Blog

Plateau electoral body begins preparation for LG elections
Plateau electoral body begins preparation for LG elections
Preparation
By Peter Amine
Jos, June 20, 2024 (NAN) The Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC), says it has commenced preparations for the conduct of local government elections.
PLASIEC Chairman, Mr Planji Cishak, made the disclosure on Thursday in Jos, when he briefed newsmen on the activities of the commission.
Cishak, who assumed office one week ago, along with his commissioners, said that the commission had already commenced immediate actions and readiness checks.
The chairman stated that PLASIEC identifying administrative and operational gaps and weaknesses, as well developing and implementing policies that would pave the way for free, fair, and credible elections at the grassroots.
He assured the people that the goal was to establish a level playing field that would instill confidence in the electoral process across all political parties in Plateau.
According to him, the commission will issue notice of election as soon as the checks are completed.
“As an electoral umpire, our mandate is unequivocal: to fortify the electoral framework from the ward level up to the local government through credible election processes.
“Under my watch, PLASIEC is steadfast in its commitment to ensuring that every Plateau citizen exercises their democratic right to vote for local leaders.
“We are dedicated to nurturing democratic leadership structures at the local level, rewriting the narrative of local government elections in the state and Nigeria through transparency, fairness, professionalism, and inclusivity.
“In pursuit of our mission to uphold democratic ideals in Plateau State, PLASIEC intends to forge a robust partnership with media practitioners, political parties, security agencies, and development partners,” he said.
Cishak called on all citizens of Plateau to join the commission on the journey to rebuild, retool, and reorganise the institution above individuals and narrow interests, so that everyone would be proud of PLASIEC.
The chairman added that his vision at PLASIEC was to contribute to the growth of democratic ideals in Plateau and positively impact democracy in Nigeria.
He maintained that the commission’s mission was to conduct credible local government elections in Plateau in accordance with established rules, guidelines, and global best practices. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
PAT/DOR
========
Edited by Nyisom Fiyigon Dore
June 20, 2024
Ogun assembly passes 24 motions, 7 bills in 1 year
Ogun assembly passes 24 motions, 7 bills in 1 year
Anniversary
By Abiodun Lawal
Abeokuta, June 20, 2024 (NAN) Mr Oludaisi Elemide (APC-Odeda) , the Speaker, Ogun Assembly, on Thursday said that the 10th assembly had passed 24 motions into resolutions and seven bills into law since its inception on June 20, 2023.
Elemide disclosed this during a special plenary at the assembly complex in Abeokuta to commemorate its first year since inauguration.
The speaker explained that seven other bills were at various stages of legislative process.
He noted that each of the bills passed touched on the day-to-day running of government in the state, including the yearly appropriation bill.
Elemide said that various issues that required urgent public importance and immediate attention of government to enhance socio-economic and political development of the state were given immediate attention through House Resolutions.
” Today is not just an anniversary for merry making, rather it is a day to rejoice that the sanctity of the legislative arm in the State is being restored to deliver on its core duties and responsibilities,” he said.

The speaker appreciated Gov. Dapo Abiodun for his efforts in turning around the fortunes of the state for better.
He implored his colleagues to continue to work collectively for the overall success of the current administration in the state.
In their various remarks, the lawmakers commended the governor for non- interference in their legislative oversights.
The lawmakers equally extolled the leadership style of the speaker, which had helped in repositioning the assembly to record laudable achievements within a short time.
The special plenary had in attendance former speakers of the assembly including Muyiwa Oladipo, Titi Sodunke- Gomez, Tunji Egbetokun and Suraju Adekunbi .(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
LKA/SOA
========
Edited by Oluwole Sogunle
June 20, 2024
FG allocates 2,000 tonnes of fertiliser to Gombe farmers
FG allocates 2,000 tonnes of fertiliser to Gombe farmers
Support
By Hajara Leman
Gombe, June 20, 2024(NAN) The Federal Government has allocated 2,000 tonnes of fertiliser to support farmers in Gombe State during the 2024 farming season.
Gov. Inuwa Yahaya stated this in Gombe on Thursday during the inauguration of fertiliser sale and distribution for the 2024 cropping season in the state.
Yahaya said that attaining food security could only be achieved when farmers are supported with fertilisers and improved inputs.
He added that the state government, in addition to the 2,000 tonnes provided by the Federal government, had procured another 2,000 tonnes of assorted fertiliser, making a total of 4,000 tonnes to support farmers.
He commended President Bola Tinubu for supporting the state government toward supporting farmers and boosting food security.
He said the Federal Government allocation would be sold directly to farmers, while the remaining 2,000 tonnes would be sold through cooperative societies under which farmers would have the option to repay the government through their harvest.
“This will ensure equitable and fair access to fertiliser by all and sundry, thus guaranteeing optimum price for farm produce and enhanced food security in Gombe State and Nigeria at large,” he added.
The governor explained that a discount of 50 per cent had been granted to all farmers, noting that “a 50-kg bag of NPK fertiliser cost N22,000 and will be delivered to all the 114 political wards.
“We shall ensure that the fertiliser reaches the grassroots by strengthening the sale monitoring system so that the commodity reaches genuine beneficiaries.”
According to him, the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Cooperatives, security agencies, and civil society organisations have been directed to closely monitor sales of fertilisers to farmers.
Mr Barnabas Malle, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Cooperatives, commended the state government for supporting farmers with subsidised fertilisers and inputs in the last five years.
Malle said the fertilisers would assist farmers to cultivate more to boost productivity and food security.
He said measures had been put in place to ensure that the distribution and sale of the commodity was not sabotaged, adding that the exercise would be monitored closely by his ministry.
While also commending the state government for releasing funds for this year’s annual vaccination against trans-boundary animal diseases such as Contagious Bovine Pleuro Pneumonia (CBPP), Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR), Anthrax, he said the exercise would soon be inaugurated.
According to him, the vaccines have been received from the National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI) Jos.
He enjoined youths to embrace agriculture to reduce unemployment.
In his goodwill message, Malam Ibrahim Bomai, the Coordinator of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture in Gombe State, commended the governor “for providing quality fertiliser in time for Gombe farmers, which will guarantee good yield and enhance food security.”
Bomai said the Federal Government had been supporting farmers in the state, assuring that President Tinubu’s administration remained committed to boosting food security in the country.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
HUL/HA
Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu
June 20, 2024
Harassment of Journalists: Centre, NUJ seek review of cybercrime Act

Some participants at the PPDC media convening on Exploring critical issues and fostering collaborations in the media landscape on Thursday in Abuja

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By Jacinta Nwachukwu
Abuja, June 20, 2024 (NAN) The Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC) and the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) have called for a review of the Amended Cybercrime Act, allegedly being used to harass and gag journalists
The duo made the call on Thursday in Abuja, at the PPDC media convening tagged, “Exploring Critical Issues and Fostering Collaborations in the Media Landscape”.
The Centre and NUJ called on the Federal Government to engage stakeholders for discourse on the amended Act in order to forestall the recurrent harassment of Journalists and the restrictions from doing their statutory job.
Speaking at the event, the Chief Executive Officer, PPDC, Jubril Shittu, underscored the relevance of journalists in the protection of rights of common citizens, dissemination of information and as government watchdog.
Represented by Lucy Abagi, PPDC Director of partnership and Innovation, Shittu said the journalists should be protected and unhindered in the discharge of their duties.
“Journalists are on the field daily and they are the first people to get hold of information, and it is in our place to protect the media.
“If there are laws inhibiting press freedom, fighting against the voice of the media which is the voice of the common man, such must be addressed.
“The example of such law is the Cybercrime Act which imposes as much as N7 million fine on any publication capable of breaching the nation’s peace.
“However, there are no clauses to what can be published that can constitute the breach the nation’s peace.
“My appeal is that government should take a step to look at this Cybercrime Act.
“Of course, it is needed, but then, it must not be used to stop the media from doing their job,” the PPDC boss said
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that PPDC is a non-governmental organisation concerned with transparent and accountable government and increased citizens’ participation in governance.
Similarly, the NUJ Chairman, FCT Correspondents Chapel, Jide Oyekunle, said the cybercrime Act has been a tool in the hands of the security operatives against journalists.
Oyekunle said that the amended Act is very porous, hence, the security personnel are now using it to hunt journalists and suppress press freedom.
He explained that the cyber crime amended Act did not specify the type of publications that can breach public peace and break down law and order in the country.
“If you look at the cybercrime Act it is very cancerous to the democratic rights of Nigerians. It has become a tool in the hands of security agents,” he reiterated.
According to him, media is one of the pillars of democracy and as a result should not be gagged in any way.(NAN)(www.nanews.ng)
JIN/ROT
=======
Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

June 20, 2024
Reps summon AGIP over failure to pay $80m owed indigenous contractor

Contractor
By Femi Ogunshola
Abuja, June 14, 2024(NAN) The House of Representatives Committee on Public Petition has summoned AGIP Oil Company to appear before it on June 26, over alleged N80 million owed to De Cooon Services Ltd.
Rep. Michael Etaba, Chairman of the Committee expressed displeasure over non-payment and non-appearance of AGIP oil at its investigative hearing in Abuja on Thursday.
De Coon is an indigenous company, run by Prof Nelson Onubogu, the managing director and chief executive officer of the company.
He said that not paying an indigenous company for a job well done and patronising foreigners for the same job was unfortunate.
The committee added that the act was capable of frustrating indigenous contractors, adding that it would not augur well to drive Nigeria out of business while encouraging foreigners.
He stated that it was high time Nigerians began to take themselves seriously.
Speaking on the issue, a member of the committee, Rep. Matthew Nwogwu, said that the non-appearance of AGIP was disrespectful.
“It’s unfortunate that people who are supposed to be accountable to Nigerians are not.
“When a committee like this is mandated by the constitution to handle issues concerning the lives of Nigerians, it summons an organisation but the refusal should call for worry.
“I don’t know who is protecting who but no one is above the law; the only people who have immunity are the governor and President.
Onubogu, in his response, said the invitation was well advertised in the media, adding that AGIP deliberately shunned the public hearing.
He said the matter started more than five years ago, adding that a situation where a Nigerian company is being strangled by an Italian firm was unfortunate.
According to him, they owe my company over 80 million dollars paid by NNPCL. The NNPCL has paid the money but it was diverted out of Nigeria.
“AGIP Oil Company used some cronies to take this money out of Nigeria, and they refused to pay the Nigerian company.
“AGIP took all my cancelled contracts and gave them to my own staff while they were working for me.
“All I am saying here is that AGIP should pay my money; AGIP should be mandated by the NNPCL to pay my money.
He, however, said that he would not settle for anything other than to get his full money.
“I don’t believe in middle ground; the right thing should be done; they are owing me, and they should pay my money and restore all my contracts as awarded to me.
“There are rules and regulations for terminating and awarding contracts.”
He said he was ready for a peaceful resolution of the impasse, provided AGIP obeyed, adding that no one could tell him to forgo his money.
Onubogu said that he believed that justice must be done in the matter.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
ODF/CHOM/SH
=============
Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Sadiya Hamza

June 20, 2024
Court nullifies reappointment of Muhammadu Sanusi II as Emir of Kano
Court nullifies reappointment of Muhammadu Sanusi II as Emir of Kano
Order
By Ramatu Garba
Kano, June 20, 2024(NAN) A Federal High Court sitting in Kano on Thursday nullified the reappointment of Muhammadu Sanusi II as the 16th Emir of Kano.
Alhaji Aminu Babba-Dan’agundi, who holds the title of Sarkin Dawaki Babba, had, through his counsel, Ibrahim Aliyu-Nasarawa, filed a motion dated May 23, in which he asked the court to restrain the Kano State government from implementing the Kano State Emirate (Repeal) Law 2024.
The law had repealed the 2019 Emirate Council law that established five emirates from the original Kano Emirate.
With all Emirs sacked, the 14th Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II, who had been sacked by the Abdullahi Ganduje administration in March 2020, was reinstated as 16th Emir to replace Aminu Ado Bayero, who was was consumed by the repeal of the law.
Disatisfied with the development, Babba-Dangundi took the matter to court to seek a reversal of the removal of Bayero.
The respondents were the Kano State Government, Kano State House of Assembly, Speaker, Kano State House of Assembly, Attorney-General of Kano State and Commissioner of Police in Kano.
Others are the Inspector General of Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and the Department of State Security Service.
Delivering a ruling, Justice Abdullahi Muhammad-Liman declared that all actions carried out by the state government following the passage of the Kano Emirate Council (Repeal) Law 2024 were null and void.
“I hereby order that every step or actions taken by the respondents in pursuant to Kano Emirate Council Repeal Law 2024 is null and void and is set aside.
“However, this order does not affect the validity of the law,’’ he said.
He also ordered all parties to maintain the status quo ante.
He held that the respondents were aware of the earlier order dated May 23, to maintain status quo pending the hearing and determination of the case.
“I think it is a very serious matter for anyone to flout the orders of the court and go scot free with it.
“The catastrophic situation could have been averted if the respondents followed due processes by complying with the court order, which would still have allowed them to carry out their assignments.”
Muhammad-Liman granted the respondents’ application for stay of proceedings pending hearing and determination of their application at the court of appeal on jurisdiction.
“I hereby transfer the case to Justice Simon Amobeda, Federal High Court 3,” he said
Earlier, Counsel to the applicant, M. S. Waziri, had urged the court to nullify the Kano Emirates Council (Repeal) law 2024.
Counsel to Kano State House of Assembly and Speaker, Eyitayo Fatogun, told the court that he had filed a notice of appeal at the Court of Appeal and a motion on stay of proceedings.
Fatogun also applied to be recused from the matter, asking for an adjournment to enable his clients find another lawyer, and pending hearing and determination of his application at the court of appeal on jurisdiction.
Counsel to Attorney General of Kano State and the State Government, Mr A. G. Wakil, aligned himself with the position of Fatogun.
Also, Counsel to the Commissioner of Police Kano and Inspector General of Police, Mr Sunday Ekwe, told the court that the duty of the police was to maintain peace in the state, and that was why they did not file any response on jurisdiction issue.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the State House of Assembly on May 23 dissolved all the four newly created Emirate council’s in the state.
NAN reports that Gov. Abba Kabir-Yusuf, on May 23, dethroned the 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado-Bayero, and reappointed Muhammad Sanusi II, as the Emir of Kano, four years after he was dethroned by former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
RG/ETS
======
June 20, 2024
Jigawa Assembly lifts suspension of 4 council chairmen
Jigawa Assembly lifts suspension of 4 council chairmen
Suspension
By Muhammad Nasir Bashir
Dutse, June 20, 2024 (NAN) Jigawa State House of Assembly has lifted the suspension of four council chairmen and told them to resume their official duties.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the affected chairmen are Bappa Shinge of Auyo Local Government Area (LGA), Bala Usman-Chamo of Dutse LGA, Ahmed Rufa’i of Gumel LGA and Shehu Sule-Udi of Ringim LGA.
The chairmen were suspended by the House on March 6, over alleged misconduct, negligence and injudicious use of public funds found by its Committee on Local Government during its oversight visit to the their respective LGAs.
The House then set up an ad hoc committee to investigate the suspended council chairmen.
Mr Aminu Zakari, the Acting Chairman of the committee, while presenting its report, listed 11 findings/observations during its investigation.
Zakari said that the committee carried out a careful review of documents before it, including a consultant’s report on each of the four local governments.
He said it also considered the documents submitted by the suspended council chairmen in defence of the accusations against them and their pleas.
Zakari said that the committee came up with 11 recommendations.
He said that one of the recommendations was to issue a stern warning to the affected chairmen to desist from any act unethical or unbecoming of holder of the office in both administrative and financial dealings.
“That this Honourable House should graciously consider the pleas of the suspended council chairmen.
“That the suspension placed against the following council chairmen: Bappa Shinge -Auyo LG, Bala Usman-Chamo – Dutse LG, Ahmed Rufa’i – Gumel and Shehu Sule-Udi -Ringim LG, be lifted and that they should resume their duties as the chairmen of their respective LGs,” Zakari said.
Consequent upon the resolution of the Assembly through voting, the Speaker, Mr Haruna Aliyu, recalled the four chairmen to resume office with immediate effect.
Reacting on behalf of the chairmen, Usman-Chamo of Dutse LG commended the lawmakers for the gesture.
He thanked their supporters and well wishers for their solidarity.
Usman-Chamo, who was the state’s ALGON chairman before his suspension, added: “Not only four of us, but all 27 LGs will continue to do our best in serving our people”. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
MNB/SOA
Edited by Oluwole Sogunle
June 20, 2024
Ododo signs 7 bills into law
Ododo signs 7 bills into law
Bills
By Thompson Yamput
Lokoja, June 20, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Usman Ododo on Thursday signed seven bills into law with a charge to the residents to embrace the new laws and be law abiding to move Kogi forward.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the seven bills signed into law include: A Law to repeal and Re-enact the Kogi Local Government Service Commission Law 2014 and for other matters connected therewith, 2024.
A Law to repeal and Re-enact the Kogi State Scholarship Board Edict, 1998 and other matters connected therewith, 2024.
A Law to establish the Kogi Electricity Market and the Kogi State Electricity Regulatory Commission to Regulate Electricity Generation, Transmission, System Operation Distribution, Supply and Promote Access to Electricity in the State through increased Private Sector Investments or Public Private Partnership in Grid, Multi-Grid and other Off-grid Electricity Option using Renewable and Non-renewable Fuel Sources in the State and other Purposes Connected Therewith, 2024.
A Law to Establish the Kogi State Anti Corruption Agency and other matters connected therewith, 2024 and Kogi State Commodity Exchange, Export Promotion and Market Development Agency Law, 2024.
The Kogi State Information Technology Development Agency Law, 2024 and the Kogi State Urban Planning Law, 2024.
Ododo, who signed the bills in his office at the Government House, Lokoja, described the laws as people’s laws.
He explained that his assent to the bills were in line with his promise to lead with transparency, accountability and fear of God.
“I believe that the new set of laws will serve as catalyst for the rapid social and economic development of Kogi State as they deal directly with critical aspects of the lives of the people.
“These laws combined together can be referred to as the people’s Acts. All the laws have direct bearing in the lives of our people and this is the reason why we are here.
“Let it be known that under my administration, nobody is above the law.
“This is in line with my promise to lead with the fear of God and to ensure that our resources work for the people of the state,” Ododo assured.
He, however, urge the people of the state, especially those in positions of authority to embrace the new laws and be familiar with their provisions. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
TYC/AMM
=========
Edited by Abiemwense Moru
June 20, 2024
Breastfeeding: Organisation advocates 6 months maternity leave in Benue
Breastfeeding
By Nicholas Dechi
Makurdi, June 20, 2024 (NAN) Civil Society-Scaling Up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN), has called on the Benue Government to approve the extension of maternity leave from three to six months to enable nursing mothers to exclusively breastfeed their babies.

Dr Terfa Kene, a board member of CS-SUNN made the call during advocacy visits to the State Head of Service, Dr Moses Ode and the Commissioner for Education, Dr Frederick Ikyaan, on Wednesday in Makurdi.

He noted that six months was the recommended period for mothers to exclusively breast feed their babies, hence the need for the extension of maternity leave from three to six months.

Kene said that such a long period of exclusive breastfeeding could enhance the bond between mothers and their infants.

He pointed out that breastfeeding mothers in other states were already enjoying the privilege, and it would do the state a lot of good if it followed suit.

Meanwhile, the Head of Service (HoS), Ode, commended CS-SUNN for taking up the responsibility of advocating for nutrition, adding that his office would do its best to give the advocacy necessary support.

He pledged to collaborate with CS-SUNN to enable it to achieve its set objectives.

Ode promised to intimate Gov. Hyacinth Alia on the gains that would accrue to the state if it gave nutrition the desired attention.

Also, the Commissioner for Education and Knowledge Management, Dr Ikyaan, said that all the issues raised by the organisation bordered on the advancement of humanity, hence, the ministry would subscribe to them.

Earlier, Mrs Rachel Ityonzughul, the State Coordinator, CS-SUNN, disclosed that seven states had already approved six months maternity leave for breastfeeding mothers, stating that two other states were also awaiting approval.

Ityonzughul called for the creation of the Department of Nutrition in ministries, adding that budgetary provisions should be adequately made for nutrition.

She advised the Ministry of Education to encourage students to take up career in nutrition.

Mr Moses Levah, the Permanent Secretary (PS), Budget and Economic Planning Commission and his counterpart in Service Welfare, Mr Terna Ayu, commended CS-SUNN for their efforts in nutrition advocacy.
The duo expressed optimism that the six months maternity leave would become a reality in Benue.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
DND/FON/IU
==============
Edited by Florence Onuegbu / Isaac Ukpoju
June 20, 2024
Ondo 2024: I will support Aiyedatiwa despite my grievances – Olusola Oke

Ondo 2024: I will support Aiyedatiwa despite my grievances – Olusola Oke
Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa and Chief Olusola Oke at Oke’s residence

Election
By Segun Giwa
Akure, June 20, 2023 (NAN) Chief Olusola Oke, an aspirant in the April 20 All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary in Ondo State, has promised to support the party’s candidate for the Nov. 16 election, despite his grievances.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State emerged as the candidate of the party in the primary, which had 15 other aspirants.
Oke, who disclosed this while playing host to Aiyedatiwa on Thursday in Akure, said he decided not to challenge the outcome of the primary in court due to his respect for the party.
“I will not gain anything if I go to court, win, and the party does not have a candidate, so I will prefer APC to be in power.
“Especially, when the candidate is my brother from the same ward in Ilaje Local Government, it is better than to have the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Agboola Ajayi, win the election.
“Alhough, I had planned to contest and win and invite the governor to come and support me, but it did not work out as I planned, because God knows best.
“You recall that we met twice after the primary, if I wanted to fight, there are several ways to fight.
“We would have gone to court and we will not have a candidate like the Zamfara case, if my prayers are granted.
“I am not an emergency politician who will go out to hire crowds, I have aspired to be governor four times,” he said.
Oke advised the governor not to treat members of the party who did not support him in the primary as outcasts.
“Call your people to order so that we can win together. Let me remind you that people are not smiling because of our party policies.
“You promised me in the next government after winning that deserving members will be included,” he said.
Reacting, Aiyedatiwa, who commended Oke for his stance and support, said “all that transpired was part of the democratic process.”
According to him, there are no camps in APC in the state, promising to treat all members equally and with equity.
The governor said Oke had demonstrated “uncommon interest and maturity with his gesture for following up his words with actions.
“I have not been offended in anyway, even in my ward, some did not support me.
“If we had that in our family, what about the whole state. What you have done is democratic. I endorse all that was said by you.
“In any political gathering, there are three interests; personal interest, community interest and party interest. Without your party being in government, you can hardly fulfil the interests.
“You won’t be an outcast in our party and I thank you for believing in me,” the governor said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
GSD/AYO/IKU
Edited by Ayodeji Alabi/Tayo Ikujuni

June 20, 2024