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  • FG’s clearance of N39bn ex-NITEL staff pension arrears, historic feat- TMV

    FG’s clearance of N39bn ex-NITEL staff pension arrears, historic feat- TMV

     

    By Iyiola Olalere

    The Tinubu Media Volunteers (TMV) has described the settlement of N39bn pension arrears of former staff of NITEL, PHCN and others under the defined benefit scheme as not only historical but commendable.

    In a statement signed by its Chairman, Chukwudi Enekwechi, and Secretary, Segun Ogedengbe, the group noted that the move is commendable considering that those arrears have been outstanding for more than two decades.

    The statement read in part, “We note that the non-payment of the pensions had over the years subjected the pensioners to untold hardship. It is acknowledged that the payment will also cover pensioners under the Defined Benefit Scheme (DBS).

    “There is no doubt that this backlog of pension arrears had become a source of concern, not only to the pensioners and their immediate families, but also an embarrassment to the country.

    “We believe that workers who have devoted their young and productive age to serve the country should be remunerated as and when due, as this will inspire upcoming generations to contribute meaningfully to national development.

    “The approval also demonstrates the federal government’s commitment to the welfare of workers and protection of the dignity of labour.

    “We note that the payments reflect the federal government’s determination to ensure that under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, pensioners receive their entitlements promptly.

    “It is further noted that much of the pension arrears were inherited by the present administration and, in the spirit of the Renewed Hope Agenda, all outstanding pension arrears are being settled, thereby bringing a new lease of life to public service.”

    The group added that it represents another milestone in the federal government’s efforts to improve the welfare of retirees and strengthen confidence in the pension administration under the Tinubu administration.

    End

  • Enthusiasts say Morocco, Egypt inspire fresh hope for African football

    Enthusiasts say Morocco, Egypt inspire fresh hope for African football

     

     

     

     

    By Vivian Ahanmisi

    Lagos:   Football enthusiasts have hailed Morocco and Egypt’s outstanding 2026 FIFA World Cup campaigns, describing their performances as a landmark moment for African football.

    They said both countries proved African teams can compete with the world’s strongest nations rather than merely participating at the tournament.

    Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Wednesday, Nigeria Rugby Federation General Manager, Azeez Ladipo, said their achievements reflected Africa’s remarkable football progress.

    He said African teams now approach the World Cup believing they can challenge and defeat leading football nations.

    He said: “The performances of Morocco and Egypt show how far African football has come.

    “African teams are no longer at the World Cup just to take part. They are there to compete, challenge the best teams and even win matches.”

    Ladipo attributed both countries’ success to sustained investment, careful planning and improved football administration over several years.

     

     

    “Their success is the result of investing in young players, improving coaching, running football better and giving players the chance to play in top leagues.

     

     

    “It shows that African football is moving in the right direction,” he said.

     

     

    He said the achievements should inspire young footballers across Africa and encourage governments and football authorities to strengthen development programmes.

     

     

    According to him, the success of Morocco and Egypt has enhanced Africa’s global reputation while demonstrating the continent’s immense football potential.

     

     

    “This achievement is bigger than football. It has made Africa proud and shown the world the great talent we have.

     

     

    “Other African countries should improve their local football, so that these kinds of achievements become common,” he said.

     

     

    Ladipo expressed confidence that more African nations would enjoy similar success at future international competitions.

     

     

    Sebioba Football Club coach, Abdulrahman Gbadamosi, described Egypt’s campaign as one of the tournament’s biggest surprises.

     

     

    He said Egypt exceeded expectations by displaying courage, resilience and composure throughout difficult matches.

     

     

    Gbadamosi added that reaching the knockout stage showed African teams were becoming increasingly organised, disciplined and mentally stronger.

     

     

    “Egypt have shown courage, unity and determination throughout the competition.

     

     

    “The players have represented not only their country but also the hopes of millions of Africans who want to see the continent succeed at the World Cup,” he said.

     

     

    He said Egypt’s achievement should encourage greater investment in grassroots football and youth development across Africa.

     

     

    Sports analyst, Monday Ahanmisi, also described Morocco’s and Egypt’s performances as evidence of African football’s steady growth.

     

     

    He said many football associations now prioritise player development, coaching education and improved sporting infrastructure.

     

     

    “Football in Africa has continued to improve. More African players now play in top leagues around the world and gain valuable experience.

     

     

    “This has helped national teams become stronger, more organised and more confident against the world’s best teams,” he said.

     

     

    Ahanmisi said both teams united supporters across Africa, with many fans celebrating their success as a continental achievement.

     

     

    “The performances of Morocco and Egypt have made many people believe that Africa can one day win the FIFA World Cup.

     

     

    “The journey is still difficult, but these teams have shown that African countries can compete with the best teams from Europe and South America,” he said.

     

     

    Football enthusiast Samuel Eze urged African governments and sports administrators to increase investment in football development.

     

     

    He called for improved sporting facilities, stronger youth academies, better coaching programmes and more competitive domestic leagues.

     

     

    “Africa has many talented players, but talent alone is not enough. We must train young players well, improve our sports facilities and give them more chances to grow and succeed.

     

     

    “The performances of Morocco and Egypt should encourage other African countries to improve their football and work harder to achieve greater success in future tournaments,” he said.

     

     

    The enthusiasts agreed that Morocco’s impressive run and Egypt’s memorable campaign had restored confidence in African football and highlighted the continent’s abundant talent.

     

     

    They said the achievements inspired millions of supporters and strengthened belief that Africa is steadily moving closer to becoming a major force in world football.

     

     

    NAN reports that, following Egypt’s elimination, Morocco now carries Africa’s hopes in the tournament.

     

     

    The achievements of both nations underline the continued progress of African football on the global stage. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

     

  • Senate advances bill to strengthen fight against counterfeit drugs

    Senate advances bill to strengthen fight against counterfeit drugs

     

     

     

    By Nefishetu Yakubu

    Abuja:  The Senate on Wednesday passed for second reading a bill seeking to strengthen Nigeria’s legal framework against counterfeit medical products, fake drugs and unwholesome processed foods.

    Leading the debate, the sponsor, Sen. Sadiq Suleiman (APC-Kwara North), said the bill sought to repeal the Counterfeit and Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Foods (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

    Suleiman said that the proposed bill also sought to prohibit the use of toxic substances to quicken the natural process to maturity of fruits and to review penalty provisions for hawking drugs, poison and other food products.

    (NAFDAC Operatives in action against counterfeiters)

    He noted that the bill would establish a more comprehensive legal framework to regulate counterfeit medical products, fake drugs and unwholesome processed foods.

    Suleiman said that every Nigerian deserved genuine, safe and effective medicines, lamenting that criminal networks had continued to profit from counterfeit products at the expense of innocent lives.

    According to him, counterfeit medicines contribute to infant deaths, treatment failures, antimicrobial resistance, worsening chronic illnesses and declining public confidence in Nigeria’s healthcare delivery system.

    The lawmaker added that adulterated cosmetics, contaminated packaged water and unwholesome processed foods had exposed millions of Nigerians to preventable diseases, disabilities and avoidable deaths on daily basis.

    He acknowledged the efforts by National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria and other stakeholders.

    Suleiman, however, noted that criminal networks had become increasingly sophisticated, making it imperative to modernise existing legislation and strengthen enforcement mechanisms against counterfeit products.

    The senator said that the bill also prohibited hawking and sales of medicines in open markets, motor parks, roadside stalls, unlicensed premises and illegal online platforms.

    He said that offenders would face up to 15 years’ imprisonment, substantial fines and mandatory compensation where counterfeit products caused death or grievous bodily harm.

    The senator said that the bill empowered courts to order asset forfeiture, seize offending premises and strengthen criminal prosecution through accelerated trials and recognition of electronic evidence.

    He also proposed retaining NAFDAC as the principal enforcement authority, while establishing national and state task forces to improve intelligence sharing and coordinated enforcement.

    “Counterfeit medicines have become silent weapons of mass destruction. They destroy lives, weaken healthcare delivery and undermine public confidence in genuine pharmaceutical products,” he said.

    Contributing, Sen. Samson Ekong (APC-Akwa Ibom South) described the bill as timely, saying victims of counterfeit medicines often ended up enriching casket makers through preventable deaths.

    “Health is wealth. The senate must send a clear signal that these abuses must stop and appropriate penalties must be enforced,” Ekong said.

    Also, Sen. Adams Oshiomhole (APC-Edo North) said fake drugs had become widespread across urban and rural communities, contributing significantly to kidney diseases and other organ failures.

    “We are all potential victims of fake drugs. This legislation deserves the support of every senator because it concerns every Nigerian family,” he added.

    Also speaking, the Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, supported the bill’s objectives but urged lawmakers to establish a clear nexus with the NAFDAC Act to avoid duplicating existing responsibilities.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the senate thereafter passed the bill for a second reading in a voice vote.

    After deliberations, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, referred the bill to the Senate Committee on Health (Secondary and Tertiary) for public hearing.(NAN)
    (www.nannews.ng)

     

  • EFCC arraigns ex-Port Harcourt Refinery Ltd MD, Dikko, over money laundering offences

    EFCC arraigns ex-Port Harcourt Refinery Ltd MD, Dikko, over money laundering offences

     

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Wednesday arraigned Mr Ahmed Dikko, the former Managing Director, Port Harcourt Refining Company Ltd (PHRC), on alleged money laundering offences.

    Dikko, who was arraigned before Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja on a 12-count charge, pleaded not guilty.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the EFCC, in the charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/360/2026, had named Dikko and Masterpiece Projects & Investment Ltd as 1st and 2nd defendants.

    In the charge dated and filed on June 22 by the commission’s counsel, Ekele Iheanacho, SAN, the anti-graft agency accused Dikko of using part of the funds to purchase a choiced property in Abuja.

    When the case was called, Iheanacho informed the court that the matter was scheduled for the defendants to take their plea and that they were ready to proceed.

    Ikechukwu Ajunwa, SAN, did not oppose the application but applied that a non-guilty plea be entered for the 2nd defendant, the company.

    After the charge was read to him, Dikko pleaded not guilty to all the 12 counts.

    In view of the non-guilty plea, the prosecution lawyer applied for a trial date, which Ajunwa did not oppose but informed the court that a bail application had been filed on behalf of the 1st defendant.

    He said a copy of the bail application had also been served on the EFCC.

    Iheanacho acknowledged the receipt of the process and told the court that a counter affidavit had equally been filed in opposition to the bail request.

    Moving the motion, Ajunwa said it was dated and filed on July 3 in line with Sections 34(4) and 36 of the 1999 Constitution and Sections 158 and 156 of Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015.

    According to him, the application is seeking for a leave for the defendant to be granted bail.

    “The grounds for the application are there my lord,” he said.

    The lawyer, who said Dikko would not jump bail or interfere with the trial, said the 1st defendant had been reporting to the EFCC’s office as part of administrative bail terms.

    Responding, Iheanacho said the commission, on July 7, filed a counter affidavit to oppose Dikko’s request.

    “We rely on all the paragraphs in our counter affidavit in urging the court to deny bail to the defendant.

    “We also filed a written submission and adopted same in urging the honourable court to reject the bail application,” he said.

    In his ruling, Justice Ekwo held that the court has the discretionary power to either grant or not to grant a bail.

    He said since bail is a constitutional rights of the defendant, substantial evidence must be placed before the court why the defendant ought to be denied the request.

    The judge consequently admitted him to a N150 million bail with one surety in the like sum who must possess a landed property within the jurisdiction of the court.

    He held that the surety must be a responsible citizen and must submit the documents of the landed property which should be verified by the court registrar.

    Justice Ekwo, who ordered Dikko to submit his international passport with the court, directed that the defendant must not travel outside the country without the permission of court.

    The judge subsequently adjourned the matter until Oct. 12, Oct. 13 and Oct. 14 for commencement of trial.

    NAN observes that in count one, Dikko, the former MD of PHRC, on or about February 2024 in Abuja, did indirectly make cash payment of the dollar equivalent of the sum of N218, 375, 000.00 to one Hadeija Bashir.

    It alleged that the money was used for the purchase of Plot 558, Abubakar Umar Street, Katampe Extension, Abuja without passing through a financial institution.

    The offence is contrary to Sections 2 (1) (a), 19(1)(d) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022 and punishable under Section 19 (2) (b) of the same Act.

    In count two, he was alleged to have between Oct. 21st, 2022 and Oct. 25, 2022 in Abuja, indirectly retained in the Fidelity Bank Plc account number: 4020827615, operated by him, the sum of N100 million, being part of the money cumulatively paid to him by Ebenco Global Link Limited, a contractor to PHRC of Nigeria National Petroleum Company Ltd (NNPCL).

    “When you knew that the said sum of N100, 000, 000.00 constituted proceed of unlawful activity.”

    Count three accused Dikko of indirectly retaining in his GTBank Plc account number: 0047037266, the sum of N90 million between Dec. 7, 2022 and Dec. 19, 2023 in Abuja, being part of the money cumulatively given to him by Ebenco Global Link Limited, a contractor to PHRC of NNPC.

    In count five, he was alleged to have, about May 20, 2022 in Abuja, indirectly took control of the sum of N30 million paid to him by Ebenco Enterprises, a business name of a contractor to PHRC, through the GTBank Plc account number: 0158257115, operated by Medinus Mildred Oluba.

    In count eight, the defendant was alleged to have, on or about June 26, 2023 in Abuja, disguised the origin of the sum of N 328, 710, 337. 50 (three hundred and twenty-eight million, seven hundred and ten thousand, three hundred and thirty seven naira, fifty kobo).

    The money was alleged to have been paid into the GTBank Plc account number: 0123201507, operated by Masterpiece Projects & Investment Limited by OMSA Integrated Services Limited from the transactions involving NNPC Limited allocation of Vacuum Gas Oil for export.

    “When you knew that the said sum of N328, 710, 337. 50 constituted proceed of unlawful activity,” the count read in part.

    He was also accused of indirectly taken possession of the cumulative sum of N59, 200, 000.00, between August 2023 and January 2024 in Abuja, through his GTBank Plc account number: 0047037266 from the funds paid by OMSA Integrated Services Limited to Masterpiece Projects & Investment Limited.

    Count 10 accused Dikko of procuring Ebenezar Oluwagbemiga of Ebenco Global Link Limited to take possession of an aggregate sum of N356, 412, 500.00 on his behalf, between June and January 2023 in Abuja, when he reasonably “ought to have known that the said amount represents proceeds of unlawful activity.”

    In count 11, Dikko was said to have, between October 2022 and May 2025 in Abuja, converted “the aggregate sum of $77,080 (seventy seven thousand and eighty United States Dollars) through Ibrahim Isa Yaro.”

    The fund was alleged not to form part of his known lawful earning as a former public officer with the NNPCL, formerly Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

    In count 12, the defendant was alleged to have, between Dec. 22, 2022 and April 11, 2023 in Abuja, indirectly took control of the cumulative sum of N20 million paid to him by Ebenco Global Link Limited through the GTB Plc account number: 0233656547, operated his son, Ahmed Ahmed Dikko.

    The commission alleged that the said sum constituted proceed of unlawful activity and punishable under Section 18(3) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

  • Court awards N10m fine against EFCC over defamatory comments against Olu Agunloye

    Court awards N10m fine against EFCC over defamatory comments against Olu Agunloye

     

    An FCT High Court sitting in Maitama on Wednesday awarded a fine of N10 million against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over defamatory comments against Dr Olu Agunloye, former Minister of Power and Steel.

    Justice Peter Kekemeke, in a judgment on a rights suit filed by Agunloye through his lawyer, Adeola Adedipe, SAN, dismissed the EFCC’s objections.

    Justice Kekemeke agreed with Adedipe’s argument that since the commission published the defamatory statement, the onus to prove the truth about the case rests on the anti-graft agency and had failed to discharge the burden.

    The judge, who said the EFCC is not a news agency but an investigative body, held that the commission cannot rely on its statutory obligations to make defamatory statements.

    The former minister had, in a writ of summons marked: FCT/HC/CV/1199/2024, filed by Adedipe, alleged that the commission defamed him through a publication it posted on its website.

    Agunloye, in the suit, named EFCC as sole defendant.

    The plaintiff sought a declaration that the website post made by the defendant on its official website and other allied online platforms, with the caption: “EFCC ARRAIGNS AGUNLOYE OVER $6BILLION FRAUD,” at “https://www.efcc.gov.ng/efcc/news-and-information/news-release/9687-efcc-arraigns-olu-agunlove-for-6billion-fraud,” was false and defamatory.

    He sought an order for the commission to, forthwith, retract the defamatory publication against him, and consequently tender unreserved apologies on its official website and allied online platforms, together with two daily newspapers: The Punch and The Guardian.

    The ex- minister also sought an order of perpetual injunction, restraining the EFCC, either by itself or through any media (print or online), agents, or privies, from further publishing the said libelous statement about him and from further negatively inferring in any manner whatsoever, against his reputation.

    Agunloye, therefore, sought a payment of general and exemplary damages in the sum of N1 billion only, as compensation for the damage to his reputation, which was occasioned by the commission’s online defamatory publication on January 10, 2024.

    In his statement of claim, Agunloye, described himself as “76-year-old man, a reputable citizen of Nigeria and pioneer Corps Martial and Chief Executive of the Federal Road Safety Corps.”

    He said he was overwhelmed with telephone calls and visits on Wednesday, January 10, 2024, by concerned friends and associates, over the spurious allegations by the EFCC that he had been involved in a whopping $6 billion fraud in relation to the award by the Federal Government of Nigeria to Messrs Sunrise Power and Transmission Company Ltd regarding the Mambilla Hydro-Electric Power Project.

    According to him, the defendant willfully and maliciously published the above defamatory statements on its official website and allied online platforms including Channels TV website, International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR) website, Punch Newspapers website, the Cable News website, the Vanguard News, Premium Times Nigeria website, Leadership News website, the Guardians, et al., with circulation in Nigeria and across the globe.

    He said so many of his colleagues and associates read the said online publication.

    He said the defendant carelessly, maliciously and intentionally published the falsehood agsinst hus person.

    He said the online publication falsely referenced the contract sum alleged to have been illegally and fraudulently awarded by him vis-a-vis the Mambilla Hydro-Electric Power Project as $6 billion.

    He, however, said that the arithmetic calculation of each sum alleged above to have been corruptly received by him in view of the Mambilla Power Project is #5,221,000 (Five million two hundred and twenty-one thousand naira) only as against the $6 billion the defendant is alleging.

    Agunloye said the malicious publication came to him as a rude shock, having been falsely engendered, with the aim of inciting public outrage against him.

    He said it is false that he is standing trial for a $6 billion dollar charge as the the counts on the charge, marked: CR/617/23 FRN V. OLU AGUNLOYE, did not bear any connection with the $6 billion dollar allegation.

    His words: “This material contradiction shows malicious intent orchestrated to bring the claimant into disrepute.

    “These false allegations were also deliberately infused into the media space, to create prejudices against the claimant, the Nigerian Government and also the international community, because of the arbitral proceedings currently going on in France, at the instance of one Sunrise Power and Transmission Company Ltd: in Sunrise Power and Transmission Company Limited v. Federal Government of Nigeria -ICC Case No: 26260/SPN/AB/CPB before the International Chamber of Commerce in Paris, France.”

    But the EFCC, in its counter affidavit, prayed the court to dismiss the suit in its entirty.

    Delivering the judgment on Wednesday, Justice Kekemeke agreed with the claimant’s lawyer that the statement was neither fair nor accurate.

    The judge stated that the anti-graft agency made the publication knowing the truth that there was no mention of $6 billion dollars in its charge it filed against Agunloye in another court.

    The judge, therefore, agreed with the submission that the statement was made maliciously.

    He consequently granted all the reliefs sought by Agunloye with a N10 million fine against the N1 billion sought.

    In ddition to ordering the retraction and public apology, the court granted a perpetual injunction restraining the EFCC from making further defamatory publications against the former minister.

  • Commission Dismisses 4 Senior Police Officers, Sanctions

    Commission Dismisses 4 Senior Police Officers, Sanctions

    bSC DISMISSES 4 31 Others – Official

     

    By Dianabasi Effiong

    FLOWERBUDNEWS:   The Police Service Commission (PSC) has approved the dismissal of four Senior Police Officers, including a range of disciplinary measures against 31 others, following various acts of misconduct.

    The disciplinary measures were made known on Tuesday in a statement by Torty Kalu, the PSC’s Head, Protocol and Public Relations.

    He stated that the decision was reached at the Commission’s Plenary Meeting at its Corporate Headquarters in Abuja.

    According to Kalu the four dismissed officers were found culpable of gross misconduct, unprofessional conduct, and acts unbecoming of public officers.

    “In addition to the dismissals, the Commission approved a range of disciplinary actions that affected multiple officers. Ten senior officers received reductions in rank: three Superintendents of Police were reduced to Deputy Superintendents of Police, two Deputy Superintendents of Police to Assistant Superintendents of Police, and five Assistant Superintendents of Police to Inspectors. Two officers were also compulsorily retired in the public interest.

    “Other sanctions included severe reprimands issued to ten officers, reprimands to five officers, warning letters to three officers, and a letter of advice to one officer. In addition, seven officers were exonerated and cleared of wrongdoing,” the statement added.

    Kalu said the Chairman of the Commission, DIG Hashimu Argungu (rtd), had emphasised the Board’s zero-tolerance on indiscipline within the Nigeria Police Force.

    “The current Board of the PSC under my watch will not condone any form of misconduct by police officers.

    “The Commission will continue to uphold discipline in the Force and match all forms of misconduct with commensurate disciplinary actions. We would also continue to encourage and motivate hard work for deserving officers through our established reward system,” Kalu quoted Argungu in the statement.

    The PSC also reaffirmed its commitment to entrenching accountability, professionalism, and public trust in the Nigeria Police Force.

  • PRES. TINUBU TASKS AFREXIMBANK  TO MOBILISE RESOURCES FOR AFRICA’S INDUSTRIALISATION

    PRES. TINUBU TASKS AFREXIMBANK  TO MOBILISE RESOURCES FOR AFRICA’S INDUSTRIALISATION

     

    By Danladi Ahmed

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday tasked the leadership of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) to intensify efforts to mobilise and deploy the continent’s vast human, financial and natural resources for the collective economic advancement of Africans, stressing that Africa’s drive to industrialisation cannot remain a subject of theoretical discussion.

    President Tinubu stated this during a visit by a delegation from Afrieximbank, led by its President and Chairman of the Board, Dr George Elombi, to the State House, Abuja, a statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy disclosed.

    The President said his administration’s recent economic reforms, such as ending the fuel subsidy and tackling multiple exchange rates, are essential steps to combat corruption and ensure economic survival.

    President Tinubu emphasised that Africa possesses enormous potential and must move beyond endless conversations about development to practical actions that drive industrial growth, expand trade, create jobs, add value, and improve the living standards of its people.

    According to him, a structured financial backing and reliable infrastructure are essential for building the continent.

    “The conscience and the future of Africa depend on what you and your team can do and will do for Africa as a whole, and the time has come for us to start doing things together as Africans.

    “We have what it takes to build this continent. Do we continue to exploit and export raw materials without value addition? That answer is no.

    “We have solid mineral deposits such as lithium and others that can be used, and you, as the financial partner, should be able to come with investment guarantees for the production and value addition in batteries and other manufacturing ecosystems,” the President said.

    Speaking on the farmer-herder clashes, the President told the visitors that his administration has turned the longstanding conflict between farmers and herders into an economic opportunity for citizens through the introduction of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development.

    “ I created the Livestock Ministry to create economic opportunities for Africans.  The cotton, ginnery and garment industries are job creators. If we partner well and incorporate these ideas and do less talking and really put our heads into developmental programmes, we can turn it around,” the President said.

    President Tinubu canvassed the need for Afreximbank to synergise with the Bank of Agriculture, make more investments in the production of crops such as cocoa, palm kernel, and palm oil, among others, and ensure that agricultural value chains translate into tangible benefits for the future.

    In his remarks, the Minister of State for Industry, Sen. John Owan Enoh, explained the President’s bold economic diversification policies, describing the administration’s Eight-Point Renewed Hope Agenda as a transformative blueprint that is repositioning Nigeria for sustainable economic growth, industrial expansion, and shared prosperity.

    Enoh said President Tinubu’s commitment to industrialisation, particularly through the development of the solid minerals sector, oil and gas, manufacturing, agriculture, the digital economy, and value-added exports, is laying the foundation for a resilient economy less dependent on crude oil revenues.

    The President and Chairman of Afreximbank, Dr Elombi, said he and his team were at the State House to thank the President for his support, which led to his election as the President of the Bank, as well as to brief him on the bank’s portfolios and activities in Nigeria.

    According to him, the Bank has investments across trade, agricultural processing, value chain and healthcare.

    He specifically informed President Tinubu of the bank’s efforts to reverse health tourism on the continent, highlighting that the Bank had invested between 15 and 20 billion dollars in the Nigerian economy over the last five years.

    He invited the President to visit the African Medical Centre of Excellence (AMCE) located in Abuja.

    Elombi also told the President that Afreximbank has committed US$2 billion to support Nigeria’s cotton and garment industry.

    He also briefed the President on the Bank’s investment in the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Kano-Maradi Railway line.

  • Court reserves judgment in PDP leadership crisis’ suit

    Court reserves judgment in PDP leadership crisis’ suit

     

     

    The Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday reserved judgment in a suit filed by Sen. Adolphus Wabara-led Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), seeking recognition by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    Justice Salim Ibrahim, who stated this after lawyers to the parties adopted their processes and presented their arguments for and against the suit, said that judgment date would be communicated to parties 24 hours to the day.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that members of the Wabara-led BoT had filed the fresh suit.

    They are seeking an order of the court compelling INEC to recognise the PDP interim National Working Committee (NWC)’s faction led by its National Chairman, Kabiru Turaki, SAN, in its official website.

    The plaintiffs also sought an order directing the electoral umpire to, forthwith, update its records and publish on its official website the interim NWC of the party as forwarded to it by the plaintiffs and its National Executive Committee (NEC).

    They said the names of members of the Kabir Turaki-led NWC was forwarded to the electoral umpire via their letters dated May 4.

    NAN reports that the originating summons, marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1159/2026, was filed on June 4 by a team of lawyers led by Chief Chris Uche, SAN.

    The BoT members, who are plaintiffs in the suit, are ex-Senate President Adolphus Wabara; BoT Secretary, former Gov. Muazu Babangida Aliyu of Niger; ex-Minister of Information, Prof. Jerry Gana and PDP chieftain, Olabode George as 1st to 4th plaintiffs.

    Others include former Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Maryam Ciroma; also an ex-Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Zainab Maina; member of BoT and NEC, Dame Esther Uduehi and PDP as 5th to 8th plaintiffs respectively.

    They sued INEC as sole defendant in the suit.

    But the PDP faction, loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, approached the court and challenged the jurisdiction of the court to hear the suit.

    On Tuesday, although Uche announced his appearance for the 1st to 8th plaintiffs in the suit, another lawyer, Sunday Ameh, SAN, also announced his representation for the 8th plaintiff (PDP).

    Besides, the the Wike-backed PDP executives led by the National Chairman, Alhaji Abdulrahman Mohammed; Sen. Samuel Anyanwu, National Secretary and Kamardeen Ajibade, National Legal Adviser, all sought to be joined in the suit as 2nd, 3rd and 4th defendants respectively.

    The trio were represented in court by Emmanuel Ukala, SAN, while Joseph Daudu, SAN, appeared for Austin Nwachukwu, former Imo PDP chairman; Abraham Amah and Goerge Turner, who sought to join the suit as 5th to 7th defendants respectively.

    They prayed the court to dismiss the suit in its entirety.

    NAN recalls that Justice Ibrahim had, on June 30, fixed today for the hearing of all pending applications, including the substantive suit.

    The judge also granted leave to applicants seeking to join the suit to file all their processes including preliminary objections and counter affidavits to the main suit, which would all be taken together and rulings and judgment delivered.

    The judge gave the order after counsel to the plaintiffs, Uche, informed the court that the suit is time bound based on INEC’s revised timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 general elections which gave July 17 as ultimatum for uploading of candidates’ names for the 2027 general elections.

    When the case was called on Tuesday, Uche informed the court that the matter was slated for hearing and that they were ready to proceed.

    “On the last adjourned date, in the light of many processes filed by parties and non-parties in this matter, it was agreed that all processes be adopted today with the substantive suit my lord.

    “All processes have been dully exchanged and we are ready to proceed. My lord said all processes be taken together looking at the urgency involved and in the interest of justice,” he said.

    Ameh, who also appeared for 8th plaintiff (PDP), said not withstanding the magnanimity, he disagreed with Uche’s submission about the urgency of the matter.

    “I want to say that this is a self-inflected urgency because if they knew, they would have filed long ago,” he said.

    Ameh said they were contesting the presence of PDP as a plaintiff before the court because the party did not authorise Uche to file the suit.

    He said it was against the development that they filed a notice of change of counsel and a motion seeking an order striking out the PDP (8th plaintiff)’s name from the suit.

    He said the ruling of the court would determine whether the PDP’s name ought to be in the suit or not.

    INEC’s lawyer, Olusegun Adeyemi, also informed the court that the commission filed a preliminary objection and a counter affidavit against the originating summons.

    Adopting his processes, Ameh said he filed a motion for change of counsel and a motion on notice seeking the striking out of the name of the 8th plaintiff from the suit on June 19.

    He adopted all the processes filed and urged the court to grant their prayers.

    Responding, Uche vehemently opposed Ameh’s application.

    He said in opposition, a 72-paragraph counter affidavit was filed and deposed to by Turaki, the factional national chairman with two exhibits.

    The lawyer prayed the court to dismiss the application as being misconceived and frivolous.

    He also urged the court to dismiss the application for a change of counsel.

    On the issue of joinder, Ukala adopted his process filed on June 18. He said Alhaji Mohammed, Sen. Anyanwu and Mr Ajibade were necessary parties.

    He said an affidavit, deposed to by Anyanwu, contained documentary evidence marked as Exhibits XN1 to XN6.

    He said the applicants were elected as caretaker committee to steer the ship of the party, in line with a judgment of court delivered in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

    “Here, the court took a decision that the convention held in Ibadan between Nov. 15, 2025 and Nov. 16, 2025, is a nullity that a caretaker be put in place,” he said.

    But Uche opposed the apllication for joinder.

    He said in opposition, they filed a counter affidavit deposed to by ex-Gov. Aliyu.

    The lawyer, who urged the court to dismiss the joinder application, said the applicants “are meddlesome interlopers and busy bodies.”

    He argued that the questions raised in their originating summons had no bearing against any other parties except INEC.

    Citing Section 287 of the constitution to back his argument, Uche urged the court to discountenance Ukala’s submission.

    Daudu equally adopted his application to join Nwanchulwu, Amah and Turner as 5th to 7th defendants which Uche also opposed.

    The preliminary objection and the substantive suit were equally taken by the judge and all the lawyers, including INEC’s counsel adopted their processes and argued their case for and against the suit.

    INEC’s lawyer, Adeyemi, urged the court to dismiss the suit for lack of jurisdiction.

    He said their preliminary objection dated, June 22, was filed on June 23.

    He said “it is praying for an order dismissing the suit for want of jurisdiction.”

    According to him, the application is predicated on four grounds.

    “We rely on all the paragraphs of the affifavit. We also filed a written address. We adopt the written address in support of our preliminary objection in praying this court to strike out the suit for want if jurisdiction,” he said.

    Resounding, Uche opposed the objection.

    He said a counter affidavit was filed on June 29 against the commission’s objection.

    “We adopt and rely on the written address in urging my lord to dimiss the application as being grossly misconceived, frivolous and lacking in merit,” he said.

    Uche submitted that INEC had no ground to respond to a suit of this nature.

    After listening to all the lawyers, Justice Ibrahim reserved ruling and judgment to a date to be communicated to parties.

  • Court adjourns suit seeking to void ex-Gov. Donald Duke’s PRP presidential candicacy until July 16

    Court adjourns suit seeking to void ex-Gov. Donald Duke’s PRP presidential candicacy until July 16

     

     

    The Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday adjourned a suit seeking to void the emeregence of former Gov. Donald Duke of Cross Rivers as presidential candidate of the People’s Redemption Party (PRP) for the 2027 general elections, until July 16 for hearing.

    Justice Mohammed Umar fixed the date after the plaintiff’s lawyer, Felix Ipogah, sought an adjournment to enable them serve the 1st and 2nd defendants with a counter affidavit to their joint preliminary objection.

    An aggrieved aspirant, Dr Yakubu Kingsley, has filed the suit to challenge the emergence of ex-Gov. Duke as presidential candidate of PRP.

    Kingsley, through his lawyer, D.A. Sulyman, had sued PRP, Duke and Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as 1st to 3rd defendants respectively.

    When the case was called on Tuesday, Ipogah informed the court that the matter was scheduled for hearing.

    He said that the plaintiff had filed a counter affidavit to the preliminary objection of the 1st and 2nd defendants (PRP and Duke) in the suit.

    The lawyer, however, told the court that he had not been able to serve the process on the defendants and applied for an adjournment.

    Nuel Akaputu, who appeared for 1st and 2nd defendants, and Azubuike Ugochukwu, who represented INEC, did not oppose the application and the judge adjourned the case until July 16 for hearing.

    NAN observes that former Gov. Duke was also in court.

    Kingsley, the claimant, had sued PRP, the former governor and INEC as 1st to 3rd defendants respectively.

    Kingsley, in the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1234/2026, sought three questions for determination in the originating summons filed on June 10.

    The plaintiff wants the court to determine whether Duke was dully returned as the presidential candidate of PRP in the May 25 primary election, in which its results was declared on the May 26, having not been a registered member of the party as at May 4, when the PRP’s membership register was submitted to INEC.

    “Whether over voting in states like Bauchi, where the registered members of the 1st defendant in its membership database is 593 and the total votes cast was 760, in Gombe State the registered member was 348 and the votes cast was 1,431 and in Kwara State, the registered members is 55 while the vote cast was 82 votes, will not call for the nullification of the said primary election.”

    He, therefore, sought a declaration that the ex-govenor, not been a registered member of PRP, cannot participate in the party’s primary election held on May 25 where he was declared the winner on May 26.

    He sought a declaration that Duke ought not to have been cleared for the presidential primary election contest, having not complied with the guidelines of the party to physically present for the screening at its national secretariat.

    Kingsley, therefore, prayed the court for an order setting aside the results of the presidential election conducted in Bauchi, Gombe and Kwara respectively on the ground of over voting.

    He sought an order declaring him as the presidential candidate of PRP for 2027 general elections, having complied with all the party’s guidelines and been a registered member of the party.

    He also sought an order directing the commission not to recognise Duke as PRP’s presidential flagbearer or to delete his name from its database as the presidential candidate of the party.

    The plaintiff further sought an order directing the electoral umpire to recognise him as PRP’s presidential candidate.

    In the affidavit in support of the suit deposed to by Kingsley himself, the aggrieved aspirant said he is a registered member of PRP with membership card number: 2A8D8B20B2.

    The plaintiff, who described himself as a “politician,” said he is of Auchi III Ward, Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State, but presently in Abuja, FCT,.

    He averred on oath that Duke was not a dully member of PRP as at May 4 when the membership register of the party was submitted to INEC.

    He said he validly purchased the party’s Expression of Interest Form and Nomination Form for the office of president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and paid a total sum of N20 million to the party.

    But Duke and PRP, in the preliminary objection jointly filed June 23 by their lawyer, Noah Abdul, challenged the jurisdiction of the court to hear the case.

    Giving seven grounds why their application should be granted, Abdul argued that Kingsley’s suit “as constituted is purportedly a pre-election matter within the meaning of Section 285(14) (a) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).”

    The lawyer submitted thay by Section 285(9) of the constitution, every pre-election matter ought to have been filed not later than 14 days from the date of the occurrence of the event, decision or action complained of.

    According to him, the cause of action in this suit arose on 26 May, 2026, being the day the result of presidential primary election of the 1st defendant was declared.

    He, however, said that the instant suit was filed on June 11, 17 days after the accrual of the cause of action.

    “The instant suit was filed outside the mandatory 14-days period stipulated by Section 285(9) of the constitution, and therefore statute-barred.

    “The 14-days period under Section 285(9) is jurisdictional and cannot be extended or enlarged by the court or waived by parties,” he said.

    Abdul argued that issues relating to membership of a political party, as is the instant case, is a matter strictly within the domestic affairs of a political party.

    He said the court has no jurisdiction to determine who the members of a political party are.

    “It is not a justiciable question,” he said.

    But in a preliminary objection jointly filed by PRP and Duke, the defendants challenged the jurisdiction of the court to hear the suit.

    They prayed the court to dismiss the suit for want of jurisdiction.