The Rivers state government has approved N19.6 billion to rebuild the demolished house of assembly auditorium. The approval was given at the state executive council meeting chaired by Siminalayi Fubara, governor of Rivers, on Friday. On October 30, 2023, fire razed a section of the Rivers state house of assembly complex. The incident occurred during a period when the assembly moved to impeach Fubara as governor of the state.   In December, the state commenced the demolition of the assembly complex citing “renovation purposes”, amid insinuations that there was a political undertone to the incident. In a statement, Nelson Chukwudi, the governor’s chief press secretary, said some other contracts approved by the council included the construction of Kalaibiama/Epellema road, completion of four zonal hospitals across the state, renovation of Bonny general hospital. Others are the renovation and upgrade of the neuropsychiatric hospital, Rumuigbo, and the construction of the new general hospital at Rumuigbo in Obio/Akpor LGA of the state.   Roland Obed-Whyte, permanent secretary of the Rivers ministry of special projects, said the contract to renovate the assembly has been awarded to Monier construction company. He confirmed that the construction would cost N19.6 billion over nine months. “This contract has been awarded to Monier Construction Company Nigeria Limited (MCC) at the cost of N19,566, 621, 284. 24 kobo with a completion duration of nine months,” he said. “This Rivers State House of Assembly Building Complex comprises about 34 ensuite offices, a storey building with an elevator, gallery, meeting rooms and conference hall. It also includes renovating and refurbishing other existing structures within the House of Assembly Complex. It also includes the provision of ambulance and other external works.”

  The family of Mr and Mrs Saul Hashimu, residents of Ungwan Maigero Community in the Chikun Local Government Area (LGA) of Kaduna State, are demanding justice over the death of their 13-year-old son, Wisdom, whose death was caused by an alleged brutality by a soldier and members of the civilian Joint Task Force (JTF) in the area. The deceased, who until his death, was living with his parents on Lafiya Sarki Street in the same LGA was said to have committed suicide inside their compound, after he was falsely accused of stealing N10,000 from a neighbour and allegedly tortured by a soldier and civilian JTF members. The teenager was said to have committed suicide on Friday, June 6, 2024. Before his mysterious death, Wisdom, who was writing his Junior Secondary School examination, was on June 1, 2024, severely beaten to a pulp by a soldier and members of the civilian JTF. Wisdom was accused of stealing the sum from a 16-year-old neighbor known as Hope, who reportedly invited her boyfriend, one Segun Samson who is a serving soldier at Bodi Camp in Port-Harcourt, the Rivers State capital. Rather than reporting to the police, the soldier was said to have dragged Wisdom and Hope’s brother — both accused of stealing the money — to the civilian JTF office. At the civilian JTF office, Wisdom was said to have been severely beaten to the point where he was unable to walk. He returned home after receiving medical attention but the story changed for the worse on Thursday, June 6th, 2024 as Wisdom’s lifeless body was found hanging on a noose at the back of their compound when his parents were not around. The death of Wisdom has left his parents distraught as his grieving father narrated what happened. “On 1st of June, 2024, I was in Zaria when I received information that Wisdom was alleged of stealing my neighbour’s daughter (Miss Hope Danladi)’s N1000,” he said. “I was further told that the Civilian JTF took the law into their own hands and beat Wisdom. But, beyond my wildest imagination, the Civilian JTF only beat Wisdom to a point of coma while Hope’s younger brother was spared and returned home unscathed. “After interrogation at home, her (Hope’s) younger brother confessed to the crime. When he was searched, N9000 was found in his pocket, and he said he had spent N1000 already.” “I was also told that Hope called her boyfriend, Segun Samson, who identified himself to the Civilian JTF in Dokaji Street in Narayi as a serving soldier at Bodi Camp in Port-Harcourt after brandishing his ID Card for validation. “This was after Hope called Samson, and he bundled Wisdom and Hope’s younger brother to the civilian JTF office, and he prevailed on the Civilian JTF to discipline the boys. “My son was severely beaten by the Civilian JTF to the point that he was unable to walk. We took him to the hospital where he received medical attention while we reported the matter to the police station. “On Thursday, while I was away, I was told to rush back home, that my son was dead, that he hanged himself with a rope at the back of our compound. “Though my son is dead, I can’t question God. He is gone. But I want the authorities to ensure that justice is served, and those that brutalised my son be brought to book. This will serve as a deterrent to others.” Meanwhile, the Kaduna State Police Command said it was aware of the incident, and has commenced full investigation into it to ensure that justice is served and those behind Wisdom’s death are apprehended and prosecuted accordingly to the law.

  A bill seeking a return to a regional system of government for Nigeria will be transmitted to President Bola Tinubu next week, Saturday PUNCH has exclusively gathered. Recall that the House of Representatives last week disowned the draft bill which circulated widely on the internet. Titled, ‘A Bill for an Act to substitute the annexure to Decree 24 of 1999 with new governance model for the Federal Republic of Nigeria’, the bill seeks among others, new extant laws to be cited as “The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria New Governance Model for Nigeria Act 2024.” The preliminaries of the bill read in part, “Whereas Nigeria, its peoples and government have been governed under Decree 24 of 1999 that was handed down by the then military government without the express consent of the people despite the preamble of ‘We, the people.’   “Whereas the said Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) is not autochthonous as it does not evolve from the deliberations and consensus of the Nigerian People; whereas the peoples of Nigeria now desire and effectively demand for a change to a constitution based on federal/regional system of government. “Whereas the federal and regional governments are to operate within the provisions of this Constitution, it is within the discretion of the ethnic blocs within the states that constitutes a given region to aggregate or disaggregate as provinces, divisions and districts, while being in control of their affairs without let or hindrance at whatever level of governance.” Following enquiries, the House disowned the bill as the duo of the House spokesman, Akin Rotimi and the Chairman, Rules and Business, Francis Waive said the proposed legislationl was not before committee for deliberation. However, the drafter of the private bill, Dr Akin Fapohunda, who had earlier hinted our correspondent of his intent to interface with members of the National Assembly ahead of the transmission of the bill to the parliament, on Friday, said he had chosen to send the proposed law to President Tinubu, who may in turn present same to the parliament as executive bill.

  Gunmen have shot and killed a popular politician in Enugu State, Ejike Ukwueze. It was gathered Ukwueze was reportedly killed on Friday night while driving in a local area, Neke Odenigbo, in Enugu East Local Government Area of the state. In a viral video, Ukwueze and his car were shot multiple times with bullet holes visible in the vehicle. The victim is said to be the immediate younger brother of the member who represented Isi-Uzo constituency in Enugu Assembly, late Chijioke Ukwueze, who in 2020 slumped and died during a plenary session of the House. A source close to the family alleged the family suspects the killing was politically motivated, suggesting it was an assassination as the victim was becoming influential in the Isi-Uzo Local Government Area political circle ahead of the October local government elections. “Yeah, I heard he was a strong contender. Aside from having the intention of running for the LG election, he was becoming a force in the Isi-Uzo political affairs, standing in for his dear late brother who was one of the most accepted and powerful political stakeholders in Isi-Uzo,” the source told newsmen. Police authorities in Enugu State were yet to comment on the incident.

  President Bola Tinubu has approved the naming of the M18 road infrastructure in Guzape District, Abuja after renowned novelist, Chinua Achebe. The President stated this during his address at the inauguration of the road in Abuja on Saturday, June 8.   This was contained in a post by Special Assistant to President Tinubu on Social Media, Olusegun Dada. He wrote: “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Commissions the M18 road infrastructure in Guzape District of Abuja. Names road after Nigerian Novelist and Poet, late Professor Chinua Achebe.” Details

  The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has condemned the statement credited to Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Senator George Akume, that the organized labour committed a treasonable felony for shutting down the national grid during the strike. The NLC in a statement signed by the Head, of Information and Public Affairs of the NLC, Benson Upah, viewed the comment of the SGF, as a negation to the tradition and principles of democracy. The statement read: “The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) expresses its profound disappointment and strong condemnation of the recent comments made by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) regarding the nationwide strike embarked upon by the NLC and the Trade Union Congress (TUC). “The SGF’s characterization of our legitimate and constitutionally protected industrial action as a “treasonable felony” and “economic sabotage” is not only deeply troubling but also undermines the spirit of constructive dialogue necessary for resolving the ongoing issues. The demands of the NLC and TUC are clear and just. We seek the conclusion and signing into law of a new national minimum wage that is in sync with the realities of the cost of living, a reversal of the hike in electricity tariff to N65/kWh and an end to the discriminatory classification of electricity consumers into bands. “These demands are grounded in the need for economic justice and fairness for all Nigerian workers and citizens. The SGF we are sure knows those whose actions are treasonable and sabotage our economy. Those who loot our treasury around the country, those who divert public resources meant for hospitals and schools; those who are involved in foreign exchange round-tripping; padding of budgets and inflating contracts including those who steal trillions of Naira in the name of subsidy are the real Economic saboteurs who commit a treasonable felony. “These people are in costly Agbada and drive in convoys all around the nation occupying the corridors of power and not innocent workers who are not slaves but chose to withdraw their services because of the inhuman treatment meted on them by the Government. “It is particularly disheartening that the SGF, a high-ranking government official, would make statements that trivialize the genuine grievances of Nigerian workers. His assertion that he cannot afford to pay each of his four drivers N100,000 monthly is a stark reminder of the disconnect between the government and the realities faced by ordinary Nigerians. Bag of rice “We may have to remind him that a 50kg bag of rice is N88,000 which leaves the worker with just N12,000 if he is to pay the paltry sum, he claims that he is unable to pay. “Anyway, one wonders what the SGF does with four drivers alone. We would also want to know what work justifies the huge salaries and allowances the SGF takes home all the time. Do we need to wonder too far why we are here as a nation when you have individuals with this mindset occupying sensitive positions in the corridors of power? “It is unfortunate that the SGF who presides over the Administration of the Executive arm of government which is one of the basic pillars of democracy and is supposed to be a protector and defender of democracy, its various institutions and practices would be seen making statements that negate these traditions and principles. “We believe that through the office of the SGF, the citizens will feel the pulse of the President at all times, occupiers of such sensitive offices should therefore show more understanding in their utterances and actions at all times. We reject completely the unfortunate insinuations around the SGF’s remarks because strikes are not only legal but also a civic duty. “We are surprised that the SGF will demonstrate such a glaring sense of unawareness to the understanding of the fact that when workers withdraw their services which is their right, machines cannot operate themselves so, they grind to a halt. “We expect a highly placed official of the government to understand this basic fact and act or speak within its confines. It is a recognised instrument historically and worldwide available to the citizenry and indeed workers to hold governance accountable thus press home their interests. It is therefore a positive socioeconomic tool that is natural to the democratic process which allows nation-states to continue to adjust, prevent and protect the prevalence of dictatorship and social implosion.” The NLC reminded the SGF that respectful and productive negotiations cannot occur under duress, adding that the events of last week, where labour leaders were surrounded by military personnel during a negotiation exercise in the SGF’s office, were a clear violation of their rights and an intimidation tactic that has no place in a democratic society. “We cannot and will not negotiate under such conditions which is what the SGF’s comments portend,” it said.

  Antonio Guterres, the United Nations (UN) secretary-general, says Israel’s military has been added to the global list of offenders committing violations against children. Gilad Erdan, Israel’s envoy to the UN, was informed of the decision on Friday. Guterres is expected to notify the UN security council of the resolution on June 14. The development follows Isreali’s eight months bombardment of Gaza. On May 8, the UN published data showing that 34,844 people had been killed, including 4,959 women and 7,797 children, since the war started. ‘IT’S SHAMEFUL’ The Israeli envoy described the UN resolution as a “shameful decision”. “I am utterly shocked and disgusted by this shameful decision of the secretary-general,” Erdan said. “Israel’s army is the most moral army in the world so this immoral decision will only aid the terrorists and reward Hamas.” Israel Katz, Israel’s foreign minister, said the decision “will have consequences for Israel’s relations with the UN”. Israel has always had a strained relationship with the UN which further deteriorated during the Israel-Hamas war. Benjamin Netanyahu, prime minister of Israel, and Yoav Gallant, the country’s defence minister, have been accused of war crimes. The International Criminal Court (ICC) is seeking an arrest warrant for Netanyahu, Gallant, and three Hamas chiefs — Yahya Sinwar, leader of the Palestinian militant group; Mohammed Al-Masri, leader of the Al Qassem Brigades; and Ismail Haniyeh, Hamas’ political leader.

  A former presidential aide, Doyin Okupe, has hailed President Bola Tinubu as the best among all the candidates who contested the 2023 presidential election. Tinubu emerged winner of that election, with Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Peter Obi of the Labour Party coming second and third respectively. Okupe, who was Peter Obi’s campaign director in the early stages of the campaigns, said hindsight has provided him the opportunity to realise that Tinubu is the best for the job. “Let me tell you, of all the people that actually ran for President in 2023, by the benefit of hindsight, Bola Tinubu is the best,” Okupe said on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Friday. “I have seen Peter Obi, I have been with Atiku Abubakar, I also knew Bola Tinubu many years ago. I have not seen him in the last 7 to 8 years, that is not the point but he is the best in terms of capability, commitment and knowledge.” Okupe said Nigerians cannot judge the Tinubu administration like they judged other administrations because he came in after it seemed like governance was abandoned for 8 years. Insisting that one year is too short to judge the current administration, Okupe said that if Nigerians will give Tinubu some time, he will do well. Asked if it is not a betrayal to Obi whom he campaigned for saying that Tinubu is the best candidate in 2023, Okupe disagreed. According to him, his support for Obi was borne out of the mutual belief they both had that a Southerner should be the president which led to their exit from the PDP. Okupe toured around the country with Obi soliciting votes ahead of the PDP primary. However, when it didn’t work out in the PDP, both men left for the Labour Party where Okupe became the director-general for Obi’s campaign. Okupe would later resign from his position following a judgement by the Federal High Court in Abuja which found him guilty of receiving over N200 million cash from former National Security Adviser (NSA), Sambo Dasuki. He had in his resignation letter at the time, said it is better not to allow his personal interest to distract the campaign of Obi and that of the party, hence his decision to step aside. In January, he also resigned from the Labour Party citing ideological differences.