President Tinubu Appoints Nine INEC Resident Electoral Commissioners.

President Tinubu Appoints Nine INEC Resident Electoral Commissioners.

By powers vested in him by Section 154 (1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999, Amended) and Section 6 of the Electoral Act (2022), President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of nine (9) new Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for a term of five (5) years each, subject to the confirmation of the Nigerian Senate:

Mr. Isah Shaka Ehimeakne   —   Edo State Resident Electoral Commissioner

Mr. Bamidele Agbede   —   Ekiti State Resident Electoral Commissioner

Mr. Jani Adamu Bello   —   Gombe State Resident Electoral Commissioner

Dr. Taiye Ilayasu   —   Kwara State Resident Electoral Commissioner

Dr. Bunmi Omoseyindemi   —   Lagos State Resident Electoral Commissioner

Alhaji Yahaya Bello   —   Nasarawa State Resident Electoral Commissioner

Prof. Mohammed Yalwa   —   Niger State Resident Electoral Commissioner

Dr. Anugbum Onuoha   —   Rivers State Resident Electoral Commissioner

Mr. Abubakar Fawa Dambo   —   Zamfara State Resident Electoral Commissioner

President Tinubu expects the new appointees to abide by the highest standards of professional and ethical conduct in the discharge of their duties, in accordance with his determination to facilitate the establishment of a new and sustainable standard of transparent, fair, and conflict-free electoral conduct in Nigeria.

Nigerian economy to bounce back soon, says President Tinubu.

Nigerian economy to bounce back soon, says President Tinubu.

President Bola Tinubu said on Tuesday, October 24, that the Nigerian economy will soon bounce back despite the difficulties being experienced by Nigerians.

The president spoke while flagging off the two-day Green Economy Summit: ‘Sustainable Future: Harnessing Green Assets and Innovation for Niger State’s Prosperity’, organised by Niger State Government.

Represented by the minister of state for Agriculture and food security, Senator Abdullahi Sabi, the President gave an insight into the newly approved solid mineral development policy during the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting on Monday.

He said: “To show the government’s commitment to the enthronement of a green economy, just yesterday (Monday) at the Federal Executive Council, a new solid mineral development policy was approved.

“And this policy will definitely align with and benefit the green economy that you have envisioned for Niger State because the policy is emphasizing removing all forms of illegality that are desecrating and destroying our environment.

“It also intends to ensure a new principle of resource-use efficiency while allowing people who want to operate legally to do so in the mining sector. And like His Excellency, the Governor said, Niger State is blessed with a number of mineral elements.

“I want to assure you that the President’s commitment to the enthronement of the green economy over the next couple of years, will find favour with the green economy vision you have for Niger state.”

“The government is fully aware of all the difficulties occasioned by some of the difficult decisions that have to be taken at this point in time. Very soon, we shall begin to reap the benefits of these tough decisions, as our economy will re-bounce back and for us food security which is his number one priority, will also begin to get the full attention it deserves,” Mr. President said.

In his address, Niger state Governor Mohammed Umar Bago said his administration has “produced its first Green Economy Blueprint, a strategic document outlining a visionary roadmap that will shape our development choices and steer our actions, in alignment with the precepts of sustainability.

He stated: “We are using this Summit to present a draft to stakeholders for their review and input, after which it shall be formally launched and applied in the preparation of our appropriation proposals for 2024 and beyond.

“This blueprint is a comprehensive guide that details our vision, objectives, strategies, and actions, designed to transform our state into a beacon of green prosperity that is environmentally sustainable, socially inclusive, and economically robust.

 It spans across vital sectors, encompassing renewable energy, transportation, infrastructure, agriculture, inclusivity, and tourism. It lays out a detailed plan for sourcing financial support, technology transfer, capacity building, and fostering strategic partnerships in the realisation of our mission.

“This blueprint, in its entirety, is not just a document; it is a clarion call to collective action. It beckons the active engagement and cooperation of all stakeholders, including the government, private sector, civil society, academia, media, and our local communities. Innovative solutions, tailored to our unique context and needs, must be unearthed and harnessed,” he noted.

Speaking further on the blueprint, he said: “We aspire to create a state where its citizens enjoy access to fundamental social amenities and infrastructure that enhance the quality of life. These include top-tier healthcare, access to high-quality and inclusive education, safeguarded lives and property, assured food security, clean drinking water, affordable housing, recreational venues, and opportunities for sports and leisure.

“We envision a state with a sustainable economy, underpinned by substantial agricultural growth, investments in tourism, the utilization of renewable energy, the responsible extraction of solid minerals, fostering innovation, embracing cutting-edge technology, promoting diverse services, establishing free trade zones, cultivating industrial parks, and establishing economic cities as vital hubs for development and employment.

“Furthermore, our vision includes a state boasting state-of-the-art infrastructure, realised through a deliberate urban renewal strategy. This encompasses the development of quality road networks and efficient rail systems, modern urban transportation options, and advanced city surveillance systems.

“This vision aligns with our commitment to establishing a state built on the principles of good governance, characterized by equity, unwavering accountability, a proficient civil service, the maintenance of law and order, a thriving business environment, sound financial governance, optimized internal revenue generation, the application of technology for efficient governance, and inclusive governance and policymaking.”

On his part, former head of state, General Abubakar Abdulsalam applauded Governor Bago for providing quality leadership since he assumed office.

He noted: “Let me go back memory lane during the regime when Governor David Mark was here, I remember coming on a visit to find a policeman in front of my father’s house, he was given a ticket for not planting a tree in his house. I’m glad that Governor Bago is now retracing those steps and he’s trying to see that we annex our green economy in Niger State.

“I want to congratulate you for this effort. Like the other speakers have said certainly we need to do something to go back to a green economy. I want to commend you and wish you all the best as we discuss the importance of annexing the green economy.”

Impeachment: Aiyedatiwa cautions Chief Judge against setting up panel.

Impeachment: Aiyedatiwa cautions Chief Judge against setting up panel.

The deputy governor of Ondo state, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has cautioned Chief Judge of the state, Justice Olusegun Odusola, against honouring another request by the Ondo State House of Assembly to set up a seven-man panel to investigate allegations of gross misconduct levelled against him.

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Aiyedatiwa said the Ondo Assembly lied in its letter to the CJ that the restraining Order of an Abuja High Court has elapsed or became extinguished by the operation of the law, in view of the provisions of Order 26 Rule 10(2) & (3) of the Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules, 2019.

The deputy governor, in a letter to Justice Odusola, through his Counsel, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, said the latest Assembly letter was based on conjectures, misconceptions, inconsistencies, undue desperation, and misconstruction of the law.

Aiyedatiwa insisted that the Orders granted by the Federal High Court, Abuja on September 26, 2023, were still in force and remained valid and subsisting, contrary to the conclusion of the Assembly that the said Orders had expired by operation of law.

He said the Court directed that “the Orders granted on 26th September 2023 should last till the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice for interlocutory injunction, which is still pending before the Court.”

Aiyedatiwa told Justice Oldusola that the Court has not set aside the pending orders and the order could not be extinguished by the application to set it aside since it was combined with the hearing of the substantive suit.

He said the Ondo Assembly was inconsistent in its action by claiming that the Orders had expired whilst, pursuing an appeal against the said Orders.

He said: “Contrary to this misconception of law and the facts, the same House of Assembly filed a Motion on Notice dated 20th October 2023, before the Court of Appeal, Abuja in respect of the same orders of the Federal High Court, praying for abridgement of time to hear its appeal against the said orders.

“If it is true that the orders expired by operation of law on 18th October 2023 as being falsely canvassed, why would the same House of Assembly file a fresh application two days later, in pursuit of its desire to set aside the said orders that it claimed have expired? While the Assembly is pursuing its appeal to set aside the orders in Court, it is deviously asking My Lord to set aside the same orders in Chambers, purportedly by operation of law.

The deputy governor reminded the Chief Judge of his principled position as stated in his letter to the Assembly on October 3, 2023, that all parties should await the hearing of the cases in court, stating that nothing has changed to warrant a departure from the stand of the Chief Judge.

He said there were other cases pending before the Akure High Court on the same subject matter of impeachment and urged Justice Odusola not to allow the Assembly to ridicule the Courts and their authority.

Lagos Assembly confirms Sanwo-Olu’s new nominees.

Lagos Assembly confirms Sanwo-Olu’s new nominees.

The Lagos State House of Assembly on Tuesday, October 24, confirmed new nominees for the State Executive Council (SEC), and heads of some government agencies and parastatals.

While Kemi Ogunyemi was confirmed a member of the SEC, Peregrine Victoria Mopelola was confirmed chairman of the Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM) and Mrs. Kafayat Ajenifuja was confirmed a member of the commission.

Other confirmations were Musiliu Alade Aigoro (Member, Audit Service Commission); Oladimeji Sosimi (Member, Local Government Service Commission); Olanrewaju Mojola ( re-appointment -Director-General, Lagos State Safety Commission); Olagunju Cole (General Manager, Number Plate Production Authority) and Rasheed Muri-Okunola (General Manager, Motor Vehicle Administration Agency).

The nominees’ confirmation, through a voice vote, followed the presentation of a report by the Chief Whip, Fatai Mojeed, who chaired the screening committee.

According to Mojeed, the nominees were properly grilled and met the criteria to serve the state.

Senate probes N11.35tr spenton refineries in 13 years.

Senate probes N11.35tr spenton refineries in 13 years.

The Senate yesterday constituted an ad hoc committee to investigate all contracts awarded for the rehabilitation of refineries said to have gulped N11.35 trillion in 13 years.

The sum includes $592, 976, 050.00, €4, 877, 068.47 and £3, 455, 656.93.

The Red Chamber also mandated the committee to interrogate the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) and the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) on the best approach to commercialise state-owned refineries.

Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin (APC, Kano North) who presided over the plenary, named Senator Isah Jibrin (Echocho, APC – Kogi East) as the chairman of the committee.

Other members are chairmen of the committees on Petroleum Resources (Downstream, Upstream and Gas), Finance, Appropriation, and Public Accounts.

He mandated the panel to submit its report within four weeks.

These resolutions of the Senate followed its consideration of a motion by Senator Sunday Karimi (APC, Kogi West) during Tuesday’s plenary.

AGF seeks states’ support for anti-corruption efforts.

AGF seeks states’ support for anti-corruption efforts.

Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) has urged states to develop measures to complement efforts by the Federal Government and its agencies to curb corruption.

He spoke in Abuja yesterday at the opening of a three-day stakeholders’ forum on the administration of criminal justice in Nigeria.

It was organised by the Centre for Socio-Legal Studies (CSLS) and other groups in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Justice.

Fagbemi said: “Another issue of critical importance is the challenge of mainstreaming anti-corruption principles within all sectors of the criminal justice system and into subnational public administration. 

“One of the lessons learnt from the implementation of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy 2017-2022 is the need to ensure that the strategy is adopted and driven at the subnational level

“This is a move away from current efforts by anti-corruption strategies being driven solely by law enforcement and regulatory agencies at the federal level.”

Fagbemi, who expressed delight that the 36 states have enacted their versions of the Administration of Criminal Justice law, noted that the enactment of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) in 2015 has thrown up some issues that need to be addressed.

He added that the last amendment to the Constitution – Fifth Alteration (No. 15) Act of 2023, which deleted the legislative item “prisons” from the Exclusive Legislative List, re-designated it as “Correctional Services” and re-categorised it as a legislative item under the Concurrent Legislative List, has made it imperative for state legislative houses to develop more interest in issues affecting the correctional centres.

“The effect of these constitutional changes is that the Houses of Assemblies of the various States of the Federation can now make laws for their respective states in matters pertaining to Correctional Services. 

“It has, therefore, become imperative to properly address issues arising directly from these constitutional changes.

“Central among these issues is the need for expedited collaboration and coordination between the respective states of the Federation and the Nigerian Correctional Service, for the purpose of ensuring proper structuration and delineation of responsibilities on custodial and other correctional matters. 

“This will help in tackling issues of custodial rights and related 

correctional policies and its challenges,” Fagbemi said.

September 2023 Allocation: Federal Government, States, LGs Share N903.480billion.

September 2023 Allocation: Federal Government, States, LGs Share N903.480billion.

• Federal Govt got N320.543 billion.

• States got N287.071 billion.

• LGs got N210.900 billion.

• Oil producing states got N84.966 billion, as 13% derivation.

The Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) has saved N289 billion into the non-oil account for the month of September 2023. 

The FAAC has been operating the account since June 2023 as a buffer against hard times. It is different from the Excess Crude Account (ECA).

This is contained in the statement at the end of the monthly FAAC meeting presided over by the Finance Minister.

According to the statement, N1.594 trillion accrued into the Federation Account for the month of September as revenue and from this amount, N903.480 billion was shared among the Federal and State Governments, and Local Government Councils.

The breakdown of the total distributable revenue reveals that N423.012 billion was attributed to distributable statutory revenue, N282.666 billion came from Value Added Tax (VAT) revenue, N10.989 billion was generated from the Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL), and N186.813 billion was the revenue from Exchange rate Differentials.

According to the communique: “A total revenue of N1.594 trillion was available in September 2023. After deducting the cost of collection amounting to N54.426 billion, transfers and refunds of N347.857 billion, and savings of N289.000 billion, the remaining funds were distributed”.

Notably, the gross statutory revenue for September 2023 stood at N1.014 trillion, showing an increase of N123.019 billion from the previous month of August, which saw a revenue of N891.934 billion.

On the other hand, the VAT revenue for September 2023 was recorded at N303.550 billion, reflecting a decrease of N42.177 billion from the N345.727 billion generated in August 2023.

From the total distributable revenue of N903.480 billion, the Federal Government received N320.543 billion, the State Governments received N287.071 billion, and the Local Government Councils received N210.900 billion. Furthermore, an additional sum of N84.966 billion, representing 13 percent of mineral revenue, was shared with relevant states as derivation revenue.

Of the distributable statutory revenue amounting to N423.012 billion, the Federal Government received N190.849 billion, the State Governments received N96.801 billion, and the Local Government Councils received N74.629 billion. 13 percent of mineral revenue, totaling N60.733 billion, was also distributed among the relevant states as derivation revenue.

The distributable VAT revenue of N282.666 billion saw the Federal Government receiving N42.400 billion, the State Governments receiving N141.333 billion, and the Local Government Councils receiving N98.933 billion.

Also, the Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL) of N10.989 billion was shared as follows: the Federal Government received N1.648 billion, the State Governments received N5.495 billion, and the Local Government Councils received N3.846 billion.

From the revenue generated from Exchange rate Differentials which amounted to N186.813 billion, the Federal Government received N85.647 billion, the State Governments received N43.442 billion, and the Local Government Councils received N33.491 billion. Additionally, N24.233 billion, equivalent to 13 percent of mineral revenue, was distributed to the relevant states as derivation revenue.

In terms of revenue sources, Petroleum Profit Tax (PPT) and Oil and Gas Royalties experienced a significant increase in September 2023. However, Value Added Tax (VAT), Import and Excise Duties, Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL), Companies Income Tax (CIT), and CET Levies recorded noteworthy decreases.

The Excess Crude Account (ECA) currently holds a balance of $473,754.57.