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Police declare Portable wanted over alleged violent attack on government officials

Mustapha USMAN
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Police declare Portable wanted over alleged violent attack on government officials

THE Ogun State Police Command has declared Nigerian singer Habeeb Okikiola Olalomi, popularly known as Portable, wanted for allegedly orchestrating a violent attack on government officials who were carrying out their lawful duties.

In a statement, on Monday, February 17,  by the command public relations officer, Omolola Odutola, the incident occurred on February 5, 2025, when officials from the Ogun State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development’s Ota Zonal Office were conducting an enforcement exercise in the Oke-Osa, Tigbo Ilu Ota area.

The officials, identified as Onabanjo Abidemi, Raymond Lateef, and Ridwan Oyero Akinlesi, were said to be inspecting properties and requesting approved building plans when they encountered an elderly man at Portable’s bar (Odogwu Bar). 

According to the statement, the man, who later identified himself as Portable’s father, informed them that his son was not available to provide the required documents.

However, moments later, Portable allegedly arrived at the scene, leading a group of nine persons armed with firearms and other dangerous weapons. 

The assaulted officials subsequently reported the incident to the Ota Area Command, which escalated the matter to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation.

“The enforcement officers sustained various bodily injuries but managed to escape and reported the incident to the Ota Area Command, which subsequently escalated the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further action.” the statement added.

Portable declared wanted after evading arrest

Following the attack, police operatives arrested nine of Portable’s alleged accomplices, who were later charged in court. However, the singer fled the scene and has since refused to honour multiple police invitations, the police said.

According to Odutola, the Ogun State Police Command extended several formal invitations to Portable, requesting his presence at the command headquarters in Eleweran, Abeokuta. 

However, he allegedly ignored these requests, failing to appear voluntarily or send legal representation.

In response to his repeated evasion, the police noted that it had secured a court order declaring him wanted.

The command further urged members of the public to provide any useful information that could lead to his immediate arrest. 

It also warned that anyone found aiding or harbouring him would face legal consequences.

Nine accomplices arraigned in court

Two weeks ago, nine of Portable’s associates were arraigned before a Magistrate Court in Isabo, Abeokuta, on multiple charges, including felony, assault, unlawful restriction, possession of weapons, and conduct likely to cause a breach of public peace.

The defendants, Nurudeen Warris (21), Adetola Alashe (25), Samuel Adeleke (28), Oluwaseun Ayenuwa (19), Oluwapelumi Adeosun (20), Gospel Kanu (20), Precious Ohiegebo (19), Ifeoluwa Babatunde (27), and Fatimo Muhammed (26), however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Prosecuting the case, police prosecutor, Sunday Ekong, told the court that the accused persons, along with Portable, obstructed and assaulted the town planning officers while they were performing their official duties at Odogwu Bar. 

He further alleged that the group was armed and acted in a manner that could incite public unrest.

Ekong cited relevant provisions of the Ogun State Criminal Code Laws of 2006, stating that the defendants’ actions contravened Sections 516 (Conspiracy to Commit Felony), 356(3) (Assault on a Public Officer), 80 (Illegal Possession of Weapons), 249(d) (Conduct Likely to Cause a Breach of Peace), and 320 (Inflicting Bodily Harm).

After hearing the charges, O.M. Somefun, a magistrate, granted each defendant N5 million bail, with sureties of equal value.

The court ruled that the sureties must be licensed bondsmen registered with the Ogun State Government.

The case was adjourned to March 17, 2025, for further hearing. 

This is not the first time Portable has found himself embroiled in legal troubles. The singer, known for his controversial lifestyle and frequent confrontations with law enforcement and other Nigerians, has previously been involved in altercations with both security personnel and government officials.

In 2023, Portable was arrested for assaulting police officers and resisting arrest and was subsequently charged to court for assaulting men of the Nigeria Police Force. 

Similarly, in May 2024, Portable was arrested for refusing to pay the debt he allegedly owed a car dealer in Lagos State from whom he bought a G-Wagon vehicle.

The singer had allegedly purchased a G-wagon worth 27 million naira, paid 13 million naira and refused to pay the 14 million naira balance, claiming the car was bad.

Portable was arrested after the expiration of the 72-hour ultimatum given to him to turn himself in.

{Breaking} Edwin Clark dies at 97

Ehime ALEX
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{Breaking} Edwin Clark dies at 97

A FORMER Federal Commissioner for Information and South-South Leader, Edwin Clark, is dead.

He died aged 97 in the night of Monday, February  17, according to a statement reportedly to have been signed by C. C. Clark, for the family.

“The Clark-Fuludu Bekederemo family of Kiagbodo Town, Delta State, wishes to announce the passing of Chief (Dr.) Sen. Edwin Kiagbodo Clark OFR, CON on Monday 17th February  2025.

“The family appreciates your prayers at this time. Other details will be announced later by the family,” the statement read.

Clark, the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) leader, was born on May 25, 1927.

He was a Nigerian statesman, Ijaw leader and politician from Delta State who worked with the administrations of military governor Samuel Ogbemudia and former Head of State, Yakubu Gowon,between 1966 and 1975.

In 1966, he was a member of an advisory committee to the military governor of the Mid-Western Region province, David Ejoor and was appointed Federal Commissioner of Information in 1975.

He died four days after Ayo Adebanjo, the leader of Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, passed on.

Trump’s funding freeze: Embrace innovations, Okonjo-Iweala challenges African leaders

Nanji Nandang VENLEY
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Trump’s funding freeze: Embrace innovations, Okonjo-Iweala challenges African leaders

AMID the controversial aid withdrawal by the United States (US) President Donald Trump, the Director General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has challenged African leaders to look inward for funding opportunities for the continent.

Okonjo-Iweala, a doctorate holder and developmental economist, said this at the Heads of State and Government breakfast dialogue of the African Union in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia at the weekend.

She noted that Africa needed to change its mindset and see opportunities in the seeming challenge posed by a pause of billions of dollars in global funding from US for health and education projects across the world.

“African leaders must attract investment and mobilise resources to survive contemporary social and economic realities that come with the policies of the Donald Trump presidency,” she said.

She added, “Africa really needs to change its mindset about access to aid. We should begin to see it as a thing of the past. Our focus should be on two key areas – attracting investment and mobilising domestic resources.”

She cautioned Africa against exporting its mineral resources but rather exploring ways to ensure such resources are turned into finished products to further boost the continent’s job opportunities, self-sufficiency, and economy.

“The only way Africa can finance itself is by growing our economies, trading more, and adding value to our products. At the WTO, we are working to identify and remove trade barriers that prevent African nations from exporting value-added goods competitively,”

Okonjo-Iweala also called for the recapitalisation of Africa’s multilateral development banks to enable them to fund key developmental projects on the continent.

Besides, she suggested that Africa’s pensions domiciled in foreign accounts were enough to drive growth on the continent if invested locally.

She explained that $250 billion in pension funds owned by nations on the continent could be deployed to engender development.

“The biggest pension funds are in South Africa, followed by Nigeria, Kenya, Morocco, Botswana, and Namibia. These resources are hugely significant, and we need to find ways to tap into them,” she stated.

US aid withdrawal

Recall that Trump administration has endorsed the dismantling of the US Agency for International Development (USAID), which funds several educational and health projects worldwide.

One of Trump’s appointees, Elon Musk, world’s richest man who heads Trump’s newly created Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) had recommended dismantling USAID which Trump promptly approved. 

USAID was set up in the early 1960s to administer humanitarian aid programmes on behalf of the US government.

For six decades, USAID has built its reputation as the world’s premier international development organisation by partnering with more than 100 countries to strengthen communities and improve lives.

Last week, Scott Perry, US Congressman representing Pennsylvania, accused the agency of funding terrorist organisations such as Boko Haram and ISIS.

Over 300 officers resign from Nigerian Police

Bankole ABE
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Over 300 officers resign from Nigerian Police

THE Police Service Commission (PSC) has confirmed that many officers of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) are set to resign following the conclusion of a disciplinary panel.

According to media reports, 340 were affected. These officers remained in service beyond the mandatory retirement age of 60 or after completing 35 years of service. Their continued stay prompted the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to set up a disciplinary panel to address the matter.

The affected officers have proceeded on retirement ahead of the submission of the disciplinary committee’s report that probed the officers’ continued stay in office.

Many of those affected are senior officers who were supposed to have retired between 2022 and 2024.

In a chat with The ICIR on Monday, February 17, the police spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, said inquiries regarding the issue should be directed to the Police Service Commission (PSC).

When contacted, the PSC spokesperson, Ikechukwu Ani, confirmed the report but said he didn’t know the actual number of those affected.

“Yes, I know some of them are going on retirement but I don’t know the actual number,” he stated.

Backstory

The ICIR reported that the PSC, at a meeting in Abuja, approved the immediate retirement of officers above 60 or those who had served for 35 years.

In a statement signed by its spokesperson, Ani, on Friday, January 31, the commission at its 24th plenary meeting of 27th and 28th September 2017 had approved that recruits and other officers of the NPF should have their date of appointment in the Force against the date of their enlistment documented.

“The commission has passionately revisited its decision and has come to the conclusion that the said decision in its intent and purpose contradicted the principle of (the) merger of service in the Public service and it is in violation of Public Service Rule No 020908 ( i & ii) which provides for retirement on (the) attainment of 35 years in service or 60 years of age.”

“Accordingly, the commission, at its 1st extraordinary meeting of the 6th management board held today, Friday, 31st January 2025, approved the immediate retirement of those officers who have spent more than 35 years in service and those above 60 years of age,” the PSC had said.

The decision surfaced amid controversy surrounding Egbetokun’s tenure as the police chief.

The ICIR reported Egbetokun had initially blocked the retirement of all police officers who had either exceeded 35 years in service or were above 60 years.

How National Assembly hurriedly amended Police Act to keep Egbetokun in office

The ICIR reports that Egbetokun would have been among the retired officers but for the sudden and swift amendment to the Police Act by the National Assembly.

President Bola Tinubu appointed Egbetokun as acting IGP in October 2023, pending his confirmation by the National Assembly. The appointment took effect on the 31st of the same month.

Egbetokun should have left office on September 4, 2024, the day he clocked 60.

Rather than allow him to go, the Tinubu-led Federal Government pushed a bill to amend the Police Act, which consequently paved the way for the IGP’ to remain in office for four uninterrupted years, meaning he will quit office in October 2027.

Many citizens who opposed this speedy amendment of the Police Act by the National Assembly claimed the move was to aid Tinubu, who is likely to seek a second term and use Egbetokun and the entire police to his advantage in the 2027 presidential poll before Egbetokun’s tenure will elapse.

The ICIR reports that Egbetokun was Tinubu’s chief security officer when he was Lagos State Governor in 1999.

He was promoted to deputy inspector-general of police shortly after Tinubu won the February 25, 2023, presidential election, with many Nigerians suspecting he could be the next IGP’ because of his closeness to Tinubu.

 

Peace returns to Lagos Assembly after hours of tension

Mustapha USMAN
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Peace returns to Lagos Assembly after hours of tension

AFTER hours of tension that saw the sealing of key offices by security operatives, and a tense standoff involving the State Security Services (SSS) and other security operatives, calmness appeared to have returned to the Lagos State House of Assembly.

The crisis, which erupted on Monday, February 17, following Mudashiru Obasa’s removal on January 13 over allegations of abuse of office and corruption, plunged the Assembly into chaos. 

According to reports, his ousting has sparked division within the state’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), with members of the influential Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC) split over the move. 

Although there is an ongoing legal battle on the incident, the situation escalated on Monday when security operatives stormed the Assembly complex, sealing the offices of Speaker Mojisola Meranda, her deputy, and the clerk. 

This led to clashes between security personnel and legislative workers. In a video shared by Punch and captured by Gbenga Oloniniran, The ICIR observed how the lawmakers and the workers were initially denied access to the Assembly.

In another video, Meranda could be seen surrounded by lawmakers and supporters, as she shed tears while being hailed at the Assembly entrance.

However, reports indicate that normalcy is slowly returning to the House as the lawmakers were later allowed to hold a session.

During the session, the lawmakers passed a vote of confidence on Meranda.

‘It’s a national embarrassment’ – Lawmakers

Meanwhile, the Lagos lawmakers, while condemning the invasion of the Assembly complex by operatives of the SSS and the police, described the action as a “rape of democracy, an aberration, and a national embarrassment.”

The legislators, during a plenary session, demanded an explanation from the Lagos State Director of SSS regarding the reasons behind the security operatives’ presence at the legislative complex, according to Punch.

They also urged the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, to investigate the incident and publicly disclose the findings.

This was as the Assembly urged President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the incident to prevent further escalation of the situation.

The lawmakers further denounced the invasion, describing it as a violation of legislative norms and a direct assault on democratic governance in the state.

“This is not a government ruled by the barrel of a gun. This is an aberration of democracy and a step toward anarchy.

“What happened today is a total embarrassment and an act of harassment,” said Abiodun Tobun, one of the lawmakers.

He further declared the lawmakers’ loyalty to Meranda, stating, “Nobody can dictate to us. God chooses and removes leaders. We are solidly behind your leadership, Mr. Speaker – nobody can remove you.”

Backstory

On January 13, Obasa who had served for nearly 10 years as the state Speaker from June 2015 to January 2025, was suspended by more than two-thirds of the 40-member lawmakers over alleged misconduct and sundry offences.

However, during a welcome rally at his residence in GRA, Ikeja held on Saturday, January 25, Obasa declared that he remained the Speaker despite his replacement by his deputy, Mojisola Meranda.

Consequently, the embattled lawmaker challenged his suspension in court.

He filed a suit against the Assembly and the new Speaker at the Lagos State High Court in Ikeja, arguing that his suspension was improper since the Assembly was in recess at the time he was removed.

In a motion dated February 12, his legal team, led by Afolabi Fashanu, a senior advocate, requested an accelerated hearing of the case.

Obasa, who was out of the country when 36 lawmakers voted him out on January 13, insisted he should be returned as the legitimate Speaker.

Among other reliefs, Obasa is asking the court to fix an expedited hearing date and to shorten the time for the defendants to file their response to seven days. He also requested that his reply on points of law be filed within three days.

His application is based on nine legal grounds, including the interpretation of key constitutional provisions such as Sections 36, 90, 92(2)(c), 101, and 311 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), alongside relevant rules and standing orders of the Lagos State House of Assembly.

Gunshots fired as APC, PDP clash in Osun over reinstatement of LG chairpersons

Bankole ABE
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Gunshots fired as APC, PDP clash in Osun over reinstatement of LG chairpersons

GUNSHOTS were reportedly fired in Osun State as supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) clashed following the attempted reinstatement of sacked council chairpersons in the state on Monday, February 17.

Unconfirmed reports say two persons were reportedly shot during the fracas in the Boripe Local Government Area of the state.

The crisis followed a disagreement between the state Governor Ademola Adeleke and the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, over the interpretation of the Appeal Court’s ruling on the chairpersons who were elected on the APC platform but sacked by the Federal High Court in 2022. 

Reports say the situation between APC and PDP members got intense on Monday when APC executives who resumed in their respective offices began to celebrate their reinstatement. Things took a different turn when they clashed with PDP members, leading to gunfire and injuries.

It was gathered that the Amotekun Corps officers tried to intervene, but the APC members resisted them.

The APC members reportedly took over the secretariat in Osogbo but were chased out by PDP members. One person was reportedly injured during the clash.

The APC members also took over the council in Ife Central but were confronted by PDP members, causing gridlock on the Ibadan/Ikire expressway.

In Obokun, there was uneasy calm, with both parties occupying the front of the council building, which was under lock. Similarly, in Irewole, PDP members prevented APC members from reinstating the APC chairman.

The APC is insisting that a recent Court of Appeal ruling justifies its actions, while the PDP is claiming that the ruling is invalid.

The ICIR reported on Sunday that Adeleke raised the alarm over a plot by Oyetola, a former governor of the state, to plunge the state into chaos by reinstating the sacked chairpersons.

He claimed that the “unlawful takeover” also had the backing of security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), the State Security Service (SSS), and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

Addressing journalists on Sunday, February 16, Adeleke warned of an imminent security crisis in the state, alleging that Oyetola, in collusion with the Osun State commissioner of police, the SSS, and the state commandant of the NSCDC, had perfected plans to reinstate the sacked LGA chairpersons on Monday, February 17.

Commenting further on the alleged plot, Adeleke noted that the controversy stemmed from the 2022 local government elections in Osun, which were nullified by two separate Federal High Court judgments.

According to Adeleke, the Court of Appeal struck out the PDP’s case against the chairpersons but did not issue any consequential order reinstating them.

The governor also said the judgment obtained by the Action Peoples Party (APP), which also sacked the local government officials, remained valid and unchallenged by the APC.

He said he had yet to become the state governor when the chairpersons were sacked.

Consequently, the Osun State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) directed local government workers to stay at home from Monday, following fears of a possible breakdown of order over the planned reinstatement. 

Meanwhile, the APC chapter in the state confirmed the planned reinstatement but denied issuing orders to any of the security agencies in the state.

 

US set to deport 85 Nigerians to Lagos

Mustapha USMAN
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US set to deport 85 Nigerians to Lagos

THE United States (US) is set to return Nigerian deportees under President Donald Trump’s immigration policies, to Lagos State, according to a statement from Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on Sunday,  February 16.

The US envoy to Nigeria, Richard Miller, confirmed that 85 deportees would be taken to Lagos, though no specific date was provided.

The 85 deportees are part of the over 200 Nigerians, who are in the immigration camps and set to be deported home from the United States in line with Trump’s immigration policy.

Miller’s statement explained that the first batch of deportees, comprising Nigerians who have been convicted in the United States, would be repatriated to Lagos State.

“Those to be repatriated would be dropped in Lagos. There wouldn’t be room for whether it should be in Port Harcourt or Abuja.

“The first group will be convicted prisoners. Those who committed crimes and are in US prisons. Some of them are those who have violated US immigration laws. They appealed but were denied, yet they are still in the US. They have committed immigration crimes, people who have been ordered to leave,” he said.

FG demands dignified process

In response to this development, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, urged the US to adhere to established protocols during the deportation process. 

Odumegwu-Ojukwu stressed the need for deportations to be conducted with dignity.

In a statement issued by her special assistant on communication and new media, Magnus Eze, on Sunday, she expressed concerns over the potential suspension of the US Drop Box Visa System, noting the emotional and financial hardship it inflicts on Nigerians in the US.

“With the new U.S. administration, we want commitments. If deportation must happen, it should be dignified,” she stated.

She questioned whether deportees would have adequate time to manage their assets before being bundled onto planes, and warned that the traumatic impact of deportation extends not only to the deportees but also to their families in Nigeria who depend on remittances for survival and education.

The minister also called on the US government to reconsider suspending the Drop Box Visa Policy to ensure that genuine travellers and over 14,000 Nigerian students in the US are not adversely affected. 

Odumegwu-Ojukwu demanded an official US statement clarifying its position on the Drop Box system, amid growing concerns among Nigerians regarding potential changes to visa policies.

More Nigerians at risk

The ICIR reported that at least 3,690 Nigerians were scheduled for deportation from the United States, as Trump’s deportation of illegal immigrants in the country got underway.   

The Trump administration has been carrying out raids and arrests in several cities, including Chicago, New York City, and Los Angeles, targeting illegal immigrants.

This latest development is part of a broader effort by the administration to tighten immigration laws, with thousands of people already detained and hundreds deported in recent days.

According to a report, the US has broken down the data by nationality and the number of people billed to be returned home. 

The report detailed efforts of the Enforcement and Removal Operations of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), an agency responsible for enforcing immigration laws within the US.

According to a recent document released by the ICE, Mexico and El Salvador top the list of countries with the most people facing deportation, with 252,044 and 203,822 citizens, respectively.

The US government’s crackdown on illegal immigration has created a sense of apprehension among undocumented immigrants, including Nigerians, who are now living in fear of being deported.

Recall that Trump, on his inauguration day as the 47th President of the US on Monday, January 20, 2025, signed a series of executive orders aimed at tightening immigration policies, including the stoppage of citizenship by birth for children of illegal immigrants.

WAEC withholds 2,577 candidates’ results over alleged malpractice

Nanji Nandang VENLEY
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WAEC withholds 2,577 candidates’ results over alleged malpractice

THE West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has released the 2024 West Africa Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) Second Series results for private candidates.

It however withheld the results of 2,577 candidates over alleged examination malpractice.

The WAEC’s acting head of public affairs, Moyosola Adesina, in a statement issued on Sunday, February 16, advised affected candidates to visit the organisation’s official portal to resolve their cases.

“Out of the total number of candidates that sat the examination, 62,354 candidates, representing 95.90 per cent have their results fully processed and released while 2,669 candidates, representing 4.10 per cent have a few of their subjects still being processed due to some errors traceable to them,” he said.

He further said that WAEC would investigate and evaluate reported cases including exhibits obtained, alongside candidates’ representations lodged on the portal and reports presented to the appropriate committee of the council for determination.

Performance analysis of the results released showed that 53.64 per cent of candidates secured five credits, including English and Mathematics, marking a 9.35 per cent improvement from the 2023 results.

The ICIR reported that in 2024, WAEC withheld over 215,000 candidates’ results over examination malpractice allegations.

Adesina said 65,023 candidates sat for the 2024 examination across 5,067 centres nationwide, noting that this represented a 20 per cent decrease compared to the previous year.    

What to know about private candidates

A WAEC private candidate refers to individuals who register independently to take the WASSCE, commonly known as the General Certificate Examination (GCE) or WAEC designed for those who are not enrolled in regular secondary schools or who wish to retake the WASSCE.

The examination was conducted between October 25 and December 20, 2024. It introduced a new computer-based hybrid mode alongside the traditional paper and pen option.

Out of the 65,023 candidates that sat for the examination at 5,067 centres spread across the country, 157 candidates, with varying degrees of special needs, were registered for the examination. 

The ICIR reported that WAEC announced a new initiative in January 2025, allowing students to resit their WASSCE papers quickly instead of waiting for nearly a year to resit for the examination.

How to mitigate economic impact of Trump’s policies on Nigeria – CPPE

Ehime ALEX
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How to mitigate economic impact of Trump’s policies on Nigeria – CPPE

THE Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE) has suggested ways to mitigate the impact of United States (US) President Donald Trump’s policies on the Nigerian economy.

In a statement on Sunday, February 16, by its director/chief executive officer, Muda Yusuf, the CPPE posited that the Trump administration was having a remarkable change in the dynamics of global trade, global economic outlook and geopolitical trajectory.

The U.S. economy is also experiencing a record disruption in its economic, trade and political governance systems, said the organisation.

It submitted that the developments would have multi-dimensional implications for the Nigerian economy.

“There are immediate and remote consequences for energy prices, trade relations, economic diplomacy, macroeconomic stability, donor funding and capital flows,” it said.

The firm maintained that the evolving outcomes of the Trump presidency on Nigeria’s economy in the near term would be felt, including in the government revenue, crude oil budget benchmark, foreign exchange earnings, and inflation.

The CPPE explained that the heightened prospects of a drop in oil prices would negatively impact government revenue and foreign exchange earnings.

“This has implications for the outlook for revenue, fiscal deficit, government debt and exchange rate.

“The current budget benchmark of $75 per barrel may not stand in the circumstances,” it stated.

According to the organisation, the prospects of a strong dollar are very high with the Trump policies.

“There is an inverse relationship between the strength of the dollar and that of the other currencies.  A stronger dollar will mean a weaker naira.

“This may result in higher import costs for domestic investors and invariably become inflationary,” he said.

It argued further that the current tariff policies of the Trump administration would trigger inflation as the costs of imports into the United States surge, and the U.S. Federal Reserve could respond by tightening monetary policy, which would create a high interest rate scenario in the United States.

This could result in capital flow reversals, posing a risk to the naira exchange rate, it added.

Lesson for Nigerian government 

Stressing that the Trump administration policies would disrupt Nigeria’s economy, CCPE suggested the need for the government to commit more to the policy of self-reliance and less import dependence in critical areas of the economy, especially energy, food, pharmaceuticals and security.

Excessive import dependence poses a major risk to the economic and social security of a country, it warned.

“A key lesson from the disruption is that no country should be too dependent on others for its strategic needs. It has once again underscored the risk of overdependence on other countries. The COVID experience offered a similar lesson.

“Therefore, there is a need to ensure that policies of government are geared towards ensuring economic resilience that minimises vulnerabilities to external shocks.

It said supply chains should be localised as much as possible, asserting that the emerging new global order was progressively leaning towards economic nationalism, deglobalisation and economic fragmentation.

Domestic economic policies must be framed within the context of this reality, the CPPE said, urging the government to deepen backward integration through stronger intentionality to promote domestic production of goods and services and export development.

It believes the current economic reforms are already on course to ensure strategic structural shifts towards reducing dependence on imports.

“There should be a special emphasis on food security, energy security, health security and internal security, leveraging largely domestic resources.

“The government should urgently address current productivity shortcomings in the real sector to make domestic production competitive domestically and internationally,” it said.

 

Adeleke, Oyetola set for showdown in Osun over reinstatement of sacked LG chairpersons

Nurudeen AKEWUSHOLA
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Adeleke, Oyetola set for showdown in Osun over reinstatement of sacked LG chairpersons

THE Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has raised the alarm over an alleged plot by Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, to plunge the state into chaos by reinstating local government chairmen sacked by courts in the state in 2022.

He claimed that the “unlawful takeover” also had the backing of security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force NPF), the State Security Service (SSS), and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)

Addressing journalists on Sunday, February 16, Adeleke warned of an imminent security crisis in the state, alleging that Oyetola, in collusion with the Osun State commissioner of police, the SSS, and the state commandant of the NSCDC, had perfected plans to reinstate the sacked LGA chairmen on Monday, February 17.

“The script Mr. Oyetola is playing is about the most reprehensible abuse of power in this Fourth Republic,” Adeleke stated, describing the move as a “fascist anti-democratic agenda” designed to enforce a “non-existent court judgment.”

Commenting further on the alleged plot, Adeleke noted that the controversy stemmed from the 2022 local government elections in Osun, which were nullified by two separate Federal High Court judgments.

According to Adeleke, the Court of Appeal struck out the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) case against the chairmen who were elected on the All Progressives Congress (APC) platform but did not issue any consequential order reinstating them.

The governor also said the judgment obtained by the Action Peoples Party (APP), which also sacked the local government officials, remained valid and unchallenged.

He said he had yet to become the state governor when the chairmen were sacked.

“The only legal recourse open to the APC is to appeal the APP judgment at the Supreme Court,” Adeleke said.

He accused Oyetola, a former Osun governor and nephew of President Bola Tinubu, of exploiting his family ties with the president to strong-arm security agencies into executing an ‘illegal’ directive.

“The fact that Mr. Oyetola is the president’s nephew does not confer any authority on him to instruct security agencies,” he said.

He further alleged that secret meetings had been held to plan the forceful takeover of the local governments, warning of dire consequences if such an attempt is made.

“We will not allow any takeover except through a judicial pronouncement or a democratic process. The Nigerian public should hold Mr. Oyetola and the Osun security chiefs responsible for any breakdown of law and order,” he warned.

The governor called on Tinubu to intervene and prevent the “looming crisis’ by instructing the inspector general of police, the national security adviser, and the attorney general of the federation to ensure that the rule of law prevails.

NLC orders members to stay at home in Osun

Meanwhile, the Osun State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), has directed local government workers to stay at home from Monday, February 17, following fears of a possible breakdown of order over the alleged plan by the former local government chairmen to return to office.

A statement signed by the NLC chairman in the state, Christopher Arapasopo, and made available to newsmen in Osogbo on Sunday, said the union had noticed the political tension in the state, leading to agitations and fear among its members working in the local government areas.

He stressed the need for the NLC to protect its members from being caught in the web of political conflict that could degenerate into violence in the local governments.

“The NLC is apolitical, but we won’t allow our members to work in an atmosphere of insecurity.

“We urge all political parties and their members to abide by the rule of law. We insist on the rule of law to avoid a descent into anarchy.In furtherance to this, we hereby direct all our members working in all the LGAs in Osun State to withdraw their services effective Monday, 17th February 2025 by midnight.

“We won’t allow our members to return until their safety at work can be assured and guaranteed, which is their constitutional right,” the statement stated.

The NLC further called on all security agencies in the state to ensure the safety of all lives and properties in the local governments and across the state.

“The NLC Osun State remains committed to defending the rights, welfare, and safety of all its members,” the group added.

Oyetola is implementing court’s ruling – APC 

Reacting, the Osun State APC affirmed that Oyetola wanted the chairmen to return to office but denied issuing orders to the police, NSCDC and SSS.

The party said the security agencies knew how best to discharge their duties, and would not wait to be directed to be told.

The party’s spokesperson in the state, Kola Olabisi, accused Adeleke of resorting to blackmail and directed him to proceed to the Supreme Court to get the interpretation of its ruling on the matter.

“Oyetola has not instructed anyone, including security chiefs, on how to do their job. Adeleke should know that blackmail or sentiment will not change the court’s decision,” Olabisi stated.

He argued that the APC-led local government officials were unjustly removed in 2022 and had now been lawfully reinstated through the courts.

“The court has spoken, and those affected by Adeleke’s actions have been left out in the cold for too long. Now that justice has been served, as the leader of the Osun APC, Oyetola is committed to ensuring the ruling is implemented,” he added.

Olabisi said the APC would remain law-abiding but would also ensure that the court’s verdict was upheld.

“Court of law has spoken, and the verdict must be obeyed. So, he should stop this blackmail because that will not work here. As for us in APC, we will remain law-abiding, but we won’t sleep on our right,” he concluded.

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