Following allegations of the imposition of the Salka village head and violations of important human rights by the Emir of Kontagora, Alhaji Muhammad Barau, the Police Area Commander, and Associates, the Ollopu Youth Association of Salka in the Magama Local Government Area of Niger State has expressed concern about the current situation in Salka town.
The King Makers and Women Representatives in Salka were invited to Kontagora by the Emir, Alhaji Muhammad Barau, through the District Head of Salka, Alhaji Shehu Bawan Dodo, on February 2nd, 2023. The Emir informed them that after careful consideration and consultation with the people of Kontagora, they had decided to return the troubled Village Head to the village.
He , however, added that responding, the Adide of Salka, one of the highly respected kingmakers informed the Emir that the Kingmakers of Salka were not consulted, insisting that the people of Salka have resolved not to have the embattled village head back on throne.
His words: “On hearing this, the palace guards (Dogarai) descended on him with horse whip (koboko) lashes and beating until one of the women representative stood up and held the King maker, in order to shield him, and was also hit by the koboko.
“It was at that point that the Emir ordered them to stop the beating. They inflicted physical injury on him and was thereafter taken to the Police area Command Office Kontagora like a Common criminal not even allowing him to wear his shoe.
“He and his colleagues were detained in the police area command office from morning till late evening without food and were later released.All these happened under the watch of the Police Area Commander, Alhaji Gawuna and Divisional Police Officer, Magama Local Government Mallam who were supposed to be representatives of the Inspector General of Police and the Chief Law Officer of the Federation”, he stressed.
He further hinted that: “This is a flagrant abuse of office and an infringement on the rights of Adide of Salka, as he is constitutionally allowed to express himself.
“For Avoidance of doubt, the embattled Village Head of Salka ran out of Salka on 17th October, 2022 as a result of a protest by the people of Salka against abuse of office, misrule, maladministration and lack of respect for human dignity exhibited by him. This was followed by a letter of appeal to the Emir for his immediate removal as the village head dated 21st October, 2022 but no action was taken.
“For allegations bordering on security to be made against the village head and no action is taken at all by either the Emir and/or the Police raise more questions than answers. And the Kingmakers of Salka deserve respect like any other king maker in Nigeria and must be treated as such.
“With all due respect, they are the rightful institution to choose a village head for Salka town. This is in consonance with Section 3(2) of the Appointment and Deposition of Chiefs Act of Niger State, 1989( as amended). He further alleged that the kingmakers and the women were under duress, asked to sign documents which content they did not know since they could not read in English but the police kept telling them that if anything happens in Salka, they will be held responsible.
“The Niger State Commissioner of Police and Inspector General of Police are kindly invited to take note, as the actions of the Emir and his cohorts to our King makers are unacceptable and condemnable.
“We therefore plead with the media, Human Rights Organizations and the Nigerian Government to call them to order and keep watch on their actions”. We are firm believers in the tenets of democracy which allows for freedom of choice by the people and rule of law.
Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, the Presidential Candidate of People’s Democratic Party (PDP) will receive two million five hundred thousand (2,500,000) votes, the National Leader of Atiku 100%, Mr. Musa Mantu has said.
While adding that, in 2019 general elections, with their hand earned resources they were able to deliver over 700,000 votes for Atiku Abubakar.
He gave this hint to the ATIKU 100% National Youth Conference scheduled for today the 22nd day of February 2023 in Abuja with the Theme: “Grassroots Mobilization OF Two Million Five Hundred Thousand (2,500,000) Votes For His Excellency Atiku Abubakar”.
According to him: ” The mission was simply to Think Nigeria First; Do Nigeria First; And act Nigeria First So Whatever we do today tomorrow and in the future it should be all about protecting the integrity and interest of Nigeria and Nigerians First
“Atiku Abubakar will not only bring stability and prosperity but will also bring sustainable growth so we can usher in the fabrication of a new generation of political, business and economic leaders, manufacture opportunities, build new enterprises, provide social Infrastructures, mentor new entrepreneurs and strengthen the small and medium scale enterprises which is the bedrock of any serious and successful country.
“These are some of the key factors and reasons why ATIKU and okowa need to be voted into power NOW.
“It is too late to fail, the success of Nigerians is non negotiable, the Nigerian Dream must be realized, whether is a kid from Zamfara, Anambra or a kid from Oyo, that kid has a right to a decent life and an opportunity to actualize his or her dreams.
“We have suffered way too much, this issue of Japa is way too popular at the moment, the exportation and exploitation of our vibrant professionals and talents abroad is killing us softly, be it doctors, engineers, skilled and unskilled laborers, journalists, educators Enough is Enough
“We do not have any other country that we can call our own, the social deprivation, the economic starvation, the insecurity and lack of unity Haba, enough is enough.
“This is a clarion call to the all the youths, the largest voting constituency in Nigeria today and the good People of Nigeria to vote for ATIKU ABUBAKAR GCON as President to recover Nigeria, the only Unifier, the rescuer, the liberator, the nationalist and the most detribalized and most experienced candidate who knows the way, can relate and can enter all 36 states, 774 LGA’s, over 9,400 wards, 177,000 polling units in this country and he will be accepted, largely acknowledged and probably has touched a life or two there regardless of tribe, religion, creed or ethnicity.
“The mantra for an effective and inclusive government led by H.E ATIKU and Governor IFEANYI Okowa will be decided on Saturday 25th February”, he stressed.
Mantu further stated that:” “Before the emancipation back into Democratic Dispensation in 1999, A lot of young people were yet unborn or did not know the struggle, lives lost and sacrifices some of us made to bring about this democracy we are enjoying today. The 1999 elections that gave birth to uninterrupted peaceful Transition from democracy to democracy is one thing we cannot afford to toy with today with Nigeria taking the lead as the longest serving democracy in African History. Recall that it was During the time of OBASANJO AND ATIKU who today are classified as heroes of democracy among others that ratified, secured and cemented uninterrupted Democracy, rule of law and put an end to military rule in Nigeria after so many years.
“From 1999 to 2007. His Excellency ATIKU ABUBAKAR was constitutionally saddled with the responsibility of Heading the Economy by virtue of his office as the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“It was then that the Restoration of Economic Hope and Prosperity began, The Banking Revolution that gave the Nigerian Financial system international ratings and credibility occurred, The Digital Revolution which brought about seamless transition from analog to digital networks, mobile phones and devices as well as the subsequent introduction and accessibility to Internet connectivity in Nigeria.
“Similarly, It was during his time that EFCC, ICPC and other anti graft and corruption agencies were established and entrenched into the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Furthermore, during his time in office, the National Stadium you see today in abuja was built, this initiative put Nigeria on the global map by hosting multiple international sporting activities, tournaments and games thereby creating unity and oneness through sports.”
“I cannot stand here and list all the achievements of his Government so this is just to mention a few however, among all these strides, let us not forget that ATIKU was also a very successful business man, an entrepreneur per excellence who actually was one of the highest employer of laborers in not only Nigeria but in Africa at one time with over 8,000 workers competing with likes of even Alhaji Aliko Dangote who is the Richest and Wealthiest Man in Africa today.
“This demonstrates what a good team player and friend of the corporate private sector he is.
“A man who understands the meaning of tax breaks and incentives that will give advantage to businesses, open and create the conducive environment for local and foreign direct investments to stream into the economy, thereby boosting Nigerian Business portfolios internationally, which will then create massive wealth, jobs and employment for millions of Nigerians.
He further stated that:”The growth and development that Nigeria Needs at this time cannot be over emphasized, Nigeria must take its rightful place among the committee of nations globally and cement its position as the most powerful black nation in the world, we are the land of milk and honey, we are blessed with human and natural resources, beautiful land and people and the most diverse culture in Africa hence we have no business whatsoever with poverty and hunger.
“ATIKU 100% support group is one of the largest and biggest support group today in the Political architecture of Nigeria. In 2017 a group of Patriotic men and women, who believe in this nation, nationally and internationally, cutting across all walks of life saw the vision of a better Nigeria, we came together organized ourselves and established the ATIKU 100% Movement.
“Please and please lets not mortgage our future into the wrong hands, as we go, we want all zonal and state youth leaders to take the message to the Local Governments youth leaders and the LGA youth leaders to preach the gospel of ATIKU to the various wards and ward youth leaders to take the message of 15 voters per polling unit on Election Day so we can deliver 2,700,000 confirmed votes for our incoming President Gods willing come Monday February 27th 2023.
“We must shun any form of violence or abuse, cast our votes orderly and remain peaceful”, he further stated.
Earlier in his address of welcome, Mr Olufunshi Ajagbonna said the youths want to make sure that the election is peaceful,free , and fair.
We realiase that there are agitation especially among the youths but we want to discourage election violence, saying, without peace there won’t be elections, no winner , no nation, he added.
Meanwhile, the women leader, Atiku 100%, Hon. Sharon Ele Asebe, National Spokesperson said , women and ladies are all ready to vote for the Alhaji Atiku Abubakar because he always involve them in his programme.
Ondo State , Federal Capital Territory, FCT, and Ebonyi state topped Nigeria Basic Education Ranking for 2022.
While Gombe, Katsina, Sokoto and Zamfara states scored zero percent.
This was revealed at the Basic Education Performance Ranking presentation organized by Youthhub Africa, in collaboration with Christian aid in Abuja.
According to the report the best performing 11 states are Ondo (98%), FCT(96%), Ebonyi (90%), Rivers (85%), Imo (80%), Anambra (79%), Enugu (77%), Ekiti (77%), Bayelsa (75%), Delta (75%), and Lagos (75%).
Gombe, Katsina, Sokoto and Zamfara did not score any points.
This means that the three states did not meet any minimum basic education recommendations and a majority of their learners neither have foundational literacy nor numeracy skills required to function in a society. Overall, a significant number of states are failing to provide quality education.
In his opening remarks the Executive Director of Youthhub Africa, Rotimi Olawale, said “Education financing should be more specific on how the states allocate, disburse and utilize funds to improve education quality.
Transparency in budgetary process means states are held more accountable. And also develop programming based on investments in education financing, teacher certification, learning outcomes and infrastructure.
Stakeholders who spoke at a public presentation and launch of the basic education performance ranking included Managing Partner, Strategy – MalalaFund, Femi Aderibigbe, Program Coordinator, Stand with a girl initiative, SWAG, Mercy Bolaji, Joshua Arogunro, program Manager, Almajiri Child Rights Initiative, among others.
They all said it is imperative for Nigeria Government to increase funding of basic education and ensure that the funds are used for what is meant for.
Mercy Bolaji, lamented the over 20 million out of school children in Nigeria.
Joshua who decried the unavailability of proper data in Nigeria, especially in education sector.
And inssacent attacks on Nigeria’s schools by bandits and unknown gunmen all contributed to the over 20 million of out of school children in Nigeria.
The Africa Leadership Group (ALG) has urged Nigerians to vote wisely without giving in to intimidation or harassment by anyone, group or party.
Chairman and Founder of the Group, Pastor Ituah Ighodalo gave the charge during a Pre-election Conference held in Lagos.
Pastor Ighodalo said ”Nigeria cannot afford to get it wrong this time, we must intentionally and carefully select leaders fit for purpose at this time who can lead us out of this national crisis”.
“The person’s vision and what they want to achieve with Nigeria and where they are taking Nigeria especially in terms of economic development and social welfare availability for the average Nigerian is there. Do we want somebody that makes sure that all Nigerians are educated, do we want somebody who will make sure that all Nigerians are employed and employable, who want to make sure that there is infrastructure across the length and breadth of Nigeria.” He added
The clergy charged Nigerians to shun violence but rather evaluate political candidates and vote the in this year’s general elections, adding that Nigeria needs a Nationalist as well as one who is mentally competent, sacrificial, accessible, humble, honest, educated and team player as President.
“The person must first be a Nigerian, before you say Fulani, Hausa, Igbo or Yoruba, you first of all have to be a Nigerian, what has happened so far is that most people are first of all from their tribe before they now say okay that we are Nigerian, so what it is, is that their tribal sentiments, their family sentiments is much more important to them than the overall thinking of Nigeria, and that where they have the problem”
While speaking on the goals of the Africa Leadership Group (ALG) in Nigeria and Africa, Pastor Ighodalo said Group ”is committed to ensuring that your lawful votes count. We will collaborate with other credible organisations and volunteers to ensure that the integrity of free and fair elections by observing polling stations to verify that lawfully registered voters can vote in an environment that is fair and free from coercion, Intimidation or violence and that results announced reflect the vote counts.”
On his part, the Group’s Executive Secretary and Program Director, Olu-Victor Oyinloye charged Nigerians to go out on the election and vote massively for the leader of their choice”Every citizen determines the kind of leaders they get, we all have our role to play vote, ensure that your vote counts and make sure that everything that happens at your polling unit is well documented, because all these things will be revisited again and again.” He added
The suspects in the assault and attempted murder case who fled from the magistrate court last year in charge No MO/185c/2022 have today 13/02/2023 for the second time desecrated the sanctity of the court and fled from the court in Ogwashi-Uku Magistrate court 2 presided over by Magistrate Chinedu Osumah. It would be recalled that last year, the suspects who were undergoing trial at the magistrate court were granted bail but could not perfect their bail conditions. As the court officials moved to take them into custody pending the perfection of their bail and verification of their sureties, with the help of a mob from the Azungwu community, they overpowered the police and court officials and ran away with handcuffs. The Chief Magistrate subsequently on December 20, 2022, issued bench arrest warrants for them. The defendants include Mr Elue Nwaolise, Azuka Obata, Ifechukwude Ikewenji and Osim Okelue, Iloba Obata, Godwin Asikawili and others. These same suspects are apparently sought separately for very serious crimes which include murder, arson and rape at the High court in Asaba. The organisers of the mob who have continued to assist them to flee from custody are thought to represent a serving ACP Chike Nwabua. The said suspects are from the Ogbe Odogwu community in Azungwu. The said suspects are apparently facing charges after they assaulted Ogwashi-Uku vigilante members with cutlasses and inflicted deep wounds on several of them. Many community members have expressed their disgust with the blatant disregard for the court and the judicial system. Speaking to a community leader, Mr Moses Adigwe, he said as follows: ‘We are highly embarrassed by this repeated show of shame. We cannot understand in the first instance why Magistrate Chinedu Osumah granted these people who ran away from court last year bail in the first place. Clearly, they demonstrated that they are a flight risk and should not be trusted with bail. For them to flee again a second time from his court shows a high level of complicity in this matter. Why didn’t the court official and police prosecutor ensure the premises were secured? I even understand that the court dates were shrouded in secrecy and even the complainants didn’t know about the court hearing date. It is high time this embarrassment stops as it is giving our community a very bad reputation. Our people are normally very law abiding. These people who are involved in these matters are repeat offenders and have committed so many crimes. They are a danger in our community and the police and courts should ensure they are locked up until after their trials.’Efforts to reach the Delta State police PRO to confirm the incident have not been successful.
President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the re-constitution and placements of a new Management Board of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF)The reconstitution is in consonance with the provisions of Section 4 and the powers conferred on him by Sections 7 and 8 of the NSITF Act, CAP N88, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (LFN) 2004.In a statement signed by the Director of Press and Public Relations of the ministry of Labour and Employment, Olajide Oshundun, based on the provisions of the Act and following the expiration of the tenure of the former Chairman and non-executive members of the Board, the memberships of the new approved Tripartite Management Board are:: Chairman, Chief Emmanuel C. Nwosu, FNITP, a seasoned Urban Planning and Management expert who is the past chairman of the Nigeria Insurance Commission (NAICOM) Managing Director/CE, Barrister Mrs. Maureen N. Allagoa. She is the immediate former Executive Director, Administration with broad experience in many Blue Chip Companies.She replaces the erstwhile Managing Director and Chief Executive, Mr. Mike Akabogu removed for certificate of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) forgery and low productivity.The full Management Board Membership, according to the statement, includes, Chief Emmanuel C. Nwosu, former chairman of NAICOM Board, represent Federal Government, Barrister Mrs.Maureen N. AllagoaNSITF Managing Director/Member, representing FG, and also replaces the erstwhile MD/CE of NSITF Mr. Mike Akabogu who was removed for forged NYSC Certificate and low productivity.Others, Modu GanaNSITF Executive Director/Member, representing FG. He retained his position as Executive Director, Operations, Dr. Gabriel O. C.Okenwa NSITF,Executive Director (Admin)/ Memberrepresenting FGN and filled the position of Executive Director from his position as the Special Management Consultant to NSITFThey also include, Adedeji BabatundeAdegoke, NSITFExecutive Director (Finance & Investment)/ Member, representing FG and promoted from General Manager Investment to Executive Director to fill vacancy occasioned by the death of Mrs. Temitope Caroline Akinwale, the immediate past ED Finance & Investment.The statement said comrade Marwan Mustapha AdamuNigeria Labour Congress (NLC) is a member, representing the NLC, while Comrade Adewale Adeyanju, NLC is also a member, representing the NLC.Other members, according to the statement, were, Mr. Taiwo Adeniyi(President of NECA), representing NECA, Mrs. Celine Oni (Director, Learning & Development/Projects, NECA), Leuretta Nneka Adaogu (Director, Occupational Safety & Health – OSH – Department)Federal Ministry of Labour & Employment (FML&E) Ex-Officio Member, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Nominee Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)The statement said the new Managing Director and Executive Directors had assumed their respective positions and duties with immediate effect from February 6, 2023.It noted that the New full Management Board will be inaugurated by the Minister of Labour & Employment as soon as the security and other clearance processes of its memberships are completed by the Security Agencies and other affected bodies, on a date to be announced soon.
The Trade Union Congress has called on the Federal Government, as a matter of urgency, to put an end to the present crisis bedeviling Nigerians as a result of the redesign of some denominations in the nation’s currency, that has brought about the non circulation of naira notes in the country. Briefing Journalists in Abuja, on the State of the nation, the President of TUC, Comrade Festus Osifo, who described the present situation, as the worst of times in the lives of Nigerians, said citizens have not only been betrayed by the banking system which has been unable to pay them their money on demand, but have also been failed but the Federal Government in its inadequacy in the entire process.
“These for Nigerians, are some of the worst of times in their lives as many are on the brink of financial collapse, not because they have entrusted such monies to the banks under the supervision of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN.”
He said ” As you are aware, the Nigerian populace is unable to pay for basic needs including food, medicines, clothes or transportation. This is nothing but a calamity of epic proportions. We have never had it so bad, never have our populace been made to attack banks, strip in banking halls or threaten to commit suicide inside financial houses because they cannot have access to their hard earned money. We are worried and wish to note that smaller denominations of N100 naira notes and N50 notes were not affected by the naira redesign, but paradoxically not in circulation anywhere in the country”.
On the lingering long queues at fuel stations,
he said ” the lengthy explanations on why there are long queues at fuel stations and prices of PMS being far above the official price can no longer be tolerated. All we demand is that patrol returns to fuel stations and is available at the official price across the country. As we have often stated, the answer to the fuel shortage question, i the local refining of our petroleum product needs. Local refining would add value to our crude oil, provide local jobs, and not only save us foreign exchange, but would enable us earn far more income”
He stated that, ” In furtherance of this and should these issues not resolve in the coming days, the TUC and its comrades in the labor and social movements would begin consultations with various groups in the country to work out democratic, constitutional and legal ways and means to save the populace and our beloved country”.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies have been requested by the Center for Women Studies and Intervention (CWSI) group to take further measures to safeguard the safety of women and girls during the general elections in 2023.
The center’s program manager, Paschal Idogbe, told journalists on Thursday in Abuja that providing adequate security will encourage women to actively participate in the election.
He pointed out that more than 70% of the country’s population is under the age of 30, particularly young women and girls.
According to him: “INEC and security agencies should provide the enabling environment for women and girls to be encouraged to participate in the forthcoming election.
“Women have the mind of mother, they care about welfare and the future, if interested with anything they would not fail”
Idogbe said young women and girls within the age range of 18-35 are largely not represented in decision making and governance.
According to him, they are often reduced to agents of political violence during elections while a number of other young persons show little or no interest at all in elections and its processes.
Idogbe said to address female marginalization, apathy and passiveness in Nigeria’s electoral processes.
“The centre implemented the Action for better female participation in elections in Nigeria project, being supported by the Catholic Agency for Overseas Development (CAFOD”.
Collaborating, the communication officer Anastacia Okolo said the centre is concerned with the protection of women and girls’ right based on the conviction that all men and women are equal and indeed, they have right in the society.
“We protect women and girls right, we also promote equality for both gender. Giving justice to women is the same as giving justice to men, it is the only way to build a balance society”
The governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, has stated that banks will continue to accept old naira notes after the deadline.
Emefiele addressed an interactive session with the House of Representatives ad hoc committee on currency reform and naira swap policy on Tuesday.
He also stated that the CBN will accept old naira from banks after the February 10 deadline.
Emefiele referred to the CBN Act, which requires the central bank to continue accepting old notes after they have expired.
However, the CBN governor did not specify when banks would stop accepting outdated currencies.
Section 20 (3) of the CBN act states: “Notwithstanding sub-sections (1) and (2) of this section, the bank shall have power, if directed to do so by the president and after giving reasonable notice in that behalf, to call in any of its notes or coins on payment of the face value thereof and any note or coin with respect to which a notice has been given under this sub-section, shall, on the expiration of the notice, cease to be legal tender, but, subject to section 22 of this act, shall be redeemed by the bank upon demand”.
Speaking further on the CBN act, he explained that even after the old currency has lost its legal tender status “we (CBN) are mandated to collect these money (old notes) and I stand with the house of representatives on this”.
“What does that mean? It could (old notes) have lost its legal tender status which means we have moved on. But if you have your money that you have not been able to send to the bank, we will certainly give you the opportunity to bring them back into the CBN to redeem it. Either you pay it to your bank account or you want to do exchange, we will give you. You will not lose your money. This is the assurance I give to Nigerians,” Emefiele said.
President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) request to extend the deadline for exchanging old Naira notes for new ones.
The new deadline has been moved from January 31, 2023 to February 10, 2023.
A seven-day grace period, commencing February 10 and ending February 17,2023, has also been allowed to allow Nigerians to deposit their old notes at the CBN after the February deadline, after which the old currency would have lost its Legal Tender status.
On Sunday, the President met with the governor of the top bank, Godwin Emefiele, at his country house in Daura, Katsina State.
Emefiele briefed correspondents after the meeting, revealing that 75 percent of the N2.7 trillion held outside the banking system has been recovered.
He said: “We are happy that so far, the exercise has achieved a success rate of over 75 percent of the N2.7 trillion held outside the banking system. Nigerians in the rural areas, villages, the aged and vulnerable have had the opportunity to swap their old notes; leveraging the Agent Naira Swap initiative as well as the CBN Senior staff nationwide sensitization team exercise.
“Aside from those holding illicit/stolen Naira in their homes for speculative purposes, we do aim to give all Nigerians that have Naira legitimately earned and trapped, the opportunity to deposit their legitimately trapped monies at the CBN for exchange.
“Based on the foregoing, we have sought and obtained Mr President’s approval for the following:
“10-day extension of the deadline from January 31, 2023, to February 10, 2023; to legitimately held by Nigerians and achieve more success in cash swap in our rural communities after which all old notes outside the CBN losses their Legal tender Status.
“Our CBN staff currently on mass mobilization and monitoring together with officials of the EFCC and ICPC will work together to achieve these objectives.
“A 7-day grace period, beginning on February 10 to February 17,2023, in compliance with Sections 20(3) and 22 of the CBN Act allowing Nigerians to deposit their old notes at the CBN after the February deadline when the old currency would have lost its Legal Tender status.
“We therefore appeal to all Nigerians to work with the Central Bank of Nigeria to ensure a hitch free the implementation of this very important process for program.”
