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Folarin Kehinde

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Beggars, scavengers sue Wike for N500m over arrests

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Some vulnerable FCT residents including the scavengers, beggars, petty traders, among others, have filed a suit against the minister, Nyesom Wike, demanding N500 million in damages over alleged breach of their fundamental rights.

A legal practitioner, Abba Hikima, filed the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1749/3024 before Justice James Omotosho of a Federal High Court in Abuja on behalf of the vulnerable residents.

Hikima, listed as the applicant in the originating motion dated Nov. 19, 2024, but filed Nov. 20, 2024, said he is suing in public interest for the protection of vulnerable citizens in Nigeria.

The applicant sued Wike; Inspector-General (I-G) of Police; Director-General, Department of State Services (DSS) and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) as 1st to 4th respondents.

The lawyer also joined the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Federal Government of Nigeria as fifth to sixth respondents respectively.

He is praying for an order awarding the sum of N500 million as general and exemplary damages for the violation of the fundamental rights of the affected citizens.

He prayed the court to declare that “the arbitrary arrest, detention without charges, harassment and extortion of homeless persons, scavengers, petty traders, beggars and other vulnerable Nigerians resident in the FCT, constitute a violation of their fundamental rights.

The rights, they said, are guaranteed under Sections 34, 35, 41 and 42 of the Constitution of Nigeria 1999 (as altered).”

“A declaration that the treatment of vulnerable citizens, including verbal harassment, physical threats, extortion, and detention without charge, constitutes inhumane and degrading treatment contrary to Section 34 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

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Business

Pump price hike looms as petrol depots increase prices

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

There are indications of an imminent hike in the price of petrol as the loading costs of petrol and diesel at depots increased across Nigeria on Monday.

On Sunday, Brent crude oil, the international benchmark, increased to $79.76 per barrel.

Prominent depots, including Swift, Wosbab, Sahara, and Shellplux, also adjusted their petrol prices to between N950 and N960 per litre, compared to last week’s range of N907 to N912 per litre

Similarly, diesel prices witnessed a steep rise, with depots such as Matrix Warri and Nipco increasing rates by N72 to N100 per litre.

Stockgap depot increased its loading depot price from N1,080 to N1,150, while Ibeto approved an increase from N1,050 to N1,150 per litre.

According to data from the Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria on December 19, 2024, the landing cost of petrol stood at N887.51 per litre; however, the rise in the price of crude oil means the landing cost may go up in the coming days.

In the past weeks, the price of petrol has recorded a reduction.

Last year, Dangote Refinery and Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) announced an ex-depot petrol price reduction.

This led to the retail product dropping to between N935 and N965 per litre from N1040 per litre.

Consequently, Nigerians currently buy petrol between N935 and N1,100 per litre nationwide.

A rise in petrol prices is likely to impact directly in the prices of goods and services that are already on the high side.

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“I am not involved in Obasa’s impeachment” Gov Sanwo-olu

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has denied any involvement in the impeachment of the former Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa.

Speaking through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Gboyega Akosile, Sanwo-Olu refuted claims suggesting his role in Obasa’s removal, labelling it a purely legislative matter.

“There is absolutely no truth to the rumour that the governor influenced the impeachment. It was strictly a decision made by the lawmakers,” Akosile told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday.

He added, “Governor Sanwo-Olu is focused on addressing the needs of over 20 million Lagosians. What transpired in the Assembly was entirely within the prerogative of the legislators. Like everyone else, the governor witnessed the proceedings through the media.”

Obasa, who represented Agege 1 Constituency and served as Speaker since 2015, was removed during an emergency plenary session on Monday. Thirty-two out of the 40 members voted him out, citing alleged gross misconduct.

Deputy Speaker Mrs. Mojisola Meranda (APC-Apapa 1) was immediately sworn in as the new Speaker, with Mr. Fatai Adebola (APC-Ibeju Lekki 1) elected as Deputy Speaker.

The Assembly also suspended its Clerk, Mr. Olalekan Onafeko, indefinitely and dissolved all principal positions and standing committees.

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Headlines

Why Grid Collapse will continue – Power Minister

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Minister of Power, Mr. Adebayo Adelabu, has disclosed that the National grid will continue to collapse until insecurity in the north is addressed to make way for the repairs on Ugwachi-Bauchi-Makurdi line.

Speaking before the Senate Committee on Power for the 2025 budget defence of his ministry on Monday, Adelabu disclosed that the grid is old and requires a total overhaul to make it efficient.

Adelabu corrected the notion that the grid collapsed 12 times in 2024, stating that it experienced only 8 collapses, out of which 5 were full and 3 partial collapses. He attributed three of the full collapses to generation problems, while two were due to vandalism issues.

He said, “We had plans to stabilise the grid and other transmission infrastructure. I am happy to also inform you that out of the 8 collapses of the national grid that we experienced during 2024, five were full collapses, while 3 were actually partial collapses. Out of the 5 full collapses that we experienced, 3 out of them were actually due to generation problems where we had issues with sudden reductions in generation compared to the power being taken up by the users which affected the frequency imbalance on the grid and the reason for this was not far fetched.

“Out of the 5, three were from generation, while two were from vandalisation issues and I don’t want to emphasise this vandalisation issue because we are all aware of what happened.

“As I am talking talk to you now, we have not rectified the major line which is the Shiroro-Mando-Kaduna line which is why our grid is so, so fragile. Because it is only one line that is still supplying power to the north and it is being burdened unnecessarily and we know the implication of this on infrastructure technicalities.

“So it is still the insecurity that has not enabled us to fix the Shiroro-Kaduna-Mando line which has been handed over to the security agencies. Till today, they have not even fixed it Ugwachi-Bauchi-Makurdi line.”

Adelabu reported that the ministry achieved 50-55% of its 2024 budget goals and aims to reach 80% by June 2025.

He added, “If you look at the 2025 budget, the total budget for the sector, which is the ministry and its agencies is about N2 trillion. Out of the N2trillion, overhead and personnel which is salaries is about N10.5bn. Out of this N2.086 trillion, you see that the the whole recurrent is about 80 percent of this. So I will go to the Federal ministry and you will see that out of N1.189 trillion for the Federal ministry as the capital budget, N810 billion is for loan repayment.

“That is N585billion and N225billion for multilateral and bilateral tied loans to the power sector. That is PPSR and the multilateral and bilateral tied loan, distribution sector recovery. Plus that is the N150billion that is meant to be transferred as our counterpart funding for the Siemens project. So N150billion plus N810, that is N960billion taken out of N1.189billion, leaving N229billion for the power ministry. So out of this N229billion, N29billion is for ongoing projects in the power ministry. I will try to explain the N200billion additional which are for new projects based on proposed activities for the power sector.

“The Federal ministry’s intervention for completion of TCN priority projects. This is a Federal government intervention for TCN projects. If you remember the last time we were here, I said we have over a hundred TCN uncompleted projects some at 35, 36 and 30 percent completion. No appropriation for TCN is a major problem that we want to register at this sessions.

“With all the noise, all the hues and cries about the instability of the grid, grid age, grid fragility, grid unreliability, there is not one naira appropriation for TCN. I think we need to walk the talk. We expect TCN to fund its programmes through its internally generated revenue which have been dwindling over the years based on the fact that we do not want to increase the tariff. If you pay TCN, it goes into the tariff setting so I believe this committe should help us look into this by appropriating funds for TCN.

“Be that as it may, we have decided to from the ministry to do a little of our own part by completing between 8 and 12 of the projects, which is why we appropriated this N25billion. It was more than this but it was cut down. We wanted about N100billion to do something about this year’s projects. That’s number 1.

“Number 2 is that, this is also an attempt to strengthen grid stability. It is the distribution segment. Today, as representatives of the people, when you go to your constituency, the first thing they will tell you is our transformer is down, our transformers are not working, our poles are bad, our poles are falling and all that.

“Irrespective of the activities of the discos, let us also as responsible representatives of the people, let us buy as many transformers as possible and distribute to this Pele. Which is why we have budgeted N36billion for distribution segment for transformers and replacements across the six geopolitical zones.

“The issue of rural electrification. Like i said that the 64 percent electrification penetration that we have, 90 percent is in the urban and semi-urban centres. Our rural dwellers are still suffering from energy poverty and we believe that it will be expensive to extend the grid for their benefit so let us focus on alternative energy which is renewable energy so distribution of solar energy steps, rural street lighting across the six geopolitical zones under the Renewed Hope Light up Rural Areas programme, we have about N30billion budgeted.

“Emergency intervention for distribution infrastructure. Just like we are covering for TCN, a lot of times that TCN infrastructure are vandalised, the restoration work is emergency, if you don’t do it between 24 to 48 hours, it becomes a national issue. Which is why we are also setting aside N10billion to also intervene in distribution activities of our power sector value chain. Then we have some mini-hydro, mini-grid and solar maintenance where we have N8billion.

“Then again, in terms of advocacy, we believe that our people need to be educated, they need to be reorientated to know that power assets are national assets and we should all jointly own it. N200million.”

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Headlines

JUST IN: Lagos lawmakers impeach Speaker Obasa amid multibillion-naira fraud allegations

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Members of the Lagos State House of Assembly on Monday impeached Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, accusing him of multiple statutory and financial infractions.

Mr Obasa was subsequently replaced by his deputy Lasbat Meranda. Mrs Meranda, who represents Apapa Constituency 1, was also a former chief whip of the House.

The removal came days after The Gazette reported how Mr Obasa oversaw the withdrawal of N43.5 billion for back up vehicles for lawmakers, as well as other controversial activities.

Peoples Gazette understands that Mr Obasa was in Atlanta when he was impeached.

Mr Obasa, 52, was first elected Speaker on June 8, 2015, resuming office alongside former one-term governor Akinwunmi Ambode.

Repeated charges of fraud and political thuggery have marked his speakership. In 2020, The Gazette published a series of investigations detailing how Mr Obasa diverted Lagos funds to his personal firms and bank accounts. Sahara Reporters at the time also uncovered Mr Obasa’s assets across Lagos.

He was invited to be questioned by the EFCC after the anti-graft office became overwhelmed by media reports of Mr Obasa’s mismanagement. He denied all allegations, and no charges were filed after he met with detectives.

Repeated charges of fraud and political thuggery have marked his speakership. In 2020, The Gazette published a series of investigations detailing how Mr Obasa diverted Lagos funds to his personal firms and bank accounts. Sahara Reporters at the time also uncovered Mr Obasa’s assets across Lagos.

He was invited to be questioned by the EFCC after the anti-graft office became overwhelmed by media reports of Mr Obasa’s mismanagement. He denied all allegations, and no charges were filed after he met with detectives.

Details shortly…..

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Headlines

JUST IN: Court grants bail to Ooni’s ex-wife, others over Ibadan stampede case

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Oyo State High Court in Ibadan has granted bail to Naomi Silekunola, the ex-wife of the Ooni of Ife, Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat, owner of Agidigbo FM, and Abdullahi Fasasi, Principal of Islamic High School, Bashorun.

The three were implicated in the tragic stampede at a children’s festive party in December 2024, which claimed the lives of at least 35 children.

Justice Kamorudeen Olawoyin delivered the ruling on Monday, granting Oriyomi Hamzat bail at ₦10 million with the condition of providing two sureties.

The court also barred his media organization, Agidigbo FM, from broadcasting news related to the case.

The defendants presented their bail applications last Tuesday, arguing that they posed no flight risk and were ready to cooperate with the investigation.

However, the Oyo State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Abiodun Aikomo, opposed the motion, citing the gravity of the charges and the necessity of justice for the victims and their families.

Adekunle Shobaloju (SAN), representing Oriyomi Hamzat, expressed optimism about the court’s decision.

“We argued for his admission to bail pending arraignment based on certain grounds, which I prefer not to elaborate on,” he stated after the proceedings.

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Despite ongoing crisis with Oyo kingmakers, Makinde presents staff, certificate to new Alaafin

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Despite the agitation by the Oyo State Kingmakers over the appointment of Prince Akeem Abimbola Owoade as the new Alaafin, Governor Seyi Makinde has presented the former with a staff and certificate of office.

The governor made the presentation to the newly appointed Alaafin at the Oyo State Government House, Agodi in Ibadan on Monday, January 13, 2025.

As the 46th Alaafin of Oyo, Owoade’s appointment signals his ascending the throne following the death of Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III who reigned for 51 years before joining his ancestors.

Speaking at the ceremony, Makinde said the position of the Alaafin does not entail being a traditional ruler but make the bearer the custodian of the rich history and tradition of Oyo.

The governor also noted that he is confident that Owoade has the needed capacity, wisdom and integrity to lead the people of Oyo.

In his reaction, the new Alaafin appreciated the governor and the people of the state.

He also pledged to remain committed to the development of the Oyo kingdom while assuring the welfare and well-being of the people.

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Tinubu
Headlines

2027: Ohanaeze endorses Tinubu for second term

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Ahead of the 2027 general election, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has endorsed President Bola Tinubu for a second term in office.

Ohanaeze stated this in a statement signed by its Deputy President General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, on Sunday, where they appealed to the President to use his executive powers to facilitate the release of Nnamdi Kanu this 2025.

According to Isiguzoro, the release of the IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, shall serve not merely as an act of mercy, but as a vital catalyst for restoring peace and resolving the current insecurity challenges plaguing the Southeast.

Isiguzoro maintained that the South-East deserves a path toward stability, noting that peace cannot be achieved in the shadow of violence and discord.

The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation also advocated for the acceleration of ongoing rehabilitation and reconstruction projects of dilapidated federal roads throughout Southeastern Nigeria, under Senator David Umahi as Works Minister, insisting that Southeastern infrastructure remains the backbone of economic progress and social cohesion. He added that it’s non-negotiable that these projects are completed before the end of 2026.

The statement reads, “The Apex Igbo Sociocultural Organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, firmly frames this critical discourse around the sanctity of Nigeria’s unwritten gentleman’s agreement concerning the rotational presidency between the North and South. This covenant, which stands as a pillar of our democracy, must not only be acknowledged but must be steadfastly upheld to promote equity and fairness amidst our diverse tapestry.

“With the conclusion of an eight-year Northern presidency under Former President Muhammadu Buhari, from 2015 to 2023, we firmly assert that it is now time for the Southern region to claim its rightful place at the helm of leadership from 2023 to 2031. This principle of fairness compels us to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s bid for a second term in the upcoming 2027 elections.

“In our assessment of the current political milieu, the glaring weakness, disarray, and lack of coherence among opposition political elites expose a perilous landscape for governance. Individuals such as Atiku Abubakar, Rabiu Kwankwaso, Nasir El-Rufai, Peter Obi, and Sim Fubara may mean well, but the reality is that their capacity to mount a serious challenge against the APC is dubious at best. It would be a reckless endeavor to engage in political maneuvers that align with figures who offer no substantive plan for progress.

“Ohanaeze Ndigbo cautions that any attempt to co-opt our organization as a vehicle for misguided political machinations must be met with resolute resistance. The political ambition of the few should not be allowed to hijack the collective aspirations of the Ibo people. We cannot afford to gamble again on opportunistic alliances that have historically undermined our unity. Our people still bear the scars of the ill-fated endorsement of Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi in 2019, a move that has reverberated painfully through our communities and the fabric of our regional integrity.

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NPF imposes N100k fine, jail term on Nigerians who refuse to assist assaulted officers

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Nigeria Police Force has revealed that refusal of anybody to assist officers who are in danger of assault while carrying out their official duty is liable on conviction to a fine of N100,000 or imprisonment for a term of three months or both.

This was disclosed in a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, on Sunday, January 12.

The statement reads: “Section 197 of the Criminal Code Act in Nigeria. Resisting public officers

“Any person who in any manner obstructs or resists any public officer while engaged in the discharge or attempted discharge of the duties of his office under any order, Act, law, or Statute, or obstructs or resists any person while engaged in the discharge or attempted discharge of any duty imposed on him by an order, Act, law, or statute, is guilty of a misdemeanour and is liable to imprisonment for two years

“Section 42 of the Police Act 2020: A person is bound to assist a judge, magistrate or police officer or other person reasonably demanding his aid in arresting or preventing the escape of a suspect whom the the judge, magistrate, police officer or other person is authorized to arrest

“Section 98 Police Act 2020: A person who assaults, obstructs or resists a police officer in the discharge of his duty, or aids or incites any other person to assault, obstruct or resist a police officer or other person aiding or assisting the police officer in the discharge of his duty commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of N500,000 or imprisonment for a term of six months or both.

“Section 99, Police Act 2020: When a person is called upon to aid and assist a police officer who is, while in the discharge of his duty, assaulted or resisted or in danger of being assaulted or resisted, and the person refuses or neglects to aid and assist, the person commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of N100,000 or imprisonment for a term of three months or both.”

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Tinubu bans homosexuality in military

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Nigeria’s military personnel are now expressly prohibited from engaging in homosexuality, lesbianism, bestiality, cross-dressing, and other acts deemed contrary to the ethics of the armed forces.

The personnel are equally barred from body piercing, tattooing, disorderly behaviour, and drunkenness on or off duty.

This directive is contained in Section 26 of the revised Harmonised Armed Forces Terms and Conditions of Service signed by President Bola Tinubu on December 16, 2024.

A copy of the document obtained by our correspondent on Saturday partly read, “An officer must not engage in homosexuality, lesbianism, and bestiality.

“He/she is not to belong to, or engage in activities of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender or Trans, Queer or Questioning, Intersex, Asexual or Agender, Two-Spirit (LGBTQIA2S+) group and cross-dressing, amongst others.

“An officer must not engage in body piercing and tattooing of any part of his body. An officer shall not engage in any form of disorderly behaviour, brawl, or any action of public disgrace. An officer must not at any time be drunk whether on or off duty.”

The condition of service also forbids the involvement of officers in amorous relationships with subordinates or their spouses.

“An officer shall not engage in any amorous relationship with any soldier/rating/airman/airwoman, fellow officer’s or soldier’s/rating’s/airmen’s/air women’s spouse, “ it stated.

The military personnel are obligated to pay financial dues, including vehicle licenses and insurance on time, while they are prohibited from joining secret societies or political parties.

“An officer shall pay all just financial obligations in a proper and timely manner, especially those imposed by law and mutual contract. It is a very serious offence for an officer to be apprehended for failure to license or insure his vehicle, and other legal financial obligations. In the same vein, the issuance of a dud cheque constitutes an offence.

The document read further, “An officer shall not hold membership of any secret society or political party. He shall not participate, in any way, in activities concerned with such societies or parties even in observatory capacities.

“For the avoidance of doubt, since cultural or purely traditional religious societies are not normally secret by membership or in the conduct of their affairs, they are ipso-facto excluded from belonging to secret societies.”

Having a private business, and misuse of government property for personal gain are also prohibited for serving personnel.

“An officer shall not engage in private business. He shall not use or be allowed to use government property, his name, position and connection in any way with commercial enterprises outside employment or activity with or without compensation, which interfere or has the tendency of interfering with his official duty or which may be reasonably expected to bring discredit to the Service.

“An officer shall not accept gifts, favours, entertainments, etc, from officers junior to him in rank or from soldiers/ratings/airmen/airwomen,” the condition of service added.

The punishments or disciplinary measures against any personnel who violate the rules were, however, not stated.

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