| Source | Date | Story Title | Summary of Reports | Subject/Category | Page No./Weblink | Desc | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ThisDayLive Online | Thursday, July 29, 2021 | Buhari: We’ll Increase Education Funding By 50% In 2022, 2023 | President Muhammadu Buhari has given an assurance that Nigeria’s budget for the education sector would be increased by 50 per cent in the 2022 and 2023 Appropriation Bills. The President, in a release Wednesday, by one of his Media Advisers, Femi Adesina, pledged to increase the budget for the education sector by as much as 50 per cent over the next two years. In a document titled, Heads of State Call To Action On Education Financing Ahead Of The Global Education Summit, signed as a form of commitment at the on-going Education Summit in London, United Kingdom, President Buhari stated: “We commit to progressively increase our annual domestic education expenditure by 50% over the next two years and up to 100% by 2025 beyond the 20% global benchmark.” The President, in the declaration stated further: “I join my brother, His Excellency, Uhuru Kenyatta, President of the Republic of Kenya to affirm our commitment to improve learning outcomes in our respective countries by ensuring equitable access to quality and inclusive education for all our citizens, with particular emphasis on the girl child. “In this regard, we commit to progressively increase our annual domestic education expenditure by 50% over the next two years and up to 100% by 2025 beyond the 20% global benchmark. Let us, therefore, raise our hands in solidarity to build a more secure and prosperous future for our children.” The Summit, which was co-hosted by the Prime Minister of UK Boris Johnson and Kenyatta, sought to give opportunity for leaders to make five-year pledges to support GPE’s work to help transform education systems in up to 90 countries and territories. | President Muhammadu Buhari, Education Budget | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/07/29/buhari-well-increase-education-funding-by-50-in-2022-2023/ | 13 | |
| ThisDayLive Online | Thursday, July 29, 2021 | FG Approves N8.5bn for Research, Vaccine Production | The Federal Government has approved the sum of N8.5 billion for research in medicine, particularly vaccine production and other areas, for 2021, under the National Research Fund (NRF) scheme funded by the Tertiary Education Trust (TETFund). The Executive Secretary of TETFund, Prof Suleiman Bogoro, disclosed this yesterday at a three-day workshop for directors of Research and Development of public universities in Nigeria held at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Training Institute in Abuja. “This year, the president has approved another N7.5 billon, but with the additional N1 billion, we intend to do a ground breaking in respect of the COVID-19 challenge.” Bogoro, however, decried the failure of research institutes to have the appetite to establish a good relationship with universities for the purpose of promoting research and development, stating that universities are also guilty of disregarding them. He stressed the need for collaboration between the universities and research institutes to know what the institutes are doing, and offer assistance where necessary. | Research, Vaccine Production | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/07/29/fg-approves-n8-5bn-for-research-vaccine-production/ | 13 | |
| DailyTrust Online | Thursday, July 29, 2021 | Supreme Court Judgement: Buhari’s Aides Mount Pressure On Buni To Step Down | The Supreme Court judgement on the election of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State has ignited a fresh uproar in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as some aides of President Muhammadu Buhari have called for the sack of the national caretaker committee of the party. The apex court, had in a split decision of four-to-three on Wednesday, dismissed the appeal brought by Eyitayo Jedege, candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the October 10, 2020 governorship election. The majority judgment of the seven-member panel, which was read by Justice Emmanuel Agim, said it found no reason to set aside the concurrent judgments of the Court of Appeal and the Ondo State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal which had dismissed Jegede’s petition for lack of merit. But Justice Mary Odili, in a dissenting minority verdict, upheld Jegede’s appeal that the nomination of Akeredolu, which was signed by Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State, was not valid under Section 183 of the Nigerian Constitution, 1999. Immediately after the judgement, the minister of State for Niger Delta Affairs, Festus Keyamo (SAN), advised the APC to halt all preparations and conduct of congresses nationwide forthwith. “The planned congresses across the country slated for this weekend must immediately be suspended because it will be an exercise in futility as analysed above. The competence of Gov. Mai Mala Buni to organise the congresses has been called to question by the Supreme Court.” “The NEC of the party can urgently meet and consider and reconstitute the CECPC to exclude, not only Gov. Buni, but anyone holding any executive position in any government establishment as stipulated in Article 17 of the APC Constitution,” Keyamo said. Also, on Thursday morning, the Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters, Senator Babafemi Ojudu and the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Ita Enang joined the call for Buni-committee disbandment. Ojudu and Enang, in a statement sent to our correspondent, said the judgement appeared to have swept the carpet of legality off the committee, rendering it illegal, null, void and of no legal capacity to undertake any action on behalf and in the name of the party. They said it has also brought to question the legality of all the actions taken by the Buni-committee since inception. | Supreme Court, Mai Buni | https://dailytrust.com/s-court-judgement-buharis-aides-mount-pressure-on-buni-to-step-down | 13 | |
| ThisDayLive Online | Thursday, July 29, 2021 | Lagos to Adopt Consensus Arrangement for APC Congresses | The Governor's Advisory Council (GAC), the highest decision-making body in Lagos State All Progressives Congress (APC), has declared that the party would adopt a consensus arrangement for its ward congress scheduled for Saturday, July 31 to elect ward executives. GAC, which comprises prominent leaders of Lagos APC across the State, stated that it has directed party officers at all levels to engage in dialogue that would lead to meaningful reconciliation of those, who were in disagreements to accommodate members that were willing to serve the party. Speaking to journalists on behalf of the GAC members after the council meeting held at Lagos House, Marina, Prince Tajudeen Olusi, said GAC has directed all leaders and party officers to dialogue in the spirit of brotherhood to decide those who were going to lead the party after congresses. He said: “We deliberated on the incoming state congresses of our party and later the national convention. We have resolved and directed officers of our party at all levels to engage in dialogue that would lead to meaningful reconciliation of aggrieved members within the party in other to ensure that all opinions are accommodated and all members who are willing to serve the party are given positions in the various executive bodies at ward, local and state levels. “This we have done and we are sure all officers of our party will follow the consensus decision that we have taken so as to ensure that all willing members of the party, who want to serve are considered. “We have also directed that they should hold stakeholder meetings at all local government levels, where leaders and officers will sit down, talk together in the spirit of brotherhood and decide, who will lead the party after the congresses.” | Lagos State, APC Congresses | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/07/29/lagos-to-adopt-consensus-arrangement-for-apc-congresses/ | 13 | |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Thursday, July 29, 2021 | COVID-19: Nigeria’s Cases Surge Again, as Infections Contract in Lagos | Nigeria’s latest surge in coronavirus infections gathered pace on Wednesday, July 28 with new confirmed cases rising above 500 for the first time in four months, following the spread of the more contagious Delta variant. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) figures on Thursday (July 29) morning, showed that 535 cases were reported on Wednesday. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 535 is the highest daily number, which is now the biggest daily increase in the country since March 4, 2021, when 708 cases were registered. After months of low recorded numbers, the country’s infections has been on the rise in the past two weeks shortly after the discovery of the 10 Delta variant cases, first identified in India and is considered by government scientists to be between 60 per cent and 80 per cent more transmissible than the previous dominant strain. The NCDC noted that the additional 535 cases registered was an increase in the previous high figure of 404, which was reported on July 27 as the highest daily record in four months. Infection rates have largely been concentrated in Lagos state, which is the country’s epicenter of the virus. It stated that Lagos State recorded 219 out of the 535 daily total, representing a decline from its previous high figures of 356, followed by Akwa-Ibom state with 142 new cases and Oyo with 47. Amongst others were; Rivers state with 17 reported cases, Jigawa and Edo 13 each, Ekiti and Bayelsa 11 each, Ondo -10, Osun-9, Plateau-8, Ogun and Kaduna 7 each, Kano and the FCT 5 each, while Gombe and Nasarawa reported 4 and 3 respectively. The agency regrettably recorded five COVID-19 related death on Wednesday, July 28 bringing the death toll to 2,139 in the country. | COVID-19, NCDC | https://guardian.ng/news/covid-19-nigerias-cases-surge-again-as-infections-contract-in-lagos/ | 13 | |
| ThisDayLive Online | Tuesday, July 27, 2021 | Buhari Signs 2021 Supplementary Appropriation Bill Into Law | President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday, July 26, signed the 2021 Supplementary Appropriation Bill into law. The Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters (House of Representatives), Umar Elyakub, who disclosed this to newsmen at the State House, Abuja, put the total sum of the supplementary budget assented to by the President at N982,729,695,343. El-Yakub, who spoke after President Buhari signed the Appropriation Act, stated that the budget will be largely focused on funding for security and health concerns in the country. | 2021 Supplementary Appropriation Bill, President Muhammadu Buhari | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/07/26/buhari-signs-2021-supplementary-appropriation-bill-into-law/ | 12 | |
| ThisDayLive Online | Tuesday, July 27, 2021 | FG Orders Activation of COVID-19 Isolation Centres Nationwide | The Federal Government has directed all COVID-19 Isolation Centres across the country to immediately activate their facilities in anticipation of a possible spike in infection. Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, gave the directive on Monday, July 26 in Abuja at a media briefing on COVID-19 update. The move came as the government stated that it had identified 10 positive cases of COVID-19 Delta variant in passengers who came in mostly from the Lagos and Abuja airports. It stressed that henceforth, stringent measures would be put in place to monitor incoming passengers from countries where the virus had become more virulent, maintaining that anyone who breaks the isolation rule would be prosecuted. The minster further states that the Federal Government had deployed rapid testing kits at all official entry points to the country, including the Idioroko and Seme border posts, to ensure stricter monitoring and prevention of disease importation into Nigeria. Ehanire disclosed that in the past 24 hours, the world had witnessed an increase in reported cases of the virus across a significant number of countries, due to the high transmissibility of the Delta Variant. He stated that there was a rising incidence of COVID-19 in the country, adding that treatment bed occupancy is also recording an increase given the established emergence of a third wave. He regretted that despite the evidence of the emergence of a third wave of the pandemic, citizens continued to refuse adherence to public health advisories. The minister added that in preparation for the anticipated rise in cases, the Federal Ministry of Health had taken steps to urgently scale-up and enhance local oxygen capacity before any increase in oxygen consumption. According to him, the government had invested directly and strategically in ensuring oxygen availability to avert incidence of oxygen insufficiency for COVID-19 patients in the country. | COVID-19, Isolation Centres | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/07/27/fg-orders-activation-of-covid-19-isolation-centres-nationwide/ | 12 | |
| DailyTrust Online | Tuesday, July 27, 2021 | CVR: Over One Million Eligible Voters Have Registered Online – INEC | The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has stated that over one million Nigerians have registered online since it commenced the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR). National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye, stated that as of 7am on Monday, 26 July 2021, the number of new registrants has risen to 1,006,661. According to him, the detailed distribution of the registrants by age, State/FCT, gender, occupation and disability for week four of the exercise has been uploaded to the commission’s website and social media platforms. According to Okoye, “The distribution by age still shows that 740,063 (or 73.5%) are young Nigerians between the ages of 18 and 34.” He stated that as earlier announced by the commission, physical or in-person registration begins Monday 26 July 2021 at INEC's 811 state and local government area offices nationwide. Okoye stated that, “The exact locations of the designated centres have already been uploaded to our website and social media platforms. For further details, citizens are encouraged to contact our state offices through the dedicated telephone numbers provided in the uploaded publication. Nigerians who pre-registered online can now complete their registration at those centres based on scheduled appointments. In addition, other Nigerians who prefer to register physically/in-person can now do so at those centres.” Okoye added that both online pre-registration and physical/in-person registration will continue simultaneously until the suspension of the CVR exercise on 30 June 2022 to enable the commission to clean up the data and compile the voters’ register for the 2023 General Elections. | CVR, INEC | https://dailytrust.com/cvr-over-one-million-eligible-voters-have-registered-online-inec | 12 | |
| ThisDayLive Online | Tuesday, July 27, 2021 | PDP Govs: Free, Fair, Credible Elections Not Negotiable in 2023 | Furthermore, Chairman of the forum and Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal, stated that his colleagues, who were moving to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) did so to avoid prosecution for corrupt practices. The governors warned President Muhammadu Buhariand and the APC to desist from converting the Presidential Villa, which belongs to all Nigerians, into the headquarters of their party, where they parade PDP members as new intakes. In a communiqué signed by Tambuwal, the PDP governors stated thus: “On the Electoral Act Amendment Bill, the governors identified with the need for free, fair and credible elections in the country and called on the National Assembly to entrench electronic transmission of results of elections in the nation’s electoral jurisprudence.” While requesting INEC to deploy appropriate technologies to ensure that the vote of every Nigerian was counted and made to count, the meeting called on the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF), Nigerian Communications Satellite Ltd (NIGCOMSAT), Telephone Companies (Telcos), and all relevant stakeholders to ensure that universal access and service of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) are provided, especially, in rural, un-served and under-served areas of the country before the 2023 general elections. According to the governors, “The meeting condemned the attempt to foist on all political parties one method of conducting primaries, that is by direct method only, through the Electoral Act Amendment Bill. The governors noted that the method is prone to massive rigging. The governors advised that political parties should be allowed to decide whether to use direct or indirect method of conducting primaries as part of internal democracy in political parties.” | PDP Governors | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/07/27/pdp-govs-free-fair-credible-elections-not-negotiable-in-2023/ | 12 | |
| ThisDayLive Online | Tuesday, July 27, 2021 | APC: We’ll Continue to Support Constitutionally Backed Innovations to Make Elections Credible | Few weeks after lawmakers elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in connivance with some of their colleagues from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), voted against the electronic transmission of results, the ruling party stated that it would continue to support constitutionally backed innovations by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to make elections more credible. The APC National Secretary of the Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee, Sen. John Akpanudoedehe in a statement issued on Monday, July 26, insisted that under President Muhammadu. Buhari, every election conducted in the country has been an improvement on the last. He stated thus: “Under President Buhari, every election conducted in the country has been an improvement on the last. The APC will continue to support constitutionally backed innovations by our election management bodies to make our elections more credible.” The APC also stated that the Permanent Voters’ Card remains the only legal instrument voters can use to elect progressive leaders who can sustain the ongoing efforts of APC governments at the Federal, State and Local Government Areas, especially in its successes in renewing national infrastructure, transforming agriculture and diversifying the economy. The party therefore urged well-meaning Nigerians to take advantage of the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration exercise to register. At party level, Akpanudoedehe noted that the APC is resolved to entrench internal democracy in all decision making processes, particularly party nomination – direct and indirect primaries or consensus. | APC, Credible Elections | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/07/27/apc-well-continue-to-support-constitutionally-backed-innovations-to-make-elections-credible/ | 12 | |
| ThisDayLive Online | Tuesday, July 27, 2021 | Alleged Treasonable Felony: Court Declines to Try Kanu in Absentia | Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court, Abuja on Monday, July 26, declined to proceed with the trial of self-acclaimed leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu until he was physically brought to court. The judge, who ordered the Department of State Service (DSS) to produce him by October 21, declined to go ahead with the trial in absentia since Kanu has been re-arrested and in custody of the DSS. The Federal Government working in collaboration with security agencies re-arrested Kanu in Kenya and brought him back to Nigeria, to continue his trial. When he was brought to court on June 29, 2021, Justice Nyako ordered his remand in DSS custody pending the notification of his lawyer and fixed July 26 for continuation of trial. At the resumed trial, however, counsel to the prosecution, Mr. Mohammed Abubakar, informed the court that the case was for hearing and although the defendant had not yet been produced by the DSS, due to logistics reasons, they were ready to proceed with the trial, adding that they had three witnesses in court. However, Kanu’s lawyer, Mr Ifeanyi Ejiofor, informed the court that the DSS had denied him and relatives of Kanu the opportunity to see him. Ejiofor explained that he had consequently filed an application, seeking the transfer of Kanu from the DSS custody to a correctional center. Interjecting, Nyako stated that the court could not do anything without the presence of Kanu in court. Similarly, when the prosecution raised the issue of whether the court would need a fiat to proceed with the trial during the court's vacation, Justice Nyako, stated that it was the duty of the prosecution to apply for the fiat if they wanted the trial to continue during vacation and not the duty of her court. While the annual vacation of the Federal High Court commenced Monday July 26, it was however noted that Nyako was not one of the vacation judges. In a short ruling, Nyako, stated that the court observed that the defendant was not in court when the matter was called and accordingly ordered the prosecution to produce Kanu in court on the next adjourned date, October 21. While indicating that Kanu would remain in the custody of the DSS for now, she ordered the DSS to allow his lawyers have access to him in line with the law. | Nnamdi Kanu, Trial, DSS | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/07/27/alleged-treasonable-felony-court-declines-to-try-kanu-in-absentia/ | 12 | |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Tuesday, July 27, 2021 | FG Expresses Concern Over Absconding of Passengers From High-Risk COVID-19 Countries | The Federal Government has decried the trend where quarantined passengers from high-risk countries like India, Turkey, and Brazil violate health protocols. It warned that Nigeria is at increased risk if people continue to neglect public health protocols at the nation’s points of entry. This came as the country recorded 10 cases of the more virulent Delta variant of COVID-19. Also, the government is pushing to have a manufacturing site for the COVID-19 vaccine in the country and is currently working with a company. Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire, who made the disclosure in Abuja, on Monday, July 26, stated that the Federal Ministry of Health Point of Entry (PoE) pillar of the COVID-91 response has been continuously monitoring passenger arrivals, especially from high-risk countries like India, Turkey, and Brazil. He explained that the process has been arduous, given that port health staff continue to report a trend of absconding by quarantined passengers.He cautioned all travelers to comply with port health staff or risk sanctions, including prosecution. Ehanire lamented that the world has witnessed an increase in reported cases of COVID-19 in the past 24 hours in a significant number of countries, due to the high transmissibility of the Delta Variant. He added that this threat includes importation from countries that are popular travel destinations for Nigerians including the United Kingdom, United States, UAE, France, and Turkey, which have a high incidence of the virulent strain. | COVID-19 | https://guardian.ng/news/fg-worries-about-absconding-of-passengers-from-high-risk-countries/ | 12 | |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Monday, July 26, 2021 | APC Wins All 20 Chairmanship Seats in Ogun LG Polls | The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has won all the 20 local government seats in last Saturday’s council election in Ogun State. The umpire, Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission (OGSIEC), released the results of the elections on Sunday, July 25. OGSIEC boss, Babatunde Osibodu, who made the announcement at the commission’s head office in Oke-Ilewo, Abeokuta, stated that the total number of votes cast in the 20 council areas was 396,641. He stated thus: “I want to say that APC won all the chairmanship seats in the 20 local government areas in the state.” He added that the results of the elections into the 236 councillorship positions in the state would be released as soon as they were ready. Governor Dapo Abiodun, meanwhile, will inaugurate the newly elected chairmen and vice-chairmen of the 20 local councils today, Monday, July 26. The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Kunle Somorin, announced that the inauguration would take place at the Arcade Ground of the State Secretariat Complex, Oke-Mosan by 1:00 p.m. Saturday’s poll was characterised by low turnout of voters and indifference. Though residents fully complied with the restriction order announced by the electoral umpire, many deliberately shunned the polling units. Most of the polling booths across the three senatorial districts were deserted. The extension of the voting deadline from 2:00 p.m., earlier issued by OGSIEC, to 3:00 p.m. appeared to have been a move to give ample room to the electorate to exercise their franchise. Osibodu nevertheless insisted that the turnout was massive. | Ogun State, Local Government Elections, APC | https://guardian.ng/news/apc-wins-all-20-chairmanship-seats-in-ogun-lg-polls-2/ | 11 | |
| DailyTrust Online | Monday, July 26, 2021 | APC Sweeps LG Polls In Lagos | The All Progressives Congress (APC) is coasting to victory in the local government election held in Lagos on Saturday, July 24. The election was held amidst low turnout in the 20 local governments (LGs) and 37 local council development areas (LCDAs). No fewer than 15 political parties participated in the election. As of Sunday, July 25, the APC had won in most of the local governments and LCDAs declared by the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC). | Lagos State, Local Government Elections, APC | https://dailytrust.com/apc-sweeps-lg-polls-in-lagos-ogun | 11 | |
| DailyTrust Online | Monday, July 26, 2021 | YPP Kicks Off Membership Registration July 28 | The Young Progressives Party (YPP) has stated that it will commence formal registration of its old and new members on Wednesday, July 28. In a statement at the weekend, the campaign office of the party’s candidate for the November 6, 2021, governorship election in Anambra State, Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, stated that the membership registration exercise would last for 10 days. The office also added that the digital data capturing and registration of his teeming supporters across Anambra State would commence the same date. Part of the statement reads: “This exercise which is billed to take place along with the party registration is geared towards the actualisation of his zeal to have the personal data base of his teeming supporters and lovers of the Ifeanyi brand across the state that will include some vital information like occupation (if any), skill, business and interest. This is to enable the senator have direct impact on as many of his supporters as possible and as the need arises in line with his grassroots approach to human capital and infrastructural development.” | YPP, Membership Registration | https://dailytrust.com/ypp-kicks-off-membership-registration-july-28 | 11 | |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Monday, July 26, 2021 | Buhari Jets Out To London For Education Summit, Medical Check-Up | President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday, July 26 will travel to the United Kingdom to participate in the Global Education Summit on Financing Global Partnership for Education (GPE) 2021-2025. Femi Adesina, President Buhari’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, explained that the Summit, which will be co-hosted by the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Boris Johnson, and the President of Kenya, Uhuru Kenyatta, will bring together Heads of State and Government, as well as stakeholders and youth leaders, and provide a platform for partners to chart a way forward towards transforming education systems in partner countries, through the exchange of best practices. According to Adesins, “It will also offer the opportunity for leaders to make 5-year pledges to support GPE’s work to help transform education systems in up to 90 countries and territories. Deliberations at the Summit will focus on: The Power of Education –A Conversation between Global Champions; Transforming Education for Girls; Financing for Impact and Recovery and; What Now? Priorities for Transforming Education in the Coming Five Years, among others." Adesina further explained that President Buhari will also hold a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Boris Johnson. After the Summit, the President will spend a few days for an earlier scheduled medical check-up. The statement added that the President who is expected back by the second week of August 2021 will be accompanied by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, Minister of State Education, Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba, National Security Adviser, Maj. Gen. Babagana Monguno (rtd) and Director General of National Intelligence Agency, Amb. Ahmed Rufai Abubakar. | President Muhammadu Buhari, Education Summit, Medical Check-Up | https://guardian.ng/breakingnews/buhari-jets-out-to-london-for-education-summit-medical-check-up/ | 11 | |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Monday, July 26, 2021 | 28 Bethel Students, Others Freed by Kidnappers in Kaduna | Twenty-eight students of Bethel Baptist School in Kaduna regained freedom from kidnappers on Saturday, July 24, as negotiations by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and other stakeholders for the release of the remaining 87 continued with the armed bandits. A woman and her children that were kidnapped from Kachia were also freed by the bandits the same night. The 28 students were brought to the Bethel school premises to be reunited with their parents. The students had been with bandits for 20 days. Kaduna CAN Chairman, Rev. Joseph Hayab, on Sunday, July 25, stated thus: “Twenty-eight of the Bethel Baptist School Students were released to us on Saturday night. Before now, six of them were released, making 34 of them that have been released. We have 87 of them that are still with the bandits. We are trusting God that something will be done and we will have a way out of the problem.” Hayab, who was silent on the issue of ransom stated thus: “We will not deny or confirm that ransom was paid. This is because their parents were involved. Let me explain to you why we don’t want to go into that. We still have 87 with them there. If we start talking about it, it will jeopardise our negotiation." However, the President of Nigerian Baptist Convention, Rev. Israel Akanji, stated that the convention did not pay ransom to secure the release of the students, as Baptists do not believe in ransom payment to evil-doers. The Convention is the umbrella body for Baptist congregations in the country. | Bethel Baptist School Students, Kaduna State | https://guardian.ng/news/28-bethel-students-others-freed-by-kidnappers-in-kaduna/ | 11 | |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Monday, July 26, 2021 | OPC Cautions Against Clampdown on Igboho’s Supporters, Others | The Oodua People’s Congress (OPC), at the weekend, cautioned the Federal Government to desist from any attempt to clamp down on self-determination agitators, warning that such could only exacerbate national crises. A statement by the OPC Publicity Secretary, Yinka Oguntimehin, flayed the Federal Government’s approach in Igboho’s ordeals. It maintained that the use and application of force on self-determination agitators had only justified Federal Government’s lack of respect for human rights and intolerance for the views of others. While condemning last Monday’s arrest of Sunday Igboho by the International Criminal Police Organisation at the Cadjèhoun Airport in Cotonou, Republic of Benin, the OPC publicity scribe described the treatment meted out to Igboho in Nigeria and also in Cotonou as very unpleasant. The OPC, therefore, urged all Yoruba groups, traditional rulers and other well-meaning Nigerians not to leave Igboho in the lurch at this trying moment, declaring that the embattled Yoruba nation agitator had been peaceful in his self-determination approach and deserves to enjoy his liberty wherever he is in the world. | Oodua People’s Congress (OPC), Sunday Igboho | https://guardian.ng/news/opc-cautions-against-clampdown-on-igbohos-supporters-others/ | 11 | |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Monday, July 26, 2021 | Despite Security Concerns, FG Again Extends NIN-SIM Link Deadline By Three Months | The Federal Government’s extension of the National Identity Number (NIN)-Subscriber Identification Modules (SIM) card verification exercise by another three months has been greeted with mixed feelings. This fresh extension comes just a day before the old deadline that was set to expire today, July 26. While some industry stakeholders applauded the extension, others queried the rationale behind earlier deadlines that subjected people to mental stress before they could get their NIN-SIM registered, verified and linked. The new extension announced by government, on Sunday, July 25 makes it the sixth time since the first deadline of December 30, 2020. A statement signed by the Director of Public Affairs, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Ike Adinde and Head of Corporate Communications, National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Kayode Adegoke, stated that the Federal Government has shifted the deadline from its earlier date of July 26 (today) to October 31. The statement claimed that the decision to extend the deadline was made following a request by stakeholders to accommodate registration in hard-to-reach remote areas, diaspora, foreigners and diplomatic missions, and address low enrolments in schools and hospitals, as evidenced by enrolment figures. Nigerians are, however, at a loss over incessant extension of deadline amid worsening insecurity in the country, which the policy was touted to address. The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Ali Pantami, earlier reiterated government’s resolve to embark on full implementation of the policy aimed at fighting insecurity in the country. | NIN-SIM Registration, Insecurity | https://guardian.ng/news/despite-security-concerns-fg-again-extends-nin-sim-link-deadline-by-three-months/ | 11 | |
| ThisDayLive Online | Monday, July 26, 2021 | PDP Govs Meet in Bauchi Today on Security, Economy, Electoral Bill | Governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will meet today, July 26 top address the state of insecurity, dwindling economy and controversy over the yet to be resolved Electoral Bill. The meeting will be taking place in Bauchi State. According to a statement by the Director General of the PDP Governors' Forum, Cyril Maduabum, “The PDP Governors Forum will meet on Monday 26th July, 2021 at Bauchi, Bauchi State, the Pearl of Tourism. The meeting will examine and deliberate on the current state of the nation, and the state of their respective states, Issues of unemployment, the general parlous state of the Nigerian economy, the health of Nigeria’s democracy including the Electoral Act Amendment. Constitution Alteration bills pending before the National Assembly will top discussions at the meeting. The meeting will continue to interrogate the federal government’s response to the insecurity still pervading the country and profer workable solutions." It further read that, “The governors will also receive reports of some of the committees working on various aspects of party repositioning including the e-Registration programme of the Party.” | PDP Governors, Bauchi State | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/07/26/pdp-govs-meet-in-bauchi-today-on-security-economy-electoral-act/ | 11 | |
| ThisDayLive Online | Thursday, July 22, 2021 | Senate Directs AGF to Sanction Officials Involved in Alleged Mismanagement of $274.2 Million | The Senate has uncovered how some officials of the Office of Accountant General of the Federation (AGF) allegedly invoved in the losss of a difference of $274.2 million (N54.1bn) on external loan. This was contained in the report of the Senate Committee on Public Accounts on 2015 Financial statement of the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Federation Account, which was approved by the Senate before proceeding on its annual recess last week. The upper chamber has therefore asked the Accountant General of the Federation, Ahmed Idris, to identify the officers responsible and sanction them for mismanagement of public fund in accordance with Rule 3115 of the Financial Regulations and for gross misconduct. Rule 3115 of the Financial Regulations states,” An accounting officer who is queried for his failure to manage or spend public funds, effectively or who spends public money without due regard to economy contrary to FR 415 and fails to reply to the query, shall be removed from the schedule and be disciplined in accordance with the Public Service Rules." The query to Accountant General of Federation from Auditor General of Federation titled ;” Inconsistent Exchange Loss Difference on External Loans” was contained in the 2015 report of the Auditor-General of the Federation which the Senate upheld at plenary. The upper chamber in its resolution after the presentation of the report by the Committee Chairman, Senator Mathew Urhoghide, upheld the recommendation of the Committee for officials involved to be sanctioned. | Senate, Office of the Accountant General of the Federation | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/07/22/senate-directs-agf-to-sanction-officials-involved-in-alleged-mismanagement-of-274-2-million/ | 10 | |
| ThisDayLive Online | Thursday, July 22, 2021 | Congresses: APC Recommends Consensus Option to Reduce Acrimony | The All Progressives Congress (APC) has stated that the ruling party has recommended a consensus option for the election of party officials at all levels to reduce acrimony ahead of the forthcoming Congresses. The National Secretary of the Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee of the party, Sen. John Akpanudoedehe, disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday, July 18 in Abuja. He stated thus: “For us, we have to take into consideration the need to accommodate everyone because the APC is a party for all Nigerians.” Akpanudoedehe noted that the party was encouraging states to adopt the consensus arrangement because it saves costs and reduces acrimony. He added: ”That is why when you look at Article 20 of our constitution which talks about elections, the first thing there is for members to try reaching a consensus. When that fails, then you go to cast ballots.” The Secretary noted that the party was ensuring that it does not leave any room for the opposition, especially the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to sponsor people to stir confusion within the party. | APC Congresses | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/07/22/congresses-apc-recommends-consensus-option-to-reduce-acrimony/ | 10 | |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Thursday, July 22, 2021 | Again, APC Forecloses Third Term for Buhari | The All-progressives Congress (APC) has, again, ruled out a third term ticket for President Muhammadu Buhari upon the expiration of his tenure in 2023. The Secretary, Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) of the party, Senator John Akpanudoehede, gave the reassurance while reacting to the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) allegation that Buhari had a “self-succession” plan. He stated that, “Unlike the opposition, we are a disciplined party. PDP is just being haunted by its past. You will recall the inglorious third-term agenda while PDP was in power. So, it is easy to accuse APC now. After our (APC) congresses and the national convention, we will shock them (PDP) by bringing a consensus and an agreeable candidate that will fly the flag of the party come 2023. APC has no third-term agenda like the PDP. What we are doing now is to stabilise the party and not allow individual ambitions to derail the administration of President Buhari.” | APC, President Muhammadu Buhari | https://guardian.ng/news/again-apc-forecloses-third-term-for-buhari/ | 10 | |
| DailyTrust Online | Thursday, July 22, 2021 | Workers Head To Court As Oyo Sacks 382 LG Workers | The Oyo State Government has sacked 382 workers in the state’s Local Government Service Commission. It stated that while 41 ghost workers were discovered, 341 were sacked based on irregularities in their documentation in the service. The Chief Press Secretary to the State Governor, Taiwo Adisa, disclosed this in a statement Wednesday, July 21. He stated that the implementation committee of the state’s Civil/Public Servants Audit and Payroll Re-engineering/Validation Exercise recommended the removal of 41 staff classified as “no show” (ghost workers) by the consultant. Adisa further stated that the consultants had indicted 602 officers and recommended them for removal from the payrolls. However, the implementation committee affirmed 41 ghost workers; cleared 40 others of any infraction; uncovered 10 deaths, 170 systematic retirements and affirmed the option of voluntary retirement by 341 others with irregular records of service. Speaking through their Counsel, Mukhtar Aderogba, the affected workers stated that they would initiate legal proceedings against the state if it refused to reverse the dismissal. | Oyo State, Local Government Workers | https://dailytrust.com/workers-head-to-court-as-oyo-sacks-382-lg-workers | 10 | |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Thursday, July 22, 2021 | Diplomatic Deadlock in Benin Over Igboho’s Detention, Extradition | An extradition battle begins in the Republic of Benin following the arrest of an embattled campaigner for Yoruba self-determination, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho on Monday, July 19. Igboho is being held after he was arrested at Cotonou Airport with his wife on their way to Germany on Monday night to evade arrest by Nigeria’s secret police. Mr. Yomi Aliyu (SAN), lawyer to Igboho, on Wednesday, July 21, narrated how the self acclaimed activist was arrested in Cotonou and was to be flown to Nigeria on a waiting helicopter. Aliyu, spoke during a radio talk programme on Rave FM, tagged Frank Talk. Sympathisers took to the streets in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, on Wednesday, July 21 asking for the Benin Republic authorities to release Igboho immediately. They also warned against his planned extradition to Nigeria, saying he (Igboho) did not commit any crime to warrant his arrest and extradition. | Sunday Igboho, Benin Republic | https://guardian.ng/news/diplomatic-stalemate-in-benin-over-igbohos-detention-extradition/ | 10 | |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Monday, July 19, 2021 | CCT Chair Challenges Assault Probe | Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), Danladi Umar, accused of beating up one Clement Sargwak in March 2021, has initiated a legal action against Sargwak and the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions investigating the matter. Included also in the suit as defendants in the originating summons dated July 13, 2021, are President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, Chairman and members of the Ethics Committee, as well as the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami. Umar is challenging the Senate's powers to conduct the investigation and the purposes for which they are exercisable. Specifically, the embattled CCT chair is praying the court to interpret the constitutional powers granted to the Senate or its committee if they cover public assaults or if the task did not fall entirely within the purview of the police and judiciary. Copies of the originating summons were signed on Umar’s behalf by Sunday Edward and other attorneys from Abuka and Partners. In the court papers made available to journalists at the weekend in Abuja by the committee chairman, Senator Ayo Akinyelure, the CCT boss reinforced his quest to know if the four defendants are constitutionally empowered to investigate the matter. Reacting, the lawmaker regretted that the hunted was becoming the hunter. At a press briefing, Akinyelure stated that with the summons, it is clear Umar would not appear before his committee tomorrow, vowing: “But his (plaintiff) action will be challenged in court by the Legal Department of the National Assembly since no arm of government is empowered to stop another from carrying out its constitutional duties or functions.”Umar has only appeared before the panel once, spurning subsequent invitations. | Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) | https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/national/cct-chair-sues-lawan-malami-others-over-his-probe-for-alleged-assault/ | 9 | |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Monday, July 19, 2021 | Court Stops Zamfara House of Assembly From Impeaching Deputy Governor, Mahdi Gusau | The Federal High Court, Abuja, on Monday, July 19 restrained the Zamfara House of Assembly from impeaching the Deputy Governor of the State, Mahdi Gusau. Justice Obiora Egwuatu gave the order while delivering a ruling in an ex-parte motion in a suit brought by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), through its Lawyer, Ogwu Onoja, SAN. Egwuatu, who ordered the defendants to maintain status quo pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice, also stopped the House from impeaching its other members who are still in the PDP. He directed the plaintiff to serve all the defendants in the suit before Friday and adjourned the matter until July 23 for hearing of the motion on notice. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the All progressives Congress (APC), President of the Senate, Speaker of House of Representatives, Speaker of Zamfara House of Assembly, Governor Matawalle and Chief Judge of Zamfara are 1st to 7th defendants, respectively. NAN recalls that though Gov. Matawalle of Zamfara recently defected from the PDP to the APC, his deputy, Gusau, did not. The lawmakers in the state had threatened to impeach Gusau over activities they considered to be a threat to the security in the state. The PDP, through its lawyer, had urged the court to grant its prayer in the interest of justice. The party stated thus: “This is the only place we can run to, especially in a situation of chaos the state has found itself. | Zamfara State House of Assembly, Zamfara State Deputy Governor | https://guardian.ng/news/court-stops-zamfara-house-of-assembly-from-impeaching-deputy-governor-mahdi-gusau/ | 9 | |
| DailyTrust Online | Monday, July 19, 2021 | Testing, Isolation Centres Shut In States Despite Imminent COVID-19 Third Wave | As the country faces an impending third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, investigations by Daily Trust has shown that many states have shut down their isolation and testing centres. This is happening as the Delta variant of the virus, which is more contagious, is now spreading across states. The Federal Government at the weekend put the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and six other states on red alert over a fresh surge of the virus. The states on the red alert are Lagos, Kano, Rivers, Oyo, Kaduna and Plateau. Emirs in northern Nigeria have also been advised by the Presidential Steering Committee (PSC) on COVID-19 to shelve the traditional Sallah durbar in the interest of safety. Daily Trust correspondents report that COVID-19 isolation and testing centres have been completely shut down in some states, while only a few are functioning in others. Some isolation centres in health facilities have also been converted to medical wards, as they were initially or for other uses. The Director General, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu stated that the COVID-19 pandemic is still active and Nigeria remains at high risk of a surge in cases. | COVID-19, Third Wave | https://dailytrust.com/testing-isolation-centres-shut-in-states-despite-imminent-covid-19-third-wave | 9 | |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Monday, July 19, 2021 | COVID-19: NCDC Registers 203 Infections On Sunday, as Lagos State Leads | Nigeria reported an increase in COVID-19 cases on Sunday, July 18, with Lagos state leading the table. The Nigerian Centre for Disease Control, (NCDC), reported 203 additional COVID-19 cases and one COVID-19 related death on Sunday. The NCDC disclosed this on its official website. The agency stated that the 203 additional cases represent an increase in infections from the 123 cases reported from seven states and the FCT on Saturday, July 17 with no death. It added that Lagos State led the chat with 186 news cases, higher than the 70 cases it recorded the previous day. The agency noted that others were Edo-4, Oyo-4, Rivers-4, the FCT-3 and Kwara-2. It stated that the report includes zero cases reported from Ekiti, Imo, Kano, Ogun, Ondo, Plateau, and Sokoto. According to it, 169,532 cases have been confirmed; 164, 699 patients discharged and 2,127 deaths have been recorded in 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, till date. The NCDC stated that the country has tested a total of over 2.3 million samples from its roughly 200 million population. | COVID-19, NCDC | https://guardian.ng/news/covid-19-ncdc-registers-203-infections-on-sunday-as-lagos-state-leads/ | 9 | |
| ThisDayLive Online | Monday, July 19, 2021 | APC Releases Timetable, Guidelines for July 31 Ward Congresses | The All Progressives Congress (APC) has released the schedule of activities and guidelines for the conduct of the party’s Ward congresses scheduled for Saturday July 31, 2021. The National Secretary of the APC Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee, Sen. John Akpanudoedehe, in a statement issued on Sunday, July 18, stated that the purchase of nomination forms for Ward, Local Government/Area Councils and State Congresses will take place from 19th July to 28th August, 2021. He further stated that screening of aspirants for the Ward party positions was scheduled for July 29th to 30th July, 2021, while Ward Congresses would hold 31st July, 2021, adding that appeals arising from Ward Congresses will hold August 2nd to 7th August, 2021. Akpanudoedehe noted that each state of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) shall for the purpose of the party’s 2021 congresses have a Ward Congress Committee (WCC) of seven persons who are to be selected based on their proven integrity and would be appointed and supervised by the Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee of the party. Members of the committees are be posted to places outside their states of recruitment. The secretary stated that the committee would be composed of a Chairman, Secretary and five other members; one of whom shall be a woman, where possible. He added that the committee would be responsible for the conduct of the Ward congress exercise in their place of posting. | APC, Ward Congresses | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/07/18/apc-releases-timetable-guidelines-for-july-31-ward-congresses/ | 9 | |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Monday, July 19, 2021 | Nigerian Army Remains Focused On Tackling Security Challenges – COAS | The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya, has assured Nigerians that the Nigerian Army would remain focused on tackling the myriad of security challenges bedevilling the country. Yahaya gave the assurance in his goodwill message to officers, soldiers and their families on the occasion of Eid-el-Kabir celebration 2021, on Monday, July 19 in Abuja. He stated that Eid-el-Kabir festival highlighted the virtues of loyalty, obedience and sacrifice which were the hallmark of professional soldiering. According to him, “Eid Festival therefore provides a unique opportunity for us to reflect and redouble our efforts towards fulfilling our constitutional roles of defeating our adversaries and defending the territorial integrity of Nigeria. The COAS stated that he would keep to his promise to promote merit, applaud gallantry, competence, diligence, dedicated service, celebrate excellence and honour “our heroes”. Yahaya also stated that he would reward excellence and achievements, adding that he would not hesitate to punish indiscipline, indolence, negligence and all untoward acts. | Nigerian Army, Chief of Army Staff | https://guardian.ng/news/nigerian-army-remains-focused-in-tackling-security-challenges-coas/ | 9 | |
| ThisDayLive Online | Thursday, July 15, 2021 | PDP to Commence e-Registration of New Members August 1 | The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will commence the electronic registration of new members by August 1, 2021. Also, the Chairman of the e-registration exercise, Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has stated that the e-registration exercise will make the PDP realise the desired dreams of the founding fathers by making the party the people’s party with more Nigerians as members. Obaseki stated this when he inaugurated thirty seven state coordinators on strategy for the exercise on Wednesday, July 14. The chairman charged the members not to look for what the party has done for them, but “to look towards how they will use their indigenous and individual efforts to lift the fortunes of the party.” Obaseki urged Nigerians to turn out massively and register with the party during its nationwide online electronic registration of members which will commence on August 1. Obaseki made it clear that the party’s membership is the basis of its existence. He stated that, This exercise is going to be different, it is going to follow what our founding fathers wanted this party to be; it is going to follow the constitution of our party. There will be local government involvement to help you coordinate and there will also be the state involvement, as well as the zonal. However, the starting point and the end point will be the wards.” Obaseki also called for the commitment of members of the committee. | PDP, Membership Registration | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/07/15/pdp-to-commence-e-registration-of-new-members-august-1/ | 8 | |
| ThisDayLive Online | Thursday, July 15, 2021 | Governors Approve Common Template for Implementation of Executive Order 10 | The 36 states governors on Wednesday, July 14, approved a template for the implementation of President Muhammadu Buhari’s Executive Order 10 and financial autonomy for State legislatures and judiciaries. At the end of its meeting the governors in a communique signed by the Chairman of the Nigerian Governors' Forum and Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, stated that they have approved a common template for the implementation of the Memorandum of Action (MoA) signed with the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) and the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASUN) on the implementation of financial autonomy for state legislatures and judiciaries. The governors stated that the template was developed following a meeting of the State Attorneys General and Commissioners of Finance which held on June 25, 2021 at the directive of the Forum. | Governors, Financial and Legislative Autonomy | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/07/15/govs-approve-common-template-for-implementation-of-executive-order-10/ | 8 | |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Thursday, July 15, 2021 | NAFDAC Approves Emergency Use of Three Additional Covid-19 Vaccines for Nigeria | The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) vaccine committee has approved the emergency use of additional three new Covid-19 vaccines. The vaccines include the Moderna (Rovi Pharma Madrid, Spain) AstraZeneca AZD1222 [SK Bioscience Co Limited (Republic of Korea)] Sputnik V (Gamaleya National Centre of Epidemiology and Microbiology, Russia). Director General of the agency, Prof Mojisola Adeyeye in Abuja on Thursday, July 15, stated thus: “Moderna and AstraZeneca AZD1222 vaccines have received WHO EUL listing and were given expedited approvals. Sputnik V is yet to receive the EUL approval and therefore was subjected to full six-months review by NAFDAC. The Agency was granted access to the dossiers and prior assessment reports of Moderna and AstraZeneca from the WHO website at different times over the past two months.” Adeyeye further stated that the NAFDAC Vaccine Committee has granted approval of Moderna and AstraZeneca vaccines and conditional approval of Sputnik V vaccine adding that the agency has been carefully assessing several vaccines despite the fact the vaccines have been approved by stringent regulatory countries or have received WHO’s Emergency Use Listing (EUL). She explained that a COVID-19 vaccine that has gone through the prior approval from either of these two sources had gone through quality, safety and efficacy evaluation which is a prerequisite for acceptance by COVAX Facility, adding that most regulatory agencies across the world use this mechanism to expedite their own regulatory approval to import and administer COVID-19 vaccines. According to Adeyeye, NAFDAC spends at least 15 days to thoroughly examine the dossier or submission package of the vaccine to ensure that the benefits of the vaccine far outweigh the risks and any side effects are well noted for monitoring after vaccination by respective NAFDAC and Primary Health Officers. | NAFDAC, COVID-19 Vaccines | https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/nafdac-approves-emergency-use-of-three-additional-covid-19-vaccines-for-nigeria/ | 8 | |
| DailyTrust Online | Thursday, July 15, 2021 | Zamfara Assembly Summons Deputy Governor, CP Over PDP Rally | The Zamfara State House of Assembly on Wednesday, July 14, summoned the Deputy Governor of the State, Barr. Mahdi Aliyu Gusau, and the State’s Commissioner of Police, Hussaini Rabiu in connection with a rally organised by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to welcome the Deputy Governor to the capital. The Deputy Governor was received by supporters on Saturday, July 10 when he returned to the state since the decamping of Governor Bello Matawalle to the All Progressives Congress (APC) on June 29. Gusau had declined joining Matawalle to ruling APC. Matawalle was received into the APC at a major rally in Gusau attended by many APC governors and party big wigs. However, the State Assembly has queried the deputy governor for holding the Saturday rally “at the time the state was mourning attacks on communities in Maradun Local Government Area”. A statement by the spokesperson of the Sssembly, Mustapha Jafaru Kaura, stated that the decision to invite the two personalities was reached following a motion raised by Ho.n Yusuf Alhassan Kanoma, representing Maru North Constituency, under matters of urgent public importance. The House Leader, Hon. Faruk Musa Dosara proposed that an invitation be sent to the Commissioner of Police to also appear before the House “to explain whether the Deputy Governor obtained permission from them or not and to also explain to the House the role police authorities played in stopping the rally. The Sssembly resolved that Gusau and CP Rabiu should appear before it on July 27. An aide to the Deputy Governor stated that his principal was yet to receive the formal invitation. | Zamfara State, House of Assembly, Deputy Governor | https://dailytrust.com/zamfara-assembly-summons-dep-gov-cp-over-pdp-rally | 8 | |
| ThisDayLive Online | Thursday, July 15, 2021 | EFCC Launches Online App For Reporting of Financial Crimes | The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on Wednesday, July 14, launched an online App, Eagle Eye, designed to enable easy reporting of financial crimes by members of the public. Speaking at the event in Abuja, the Chairman of the Commission, Mr. Abdulrasheed Bawa, warned against false information that could mislead the agency in its investigations. He stated that the full weight of the law would be brought to bear on purveyors of misleading information. He added that informants wishing to provide verifiable tips and leads to aid its investigation are free to come under the whistle blower policy of the Federal Government. Bawa states thus: “It is wrong to mislead the commission. Anybody that has malicious intent in the process of giving information to us will be dealt with according to the law.” Bawa described the App as the first by any law enforcement agency in Nigeria and a product of ingenuity by a staff of the commission. He described it as an application that was conceived, designed and developed by the EFCC. According to the EFCC Chairman, the initiative is a clear demonstration of his pledge on assumption of office, to run an agency that is technology-driven. He states thus: “The Eagle Eye represents a new experience in information sharing and crime reporting between the public and the EFCC “Apart from complementing the existing channels for reporting economic crimes, the unique advantage of this application is that it eliminates direct person-to-person interface in the reporting process and guarantees anonymity which is an added incentive to effective whistle blowing”. He emphasised that the Eagle Eye App, would go a long way in aiding the reportage of fraudulent activities of individuals particularly in the case of money laundering through real estate. He warned that “there are penalties clearly stipulated in the laws for giving false information that could mislead the Commission.” | EFCC, Eagle Eye App | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/07/15/efcc-launches-online-app-for-easy-reporting-of-financial-crimes/ | 8 | |
| ThisDayLive Online | Thursday, July 15, 2021 | Nasarawa Governor Unveils Regulations For Conduct of October 6 LG Polls | The Governor of Nasarawa State, Mr. Abdullahi Sule, on Wednesday, July 14, unveiled the Nasarawa State Independent Electoral Commission (NASIEC) regulations preparatory to the conduct of the forth coming local government elections. The NASIEC scheduled October 6, 2021 for the conduct of local council elections following expiration of tenure of the 2018 elected officials on May 28, 2021. According to Sule, the NASIEC 2021 Regulations would further the Commission’s determination to ensure the conduct of a credible election in line with the global best practice. He stated that the document will regulate the conduct of election, operations and other internal mechanism necessary for the enhancement of the independence of the NASIEC, adding that, “I must commend the Commission for being one of the few states in Nigeria to come up with this internal regulatory mechanism that will ensure the smooth functioning of the electoral umpire in the state.” He, therefore, charged the NASIEC to live above board by abiding strictly to its regulations in order to exercise its independence and earn the confidence of all and sundry. Sule also added that, “In the same vein, let me specially call on the electorats to ensure that only credible, competent, tested, transparent and accountable people are elected into the offices of the chairman and councilors of local government councils. This is the only way we can achieve our collective desire.” | Nasarawa State, Local Government Elections | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/07/15/nasarawa-gov-unveils-regulations-for-conduct-of-october-6-lg-polls/,/a> | 8 | |
| DailyTrust Online | Wednesday, July 14, 2021 | Buhari Dines With NASS Members, Vows To End Insecurity | Members of the National Assembly met with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Aso Villa in Abuja on Tuesday, July 13. This was the first time in recent history that members of the two chambers of the National Assembly would meet with the President at the State House. What obtained before was for the President to address a joint session of the legislators at the National Assembly, especially during budget presentation. Daily Trust recalled that the Senate had on April 27, 2021, reached a resolution for the leadership of the chamber to work towards a meeting with the President to enable all 109 senators to discuss security issues in the country. Almost all the six geopolitical zones are faced with challenges like banditry, kidnapping, terrorism, agitations by secessionists, among others. During the dinner held at the State House Conference Centre, President Buhari expressed the readiness of his administration to use everything within its powers to end insecurity in the country and bring perpetrators of criminal activities to book. In a statement issued by his spokesman, Femi Adesina, the President stated thus: ‘‘Insecurity, manifesting as insurgencies, banditry, kidnapping and urban crime of all sorts is the single most difficult challenge we face today.’’ Buhari expressed concern that insecurity had inhibited government’s ability to build infrastructure, provide the much needed social services to the people and to attract investments that drive innovation, create industries, and provide jobs and create wealth. He added that, ‘‘Some of the people who perpetrate these various manifestations of insecurity do so for profit, others, in the name of discredited ideologies. Whatever their motivations may be, their actions are an existential threat to our country. In the circumstances, we must do everything within our power, without consideration of distractions, to put an end to their activities and bring them to book. ‘We cannot allow ourselves to be distracted from this objective, or waver in our commitment, and I am confident that together we will triumph in our present efforts.’’ Buhari, who lauded the 9th National Assembly for discharging their legislative duties with maturity and competence, described the legislature as ‘‘full partners in national development.’’ | President Muhammadu Buhari, National Assembly, Insecurity | https://dailytrust.com/buhari-dines-with-n-assembly-members-vows-to-end-insecurity | 7 | |
| DailyTrust Online | Wednesday, July 14, 2021 | INEC Gets Set to Commence Physical Registration Of Voters | The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has stated that it will commence physical registration of voters in its state and local government area offices after consulting stakeholders and reviewing the security situation across the country. INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu announced this on Tuesday, July 13 in Abuja at a meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) which, among others, discussed issues concerning the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR). According to him, the commission has already configured enough machines and commenced deployment nationwide for further training of officials in readiness for the commencement of the physical registration exercise. Prof. Yakubu sttaed thus: “The commission is aware that not all Nigerians have access to computers, smart phones or internet connectivity to register online. Accordingly, we have repeatedly assured every eligible registrant that there will also be an opportunity for physical or in-person registration at designated centres. Even the online registrants will have to complete their registration physically at those centres. Our aim is to activate some 2,673 centres to which we intend to deploy 5,346 officials for in-person registration. However, after consultation with stakeholders, the commission is proceeding systematically as we review the security situation across the country. We agreed with stakeholders, including the security agencies, to start from our state and local government offices. This means an initial 811 locations nationwide made up of 36 states and FCT offices and 774 local government areas.” While giving an update on the online pre-registration of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR), Yakubu stated that exactly two weeks since the exercise began, a total of 542,576 Nigerians have completed the online pre-registration as of 7am on Monday, July 12. | INEC, Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) | https://dailytrust.com/inec-commences-physical-registration-of-voters-from-states-local-offices | 7 | |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Wednesday, July 14, 2021 | Nigeria To Get 3,930,910 Pfizer COVID-19 Jabs Next Month | Nigeria is to receive 3,930,910 doses of Pfizer-Bio-N Tech COVID-19 vaccine from the COVAX facility donated by the United States next month. Another 3,577,860 doses of the vaccine are expected in the third quarter of 2021 from the COVAX facility, as well as 29,850,000 jabs of Johnson & Johnson (Jassen) vaccine by the end of September 2021, that would arrive in batches from the African Union Commission. These are in addition to 3,924,000 doses of Oxford/AstraZeneca being awaited by the end of July or early August 2021 from the COVAX facility. Executive Director of the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr Faisal Shuaib, who briefed journalists on Tuesday, July 14 in Abuja on the progress of COVID-19 vaccination in the country, pointed out that the agency was putting in place all necessary logistics for storage, distribution, security and accountability for the incoming vaccines. He stated that the Federal Government had procured 60 units of U701 ultra cold chain equipment, adding that about 37 of them have been deployed to the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to receive the doses that would require ultra-cold temperature of below 40 to 85 degrees. Shuaib stated that with the detection of the Delta variant of the virus in the country, it was important that Nigerians continue to observe non-pharmaceutical or public health measures such as wearing of facemasks, social distancing and hand hygiene to check the transmission of the disease. He clarified that anyone from 18 years and above was eligible for the vaccination, including pregnant and lactating women. | COVID-19 Vaccines | https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria-to-get-3930910-pfizer-covid-19-jabs-next-month/ | 7 | |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Wednesday, July 14, 2021 | FG Unveils Task Force On Monitoring of Aids, Grants From Development Partners | The Federal Government, on Tuesday, July 13 is poised tos et up a task force comprising representatives of government and Civil society Organisations (CSOs) for effective monitoring of aids, grants and technical assistance from development partners. While Nigeria has been classified top 10 recipients of humanitarian aids, receiving three per cent of global share between 2015 and 2018, amounting to $4 billion, analysts have raised concerns over Nigeria’s heavy dependence on foreign aids. However, the Federal Government had argued that most aids and grants do not come into the country in monetary form, because Nigeria has been classified as a poor country, hence development partners implement projects. However, Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, Clement Agba, who inaugurated the committee, stressed the need to put in place a system to monitor and promote effective development cooperation through building stronger partnerships with development partners. He maintained that to maximise the benefits of development cooperation, the Federal Government was developing a strategy that would provide direction for collaboration for specific period of time. Agba noted that the task force would involve stakeholders from government and non-state actors, as well as be gender inclusive. The task force will work on transnational agreements signed by the country for documentation of all aids, grants and humanitarian assistance received in the last five years. | Federal Government, Grants, Development Partners | https://guardian.ng/news/fg-unveils-task-force-on-monitoring-of-aids-grants-from-development-partners/ | 7 | |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Wednesday, July 14, 2021 | NCDC Records 154 New COVID-19 Infections | The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control(NCDC), has recorded 154 new COVID-19 cases. The NCDC disclosed this on its official website on Wednesday, July 14. The News Agency Of Nigeria(NAN), reports that the new infections indicate a decline from the 161 cases recorded a day earlier. The NCDC stated that Lagos State, the epicentre of the deadly virus recorded 119 cases, followed by Akwa Ibom-11, Rivers-six, Ekiti-four, Ogun-four, the FCT and Gombe reported two each while, Kwara state registered one. The centre noted that 147 people who recovered from the infections have been discharged from isolation centres across the country, adding that till date, 164,623 people have been discharged. It also stated that 2,125 deaths have been recorded in 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, while 2,362,757 people have been tested so far. Meanwhile, the NCDC stated that with the detection of the Delta Variant of COVID-19 in the country, it was important that Nigerians continue to observe non-pharmaceutical or public health measures such as wearing of face mask, social distancing and hand hygiene in order to curb the transmission of the virus. | NCDC, COVID-19 Infections | https://guardian.ng/news/ncdc-records-154-new-covid-19-infections/ | 7 | |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Wednesday, July 14, 2021 | Buhari Receives Report on Security Summit | President Muhammadu Buhari has decribed Nigeria as a lucky country despite facing challenges that could have torn it apart. Buhari stated this when he received the report of the National Security Summit held on May 26, by the House of Representative through his spokesman, Mr. Femi Adesina. The report was submitted by a team of House members, led by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, at the State House, Abuja, on Tuesday, July 13. President Buhari urged leaders to respect the people, from the lowest to the highest, “so that it becomes a duty to them (the people) to pay back to the leadership.” According to him, respect for the people should come in allowing them to choose who they like as their leaders, irrespective of political party or religion. | President Muhammadu Buhari, House of Representatives, Security Summit Report | https://guardian.ng/news/buhari-receives-report-on-security-summit-says-nigeria-a-lucky-country/ | 7 | |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Wednesday, July 14, 2021 | South West Leads in INEC's Voter Registration | The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) stated tjat it received 542,576 online applications in the first two weeks of the resumption of its Continuous Voter Registration (CVR), which commenced on June 28, 2020. INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, made the announcement at a meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners (REC), on Tuesday, July 13 in Abuja. According to Yakubu, 456,909 were fresh registrants while 85,667 applied for voter transfer, replacement of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), update of voter information record, among others. Rating the applications according to geo-political zones, The Guardian discovered that so far, the Southwest recorded the highest registrants, numbering 242,738. The South-South followed with 79,614, while North Central has 69,072 registrants. Also, about 31,017 new applications came from the South East while the commission received 20,866 from the North West. The North East recorded the lowest with 13,602 applications. A state-by-state breakdown revealed that Osun has the highest number of new registrants with 154,893, Lagos, 44,789, while Ebonyi recorded the least with 610. | INEC, Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) | https://guardian.ng/news/north-takes-back-seat-as-southwest-leads-in-voter-registration/ | 7 | |
| DailyTrust Online | Tuesday, July 13, 2021 | Press Bills: No Institution Is Above Law – Gbajabiamila | The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, has reacted to campaign against moves by the National Assembly to pass bills providing tighter regulations for the media, declaring that no institution in the country is above the law. He lamented that, despite its attempt to ensure the proper checks and balances for the Executive, Judiciary and the Legislature through scrutiny, the media appeared to be averse to regulations. He spoke in Abuja at the Second Dinner/Award Night organised by the House of Representatives Press Corps, with the theme ‘Recognising Good Governance and Legislative Excellence in the Face of Adversity’. The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) and the Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria (NPAN) had, in a joint release on the front pages of major national dailies on Monday, July 12, accused the National Assembly of planning to achieve “information blackout” with the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission and the Nigerian Press Council (NPC) Act Amendment Bills. Parts of the proposed amendments will empower the minister of information to issue licenses to print and broadcast media, and penalise journalists and media organisations for offenses already covered under the country’s penal and criminal codes. Gbajabiamila, who stated that he would not be part of any attempt to gag the media, however, underscored the need to regulate aspects of media practice in the country to transform the media industry and the practice of journalism in Nigeria. The Speaker decried opposition against the move to regulate the media, just like similar opposition in other fields, lamenting that no one is willing to submit to regulations. He went on the state that there were aspects of the press that need to be regulated to ensure sanity and protect the socio-economic, political as well as security interests of Nigeria. Gbajabiamila insisted that “There is nowhere in the world where freedom of expression is absolute. Freedom of expression is limited to the extent that it does not affect another person’s freedom. | Speaker of the House of Representatives, Press Bills | https://dailytrust.com/press-bills-no-institution-is-above-law-gbajabiamila | 6 | |
| DailyTrust Online | Tuesday, July 13, 2021 | Court Fixes July 16 For Suit Challenging Matawalle’s Defection | A Federal High Court, Abuja, on Monday, July 12, fixed July 16 to hear a suit challenging the defection of Governor Bello Matawalle of Zamfara State, to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Justice Inyang Ekwo fixed the date after listening to the ex-parte motion of the plaintiffs’ counsel, Kanu Agabi, SAN, praying the court for an order to serve the first and 2nd defendants by substituted means through pasting the originating process at Zamfara State Liaison Office in Abuja. Justice Ekwo granted the prayer and adjourned the hearing of the substantive suit until July 16. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that two members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from the state; Sani Kaura Ahmed and Abubakar Muhammed had, in a suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/489/2021, asked the court to sack the governor over his defection. Matawalle, APC and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) are 1st to 4th defendants respectively, while the PDP is listed as a party to be joined in the suit. The plaintiffs are contending that, in view of an earlier judgment of the Supreme Court, to the effect that the APC had no candidates in the 2019 Governorship Election in Zamfara, having not conducted valid primaries, it would be unlawful for Matawalle to retain his position while defecting from the PDP to the APC, thereby transferring PDP’s victory to the APC. They want the court to, among others, declare that Matawalle must resign before defecting. | Zamfara State, Governor Bello Matawalle, PDP, APC | https://dailytrust.com/court-fixes-july-16-for-suit-challenging-matawalles-defection | 6 | |
| ThisDayLive Online | Tuesday, July 13, 2021 | APC Congresses Begin July 31 | Chairman of the Caretaker Committee of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and Governor of Yobe State, Mai Mala Buni, has stated that the party’s congresses in states of the Federation are being shifted by one week. Buni, who spoke on Monday, July 12 at the State House, Abuja, while presenting Governors Ben Ayade of Cross River State and his Zamfara state counterpart, Bello Matawalle, to President Muhammadu Buhari, announced that the ward, local government and state congresses of the party would start from July 31, 2021. According to him, the congresses were shifted by one week, because the initial dates clashed with Sallah festivities. Speaking while welcoming the two Governors to APC, President Buhari hailed the duo for having the courage to defect from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling APC. | APC, Congresses | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/07/12/apc-congresses-begin-july-31/ | 6 | |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Tuesday, July 13, 2021 | FG Welcomes Ohanaeze’s Monitoring Team On Kanu's Trial | Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, has welcomed the formation of a legal team by Ohanaeze Ndigbo to monitor proceedings at the trial of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu, which is in line with the doctrine of the right to fair hearing in Section 36 of the Constitution. By forming the team, Ohanaeze has, no doubt, identified with Nigeria and succumbed to the rule of law, while maintaining its stance of not being averse to Kanu’s trial. In a statement by his Special Assistant on Media and Public Relations, Dr. Umar Gwandu, the AGF assured that even without the monitoring team, Kanu would be served justice according to the law. Part of the statement read thus: “Let it be made abundantly clear that the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government respects the rule of law and does not advocate the breach of law. Hence, with or without the so-called monitoring group, justice will be adequately served to Nnamdi Kanu in compliance with the enshrined provisions of the law. It is hoped that the unnecessary legal monitoring group will come with open-mind and guided by nothing but the rule of law in the process, so as to convey the judgment of the court as may eventually be delivered, to their people in various languages and dialects of the members of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo, communities and Nigerians.” | Federal Governoment, Ohaneze Ndigbo, Nnamdi Kanu | https://guardian.ng/news/fg-welcomes-ohanaezes-monitoring-team-on-kanu-trial/ | 6 | |
| Vanguard Newspeper | Tuesday, July 13, 2021 | Tambuwal Urges NASS on Electronic Voting Processes | Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State has called on members of the National Assembly to enact an electoral law that will support the electronic transmission of votes during elections. Tambuwal, who made the appeal at a news conference on Monday, July 12 in Sokoto, stressed that the lawmakers should leavea good legacy that would strengthen the nation’s democratic processes. According to him, he speaks in his capacity as a former Speaker of the 7th House of Representatives and a Nigerian citizen, to add his voice based on his leadership experiences and political activities in the country. Tambuwal expressed his belief in the national interest to bequeath to the country an Electoral Act that would contribute to free, fair and credible elections in Nigeria, irrespective of the party platform. He stated that: “It is a credible, free and fair election that will ensure that voters decide any electoral contest. INEC has also assured that with the new process and technology, any interested Nigerian could track or monitor the results of the election from his or her house.” The former House of Representatives Speaker the governorship elections in Edo and Ondo States as examples. | Governor Aminu Tambuwal, Electronic Voting Processes | https://www.vanguardngr.com/2021/07/tambuwal-urges-nass-on-electronic-voting-processes/ | 6 | |
| DailyTrust Online | Tuesday, July 13, 2021 | Electoral Bill: IPAC Raises Alarm Over Result Transmission Exclusion | The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has raised alarm that the National Assembly is set to pass the Electoral bill, 2021 with the smuggled-in clause that excludes electronic transmission of results, despite public outcry to remove it and safeguard the nation’s frail democracy. National Publicity Secretary, IPAC, Ambassador Agbo Major, stated this on Monday, July 12 in Abuja. According to him, the council is aware of plots that are afoot to also remove Electronic Voting from the bill following widespread submission that electronic transmission of result always goes hand-in-hand with Electronic Voting whereever it is used. he stated thus: “It is unfortunate that the 9th National Assembly has decided to insult the sensibilities of Nigerians and put our hard-earned democracy on trial. It is unacceptable and must be resisted by all lovers of democracy in Nigeria. “The obnoxious, draconian and repulsive clause smuggled in against the peoples’ will, makes a mockery of our fragile democracy and questions the patriotism of our federal legislators who intend to sell their conscience and honour for a mess of political porridge that will destabilize the nation and enthrone fascism and one-party rule.” He stated that the National Assembly must rise to the occasion, defend the nation’s frail democracy and expunge the obnoxious Section 50(2) of the proposed Electoral bill which states, “Voting at election under this Bill shall be in accordance with the procedures determined by the Commission, which may include electronic voting PROVIDED that the Commission shall not transmit results of the elections by electronic means.” He also stated that the purpose of the electronic voting and transmission of results is to guarantee the sanctity of the ballot, adding that the offensive provision must be expunged forthwith and the Bill passed immediately to avoid anarchy in the polity. | IPAC, Electoral Bill 2021 | https://dailytrust.com/electoral-act-ipac-raises-alarm-over-result-transmission-exclusion | 6 | |
| DailyTrust Online | Monday, July 12, 2021 | INEC Job: Jega Asks Senate To Reject Onochie | Prof Attahiru Jega, a former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has asked the Senate not to confirm Lauretta Onochie as a National Commissioner of INEC. Onochie, who was nominated by President Muhammadu Buhari, was among those screened at the upper legislative chamber of the National Assembly on Thursday, July 8. Onochie’s nomination had sparked outrage from civil society groups, opposition lawmakers and even within the All Progressives Congress (APC). Many have argued that she is “too partisan” to be a commissioner in an institution like INEC. But Buhari has refused to withdraw her nomination despite the pressure. When he featured on Sunday Politics, a Channels Television programme, Jega spoke on the controversy over Onochie’s nomination.According to him, “This kind of controversy is really avoidable. Any person who generated such a controversy; the appointing authorities should be careful because you don’t want to appoint anybody that can raise suspicions or doubts or can lead to a loss of trust of the electoral management body.” He added that the President could withdraw Onochie’s nomination and replace her with another female from her state. The former INEC Chairman commended the National Assembly for taking steps to review the Electoral Amendment Act (2010) but faulted the exclusion of electronic transfer of results. He stated that the decision of the 9th Assembly to allow INEC to use electronic voting without the electronic transmission of results is counterproductive. Jega asked the National Assembly to diligently work to ensure that the Electoral Amendment Bill (2021) is appropriately amended before being passed. | Attahiru Jega, Electoral Bill | https://dailytrust.com/inec-job-jega-asks-senate-to-reject-onochie | 5 | |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Monday, July 12, 2021 | COVID-19: Dreaded Delta Variant Hits Oyo, As Lagos Slips Into Third Wave | The Oyo State COVID-19 Task Force has uncovered the virulent Delta variant of coronavirus in the state. The State Incident Manager and coordinator of the Emergency Operations Centre, Dr. Olabode Ladipo, who confirmed this development on Sunday, July 11, stated that the public is notified of the need to take extra caution and consistently apply all advisories earlier released by the task force. The Delta variant is a highly transmissible variant of COVID-19 originating from India and it infects people more rapidly than the other known COVID-19 variants. This is coming after the Federal Government last Thursday, July 8, confirmed the first case of Delta variant in the country. A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Seyi Makinde, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, on behalf of the task force, stated thus: “We wish to notify the general public of the isolation of the Delta variant of the COVID-19 virus in the state. This strain has been associated with high transmission, increased severity of infection and outcomes.” It warned residents to continue to comply with all advisories aimed at curtailing the spread of COVID-19, including all in-bound travellers being mandated to isolate for seven days and submit themselves for tests. In a related development, the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Sunday, July 11, stated that the state has started experiencing a third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Sanwo-Olu, who gave the alert while giving an update on the pandemic situation in the state and ongoing response of the government, added that the country stands the risks of losing both lives and livelihood on a devastating scale. | COVID-19, Third Wave, Lagos State, Oyo State | https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/national/covid-19-dreaded-delta-variant-hits-oyo-as-lagos-slips-into-third-wave/ | 5 | |
| ThisDayLive Online | Monday, July 12, 2021 | APC Urges Members to Participate in INEC's Continuous Voter Registration | The All Progressives Congress (APC) has called on its supporters and members at home and in the Diaspora to take advantage of the ongoing online Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to register and complete the process at designated centres from where they can obtain their Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVCs). The National Secretary of the Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee, Senator John Akpanudoedehe, in a statement issued on Sunday, July 11, stated that APC members across the country should equip themselves with the voters’ cards to enable them vote in the several forthcoming by-elections and other staggered elections culminating in the 2023 general elections. According to him, “We want to remind our members that the PVC is the only legal instrument voters need to elect leaders who can sustain the national ongoing efforts of the APC governments at the federal, state and local government areas to sustain its successes in renewing national infrastructure, transforming agriculture and diversifying the economy. We call on the over 40 million registered members of the APC to register and vote en masse to ensure that the party continues to be the leading and winning party,which has superior policies and orientation to implement projects and programmes aimed at improving the wellbeing of all Nigerians.” | APC, Continuous Voter Registration | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/07/12/apc-urges-members-to-participate-in-inec-continuous-voter-registration/ | 5 | |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Monday, July 12, 2021 | Oyo PDP Crisis Deepens as Faction Opens Office | The crisis besetting the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State took another dimension, at the weekend, as a faction opened a new secretariat for the party in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital. It was gathered that the office is located at Bodija area of Ibadan. The faction also has its state secretariat at Molete, Ibadan. A chieftain of the PDP in the state, Chief Adebisi Olopoenia, who spoke with The Guardian in Ibadan, on Sunday, July 11 on the development, stated thus: “We don’t believe in those at Molete office. We are not part of them in Molete. We can’t trust them.” | Oyo State, PDP | https://guardian.ng/politics/oyo-pdp-crisis-deepens-as-faction-opens-office/ | 5 | |
| ThisDayLive Online | Monday, July 12, 2021 | PDP Cautions Police Against Undermining Powers of Zamfara Deputy Gov | The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Sunday, July 11, condemned alleged attempt by the police to undermine the statutory powers of the Deputy Governor of Zamfara State, Mr. Mahdi Gusau, over what the party described as the decision of Governor Bello Matawalle to vacate his office by decamping to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The PDP stated that its position was predicated on the alleged harassment of the deputy governor by the police, including an unlawful and vexatious obstruction of a planned rally by the deputy governor, despite the statutory powers to do so, in a situation where the governor has vacated his office, in line with the extant ruling of the Supreme Court on the matter. The PDP in a statement by the National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Kola Ologbondiyan, stated that instead of harassing Gusau, the police, as agents of the law, should be providing him all the protection and privileges, particularly as the formal process for his official declaration given the vacation of office by Matawalle has already commenced at the Federal High Court. According to the statement, “The Police should know that by virtue of Section 221 of the 1999 Constitution, as well as the judgment of the Supreme Court in Faleke v. INEC (2016), that the Zamfara State governorship mandate belongs to the PDP and that Gusau, not Matawalle, is now the holder of that mandate, given Matawalle’s wilful defection to the APC. The PDP’s mandate is in no way transferable to the APC and the police and all security agencies should be guided by this.” | Zamfara State, PDP, Police | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/07/12/pdp-cautions-police-against-undermining-powers-of-zamfara-deputy-gov/ | 5 | |
| DailyTrust Online | Monday, July 12, 2021 | Ohanaeze Breaks Silence On Kanu’s Arrest, Engages Team To Monitor Trial | The apex Igbo socio-cultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has stated that it will send a delegation to monitor the trial of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu. Ohanaeze, in a communiqué on Sunday, July 11 after its National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, stated that its National Legal Adviser would lead the delegation comprising eminent Igbo leaders. The communiqué was signed by Ohanaeze’s spokesman, Alex Ogbonnia. The group stated that it identified with grievances of Igbo youths on the marginalisation and menace of herdsmen, among others in the region. It appealed to the Igbo youths to be law-abiding and allow their leaders and stakeholders to address their grievances through meaningful dialogue and negotiations. Part of the communique reads thus: “That Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has observed with keen interest, the recent re-arraignment and consequent trial of our son, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. That, in as much as Ohanaeze Ndigbo is not averse to his trial, we however submit that he should be tried within the ambit of the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and in line with global best practices”. The communiqué also disclosed that the group strongly supports the stand taken by the Southern Governors' Forum on anti-open grazing, restructuring, rotation of Nigeria's Presidency to the South in 2023, and the proposed 5% share of the Petroleum Industries Bill for the host communities. The communiqué further read thus: “That we identify with the Igbo youths in their grievances with respect to Igbo marginalisation, the menace of the Fulani herdsmen, etc. However, we do not support the use of any form of violence to redress the relative deprivation and prevailing inequality and injustice across the country.” | Ohaneze Ndigbo, Nnamdi Kanu | https://dailytrust.com/ohanaeze-breaks-silence-on-kanus-arrest-engages-team-to-monitor-trial | 5 | |
| Punch Newspaper | Monday, July 12, 2021 | South-West Govs Propose Six Regions, Demand LG Autonomy, Resource Control | Governors in the South-West geopolitical zone have proposed the conversion of the present six geopolitical zones into federating units, as part of the ongoing review of the 1999 Constitution by the National Assembly. The South West Governors’ Forum, in a document presented to members of the National Assembly from the geopolitical zone, also made other proposals to weaken central government, while allocating more powers to the federating units and states. Our correspondent obtained the document containing the proposals by the governors, which was presented to the South-West caucus of the National Assembly on Tuesday, July 6. The governors had met with the lawmakers in Abuja behind closed doors last week. Afer the meeting, Akeredolu had stated that the South-West would be approaching the Constitution amendment with a common front. He added that the meeting had set up a committee made of up senators led by the caucus chairman (Opeyemi Bamidele) and House of Representatives caucus chairman (Femi Fakeye) and attorneys-general of the South-West states. | South-West Governors | https://punchng.com/swest-govs-propose-six-regions-demand-lg-autonomy-resource-control/ | 5 | |
| ThisDayLive Online | Thursday, July 8, 2021 | NASS Increases Extra Budget By N86.9bn to N982.729bn | The National Assembly on Wednesday, July 7, increased the N895.842 billion supplementary budget proposal for the 2021 fiscal year submitted to its two chambers, the Senate and the House of Representatives, by President Muhammadu Buhari, by N87.9 billion and approved N982.729 billion. The Senate also approved the Federal Government’s request for $6.183 billion (N2.343 trillion) as external borrowing in 2021 Appropriation Act. Nonetheless, the Federal Government has intensified preparations for next year’s budget as it approved the 2022 – 2024 Medium Term Expenditure Framework and the Fiscal Strategy Paper (MTEF & FSP), authorising the funding of a N5.26 trillion budget deficit in 2022 through external borrowings. The passage of the Supplementary Appropriation Bill, 2021 by the Senate was a sequel to the presentation and consideration of a report by the Committee on Appropriation during plenary. Chairman of the Committee, Barau Jibrin stated that the committee, in line with the harmonised position with its House of Representatives counterpart, the Committee recommended an upward review of the funding of some security agencies that were grossly underfunded or not funded in the Supplementary Appropriation Bill. Also, the House Committee on Appropriation, in its report presented by the Chairman, Hon. Muktar Betara, increased the budget size to N982,729,695,343, representing an increase of N87.9 billion to Buhari’s proposal. | National Assembly, Supplementary Budget | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/07/08/nassembly-increases-extra-budget-by-n86-9bn-to-n982-729bn/ | 4 | |
| ThisDayLive Online | Thursday, July 8, 2021 | Malami: No Illegality in Re-arrest of Kanu | The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami, has defended the arrest of the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mr. Nnamdi Kanu, saying there was no illegality in the manner of arrest of the IPOB leader. He has also described the views of the Solicitor General of Alberta in Canada, Mr. Kelechi Amadi, regarding the arrest of Kanu as an “outrageously ignoramus opinion that is eccentric and weird.” Malami stated this on Wdnesday, July 7 in a statement that was issued by the Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the Office of the AGF, Dr. Umar Gwandu. Part of the statement read thus: “It is unfortunate for someone who claims to be a lawyer of a status of a Solicitor General of a provincial state of Alberta in Canada to fault the internationally-recognised manner through which Nnamdi Kanu who jumped bail was re-arrested and brought back to face trial,. Malami also insisted that there was no illegality in the arrest of Kanu. The statement surther read that, “It was abundantly clear that bench warrant was lawfully and judiciously procured through judicial process by a competent court of law, whose bail condition Nnamdi Kanu breached with impunity. There was no illegality in the entire process and the question of illegality does not even arise. It is a common principle of the law that he who comes to equity must come with clean hands." Malami wondered why Madu never spoke up when Kanu was inciting violence against Nigeria. | Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Kelechi Madu | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/07/08/malami-no-illegality-in-re-arrest-of-kanu/ | 4 | |
| DailyTrust Online | Thursday, July 8, 2021 | Northern Elders Give Conditions For Supporting Zoning of Presidency To South | The Northern Elders' Forum has stated that for the north to support the southern governors’ demand for the 2023 presidency, they must give a convincing reason and present the right candidate. NEF’s spokesman, Dr Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, who stated this on Channels TV on Wednesday, July 7, was reacting to the resolution of the Southern Governors' Forum meeting on Monday, July 5 in Lagos, that the South should be allowed to produce the President of Nigeria in 2023. Baba-Ahmed stated thus: “Southerners will have to convince the northerners on what they stand to benefit if they shift power to the south. You read in between the lines of their well-crafted communique that says that they want basically a southern presidency. It is not wrong. That means the North needs to yield the presidency to the southern part of the country. There is nothing wrong with that. The problem is the manner it is being pursued this time by people who were elected on the basis of the Constitution, who understand that politics is about getting up and convincing people rather than just sitting down and say ‘we want this, we want that.’ That’s wrong. Two, they must know that the manner they are doing this, not what they are looking for, but the manner in which they are doing it is likely to cause more problems for them than solve the problems.” He continued, "Show us why a southern presidency is the best for the North and the rest of Nigeria. This is a democratic country. Citizens vote. Nigerians, irrespective of where they are, will vote. Political parties have to do the hard work.” | Northern Elders' Forum, 2023 Presidency | https://dailytrust.com/northern-elders-give-conditions-for-supporting-zoning-presidency-to-south | 4 | |
| DailyTrust Online | Thursday, July 8, 2021 | Anambra Governorship: Court Restrains Ozigbo From Parading Self As PDP Candidate | A high court sitting in Awka, the Anambra State capital, has barred a factional candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the November 6, 2021 governorship election in the state, Valentine Ozigbo, from parading himself as the party’s candidate. An order issued by Justice Obiora Nwabunike in suit No. A/230/2021, Senator Uba Vs INEC & 2 ORS at the instance of counsel to Uba, Emeka Nwankwo, Esq. The court also prohibited the PDP from presenting Ozigbo as its candidate and restrained INEC from accepting Ozigbo as candidate of the PDP until the final determination of the suit brought by Uba to nullify the parallel congress held at the Dora Akunyili Women Development Centre, Awka at which Ozigbo emerged winner with 62 votes. Uba claimed that the congress at which Ozigbo emerged was convened in disobedience to the judgment of an Abuja High Court, in violation of Section 87 of the Electoral Act, sections 25 and 50 of the PDP Constitution and directive of INEC dated 22nd June 2021, which mandated PDP to comply with the Abuja High Court order issued by the Honourable Justice A.O. Adeniyi. He claimed that the primary election conducted in the Anambra State congress held at Saint Paul University, Awka at which he (Uba) emerged winner and PDP governorship candidate with 275 votes was the proper party primary election. | Anambra Governorship Election, PDP | https://dailytrust.com/anambra-govship-court-restrains-ozigbo-from-parading-self-as-pdp-candidate | 4 | |
| DailyTrust Online | Thursday, July 8, 2021 | PDP Lawmakers Back Southern Govs On State Police, Electoral Reform, Others | The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Caucus in the National Assembly has thrown its weight behind the resolutions of Southern governors on state police, electoral reform and five per cent oil equity share for host communities. The governors had, on Monday, July 5, in Lagos, rejected moves to manipulate and alter the Electoral Act to remove the electronic transmission of results and the three per cent share of the oil revenue allocated to host communities fund in the recently passed Petroleum Industry Bill. The PDP lawmakers, led by Senate and House Minority leaders, Enyinnaya Abaribe and Ndudi Elumelu respectively, at a joint press briefing on Wednesday, July 7, commended the bold steps of the governors for taking a common position on national issues despite their party differences. They described as “unpatriotic and mischievous” the alleged attempt to tamper with a critical component of the electoral bill and subvert democratic process, institutionalise rigging, bastardise and frustrate genuine efforts towards credible elections in the country. According to the legislators, “Electronic transmission of results is the only way to eliminate malpractice and manipulations associated with manual collation of results, including alteration, switching and disappearance of election materials while on transit to various collation centres.” | PDP Electoral Bill 2021, National Assembly | https://dailytrust.com/pdp-lawmakers-back-southern-govs-on-state-police-electoral-reform-others | 4 | |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Thursday, July 8, 2021 | NDDC Forensic Auditors Uncover 12,128 Abandoned Projects in Niger Delta | Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Godswill Akpabio, on Wednesday, July 7, disclosed that the interim reports from the forensic audit of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), has uncovered about 12,128 abandoned projects in the Niger Delta. Lamenting that the 12,128 projects have no specific ownership attached to them, he revealed that this was against the 9,080 projects listed for consideration in the verification process. Akpabio made this known when Deputy Secretary General of the United Nations (UN), Amina Mohammed, visited him in Abuja. He stated thus: “Most of the abandoned projects have become the abode of criminals. Projects were embarked on without consultations. There was no initial coordination. So, as part of its mandate, the ministry has adopted a programme called the Strategic Implementation Work Plan, which will coordinate activities of development partners and stakeholders to prevent duplication of projects in the region.” Responding, Mohammed stated that issues bordering on the Niger Delta region were peculiar to the UN and that it would do everything within UN programmes to address all issues of disillusionment in people’s expectation. She commended the Federal Government and the ministry for the way they have handled the Niger Delta affairs and moves to sanitise the NDDC. | Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), NDDC Projects | https://guardian.ng/news/nddc-forensic-auditors-uncover-12128-abandoned-projects-in-ndelta/ | 4 | |
| ThisDayLive Online | Wednesday, July 7, 2021 | Situation Room Condemns Plan to Increase Candidates’ Election Expenses | The Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room has expressed concern over the move to effect significant increase made to the limits for election expenses in clause 88 of the Electoral Bill by the National Assembly. The body, which is a coalition of civil society groups, also criticised the aspect of the bill that sought to ban electronic collation of election results. Addressing a press conference on Tuesday, July 6 in Abuja, the Convener of the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room, Ene Obi, stated that one of the issues of concern is the significant increase made to the limits for election expenses in clause 88 of the draft bill. The bill seeks to have the expenses of presidential election increased from N5billion to N15billion and that of governorship election from N1billion to N5billion. According to her, “Increased limits for election expenses will make the monitoring of campaign finances more difficult. The dominance of money politics in Nigeria’s elections is detrimental, as finances constitute a major hindrance to the inclusion of marginalised groups in politics, including women, youths and persons with disabilities. Situation Room, therefore, urges the National Assembly to review these provisions to allow for inclusivity in elections.” Speaking on the move to ban electoral transmission of election results in the country, Obi stated that the proposed provision of clause 50 (2)of the bill would only undermine INEC’s power and discretion to make any far-reaching progress on the use of technology in elections. She added that "providing for electronic voting but prohibiting electronic transmission of results is restrictive and hardly constitutes meaningful progress in this regard." | Electoral Bill, 2021, Election Expenses | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/07/07/situation-room-condemns-plan-to-increase-candidates-election-expenses/ | 3 | |
| ThisDayLive Online | Wednesday, July 7, 2021 | Civil Society Groups Block National Assembly Over Electoral Bill | Civil Society Organisations on Tuesday, July 6, made good their threats to stop legislative activities as they blocked the entrance to the National Assembly in Abuja. Though their protest was peaceful, they were encircled by a combined team of police and men of the Department of the State Security (DSS). The CSOs made vehicular movements in and out of the National Assembly difficult. However, they were scattered by the early morning rain, but notwithstanding, the protesters, who carried several placards with inscriptions like ‘Who forged the draft electoral bill?’; ‘You cannot rig 2023 general elections’; ‘You used electronic transmission of results in Edo and Ondo States, Why change it now?', among others, insisted that the election results must be transmitted electronically, as they made their views felt. They argued that what is the rationale behind voting electronically in elections when the results will not be transmitted electronically? The groups, under the aegis of Alliance of Civil Society Organisations for Expansion of Electoral and Democratic Space, consists of groups like Enough Is Enough, Yiaga Africa, Centre for Liberty, The Electoral Hub, among several others. The spokesman of National Consultative Front, Dr. Tanko Yunusa, stated that the alleged final copy of the Electoral Amendment Bill, which they have reviewed, does not represent the interests of the Nigerian people. According to him, “We, therefore, consider it a forged document that must not be substituted for our legitimate demands. The National Assembly should give us an electoral law that will stand the test of time in promoting credible elections.” | Civil Society Organisations, Electoral Bill 2021 | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/07/07/civil-society-groups-block-national-assembly-over-electoral-bill/ | 3 | |
| ThisDayLive Online | Wednesday, July 7, 2021 | UK Parliament to Debate Kanu’s Repatriation to Nigeria | The United Kingdom Parliament has disclosed that it would discuss issues surrounding the repatriation of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mr. Nnamdi Kanu. Kanu, who is also a British citizen, was arrested abroad and extradited to Nigeria to face trial for alleged treason. In a schedule posted on its website, the UK Parliament said it would discuss “the circumstances surrounding the transfer of Kanu to Nigeria against his will,” among other issues. According to the document, Lord Alton of Liverpool will be raising the issue at the House of Lords and will ask the British government to deliberate on Kanu’s repatriation to Nigeria. According to the document, “To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of (1) the alleged role of the government of Kenya in the detention and alleged mistreatment of Nigerian activist Nnamadi Kanu, (2) the circumstances surrounding the transfer of Kanu to Nigeria against his will, and (3) of any assistance being provided to him by the High Commission in Abuja.” The document also states that the question, tagged ‘HL1665’ tabled on July 5, 2021 will be “due for answer” by the “relevant government department” by July 19, 2021. | United Kingdom Parliament, Nnamdi Kanu | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/07/07/uk-parliament-to-debate-kanus-repatriation-to-nigeria/ | 3 | |
| ThisDayLive Online | Wednesday, July 7, 2021 | Gbajabiamila: Only Authentic Electoral Bill will Be Passed | The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila on Tuesday, July 6, debunked reports that the Electoral Bill, 2021 has been altered, declaring that only the authentic bill will be passed. He decried reports that the lawmakers were planning to remove electronic transmission of election results from thet bill, saying that they were yet to receive the report from the committee. Gbajabiamila’s statement was in response to a point of order raised by a member, Hon. Ugonna Ozurigbo, who stated that his constituents have inundated him with calls, demanding why the lawmakers would refuse electronic transfer of election results. Responding, the Speaker stated that he had made it a habit not to respond to every media report, as the committee saddled with the responsibility of working on the Electoral Act was yet to submit a report to the House. According to Gbajabiamila, “The committee has been given an assignment, they will do their work and present its report and the house as a whole will vote on that report clause by clause. Only the committee’s authentic report like it has always been, will take hold on the floor of the house, nothing more, nothing less. I have asked the chairman of that committee; she is not aware such. So it remains on the realm of speculations and we will be waiting until the committee submits its reports. Like I said that will be done before we close on the 14th (of July).” | Electoral Bill, Speaker of the House of Representatives | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/07/07/gbajabiamila-only-authentic-electoral-bill-will-be-passed/ | 3 | |
| ThisDayLive Online | Wednesday, July 7, 2021 | Buhari Won’t Delay Assent to PIB, Says Osinbajo | Vice President Yemi Osinbajo (SAN) on Tuesday, July 6, assured Nigerians that President Muhammadu Buhari will not delay to sign the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), which has just been passed by the National Assembly. Osinbajo, while declaring open the 20th Nigeria Oil and Gas (NOG) Conference and Exhibition in Abuja, described the passage of the legislation as a “feat,” noting that he was not unmindful of the challenges faced by operators in the oil and gas sector. Osinbajo, represented by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Mr. Timipre Sylva, stated that the global lockdown triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic had pushed the industry into a state of major economic crisis and further amplified the global clamour for cleaner and more sustainable renewable energy. According to him, “On behalf of the government, I can assure you that the eventual Act, if fully operational, its governance, administrative and fiscal provisions will be some of the most attractive in Africa.” | Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/07/07/buhari-wont-delay-assent-to-pib-says-osinbajo/ | 3 | |
| ThisDayLive Online | Wednesday, July 7, 2021 | South West Governors Set up Committee on Constitution Review | The six governors of the South West states on Tuesday, July 6, set up a committee on Constitution Review, after a meeting behind closed doors with South West federal lawmakers. The meeting which took place at Transcorp Hotel, Abuja lasted for over two hours. Governors in attendance were Dapo Abiodun, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Seyi Makinde and Gboyega Oyetola, of Ogun, Lagos, Oyo and Osun states, respectively. Also present was the Ekiti State Governor and Chairman of Nigeria Governors' Forum, Dr. Kayode Fayemi and his Ondo State counterpart, who is the Chairman of the Southern Governors' Forum and South West Governors' Forum, Rotimi Akeredolu. Akeredolu, earlier in his opening remarks, stated that issues set for discussions include, gender equality, federal structure in governance and fiscal decentralisation, state Police, amongst others. Reading the resolution shortly after the closed doors meeting, the governor explained that they deliberated with the lawmakers on several areas of interest, especially constitutional amendments and they resolved to set up a committee in order to present a common position as regards to the amendment. According to him, the committee is made of up senators led by the caucus Chairman Senator Opeyemi Bamidele; House of Representatives caucus Chairman, Hon. Femi Fakaye and attorneys of the South West states. | South West, Constitution Review | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/07/07/south-west-govs-set-up-committee-on-constitution-review-2/ | 3 | |
| ThisDayLive Online | Wednesday, July 7, 2021 | Kaduna School Confirms Abduction of 121 Students | The President of the Kaduna Baptist Convention, Rev. Ishaya Jangadi, on Tuesday, July 6, confirmed that 121 students were abducted by bandits at the Bethel Baptist High School, Damishi, Kaduna. The students were abducted on Monday, July 5, when the gunmen, said to be about 70 in number, invaded the school. Speaking in an interview with journalists after a meeting with parents of the abducted children at the school premises in Damishi village, Jangadi stated that the bandits had contacted the school authorities. Also, the bandits confirmed that the children were with them and were safe, adding that the bandits were yet to make any demand. Jangadi added that, “some of the children spoke with us” and they (the children) counted themselves and said 121 of them were with the bandits. He continued, “On Monday morning we received a distress information that bandits have entered our school. We alerted the security officers who came to our rescue and actually they respond. They came in and they met the bandits who were already going away with a number of our students and they start exchanging fire.” According to him, “In the course of exchanging fire, they lost two of the soldiers. We have 154 boarding students in the school. After the exchange of fire between the bandits and the security personnel, we came to the school and we recovered 28 students. Some of them hide in different places. Some of them in the course of taking them away, they escaped from the bandits and came back to the school. The bandits have not made any demands.” He explained that the meeting with the parents was to calm them and solicit for their support in ensuring the release of the students. He also added that, “We have informed the government about this matter and we had meeting with them and they told us that they will do everything possible to rescue the students.” | Kaduna School, Abduction | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/07/07/kaduna-school-confirms-abduction-of-121-students/ | 3 | |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Wednesday, July 7, 2021 | Bill to Amend Law on Protests Passes First Reading | A bill proposing a five-year jail term for unlawful protesters in the country has been presented for first reading at the House of Representatives. Sponsored by Emeka Chinedu Martins (PDP-Imo), the bill was presented before the House on Thursday, July 1. Martins stated that the bill is an act to amend the Criminal Code ACT, CAP 38, Laws Of The Federation Of Nigeria, 2004 to further preserve the sanctity of human life and property, and to provide specifically for mob action, prescribe punishment and other matters. Part of the bill read thus: “(1) The provisions of the Criminal Code Act, (in this Bill referred to as the “Principal Act”) is amended as set out in this Bill. (2) Substitute for section 69 of the Principal Act, a new section 69. Definitions: Unlawful assembly, Riot, Mob action (a) When three or more persons, with intent to carry out some common purpose, assemble in such a manner or, being assembled, conduct themselves in such a manner as to cause persons in the neighbourhood to fear on reasonable grounds that the persons so assembled will tumultuously disturb the peace, or will by such assembly needlessly and without any reasonable occasion provoke other persons tumultuously to disturb the peace, they are an unlawful assembly. It is immaterial that the original assembling was lawful if, being assembled; they conduct themselves with a common purpose in such a manner as aforesaid.” | Bill Against Unlawful Protests, House of Representatives | https://guardian.ng/news/bill-to-amend-law-on-protests-passes-first-reading/ | 3 | |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Wednesday, July 7, 2021 | Court Jails Two INEC ex-Officials One Year Over Misappropriation | The Lagos Zonal office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has secured the conviction of two former officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) before Justice Mahmoud Abdul-Gafar of the Kwara State High Court sitting in Ilorin, Kwara State. The convicts, Christian Nwosu and Tijani Inda Bashir, were arraigned on a seven-count charge bordering on criminal misappropriation and criminal breach of trust while they were in the employ of INEC. The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges leading to their full trial. During the trial, the prosecution, led by Rotimi Oyedepo, called witnesses and tendered several documents that were admitted in evidence by the court. In the face of the overwhelming evidence against them, the convicts opted for a plea-bargain and at the same time changed their pleas to “guilty.” Consequently, the prosecution reviewed the facts before the court and prayed that the defendants be convicted accordingly. Delivering his judgment, Justice Abdul-Gafar found them guilty of the offences and sentenced them to one year imprisonment each. | INEC, EFCC | https://guardian.ng/news/court-jails-two-inec-ex-officials-one-year-over-misappropriation/ | 3 | |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Wednesday, July 7, 2021 | North East Governors Accuse FG, Agencies of Sidelining Region in Recruitment | Governors in Nigeria’s northeast region have accused Federal government agencies of sidelining its citizens in recruitments. Chairman of the Northeast Governors’ Forum, Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State, and his colleagues in the region on Tuesday, July 6 arrived in Jalingo for a two-day meeting. The governors from the Northeast on Tuesday met in Taraba State for a meeting to discuss issues affecting their region. In a communique signed by Zulum, the governors appreciated the efforts of the Commissioners of the Federal Character Commission, appreciated at ensuring compliance with the Federal Character principle. The Forum, however, “expressed dismay over the shortfall in the number of applicants from the region in the recent recruitment into some Federal Agencies. The forum, therefore, resolved to follow up with all the concerned agencies to ensure that the region gets its fair share in the recruitments into the concerned agencies.” | North East Governors, Marginalisation | https://guardian.ng/news/northeast-governors-accuse-fg-agencies-of-sidelining-region-in-recruitment/ | 3 | |
| DailyTrust Online | Monday, July 5, 2021 | PIB Passage Will Ease Pains Of Nigerians — IPMAN | The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) says the passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill has come to ease Nigerians of the pains that necessitated the call for the bill in the first instance. IPMAN National Public Relations Officer, Yakubu Suleiman, in a statement on Sunday, July 4, stated that the passage of the bill would further solidify IPMAN’s support for the deregulation of the oil industry. According to him, "Notable among the clauses in the historic bill is the Petroleum Equalization section which would remain a main factor to stabilize the industry across the country. If signed into law by President Muhammadu Buhari as it was passed by the Senate, the PIB will change the landscape of the industry positively and above all, it would attract a smooth flow of foreign direct investments that would shore up the revenue base of the country and reduce the dependence offoreign loans to execute the nations’ budgets. The passage of the bill by the Senate last week is a clear demonstration of the fact that our lawmakers are in touch with the masses and ready to play their role in easing the financial stress on Nigerians who were used to unstable pricing of commodities due to the unpredictable nature of fuel prices.” Suleiman thanked the National Assembly for presenting Nigerians with “this tangible dividend of democracy.” He added that IPMAN members would obey every section of the law that would require them to make life easy for Nigerians. | Petroleum Industry Bill, Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria | https://dailytrust.com/pib-passage-will-ease-pains-of-nigerians-ipman | 2 | |
| DailyTrust Online | Monday, July 5, 2021 | FG To Empower 50,000 Persons With Disabilities | The Federal Government says 50,000 Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) will benefit from its conditional cash transfer to cushion the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Executive Secretary, National Commission of Persons with Disability, James Lalu, at a press conference in Abuja last weekend, stated that data collection for beneficiaries would commence today, Monday, July 5. Decrying what he called years of neglect of PWDs in the country, Lalu noted that the intervention was among severka programmes by the Federal Government to ease the plight of the disability community. He stated that beneficiaries would be drawn from the 744 local government areas with the majority to be selected in the rural areas. Lalu stated thus: “The data collection will start from Monday with officials going round the 36 states of the Federation to collect necessary information. Those who may not have a bank account are encouraged to open a bank account because the information on bank account will be received too.” He appealed to state governments to use their established structures to help ease the task by providing information on those in dire need of the intervention. He explained that the money was a start-up capital to empower the beneficiaries, urging them to utilise it for proper investment. He added that the commission was making efforts towards ensuring that five per cent of staff in the public sector were PWDs as “consultation is ongoing with relevant stakeholders.” | Federal Government, Persons With Disabilities | https://dailytrust.com/fg-to-empower-50000-persons-with-disabilities | 2 | |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Monday, July 5, 2021 | Bandits Abduct Students in Kaduna School | Bandits have attacked Bethel Baptist School, a private college located at the Maraban Rido area in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State, and abducted an unspecified number of students. The kidnappers reportedly invaded the school located along Kaduna – Kachia road in the early hours of Monday, July 5 and shot sporadically into the air before kidnapping the students. Four of the students escaped while the rest were taken away by the bandits to an unknown destination. | Kaduna State, Bandits | https://guardian.ng/news/bandits-abduct-students-in-kaduna-school/ | 2 | |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Monday, July 5, 2021 | We’re Ready For NLC, Says El-Rufai | Kaduna State Government has stated that it is to squaring up with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) over the threat of another industrial action. The Governor, who condemned the threat by labour to engage in another strike in the state soon, accused the NLC of engaging in falsehood by alleging that the state government sacked workers. He stated thus: “The local councils, which are autonomous, have disengaged some employees because the they are facing more financial crisis than the State government. They were quicker in letting go of some employees. I think they were about 2,000 mostly unqualified teachers and those who forged certificates and so on. The local councils have sacked some. Of course, I am being blamed for that, as if the State government controls the local councils. NLC is threatening to come back. We are ready for them. That is what we would say. We would not give them opportunity to jeopardise the lives of the people of Kaduna. We are ready for them and we are planning for them.” | Kaduna State Government, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) | https://guardian.ng/news/were-ready-for-nlc-says-el-rufai/ | 2 | |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Monday, July 5, 2021 | Lagos Police Parade 49 Suspects Arrested At Yoruba Nation Protest | The Lagos State Police Command on Sunday, July 4, paraded 49 suspects arrested at the ‘Yoruba nation’ protest. The Commissioner of Police in the State, Hakeem Odumosu, paraded them at the command headquarters. The protesters had on Saturday, July 3, staged a protest at the Gani Fawehinmi Park, Ojota, Lagos. They were however, dispersed by security men. The CP explained that the suspects were arrested for violating the ban that no rally or gathering should hold in Lagos State. He stated that they would be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department for investigation and prosecution. According to him, “The Lagos state government and the police command kicked against any rally of any kind in the State due to the unfavourable intelligence gathered about the rally. We advised the demonstrators to steer clear of Lagos state due to the fact that it could not afford another loss that was incurred during the #EndSARS. Yesterday, some people came to foment trouble in the State during the rally and the command arrested 49 suspects during the rally." | Police, 'Yoruba nation’ Protest | https://dailytrust.com/lagos-police-parade-49-suspects-arrested-at-yoruba-nation-protest | 2 | |
| DailyTrust Online | Thursday, July 1, 2021 | PDP Storms NASS, Demand Onochie's Rejection As INEC Commissioner | The leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Wednesday, June 30, staged a peaceful protest at the National Assembly, calling on the Senate to reject the nomination of Lauretta Onochie as National Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). President Muhammadu Buhari had, on October 12, nominated Onochie, his aide on social media, and five others for appointment as INEC officials. Onochie’s nomination had sparked thunderous outrage from the opposition lawmakers and some from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and civil society groups, who argued that she was “too partisan” to be a commissioner in an important institution like INEC. The Senate, eight months after receiving Buhari’s request, referred the nominations to its committee on INEC for screening. The PDP members led by its National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus, demonstrated at the National Assembly and asked the Senate committee to reject the nomination of Mrs. Onochie “because she cannot be neutral or independent” in her role as INEC commissioner. In a protest letter addressed to the committee’s chairman, Senator Kabiru Gaya, the PDP stated that Onochie’s confirmation would be a wholesome abuse of democratic tenets and drag the reputation of the President and the Senate to the mud. | PDP, Lauretta Onochie, INEC | https://dailytrust.com/pdp-storms-n-assembly-wants-onochie-rejected-as-inec-commissioner | 1 | |
| DailyTrust Online | Thursday, July 1, 2021 | INEC Harps On Security For Conduct Of Elections | The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has stated that security is important for the conduct of the 2023 general elections in the country. The INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, made this known on Wednesday, June 30 in Abuja at the 2021 annual Abubakar Momoh memorial lecture at The Electoral Institute (TEI), with the theme ‘Security and Elections: Implications for Anambra State Governorship and 2023 general elections’. Momoh, who died on May 29, 2017, was a former Director General of TEI. Yakubu, represented by a National Commissioner and Chairman Board of Electoral Institute (BEI), Malam Mohammed Haruna, stated that security is a critical issue that goes along with elections. He stated thus: “Elections can hardly be conducted where there is insecurity. Nigeria, as it is today, is facing a myriad of security challenges and these have affected all facets of our daily living, making life very unbearable for so many citizens. Banditry, kidnapping and activities of some dangerous elements in our society are posing serious challenges to our electoral and democratic processes. INEC, as an election monitoring body (EMB), is seriously concerned about the challenge all these pose on the delivery of its mandate, which includes the conduct of free, fair and credible elections in the country. In this respect, there is reason to be especially concerned about the Anambra State governorship election and eventually the 2023 general elections. To avoid any constitutional crisis, these elections must be conducted in line with the constitutional timelines. This means we must do everything to remove the security or any other threat to the commission’s commitment to the delivery of its mandate.” | INEC, Election Security | https://dailytrust.com/2023-inec-harps-on-security-for-conduct-of-elections | 1 | |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Thursday, July 1, 2021 | Nnamdi Kanu: UK Seeks Clarification, To Provide Him Consular Assistance | The British Government has stated that it would provide consular assistance for the arrested leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu. This was disclosed on Wednesday, June 30 by the Head of Communications, British High Commission in Nigeria, Dean Hurlock. As controversies and speculations raged over where and how Kanu was arrested and extradited to the country on Sunday, June 27, the British High Commission had earlier dispelled rumours he was arrested in the United Kingdom (UK), where he was based before his arrest in 2015. Hurlock stated thus: “We are aware of reports that Nnamdi Kanu has been detained in Nigeria by the Federal Government. We can confirm that Kanu was not arrested in the UK for extradition purposes.” Kanu, who was born on September 25, 1967, is a holder of Nigerian and British passports. Upon his arrest and extradition from a foreign country, he was arraigned before Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday, June 29 for terrorism-related charges and has since been remanded in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS). Hurlock continued: “The British High Commission in Abuja is currently in the process of seeking clarification from the Nigerian government about the circumstances of the arrest. With regard to any questions about whether the British High Commission are providing assistance in this case, we can confirm that the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office stands ready to provide consular assistance,” He added that the British Government “expects any trial or legal proceedings to follow due process.” | Nnamdi Kanu, United Kingdom Government | https://guardian.ng/news/nnamdi-kanu-uk-seeks-clarification-to-provide-him-consular-assistance/ | 1 | |
| ThisDayLive Online | Thursday, July 1, 2021 | House Moves To Extend Tenure of Service Years For Legislative Staff | A bill seeking to extend the service year of legislative staff from 60 to 65 years of age and from 40 to 45 years of service has been introduced in the House of Representatives. The bill, which was read for the first time at the plenary on Wednesday, June 30 is however, against the usual civil service age of 60 years of age and 40 years of service. The bill titled: ‘Harmonised retirement age of staff of legislative Houses in Nigeria Bill, 2021’ seeks to lead to modest improvement in the conditions of service of staff, strengthen and reposition the legislative by laying a solid foundation for sustainable legislative bureaucracy. The bill, sponsored by Hon. Mohammed Monguno, believes that the five years extension remains a better option, instead of hiring retired staff as consultant to do the same work they can do with just 58 years without additional cost and burden. The bill also seeks to help build institutional memory and develop career progression plan within the bureaucracy of the National Assembly. The bill also seeks to professionalise and ensure the transfer of knowledge and experience by the top level management staff members who are at the verge of exiting the system. | House of Representatives, National Assembly, Civil Service | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/07/01/house-moves-to-extend-service-year-of-legislative-staff/ | 1 | |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Thursday, July 1, 2021 | NCDC Seeks Stronger Collaboration For Health Security In Nigeria | The Director-General of Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, has called for stronger collaboration with pharmaceutical industries as part of measures to strengthen the country’s health security. Ihekweazu made the call in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday, June 30 in Abuja. He stated that the NCDC had earlier indicated interest for intensified stronger collaboration with pharmaceutical manufacturers at the third Public Lecture of the Board of Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria. He stated that he highlighted the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on national development and health care system at the forum. According to him, measures are needed to collaborate with operators in the pharmaceutical industry to co-create a stronger future for health security in the country. Ihekweazu recalled that Nigeria experienced several disease outbreaks in the last five years including large outbreaks of cerebrospinal meningitis, Lassa fever and the COVID-19 pandemic. He, however, said that focus should not be on what happened but on what was done with what happened. | NCDC, Health Security | https://guardian.ng/news/ncdc-seeks-stronger-collaboration-for-health-security-in-nigeria/ | 1 | |
| ThisDayLive Online | Thursday, July 1, 2021 | Bill to Give More Powers, Responsibilities to LGs Passes Second Reading | A bill for an Act to amend the provision of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution to give more powers and responsibilities to the local government authorities has passed second reading in the House of Representatives. The bill, which was sponsored by Hon. Oberuakpefe Afe, seeks to provide local councils with legal backing to base their security roles as they collaborate with federal law enforcement agencies. Leading the debate on the bill at the plenary on Wednesday, June 30, Afe stated that constitutional democracy is touted and acknowledged as the best form of government because the window available to the legislature is to continually work on its provisions to meet the changing needs of the time, hence, every constitutional democracy is still witnessing amendments irrespective of the age. The lawmaker stated that it has been acknowledged in many public fora that the responsibility given to local government councils under the 5th Schedule is restrictive and nebulous in tenor, such that elected officers in the councils are not challenged enough to carry out projects for the benefit of residents of their local councils. Afe further stated thus: “I respectfully submit that a template that permits flexibility in the system of local government is preferred to a regimented system dictated by the centre which is difficult to adjust to changing needs and circumstances.” | Local Government, Constitution Review | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/07/01/bill-to-give-more-powers-responsibilities-to-lgs-passes-second-reading/ | 1 | |
| ThisDayLive Online | Thursday, July 1, 2021 | House Investigates Non-payment of Allowances To Army Personnel From 2017 | The House of Representatives has ordered an investigation into the non-payment and under utilisation of non-regular allowances of army personnel from 2017 despite increment in budgetary provision for the allowances in 2020 and 2021. The decision of the House was sequel to the adoption of a motion of urgent national importance moved by Hon. Abubakar Nalaraba at the plenary on Wednesday, June 30. Moving the motion, the lawmaker recalled the significant upward review of non-regular allowances of the Nigerian army in 2017 to ensure that serving army personnel are adequately remunerated and motivated for optimum performance in provision of adequate security in the country. The lawmaker noted that the non-regular allowance, which includes payments such as first 28 days allowance, operations allowance and duty tour allowance of soldiers and officers, was necessitated to mitigate the effects of current economic realities on the welfare of troops and the entire personnel of the Nigerian army. Nalaraba stated that the increment was captured in the Manual of Finance Administration (MAFA) and approved for implementation by President Muhammadu Buhari on January 26, 2018. | The House of Representatives has ordered an investigation into the non-payment and under utilisation of non-regular allowances of army personnel from 2017 despite increment in budgetary provision for the allowances in 2020 and 2021. The decision of the House was sequel to the adoption of a motion of urgent national importance moved by Hon. Abubakar Nalaraba at the plenary on Wednesday, June 30. Moving the motion, the lawmaker recalled the significant upward review of non-regular allowances of the Nigerian army in 2017 to ensure that serving army personnel are adequately remunerated and motivated for optimum performance in provision of adequate security in the country. The lawmaker noted that the non-regular allowance, which includes payments such as first 28 days allowance, operations allowance and duty tour allowance of soldiers and officers, was necessitated to mitigate the effects of current economic realities on the welfare of troops and the entire personnel of the Nigerian army. Nalaraba stated that the increment was captured in the Manual of Finance Administration (MAFA) and approved for implementation by President Muhammadu Buhari on January 26, 2018. | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/07/01/house-investigates-non-payment-of-allowances-to-army-personnel-from-2017/ | 1 | |