March 2021 – Page 50

Post Date : March 9, 2021

Law permits me to remain in office till 2023, says IGP

Mohammed Adamu, inspector-general of police (IGP), says the law permits him to remain in office until either 2023 or 2024 Adamu, who was appointed in 2019, clocked the mandatory 35 years in service on February 1, and was expected to have been replaced by the president. But, on February 4, President Muhammadu Buhari extended Adamu’s tenure by three months. Maxwell Opara, a legal practitioner, in a suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/106/21, took the IGP to court contending that by virtue of section 215 of the Nigerian constitution and section 7 of the Nigeria Police Act, 2020, Adamu cannot continue to function as the IGP, having retired as a serving member of the force. However, in his defence, the IGP told the federal high court that the new Nigeria Police Act gave him a four-year tenure, which would only lapse in either 2023 or 2024. He insisted that his tenure will lapse in 2023 if counted from 2019 when he was appointed as the IGP or 2024 if counted from 2020 when the new Nigeria Police Act came into force. In the counter affidavit filed by Alex Iziyon, defendant counsel, Adamu contended that the office of the IGP is not governed by the general provisions applicable to the rest of the police force. He said the provision of “section 18(8) of the Nigeria Police Act, 2020 which is that ‘Every police officer shall, on recruitment or appointment, serve in the Nigeria Police Force for a period of 35 years or until he attains the age of 60 years, whichever is earlier,’ is with due respect, inapplicable to the office of the Inspector General of Police in the circumstance.” He also said the effect of section 7(6) of the Nigeria Police Act, 2020 “is that immediately a person is appointed into the office of the Inspector-General of Police, a new legal regime is triggered off”. The IGP said from the various provisions of the law, it was “discernible” that “the office of the IGP is conferred with a special status, unique and distinct from other officers of the Nigeria Police force”. “Therefore based on our submission above, the combined effect of Sections 215 and 216 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) and Section 7 of the Nigeria Police Act, 2020, is that the 2nd defendant can validly function as the inspector general of police after midnight of February 1, 2021, in so far as he was a serving member of the Nigeria police force during the period of his appointment, as his tenure in office is specially regulated by Section 7(6) of the Nigeria Police Act which stipulates in unambiguous terms that upon his appointment he stays in office for four(4) years,” he said. “Therefore, if the 2nd defendant’s tenure in office is calculated from January 15, 2019, when he was appointed into the office of the inspector-general of police, his tenure lapse in 2023. “However, if his tenure in office is calculated from 2020 when the Nigeria Police Act, 2020 came into force. his tenure in office ends in 2024.” Faulting the submissions of Opara, IGP said the plaintiff was “not directly in a position to know” if his tenure has ended. “He is clearly not a staff member of the 2nd defendant (IGP) and the Nigeria Police Force,” he said. “He failed woefully to state in his affidavit how he got the information that the 2nd defendant had retired from the Nigeria police. He also failed woefully to tender any document to support his claim.”

Post Date : March 9, 2021

Ogun, Katsina, Anambra, seven govs stick to illegal LG caretaker panels

No fewer than 10 states have not conducted elections into local governments despite the absence of elected officers in the councils . Investigations on Monday showed that some of the local governments were being administered by caretaker committees constituted by state governors . This contradicts a 2016 judgment of the Supreme Court , which voided laws enacted by state Houses of Assembly that empowered governors to sack elected local government chairmen and councillors and replace them with caretaker committees . Findings showed that states , which had yet to conduct local government elections despite the expiration of elected officers’ tenures included Ogun, Katsina Anambra , Kwara, Osun, Zamfara and Sokoto. Also , Imo , and Oyo state governments sacked elected officers, whose tenures had not ended and replaced them with caretaker committees like the seven states mentioned earlier . Although Edo State has no local government caretaker committees , the LGs are being administered by heads of administration. Among states that have not conducted local government elections is Sokoto State , which in 2019 constituted caretaker committees after the expiration of the three – year tenure of council officers , who were elected in 2016. A Peoples Democratic Party leader in the state, Mallam Ibrahim , explained to one of our correspondents the delay in holding the elections . He stated , “ The delay cannot also be divorced from politics . The PDP being the party in government has to take into consideration many factors , especially zoning of chairmanship and other positions. ” The state Independent Electoral Commission has , however , fixed March 27 as the date for the next local government elections in the state. It was learnt that the last time Katsina State held local government elections was in 2014. Investigations showed that since Governor Aminu Masari assumed office in 2015, no local government election had been held in the state. Masari ’ s dissolution of elected local government councils in 2015 led to several court cases , which the governor cited as reasons for not holding LG polls. Efforts by The PUNCH correspondent to get the reaction of the governor ’ s Special Adviser on Politics , Kabiru Shuaibu , did not succeed as he did not pick calls to his phone nor responded to an SMS sent to him . In Anambra State , the local government elections were held last in the state in 2013. Justifying the failure of the state to hold local government elections , the state Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment , C -Don Adinuba, said the opposition parties took the state to court over the matter . According to him , until the matter is settled in court , the state can’ t conduct the polls. In Kwara State , although the tenure of local government officials , who were elected on November 1, 2017, expired on November 31, 2020, findings indicated that the state had not conducted local government elections . It was gathered that directors of personnel management had been running the affairs of the councils in the state since June 2019 when chairmen were suspended for alleged mismanagement of funds . The Chief Press Secretary to the governor , Rafiu Ajakaye , failed to pick calls to his phone nor responded to an SMS sent to him . Also , Ogun State has not conducted local government elections since 2019 when the state governor , Dapo Abiodun , assumed office . The state last conducted the local government elections October 8, 2016 during the administration of former governor , Ibikunle Amosun . Abiodun, who assumed office two years ago , has extended the tenure of chairmen and members of local government transition committees three times since he inaugurated them in January 2020. The governor cited COVID – 19 pandemic and paucity of funds as reasons for the delay in holding the elections . Attempts to get comments from the Commissioner for Information , Waheed Odusile and the Chief Press Secretary to the governor , Kunle Somorin , failed. They did not reply a text message sent to their mobile phones. THE PUNCH

Post Date : March 8, 2021

Nigeria worried about Niger Republic’s stability ― Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday said that Nigeria sharing more than 1,400 kilometres of border with the Republic of Niger, the country should be concerned about the stability of its northern neighbour. Speaking while receiving a report on the elections in the country from former Vice President, Namadi Sambo, who is ECOWAS Head of Mission on the election in the Republic of Niger, at the presidential villa, Abuja, he said: “We are concerned about their stability, and I am glad the elections went well. I am happy it was transparent, as attested to by most of the observers.” The president congratulated Sambo and his team for a job well done, stating: “I am glad you came back with good news.” The ECOWAS Head of Mission on the election said he met with all the stakeholders before the polls, which went into a run-off after the initial exercise in December last year was inconclusive, “and we observed about 400 polling units in five regions of the country, and the process was peaceful, done professionally. Every citizen was given the right to vote and be voted for.” A statement issued by presidential spokesman, Femi Adesina, informed that the candidate of the ruling party was announced by the electoral body having won more than 50% of the votes, a decision disputed by the opposition candidate, who has now approached the constitutional court for redress. It is the court that has powers to declare a winner in an election, according to the Constitution of the Republic of Niger. The former Vice President Sambo described the election as “a great improvement on that of December 27 last year,” and thanked President Buhari for facilitating the transportation needs of his team.

Post Date : March 8, 2021

Kukah: We Are Operating In An Environment That Is Dubiously Spiritual

The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Kukah, has said Nigerian politicians believe much in spirituality than working hard for the success of their political enterprise. Kukah said this during a virtual interview with Toyin Falola, a professor of history at the University of Texas. While speaking of the usual criticism of his stance on national matters, Kukah said he was not bothered as those criticizing him presently once praised him for his “neutrality” when his position on certain matters favoured them. “Nigerian politics as you can see from Okija to other places has become so highly spiritualised and this is what happens in an environment when there are no predictors, there are no signs. Nigerian politicians don’t believe they can just win an election by fighting hard so, they are expecting you to pray for success of their political enterprise. “It is not about electoral outcomes or how well electoral laws are; it is that we are operating in an environment that is so dubiously spiritual. “The challenge for us as spiritual leaders is to maintain the integrity of faith. I have a bit of experience but I am happy and lucky that I have been able to go from one generation to the other, from one administration to the other because you have to be careful of the choices that you make. Religion ought to be protected from contamination by the power of the state.” “There are lots of people who are unhappy with me today but I can tell you after 2023, the same people who are unhappy with me today will be the ones who will be singing my praises. The same people who are singing my praises today, if they come to power, they will be the ones who will cast me out.”

Post Date : March 8, 2021

Watch your language, Army warns Sheikh Gumi

The Nigerian Army has warned popular Islamic scholar, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi and other “ opinion merchants ” in the country to exercise restraint with their utterances and not drag the Army to disrepute . The Army said contrary to Gumi’ s statements to bandits recently that Christian soldiers were the ones killing the bandits, the Army does not deploy troops along religious or ethnic lines. This was contained in a statement issued on Monday titled, ‘ Nigerian Army Does Not Deploy Its Troops Along Ethnic Or Religious Lines’ . The statement was signed by Director, Army Public Relations, Mohammed Yerima . It read , “ The attention of the Nigerian Army has been drawn to a viral video – clip showing the renowned and respected Islamic scholar, Sheikh Ahmed Gumi, alleging that non -Muslim soldiers were responsible for the attacks against bandits . “ In the video clip, the Islamic scholar was seen telling the bandits that the soldiers involved in most attacks against them were non -Muslims . He further stated that they should be aware that soldiers are divided into Muslims and non -Muslims . “ While the Nigerian Army would not want to join issues with the respected Sheikh Ahmed Gumi, it is, however , important to restate that the Nigerian Army as national institution, does not deploy its troops along ethnic or religious lines. “ Therefore , Sheikh Ahmed Gumi and other opinion merchants are please enjoined to exercise restraint not to drag the image and reputation of one of the most reliable national institutions to disrepute . “ The Nigerian Army remains the pride of the nation and has continually defended the territorial integrity of this great nation . Comments suggesting to mudslide the image and reputation of the Nigerian Army are not only inimical but tended towards creating bad blood amongst Nigerians . “ Furthermore, most operations conducted by the Nigerian Army were done in strict adherence to rules of engagement, code of conduct and respect for the fundamental human rights of the citizenry without any exception . It is therefore , disturbing that an opinion leader would deliberately want to disparage the Nigerian Army to portray it in bad light . “ The Nigerian Army wishes to seize this opportunity to advise opinion leaders to be more courteous while expressing their views , taking into cognisance the imperative for national security , particularly at this difficult times when our gallant troops have redoubled their efforts to tackle the myriads of security challenges facing our dear nation . What our troops need now is public support to discharge their responsibility effectively and in the most professional manner . “

Post Date : March 8, 2021

EXTRA: Court sentences man to death by hanging for killing father in Akwa Ibom

Akwa Ibom State High Court sitting in Ikot Ekpene, has sentenced a 31-year-old man, Edidiong Pius Ototi to death by hanging for killing his father, identified as late Mr. Pius David Ototi. Edidiong Ototi, during his confessional statement at the Police Headquarters Ikot Akpan Abia admitted killing his 60-year-old father on November 18, 2018, and buried him inside a pit toilet because he is a wizard. The presiding judge, Justice Augustine Odokwo, delivered his judgment on the murder case yesterday after finding the accused and a native of Ikot Akwa in Obot Akara Local Government Area, guilty of the offence. Justice Odokwo ruled that the offence is punishable by death, under section 326 (1) of the Criminal Code, Laws of Akwa Ibom State 2000. Odokwo, submitted that the prosecuting team from the State Ministry of Justice was able to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the accused person actually committed the murder. He who was clad in black with a sentencing cap held that “Ototi should be hanged by the neck until he dies” and prayed to God to have mercy upon his soul. Justice Odokwo, in a one-hour judgment, said, Ototi had no right under the law to take the life of his 60-year-old father, whom he accused of being responsible for the untimely death of his two grandchildren. Edidiong Ototi had before his sentence on Monday in the Courtroom, while citing some Bible portions, begged the Judge to forgive him and to tamper justice with mercy.

Post Date : March 8, 2021

Ex-power minister, Wakil, sent to prison over alleged corruption

A former Minister of State for power in the country, Muhammad Wakil, is to remain in prison custody till March 31, 2021 on the order of a Federal Capital Territory High Court over his alleged involvement in the mismanagement of the N27 billion set aside for the payment of the retirement benefits to staff of the defunct Power Holding Company of Nigeria, PHCN. This action followed the two-count charge bordering on corruption and abuse of office slammed on Wakil on Monday by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission before Justice S.B.Belgore of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Apo, Abuja. Wakil, a former lawmaker, was charged alongside two companies-Corozzeria Nigeria Limited and Pikat Properties Nigeria Limited, for allegedly receiving N148 million as gratification from Bestworth Insurance Brokers Limited out of the N27.1 billion approved outstanding insurance premiums and claims of deceased and incapacitated staff of Power Holding Company of Nigeria, PHCN. Count one of the charge reads: “That you Muhammed Wakil, while being Minister of Power and managing director of Corozzeria Nigeria Limited, and Corozzeria Nigeria Limited, on or about 22nd December, 2014, in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did corruptly receive the sum of N118 million through Corozzeria Nigeria Limited’s Polaris Bank Account No. 4010023658 from Bestworth Insurance Brokers Limited out of the sum of N27.1 billion being the sum approved for the payment of outstanding insurance premiums and claims of deceased and incapacitated staff of Power Holding Company of Nigeria( PHCN), and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 8(1)(a) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000 and punishable under Section 8(1)(b)(ii)of the same Act.” When the charges were read, the defendant pleaded “not guilty.” Counsel for the prosecution, Benjamin Manji, asked the court to set a date for commencement of trial and for the remand the defendant at a Correctional Centre, pending trial. However counsel for the defendants, B.C Igwilo SAN, prayed the court to grant bail to the 1st defendant. “My lord, our humble application is for the first defendant to be admitted to bail, “he said But the prosecution counsel opposed the oral application, while urging the court to order the defendant to file the application formally. Justice Belgore adjourned the matter till March 31, 2021 for determination of bail application and remanded the defendant in the custody of the EFCC.

Post Date : March 7, 2021

Confusion As Army Retrieves Uniforms, ID Cards Of 145 Soldiers In Borno

There was confusion when the authorities of 7 Division of the Nigerian Army, Maiduguri, retrieved the uniforms and identity cards of 145 soldiers replaced at Marte town in Borno State. The incident happened a few hours after seven soldiers killed in an encounter with insurgents on February 14, 2021, were buried. During the attack, the insurgents reportedly burnt military equipment, including vehicles, and stole motorcycles and food items. Last week, soldiers, who had been serving with the 153 Task Force Battalion, Marte, since 2017, were moved to Maiduguri while those from Jaji Military Cantonment, Kaduna State, were used to replace them. But army authorities retrieved the uniforms, identity cards and all other public items from the soldiers who were formerly at Marte. One of the affected soldiers said though there was no official confirmation from defence authorities on whether they had been dismissed from service, “the General Officer Commanding has ended our employments after collecting our uniforms and ID cards. Most of us have travelled home while some of us who are confused about the situation are hanging around.” Another source said the affected soldiers were asked to proceed on 90 days leave. When contacted, Director, Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Mohammed M.Yerima, said the affected soldiers are still in the employ of the army. Daily Trust

Post Date : March 7, 2021

Notorious Fulani warlord Iskilu Wakili arrested in Oyo

A joint team of Ibarapa security operatives, including Oodua Peoples Congress, Vigilante, and other groups have arrested the notorious Fulani warlord terrorising Oyo communities , Iskilu Wakili. The PUNCH gathered that Wakili was arrested after several attempts resulting in a gun battle . There had been reports that Wakili and his gang were involved in the killings and kidnapping of several people in Ibarapa, Oke Ogun, Oyo State Wakili was nabbed barely seven days after his second – in-command , Isiaka Muhammadu , was arrested alongside four others . The Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Gani Adams , confirmed Wakili’ s arrest in a statement made available to The PUNCH by his Special Assistant on Media , Kehinde Aderemi, on Sunday . Adams said the Fulani warlord was arrested around 7 am on Sunday and had been handed over to the Divisional Police Office in Igbo Ora , Oyo State . The statement was titled , “ Insecurity: Gani Adams applauds OPC , Ibarapa joint security team over arrest of Kidnap kingpin Wakilu, three others in Ibarapa ’ . The Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland described Wakili as the ‘ most- dreaded, notorious kidnap kingpin’ who has operated in Oyo State . Adams said , “ I am happy that the notorious kidnapper had been captured alongside three others . It is a good development and a positive signal to other criminal elements that the South – West is no longer an abode for bandits , kidnappers , and criminal herders. “ I commend all the members of the joint security team that has made this possible because with the video at my disposal , it was purely a neat job . “ With this development , I think the whole world will agree with me that the fight against insurgency , kidnapping, and banditry needs native intelligence, information gathering, and grassroots support from local securities and operatives . “ As I have said earlier that the effort to rid the South -West of bandits and kidnappers was to complement the efforts of the police and in doing that, it is also very important for the police to support the local security operatives because they are always at the grassroots and they have their ears to the ground on local security matters . ”

Post Date : March 7, 2021

Presidency speaks on fire outbreak around Aso Rock

Presidency says there was a fire outbreak outside the perimeter of Aso Rock, Nigeria’s seat of power, on Saturday night. According to Garba Shehu, presidential spokesman, the incident happened between the villa and the army barracks “towards Asokoro”. He denied reports that the fire outbreak occurred inside Aso Rock. In a statement issued on Sunday, Shehu said it was a bush fire, adding that investigation into the incident is ongoing. “People in the country and even abroad have been expressing concerns over reports of a fire incident in Aso Rock Villa, the seat of the Nigerian government. I would like to clarify that there was no fire inside the Presidential Villa,” he said. “In the evening of Saturday, March 6, a fire broke out burning shrubs between the outer wire fence and walls surrounding the Villa, precisely in the area between the Villa and the Barracks, towards Asokoro. “The fire, as being speculated, might have started from a passerby dropping a burning cigarette. The Federal Fire Service will ascertain the reason for it when they complete their investigation. “It suffices to say that this bush fire, which started and ended outside the perimeter walls of the Villa, was seamlessly contained by fire stations of the State House and the one nearby from the Federal Fire Service. No loss of life, no loss whatsoever to building and property was recorded.” The incident comes nine months after a previous fire outbreak near the Aso Rock villa chapel. In June 2020, the presidency had confirmed a “minor” fire incident around the villa chapel, which was said to have been triggered by an electrical spark.