Edo/Ondo Polls: Don’t Test Our Will To Act, IGP Warns Politicians – [LEADERSHIP]
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Adamu, yesterday warned political actors in the forthcoming governorship elections in Edo and Ondo States against threatening the nation’s democracy and security, saying the force will not hesitate to bring them to justice.
The IGP who issued the warning yesterday during a conference with the commanders of the 79 Police Mobile Force (PMF) at the Force headquarters, Abuja, cautioned all political gladiators to situate all their electioneering activities within the dictates of rule of law.
While the Edo election holds on September 19, the Ondo poll is billed for October 10.
The IGP said, “I strongly warn all political gladiators and the electorate in Edo and Ondo States to situate all their electioneering activities within the dictates of rule of law.
“I affirm that anyone, regardless of his or her political leaning, that attempts to test our will by threatening our democratic values and national security on account of his or her electoral interests shall be promptly identified, isolated, and brought to desired justice”.
IGP Adamu however charged commanders of the 79 PMF Squadrons spread across the nation to exhibit high-level professionalism, neutrality and embrace a citizen-friendly approach in policing the forthcoming gubernatorial elections.
He said the conference centred on the deployment of the PMF for the elections and general review of the current internal security threats in the country.
He said it also availed the Force leadership the opportunity to further re-strategise on best approaches on mitigating security threats particularly as contained in the Election Security Threat Assessment Reports.
The IGP also noted that the PMF which has remained at the forefront of tactical operations in the country is central to the operational plans of the Force towards a successful election in the two States.
The police boss who observed that the elections were coming on the heels of the just concluded PMF Commanders’ course held at Ende Hills, Nasarawa State, charged the officers to take advantage of the new insights and experiences drawn from the training to positively impact their leadership roles in the elections and beyond.
Adamu further assured residents in Edo and Ondo States of the preparedness of the Nigeria Police Force in conjunction with other security agencies and other critical stakeholders in the elections, to ensure the success of the forthcoming elections in the two states.
Fuel Subsidy Gulped N10.4trn In 14 Years – FG [LEADERSHIP]
The federal government yesterday maintained that there was no going back on removal of subsidy, stating that in the last 14 years the sum of N10.413 trillion had been spent on the subsidy regime.
It said any form of subsidy that had been draining government coffers has been stopped, including tariff on electricity which also hit N1.7trillion.
The federal government also alleged that opportunistic opposition and their allies were playing dirty politics with the issue of petrol pricing and electricity tariff in the country.
Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, who gave government’s position during a news conference in Abuja noted that the naysayers did not complain when the price adjustment led to lower petrol prices on at least two occasions since March.
Mohammed stressed that subsidising fuel was no longer feasible, especially under the prevailing economic conditions in the country.
He said the country can no longer afford fuel subsidy, as revenues and foreign exchange earnings have fallen by almost 60 per cent due to the downturn in the fortunes of the oil sector.
He urged Nigerians to renounce those who have latched onto the issues of petrol pricing and electricity tariff review to throw the country into chaos.
Mohammed stressed that the timing of the two necessary adjustments in the petroleum and power sectors which has raised some concerns among Nigerians was a mere coincidence.
The deregulation of PMS prices was announced on March 18, 2020, and the price modulation that took place at the beginning of the month was just part of the ongoing monthly adjustments to global crude oil prices.
To this effect, the Information minister said that the government had to sustain expenditures, especially on salaries and capital projects.
Mohammed noted that even though the federal government acted to mitigate the effect of the economic slowdown by adopting an economic sustainability plan, it also had to make some difficult decisions to stop unsustainable practices that were weighing the economy down.
He, however, said angry reactions that greeted the latest price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) were unnecessary and totally mischievous.
He recalled that the price of fuel then dropped from 145 to 125 Naira per litre, and then to between 121.50 and 123.50 Naira per litre in May.
The minister stated: “With the low price of crude oil then, the cost of petrol, which is a derivative of crude oil, fell, and the lower pump price was passed on to the consumers to enjoy. With the price of crude inching up, the price of petrol locally is also bound to increase, hence the latest price of 162 Naira per litre.
“If, perchance, the price of crude drops again, the price of petrol will also drop, and the benefits will also be passed on to the consumers. The angry reactions that have greeted the latest prices of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) are therefore unnecessary and totally mischievous.
PMB Warns West African Leaders Against Tenure Elongation [LEADERSHIP]
President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday cautioned ECOWAS leaders against the temptation of elongating their tenure in office beyond constitutional limits.
Sounding the warning while presenting Nigeria’s General Statement at the 57th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Heads of State and Government in Niamey, Niger Republic, the president urged his colleagues to respect constitutional provisions and ensure free and fair elections.
He said, “It is important that as leaders of our individual Member-States of ECOWAS, we need to adhere to the constitutional provisions of our countries, particularly on term limits.
“This is one area that generates crisis and political tension in our sub-region. As it is, the challenges facing the sub-region are enormous; from socio-economic matters to security issues, the ECOWAS sub-region cannot therefore afford another political crisis, in the guise of tenure elongation. I urge us all to resist the temptation of seeking to perpetuate ourselves in power beyond the constitutional provisions.
“I commend those in our midst that have resisted such temptations, for they will be deemed exceptional role models in their respective countries and the sub-region as a whole.
“Related to this call for restraint is the need to guarantee free, fair and credible elections. This must be the bedrock for democracy to be sustained in our sub-region, just as the need for adherence to the rule of law.”
On the political situation in Mali, President Buhari said it is of serious concern to ECOWAS, and commended President Mahamadou Issoufou of Niger Republic and out-going chair of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government and the Leadership of the ECOWAS Commission, as well as the chief mediator, former Nigerian President, Goodluck Jonathan, “for effectively demonstrating commitment in handling the political situation in that country.”
A statement by presidential spokesman, Garba Shehu, further quoted the president as saying: “Nigeria remains resolutely committed to ECOWAS decision for a civilian-led Transition Government not exceeding 12 months. This is important because of the circumstances surrounding Mali where violent non-state actors and other negative tendencies reside and who can take advantage of the unstable political situation to overrun the country, thereby plunging it into greater danger that will affect the political stability of the whole sub-region.
“While Nigeria understands the current political realities in Mali, the sub-region’s commitment to the Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance, must never be compromised.
Doctors begin nationwide strike [THE NATION]
National Association of Residents Doctors (NARD), on Monday began a nationwide strike.
But the Federal Government directed them to return to work because it had met six of their eight demands.
Our correspondents, who went round some hospitals, reported that NARD members, including those in the frontline of the battle against COVID-19, complied with their national leadership’s call to drop their stethoscopes.
Labour and Employment Minister Chris Ngige, in a statement by the Deputy Director of Press and Public Relations, Ministry of Health, implored the NARD members to resolve the outstanding issues with the Federal Government through dialogue.
He explained that in spite of the lean resources available due to the COVID-19 effects on crude oil, the government had addressed most of their demands, including Special Hazard and Inducement Allowances, and Group Life Insurance.
The minister however, reminded the doctors that by labour laws and the International Labour Organisation (ILO) conventions, when issues are being conciliated, all parties are enjoined not to employ arm-twisting methods to intimidate or foist a state of helplessness on the other party, in this case, the Federal Ministry of Health.
He said: “There is a pending case in the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN), instituted by two civil society groups against NARD, the Minister of Health, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice as well as the Minister of Labour and Employment.”
The doctors first embarked on an indefinite strike on the June 15, but suspended it June 22 due to the intervention of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum.
They gave the government a four-week window to meet their demands on or before August 17.
But yesterday, they decided to resume the strike, having reached the conclusion that government had failed to fulfill its promises.
NARD National Publicity Secretary of the association, Dr. Stanley Egbuogu, told The Nation that the strike was total in many hospitals.
He said: “Doctors in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have complied fully because in most of the places we visited today (on Monday), we observed full compliance.
“We are also getting reports from different centres. By the end of today (yesterday), we will now be able to assess how far we have gone with compliance. For now, the result has been good.
“None of our members in treatment and isolation centres for the management of COVID-19 patients is working. Only consultants and other doctors that are not our members are working.”
NARD Chairman in Ebonyi State, Chidubem Osuagwu, said the doctors At the Alex Ekwueme Federal Teaching Hospital in Abakaliki were protesting the non-implementation of the COVID-19 welfare package.
He said: “The Federal Government did not respect the agreement we had we them. They were to pay for six months, but they paid only April and May.
“The agreement was that they would pay 60 per cent of basic salary to doctors working in any hospital treating COVID-19 while other health workers would get 40 per cent.
“Also, there is an additional 20 per cent to those treating COVID-19 patients.”
Osuagwu said the doctors also had issues with the residency training.
“They claimed that it was captured in the 2020 Budget, but up till now, there has been no implementation. The last report we got is that there was no provision for it,” he added.
In Anambra State, Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) members, also joined in the strike.
Killings must stop, say Sultan, emirs – [THE NATION]
There must be an immediate end to killings, banditry and insurgency in the North, traditional rulers said on Monday.
They decried the “senseless killings in Southern Kaduna” and called on all those behind the four-decade crises to immediately sheathe their swords.
The monarchs, who also deliberated on the effects of COVID-19 on the people of the region, however, promised to come up with strategies that could help the Federal Government and states contain the security challenges in the North.
The meeting of the Northern Traditional Rulers Council which was presided over by the Chairman of the council and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar (III), had most of the senior traditional rulers in Kaduna State, Governor Nasir El-Rufai and council chairmen in attendance.
The Sultan said: “Everybody in Nigeria is worried about these crises. They have been lingering for many years. But I think it is time to put a stop to this madness. It is total madness for people to kill one another for no just reason. No sane government would condole this continuous murder of people
“Recently, we have seen concerned citizens, stakeholders and groups visit to Sir Kasim Ibrahim House to discuss with the governor on this lingering issue. I want to believe the beginning of the end of this mayhem and madness has started.
“Most of the chairmen are here and we believe at the end of this session, we will come up with a position paper that will be sent to the Kaduna state government on the best ways of finding a lasting solution to peace and stability not only in Kaduna but in other parts of northern states.”
Governor El-Rufai said his government was doing everything possible to bring the crisis in Southern Kaduna to an end.
He pointed out that the “communal clashes have been going on since 1980″ in Kaduna’ a state he described as “a mini-Nigeria.”
No return to petrol, power subsidy, says Federal Govt [THE NATION]
Government on Monday stamped a note of finality on the removal of subsidy on petrol.
It said the adjustment of tariff on electricity is driven by the need to guarantee efficiency in power supply.
The price of petrol went up from N138.63 to between N162 and N164 per litre last week after the September price modulation.
Power Distribution Companies (DisCos) also adjusted the tariffs.
Nigerians have been lamenting the payment of high rates in the two sectors which are central to their lives.
President Muhammadu Buhari and three ministers at separate fora rose in defence of the decision to end the subsidy regime.
The President spoke through Vice President Yemi Osinbajo at the retreat for ministers. Three ministers – Lai Mohammed (Information), Timipre Sylva (Petroleum State) and Saleh Mohammed (Power) – spoke at a news conference.
The government also listed some of the measures put in place to prevent Nigerians from being cheated and how to ameliorate the harsh effects of the increased rates.
Buhari said having lost 60 per cent of revenue due to the effects of Coronavirus Pandemic, the government had no alternative than to do away with petrol subsidy which it could no longer afford.
The minister of Information puts the amount expanded on petrol subsidy in 13 years at N10.41 trillion.
He added that the Buhari administration expended N1.7 trillion to supplement electricity tariffs shortfalls.
Describing the new price regime in the sectors as “painful”, Mohammed said the government “will not inflict hardship” on Nigerians and promised that “brighter and more prosperous days will come soon.”
He added: “The government can no longer afford to subsidize petrol prices because of its many negative consequences. These include a return to the costly subsidy regime. With 60% less revenues today, we cannot afford the cost.
“The second danger is the potential return of fuel queues – which has, thankfully, become a thing of the past under this administration. The days in which Nigerians queue for hours and days just to buy petrol, often at very high prices, are gone for good. Of course, there is also no provision for fuel subsidy in the revised 2020 budget because we just cannot afford it.
“The cost of fuel subsidy is too high and unsustainable. From 2006 to 2019, fuel subsidy gulped N10.413trillion. That is an average of N743.8 billion per annum. “According to figures provided by the NNPC, the breakdown of the 14-year subsidy is as follows: 2006 (N257b); 2007 (N272b); 2008 (N631b); 2009 (N469b); 2010 (N667b); 2011 (N 2.105tn); 2012 (N1.355tn); 2013 (N1.316tn);2014 (N1.217tn); 2015 (N654b); 2016 (Figure Not Available); 2017 (N144.3b); 2018 (N730.86b) and 2019 (N595b).”
He said although the removal of subsidy will come with pains, the government will do its best to mitigate it.
He added: “The Federal Government is not unmindful of the pains associated with higher fuel prices at this time. That is why we will continue to seek ways to cushion the pains, especially for the most vulnerable Nigerians. The government is providing cheaper and more efficient fuel in form of auto gas.
“Also, the government, through the PPPRA, will ensure that marketers do not exploit citizens through arbitrarily hike in pump prices. And that is why the PPPRA announced the range of prices that must not be exceeded by marketers.
He gave insights into options weighed by the government before deciding to withdraw the subsidy.
He said with 60 per cent drop in revenues, the government could no longer sustain fuel subsidy.
Mohammed said: ”As you are aware, the long-drawn fuel subsidy regime ended in March 2020, when the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) announced that it had begun fuel price modulation, in accordance with prevailing market dynamics, and would respond appropriately to any further oil market development.
“Recall that the price of fuel then dropped from N145 to N125 per litre, and then to between N121.50 and N123.50 per litre in May.
“With the low price of crude oil then, the cost of petrol, which is a derivative of crude oil, fell, and the lower pump price was passed on to the consumers to enjoy.
“With the price of crude inching up, the price of petrol locally is also bound to increase, hence the latest price of N162 per litre.
“If, perchance, the price of crude drops again, the price of petrol will also drop, and the benefits will also be passed on to the consumers. The angry reactions that have greeted the latest prices of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) are therefore unnecessary and totally mischievous.
“The truth of the matter is that subsidizing fuel is no longer feasible, especially under the prevailing economic conditions in the country. The government can no longer afford fuel subsidy, as revenues and foreign exchange earnings have fallen by almost 60%, due to the downturn in the fortunes of the oil sector.
“Yet, the government has had to sustain expenditures, especially on salaries and capital projects. Even though we have acted to mitigate the effect of the economic slowdown by adopting an Economic Sustainability Plan, we have also had to take some difficult decisions to stop unsustainable practices that were weighing the economy down.
I ran for cover when Offa robbers attacked police station, says ex-DPO [THE NATION]
A former Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Offa police station in Kwara state Adamu Danjuma on Monday narrated how daredevil armed robbers on April 5, 2018 killed nine police officers and eight others in cold blood in the town.
Mr. Danjuma, who was the station’s DPO then said he narrowly escaped the robbers’ bullets.
Five banks and Offa police post were attacked by the robbers.
The suspects Ayoade Akinnibosun, Ibikunle Ogunleye, Adeola Abraham, Salahudeen Azeez and Niyi Ogundiran were present in the High Court in Ilorin on Monday, where the ex-DPO gave evidence.
Danjuma said the robbers destroyed the police armoury and carted away 21 AK47 rifles.
Giving evidence, Danjuma who is the fifth prosecution witness (PW5), said the robbers used explosive to attack the banks and the police post.
He gave the names of the police officers and men that were gunned down by the suspected robbers as Julius Pelemo (ASP), Yusuf Danjuma (Inspector), Grace Makinde (Inspector) and Oke Kayode (Inspector).
Others are Sergeants Mustapha Kolawole, Bilikisu Babawale, Abimbola Adedokun, Yootum Nakoma and Monday Isa.
He said, “On the said date at about 4:45pm I heard a gunshot from the direction of Captain Cook Eatery Junction in the town; two minutes interval I heard sporadic shootings from that direction heading towards my police station. Immediately, I came out of my office to the charge room (counter). The shootings were approaching the station.
“In response I also fired gunshots into the air from my pistol. As a result there was temporary stoppage of shootings from outside. Suddenly, the shootings started coming in from different directions towards the station. A lady who was manning the pedestrian gate was shot in the arm making her to abandon the place and ran for her dear life. The shootings continued.
Fuel price hike: ASUU, TUC tackle FG on refineries, Buhari says subsidy dangerous [PUNCH]
The President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), on Monday, said any attempt by his regime to return to the era of subsidising Premium Motor Spirit, popularly known as petrol, would lead to “several negative consequences.”
Buhari said this at the opening of the First Year Ministerial Performance Review Retreat at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
According to him, one of the dangers of retaining fuel subsidy is the return to the era of long queues at filling stations where Nigerians spent days and nights before they could buy petrol.
But in their separate reactions, the Trade Union Congress and the Academic Staff Union of Universities faulted the President, saying his regime should fulfil its promise to repair the country’s refineries.
Following the economic downturn caused by the COVID-19 in March, the Federal Government deregulated the downstream sector of the nation’s oil and gas sector, allowing petrol prices to be determined by market forces.
In March, the government reduced the pump price of petrol from N145 per litre to N125 per litre following the collapse of global oil prices.
But in the last three months, the pump price of petrol has increased. Last week, marketers adjusted their pump prices to between N158 and N162 from N148 to N150 in August.
The scarcity of the petrol, especially in December and January, had rocked the country for many years, causing long queues of desperate motorists at filling stations.
Following the severe fuel scarcity, the country experienced in the first quarter and parts of the second quarter of 2016, the Federal Government on May 11, 2016 increased the petrol price to N145 per litre from N86, putting an end to fuel subsidy to marketers, in what was described as partial liberalisation of the sector.
Buhari, who was represented by Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo at ministerial retreat, said one of the effects of deregulation which his regime adopted at the beginning of the COVID-19 lockdown in March and when global oil prices collapsed was that PMS prices would change with changes in global oil prices.
Explaining the increase in fuel price, Buhari said when global prices rose, it led to increase in the price of petrol locally.
The President said, “There are several negative consequences if government should even attempt to go back to the business of fixing or subsidising the PMS price.
“First of all, it would mean a return to the costly subsidy regime. Today, we have 60 per cent less revenue, we just cannot afford the cost.
“The second danger is the potential return of fuel queues – which has thankfully, become a thing of the past under this administration.
“Nigerians no longer have to endure long queues just to buy petrol, often at highly inflated prices.
“Also, as I hinted earlier, there is no provision for fuel subsidy in the revised 2020 budget, simply because we are not able to afford it, if reasonable provisions must be made for health, education and other social services.”
Buhari, however, assured Nigerians that his regime was mindful of the pains that higher prices meant, saying their sacrifices were not being taken for granted.
He said, “We will also remain alert to our responsibilities to ensure that marketers do not exploit citizens by raising pump price arbitrarily.”
Blue-eyed lady: Gov’s wife hands over new accommodation to couple [PUNCH]
Wife of the Kwara State Governor, Mrs Olufolake Abdulrazaq, has secured an apartment for Risikat, the blue-eyed lady, who reunited with her estranged husband, Abdulwasiu Omodada, at a Nikkah held in Ilorin on Saturday.
The Press Secretary to the governor’s wife, Yinka Adeniyi, said Olufolake, through her non-governmental organisation, the Ajike Support Group, secured a two-bedroom apartment for the couple within the Ilorin metropolis.
Adeniyi told PUNCH Metro on Monday that the key to the rented apartment was handed over to the couple on Friday.
He said the apartment was secured in a choice area of Ilorin.
Adeniyi, who said the programmes lined up for the blue-eyed lady and her husband by the governor’s wife and planned in phases, noted, “We wanted to secure a shop for the lady to sell patent medicine, but when we went to pay for both the shop and the apartment, we were told that somebody else had paid for the shop and we only paid for the apartment and asked the couple to look for another shop.
“Thereafter, the Ajike Support Group will obtain a licence for the lady to operate a patent medicine store and stock the shop for her.”
Meanwhile, the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, has advised Risikat and Abdulwasiu to live in peace and be tolerant of each other in order to have a stable home.
Sulu-Gambari gave the advice on Saturday at the Nikkah for the couple at the Ajijola Anabi Mosque, Ayegbami, Okelele area of Ilorin.
The emir, who was represented by Sarkin Kakakin of Ilorin, Alhaji Abdulwasiu Gafar, advised the couple to henceforth live in peace and harmony.
In his sermon, the Imam of the mosque, Alhaji Jamiu Ajijola-Anabi, urged the couple to live in peace, love and contentment to each other.
Ajijola-Anabi, who said that the event was historic for the couple’s families as they had the privilege of having the Emir of Ilorin solemnising their union, described it as a great blessing and a matter of importance to Sulu-Gambari, who contributed to their happiness.
The wedding was sponsored by the Ilorin Emirate Youth Development Association.
Risikat became a celebrity in July when a video of her by PUNCH became a hit. She alleged in the video that her husband’s family drove her out of her matrimonial home because she gave birth to children with blue eyes.
The lady, who stated that she had been in her father’s house for over one year, alleged that her husband’s parents said they were afraid because of the blue eyes she and her children have.
Southern Kaduna: Sultan blames politicians, describes killings as madness [PUNCH]
Traditional rulers in the 19 Northern States and the Abuja met in Kaduna on Monday over the disturbing spate of insecurity in the region and the country.
The meeting of the monarchs under the aegis of the Northern Traditional Council was presided over by its Chairman and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar lll and held at the Lugard Hall Secretariat of the council, in the metropolis.
The Sultan in his opening address, described the killings in Southern Kaduna as “madness,” calling on those involved in the carnage to stop immediately.
He said, “The Southern Kaduna killings is madness and has to be stopped immediately. No man in his right senses go on a killing spree of innocent people under whatever guise.”
Abubakar carpeted politicians for being behind the lingering crisis in the southern part of Kaduna
He, however, warned that if the brains behind such atrocities did not stop they would be consumed by their own traps.
In his own remarks, Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, said the Southern Kaduna crises had prevailed for the past 40 years.
Malami summoned to give evidence in ongoing Magu trial [SUN]
Justice Ayo Salami-led panel has summoned the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, to appear as key witness in the ongoing probe of Ibrahim Magu, suspended acting chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Magu is facing a Judicial Commission of Inquiry for alleged abuse of office and mismanagement of Federal Government recovered assets and finances from May 2015 to May 2020.
Magu, until his ouster, reportedly had series of clashes with the supervising minister of the EFCC, Malami. In early July, Magu was compelled to appear before a panel at the Presidential Villa. Few days later, he was suspended by President Muhammadu Buhari alongside other key senior staff of the anti-graft agency, who allegedly took part in the financial heist.
According to the letter Justice Salami said since Malami wrote the petition, he should appear in person to give evidence.
Part of the letter read: “You are commanded in the name of the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to attend before this judicial commission of inquiry at Abuja on the 31st day of August 2020 at the hour of 9’0 clock in the forenoon, and so from day to day until the above matter is tried for the purpose of giving evidence and tendering on behalf of the state his memo to the President against Mr. Ibrahim Magu, the acting chairman of EFCC, the subject matter of this inquiry.
“The minister is expected to give evidence on his allegations against Ibrahim Magu, to wit the acting Chairman of EFCC is not acting in the overall best interest of the country and the policies of this administration due to its mismanagement and lack of transparency in managing recovered assets; diversion of recovered assets for personal enrichment; neglecting to investigate the P&ID case as directed by the President; flagrant disobedience to directives and to court orders due to the following; final report of the Presidential Committee on Audit Of Recovered Assets (PCARA) and mismanagement and lack of transparency in managing recovered assets.”
Meanwhile, Magu’s lawyer, Wahab Shittu, has written to Justice Salami to compel Malami to appear and provide necessary evidence on the matter.
“We hereby apply for the issuance of a subpoena ad testificandum and subpoena duces tecum on the Attorney General of the Federation, Mr. Abubakar Malami (SAN) to appear before this Judicial Commission of Inquiry to give evidence concerning his memo to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari.
“We believe that consistent with the fundamental principles of fair hearing as guaranteed under Section 36 of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, our client (Magu) is entitled to be confronted with copies of allegations against him as well as the opportunity to confront his main accuser,in this case, the Attorney General of the Federation, to enable our client raise issues concerning the allegations and cross-examine the Attorney General on the substance and credibility of his allegations against our client.”
Magu also urged the panel to reinvite some of the witnesses who had earlier testified against him to appear in the interest of fair hearing.
“The above request is premised on the fact that our client based on the instrument constituting this panel signed by the President on 3rd of July 2020 is the subject matter of these inquiry.
“Our client is entitled to participate in the entirety of the proceedings including afforded the opportunity to cross-examine all witnesses in these proceedings.”
“We will also humbly request for guidance on specific procedure, schedule and timeline earmarked for the defence to enable our client adequately prepare and call relevant and material witnesses/documentary evidence ahead of his defence in the proceedings.”
CAMA: Sultan, CAN ask NASS to revisit law [SUN]
Nigerian Inter-Religious Council (NIREC), has suggested to members of the National Assembly to listen objectively to reactions of Nigerians as regards the recently signed Companies and Allied Matter Act (CAMA), 2020, in the spirit of democracy.
NIREC reminded the lawmakers that in law making, nothing is sacrosanct, insisting that citizens with genuine observations about a particular law must be allowed to express them even after the law must have followed due legislative process in its making, including CAMA 2020.
It advised individuals or groups with genuine complaints about CAMA to approach the court, or resort to legislative process by proposing either an amendment or repeal of CAMA 2020 to avoid generating unnecessary bad blood and acrimony.
NIREC Co-Chairmen and President General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, Sultan of Sokoto, and Rev. Dr. Samson Supo Ayokunle, President, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), stated this in a statement in Abuja, yesterday.
They warned Nigerians, particularly those aggrieved with CAMA, against heating the polity, urging them to be law abiding in expressing their discontent with the law.
The statement signed by NIREC Executive Secretary, Rev. Fr. Cornelius Omonokhua, encouraged lawmakers to sustain the practice of engagement with stakeholders before passing any law as citizens would be happier with a law that contains their input.
NIREC advised individuals and groups to be patient with CAMA because there were constitutional and democratic solutions to the issue, adding that one of the beauty of democracy was that citizens had representatives in the legislature.
NIREC said it was aware that CAMA was 30 years old before it was amended in 2020, and also aware that laws are amended, reviewed or reformed periodically to address socio-economic changes in the society. The group said it was, therefore, not surprised that the National Assembly decided to pass CAMA 2020. This, it added, was more imperative in view of the need for Nigeria to improve its ranking in ease of doing business and fight against corruption.
