Nyesom Wike – FCT Minister
Festus Keyamo – Minister of Aviation
Adebayo Adelabu- Minister Of Power
Adegboyega Oyetola – Minister of Transportation
Details later
Some leaders of the Muslim Community in Lagos has staged a protest and stormed the State House of Assembly over the recent list of 39 commissioner-nominees released by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Wednesday August 16.
The Muslim community had earlier expressed their dissatisfaction on the list.
The list which was said to have eight Muslims and 31 Christians is regarded as being unfair to the Muslims in the state.
Although the state government had ignored the protest of the Muslims as the House of Assembly on Monday commenced the screening of the nominees.
The leaders of the Muslim Community led by the President, Prof. Tajudeen Gbadamosi, lamented that the state government is discriminatory in appointment of public officials.
In the petition read by the President, the Muslims expressed “grievance and dissatisfaction against the blatant disregard for justice, equity and fairness in the proposed Lagos State’ Executive cabinet as contained in the list of commissioner-nominees.
According to the group, the list “is a classic case of discrimination and religious bigotry, as it has 31 nominees who are of the Christian faith and only eight (8) nominees who are Muslims.”
“This is not a new development, especially since Governor Sanwo-Olu assumed leadership of this State, as a matter of fact, it is has been elevated to a level of official state policy to deny Muslims their deserved positions under the Sanwo-Olu administration.
“For instance, in 2019, when Mr. Sanwo-Olu became governor, he appointed 14 Special Advisers, and only one (1) among them was a Muslim.
Again, his State Executive Council, which had 43 members, only 14 were Muslims, and the remaining 29 were Christians. Also, of the 23 commissioners, 10 were Muslims and 13 of them Christians. Only 15 Muslims, with 35 Christians, made up the body of 50 Permanent Secretaries in his first term. These are just a few among numerous ways in which the Sanwo-Olu administration deny Muslims in this state their rightful place and number in leadership.”
The Muslim Community observed that Sanwo-Olu’s violates the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria particularly Section 14(4) and section 192(2).The sections say: “The composition of the Government of a State, a local government council, or any of the agencies of such Government or council, and the conduct of the affairs of the Government or council or such agencies shall be carried out in such manner as to recognise the diversity of the people within its area of authority and the need to promote a sense of belonging and loyalty among all the peoples of the Federation.”
“192(2) Any appointment to the office of Commissioner of the Government of a State shall, if the nomination of any person to such office is confirmed by the House of Assembly of the State, be made by the Governor of that State and in making any such appointment the Governor shall conform with the provisions of section 14(4) of this Constitution.”
Gbadamosi said, “With due respect Governor Sanwo-Olu’s list clearly violates these provisions of the Constitution and we accordingly call upon this honorable House not to endorse any action that violates our national ground norm, especially one which equally violates good conscience and natural justice.
“The argument that Muslims have more elected officials in Lagos State in preposterous. This is even more so at a time when all the Six (6) Governors of the southwest are Christians and we the Muslims do not complain about this, because we recognise that they contested for offices and won.
“Why must Muslims in Lagos State always beg and fight for their constitutional rights especially since Mr Sanwo-olu became Governor? We recall with utmost sadness really, that until the Supreme Court ruled in favour of hijab for our school girls, successive Lagos Governments, never felt it should endeavor to align with the global best practice of accepting hijab in addition to abiding with the rule of law.
“The historic pro-hijab judgement was delivered in March 2022 and globally acknowledged. However, Governor Sanwo-Olu’s government in its peculiar idiosyncrasy chose to ignore this until a year later, after ceaseless pressure was mounted by well-meaning individuals.
“We the Muslims of, and in Lagos State wish to categorically state that the entire leadership of the Muslim Community of Lagos State representing various Muslim organizations, unequivocally and unanimously reject the list of commissioner-designates of Governor Sanwo-Olu and we demand a reversal and review to reflect 60% in favour of Muslims in a fresh list.
“We call on the Lagos State House of Assembly to reject the list as similarly done in the Niger State House of Assembly, where a noticeably minority Christian population demanded a reversal of the list of commissioners to reflect fairness and equity to them.We also call on you and the House of Assembly to impress on the government the need to respect the diversity of the state’s population and to appoint a more representative cabinet. We believe that this is essential for the future stability and prosperity of Lagos State.”
The Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) has made projection that Nigeria will experience stronger economic growth as business activities increase in the remaining part of the year.
Speaking at the third edition of the Mid-Year Review of 2023 Economic Outlook, organised by the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria Centre for Financial Studies (CIBNCFS) in Abuja, the chief executive officer (CEO) of NESG, Laoye Jaiyeola, said the private sector performance is notably responding favourably to the current policy posture of the new government amid the challenges.
Noting that the Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) is considered a perfect predictor of economic growth momentum in Nigeria and across the globe, he said that there is a likelihood for stronger than expected economic growth in the remaining part of 2023 as firms’ new orders, output growth rate, and inventory activities increase.
Explaining that the predicted initial policy shocks might increase inflationary pressure and worsen the cost of living crisis if not properly managed, he expressed that convergence of foreign exchange market rates would reduce currency risks adding that the new policy regime would stimulate investors’ confidence in the economy.
Jaiyeola however, added that the monetary policy interest rate would likely rise until the end of the year.
Emphasising on the socio-economic outcomes, Jaiyeola noted that the initial policy shocks from foreign exchange rates convergence and petroleum subsidy removal would heighten the cost of living.
He said the situation would push more people into the poverty bracket as higher inflationary pressure would erode purchasing power of many households.
The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has urged President Bola Tinubu to withdraw the economic sanctions imposed on Niger Republic as a result of the coup in the neighbouring nation.
The convener of NEF, Ango Abdullahi in a statement on Tuesday, August 15 said the adoption of force would not achieve the goal of restoring constitutional order in Niger Republic.
Stating that the removal of sanctions on Niger Republic would make negotiations easier, Abdullahi disclosed that Northern Elders Forum (NEF) had chosen to observe events and reactions in Niger Republic since the coup d’etat in that country a few weeks ago.
According to Abdullahi, “Our decision to watch and refrain from open comments was informed by a number of reasons.
“First, we joined millions of Nigerians and Africans in rejecting in totality any attempt to overthrow the constitutional order by the Nigerien military.
“Nigerians had been encouraged by a number of visits from Nigeria to Niger Republic which suggested that the diplomatic option is open, and that Nigeria has the potential to influence developments in Niger.
“Nigeria should remove all sanctions and other measures intended to force the government and people of Niger into acquiescence.
“This will make negotiations led by Nigeria, using all assets that both countries value, easier to conduct. The use of force against Niger should be ruled out. It is unlikely to achieve the goals of restoring the constitutional order and improving the frontiers of democratic systems in West Africa. It will compound the security and humanitarian crises in the ECOWAS region.”
Appealing to the Nigerians and Nigeriens to to resist any method that would alter the harmonious that had existed between the two countries for centuries, the NEF commends all leaders and persons of influence, including the Nigerian senate, who are contributing to a genuine resolution of the situation in Niger Republic.
“We urge President Tinubu to recognise this unique moment in history and conduct himself in a manner that it records his role as defining statesmanship.
“We appeal to the people of Nigeria and Niger, as well as our leaders, to resist any attempt to poison our centuries of relationship.”
Leadingreporters earlier reported that the Democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum was deposed in a coup led by Amadou Abdramane on July 26.
The military junta immediately dissolved the constitution, suspended all institutions and closed the borders.
On Thursday, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), during its second extraordinary meeting, directed the deployment of standby military troops to restore constitutional order in Niger Republic.
The ECOWAS, chaired by Tinubu, had imposed economic sanctions on Niger, with Nigeria also cutting off electricity supply to Niger and shutting its borders against the landlocked nation.Ango
The committee set up by the Imo State government for the recovery of land belonging to Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education has indicted a former of the State, Rochas Okorochas.
Noting that Okorocha disposed of the college of its land, the report released on Tuesday August 15, said the former governors used brute force including the military and hoodlums to snatch the land from the College after which he allocated or sold the same to his top associates.
In the report, signed by the chairman Prof Vitalis Orikeze Ajumbe, and the secretary, B F Anyanwu, and submitted to Governor Hope Uzodimma, the committee recommended the recovery of the Shell Camp land from Okorocha and his associates within six months and handed the same over to AIFCE.
The report stressed that the beneficiaries of the grabbed properties who have been asked to vacate the land include two of Okorocha’s in-laws, Dr. Uzoma Anwuka and Kingsley Uju.
Others illegal beneficiaries of the acquired properties are a former speaker, Chief Acho Ihim; Charles Orie, Prince Charles Amadi, and Ugochukwu Hillary.
The Committee regretted that Okorocha ordered the demolition of 101 buildings belonging to the staff of the college and thereafter confiscated their property.
It, therefore, urged the Imo State Executive Council to direct the recovery of all the lands belonging to AIFCE, which are now illegally in the hands of individuals and institutions.
The report further advised the state government to ensure the quick recovery of the land within six months and thereafter issue a certificate of occupancy to the college.
“AIFCE should take full possession of the vacated land and property immediately upon recovery while the Commissioner for Lands and OCDA should recover the land within six months,” the committee suggested.
It further recommended that AIFCE should pay the agreed compensation to Orji indigenes who are the original owners of the land while the Army should vacate the shanties they erected in the land and finally move to Obinze.
Responding, Governor Uzodimma appreciated the committee’s effort for doing a thorough job and promised that the state government would take all necessary steps in accordance with due process to implement the committee’s recommendation.
A suspected notorious terrorist, Dogo Gide, and his members have claimed responsibility for shooting down a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) helicopter near Chukuba Ward in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State.
Gide, and his group are little known to Nigerians before yesterday. The group sent out a viral video allegedly recorded at the site of Monday’s Air Force jet crash, claiming responsibility for the accident.
In the less-than-three minutes clip, the terrorists claimed they killed dozens of soldiers on the plane.
The video showed terrorists wielding AK-47s. The aircraft had the inscription NAF 582.
The narrator said: “These are bodies belonging to soldiers of the Nigerian Army who attacked us with the intention of causing us harm.
“They did this to see the downfall of Dogo Gide and by God’s grace, he is still alive and won’t die.
“These are dozens of soldiers as you can see them. This is their airplane. Repent, we have no business with anyone except those who try to come for us. This is God’s work. We used an AK-47 to bring down this plane.
“Take a look at them. Let this be a lesson. You all should repent. It is not our intention to kill but for everyone to be enlightened and have the fear of God. Leaders who sent these soldiers our way to be killed by us should repent.
“We won’t surrender from pressure or even an aeroplane. Dogo Gide, who is their target, won’t die now. He is still alive. These are the AK-47s we used to bring down this plane.
According to PDP candidate David Aderinokun for the Ogun Central Senatorial District, N2 million is too little for a senator in Nigeria to receive as a vacation allowance.
This was mentioned by Aderinokun on Tuesday in a post made using his verified X handle.
“The $2 million that was given to senators is not a big deal,” he said. Even a senator would find it inadequate. What can a family guy buy with $2,000? Why do we make a big deal out of it.
“But they ought not to have made it widely known. Making it public is a little inconsiderate to Nigerians’ plight, he continued.
Recall that the Senate President Godwill Akpabio, during a special plenary session of the screening and confirmation of President Bola Tinubu’s ministerial nominees, had informed the senators that the Clerk to the National Assembly (CNA), Magaji Tambuwal, had wired money into their individual bank accounts in order to enjoy their annual holiday.
Akpabio had said, “In order to enable all of us to enjoy our holidays, a token has been sent to our various accounts by the Clerk of the National Assembly…,”
The Senate President’s statement met with interruptions from the senators, who were apparently dissatisfied with Akpabio’s public disclosure.
Akpabio, however, took a pause as he withdrew the statement, while he rephrased the information.
“In order to enjoy your holidays, the Senate President has sent prayers to your mailboxes to assist you to go on a safe journey and return,” Akpabio said in the alternative to calm down frayed nerves.
President Bola Tinubu has vowed to stop the incessant increase in petrol pump price.
Speaking on Tuesday, August 15 in Abuja, the special adviser to the President on media and publicity, Ajuri Ngelale said that his principal has promised to put a halt to the increasing.
Lamenting that proposed strike by the NLC is premature, he pleadedl for all stakeholders in the country to hold their peace”We have heard very recently from the organised labour movement in the country with respect to their most recent threat.
“We believe that the threat was premature and that there is a need on all sides to ensure that fact-finding and diligence is done on what the current state of the downstream and midstream petroleum industry is before any threats or conclusions are arrived at or issued.”
Stressing Tinubu asssurance that thr NNPC Limited will not increase in the pump price of petroleum motor spirit anywhere in the country, Ngelale further emphasized that Tinubu is determined to maintain competitive tension within all sub-sectors of the petroleum industry.
“We repeat, the president affirms that there will be no increase in the pump price of petroleum motor spirit.”
The Federal Government has withdrawn the charge of illegal possession of firearms and filed fresh charges with 20 counts against the embattled governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele.
Speaking to journalists on Tuesday, August 15, the Director of Public Prosecutions at the Federal Ministry of Justice Mohammed Bakodo Abubakar who approached the federal high court in Ikoyi with an oral application said the withdrawal followed the result of further investigations.
He further disclosed that the fresh charges with 20 counts had been filed against Emefiele at the Federal High Court, Abuja.
Emefiele was earlier arraigned before a federal high court in Ikoyi, Lagos on July, 25 bordering a two count charges on the “illegal possession of firearms”
The Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria has suspended two high-ranking officials for approving the ‘All Eyes on Judiciary’ billboard advert in Abuja.
Announcing the suspension in a statement, the Director-General of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria, Dr. Olalekan Fadolapo, said that Senior officials including the Director and Deputy Director, Regulations of the council were affected.
This followed the dissolution of the Secretariat of the Advertising Standard Panel by the Federal Government over its approval of billboards termed as blackmailing the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal with the title: ‘All Eyes on The Judiciary.’
Noting that the advertisement is considered a blackmail against the Nigerian Judiciary, Fadolapo said the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal, and particularly the Honourable Justices of the Tribunal are expected to discharge their judicial functions without fear or favour over a matter that is currently jus pendis.
The statement in part reads: “The Council would set up a committee to investigate the circumstances leading to the “erroneous approval” of one of the concepts of the advert and the breach of the vetting guidelines.“Consequently, the Director and Deputy Director, Regulations have also been suspended.
“The suspension is to enable an unprejudiced investigation of the issue.
The Advertising Standards Panel Secretariat failing to diligently exercise its function as the gatekeeper of advertising, advertisement, and marketing communications is hereby dissolved.”