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Human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN, has criticized Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike’s decision to provide judges with houses and cars, calling it inappropriate.

Wike had in October initiated the construction of 40 judges’ quarters in Abuja’s Katampe District, a move that has sparked debate, with some describing it as unethical. Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday, Falana argued that gifts from the executive to judiciary members, particularly judges, are improper.

“The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory operates like a state governor by virtue of Section 299 of the Constitution,” Falana said. “Therefore, he cannot allocate houses and cars to the federal high court, FCT high court, Court of Appeal, and Supreme Court judges.”

Falana argued that, as a federal minister with a budget limited to FCT affairs, Wike should not be offering gifts to judges who may oversee cases involving the FCT administration. “On the principle of equality before the court, it is inappropriate to give cars or houses to judges deciding cases involving your administration,” he stated.

Falana emphasized that the judiciary’s financial autonomy, granted by the Constitution, ensures it can manage its own budget without executive intervention.

Additionally, the senior lawyer condemned Wike’s recent demolition of private properties in the FCT, describing the actions as unlawful and “primitive.” He asserted that such demolitions are not authorized under the Urban and Regional Planning Act governing the FCT.

“In the FCT, any alleged violation of building laws must first be reviewed by the Urban and Regional Planning Board,” Falana explained. “Property owners can then appeal to the Urban and Regional Tribunal, and if necessary, to the High Court, which may issue a demolition order if warranted,” he added.

Former Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki has embarked on a vacation following the end of his tenure, stating that the break will allow him to rest and undergo thorough medical check-ups.

The announcement was made on Wednesday by Obaseki’s spokesperson, Crusoe Osagie, who conveyed the former governor’s gratitude to God and to the people of Edo State and Nigeria for the opportunity to serve.

Osagie stated, “He urged all Edo people, both at home and in the diaspora, to remain hopeful and pray for the peace, progress, and prosperity of our state and Nigeria.”

Obaseki concluded his eight-year tenure on November 11, handing over to Monday Okpebholo, who won the gubernatorial election after defeating the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate Asue Ighodalo and Labour Party candidate Olumide Akpata.

Okpebholo was sworn in as the new governor of Edo State on Tuesday.

The embattled Senator Shehu Buba, who represents the South Senatorial District of Bauchi State, is currently facing a storm of allegations and constituent discontent following revelations linking him to individuals with terrorist ties in Northern Nigeria. The situation has escalated rapidly, with the Department of State Services (DSS) investigating his potential involvement with wanted terror suspects. This deepening scandal is fueling grassroots movements within his constituency, who are now calling not only for accountability but also for a recall of the senator himself.

Sources close to the senator and political observers suggest that Buba’s once formidable political career may be in jeopardy, as his actions come under intense scrutiny. The senator, who once enjoyed a degree of respect and influence within Bauchi State, is now witnessing his reputation unravel amidst revelations of his alleged connections with Abubakar Idris, a known terrorist figure arrested on August 17, 2024. Idris’s arrest reportedly implicated Buba in ways that have raised alarm among his constituents, who are outraged by the shocking possibility that one of their own elected leaders could be among the people abetting terrorism/banditry and causing more hardship for them.

This backlash against Senator Buba has sparked the initiation of a formal recall process, a rare and challenging political maneuver that shows the depth of dissatisfaction among his constituents. The movement has taken shape, with growing numbers of registered voters signing a petition to force the senator’s recall, aiming to reach the threshold required by law to initiate a referendum. If the recall process gathers sufficient momentum, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will be compelled to conduct a vote, giving Buba’s constituents a historic opportunity to remove him from office—a move that would send serve as a lesson to other political office holders fueling evil with their positions.

In addition to this ongoing move, information available to 247ureports indicate that Senator Buba’s predicament is further exacerbated by recent revelations questioning his true origin. Investigations indicate that Buba, whose background was previously unknown to many in Bauchi, originally hails from Barkin Ladi Local Government Area in Plateau State. He reportedly moved to Nabardo village in Bauchi’s Toro Local Government Area in 2001 under tenuous circumstances. This discovery has fueled resentment among constituents, some of whom are now challenging his legitimacy as a representative of Bauchi State.

“We thought he was one of us, but he’s not even a Bauchi indigene,” an anonymous community leader lamented in an interview with this reporter.
Senator Buba’s political rise is as controversial as it is unlikely. After moving to Bauchi, he initially found a foothold through family ties; his sister was married to Abdullahi Yuguda, a relative of former Bauchi Governor Isa Yuguda. Securing a position as a teacher in a local primary school, Buba gradually wove himself into the political fabric of Bauchi State, securing an appointment as Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Nomadic Education under Governor Yuguda’s administration. However, his tenure was short-lived, as he was reportedly dismissed after just three years. Undeterred, Buba shifted allegiances, joining former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s campaign machinery and aligning himself with the influential Miyetti Allah, an association that has long been enmeshed in Nigeria’s complex socio-political landscape.

By 2019, Buba’s political ambitions took a significant leap forward when he was appointed Caretaker Chairman of Toro Local Government Area, a position conferred upon him by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed. Despite being relatively obscure, Buba’s career trajectory continued upward, and in 2022, he declared his senatorial ambitions. He secured the All Progressives Congress (APC) nomination under contentious circumstances, with insiders attributing his success to the influence of Yakubu Dogara, a prominent political figure in Northern Nigeria.

“The way he clinched that nomination was strange, almost as if it was handed to him. How he won the election still remains a mystery to most of us,” a constituent revealed, casting doubt on the legitimacy of Buba’s political rise.

Upon winning the senatorial seat, Buba was assigned the powerful position of Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence—a role traditionally reserved for senior and highly reputable lawmakers. His appointment has been met with widespread disapproval, with critics labeling it as an anomaly and a grave error in judgment by the National Assembly.

“To have someone with such dubious affiliations in charge of national security oversight is a dangerous gamble,” a political analyst told 247ureports.

Speculations also abound that Buba’s appointment as the Committee Chairman was not based on merit but was orchestrated to undermine state authorities in Bauchi, reflecting the complex power dynamics at play.

“He was placed in charge of the Committee “to fight” the Bauchi government,” a source opined.

It was further gathered that these recent allegations against Buba have now forced him to avoid public appearances, especially in his constituency, with many speculating that he fears a backlash from angry residents. Since Idris’s arrest, Buba’s visibility has sharply declined, with no known public engagements or constituency visits, further adding to the speculation that he is distancing himself from the growing outrage.

“His absence speaks volumes,” said a political observer.

This is a developing story. Stay tuned.

The Nigerian Navy has received three Agusta Westland 109 Trekker helicopters, purchased by the Ministry of Defence, in a handover ceremony held on November 12, 2024, in Lagos.

The Director of Naval Information, Commodore A. Adams-Aliu, confirmed the handover in a statement on Wednesday, noting that the event took place in Ikeja with the Chief of the Naval Staff and senior officers present to receive the helicopters.

According to Adams-Aliu, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, expressed gratitude to the Minister of Defence, Abubakar Badaru, and the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, for facilitating the acquisition.

He also thanked President Bola Tinubu for his continuous support to the Armed Forces and the Navy.

The new helicopters will enhance the Navy’s operational capacity, supporting activities such as air reconnaissance, search and rescue, air insertion, and medical evacuation (MEDEVAC).

Adams-Aliu highlighted the AW 109’s specifications, noting that the helicopters are configured for VIP use, with full leather interiors and noise-reduction systems.

The aircraft is equipped with landing skids for better load capacity and auxiliary tanks, extending its endurance to 3 hours and 40 minutes, enabling long-range transport flights. Additionally, the helicopters can be retrofitted with specialized mission equipment as required.

The Ogun State Government has disbursed N2.6 billion in gratuities to retired public primary school teachers and local government retirees for the fourth quarter of 2024.

The payment, facilitated by the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, was announced by the Permanent Secretary of the Bureau of Local Government Pensions, Olufisan Osiyale, at his office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, on Wednesday.

Osiyale stated that the disbursement reflects Governor Dapo Abiodun’s commitment to supporting senior citizens, particularly in light of current economic challenges. “We are fortunate to have Governor Dapo Abiodun, whose dedication to the welfare of people is unprecedented,” he said. “He believes that those who have served diligently during their active years should be well cared for in retirement.”

Osiyale encouraged the beneficiaries to maintain their health and adopt a moderate lifestyle, expressing hope that their support and prayers would show appreciation for the governor’s gesture.

Also speaking, Mrs. Caroline Oguntola, State Chairperson of the Retired Primary School Teachers Association of Nigeria (REPSTAN), praised Governor Abiodun for increasing retirees’ monthly pensions, paying gratuities, and providing subsidized rice. She urged the governor to continue his efforts in supporting retirees.