Nelson Ugwuagbo

President Bola Tinubu has signed the Judicial Office Holders Salaries and Allowances Bill into law.

The Special Adviser to the President on Senate Matters, Senator Basheer Lado, disclosed this in a statement in Abuja on Tuesday.

The National Assembly had in June approved a bill that grants a 300 per cent salary increase for judicial officers at the federal and state levels.

This followed the consideration and adoption of an executive bill transmitted by the President which sought to prescribe improved salaries and allowances as well as other fringe benefits for judicial officers and workers.

The executive bill forwarded by the President was titled “A Bill for an Act to Prescribe the Salaries, Allowances and Fringe Benefits of Judicial Office Holders in Nigeria and for Related Matters”.

According to Lado, “This extraordinary move underscores Mr President’s absolute prioritization of the welfare of Nigerian workers above all else just like he did when he recently put on hold an ongoing Federal Executive Council meeting to assent to the new National Minimum Wage Bill of N70,000.”

Lado said the new Act “prescribes salaries, allowances, etc., for Judicial Officers to reflect the changing realities and consequentially amend the provisions of the Certain Political, Public and Judicial Office Holders (Salaries and Allowances, etc.), Act, No.6, 2002 (as amended) to delete the provisions relating to Judicial Office Holders.”

According to him, among the salient features of the Act include, “The prescription of salaries, allowances, and other benefits for Judicial Officers.

“The amendment of Certain Political, Public, and Judicial Office Holders (Salaries and Allowances, etc.) Act, No.6, 2002 (as amended) which provides for the deletion of provisions relating to Judicial Office Holders from the aforementioned Act.”

He described the signing of the bill by the President as a landmark achievement and a manifestation of his unwavering commitment to the welfare of Nigeria’s workforce.

Lado said, “In a demonstration of his visionary leadership and deep compassion for the Nigerian people, His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR has once again affirmed his unwavering commitment to the welfare of the nation’s workforce by assenting to the revised Salaries and Allowances for Judicial Office Holders.

“This landmark decision reflects Mr President’s profound dedication to ensuring that every salary earner in Nigeria, especially those serving in vital and strategic roles, receives the recognition and compensation they deserve.

“By prioritizing the financial well-being of our judicial officers, Mr President is not only reinforcing the integrity of our justice system but also setting a new standard for leadership that truly values the hard work and sacrifices of all Nigerian workers.”

He added, “Under President Tinubu’s administration, the welfare of our workers has become a central pillar of national progress.

“His visionary policies continue to uplift the lives of millions, ensuring that the dignity of labour is upheld and that those who serve our nation are justly rewarded.

“This assent is a clear testament to Mr. President’s tireless efforts to build a more prosperous and equitable Nigeria, where every worker is empowered to contribute to the nation’s greatness.

“As we look to the future with hope and determination, Mr President remains steadfast in his mission to champion initiatives that deliver fair compensation, improved working conditions, and a brighter future for all Nigerians.”

Lado commended the Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abass Tajudeen, for their patriotic commitment to progressively improving the welfare of Nigerians.

He also lauded the members of the 10th National Assembly for prioritizing the welfare of Nigerians by passing and transmitting the executive Bill which has now been promptly assented to by the President.

He urged Judicial Office Holders in the country to redouble their efforts in ensuring that justice is served and speedily so in the light of the action of the President aimed at enhancing their overall welfare and well-being.

“The judiciary remains the hope of the common man and it is hoped that Nigerians seeking justice get it irrespective of their status in life,” he said.

The President of the Court of Appeal will be entitled to N62.4m, while Justices of the Supreme Court will earn the sum of N61.4m each.

All heads of the various courts, such as the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Chief Judge of the Federal Capital Territory High Court the President of the National Industrial Court, among others, would earn the same basic salary of N7.9m annually.

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has released the results of the 2024 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE). Out of 1,805,216 candidates who sat for the exam, 503,275 failed to obtain credits in English Language and Mathematics.

According to WAEC’s Head of Nigeria Office, Amos Dangut, 1,301,941 candidates (72.12%) obtained credits and above in a minimum of five subjects, including English Language and Mathematics. This represents a 7.69% drop in performance compared to the previous year.

The analysis of the results shows that 1,332,089 candidates (73.79%) obtained credit and above in a minimum of any five subjects, with or without English Language and/or Mathematics.

Of the candidates who obtained credits in five subjects, including English Language and Mathematics, 628,820 were male, while 673,121 were female.

The results of 215,267 candidates (11.92%) have been withheld due to examination malpractices. This figure is 4.37% lower than the previous year.

Dr. Dangut assured that the withheld results would be released after thorough investigation. He noted that the increasing use of cell phones in the examination hall and organized cheating in some schools are major concerns.

WAEC will continue to sanction all cases of examination malpractice, and those found guilty will face the wrath of the law. The council urged all stakeholders to work together to sanitize the system.

Ukrainian forces has made a large incursion into Russia’s Kursk region last Tuesday, capturing over two dozen settlements in the largest attack on Russian soil since World War II. Russia claimed to have repelled new attacks in Kursk on Tuesday.

The Ukrainian military chief, Oleksandr Syrsky, announced on Monday that his troops controlled approximately 1,000 square kilometers of Russian territory.

An analysis by the Institute for the Study of War confirmed that at least 800 square kilometers were under Ukrainian control as of Monday.

Over 120,000 people have fled the area due to the conflict. Ukraine’s foreign ministry spokesman, Georgiy Tykhy, stated that Kyiv is not interested in occupying Russian territory and justified Ukraine’s actions as “absolutely legitimate.” He warned that Ukrainian raids into Russia would continue until a “just peace” is restored.

Ukraine has imposed movement restrictions in a 20-kilometer zone along the border with Kursk region due to increased hostilities and sabotage activities.

Russia’s defense ministry claimed to have thwarted new Ukrainian attacks in Kursk, while President Vladimir Putin vowed to “dislodge” Ukrainian troops.

Putin accused Ukraine of seeking to “sow discord” and “destroy the unity and cohesion of Russian society.” He also believed Ukraine aimed to improve its negotiating position for future talks with Moscow. Regional governor Alexei Smirnov reported that Ukrainian forces had penetrated up to 12 kilometers into the region, creating a new front 40 kilometers wide.

A Ukrainian security official revealed that the operation involved thousands of troops and aimed to “stretch the positions of the enemy, inflict maximum losses, and destabilize the situation in Russia.” The official stated that Ukraine’s goal was to exploit Russia’s inability to protect its own border.

Nigerian independent petroleum marketers (IPMAN) are expecting the price of petrol from the Dangote Petroleum Refinery to range between ₦600 and ₦650 per liter when it enters the market.

The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) is optimistic that the Dangote refinery will reduce petrol prices, just like it did with diesel.

IPMAN’s National Vice President, Hammed Fashola, explained that the refinery’s $20 billion investment could lead to lower fuel prices if it receives adequate support, particularly in securing crude oil supplies.

Currently, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) sells petrol to marketers at ₦570 per liter, but many IPMAN members buy it from private depot owners at prices above ₦700 per liter.

Fashola hopes that Dangote will sell petrol between ₦600 and ₦650 per liter, which would be a welcome relief.

Fashola noted that the Dangote refinery’s impact on diesel prices was significant, dropping from ₦1,600 to ₦1,000 per liter. However, he acknowledged that the ongoing crude supply crisis poses a challenge.

IPMAN has been in discussions with Dangote refinery officials about a potential partnership and is awaiting further developments.

Overall, IPMAN is hopeful that the Dangote refinery will bring down petrol prices, but it depends on various factors, including production costs and crude oil supplies.

Tragedy struck in the Buji Local Government Area of Jigawa State on Saturday when three teenage girls drowned in a pond while cutting grass to feed their livestock. The incident occurred around 11 a.m. in Tulla village.

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) confirmed the incident through a statement issued by its spokesperson, ASC Badaruddeen Tijuana, in Dutse on Sunday. The statement identified the victims as Fatima Sule, 12; Nasiya Sale, 12; and Huwaila Sa’adu, 13; all from Tulla village.

According to the statement, NSCDC personnel received a distress call from the Tulla community at 11:10 a.m. and immediately rushed to the scene for a rescue mission. They were joined by Divisional Disaster Management Officers and community members in the search and rescue operation.

After a 30-minute search, the bodies of the three teenage girls were recovered from the pond. The rescue team then rushed the recovered bodies to the nearest health center, where they were confirmed dead.

A preliminary investigation revealed that the deceased were cutting grass at the same spot when they got drowned. The investigation is ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident.

Edo State’s reinstated Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, has officially resumed duties at his office and directed his staff to do the same.

In a video message, Shaibu announced his return, citing adherence to the Nigerian Constitution. He stated, “In adherence to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, I announce my official resumption to the office.”

Shaibu instructed all staff who have not yet resumed work to do so immediately, warning of consequences for non-compliance. He emphasized that his office was never vacant, as the Federal High Court’s judgment reinstating him remains in effect.

Shaibu also cautioned banks against conducting transactions with his office without his explicit approval, deeming it illegal. He warned against any unauthorized transactions, stressing the need for his direct consent.

Additionally, Shaibu expressed sorrow over the killing of a police officer attached to the Edo APC governorship candidate, which occurred upon his return to the state. He noted that suspects have been apprehended in connection with the incident.

Shaibu also revealed that he has requested the state governor’s approval to reinstate his aides but is still awaiting a response. He seeks to restore his team and move forward with his duties as Deputy Governor.

The government of Germany has expressed its eagerness to strengthen economic cooperation with the government and people of Enugu State, especially in the areas of agriculture, energy, trade and investment.

The industrial giant said that it chose Enugu State as one of its three business and investment destinations in the entire southern Nigeria given its findings on improved ease-of-doing-business under the Dr. Peter Mbah Administration.

German consul general, Weert Börner, made this known when he led a delegation of the German business community and the German Corporation for International Cooperation, (GIZ), on a working visit to Governor Peter Mbah in Enugu.

Börner said the visit was in continuation of discussions that started in Lagos in 2023 on increasing German cooperation with Enugu State in the aforementioned sectors.

“So, I am very happy to be here in Enugu city to increase and deepen our conversation on this cooperation. I am also very happy that the delegation with me is comprised of representatives of the DHK (Deutsche Handels Kompetenz), which is our chamber in Lagos for industry and commerce; GIZ, our international cooperation agency and Siemens Energy, a private company that is already doing a lot in Nigeria to improve electricity and energy sector.

“We get a lot of news by the Nigerian media and through our own office that Enugu State and its own government have improved a lot in the sense of structuring process to get business easier done to improve the infrastructural basis for joint engagement.

“We are actually very happy about this development. The German government decided to concentrate more on specific states within the Nigerian federal system. And those states from the south are Ogun, Abia, and Enugu State. So, this is why I am here to get our cooperation on a higher and more intense level,” the envoy stated.

While appreciating the Germans for choosing Enugu State as one of their economic partners, Governor Peter Mbah said his administration was very ready and willing to partner with the German government and businesses.

Mbah emphasised that the $30 billion GDP target his administration set for itself, though high, was realisable through private sector investments and international cooperation, adding also that Nigeria’s much-needed economic growth could only come from the states, not the centre.

“I want to put on record our deep appreciation to you for selecting Enugu as one of the three southern states you want to partner with.

“We are really excited about this essentially because though we are subnational, our ambition and the goals we have set for ourselves are national in scale.

“We plan to grow the economy to a point that is unprecedented. If you look at the target, we set for ourselves to grow the economy from $4.4 billion to $30 billion in the next seven years. It appears too ambitious because you are talking about a sevenfold growth and you are looking at a compounded annual growth rate of 27 per cent, but we think it is realisable because we are looking at unlocking a lot of the economic potentials of the state that have not been touched.

“So, before now, we have also been working very hard, preparing ourselves for a day like this because the economic growth of this nation will not come from top to the bottom. I have always been an ardent advocate that growth will come from the periphery. It will come from the bottom-up,” he said.

The governor assured the German government and businesses of massive opportunities in the areas of agriculture, energy, trade and investment.

“We see agriculture as one of the major sectors that we can use to rapidly grow our economy. For us, agriculture is beyond food security.

“We are also putting together the Special Agro Processing Zones to meet up with our consumption and begin to package for local market and export. The ultimate goal is to be able to develop these products into products, standardise them, and have them exported,” he stated.

Mbah said the government was in the advanced stages of getting the international wing of Akanu Ibiam International Airport completed and operationalised as well as build a cargo terminal to facilitate exports.

Still on agriculture, he said the state had acquired about 300,000 hectares of land to attract commercial farmers, while also seeking partnerships in the development of the livestock industry where the administration had taken steps to better structure and modernise the industry by initiating and signing the Ranch Management Agency Law.

The governor said the state had embarked on an aggressive development of road infrastructure so that investors would not have to worry about access to farmlands and evacuation of farm produce and processed products.

He equally urged the German delegation to take advantage of the extensive work already done by the state in the form of institutional strengthening, progressive policies, and improved regulations in the electricity sector through partnership and investment.

Tragedy struck in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, on Saturday, when a 14-year-old boy, Malik Kareem, was brutally beheaded in a suspected ritual killing, sending shockwaves through the Olorisaoko community in the Akinyele Local Government Area.

According to multiple sources, Malik and three friends had contacted a Muslim cleric (now on the run) for a money ritual.

Unknown to Malik, his friends had conspired with the cleric to use him as a human sacrifice.

Family sources revealed that Malik’s lifeless body was found in the cleric’s house, beheaded and in a pool of blood.

The head had already been cremated. The friends had planned to use Malik’s remains to make a ritualistic pap (a local dish).

In a retaliatory move, unidentified youths set the cleric’s house ablaze. The Oyo State Police have commenced investigations into the incident, according to the Police Public Relations Officer, Adewale Osifeso.

The United Kingdom government has issued an impressive 430,000 visas to Nigerians seeking to study and relocate to the country in the first seven months of 2024.

This information was revealed by British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr. Richard Montgomery, during a meeting with the chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, in Abuja.

Dr. Montgomery’s announcement comes on the heels of his assurance to the Nigerian Government that adequate security measures are in place for its citizens amid the ongoing riots in the UK.

Despite the unrest, the High Commissioner emphasized that the UK remains a safe haven, highlighting the country’s diverse population.

To address the ongoing unrest, Montgomery reported that 60 special courts have been established to tackle criminal activities related to the riots.

Additionally, approximately 400 individuals have been arrested in connection with the violence, with the government actively pursuing justice against those inciting unrest through hatred and disinformation online.

NiDCOM chairperson Abike Dabiri-Erewa confirmed that no Nigerian casualties have been reported so far.

She noted that NiDCOM is in touch with the Nigerian High Commission in London and other diaspora groups, none of which have reported any incidents involving Nigerian nationals.

Dabiri-Erewa commended the UK government for its prompt actions, particularly the arrests of perpetrators, and urged Nigerians to stay safe, vigilant, and follow the travel advisories issued by Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.