recovered, he added.
In the North-Central, troops of Operations Safe Haven and Whirl Stroke neutralised 37 insurgents, arrested 102 violent extremists and rescued 113 kidnapped hostages, he said.
In the North-West, Buba said the troops of Operations Hadarin Daji and Whirl Punch, neutralised 78 terrorists, arrested 103 terrorists and rescued 68 kidnapped hostages.
Buba said the troops of Operation Delta Safe in the Niger Delta area discovered and destroyed 105 illegal refining sites with 51 dugout pits, 38 boats and 51 storage tanks.
He said the troops also recovered 215 cooking ovens, two speedboats, 44 drums, three tug boats, three barges, four wheelbarrows, one outboard engine, 15 vehicles, three motorcycles and six mobile phones.
According to him, troops recovered 1.09 million litres of stolen crude oil, 1.1 million litres of illegally refined AGO, 27,350 litres of DPK and 150 litres of PMS.
“Troops also arrested 55 perpetrators of oil theft and denied the oil thieves an estimated sum of N1.8 billion,” he said.
In the South-East, Buba said the troops of Operation UDO KA neutralised 22 terrorists, arrested 37 violent extremists, rescued 15 kidnapped hostages and also recovered a large cache of arms. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
OYS/ETS
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June 21, 2024
ASUU decries decay in Kano varsity
ASUU
By Muhammad Nur Tijani
Kano, June 21, 2024 (NAN) The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), YUSUF MAITAMA SULE University Kano (YUMSUK), has expressed concern over the decayed infrastructure in the university.
The Chairman of the union in the university, Dr Mansur Sa’id stated this at a news conference on Friday in Kano.
He decried the inability of the state governments to address lingering issues bedeviling the development of the university education system.
Sa’id condemned the under funding and the dissolution of the Governing Councils of the two state-owned universities, adding that the state government released only 30.3 per cent and 46.2 per cent of the 2023 estimate for the Kano University of Technology (KUST) and YUMSUK, respectively,.
“ASUU-YUMSUK, therefore, calls on both the Federal and Kano State Government to adequately fund the universities to save them from imminent collapse.
“We also call on all patriots in the media, civil society, labour movements and student groups to support our altruistic struggle to reposition the Nigerian public universities.
“The union condemns the government’s antics as they continue to fail in fulfilling the promises they took with a view to addressing the issues in contention, leading to erosion of trust, displeasure and skepticism,” he said
The union, he said, urged the Federal Government to expedite action to facilitate renegotiation of the 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement, and resume payment of salary arrears and academic allowances to its members.
The chairman said the union was also concerned about the insecurity, poverty and rising cost of living in the country.
“We call on the President Bola Tinubu and Gov. Abba Kabir-Yusuf, and all relevant stakeholders to work towards reconstituting the committee with a view towards reviewing, signing and implementing the Nimi Briggs-led renegotiated draft agreement,” Sa’id said.
On his part, Dr Aliyu Ahmad, the Chairman of the union, KUST, urged well meaning Nigerians to intervene towards addressing the impasse and avoid strike by its members.
“Government’s action to ignore ASUU on the contending issues confirmed the fact that they were not moved by the several clarion calls and efforts the union has made to get it attended,” he said.
While dismissing the dissolution or absence of Governing Councils in some federal and state universities, Ahmad urged Nigerians to support the union in its campaign to reinvigorate the university education in the country. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
MNT/RSA
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Edited by Rabiu Sani-Ali
June 21, 2024
British Airways grounds aircraft, apologises for Wednesday’s hitch
Aircraft
By Itohan Abara-Laserian
Lagos, June 21, 2024 (NAN) British Airways has grounded its aircraft at the Murtala International Airport, Ikeja, due to a technical fault.
The airline has, however, apologised for the flight disruption.
The airline’s Regional Commercial Manager, Nigeria and Ghana, Mrs Tutu Otuyalo, told journalists on Friday that the carrier had apologised to passengers.
She said that the airline would take up the costs of accomodation and meals for affected passengers.
Otuyalo said that the majority of passengers had been accommodated on other flights, while the carrier’s team continued to work hard to book the remaining customers on a flight as soon as possible.
“We will cover accommodation and meal costs for the customers.
“We would never operate a flight unless it is safe to do so. Most of the affected passengers have been re-accommodated to other flights.
”We have been in contact with our customers to apologise for the delay in their flight caused by a technical issue with the aircraft,” she said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) gathered that some of the affected passengers have been endorsed on available carriers such as Virgin Atlantic and Delta airlines.
Recall that British Airways flight number BA 74, which was scheduled to depart Lagos for Heathrow, London, at 10.50 p.m. on Wednesday, suffered a hitch as the scheduled aircraft developed a technical problem.
The flight was rescheduled and later cancelled due to the technical problem.(NAN) www.nannews.ng
ITM/MAM/IGO
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Edited by Modupe Adeloye/Ijeoma Popoola
June 21, 2024
FG approves N21bn for purchase of meters-NERC

Meters
By Constance Athekame
Abuja, June 21, 2024(NAN) The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has announced the approval of N21 billion for 11 electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) to provide meters for customers.
This announcement was made in NERC’s ORDER NO: NERC/2024/072 on The Operationalisation of “Tranche A” of the Presidential Metering Initiative Under the Framework of Meter Acquisition Fund.
”The order signed by NERC Chairman, Mr Sanusi Garba and Commissioner Legal, Dafe Akpeneye, shall become effective From June 2024 and may be amended or revoked by subsequent orders issued by the commission.
“The commission hereby approves the sum of N21 billion apportioned pro rata to contribution by the DisCos as Tranche A of the MAF scheme.
”Attached to this order as Schedule 1 is a breakdown of the funds available for each DisCo for the purchase of end-use customer meters.
”All the meters to be procured and installed under the MAF framework shall be at no cost to the customers of the DisCos,” it said.
According to NERC, it introduced the Meter Asset Provider (“MAP”) Regulations 2018 and subsequently, the Meter Asset Provider and National Mass Metering (“MAP&NMMR”) Regulations in 2021 to address metering challenges in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (“NESI“).
NERC said that the regulations provided several options for metering end-use customers but the interventions, though significant, had not resulted in the closure of the national metering gap which currently stood in excess of seven million customers.
”The inability of distribution companies (DisCos) to raise financing in the form of debt or additional equity was identified as the major constraint in the acquisition and deployment of end-use meters and other capital investments.
”The Meter Acquisition Fund (MAF) scheme was therefore, developed and approved by the commission, primarily to address the challenges of DisCos creditworthiness inhibiting the deployment of end-use meter in NESI.
”By creating a credible revenue stream from the market funds on the back of which long term financing may be secured by the utilities,” it said.
NERC said that the management of Fund Manager (FM) based on terms and conditions, negotiated by the DisCos and approved by the commission.
According to the commission, the federal government approved the Presidential Metering Initiative (PMI) with the overarching objective of closing the metering gap in the NESI within three years leveraging on smart metering technologies for data analytics.
The MAF shall form one of the revenue streams for the repayment of the long tenor financing for metering.
The order also revealed that the commission approved the deregulation of meter prices under the MAP scheme vide Order NERC/2024/040 to ensure an efficient pricing of meters while responding more quickly to changes in macroeconomic parameters.
“The order provides that all prices of meters under the MAP scheme shall be determined through a transparent and competitive bidding process by eligible MAPs.
“A competitive bidding process was held on May 21, 2024 based on the provisions of Order NERC/2024/040 where a total of 24 ( MAPs participated across the 12 DisCos.
”A total of 44 bids were submitted for 10meters specifications,” it said.
NERC said the deployment of funds under the MAF scheme would accelerate the deployment of meters and a closure of the current metering gap.
”Thereby reducing commercial and collection losses to DisCos, enhancing quality of service and improvement of customer satisfaction,” it said.
NERC also noted that while the NESI is expected to leverage on the revenue stream under the MAF framework to raise substantial capital funding for metering, there was an imperative to accelerate a closure of the metering gap for all customers.
”Currently classified under tariff Band A for the purpose of revenue protection and facilitating demand side management for the affected customers.”
NERC said that the DisCos should utilise the first tranche (Tranche A) of disbursement from the MAF scheme based on contributions made by DisCos as at the April 2024 markets settlement.
It said that attached to this order as Schedule 1 was to procure and install meters for unmetered Band ‘A’ customers within their franchise areas.
The commission said DisCos shall, within 14 days from the effective date of the order, conduct a transparent and competitive procurement process, for meter price determination, selection and engagement of MAPs/LMMAs for the metering of end-use customer meters under the MAF scheme.
”The order also directed that a report containing details of the process undertaken for the selection of MAPs/LMMAs including meter price, meter specifications.
”And the list of customers to be metered shall be sent to the commission for approval, within 20 days from the effective date of this Order.
” Upon approval of the commission, the DisCo shall enter into contracts with selected MAPs/LMMAs on one of the following terms,”it said.
The commission said that where an Advance Payment Guarantee (APG) issued by a commercial bank in the country is provided by a qualifying MAP/LMMA, 30 per cent of the contract sum shall be paid by the FM on behalf of the DisCo to the MAP/LMMA.
” Upon execution of the contract. A further two milestone payments shall be made upon the completion of 60 per cent of contracted quantities and 100 per cent of the contract respectively, with the funds advanced against bank guarantee amortized over the payments.
“Where the MAP/LMMA do not request an advance payment, the milestone payments shall be made upon the verified installation of 20, 60 and 100 per cent respectively of the contracted volume of meters.
”A vendor may, at his option, defer payment until the completion of the installation of the contracted volumes.
“DisCos shall ensure that all the necessary resources and network clearance required by the MAP/LMMA to install meters based on installation plans are provided and/or completed,” it said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
COA/EBI/MNA
Edited by Benson Iziama/Maureen Atuonwu
June 21, 2024
AKK gas pipeline critical to Nigeria’s industrialisation, economic growth – Edun
Minister of Finance & Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun (2nd front row) speaking, shortly after inspecting the Kaduna River Crossing at the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline Project site in Kaduna. Standing by the Minister from the left is the Minister of Information & National Orientation, Mr Mohammed Idris; the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo and the GCEO NNPC Ltd., Mr Mele Kyari.AKK
By Emmanuella Anokam
Abuja, June 21, 2024 (NAN) The Minister of Finance/Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun has described the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) gas pipeline project as critical to the industrialisation and economic growth of Nigeria.
Edun stated this on Friday, during a working visit of three cabinet Ministers to the AKK gas pipeline project site where they inspected the River Kaduna crossing milestone of the project in Kaduna.
This is coming just as the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd, Mr Mele Kyari assured Nigerians that the project would be delivered by the end of the first quarter, 2025.
This is contained in a statement by Olufemi Soneye, the Chief Corporate Communications Officer, NNPC Ltd.
Edun was accompanied in the visit by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mr Mohammed Malagi and Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo.
Speaking at the project site, Edun described the AKK Gas pipeline as the pipeline of prosperity, which is very dear to the President, because it will deliver the critical infrastructure needed to trigger the nation’s economic growth and industrialisation.
“The AKK Gas Pipeline is crucial for this administration and its delivery is in line with Mr President’s strategy of bringing prosperity to the people,” Edun added.
In his remarks, Malagi said the AKK Gas Pipeline Project was a testimony to the fact that the Federal Government’s “Decade of Gas” has commenced in earnest.
“Nigerians should be proud of the AKK Gas Pipeline project. With the delivery of this project, the prosperity that Mr President is always talking about is unravelling right here before our eyes,” he said.
Also speaking, Ekpo described the gas pipeline as part of the Federal Government’s many efforts to harness the nation’s abundant gas resources towards improving power generation, revamping ailing industries and creating employment opportunities.
Ekpo urged all stakeholders to support the NNPC Ltd. towards delivering the project and several other gas projects as the country depends on it to bring prosperity to the people.
The three ministers, who lauded the NNPC Ltd. and its project partner, Brentex/CPP Ltd (BCL) on the progress made so far, also expressed optimism that the NNPC will deliver as promised.
Earlier, the GCEO NNPC Ltd, Mr Mele Kyari assured the Project will be delivered by first quarter of 2025, as major segments of the job have been completed.
“Without promising too much, we assure you that this project will be delivered on schedule.
“Our mission is to work towards delivering it by December 2024. But we are confident this project will be delivered by first quarter of 2025,” Kyari informed the three visiting Ministers.
The GCEO, who said the NNPC Ltd. recognises the strategic importance and enormous value of the project to Nigeria’s economy, said the Company was bankrolling the project on the back of its own balance sheet.
Gov. Uba Sani of Kaduna State, represented by his deputy, Dr Hadiza Balarabe, said the completion of the AKK gas pipeline would herald the much-needed economic and industrial revival in the state.
“If you know about the Kakuri Industrial Area and how most of our factories there have become moribund, you will understand why we in Kaduna State are all excited about the AKK Gas Pipeline.
“Without doubt, the pipeline will revamp our industries and bring about a huge impact on our people. We can’t wait for it to be completed,” the Governor added.
The Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline is a 40 inch by 614km linear pipeline system running from Ajaokuta in Kogi State to Kano.
It has associated intermediate, terminal gas facilities and other related equipment to transport natural gas to off-takers at Abuja, Kaduna and Kano. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
ELLA/RSA
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Edited by Rabiu Sani-Ali
June 21, 2024
U.S. Supreme Court upholds federal domestic-violence gun ban
U.S. Supreme Court upholds federal domestic-violence gun ban
Gun
Washington, June 21, 2024 (Reuters/NAN) The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday upheld a federal law that makes it a crime for people under domestic violence restraining orders to have guns.
The ruling handed victory to President Joe Biden’s administration as the justices opted not to further widen firearms rights after a major expansion in 2022.
The 8-1 ruling, authored by conservative Chief Justice John Roberts, overturned a lower court’s decision striking down the 1994 law as a violation of the U.S. Constitution’s Second Amendment right to “keep and bear arms.”
The law was challenged by a Texas man who was subject to a restraining order for assaulting his girlfriend in a parking lot and later threatening to shoot her.
The New Orleans-based 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals had concluded that the measure failed the Supreme Court’s stringent test set in 2022 that required gun laws to be “consistent with the nation’s historical tradition of firearm regulation” to comply with the Second Amendment.
Roberts wrote in the ruling that since the nation’s founding, firearm laws have targeted people who threaten physical harm to others.
“When a restraining order contains a finding that an individual poses a credible threat to the physical safety of an intimate partner, that individual may – consistent with the Second Amendment – be banned from possessing firearms while the order is in effect,” Roberts wrote.
Biden’s administration defended the law as critical to protect public safety and abuse victims, who often are women.
It emphasised that guns pose a particularly serious threat in domestic violence situations and also are extremely dangerous to police officers called to respond.
“No one who has been abused should have to worry about their abuser getting a gun,” Biden said, touting his record on gun control.
“As a result of (Friday’s) ruling, survivors of domestic violence and their families will still be able to count on critical protections, just as they have for the past three decades.”
Conservative Justice Clarence Thomas, who authored the 2022 ruling in a case called New York State Rifle and Pistol Association v. Bruen, was the lone dissenter.
“Not a single historical regulation justifies the statute at issue,” Thomas wrote.
He added that “in the interest of ensuring the government can regulate one subset of society, (Friday’s) decision puts at risk the Second Amendment rights of many more.”
The case involved Zackey Rahimi, who pleaded guilty in 2021 to illegally possessing guns in violation of this law while subject to a restraining order.
Police found a pistol and rifle while searching Rahimi’s residence in connection with at least five shootings, including using an assault-type rifle to fire at the home of a man to whom he had sold drugs.
A federal judge had rejected Rahimi’s Second Amendment challenge and sentenced him to more than six years in prison. Violating the domestic violence gun law initially was punishable by up to 10 years in prison but has since been raised to 15 years.
Gun safety groups called Friday’s ruling a legal victory that will help counter firearms violence. But they condemned actions by the 5th Circuit, perhaps the most conservative federal appeals court, that let the case get this far.
“As millions of domestic violence victims breathe a sigh of relief, it’s worth remembering who put them in jeopardy: extreme Trump-appointed judges on the 5th Circuit who sided with an abuser who wanted to keep his guns,” said John Feinblatt, president of Everytown for Gun Safety, referring to Republican former President Donald Trump.
Rahimi’s lawyer declined to comment on the ruling.
In a May Reuters/Ipsos poll, 75 per cent of registered voters, including 84 per cent of Democrats and 70 per cent of Republicans, said that a person subject to a domestic violence restraining order should not be allowed to possess firearms.
In a nation bitterly divided over how to address firearms violence including frequent mass shootings, the Supreme Court often has taken an expansive view of the Second Amendment, broadening gun rights in landmark rulings in 2008, 2010, and 2022.
The 2022 Bruen ruling recognized a constitutional right to carry a handgun in public for self-defense, striking down a New York state’s limits on carrying concealed handguns outside the home.
In another case, the Supreme Court in a 6-3 ruling on June 14 declared unlawful a federal ban on “bump stock” that enable semiautomatic weapons to fire rapidly like machine guns.
The 5th Circuit last year set aside Rahimi’s conviction, concluding that although he was “hardly a model citizen,” the 1994 law was an “outlier” that could not stand under the “historical tradition” standard the justices announced in Bruen.
Supporters of Rahimi have argued that judges too easily issue restraining orders in an unfair process that results in the deprivation of the constitutional gun rights of accused abusers. (Reuters/NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
YEE
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(Edited by Emmanuel Yashim)
June 21, 2024