Nelson Ugwuagbo

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara has appointed Edison Ehie, the leader of his loyalists in the State House of Assembly, as his Chief of Staff.

Ehie, was the contender to Martin Amaewhule for the position of Speaker, before recently resigning from the Assembly as part of the process to restore peace in the state.

He was rumoured a few weeks ago to have been appointed to replace Mr. Chidi Amadi, a loyalist of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, who resigned alongside some commissioners late last year.

But in a statement late Sunday night by Secretary to the Rivers State Government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo, Fubara named Ehie as his chief of staff.

The SSG also announced the appointment of five others as Special Advisers.

The new Special Advisers are Darlington Oji, who resigned as the Chief of Staff to the Chairman of Ikwerre Local Government Area, Samuel Nwanosike, in the wake of the political crisis in Rivers State; Solomon Abel-Eke, the immediate past Chairman of Ohio/Akpor Local Government Area where the Wikecomes from.

Others are, Prince Ohia, the immediate past Commissioner for Youths Development; Aminayanasam Fiberesima and Deeyah Bariene.

The statement said the new appointees will be sworn in by Governor Fubara at the State Executive Council Chambers by 11 am on Monday.

The Nigerian Bar Association Section on Public Interest and Development Law has urged the court to sack the Minister of Art, Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, from office for allegedly violating the National Youth Service Corps Act.

The organisation also asked the court to compel the NYSC to nullify the certificates given to Musawa and a music promoter, Kenny Ogungbe, alleging that the issuance of the certificate was contrary to the provisions of NYSC Act Cap N84.LFN 2024.

The plaintiffs in the suit marked FCH/ABJ/05/90/2024 are the Chairman, NBA-SPIDEL, John Aikpokpo-Martins, and Secretary, NBA-SPIDEL, Funmi Adeogun.

Musawa, Ogungbe, NYSC, and the Federal Government of Nigeria are the first to fourth defendants, respectively in the suit.

The plaintiffs alleged that the mobilisation of Musawa and Ogungbe for the mandatory one-year national youth service after exceeding 30 years of age was unlawful, illegal, and an affront to patriotism.

They also alleged that Musawa and  Ogungbe’s purported national service and the certificates of service purportedly issued by the NYSC were null and void.

The plaintiffs are seeking a declaration that, “By virtue of the provisions of Sections 2(1), 12(1), and 13(1) of the National Youth Service Corps Act, Cap. N84 LFN 2004, the 1st and 2nd defendants are not entitled to be engaged as employees by any employer of labour or services (including the Federal Government of Nigeria) without first possessing and presenting their certificates of National Youth Service.

“A declaration that the 1st defendant is not entitled to continue to hold the exalted office of Honourable Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria or any public office in Nigeria after violently violating with flagrant impunity the provisions of Sections 2(1), 12(1), and 13(1) of the National Youth Service Corps Act, Cap. N84, LFN 2004.”

LeadingReporters learnt that the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria had accused Musawa in August 2023 of serving as a minister while undertaking the one-year mandatory National Youth Service Corps scheme.

Similarly, in October 2023, there was a stir on social media when Ogungbe shared a photo of himself in the NYSC uniform, announcing that he had finished NYSC at the age of 53.

Efforts to get Musawa proved abortive as calls to her number indicated it was not reachable. Response to the message sent to her was being awaited at the time of filling this report.

Sylvester Oromoni Jnr, a 12-year-old pupil of Dowen College, Lekki, Lagos State, allegedly tortured by some senior students of the college was laid to rest on Saturday, January, 27, 2024 at the family’s compound at Ogbe-Ijoh, Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta, after two years of fighting for justice for him.

Sylvester, born on December 4, 2009, died on November 30, 2021, in controversial circumstances following alleged tortured by some senior students of Dowen College, Lekki, Lagos State.

He was allegedly tortured by some senior students of the college who wanted to initiate him into a cult group.

The death of Sylvester, which generated condemnation and a series of protests by civil society groups and women across the country as well as heated controversies, was yet to yield any positive results two years after, following alleged delay tactics by some officials of the Lagos State Government.

At this burial on Saturday which attracted several dignitaries from far and near, emotions ran high as family members, friends and well wishes were seen in tears, crying and mourning the untimely demise of Sylvester.

LeadingReporters learnt that the family had on Monday in a statement announced the burial of their son, stating, “As a family grappling with the profound sorrow brought about by this inexplicable loss we have chosen to bid farewell to Sylvester on Saturday, January 27, 2024 with final rites to be conducted at Ogbe-Ijaw Warri Kingdom, Delta state. Exactly two years ago, precisely on November, 30, 2021, the death of our 12-year-old son, Sylvester Oromoni Jnr, a pupil of Dowen College, Lekki, Lagos State, was announced in controversial circumstances, after he was tortured to death by some senior students who wanted to initiate him into a cult group and till date we as family is yet to get justice in the matter.

“Sylvester, born on December 4, 2009, met a devastating end on November 30, 2021, succumbing to injuries inflicted in a harrowing assault by fellow students. Before his untimely demise, Sylvester was renowned for his exceptional intellect and maturity beyond his years. A young mind brimming with potential, he demonstrated remarkable initiative and an extraordinary sense of humor, endearing him to those fortunate enough to cross paths with him. Sylvester’s insatiable passion for knowledge, particularly in fields of computer science, programming, electrical science, and his special interest in football set him apart.

“His absence has left an irreplaceable void in our lives as a family and the lives of those who hold him dear, and his legacy will endure through the indelible memories of the profound impact he made on those around him. As we continue to mourn our son, we as a family implore everyone to honour Sylvester’s memory by reflecting on the bright spirit that enriched their lives and celebrate the intellect that radiated from his young mind. As the community mourns the loss of this promising scholar, we will continue to demand justice for our beloved son who was murdered in cold blood by fellow students,” the statement stated.

In a homily taken from the book of Isaiah 57:1-2, titled ‘Forever With The Lord’ Ven. Revd Goodluck Bayagbon of the God’s Grace Ministry, Warri, charged christians to live a life worthy of emulation and strive to be heavenly candidates.

While describing the deceased as a true believer in Christ, the cleric noted that “Sylvester Oromoni Jnr has gone to rest with the Lord and free from all evil and calamity of the world. We are not here to weep and mourn over Sylvester but to celebrate a great man, a young man that God almighty loves so much. Sylvester left an indelible mark in the hearts of all men that must be emulated.

“The most important thing about life is that everyone on earth must strive to make heaven because that is a great achievement for everyone, where there is no pain, sorrow, sadness, calamity, worries. Sylvester should be emulated according to his brief biography read to us all. He was a good young boy, who cared so much about his fellow students, friends, sisters, brothers and all those who crossed his path. He was deligent and was a devout christian. At his young age he cared for the needs of his fellow students, he was so good both at school and home. Though he left very young but he has achieved the purpose of God who created him. We are here to celebrate him not to mourn. At his age, look at the mammoth crowd that came to bid him farewell to heavens.”

The family, through the father of the deceased had vowed while marking the two years anniversary of their son’s brutal and untimely demise, that as a family, they would not stop crying out for justice for their departed son, adding that “As the father of the deceased, I cannot be tired or discouraged from pursuing justice as I have promised my son to get him justice even if it will take thirty years to achieve it.”

Sylvester’s father and the family had also threatened that if the inquest was not concluded before the end of 2022, they would be compelled to withdraw from it in order to take a different legal route to seek justice.

Rivers State governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has once again sworn-in nine Commissioners who earlier resigned their appointment in the wake of the governor’s face-off with his predecessor and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, thereby re-admitting them into the State Executive Council (SEC).

The Commissioners include Professor Zacchaeus Adangor, Dr. Jacobson Nbina, Dr. Gift Worlu, Mrs. Inimefien Aguma, Egnr. Chukwuemeka Woke, Prof Chinedu Mmom, Dr. Dakorinama Kelly-George, Isaac Kamalu, Esq., and Mr. Ben Chioma.

Recall that the Commissioners, loyal to former Governor Wike, were earlier screened and confirmed for the second time by the Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule-led Rivers State House of Assembly on January 17, 2024.

Speaking after the swearing-in ceremony at the Government House, Port Harcourt, on Friday, Governor Fubara charged them to engage in activities for which they will be positively remembered by posterity.

The governor told the appointees that: “I wish you well in your coming back. Stand for justice, and stand for the interests of our dear state. That is the purpose of your appointment and that is the truth.

“I can see how heavy your hearts are. But I assure you that I don’t have anything against anyone of you. You were caught in between during the crossfire.

“I will advise that you give your best. Like I said the first time, let this State and posterity remember you for what is good.”

The Kano State Fire Service says it rescued 37-year-old Saifillahi Rabiu, who allegedly attempted to commit suicide over a failed deal.

The Public Relations Officer of the Service, Alhaji Saminu Abdullahi, disclosed this in a statement to newsmen on Thursday in Kano.

He said the incident happened on Thursday morning at State Road, Tarauni Local Government Area of Kano.

“We received a distress call at about 10:07 a.m. from the Ministry of Works and Housing, Kano State, about a suicide attempt by hanging on a tree.

“On receiving the information, we quickly sent our fire fighting vehicle to the scene at 10:10 a.m,” he stated.

Abdullahi stated that Rabiu, a resident of Semegu Quarters, attempted to hang himself over his inability to refund N2 million to those he tried to assist in obtaining a travel visa.

“During interrogation, we gathered that Rabiu connected some people to those that process travel visas to foreign countries, which was successful.

“Those he tried to help, however, rejected the visa, saying it was not the type they paid for and demanded a refund of their money already paid to the processors.

“We reliably gathered that he was able to raise half a million naira only.

“But pressure and threats from the people he wanted to assist made him try to take his own life,” the PRO added.

He added that Rabiu was rescued alive and handed over to Zaharaddini of Farm Centre Police Division.

The Benue State Education Quality Assurance Agency, BSEQAA, has ordered school principals in the state to immediately refund the excess West African Examination Council and National Examination Council charges paid by SS3 students.

The Director-General of the agency, Dr Francis Terna, gave the order on Thursday, when he visited some schools in Makurdi, the state capital.

LeadingReporters gathered that Terna had engaged some students in SS3 in the schools visited to ascertain what they paid as WAEC and NECO examination fees.

Having ascertained the facts, he instructed the principals to refund the excess charges to the students without delay, directing all the schools to adhere strictly to the approved handling charges of N5,000 per student.

He called on the schools’ authorities to desist from such sharp practices, adding that failure to comply with the government’s directive would be met with appropriate sanctions, adding that the state government was fully committed to upholding high standards and ensuring academic excellence.

Terna, who said the agency would continue its random visit to schools to monitor their operations, also restated the government’s directive that no SS3 student should be admitted during the second term to avoid disrupting the academic calendar.

Senator Boluwaji Kunlere, who represented Ondo South Senatorial District from 2011 to 2015, has dumped the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, on whose platform he went to the National Assembly.

Kunlere’s resignation is contained in a letter he signed and addressed to the party chairman in his Igbotako Ward 2, Igbotako, Okitipupa Local Government Area.

The letter was made available to newsmen on Thursday in Okitipupa.

“I, hereby tender my letter of resignation from the PDP, with effect from Jan. 24.

“I sincerely express my appreciation to you and other members of the party for your cooperation and support throughout the period of my membership of the party. Thank you and God bless.

“I will decide who to vote for, after the primaries, by God’s grace.

Former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, has expressed his support for the apex bank’s decision to relocate five of its departments from the headquarters in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to Lagos State.

Sanusi criticised those opposing the move, labelling their stance as detrimental to the bank’s future.

He stressed the importance of prioritising the bank’s interests over personal preferences for staying in Abuja.

Sanusi pointed out that many CBN employees are children of politically exposed individuals who prioritise their personal lifestyle and business interests in Abuja over their responsibilities at the bank.

He believes that moving certain functions to the bank’s larger office in Lagos will enhance operational efficiency and reduce costs.

In his proposal, Sanusi suggested relocating the Financial Systems Stability (FSS) department and most of the Operations department to Lagos, with two Deputy Governors operating primarily from there.

However, he recommended that departments reporting directly to the Governor, such as Economic Policy, Corporate Services, Strategy, Audit, Risk Management, and the Governor’s Office, remain in Abuja.

Sanusi noted that the decision to relocate certain departments should be based on strategic analysis to determine the roles best suited for each location.

Regarding the capacity of the Lagos office to accommodate additional staff, Sanusi dismissed concerns, suggesting that construction company Julius Berger could confirm the viability of the move.

Additionally, Sanusi advocated for consideration of individual circumstances, showing empathy towards employees who may face challenges relocating, such as young mothers with school-going children or those with medical conditions.

He urged the CBN to concentrate on its primary mandates of controlling the exchange rate and inflation, asserting that success in these areas would fortify the Governor’s position and facilitate the implementation of necessary changes despite resistance.

Sanusi also addressed criticism from Northern politicians regarding the relocation, asserting that principled decisions should override such objections. He recalled his own experience of facing religious opposition when licensing Jaiz Bank, noting that he proceeded with the decision regardless of the criticism.

Sanusi clarified his involvement in the construction of the new Lagos building, crediting Charles Soludo for the design and contract. He said his role in the foundation laying ceremony and utilisation of the building during his tenure as CBN Governor.

Sanusi’s overarching message was the importance of the CBN prioritising its institutional success over ethnic and religious critiques.

The Supreme Court affirmed the election of Ahmed Aliyu as Sokoto State governor after dismissing the appeal filed by the PDP and its governorship candidate, Saidu Umar.

Delivering the lead judgment of a five-member panel of the court, Tijjani Abubakar dismissed the appeal filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its governorship candidate, Saidu Umar.

The supreme court has affirmed the election of Kefas Agbu as the duly elected governor of Taraba state.

Dismissing the appeal filed by Muhammad Yahaya and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), on Thursday, a five-man panel of justices held that the appellants failed to transmit complete records of appeal to the court.

The apex court held that the parts which were omitted were crucial to the determination of the appeal.