| Source | Date | Title | Summary of Report | Subject/Category | Page No/Web link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Guardian Newspaper | Tuesday, October 26, 2021 | FG Reads Riot Act, Insists Election will Hold in Anambra | The Federal Government has vowed to deal decisively with anyone who attempts to disrupt the November 6, 2021 Anambra governorship election. This is coming as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) insisted that the election would hold as scheduled. National Security Adviser (NSA), Babagana Monguno, who gave the warning on Monday, October 25 at a meeting of the Inter-agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES), stated that security agencies had been ordered to deal ruthlessly with troublemakers. On his part, INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, stated that the commission was determined to proceed with the poll as scheduled. According to him, the deployment of non-sensitive materials and training of personnel for the election have been concluded. In another development, Anambra State government has announced that Saturdays will replace Mondays as school days due to the sit-at-home protest, which is still being observed in the South-East. The State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Don Adinuba, who confirmed the statement on Monday, October 25, stated that all school heads had been directed to notify teachers, pupils and parents about the new development. | Anambra State Governorship Election | https://guardian.ng/news/fg-reads-riot-act-insists-election-will-hold-in-anambra/ |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Tuesday, October 26, 2021 | Buhari Inaugurates Two INEC Commissioners, Tasks Envoys on Diplomatic Ethics | President Muhammadu Buhari has sworn in Professors Muhammad Sani Kallah (Katsina) and Kunle Cornelius Ajayi (Ekiti) as National Commissioners of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). They were part of the six INEC appointees cleared by the Senate in July this year. The inauguration preceded the official launch of the e-Naira and 2022 Armed Forces Remembrance Day emblem on Monday, October 25 at the State House, Abuja. This is even as the President advised foreign envoys to be guided by diplomatic protocols and ethics as the 2023 general elections approach. He gave the charge while receiving letters of credence from the ambassadors of Japan, European Union, Burundi, Denmark, Finland, Ireland, Cape Verde, France, Qatar and High Commissioners of Sierra Leone and Ghana at the Presidential Villa. Buhari reminded the diplomats that they were assuming duties at a “very interesting political period” in Nigeria. | INEC National Commissioners | https://guardian.ng/news/buhari-inaugurates-two-inec-commissioners-tasks-envoys-on-diplomatic-ethics/ |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Tuesday, October 26, 2021 | Growing Inequality Causing Unrest, Says Buhari | President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday, October 26 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, attributed growing social unrest to inequalities and unfair policies that exclude the majority from opportunities for participation, calling on world leaders and global investors to prioritise inclusive and humane policies. Speaking at the 5th Edition of the Future Investment Initiative Summit holding in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, President Buhari stated that his administration will encourage public and private initiatives that increase investments in health, education, capacity building, youth empowerment, gender equality, poverty eradication, climate change, and food security. He states that, “Nigeria is Africa’s largest economy and most populous nation. Our economic reforms which focus on “humane” investments are ideal for investors looking to have profitable returns while positively impacting the citizenry." | President Muhammadu Buhari, Inequality | https://guardian.ng/news/growing-inequality-causing-unrest-says-buhari/ |
| Punch Newspaper | Tuesday, October 26, 2021 | PDP Wins Zango-Kataf Kaduna Local Govt Chairmanship Re-run | The candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the rescheduled chairmanship election of Zango-Kataf, Local Government Area, of Kaduna State, Mr France Sani, has been declared winner of the election held last Saturday, October 23. The Returning Officer, Prof. Lawrence Garba, while declaring the outcome of the elections at the Kaduna State Independent Electoral Commission office, in Zonkwa Local Government, on Sunday, October 24 statedthat Francis scored 28,771 votes to defeat the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), John Hassan, who polled 19,509 votes. Garba stated that, “Therefore, Hon. Francis of the PDP, having satisfied the requirements of the law and scored the highest number of votes, is hereby declared winner of the election and returned elected.” | Kaduna State, Local Government Elections | https://punchng.com/pdp-wins-southern-kaduna-local-govt-chairmanship-rerun/ |
| Punch Newspaper | Tuesday, October 26, 2021 | Security Agencies Ready for those Issuing Threats against Anambra Poll – NSA | The National Security Adviser (NSA), Major General Babagana Moguno has stated that those planning to destabilise the Anambra State Governorship election scheduled to hold on November 6, must have a rethink. He assured that the security agencies would ensure that the people of Anambra State elect their next governor without any incident. Monguno stated this during a meeting of the Special Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES), held at the National Headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Abuja, on Monday, October 24. The NSA, who co-chairs the ICCES stressed that elections are lawful and security agencies would not let any group under any guise destabilise the process. The Punch earlier reported that the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, had declared a one-week sit-at-home across the South-East region beginning from November 5. IPOB vowed that the protest would go on as planned unless its detained leader Nnamdi Kanu was released before November 4. However, speaking on Monday, October 24, Monguno urged the security operatives, who would be deployed for the election to safeguard lives and property and conduct themselves professionally. He stated that, “The law enforcement agencies will not sit by idly and allow people to terrorise people, commit homicide. They have been told to watch out for these elements. I am appealing to you to stay in your wards and behave yourself." | Anambra State Governorship Election, ICCES, NSA | https://punchng.com/security-agencies-ready-for-those-issuing-threats-against-anambra-poll-nsa/ |
| ThisDayLive Online | Monday, October 25, 2021 | Anambra Poll: INEC Meets Security Agencies Today Over IPOB’s Threat | Following threats and sit-at-home order by the Independent People of Biafra (IPOB), the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will today meet all the security agencies in the country on how to proceed with the November 6 governorship election in Anambra State. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Committee on Publicity on the Anambra election, Ken Okolougbo, has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, of accentuating the insecurity in the state through media trials of the leader of Kanu. INEC, however, stated that it would meet all security agencies on election matter on Monday, October 25. The meeting between INEC and the election security agencies is expected to commence 2pm today. | Anambra State, INEC, Security Agencies | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/10/25/anambra-poll-inec-meets-securityagencies-today-over-ipobs-threat/ |
| ThisDayLive Online | Monday, October 25, 2021 | FAAC Meeting Deadlocked as States, LGs Protest $418m Paris Refund Deductions | A meeting of the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) for October 2021, held last Friday, October 22 was inconclusive as states and local governments resisted the commencement of deductions in relation to the $418 million judgement debt for “consultancy services,” with regard to the Paris Club Loans refund. In a letter obtained by THISDAY on Sunday, October 24, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) objected to the execution of the judgement until full determination of on-going litigation on the subject matter. The governors insisted that the deductions were done without their knowledge. Chairman, Forum of Commissioners for Finance of Nigeria, which represents state governments at the FAAC meeting, Mr. David Ilofu, signed the document. Owing to the development, the monthly gathering was postponed to allow all pending issues to be sorted out. The letter stated that, “The FAAC meeting for the month of October, 2021, held on Friday 22nd October 2021, to distribute revenue that has accrued to the federation (federal, state and local governments) was inconclusive. Members declined approval after consideration of the reports for the disbursement of the available revenue because of deduction on funds belonging to the local government councils in favour of some consultants for a $418,000,000.00 judgement debt for consultancy services with respect to Paris Club loans refund.” The letter stated that based on available information, the deduction would continue for 10 years or 120 months, contrary to the provisions of Section 162 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, as amended. | FAAC Meeting, Paris Club Funds | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/10/25/faac-meeting-deadlocked-as-states-lgs-protest-418m-paris-refund-deductions/ |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Monday, October 25, 2021 | Declare Bandits Terrorists, Conference of Speakers tell Buhari | The 36 House of Assembly speakers has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to declare bandits as terrorists and enemies of the nation. This was part of their resolution at a Conference of Speakers of State Houses of Assembly in Katsina State on Sunday, October 24. The call of the Conference of Speakers came one day after Katsina Governor, Aminu Bello Masari, reiterated the earlier call of his Kaduna counterpart, Nasir el-Rufai and the National Assembly for the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency on the nation’s security and declare bandits as terrorists. Chairman of the Conference, who is also Bauchi State Speaker, Abubakar Suleiman, while making the call at the end of their third yearly meeting, stated that it was part of their five-point communiqué at the end of their eight-hour deliberations. He stated thus: “We call on President Buhari to declare bandits as terrorists and enemies of the state. The conference has observed all the activities carried out by the bandits as containing the same mode of operations used by terrorists. The Conference also decried the state of insecurity in the country and resolved to work out legislative frameworks, to complement the efforts of the Federal Government to address the security challenges in the country. In addition, the Conference also resolved to make appropriate laws to address the fundamental issues that breed insecurity in the land, as well as create employment for the youths and curb the menace of insecurity in the country.” | Bandits, Ocnference of Speakers | https://guardian.ng/news/declare-bandits-terrorists-36-speakers-tell-buhari/ |
| DailyTrust Online | Monday, October 25, 2021 | Despite Legal Issues, PDP To Hold Convention on Saturday | Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Convention Organising Committee (NCOC), Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has said the October 30-31, 2021 dates for the party’s national convention remain sacrosanct despite legal issues. He disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday, October 24 by the NCOC on the case instituted at a High Court in Kaduna to prevent the party from holding its national convention on the scheduled dates. He stated the convention was not meant to witch-hunt anyone or truncate anyone’s mandate and called on all members and supporters of the party to ignore what it called “distraction.” The suspended National Chairman of the PDP, Prince Uche Secondus, has asked the party to stop making moves towards the conduct of its national convention scheduled for October 30 and 31, 2021 or any other date, pending the hearing and final determination of his appeal to the effect. Secondus, in a letter dated October 21, 2021 and addressed to the party by his counsel, Tayo Oyetibo (SAN), is asking the court to restrain the party from holding the convention. However, the convention organising committee, while reacting, urged all party faithful to continue to rally support for it as it prepares to hold the convention. | PDP, Naitonal Convention | https://dailytrust.com/despite-legal-issues-pdp-holds-convention-Saturday |
| DailyTrust Online | Monday, October 25, 2021 | Presidency Urges Governors To Provide Land For Ranching | The Presidency has appealed to governors to provide lands for ranching. Malam Garba Shehu, presidential spokesman, made the appeal while reacting to a critical editorial of London-based 'The Economist'. He stated that the only government of Nigeria which has ever sought a solution to the centuries-old herder-farmer disputes of the central belt was President Buhari’s administration. The Economist, which stated that economic hardship was fuelling the current insecurity in the country, added that life had become more difficult for Nigerians as food prices skyrocketed because of the administration’s mismanagement of the economy. But in his response, Shehu stated thus: “The Federal ranches programme, launched shortly after the President’s re-election is the first of its kind – and it is working: during the last 12 months clashes have significantly reduced. The government now calls on State governors to have the imagination to join forces with the Federal administration and expand this programme by making available State lands for those interested, now that its effectiveness has been demonstrated.” | Presidency, Ranching | https://dailytrust.com/presidency-urges-governors-to-provide-land-for-ranching |
| Vanguard Newspaper | Thursday, October 21, 2021 | El-Rufai Aks FG to Declare Bandits As Terrorists | Governor Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna State, has called on the Federal Government to declare bandits as terrorists to allow the Nigerian military deal with them according to international law. This came as no fewer than 343 persons were killed from July to September 2021 in Kaduna State, while 830 others were kidnapped. The Governor spoke on Wednesday, October 20 at the presentation of the Kaduna State Security Incidents Report for the Third Quarter of 2021 in Kaduna, stating that, "We in the Kaduna State Government, have always aligned with the declaration of bandits as insurgents and terrorists. We have written letters to the Federal Government since 2017, asking for this declaration because it is the declaration that will allow the Nigerian military to attack and kill these bandits without any major consequences in international law. So, we support the resolution by the National Assembly and we are going to follow up with a letter of support, for the Federal Government to declare these bandits and insurgents as terrorists, so that they will be fair game for our military. This is the view of the Kaduna State Government.” The Governor also called for a consensus between the Federal Government and the 36 states on an emergency programme of recruitment into the security agencies. | Governor Nasir el-Rufai, Bandits | https://www.vanguardngr.com/2021/10/el-rufai-begs-fg-to-declare-bandits-terrorists-as-gunmen-wreak-havoc-on-kaduna/ |
| ThisDayLive Online | Thursday, October 21, 2021 | PDP Committee Screens Ayu, Anyanwu, 31 Others | The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), on Wednesday, October 20, screened the consensus candidate for National Chairman and former Senate President, Senator Iyorchua Ayu, as well as the two aspirants for National Secretary, Senator Okay Muo Aro from Anambra State and Senator Samuel Anyanwu from Imo State. However, the Director General of the PDP Governors' Forum, Cyril Maduabun, in a letter dated October 18, 2021, withdrew from the race to become the National \Secretary of the party. The screening committee, headed by a former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Mohamed Adoke Bello, also screened 30 other aspirants seeking election at the October 30 and 31 national convention. The convention, billed to hold at the Eagles Square, Abuja, has 33 aspirants contesting for various leadership positions in the main opposition party. Meanwhile, Adoke has assured all aspirants into the various offices of fairness in the conduct of the exercise. In a chat with the newsmen shortly before the commencement of the exercise, Adoke promised to make the most of the assignment in the overall interest of Nigerians. He stated that, “As you are well aware, the screening committee is charged with the responsibility of screening aspirants for national officers of the party for the national convention of our party. This assignment is crucial to the success of our party, as it signals the beginning of the process of electing credible Nigerians to steer the affairs of our party. We are conscious of the expectation of members of our party especially, the aspirants to the various elective positions for a free, fair credible and transparent process. We, therefore,assure you that we shall not only be guided by these ideals in the discharge of our duty, but also, be meticulous in the observance of our party guidelines, the constitution of our great party and the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.” | PDP, National Convention, Screening Committee | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/10/21/pdp-committee-screens-ayu-anyanwu-31-others/ |
| ThisDayLive Online | Thursday, October 21, 2021 | #EndSARS: NEC Directs Governors to Prosecute Indicted Persons | The youth of the nation made good their threat to hold memorial marches on Wednesday, October 20 commemorating those who died during the nationwide anti-police brutality protests in October 2020. This was despite warnings by the Nigeria Police that marches to mark the one year anniversary of the #EndSARs protest would not be condoned. As the memorial rallies held in some states yesterday, the National Economic Council (NEC) directed state governors to forward final reports of the panels of inquiry into the October 2020 protests, to their Attorneys-General for prompt arraignment and prosecution of the indicted persons. Minister of Information and Culture Lai Mohammed, who revealed the decision of NEC in Abuja, during a media briefing, also accused those he labelled “champions of a massacre at the Lekki Toll Gate,” including Amnesty International and CNN, of holding on to “their unproven stand.” The Federal Government stated that where incidents in the inquests related to matters of discipline, in addition to prosecution, NEC had urged the Nigeria Police to take disciplinary action against the affected officers in line with the provisions of the Police Act 2020. Mohammed spoke on measures that had been taken to improve the efficiency of the police and other security agencies’ architecture. He explained that NEC had called on the leadership of the security agencies to ensure that persons recruited into arms-bearing security organs underwent psychiatric evaluation and drug test before enlistment. He also stated that personnel of the agencies had been advised to dutifully observe rules of engagement in the discharge of their duties. | #EndSARS, Panels of Inquiry | |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Thursday, October 21, 2021 | Arrests, Police Brutality Headline #EndSARS Memorial in Lagos, Abuja | “There is so much injustice in this country, the police are under-paid and have not learnt any lesson from #EndSARS….” These were the last words of a Canadian-based protester, Patriot Patrick Eholor, on Wednesday, October 20 while speaking with journalists at the Lekki tollgate in Lagos before officers of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) swarmed on him, removed his cap and whisked him away into a waiting Black Maria. As over 300 #EndSARS protesters await freedom from several correctional centres a year after, yesterday, more youths were hounded into custody by the police for daring to observe a memorial of last year’s long-drawn protests, which turned on its head on October 20. Among those arrested with Eholor include a journalist attached to Legit TV, Bisola Alawode, and a man clad in white and bearing an #EndSARS banner. Also, a PM News reporter, Taiwo Okanlawon, covering the memorial was beaten and harassed by policemen. The policemen had fired teargas at protesters, causing pandemonium. The reporter was doing his job when the police suddenly descended on him. While speaking with newsmen, Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Hakeem Odumosu, stated that the journalist was arrested because he had no means of identification despite his claims. He added the arrested journalist was immediately released when his colleagues showed up to identify him as a member of their crew. The protest in honour of victims shot last year began with a long convoy of vehicles around 9:00a.m. and was led by popular hip-hop musician, Folarin Falana, aka Falz, and Debo Adebayo, also known as Mr. Macaroni. They drove through the Lekki tollgate, epicentre of the campaign last year, with Nigerian flags in their hands as they echoed in unison “We will never forget.” In Abuja, a protest to mark the first anniversary of the epic #EndSARS movement also held on Wednesday, October 20. Hundreds of protesters bearing placards had stormed the Unity Fountain, Central Area, Abuja and other areas. The protest was led by human rights lawyers, Pelumi Olajengbesi and Marshall Abubakar; activists, Omoyele Sowore and Deji Adeyanju. They were all dressed in black and chanted solidarity songs before embarking on a march to the National Assembly. They were, however, stopped by armed security men who mounted barricade at the Ministry of Justice. This led to a face-off between the protesters and policemen on ground. | #EndSARS Memorial, Police Brutality | https://guardian.ng/news/arrests-police-brutality-headline-endsars-memorial-in-lagos-abuja/ |
| DailyTrust Online | Thursday, October 21, 2021 | Nnamdi Kanu In Court As Trial Resumes | The leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, is in court on Thursday, October 21 at the resumption of his trial by the Nigerian government. Ifeanyi Ejiofor, who is Kanu’s lead counsel, had called on the Federal Government to make his client available in court today to face his trial. The counsel, who stated this in Abuja on Wednesday, October 20 during a world press conference, stated that since the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation had filed a seven-count amended charge with an affidavit of completion of the investigation, there was no excuse to act contrarily. He lamented that after his client was brought to court on June 29 without his lawyer’s knowledge, the government failed to produce him on July 26 when the matter came up, adding that such action violated the court order made by Justice Binta Nyako. The Federal Government had, on Monday 18 October 2021, filed an amended seven-count charge against Kanu, before a Federal High Court in Abuja. The fresh charges border on treasonable felony and terrorism following the pending charges he was facing since 2016. Meanwhile, at the resumed trial on Thursday, Daily Trust gathered that all entrances to the Federal High Court in Abuja, its surroundings and adjoining streets, were taken over by security operatives. | Nnamdi Kanu, Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) | |
| ThisDayLive Online | Wednesday, October 20, 2021 | #EndSARS: Sanwo-Olu Brokers Truce with Youths, Promises Not to Give Up Belief in Them | With lessons drawn from the string of violence that followed the youth-led nationwide protests against police brutality in October last year, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Tuesday, October 19, brokered a reconciliation with youths in the state, promising not to give up his belief in them. Youngsters across the state used the opportunity of yesterday’s Eid-Maulud national holiday to come together to participate in a peace conference aimed at creating a common platform for conflict resolution. Sanwo-Olu, who attended the peace forum, listened as the youths led conversation on how they could effectively channel their grievances to the authorities. The event themed, “Rebuilding for Greatness: Peaceful Conflict Resolution,” held at the LTV Blue Roof, in Ikeja. It was organised by the Ministry of Youth and Social Development and facilitated by the governor’s Senior Special Assistant on Youth Matters, Saheed Akanbi. With a commitment to peace pledged by the youths, the Governor, who declared that the moment for true reconciliation had begun, stated that Lagos could now undergo a total healing process after last year’s coordinated attacks on its assets, which also resulted in loss of lives and livelihoods. | Lagos State, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Youths | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/10/20/endsars-sanwo-olu-brokers-truce-with-youths-promises-not-to-give-up-belief-in-them/ |
| ThisDayLive Online | Wednesday, October 20, 2021 | Rivers APC Crisis Deepens as Parallel Officials Emerge | Crisis rocking the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, seemed to have deepened, as the Senator Magnus Abe faction of the party on Tuesday, October 19, inaugurated executives to man its affairs. The camp loyal to the Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Amaechi, had during their congress on Saturday, October 16 elected Emeka Bekee, as the party Chairman. However, the Abe faction has also appointed its state officials, with Golden Chioma announced as the party chairman. Briefing journalists shortly after the inauguration at the party's Freedom House, Port Harcourt, Chioma stated that there had been lots of comments about their recent state congress, which needed to be addressed. However, Chris Finebone, the recently elected Publicity Secretary of the Rotimi Amaechi-led faction of the party, stated that there was no parallel APC in the state, while reacting to the inauguration of Chioma as a factional State Chairman of the party. | Rivers State, APC | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/10/20/rivers-apc-crisis-deepens-as-parallel-officials-emerge/ |
| Punch Newspaper | Wednesday, October 20, 2021 | Police Threaten to Punish Inspector for Voting at APC Congress | The Zone 1 Command of the Nigeria Police Force, Kano State, on Tuesday, October 19, stated that its attention had been drawn to a trending picture on the social media, of a police inspector casting his vote at the Kano State congress of the All Progressives Congress (APC) alongside his principal, the State party Chairman, Alhaji Abdullahi Abbas. A statement by the Zonal Public Relations Officer, DSP Abubakar Ambursa, added that the inspector had been identified as Bashir Mohammed of the Special Protection Unit, Base 1, Kano. According to the statement, the Inspector is attached to the Government House, Kano, from where he was deployed to work with Abbas as a security aide. According to the statement, “In view of this seemingly unprofessional conduct of the inspector, the AIG (Assistant Inspector General of Police) has referred the matter to the Zonal X-Squad for investigation. If the inspector is found to have committed the offence, appropriate disciplinary action will be taken against him.” The police assured members of the public that further development on the matter would be communicated. | Nigeria Police, APC Congress | https://punchng.com/police-threaten-to-punish-inspector-for-voting-at-apc-congress/ |
| DailyTrust Online | Wednesday, October 20, 2021 | Convention: PDP Governors Meet Today As Party Screens Aspirants | Governors, who are members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), will meet today ahead of the October 30 and 31 National Convention of the party. Daily Trust learnt that the meeting of the governors operating under the auspices of PDP Governors’ Forum would focus on the issues that arose after the NWC offices had been micro-zoned at various geo-political zones. At present, aggrieved aspirants from the South West, South East, and North East are preparing to slug it out at the convention for the positions of Deputy National Chairman, South, Deputy National Chairman, North, and National Secretary, respectively after the failure of the processes of micro-zoning and consensus arrangements. Meanwhile, the screening of aspirants for various national offices of the PDP holds today after the submission of duly completed forms ended on Tuesday, October 19. | PDP, National Convention | https://dailytrust.com/convention-pdp-governors-meet-today-as-party-screens-aspirants |
| DailyTrust Online | Wednesday, October 20, 2021 | Anambra Gov’ship: Abdulsalami’s Panel Fixes Nov. 4 For Signing Of Peace Accord | Ahead of the November 6 governorship election in Anambra State, the National Peace Committee (NPC) has announced that a peace accord would be signed by various political parties and stakeholders in the state on November 4, 2021. Chairman of the committee, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, a former military head of state, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, October 19. He stated that the Peace Accord has become imperative considering the wave of violence witnessed in Anambra State in recent time, which has claimed lives in the state. He urged various stakeholders in the state to eschew violence and work toward peace in the state before, during and after the election. | Anambra State Governorship Election, Peace Accord | https://dailytrust.com/anambra-govship-abdulsalamis-panel-fixes-nov-4-for-signing-of-peace-accord |
| ThisDayLive Online | Monday, October 18, 2021 | US: Nigeria’s North-East Humanitarian Crises, One of World’s Most Challenging | The United States Government has described the humanitarian crisis in Nigeria’s North-east as one of the world’s most challenging and complex. U.S Consulate Public Affairs Officer, Stephen Ibelli, disclosed this at the Nigeria Info 99.3 FM “Security and Development Summit”, during a session on “US and Nigeria Security Assistance and Cooperation”. The summit was in commemoration of the radio station’s 10th anniversary. Ibelli pledged the U.S. government’s continuous support to Nigeria in the fight against insecurity. He stated that estimates by the Council on Foreign Relations, a U.S. think-tank, showed that more than 350,000 people had been killed in the North-east since 2009, while about three million people had been displaced across the Lake Chad Basin region. Ibelli further stated that the trail of death, destruction, and personal losses inflicted by Boko Haram and ISIS-West Africa was immeasurable. He added that the North-West also faced the threat of banditry, a type of organised crime that included kidnapping, armed robbery, murder, rape, cattle-rustling, and the exploitation of environmental resources. | North-East Humanitarian Crises, United States Government | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/10/18/us-nigerias-north-east-humanitarian-crises-one-of-worlds-most-challenging/ |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Monday, October 18, 2021 | Soludo Urges Peace for Credible Anambra Guber Poll | The Anambra State governorship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in the November 6 election, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, has appealed to secessionist groups to allow the election to hold for people’s votes to determine the next governor of the state. He also disclosed a master plan of economic prosperity that will create 130,000 jobs yearly to end insecurity in the state. The former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), who spoke in Lagos State at the weekend while presenting his manifesto to members of the Soludo Support Groups (SSG) and APGA, linked insecurity in the South East to unemployment, poverty and uneven distribution of resources by the Federal Government. | Charles Chukwuma Soludo, Anambra State Governorship Election | https://guardian.ng/news/soludo-urges-peace-for-credible-anambra-guber-poll/ |
| Punch Newspaper | Monday, October 18, 2021 | Anambra Poll Will Go Ahead as Planned, Says INEC | The Independent National Electoral Commission has assured the people of Anambra State, that the governorship election scheduled for November 6, will go ahead as scheduled. An INEC Director, Chima Duruaku, stated this at a meeting in Awka, Anambra State. According to Duruaku, “INEC is a creation of the law. We do everything according to the law. The law will guide us in the conduct of the Anambra election. If the laws say we will postpone the election, we shall follow the law. But for now, we are not thinking of postponing the election. The November 6 date is sacrosanct and we are working towards that. No shift.” The Commission stated that all the non-sensitive materials for the poll were already at the 21 local government areas of Anambra State, waiting for distribution while the sensitive materials would be brought later into the state a few days to the poll and stored at the Central Bank. | Anambra State Governorship Election, INEC | https://punchng.com/anambra-poll-will-go-ahead-as-planned-says-inec/ |
| DailyTrust Online | Monday, October 18, 2021 | 18 Months After Buhari’s Directive, 'Oronsaye Report' Still Stuck | The Federal Government is yet to commence the implementation of the report of the Presidential Committee on Restructuring and Rationalisation of Federal Government Parastatals, Commissions and Agencies, over 18 months after the Minister of Finance, Zainab Ahmed, announced a presidential directive to that effect. The report, dubbed Oronsaye Report, after the name of the Chairman of the Committee and former Head of Service, Steve Oronsaye, was submitted to former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2012. The committee was mandated to identify civil service inadequacies and recommend cost-cutting and efficiency measures. In a television interview in April 2020, Mrs Ahmed stated that President Muhammadu Buhari had directed the implementation of the report as part of the government’s reforms and cost-saving measures. When contacted, the spokesman for the Minister of Finance, Yunusa Abdullahi, stated that the implementation was on course. According to him, “Committees have been set up and are working towards presenting a report.” Abdullahi said when the committees are done with the assignment, the report will be submitted to the government for approval. | Oronsaye Report | https://dailytrust.com/18-months-after-buharis-directive-oronsaye-report-still-stuck |
| DailyTrust Online | Monday, October 18, 2021 | APC Congresses: Confusion As 4 Chairmen Emerge In Akwa Ibom, Stakeholders Demand Cancellation in Delta | There is confusion as four ‘chairmen’ of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have emerged in Akwa Ibom State following the state congresses held on Saturday, October 16, by the party. They are Augustine Ekanem, Steve Ntukekpo, Mr Douglass Pepple and another who is said to have emerged from the group loyal to Bishop Akpan, a APC chieftain in the state. Mr Steve Ntukekpo had emerged from the congress held by a group loyal to the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs and former governor of the state, Senator Godswill Akpabio, while Douglass Pepple emerged from the congress held by the group loyal to a Senior Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Ita Enang. The State Caretaker Committee Chairman of the party, Dr. Ita Udose, in a statement, however, stated that Augustine Ekanem is the authentic chairman of the party in the state. In a related development, some APC stakeholders in Delta State have asked the APC Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee to cancel last Saturday’s Congress held in the state. They include the Minister of State for Niger Delta Affairs, Festus Keyamo; a former Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Victor Ochei; Delta APC Caretaker Committee Chairman, Elvis O. Ayomanor; Delta APC Caretaker Committee Secretary, Delta APC Leaders’ Council, Hon. Cairo Ojougboh and 15 others. In a statement at the weekend, the stakeholders stated that as leaders of the party in the state, they were not part of the “kangaroo” state congresses organised by some politicians in the state. According to them, “We are calling on the national leadership of the party to cancel and declare that sham they call congress null and void." | APC Congresses, Akwa Ibom State, Delta State | https://dailytrust.com/apc-congresses-confusion-as-4-chairmen-emerge-in-akwa-ibom |
| ThisDayLive Online | Thursday, October 14, 2021 | 2022 Appropriation Bill: Lawmakers Express Divergent Views over Planned Fresh Borrowing | Members of the House of Representatives have expressed worry over the decision of the Federal Government to borrow the sum of N5.01 trillion to finance the N6 trillion deficit in the proposed 2022 Appropriation Bill. The lawmakers made their concerns known at plenary on Wednedday, October 13 during the debate on the general principles of the 2022 Appropriation Bill presented to the joint session of the National Assembly last week. Commenting on the bill, Hon. Leke Abejide commended President Muhammadu Buhari for making capital projects a priority in both the 2021 budget and the proposed 2022 budget. Quoting a reliable source, the lawmaker stated that some of the projects in the 2021 budget have been funded 100 per cent. In his submission, Hon. Onofiok Luke commended the President for the plausible recommendations in the budget and equally raised concerns about the fresh loans. Luke stressed the need to invest in security considering the challenges facing the country presently. Luke, however decried the sum of N3.9 trillion for debt service, which represents almost 25 per cent of the entire budget, saying this was worrisome. On his part, the Deputy Minority Leader, Hon. Toby Okechukwu lamented the over N3 trillion for debt service and more than N6 trillion for recurrent expenditure. According to him, “There’s no way we can continue to commit that level of fund to recurrent expenditure and to debt servicing and we shall overcome.” Earlier, the Leader of the House, Hon. Ado Doguwa, who led the debate stated that there was need for government to invest heavily in infrastructure. | 2022 Appropriation Bill, House of Representatives | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/10/14/2022-appropriation-bill-lawmakers-express-divergent-views-over-planned-fresh-borrowing/ |
| ThisDayLive Online | Thursday, October 14, 2021 | Let’s Approach 2023 Elections in Unity, APC Charges Members | The All Progressives Congress (APC) has stated that it expects that every bickering in the party be nipped in the bud in order to approach the 2023 elections as a unit. The National Secretary of the APC Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC), Sen. John Akpanudoedehe disclosed this on Wednesday, October 13 during the inauguration of State Congresses Committees in Abuja. He stated that in the last few months, the party has carried out some very fundamental party activities of unimaginable magnitude. The Secretary noted that the membership registration, Ward/LG congresses and the upcoming State Congresses are monumental landmarks which the party has achieved in a short time, under the leadership of the Caretaker Chairman and the Governor of Yobe State, Mai Mala Buni. According to Akpanudoedehe, “We expect that every bickering be nipped in the bud, so we circle the wagons and approach 2023 elections as a unit, notwithstanding the family misunderstandings that may exist.” | APC, State Congresses | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/10/14/lets-approach-2023-elections-in-unity-apc-charges-members/ |
| ThisDayLive Online | Thursday, October 14, 2021 | FG: COVID-19 Vaccination Now Mandatory for Civil Servants from Dec 1 | Federal government workers across the country will from December 1 be required to present proof of COVID-19 vaccination before reporting at work. Secretary to the Government of the Federation and Chairman, Presidential Steering Committee (PSC) on COVID-19, Mr. Boss Mustapha, announced the new policy decision on Wednesday, October 13 in Abuja at a PSC briefing. Mustapha stated that the government would issue new safety protocols in the next 24 hours. On the new directive, Mustapha stated public servants would have to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result done within 72 hours, to gain access to their offices, in all locations within Nigeria and the country’s foreign missions. He added that an appropriate service-wide advisory/circular would be issued to guide the process. Mustapha stated that statistics generated over the last four weeks from test results showed that the trend of COVID-19 infection was reducing in some states while in others, the trajectory was rising. He put the combined total for testing by PCR and RDT at 3,141, 795 million persons. | Federal Government Workers, COVID-19 | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/10/14/fg-covid-19-vaccination-now-mandatory-for-civil-servants-from-dec-1/ |
| ThisDayLive Online | Thursday, October 14, 2021 | Matawalle Swears in LG Administrators | Zamfara State Governor, Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, has sworn in 14 Local Government Administrators and warned them on the need to work hard in securing their respective areas from the menace of banditry. He added that following the dissolution of the last set of administrators at the local government level, it had become necessary to constitute another one until the security situation improves to pave way for elections into the local government councils. He stated that the situation in the various local governments requires the total commitment and uprightness of the administrators, which are some of the qualities considered in their selection. He warned them not to betray the confidence of the State government and the people just as he promised to support them in the quest to bring an end to banditry. | Zamfara State, Local Government Administrators | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/10/14/matawalle-swears-in-lg-administrators/ |
| DailyTrust Online | Thursday, October 14, 2021 | Anambra Deputy Gov. Leaves APGA, Joins APC | President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday, October 13, received the Deputy Governor of Anambra State, Nkem Okeke, who left the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) for the All Progressives Congress (APC) last week. Okeke was presented to the President at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, by the APC caretaker chairman and Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, in company of Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State. Meanwhile, APC in the Anambra State has expressed joy over the defection of the Deputy Governor. A statement by the Director, Media and Publicity, Senator Andy Uba Governorship Campaign Organisation, Victor Afam Ogene, described it as a welcome development. Reacting, the State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment Mr. C. Don Adinuba, described the defection of the Deputy Governor as unconstitutional. He stated that if the deputy Governor was uncomfortable with the party he should have resigned his position. | Anambra State, Deputy APGA, APC | https://dailytrust.com/anambra-govship-deputy-gov-dumps-apga-joins-apc |
| Vanguard Newspaper | Wednesday, October 13, 2021 | Buhari Challenges Ministers to Double Efforts Promote Performance Culture in MDAs | President Muhammadu Buhari has directed cabinet ministers and permanent secretaries to double their efforts and work in synergy toward total delivery of this administration’s set target to improve the livelihood of all Nigerians. The President, who gave the directive at the end of the two-day Mid-term Ministerial Performance Review Retreat, also instructed the ministers to ‘‘ramp up implementation’’ of their mandates along the Nine Priority Areas of the administration. The President also stressed the need for synergy between the fiscal and monetary authorities in the country to keep the economy on the trajectory of growth. He noted that intensive discussions at the retreat provided an opportunity to reflect on what his administration had done and areas that needed to improve on and refocus attention. He states that, “The retreat provided an opportunity for us to undertake an objective assessment of our stewardship in line with the contract we signed with the Nigerian people to deliver on our electoral promises. From the assessment report and discussions at this retreat, I am glad to note that progress has been made towards the achievement of our objectives. The independent performance assessment report presented on Day One of the retreat, indicates that significant progress has been achieved in the delivery of the ministerial mandates." | President Muhammadu Buhari, Mid-term Ministerial Performance Review Retreat | https://www.vanguardngr.com/2021/10/buhari-challenges-ministers-to-redouble-efforts-promote-performance-culture-in-mdas/ |
| DailyTrust Online | Wednesday, October 13, 2021 | Electoral Bill: PDP, Others Kick As Senate Adopts Direct Primaries | The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) have kicked against the Senate’s adoption of direct primaries by political parties in the country, for aspirants to all elective positions. Barely three months after passing the Electoral Bill, the Senate amended some clauses in the Bill, including the provision on the mode of primaries. The PDP National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, described the amendment as a retrogressive provision that sought to wipe off all the gains achieved in the electoral practice since 1999. The party also stated that the decision by the APC-controlled Senate was a “humongous blow” to the development of democratic norms and “a plot to introduce anarchy” during internal party elections “as currently obtainable in the APC.” Similarly, the National Secretary of CUPP, Peter Ameh stated that direct or indirect primaries should be left at the discretion of the leadership of political parties. Also, the Bill was amended to empower the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to determine the procedure for voting at elections and transmission of results. The Senate amended clause 52 on the transmission of election results when the bill was subjected to re-committal to provide that, “Subject to Section 63 of this bill, voting at an election and transmission of results under this bill shall be in accordance with the procedure determined by the commission (INEC).” The Red Chamber had, in July, passed the bill with provisions that allowed INEC to transmit election results electronically after getting the green light on network coverage from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and approval from the National Assembly. The bill, as passed by the House of Representatives, gave INEC alone the power to determine the procedue for voting and transmission of election results. The two chambers had set up a conference committee to harmonise grey areas in the bill. However, the Senate, on Tuesday, October 12, in a motion for re-committal by Senate Leader Yahaya Abdullahi, re-amended certain aspects of the Electoral Act (Repeal and Re-enactment) Bill 2021 contained in clauses 43, 52, 63 and 87. It explained that the decision to subject the clauses of the bill to re-committal was reached after critical examination by the Senate Committee on INEC. | Electoral Bill, Senate | https://dailytrust.com/electoral-bill-pdp-others-kick-as-senate-adopts-direct-primaries |
| DailyTrust Online | Wednesday, October 13, 2021 | Zamfara Assembly Suspends Lawmakers ‘For Working With Bandits’ | The Zamfara state House of Assembly has suspended two lawmakers over their alleged ties to bandits. The lawmakers – Yusuf Muhammad, Anka representing Anka Constituency, and Ibrahim T. Tukur Bakura, representing Bakura constituency – were suspended for three months. According to the Director General Press Affairs and Public Relations of the Assembly, Mustapha Jafaru Kaura, the lawmakers will stay off the Assembly pending the conclusion of investigations on the allegation leveled against them. “They are also to appear before the House Committee on ethics and privileges in conjunction with security agencies that are assigned by law to investigate them. These are part of the resolutions reached just now at the House plenary presided over the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Nasiru Mu’azu Magarya under matters of urgent public importance.” | Zamfara State House of Assembly, Suspension, Banditry | https://dailytrust.com/breaking-zamfara-assembly-suspends-lawmakers-for-working-with-bandits |
| DailyTrust Online | Wednesday, October 13, 2021 | Senate To FG: Declare State Of Emergency On Roads | The Senate on Tuesday, October 12, called on the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency on federal roads. It also urged the Ministry of Finance to release adequate funds to the Federal Road Maintenance Agency for emergency repairs on all federal roads in the country. This followed the adoption of a motion by Senator Gershom Bassey who stated that poor funding and neglect of Nigerian roads had led to the abysmal state of federal roads. | Roads, State Of Emergency | https://dailytrust.com/senate-to-fg-declare-state-of-emergency-on-roads |
| DailyTrust Online | Wednesday, October 13, 2021 | UN Official: Nigeria’s Female Representation In Governance Lowest In The World | A United Nations (UN) official has ranked Nigeria lowest in the world in the area of allocating elective and leadership positions to women. Angela Muruli, the Programme Analyst of UN Women stated this during an interview with journalists during the inauguration of the Network of Young Women in Politics, on Tuesday, October 12. She, therefore, demanded not less than 50 per cent representation of women in the elective positions in the 2023 general elections. Muruli stated that it was important for women in Nigeria to be involved in politics because when women are involved in leadership, they make decisions that benefit the whole society. She sttaed that, “For starters, Nigeria has almost the lowest representation for women in sub-Saharan Africa and in fact in the world. So, for the giant of Africa, it is quite worrying that half of the population are not ably represented by people who look like them in spaces of power. So, it is very important, because we know that when women are involved in leadership, they make decisions that benefit the whole society because the society is not just men. They can speak to issues that really affect them and subsequently issues that affect communities because we know that when women are financially independent, it betters the whole community." | Women Representation | https://dailytrust.com/un-official-nigerias-female-representation-in-governance-lowest-in-the-world |
| ThisDayLive Online | Tuesday, October 12, 2021 | APC Inaugurates National Reconciliation Committee | The Caretaker Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has inaugurated a National Reconcilation Committee for the party, ahead of its National Convention. Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe and Chairman, APC Caretaker and Extra-ordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) performed the ceremony on Monday, October 11 in Abuja. Buni explained that the committee was set up to reconcile members who were aggrieved by the outcome of the party’s congresses. He stated that members of the committee were carefully selected based on their individual track records of excellence, adding that they had served the party with a high sense of commitment and dedication. He charged them to critically examine areas of conflict in the party’s just concluded ward and local government congress and advance solutions to problems noticed. Governor Buni stated thus: “I want to sincerely commend and appreciate you for the great sacrifices you made to the process of rebuilding the party. The much anticipated congresses have commenced and progressed with significant successes. We have also constituted mechanisms such as the appeal committees to address complaints arising from the conduct of the congresses. Your report on resolution of these discrepancies will indicate our readiness as a united and strong family for the national convention. Your assignment therefore, has great impact and influence on the convention.” He enjoined members of the committee to remain resolute and dedicated to their assignment with spirit of teamwork. | All Progressives Congress (APC), National Reconciliation Committee | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/10/11/apc-inaugurates-national-reconciliation-committee/ |
| ThisDayLive Online | Tuesday, October 12, 2021 | 2021 ACJL Amendment Signed into Law by Sanwo-Olu | Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has assented to the Administration of Criminal Justice (Amendment) Law (ACJL) of Lagos State, 2021. The new law is aimed at further strengthening the justice system, and to checkmate incidence of Police harassment of innocent citizens in the State. Accordingly, it is now an offence for the Police and other security agencies to parade suspects in Lagos State. The ACJL was first passed in Lagos State in 2007 and it was amended in 2011, to ensure the Fundamental Rights of suspects and persons that come into contact with the justice system, as enshrined in the Constitution, are protected. The amended law will promote the rights of victims and suspects, as well as address the issue of delay in the Administration of Criminal Justice in the State. According to the Attorney- General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo, SAN, key innovative provisions have been introduced as amendments to the Law. He stated that the provisions include conducting criminal proceedings through audio and video conferencing platform, powers of Chief Magistrate to visit Police Stations, prohibition of media parade of suspects, and compensation to victims of crime. There are also protective measures for victims and witnesses, as well as the establishment of a Crime Data Register and the Criminal Justice Sector Reform Committee, to monitor the implementation of this Law. | Lagos State, ACJL | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/10/12/2021-acjl-amendment-signed-into-law-by-sanwo-olu/ |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Tuesday, October 12, 2021 | Buhari Approves N13.3bn for Take-off of Community Policing Initiative | President Muhammadu Buhari has approved N13.3billion for the take-off of the Community Policing initiative across the country. The President made this known at the opening of a two-day Mid-Term Ministerial Performance Review Retreat organised to assess progress made towards the achievement of the nine key priorities of his administration on Monday, October 11 in Abuja. President Buhari stated that the approval was part of measures to consolidate efforts aimed at enhancing security nationwide. According to the President, “We have also approved the sum of N13.3 billion for the take-off of the Community Policing initiative across the Country, as part of measures adopted to consolidate efforts aimed at enhancing security nationwide.’’ He also announced that the Ministry of Defence had been instructed to create a modest military-industrial complex for the local production of weapons to meet some of the requirements of the country’s armed forces. The President explained that the establishment of the industrial complex would address Nigeria’s over-dependence on other countries for military equipment and logistics. According to him, the project is being implemented under the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), a military department responsible for arms manufacture. | President Muhammadu Buhari, Community Policing | https://guardian.ng/news/buhari-approves-n13-3bn-for-take-off-of-community-policing-initiative/ |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Tuesday, October 12, 2021 | AfDB Raises Concerns Over Nigeria’s 73% Debt Service to Revenue Ratio | The African Development Bank (AfDB) on Monday, October 11 expressed worries over the country’s rising debt service-to-revenue ratio, currently put at 73 percent. President of the bank, Akinwumi Adesina stated that although Nigeria’s debt to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) remains moderate at 35 percent, the government must decisively tackle its debt challenges to grow the economy. Akinwumi spoke at the opening of a two-day Mid-Term Ministerial Performance Review Retreat at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. He stated that, “Nigeria must decisively tackle its debt challenges. The debt service to revenue ratio of Nigeria is high at 73%. Things will improve as oil prices recover, but the situation has revealed the vulnerability of Nigeria’s economy. To have economic resurgence, we need to fix the structure of the economy and address some fundamentals.” Akinwunmi advised that for Nigeria to sustain its growth and economic resurgence, there is a need to remove all structural bottlenecks that limit productivity and revenue-earning potential of the huge non-oil sectors. | African Development Bank (AfDB), Nigeria's Debt Ratio | https://guardian.ng/news/afdb-raises-concerns-over-nigerias-73-debt-service-to-revenue-ratio/ |
| DailyTrust Online | Tuesday, October 12, 2021 | El-Rufai Reshuffles Cabinet, Creates Metropolitan Authorities | The Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, has reshuffled his cabinet by assigning new portfolios to some commissioners and senior officials of the government. The governor stated this is to help harness fresh energy for the government’s final lap, bring new insights and enable the commissioners to have a more rounded experience of the government. Muyiwa Adekeye, Special Adviser to the Governor (Media & Communication), stated this in a statement issued on Monday, October 11. According to him, eight of the 14 commissioners swapped portfolios but there were no changes in the ministries of Finance, Justice, Health, Housing and Urban Development, Internal Security and Home Affairs, as well as Human Services and Social Development. Similarly, after the passage of the law creating metropolitan authorities to manage Kaduna, Kafanchan and Zaria as organic cities, El-Rufai has nominated cabinet-rank administrators. | Kaduna State, Governor Nasir El-Rufai | https://dailytrust.com/just-in-el-rufai-reshuffles-cabinet-creates-metropolitan-authorities |
| ThisDayLive Online | Monday, October 11, 2021 | APC Wins All Seats in Plateau LG Elections | The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), has won all the chairmanship and councillorship seats in the 17 local government areas of Plateau State in the elections that were conducted on Saturday, October 9. The Chairman of the Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASEIC), Mr. Fabian Ntung, announced the results on Sunday, October 10 in Jos. He stated that seven political parties, including the AAC, APC, PRP, NNPP, SDP, Boot Party and YPP, participated in the elections. The main opposition party, the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), was barred from participating in the council elections by the PLASIEC. Ntung stated that, “From the collated results from across all 17 local government areas, the APC candidates from Barkin Ladi, Bassa, Bokkos, Jos East, Jos South, Jos North, Kanam, Kanke, Langtang North, Langtang South, Mangu, Mikang, Panshin, Qua’an Pan, Riyom, Shendam, and Wase won all the seats and hereby stand elected. “For the councillorship of the 325 electoral wards, the APC candidates cleared all the seats and hereby stand elected." The winners were issued the Certificates of Return immediately after declaration of the results by at the headquarters of PLASEIC in Jos. | Plateau State, APC | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/10/11/apc-wins-all-seats-in-plateau-lg-elections/ |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Monday, October 11, 2021 | Police Warns Against #EndSARS Anniversary Protest in Lagos | Lagos State Police Command said an intelligence report has revealed plans by some groups to hold an #EndSARS anniversary protest. In a statement signed by its spokesman, Adekunle Ajisebutu, the Lagos State command of the Nigeria Police stated that the State and Nigerians cannot afford another #EndSARS protest. The Lagos police spokesman stated that people should relive the “distasteful experience of last year’s #EndSARS protest which caused pain, anguish, needless loss of lives, and wanton destruction of public and private property.” He added that, “In view of the volatility of the present situations in the country, and the breakdown of law and order which the planned protest might cause, the Lagos State Police Command sternly warns against any form of protest today. The Command wishes to use this medium to warn the youths, groups, or associations planning such protest to jettison the idea forthwith. The police in the state will not fold their arms and allow some misguided elements to disrupt the peace and serenity currently being enjoyed in the state. To forestall breakdown of law and order, the police will use all legitimate means within their constitutional powers to suppress the planned protest. Therefore, parents and guardians are advised to warn their children against participating in the planned protest. Individuals or groups sponsoring such protests are also warned in their own interest to desist from such unpatriotic plans or face the full weight or wrath of the law.” Meanwhile, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Hakeem Odumosu assures all law-abiding residents of the state to go about their legitimate businesses without fear of harassment or intimidation, stating that, “Adequate, additional security measures have been put in place to ensure the protection of their lives and property today and even beyond.” | Nigeria Police, Lagos State, #EndSARS | https://guardian.ng/news/police-warns-against-endsars-anniversary-protest-in-lagos/ |
| DailyTrust Online | Monday, October 11, 2021 | INEC To Political Parties: Improve On Your Conduct Before 2023 | The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has expressed concern over some gaps within political parties, as well as their conduct and urged them to improve. The Chairman of INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, gave the charge at the weekend in Abuja, during the annual summit of political parties and stakeholders with the theme ‘Political parties and democratic stability in Nigeria: Setting agenda for 2023 general elections.’ Prof. Yakubu who was represented by a National Commissioner and Chairman, Outreach and Partnership Committee (OPC), Dr. Adekunle Ogunmola, stated that among the gaps were lack of internal party democracy and inclusivity. He also stated that INEC would register more political parties before the next general elections, adding that the commission was trusting in God that the challenges in the country would not be a threat to the 2023 elections. according to Ogunmola, “We had appraised the political situation in the country with the way the political parties play their roles and we found some gaps that we need to fill and that is the purpose of this type of summit, so that what they are able to gain from here, they capitalize it and improve the polity.” | INEC, Political Parties | https://dailytrust.com/inec-to-political-parties-improve-on-your-conduct-before-2023 |
| DailyTrust Online | Monday, October 11, 2021 | FG To Create Disability Centres In 4 Varsities | Executive Secretary, National Commission for Persons With Disabilities (PWDs), James David Lalu has stated that there are plans to establish disability centres in four federal universities. This was contained in a statement by spokesman of the Commission, Mbanefo JohnMichaels on Sunday, October 10. According to the statement, this was to make the institutions disability-friendly in architecture and academically, as well as cater for the overall needs of PWDs. He made the remarks while hosting the Vice Chancellor of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka- Anambra State, Prof. Charles Esimone, FAS. He listed the institutions as Usman Dan Fodio University, the University of Ilorin, Ahmadu Bello University and Nnamdi Azikiwe University. He also stated that President Muhammadu Buhari mandated the Commission to come up with strategies that would make institutions of learning attractive to PWDs to take them off the streets. | PWD, Disability Centres | https://dailytrust.com/fg-to-create-disability-centres-in-4-varsities |
| DailyTrust Online | Monday, October 11, 2021 | Electoral Bill: Imposing Direct Primaries On Parties Will Lead To Crisis — Saraki | A former Senate President, Bukola Saraki has appealed to members of the National Assembly who are in the process of reconciling the different versions of the Electoral Bill passed by both chambers to save the country the crisis and trouble that will result from the proposal to make direct primaries compulsory for parties in sourcing candidates for elections. Daily Trust had reported that there are moves by the National Assembly to force only direct method of conducting primary elections on political parties. The current system allows political parties to use either direct or indirect method of conducting primary elections. Saraki, in a statement by his media aide, Yusuph Olaniyonu Sunday, stated that the decision to include a provision in the proposed Electoral Act which makes it compulsory for parties to adopt direct primaries would only create a fresh problem while trying to solve another. He added that many of the political parties lack the necessary infrastructure to successfully conduct direct primaries at all levels while the attempt will lead to hundreds of litigations that may jeopardize the general elections. | Electoral Bill, Direct Primaries | https://dailytrust.com/electoral-act-imposing-direct-primaries-on-parties-will-lead-to-crisis-saraki |
| ThisDayLive Online | Thursday, October 7, 2021 | FG: We’ll Borrow to Finance N6.258trn 2022 Proposed Budget Deficit | The Federal Government has hinted its readiness to secure both local and foreign loans to finance the N6.258 trillion deficit in the proposed 2022 budget. This is just as the Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the 2022 Appropriation Bill with an aggregate expenditure of N16.39 trillion. Also on Wednesday, October 6, the two chambers of the National Assembly approved President Muhammadu Buhari’s revised proposal of the 2022-2024 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF-FSP) and also okayed N16.39 trillion National Budget proposal for 2022. On the same day, President Buhari’s letter requesting to present the 2022 Appropriation Bill to the federal legislators at a joint sitting on Thursday, October 7, was read at both chambers by the presiding officers during plenary. The Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed, who disclosed government’s plan to borrow to finance the deficit in the 2022 proposed budget, while speaking to journalists after yesterday’s meeting presided over by President Buhari, maintained that government would continue to borrow to fund infrastructure projects as it does not generate enough resources from its revenues. Nigeria’s public debt has risen to N33 trillion. According to Ahmed, Nigeria’s revenues could barely accommodate services even as she emphasised that despite concerns about the country’s mounting debt profile, its borrowings were still acceptable limits. | Budget Deficit, Ministry of Finance | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/10/07/fg-well-borrow-to-finance-n6-258trn-2022-proposed-budget-deficit/ |
| ThisDayLive Online | Thursday, October 7, 2021 | Obaseki Swears in 11 Commissioners, Two Special Advisers | The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has sworn-in 11 Commissioners and two Special Advisers as members of the Edo State Executive Council (EXCO). The Commissioners and their portfolios include: Joseph Eboigbe is the Commissioner for Finance; Prof. Obehi Akoria, Health; Mrs. Otse Momoh-Omorogbe, Budget and Planning; Dr. Joan Osa Oviawe, Education; Isoken Omo, Physical Planning and Urban Development. Others are Moses Agbukor, Water Resources; Ethan Uzamere, Mining, Gas and Oil; Maria Edeko, Social Development and Gender; Monday Osaigbovo, Local Government; Andrew Emwanta, Communication and Orientation, while Oluwole Iyamu is Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice. The two Special Advisers are Crusoe Osagie, who was appointed as Special Adviser, Media Projects and Sarah Esangbedo Ajose-Adeogun, appointed as Special Adviser, Strategy, Policy, Projects and Performance Management. The inaugural EXCO meeting was held after the Commissioners and Special Advisers were sworn-in. The governor urged, “We must advocate transparency and uphold accountability in all we do in our respective portfolios. In enthroning a high-performance culture, an organizational performance scorecard has been developed for each ministry." | Edo State, Commissioners | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/10/07/obaseki-swears-in-11-commissioners-two-special-advisers/ |
| ThisDayLive Online | Thursday, October 7, 2021 | Insecurity: Uzodimma Flags off Operation ‘Golden Dawn’ | Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, has flagged off the Armed Forces exercise that would tackle insecurity in the State ahead of the yuletide titled “Operation Golden Dawn” with a promise to support the leadership of the security agencies to succeed in the three months assignment. The headquarters of the Operation is situated at Super Camp Orlu, Orlu Local government Area of the State. Speaking during the flag-off ceremony on Wednesday, October 6, Uzodimma commended the security agencies for their vision in creating the Centre to address the peculiar nature of the security situation in the South East zone and Imo State in particular. | Imo State, Nigerian Army, Operation Golden Dawn | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/10/07/insecurity-uzodimma-flags-off-operation-golden-dawn/ |
| DailyTrust Online | Thursday, October 7, 2021 | FG Mulls State Of Emergency In Anambra | The Federal Government has stated that it is not foreclosing the possibility of declaring a state of emergency in Anambra State if events emanating show that the November 6 governorship election is under threat. The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, stated this on Wednesday, October 6 while speaking to State House reporters after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari at the Villa. IPOB members have been killing and maiming people and also destroying public and private property in all the South Eastern States of Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo. Its fighters also enforced a sit-at-home order and directed banks and government offices to remove the national flag from their premises. There were allegations that the governors in the region were not doing enough to stem the tide. The Minister of Justice stated that the government would take proactive measures to ensure that the democratic order was kept safe (in Anambra). According to him, “When our national security is attacked and the sanctity of our constitutionally guaranteed democracy is threatened, no possibility is ruled out. As a government, we have a responsibility to ensure the sustenance of our democratic order. As a government, we have a responsibility to provide security to life and property. | Anambra State Governorship Election, Insecurity | https://dailytrust.com/ipob-killings-fg-mulls-state-of-emergency-in-anambra |
| DailyTrust Online | Thursday, October 7, 2021 | Reps Want CJN, Other Judicial Officers’ Remuneration Increased | The House of Representatives on Wednesday, October 6, urged the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) to increase the remuneration of the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) and judicial officers in line with present economic realities. This followed the adoption of a motion on the ‘Need to Review Remunerations of Judicial Officers and Increase the Statutory Transfer to the Nation’s Judiciary’, sponsored by Chairman, House Committee on Judiciary, Onofiok Akpan Luke. He stated that the salary of the judicial officers was last reviewed by the RMAFC in 2007 when the official exchange rate was N124 to $1 and the minimum wage was N5,000. He stated thus: “The House further notes that the non-remuneration of judicial officers is partly caused by making the remuneration of judicial officers with political and public office holders in the same law. The House is disturbed that it is unfair, unconscionable, unjust and unrealistic that in the face of the several restrictions on the conduct of judicial officers, the judicial officers receive a meager salary when compared with prevalent economic realities, thereby rendering them vulnerable to corruption.” The House also urged the Federal Government to, in line with judicial autonomy, accede to the increase in statutory transfer to the judiciary in the coming fiscal year. | House of Representatives, Judicial Officers, Remuneration | https://dailytrust.com/reps-want-cjn-other-judicial-officers-remuneration-increased |
| DailyTrust Online | Thursday, October 7, 2021 | Electoral Bill: Opposition Parties Ask N/Assembly To Adopt E-Transmission Of Results | The opposition political parties on Wednesday, October 6 charged the National Assembly not to subvert the will of Nigerians or rob the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of its constitutionally guaranteed independence by rejecting electronic transmission of results during the 2023 elections. The political parties, under the aegis of Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), warned members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in both chambers not to subject any of the INEC’s activities to the political whims and caprices of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). Addressing journalists at a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday, October 6, spokesman of CUPP, Ikenga Ugochinyere, stated that Nigerians would resist any plot to derail the 2023 general elections, and scuttle the ongoing Electoral Act amendment. Speaking on the ongoing debate at the briefing, Ugochinyere charged members of the National Assembly in the harmonization committee to ensure that the electronic transmission of results sees the light of the day. | INEC, Electoral Bill, e-Transmission | https://dailytrust.com/electoral-bill-opposition-parties-ask-n-assembly-to-adopt-e-transmission-of-results |
| ThisDayLive Online | Wednesday, October 6, 2021 | House of Reps Urges NSA, Security Agencies to Contain Violence in Anambra | Members of the House of Representatives at their plenary on Tuesday, October 5, urged the National Security Adviser, Babagana Monguno and other security agencies to deploy all necessary machinery to Anambra State towards containing the increasing spate of killings in the State. The House also mandated its committees on National Security, Intelligence and Police Affairs to ensure that normalcy was restored in the State and report within three weeks for further legislative action. The resolutions were sequel to the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance, sponsored by Hon. Chris Emeka Azugbogu (APC, Anambra). Moving the motion, Azugbogu expressed grave concerns over the security breaches that have been taking place in Anambra State. The lawmaker, while noting that Anambra used to be a very peaceful state, explained that it had been turned into a centre of attacks by unknown gunmen. According to him, the killings were orchestrated by mischief-makers who were bent on causing tension and panic in the State ahead of the upcoming November 6 election in Anambra State. Making reference to a recent attack on his convoy, which led to the death of one of his drivers, the lawmaker stated that no single day passed without a reported case of robbery, abduction and outright killings in the State, adding that the perpetrators had no human conscience in them. Azugbogu warned that unless drastic measures was taken to halt and combat those elements terrorising the State, the events in Anambra would turn into a major crisis in the entire South East and the nation. Contributing, the Speaker, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, stated that the House was aware of the attack on Azugbogu’s vehicle recently and that the situation in Anambra has become very critical. Also, Hon. Obinna Chidoka, representing Idemili North/South Federal Constituency of Anambra, stated that most of the killings were done in his Constituency, and appealed to his colleagues to intervene and put an end to the bloodshed. | House of Representatives, National Security Adviser | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/10/06/house-urges-nsa-security-agencies-to-contain-blood-spill-in-anambra/ |
| ThisDayLive Online | Wednesday, October 6, 2021 | Buhari Raises 2022 Budget Proposal to N16.45trn | President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday, October 5 sought the approval of the National Assembly to increase the 2022 Appropriation Bill from N13.98 trillion to N16.45 trillion in a revised 2022-2024 Medium Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy Paper (MTEF-FSP) amendment forwarded to the legislative arm. This is just as indications emerged in the two chambers of the Assembly that the 2022 Appropriation Bill will be presented by the President Buhari to a joint session of the federal lawmakers on Thursday, October 7 as exclusively reported by THISDAY. The President’s fresh request was contained in a three-page letter seeking an amendment to the 2022-2024 MTEF/FSP, which was recently approved by both chambers. The National Assembly had last week, passed the MTEF-FSP retaining all the projections submitted to it by the President in July. Both Senate and the House of Representatives referred the request letters to both chambers' Committees on Finance to expedite action on the Amendment to meet up with the possible presentation of budget by the President on Thursday. President Buhari in the letter stated that the revision was necessitated by the need to reflect the new fiscal terms in the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, as well as other critical expenditures in the 2022 Budget. According to him, the underlying drivers of the 2022 fiscal projections, such as oil price benchmark, oil production volume, exchange rate, GDP growth, and inflation rate reflect emergent realities and the macroeconomic outlook remained unchanged as in the previously approved 2022-2024 MTEF-FSP. Arising from this, and other critical expenditure that should be accommodated in the 2022 Appropriation Bill, the President explained that changes in the projections in the framework included a N341.87 billion decrease in gross revenue projection from N8.870 trillion to N8.528 trillion. | President Muhammadu Buhari, 2022 National Budget, 2022-2024 MTEF | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/10/06/buhari-raises-2022-budget-proposal-to-n16-45trn/ |
| ThisDayLive Online | Wednesday, October 6, 2021 | COVID-19: Nigeria, UK to Review Vaccination Certification | The Federal Government on Tuesday, October 5, stated that it was working with the United Kingdom (UK) to conduct a COVID-19 vaccination certification programme. The move came just as the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) stated that Nigeria was still on queue to have its vaccination certification programme reviewed by the UK. The Executive Director, NPHCDA, Dr. Faisal Shuaib, who spoke during the weekly briefing on COVID-19 vaccination status, explained that the review of Nigeria’s case was being carried out by the UK government in phases, adding that Nigeria was not amongst red listed countries. According to him, the mandatory 14 days quarantine in a supervised UK facility upon arrival of Nigerians, was same as the requirement Nigeria has in place for all travellers coming into the country from other countries including UK, to be isolated for seven days before mingling with others. He stated that, “The Presidential Steering Committee is in the process of reviewing these requirements. We have been in touch with the UK Government. Just like they stated clearly in their communication, the current listing of Countries with approved vaccination certification has just started in the UK. They are reviewing the country’s programs in phases. If you go through the list of 50 closely, no African country made the list. The UK Government is yet to comprehensively review Nigeria’s vaccination certification program. From my communication with the UK Government officials, the vaccines administered in Nigeria are approved by the UK government." | COVID-19 Vaccination | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/10/06/covid-19-nigeria-uk-to-review-vaccination-certification/ |
| DailyTrust Online | Wednesday, October 6, 2021 | Anambra Governorship: INEC Insists On Nov 6 Election | Despite attacks ahead of the November 6 governorship election in Anambra State, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has stated that the election will hold as all measures are being put in place for the peaceful conduct of the exercise. INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu stated this on Tuesday, October 5 in Abuja at an emergency meeting of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) on the Anambra election. He recalled that during the ICCES’ last quarterly meeting on September 9, 2021, the committee received briefings and reviewed preparations for the election and that a major concern raised by members was the security situation in the State in particular; the adjoining Sates in general and how that might affect preparations and possibly the conduct of the election. He stated that, “Unfortunately, the situation has deteriorated markedly since our last meeting. Many innocent lives have been lost and property destroyed. From the reports we have received, the stated goal of many of the attackers is that the governorship election scheduled for November 6, 2021, must not hold. This is worrisome for the commission. We are deeply concerned that specific electoral facilities and materials could once more become targets of attack. Recall that in May this year, our State office at Awka was attacked and all the non-sensitive materials assembled for the election at the time were destroyed." Yakubu, however, assured the people of Anambra State that the commission is determined to proceed with the election as scheduled. | INEC, Anambra Governorship Election | https://dailytrust.com/anambra-govship-inec-defies-ipob-insists-on-nov-6-election |
| DailyTrust Online | Wednesday, October 6, 2021 | Sanwo-Olu Signs Law That Prohibits Media Parade Of Suspects | Lagos State Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has signed the Administration of Criminal Justice (Amendment) Law [ACJL] of Lagos State, 2021, which prohibits media parade of suspects and provides for compensation to victims of crime, among others. The State’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Moyosore Onigbanjo (SAN), disclosed this in a statement made available to State House Correspondents on Tuesday, October 5. The law was first passed in Lagos State in 2007 and amended in 2011 to ensure that the fundamental rights of suspects and persons that come into contact with the justice system as enshrined in the Constitution were protected. Key provisions have been introduced as amendments to the law to further strengthen the justice system, promote the rights of victims and suspects, as well as address the issue of delay in the administration of criminal justice in the state. The amended law also provides for the establishment of a Crime Data Register and the Criminal Justice Sector Reform Committee to monitor the implementation of this law. | Lagos State, Parade of Suspects | https://dailytrust.com/sanwo-olu-signs-law-that-prohibits-media-parade-of-suspects |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Monday, October 4, 2021 | Five Northern States Join FIRS in VAT Dispute Against Rivers, Lagos | As all eyes are fixed on the Supreme Court, awaiting its verdict on the Value Added Tax (VAT) dispute between the Federal Government and Rivers State, indications emerged on Sunday, October 3, that the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami, and the governments of Adamawa, Plateau and Kaduna states will join the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) in its appeal against the judgment of the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt that empowered Rivers State to collect VAT in the State. The Court had ruled against FIRS in the tax collection tussle and ordered that Rivers was the rightful collector of the tax. The FIRS, thereafter, challenged the judgment at the Court of Appeal seeking that the high court verdict be set aside. However, sources close to the AGF and governors of the three states, on Sunday, October 3, confided in The Guardian that they would file a leave of the court to be joined in the suit on Tuesday, October 5. Although the AGF is already a defendant in the appeal, the source hinted that the Federal Ministry of Justice under the AGF has opted to be an appellant in the matter so as to enable it to argue effectively in support of FIRS. The source stated that, “They are going to seek to be joined in the suit as co-appellants against the Federal High Court’s judgment that favours Rivers. These states understand the possible consequence of the final judgment at the Supreme Court goes against FIRS. They are going to take the fight as if it is theirs.” The source further revealed that more states, particularly Kogi and Zamfara, have expressed their readiness to be joined in the suit to form a coalition with FIRS. | VAT, FIRS | https://guardian.ng/news/five-northern-states-join-firs-in-vat-dispute-against-rivers-lagos/ |
| DailyTrust Online | Monday, October 4, 2021 | Insecurity: Army Unveils New Operations Nationwide Today | The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya, will today, October 4, inaugurate three new security exercises nationwide. Army spokesman, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, in a statement on Sunday, October 3, named the exercises as “Golden Dawn’’, “Enduring Peace’’ and “Still Water’’. He stated that this was to effectively check all forms of criminality and allow for free movement of persons as the Yuletide and end-of-year activities approach. He also stated that the COAS would symbolically launch all the exercises today at Ovie-Emene, Enugu East Local Government Area of Enugu State, venue of “Exercise Golden Dawn’’. He added that the exercises were Field Training Exercises (FTEs) routinely conducted yearly by the army, explaining that, “The FTEs will equally provide a platform to sharpen the skills of participating troops on the conduct of Internal Security Operations. The exercises will run concurrently at 2, 6, 81 and 82 Divisions Areas of Responsibilities (AOR) in the South West, South-South and South East regions, respectively. They’ll also be conducted at Headquarters Command Army Records, 401 Special Forces Brigade and Guards Brigade Areas of Responsibilities in the North-Central states of Kogi, Benue and the FCT, respectively." | Nigerian Army, Insecurity | https://dailytrust.com/insecurity-army-unveils-new-operations-nationwide-today |
| DailyTrust Online | Monday, October 4, 2021 | N460bn Budget For Roads Not Impactful — Reps Panel | Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Femi Bamisile, stated that the N460bn budgeted for construction and maintenance of federal roads in the 2021 Appropriation Act was not having any positive effect on Nigerians. Condemning the state of federal roads and how commuters were being stranded owing to collapse of bridges, Bamisile described the N30bn allocated to FERMA out of the budgetary provision to the Works Ministry as “paltry, wicked and insensitive”. He spoke in Aramoko Ekiti, Ekiti West Local government Area of Ekiti State at the weekend while addressing some angry commuters who got stranded on the Igede-Aramoko -Efon Road. The lawmaker stated thus: “I have met with the Minister of Works, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, several times on the terrible conditions of the federal roads in Ekiti State and what Nigerians are passing through. This situation is unfortunate and we have to find solutions to it. We leant that a bridge got cut off at Jebba in Kwara State and these heavy trucks from the North and South now find Ekiti as the most convenient place to ply and that had further caused serious damage to both federal and state roads. The Federal Ministry of Works got a total of N460bn in the budget and N30bn was given to FERMA. This is too small for a body saddled with maintenance and rehabilitation of roads across Nigeria. Nigerians cannot be treated this way.” | House of Representatives Committee on Federal Road Maintenance Agency | https://dailytrust.com/n460bn-budget-for-roads-not-impactful-reps-panel |
| DailyTrust Online | Monday, October 4, 2021 | Autonomy: S/Court Hears States’ Appeal Against Executive Order 10 Today | The Supreme Court will today hear the originating summons by governors of the 36 states challenging the Executive Order 10 on financial autonomy of the judiciary and legislature, signed by President Muhammadu Buhari in 2020. Governments of the 36 State had insisted that the President cannot direct the states on the financial autonomy of the judiciary and legislature. They had argued that the Order violates the provisions of Sections 6 and 81(3) and Item 21(e) of the Third Schedule to the 1999 Nigerian Constitution. They had maintained that these provisions saddled the Federal Government with the “responsibility for funding all capital and recurrent expenditure of the High Courts, Sharia Courts of Appeal and Customary Courts of Appeal of the states of the Federation of Nigeria being courts created under Section 6 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.” | Executive Order 10, Supreme Court | https://dailytrust.com/autonomy-s-court-hears-states-appeal-against-executive-order-10-today |
| DailyTrust Online | Monday, October 4, 2021 | Boko Haram Cripples Governance In Niger Communities, Fixes Marital Age For Girls | Boko Haram insurgents are coercing residents of Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State to marry off their daughters at the age of 12 years. Residents of affected communities stated that the insurgents have ordered them not to recognise any constituted authority. A resident of the area and Co-Convener of Concerned Shiroro Youths, Bello Ibrahim, told our correspondent that, “At a time, they were in Kawure, the village of former Senator Representing Niger East, David Umaru. However, there was operation to dislodge them by the joint military task force. Fortunately they were dispatched but after a while, since military base is not stationed there, they reconvened. So now, they are not only in Kawure, they have also extended their tentacles to Communities like Kuregbe, Awulo, and a host of other Communities. In Awulo and Kuregbe Communities, they assembled the locals, both Muslims and Christians, and gave them a marching order that any girl that is 12 years old should be married off. There is no form of law in the area, aside Boko Haram’s; If locals have any feud, either Family issue of community problem, they report to them for resolution. No case should be reported to police or court or any constituted authority for resolution.” Another resident stated that the criminals operate freely. | Niger State, Insecurity | https://dailytrust.com/boko-haram-cripples-governance-in-niger-communities-fixes-marital-age-for-girls |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Thursday, October 28, 2021 | All set for Anambra Governorship Election, Says INEC Chairman | Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has stated that the commission is ready for the November 6 governorship election in Anambra State. He stated this at a meeting with the Joint National Assembly Committee on INEC and Electoral Matters to engage with the commission over the forthcoming election in Abuja on Wednesday, October 27. Yakubu stated thus: “We have recovered from the series of attacks on our facilities and I am happy to say that we have deployed all the non-sensitive materials to all the local government areas. As far as INEC is concerned, we are good to go on November 6. We have trained the requisite number of ad-hoc staff for the election and we have also mobilised members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) for efficient distribution of materials on election day.” On the distribution of Permanent Voter's Cards in Anambra, he stated that, “We have a little over 81,000 valid registrants. With the suspension of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) in Anambra that includes a little over 5,000 that applied for replacement of cards and intra-state and inter-state transfers. We are batching the cards. They will leave first thing tomorrow (Thursday) morning for Awka and all the new registrants will get their cards before the elections." | Anambra State Governorship Election, INEC Chairman | https://guardian.ng/politics/all-set-for-anambra-governorship-election-says-inec-chairman/ |
| ThisDayLive Online | Thursday, October 28, 2021 | Senate Committee: INEC Free to Transmit Anambra Governorship Election Results Electronically | The Senate has told the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) that it is at liberty to transmit electronically the results of the November 6 governorship election in Anambra State. Chairman of the Senate Committee on INEC, Senator Kabiru Gaya, stated on Wednesay, October 27 in Abuja, that the electoral umpire was free to transmit the governorship election results electronically if it so desired. Senator Gaya gave the green light for the electronic transmission of the result when the National Assembly Joint Committee on INEC and Electoral Matters met with stakeholders on the forthcoming governorship election in Anambra State. The Senate INEC Committee Chairman stated that, “It is left for INEC to decide whether it will transfer the election results in Anambra or not. They have done that in the previous elections in Edo and Ondo states. Even before INEC started transferring elections results from polling units, Nigerians have been monitoring results of elections the moment they are being announced at polling stations and by 4pm, even before the final results are announced, many Nigerians would have seen them on the Internet. Nigerians are fully involved in elections.” The ranking Senator stated that INEC had assured the joint committee that it would go ahead with the Anambra election and declare the winner, despite the prevailing security situation in the state. | INEC, Senate Committee on INEC | |
| ThisDayLive Online | Thursday, October 28, 2021 | Senate Committee Rejects Buhari’s $700m Loan Request for Water Project | The Senate Committee on Local and Foreign Debt has rejected President Muhammadu Buhari’s $700 million loan request for Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (SURWASH) under the Federal Ministry of Water Resources. The Committee members who took turns to fault the loan for Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (SURWASH) asked the Ministry to furnish the Committee with update of loans collected so far for the Water Projects in the Ministry. According to the Chairman of the Committee, Senator Clifford Ordia, three different loans have been approved for various water projects. He stated thus: ” $450 million was approved for the Ministry for water project being financed by Africa Development Bank and another $6 million loan under integrated program for Development also financed by Africa Development Bank and Gurara water project. You need to tell us what you are doing with $700 million for water projects.” The Committee therefore agreed to invite the Minister of Water Resources, Adamu Suleiman, to appear before it to give explanation on the loans and state of loans collected so far. | Budget Defence, Senate, Federal Ministry of Water Resources | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/10/27/senate-committee-rejects-buharis-700m-loan-request-for-water-project/ |
| DailyTrust Online | Thursday, October 28, 2021 | PDP Convention Will Hold Despite Secondus’ Suit – BoT Chair | The Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Walid Jibrin, has stated that the party’s convention slated for Saturday, October 30 will hold despite the litigation instituted by the embattled chairman of the party, Prince Uche Secondus. An Appeal Court sitting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, had fixed today, Thursday, October 28 for the ruling of an appeal filed by Secondus. Secondus, in the appeal marked CA/PH/ 339, is asking the court to restrain the PDP from conducting its national convention slated for Saturday. Speaking on Sunrise Daily, a Channels Television programme, the BoT Chairman of the party stated that it was “wrong” for Secondus to embark on a battle to pull down the house he helped to build being a member of the National Executive Committee (NEC). | PDP, National Convention | https://dailytrust.com/pdp-convention-will-hold-despite-secondus-suit-bot-chair |
| DailyTrust Online | Thursday, October 28, 2021 | Lawmakers Kick as Eight out of 24 Members Purportedly Impeach Plateau Speaker, Abok | There was confusion at the Plateau state House of Assembly on Thursday, October 27 following the removal of Ayuba Abok as the Speaker. Abok, a first-term lawmaker represents Jos East state constituency. The Punch gathered that eight lawmakers out of the 24-member Assembly carried out the impeachment at the Assembly complex on Thursday morning. He was immediately replaced by the lawmaker representing Pengana constituency, Yakubu Sanda of the All Progressives Congress (APC). The lawmaker representing Rukuba/Irigwe constituency in the State House of Assembly, Musa Agah who confirmed the development to The PUNCH in Jos Thursday (today) described the action of the lawmakers as “the height of illegality." Explaining how the Speaker was removed, Agah stated thus: “It was this morning (Thursday) that some members rushed to the Plateau state House of Assembly as early as 6 am. You know the State House of Assembly is made up of 24 members and the constitutional requirement for the removal of the Speaker is 2/3rd majority which is 16 members. So, eight lawmakers rushed to the Assembly this morning against the House rules that say that plenary commences from 9 am and even if there is going to be an extraordinary sitting, the Speaker is the one who is empowered to convene but that did not happen. When some of us got wind of what was happening, we rushed to the Assembly complex only to discover that Security operatives had barricaded everywhere. Some of us were stopped from gaining access to the Assembly complex while they also harassed others." | Pleateau State House of Assembly, Impeachment | https://punchng.com/breaking-lawmakers-kick-as-eight-out-of-24-members-impeach-plateau-speaker-abok/ |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Thursday, October 28, 2021 | Lagos Launches Mass Vaccination Campaign Against COVID-19 | Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has launched a state-wide mass vaccination campaign against COVID-19 pandemic in the state to mitigate the potential damage that the further spread of the virus may cause. The campaign, which targets four million residents of the state for full vaccination before the end of the year, was spurred by the need for Lagos State government to achieve herd immunity against the global pandemic and in furtherance of the quest to eliminate opportunities for COVID-19 to spread in Lagos communities. Sanwo-Olu, who spoke during the flag-off ceremony of the campaign, stated that the mass vaccination campaign, which commenced on Wednesday, October 27, 2021, would run till Saturday, December 25, 2021. He stated that the mass vaccination campaign was in tandem with his promise and mandate to vaccinate 30 per cent of the Lagos population within the next one year. The governor disclosed that Lagos State and the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) would be partnering with private sector for mass vaccination campaign against COVID-19, stressing that the decision stemmed from the huge successes recorded by state government in various strategies that have been deployed in the management of the pandemic. He stated that while the administration of the COVID-19 vaccines remains free in public health facilities, an administrative cost would apply to residents that choose to receive the vaccine at approved private facilities of their choice. | Lagos State, COVID-19, Vaccination | https://guardian.ng/news/lagos-launches-mass-vaccination-campaign-against-covid-19/ |