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The National Identity Management Commission has finalised plans to launch a self-service application next month.

The commission said the plans will allow Nigerians in the diaspora to seamlessly enrol for their National Identity Number through a user-friendly self-service application.

The Director-General of NIMC, Abisoye Coker-Odusote, disclosed this during a courtesy visit to the Chairman of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, to share insights on the upcoming self-service application on Monday in Abuja.

According to a statement signed by the Technical Adviser to the DG on media, Ayodele Babalola, the application promises a contactless and seamless experience for Nigerians in the diaspora seeking to obtain their NINs.

He noted, “The National Identity Management Commission has announced plans to allow Nigerians in the diaspora to seamlessly enrol for their National Identity Number through a user-friendly self-service application.

“Scheduled to go live in February, the application promises a contactless and seamless experience for Nigerians in the diaspora seeking to obtain their NINs.”

He stated that NIMC would set up a Diaspora Focal Point Desk to resolve issues within 24 hours.

“As part of the process, a dedicated Diaspora Focal Point Desk will be established at the NIMC office to ensure swift resolution of issues within 24 hours. This customer-centric approach aims to provide efficient support to Nigerians abroad in line with the agency’s commitment to quality service delivery,” Babalola stated.

He emphasised that the initiative aligned with the DG’s commitment to enhancing service delivery and creating a hassle-free system for Nigerians abroad, adding that the strategic collaboration marked a significant milestone in leveraging technology to enhance the accessibility of critical identity services for Nigerians in the Diaspora.

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On her part, Dabiri-Erewa expressed gratitude to the NIMC delegation for the innovative solution while acknowledging the forward-thinking strategy adopted by Coker-Odusote.

The NiDCOM chairman highlighted the significance of the new system, emphasising its capability to easily link NIN with international passports for Nigerians residing outside the country.

In 2019, the National Identity Management Commission commenced the Diaspora enrolment exercise aimed at capturing Nigerians living outside the country into the National Identity Database.

It is aimed at ensuring they also benefit from the acquisition of their National Identification Numbers.

In its May 27, 2023, update, NIMC revealed that the number of diasporan Nigerians in its database hit 427,962, with 178,799 females and 249,163 males.

Recently, hundreds of Nigerians lamented the rigorous registration process to obtain their NIN number, revalidate or link with Subscribers’ Identity Modules.

The surge is linked to the approaching deadline for the deactivation of phone lines by the Nigerian Communications Commission late last year.

Many unsuccessful applicants were nervous and worried about their phone lines being blocked.

There is heavy police presence around the Plateau State House of Assembly on Tuesday ahead of resumption of legislative activities.

Leading reporters reports that the Plateau State Police Command has beefed up security around the venue following the decision of the 16 former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lawmakers to resume sitting despite their sack by the Appeal Court.

The heavily armed policemen were deployed to Old Government House, Jos, venue of the sitting as early as 5am.

“We are under instructions to screen anyone coming to the venue so as to be sure if you are a staff or hoodlums,” a police source said.

It was learnt the security personnel were deployed as a proactive measure against any invasion of the sitting by hoodlums.

Political watchers have expressed concerns about a likely clash between the 16 PDP lawmakers sacked by the Court of Appeal and All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmakers declared winner by Court of Appeal.

Lawmakers we’re yet to arrive for plenary as at the time of writing this report.

More to follow…

Three labourers are feared dead following a landslide in the village of Unguwan Ayaba, located in the Keffi Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.

It was gathered that the incident occurred on Sunday evening as the workers were engaged in digging and loading red soil into a waiting lorry at a site within the village.

The cliff at the location collapsed, burying four of the labourers under debris.

One worker managed to escape the situation with injuries.

Since the incident unfolded on Sunday evening, rescue workers, volunteers, and concerned villagers, including family members of the victims, have gathered at the site in a desperate attempt to recover the bodies of the three labourers.

LeadingReporters gathered that despite hours of relentless efforts, the recovery mission has yet to yield any success as of the time of this report.

Saliu Abdullahi, one of the volunteers at the site, expressed determination to persevere in the rescue efforts, stating that they would not vacate the location until the bodies of the three labourers are recovered.

Aminu Sunusi, the vice chairman of the Tipper Owners Association in Keffi LGA, revealed that an excavator has been requested to expedite the rescue work.

Sanusi stated the urgency of the situation and hinted at a decisive action on the site due to its delicate nature, aiming to prevent future occurrences of such tragic accidents.

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Administration, in a bid to tackle the persistent menace of “one chance” robberies in the capital city, is set to ban unpainted taxis and buses from operating, as well as establish official bus terminals.

Minister Nyesom Wike announced the two solutions during a recent media chat, citing concerns that unpainted vehicles provide anonymity for criminal elements.

“We are not going to allow vehicles that are not painted with FCT colour and registered by the FCTA to ply commercial in the territory.

“That way, you know the driver is certified by the FCT and the buses and the taxes were also approved by the FCT.

“When this is done, you as the passenger will not take the risk of going to enter any vehicle that you don’t even know,” he said

Wike added that the crackdown will also extend to ride-hailing services like Uber.

He said the drivers needed to be certified and profiled by the security agencies.

“This is a city, if you don’t have rules, there will be problems,” he added.

According to Wike, the lack of designated bus terminals also contributes to the vulnerability of passengers. As such, he announced plans to construct at least three terminals in 2024.

“That way, you know the drivers and the vehicle that you are entering.

“But currently, everybody is just on the road. You are going to Nyanya, a car is on the road, you enter; you are going to Wuye, a car is on the road you enter.

“What we are trying to do in the 2024 fiscal year is to at least build three terminals for a start, so that we will know the buses and taxes that will carry people from such terminals.

“When this is done nobody will take the risk of going on the road to wave for a taxi. That way, you will be able to reduce crime,” he said.

The local government chairman of Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, Samuel Nwanosike, has slammed Governor Siminalayi Fubara, describing him as a “foolish governor” and naive.

Nwanosike is a loyalist of Former Governor Nyesom Wike. The rift between Fubara and Wike, who now serves as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, escalated in 2023 due to a power struggle for supremacy within the state.

The LG chairman made the remark while addressing his supporters at Omerelu Community. He later posted the viral video on his official X handle.

He said, “Any day the likes of Chijioke sent by Fubara insults Wike, I’ll insult Fubara, so today, Fubara is a foolish Governor, he’s not a ‘mumu’ Governor but a foolish Governor because since he took office in May 29th, he has done nothing for Rivers people.”

Nwanosike said the allegation that Wike wanted to pocket Rivers State is far from the truth, saying Fubara “is very naive and doesn’t know what governance is all about. If he knows what governance is all about, by now, he would have been visiting Rivers State by the local government.

“Go and look at Igirita roundabout by Igirita market by Eleka Road; deathtrap, can’t move. Kidnapping everywhere in Rivers State and you say you’re a Governor”.

The Federal High Court in Abuja has nullified the passage of the 2024 Rivers State appropriation bill by the five-member faction of the State House of Assembly headed by Edison Ehie and loyal to Governor Siminalayi Fubara

LeadingReporters gathered that Siminalayi Fubara, in December, presented an N800 billion Appropriation Bill for the 2024 fiscal year to the five-member assembly which they passed into law.

It was also learnt that the faction moved the house plenary session to the Government House, Port Harcourt amid the demolition of the assembly complex by Governor Fubara’s administration.

It was learnt that the 27 members of the House of Assembly loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and immediate governor of the state, Nyesom Wike, were absent during the plenary.

The House declared the seats of 27 lawmakers vacant.

LeadingReporters learnt how the factional Speaker of the State House of Assembly loyal to Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Edison later tendered his resignation.

He also quit as a member of the State Assembly, as contained in a letter addressed to the National Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Ehie also said he had resigned as the member representing Ahoada-East Constituency II in the 10th Assembly.

His resignation letter read: “This is to formally notify you of my voluntary resignation as Speaker and Member of the 10th Rivers State House of Assembly representing Ahoada – East Constituency II with effect from the date of this letter.

“I wish to deeply appreciate my colleagues and the people of my Constituency for the rare opportunity to serve and hope to continue to give my utmost best in service to Rivers State subsequently.”

Late designer of Nigeria’s national flag, Taiwo Akinkunmi is yet to be buried five months after he died. This is after the Federal and Oyo State Governments had pledged a state burial for the icon after he passed away on August 29, 2023.

There was however some disagreement on the December 7 and 8, 2023 date earlier fixed by the family for the burial, due to lack of proper consultation between the family and the government.

The Oyo State House of Assembly later met with the family, promising to communicate an agreement on a new burial date.

According to Akinwunmi Akinkunmi who is the spokesperson of the bereaved family, they are running out of patience due to lack of communication and uncertainty surrounding the burial arrangements.

A family source said they are not dragging with the government but want clarity on the commitments made by the government to enable them determine whether to proceed with the burial of their patriarch on their own.

President Bola Tinubu has rolled out the drum to celebrate a former presidential aide, Reno Omokri, who turns 50 today (Monday).

In a statement Sunday night, President Tinubu congratulated the author and influencer and commended him “for his dutifulness in providing constructive opinions on national issues, regardless of his political disposition”.

“Mr. Omokri, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, was the Special Assistant on Digital Media to former President Goodluck Jonathan from 2011 to 2015,” the statement by Ajuri Ngelale, presidential spokesperson, said.

“President Tinubu wishes Mr. Omokri many more years in good health as he continues to contribute his quota to national development.”

Mr Omokri, a member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was one of the staunchest critics of President Tinubu and his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), ahead of the 2023 elections.

But in the past months, the political posturing of the former special assistant on digital media to President Goodluck Jonathan has been intriguing.

While remaining a member of the PDP and supporter of Atiku Abubakar, one of Nigeria’s leading opposition figures, Mr Omokri appears to have warmed up to President Tinubu and his government and has become one of their most vociferous and effective defenders.

For instance, in response to the criticism of the Tinubu government over the growing insecurity in Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, where there have been horrendous cases of abductions and killings, Mr Reno posted on X (formally Twitter):

“This idea that Tinubu has failed because kidnappers have killed 87 Nigerians in the FCT, Abuja since May 29, 2023, is silly. Please fact check me. 617 people were murdered in Chicago city alone in 2023. In New York City, 386 people were killed. In the first three weeks of 2024, there have been 70 murders in St. Louis, Missouri.

“Yet, you are saying Tinubu is a failure over 86 deaths in 7 months in the FCT, which is larger in land mass and population than Chicago, New York City, and St Louis combined? Put things into proper perspective.

The Senate is set to summon Minister Nyesom Wike following the escalating security challenges in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

This was revealed by the senator representing the FCT, Ireti Kingibe, during a Sunday interview on Channels TV.

Senator Kingibe, who was elected under the Labour Party (LP) platform, expressed concern about the recent surge in criminal activities, including kidnapping and killings, orchestrated by bandits within the nation’s capital. She said that upon the Senate’s return to plenary, the Minister would be summoned to provide a detailed account of his strategy to address the security crisis.

“It is not that I am hoping. I know he will be summoned. But whether he responds or not is a different matter entirely. But as the chief security officer of the FCT, he should have a plan.

“He should be able to tell us, the committee, and specifically me, that this is the plan for protecting the people of the FCT. Between him, the police commissioner, and the head of the DSS, they must have a plan”, the Senator said.

Kingibe further disclosed that there is a perceived “disconnect” between herself and the FCT Minister. She accused Wike of neglecting her messages and letters regarding the security situation in the region.

Retired Major General Danjuma Ali-Keffi, former General Officer Commanding (GOC) of 1 Division of the Nigerian Army, has raised serious concerns about the fatal air crash that claimed the life of former Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Ibrahim Attahiru, and 11 other senior military officers.

In an exclusive interview with THISDAY, Ali-Keffi contends that the crash is intricately linked to terror financiers, urging President Bola Tinubu to launch an immediate investigation into the incident.

Ali-Keffi, who expressed his reservations about the official investigation, alleges a deliberate suppression of critical details surrounding the crash.

He emphasized that the full report of the investigation has not been disclosed to the public, adding an air of suspicion to the circumstances leading up to the tragic incident.

The retired general asserts that Attahiru was pivotal in formulating strategies to eradicate terrorism in Northern Nigeria.

Ali-Keffi contends that the late army chief’s efforts to tackle terrorism extended to exposing and neutralizing terror financiers.

In a detailed account of the events leading to the crash, Ali-Keffi raises questions about the abrupt changes in the scheduled trip, alterations in the choice of aircraft, and modifications in the landing airport.

He points to a sequence of unusual events, including the aircraft’s descent in stormy weather, a delayed departure, and an ear-shattering explosion before the crash, casting doubt on the official narrative.

Ali-Keffi explained, “About 2100 hrs on Thursday 20 May 2021, I spoke on phone with the Chief of Staff (COS) to the late COAS regarding their impending trip to Kaduna the following day (21 May 2021).

I had earlier spoken with General Attahiru on the same issue. We ended our conversation on the note that the late COAS and entourage would come by flight at about 1000 hrs the following day.

“About 0630 hrs the following morning, I called the COS to the late COAS to confirm if their travel plan was as we discussed the night before, as I needed to make arrangements for the Mosque that the COAS would attend Jummu’at (Friday) prayers.

“The COS informed me that there was a change of plan. He said after we finished speaking last night, they received a message that the late COAS was to attend a meeting either at the Honourable Minister of Defence (HMOD) office or at the Presidential Villa at about 1000 hrs on Friday 21 May 2021 and that the late COAS was to attend in person and not send a representative.

“It is important to note that the late COAS’ trip to Kaduna was part of his visit to Zaria to attend the Passing Out Parade at the Depot NA slated for Saturday 22 May 2021.

“It is worth noting that the movement of service chiefs out of station (Abuja) is with the prior knowledge of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), the Honourable Minister of Defence (HMOD), and the presidency.

“So, why was a meeting scheduled for about the same time that the late COAS was to have departed for (or arrived) Kaduna and why the insistence that he (COAS) should not be represented?

“In any case, the COS informed me that in view of the meeting, they would depart the Flag House (official residence of the COAS) at about 1530 hrs (after attending the meeting and also after the Jummu’ at prayers) for the airport.

“They expected to arrive the airport at about 1600 hrs, board the aircraft at about 1610 – 1615 hrs and depart for Kaduna. At about 1600 hrs, I was informed that they had arrived the Presidential Wing of the Airport. I then set off from the Stallion House (official residence of the GOC) with my entourage in a convoy and arrived the Air Force Base at about 1615 hrs.

“For reasons that I cannot understand till today, the flight was delayed for over an hour and did not take off until 1730 hrs or there about. The reason for the delay, as I was informed, was that there was issue with the aircraft that was initially assigned for the mission (to convey the COAS and his entourage) and that it had to be changed.”

Ali-Keffi also disclosed, “Meantime, there was a meteorological alert that Kaduna airspace was going to experience heavy rainfall accompanied with the storm (wind shear), and it was advised. Already, the cloud had formed in Kaduna, which was visible to us at the airport.

“As a matter of fact, the cloud was so thick, which was indicative of a massive storm. I began to nurse doubts about the flight. At some point, I voiced my doubts to Air Commodore Iyamu and Air Commodore Ilo, who were with me to receive the COAS.

“I even suggested that they should advise Abuja of weather conditions with a view to having the flight cancelled. At that point, I was informed that the aircraft was airborne (at about 1745 hrs). I became concerned as to whether the aircraft would be able to land at the airport in such a heavy rainfall, storm (the rain had started falling then).

“Thus, I was not surprised when Air Commodore Ilo informed me that we had go to the Civil (International Airport) as the NAF runway was not long enough to enable the aircraft land under the atrocious weather condition. We then set off for the International Airport but at a snail speed due to the heavy rainfall, which was accompanied with shale (ice particles).”

The former GOC said, “When we got to the vicinity of the airport, there was a thunderous sound, which I thought was the sound of thunder. We had earlier cited what I believed was the aircraft descending to land on the runway. When we turned the bend to enter the tarmac, the thought on my mind was that the aircraft had touched down and was taxing to the parking area.

“I couldn’t see any aircraft on the runway. I frantically looked around, and by the far side of the runway, there was a fireball. It was the aircraft conveying General Attahiru! We got out the vehicles, crossed the runway and approached the burning aircraft. Fire fighters were on hand to put out the blaze. At some point we had to pull back due to the fear of exploding cylinders.

“We later recovered the corpses of the 10 passengers on board the ill-fated plane far from where the plane wreckage was. Apparently, their bodies, which were on fire, were flung from the aircraft before it came down (already in flames). Furthermore, the aircraft (or what was left of it), at least what I could recollect, was on a relatively flat grassland.

“There was no crater. This was indicative of a mid-air explosion. So, what caused the aircraft to explode? I wonder what the Air Safety and Accident Investigation Bureau report says about the incident.”

Ali-Keffi further queried, “Was the flight deliberately delayed in order to be caught up in the rainstorm? Was the aircraft sabotaged, which caused it to explode mid-air? Was the explosion caused by explosives? Was a bomb planted in the aircraft or contained in a parcel, which a passenger unknowingly (or knowingly) carried?”