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Coalition condemns journalist’s murder in Kwara, calls for speedy probe

Mustapha USMAN
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Coalition condemns journalist’s murder in Kwara, calls for speedy probe

THE Coalition for Whistleblowers Protection and Press Freedom (CWPPF) has expressed shock over the murder of a 27-year-old journalist, Yusuf Mubarak, in Kwara state. 

In a statement on Wednesday, September 20, the Coalition condemned Mubarak’s death and extended its condolences to his family members.

Mubarak, a new media personality who hails from Ilorin, went missing on Wednesday (September 13) night, but his remains were eventually found three days later around the Unity area of Ilorin, the state capital, on Saturday, September 16.

Reacting to his tragic death, the Coalition stated that the “circumstances surrounding the death of Yusuf Mubarak are both shocking and deeply concerning,” adding that the loss sent shockwaves through the media sphere and highlighted the need for swift and thorough investigations.

While appreciating Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s swift response to the tragedy, the organisation called for a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances behind his passing. 

It also called on the security agencies to thoroughly investigate the incident and uncover the truth.

“Journalists, like Mr Mubarak, play a vital role in our society by advocating for justice, good governance, and the free flow of information. It is essential that their safety and security are guaranteed as they continue to serve as watchdogs of democracy.

“The Coalition for Whistleblowers Protection and Press Freedom calls for a swift, impartial, and transparent investigation into the murder of Yusuf Mubarak to ensure those responsible are swiftly brought to justice, and increased security measures to protect journalists and citizens in Kwara State from the rising threats of cult violence and other criminal activities,” part of the statement read.

On September 16, the state government condemned Mubarak’s death and demanded an “immediate and thorough” investigation into the death of the deceased to bring his assailants to justice.

“No resources should be spared to get justice for Mubaarak and his family. We charge the security agencies to cast their nets as widely as possible to answer all pending questions around his painful death,” the state government said.

Tribunal sacks Yusuf, declares APC’s Gawuna Kano governor

Bankole ABE
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Tribunal sacks Yusuf, declares APC’s Gawuna Kano governor

THE Kano State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal has sacked Abba Kabir Yusuf as the state governor.

The tribunal consequently declared the All Progressives Congress candidate, Nasir Gawuna, as the winner of the March 18 governorship poll in the state.

In its judgement on Wednesday, September 20, the tribunal ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to withdraw the certificate of return issued to Yusuf of the New Nigeria People Party (NNPP) and give it to Nasiru Gawuna.

The three-person panel presided over by Oluyemi Akintan-Osadebay deducted 165,663 votes from Yusuf’s total votes.

The court declared the deducted votes invalid because the ballot papers were not stamped or signed.

The tribunal had earlier on Monday, August 21, reserved a ruling on a petition filed by the APC against Yusuf’s victory.

Through its lead lawyer, Offiong Offiong, APC is contesting Yusuf’s victory as the election winner.

The APC claimed that Yusuf’s name should have been added to the NNPP membership registry thirty days before the election.

It requested that the tribunal uphold the APC petition and approve all requested reliefs.

According to Yusuf’s lead counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo, the sacked defendant is a legitimate member of the NNPP.

He added that it was not the APC’s business to decide whether someone is an NNPP member.

Awomolo requested that the tribunal dismiss the APC case since it was without merit.

After hearing from all the addresses, the three-judge panel, presided over by Osadebay, reserved a day for the ruling.

The ICIR reported that the Kano State Police Command had banned all protests in the state.

The command, in a statement on Monday, August 21, signed by the Commissioner of Police (CP) Mohammad Usaini Gumel, said intelligence received by the command indicated that two dominant parties, the APC and the NNPP, had gathered a crowd to launch a protest, and possibly disrupt peace in the state.

Commonwealth Short Story Prize seeks entries

Joshua Ovorumu
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Commonwealth Short Story Prize seeks entries

THE Commonwealth Short Story Prize for 2024 is now accepting submissions from writers.

Entries for the Commonwealth Short Story Prize can be submitted by any Commonwealth citizen aged 18 and above.

The finest unpublished short story (2,000-5,000 words) will be awarded the prize.

The overall regional winner receives £5,000, while the remaining five regional winners each receive £2,500.

The deadline for the submission of the application is November 1, 2023.

Interested individuals can apply here

FT invites applications for the African journalism fellowship

Joshua Ovorumu
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FT invites applications for the African journalism fellowship

The Financial Times (FT), in partnership with One World Media (OWM), offers an African Journalism Fellowship. 

It’s a unique opportunity for a mid-career journalist based in or covering Sub-Saharan Africa to write an ambitious piece for one of the world’s most influential newspapers.

The programme seeks an experienced writer who can expertly explain a complicated story in simple yet compelling language, making it universally accessible and approachable. 

The selected fellow will produce a piece of long-form journalism—an economic or business report from the region that resonates with the global FT audience.

This opportunity comes with a range of benefits, including:

  • £1,000 reporting grant
  • The opportunity to publish the piece in the Financial Times
  • One-on-one mentoring by OWM and senior FT editors
  • Workshops and webinars conducted by industry experts
  • A network of like-minded Fellows and Alumni

The application deadline is Thursday, 5 October 2023. Interested fellows can apply here

US Court orders Chicago varsity to release Tinubu’s academic records

Bankole ABE
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US Court orders Chicago varsity to release Tinubu’s academic records

A UNITED States Court has ordered the Chicago State University (CSU) to release the academic records of the Nigerian president Bola Tinubu.

 Jeffrey Gilbert, the judge of the US District Court, Northern District of Illinois, gave the ruling on Tuesday, September 19.

According to the Court, the CSU should produce all relevant and non-privileged documents to Atiku Abubakar (Tinubu’s key opposition in Nigeria’s 2023 presidential election) within two days.

“This matter is before the court on Atiku Abubakar’s application pursuant to 28 USC § 1782 for an order directing discovery from Chicago State University for use in a foreign proceeding (“Application”) [ECF No. 1]. For the reasons discussed below, the application is granted,” the judge ruled.

Atiku Abubakar, who is Nigeria’s former Vice President and the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 election is the plaintiff in the matter. Abubakar is requesting the academic records of Tinubu at CSU through his lawyers in the US.

Abubakar, through his lawyer, Angela M. Liu, requests documents that include records of his enrollment and admittance to the university, dates of attendance, and any degrees, honours, and honours Tinubu may have received at the institution.

Abubakar informed the court that the subpoena was issued to investigate the accuracy and truth of Tinubu’s claims, adding that Tinubu is currently the president of Nigeria and is involved in numerous legal battles over his election and the validity of documents proving his enrollment at Chicago State University.

The legal team for Tinubu has argued that their client is unwilling to waive his right to privacy, and the court’s decision acknowledges this by referring to certain documents as “non-privileged.”

The university consistently attested to Tinubu’s attendance at the University and 1979 graduation in its deposition before the court.

The ICIR reported in August that the CSU responded to a request by Abubakar, seeking to release Tinubu’s academic records.

In its response, the CSU restated that Tinubu is the institution graduate.

In a document shared by the PDP on its official Twitter account on Thursday, August 24, the CSU said it needed to understand why Tinubu’s academic records could have any bearing on a 2023 election challenge in a foreign country.

However, it stated that Tinubu’s academic record would be made public whenever an order is issued by a court in the United States.

“Bola Tinubu, the President of Nigeria, graduated from the UniversityUniversity in 1979.

“The student records Abubakar seeks from the University via a documents subpoena (Doc.1-1) and the information Abubakar seeks the University to provide pursuant to a deposition subpoena (Dec. 1-2) concern Tinubu’s private educational records. But since Tinubu has intervened to oppose this discovery, the university defers to Tinubu on the privacy issues implicated by Abubakar’s application,” the statement reads.

The university said it struggled to understand how Tinubu’s grades and other student records from the 1970s till date and subsequently issued ceremonial diplomas could have any bearing on a 2023 election challenge in a foreign country.

The university admitted that it was not familiar with the issues in the Nigerian proceeding or the evidentiary and other legal principles applicable therein.

Accordingly, the CSU said it deferred to Tinubu, who is involved in that foreign proceeding, to move objections to the Abubakar’s application.

On Tuesday, Abubakar approached the Supreme Court to nullify the Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC) judgement of September 6 that affirmed Tinubu’s election.

In the notice of appeal based on 35 grounds, Abubakar argued that the tribunal’s findings and judgement in the suit contesting Tinubu’s election as president by INEC had significant errors and had been unfairly rendered by Justice Haruna Tsammani.

The notice of appeal filed by Abubakar’s lead counsel, Chris Uche Atiku, requested that the Supreme Court overturn all of the tribunal’s findings and judgements because they did not accurately reflect the reasons for his client’s petition.

Tinubu urges UN to help Africa tackle foreign illegal mining, arms trade

Ijeoma OPARA  and  Mustapha USMAN
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Tinubu urges UN to help Africa tackle foreign illegal mining, arms trade

PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu has called on the United Nations to support Africa to curb the influx of illegal arms trade and illicit mining by foreign firms.

He made the call on Wednesday, September 20, while addressing the 78th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

He said illegal arms deals had resulted in inhumane commercial activities, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa, while noting that illegal mining had been a persistent concern, posing significant economic and environmental threats to several African countries, particularly Nigeria.

Speaking on illegal arms, the President said, “Our entire region is locked in a protracted battle against violent extremists. In the turmoil, a dark channel of inhumane commerce has formed. Along the route, everything is for sale. Men, women and children are seen as chattel.

“Yet, thousands risk the Sahara’s hot sand and the Mediterranean’s cold depths in search of a better life. At the same time, mercenaries and extremists with their lethal weapons and vile ideologies invade our region from the North,” he said.

He described the practice as harmful, which could adversely affect the region’s stability.

Tinubu noted that African nations were committed to developing their economies to limit the emigration of citizens to other regions under life-threatening circumstances for menial jobs.

He also said the continent was committed to ridding itself of terrorist groups, adding that the international community had a role in achieving this goal.

“We also shall devote ourselves to disbanding extremist groups on our turf. To fully contain this threat, the international community must strengthen its commitment to arrest the flow of arms and violent people into West Africa,” he said.

According to a report by SB Morgen Intelligence, ammunition from about 21 countries has been used in Nigeria’s conflict zones since the nation began to witness insurgency over a decade ago.

Nigeria’s porous borders contribute significantly to the smuggling of these arms as there are over 1400 illegal and poorly manned borders in the country.

Similarly, The ICIR, in different reports, had detailed how foreign illegal miners exploit Nigeria’s natural resources, fueling insecurity in the country.

The ICIR reports also exposed how traditional rulers engaged in arbitrary land grabs, conniving with illegal gold miners to destroy the ecosystem and natural vegetation in several communities in southwestern Nigeria.

While highlighting the adverse environmental impacts of illegal mining, Tinubu urged world leaders at the 78th UNGA to collaborate and implement stringent measures to curb the practice. 

He said: “The fourth important aspect of global trust and solidarity is to secure the continent’s mineral-rich areas from pilfering and conflict. Many such areas have become catacombs of misery and exploitation. The Democratic Republic of the Congo has suffered this for decades despite the strong UN presence there. The world economy owes the DRC much but gives her very little. 

“The mayhem visited on resource-rich areas does not respect national boundaries. Sudan, Mali, Burkina Faso, CAR, the list grows.”

According to him, billions of dollars meant to improve Nigeria go into fueling violence and insecurity, adding that the situation remained a grave risk to the country if left unchecked.

He warned that the UN member nations must respond by working with African nations to deter their firms and nationals from the pillage of Africa’s resources.

He further stated that Africa had abundant land resources and possessed a populace known for their creativity and industry, but “man has too often been unkind to his fellow man, and this sad tendency has brought sustained hardship to Africa’s doorstep.”

UNGA 78: Africa needs global support to tackle climate change – Tinubu

Ijeoma OPARA
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UNGA 78: Africa needs global support to tackle climate change – Tinubu

PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu has said the African continent requires global support to address climate change.

He said this while addressing the 78th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Wednesday, September 20.

He argued that a global campaign for addressing climate change should match economic efforts by Nigeria and the rest of Africa.

“Continental efforts regarding climate change will register important victories if established economies were more forthcoming with public and private sector investment for Africa’s preferred initiatives. Again, this would go far in demonstrating that global solidarity is real and working,” he said.

He said climate change severely impacts Nigeria and Africa.

According to him, northern Nigeria is hounded by desert encroachment on once arable land, while the south faces a rising tide of coastal flooding and erosion.

He said Nigeria’s centre battles the rainy season accompanied by floods that kill and displace many.

Stressing Nigeria’s commitment to tackling climate change, the President said, “In Nigeria, we shall build political consensus by highlighting remedial actions which also promote economic good. Projects such as a Green Wall to stop desert encroachment, halting the destruction of our forests by mass production and distribution of gas-burning stoves, and providing employment in local water management and irrigation projects are examples of efforts that equally advance both economic and climate change objectives.”

Before he became president, Tinubu had said that developed countries must provide financial support to Nigeria if the country was to comply with global guidelines on climate change, likening the situation to that “between a church rat and poisoned holy communion.”

He had said, “It’s a question of how do you prevent a church rat from eating poisoned holy communion. That’s the way.”

The comment attracted criticism from some Nigerians due to the adverse effects of climate change in the country.

Aviation company denies tampering with Adeleke’s aircraft

Mustapha USMAN
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Aviation company denies tampering with Adeleke’s aircraft

THE management of Quits Aviation has refuted allegations of tampering with the engine of the Bombardier Challenger 605 aircraft owned by Deji Adeleke, the elder brother of Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke.

In a statement on Tuesday, September 19, Quits Aviation said under an Aircraft Parking Agreement with aircraft owners, it was responsible for providing suit­able and secured parking space at its premises, while the owner was responsible for the technical parking procedures in accordance with the respective Aircraft Main­tenance Manuals.

On Sunday, September 18, Leadership newspaper reported that the private jet caught fire at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos with Governor Adeleke and some of his aides on board.

The incident happened at the domestic wing of the airport at about 9 a.m. on September 5, when the jet was about to take off from the airport to Abuja.

According to the report, the jet was taxing to the runway’s end in preparation for departure when a sudden loud explosion emanated from the engine, prompting an immediate cancellation of the take-off.

Subsequently, the spokesperson to Governor Adeleke, Olawale Rasheed, in a statement on Sunday, September 19, confirmed that Adeleke and some of his aides recently escaped an aircraft crash.

He also alleged that the engine of an aircraft carrying the governor might have been tampered with, adding that initial reports from the internal investigation indicated the possibility of sabotage.

He said: “Contrary to the claim by the hanger owner that birds’ nests caused the incident, birds’ nests are made with straws, not bidding wires as in this case.

“The near-fatal incident was averted shortly after boarding and less than two minutes after commencement of taxing on the tarmac.”

The aircraft was parked at Quits Aviation premises before the September 5, 2023 incident. 

Meanwhile, the management of Quits Aviation argued that the aircraft was under 24-hour security surveillance and that there was no record of observed tampering or security infringements.

“According to CCTV footage observed, the following can be confirmed: On the day of the flight (04.09.2023) at approximately 08:45, the aircraft was towed from its parked position and repositioned close to the Legend Business Hangar to begin with flight preparation procedures.”

The management emphasized that apart from relocating the aircraft from its original parking spot to another location before Adeleke’s flight on September 4, 2023, a review of the CCTV footage showed no evidence of tampering or breaches in security.

Quits further explained that the aircraft had been parked with no engine cover protection. 

The company, however, expressed regret over the incident and affirmed its collaboration with relevant stakeholders and authorities investigating the event.

It also recommended that its clients adhere strictly to the Aircraft Maintenance Manual Procedures by ensuring that engines are always covered to mitigate the risk of foreign object damage or infestation.

Tinubu’s policies set new inflation records in 20 years

Kehinde OGUNYALE
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Tinubu’s policies set new inflation records in 20 years

PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu’s policies, which pushed Nigeria’s inflation rate up consecutively three times, have set a new inflation record for the nation in 20 years, checks by The ICIR have shown.

By this record, this is the first time the country’s inflation rate would increase consecutively for three months after a democratically elected president was sworn into office since 1999, according to findings from inflation rate data provided by the National Bureau of Statistics and the Central Bank of Nigeria from 2003 to August 2023.

This continued rise has been attributed to economic policies implemented by the President, which have impacted the cost of goods, foods and household items, transportation and other commodities.

The ICIR reported how Tinubu announced the immediate removal of subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), otherwise known as petrol.

A few weeks later, the CBN announced the abolition of segmentation in the foreign exchange market, consequently floating the naira after several years of regulations. 

Under the Tinubu administration, the inflation rate increased from 22.79 per cent in June to 24.08 per cent in July and 25.80 per cent in August, following the latest data by NBS.

Further findings, however, showed that the August inflation rate is the highest since August 2005, when Nigeria hit 28.2 per cent under the former President Olusegun Obasanjo, administration.

Inflation rate by administration
Inflation rate by administration

Inflation in previous administrations 

The data surveyed in this report are for 2003 and 2023, as provided by the NBS and CBN.

In 2003, when Obasanjo was sworn into office for the second term on May 29, the inflation rate was 8.7 per cent. It grew to 14 per cent in June but dropped to 12.9 per cent and 12.4 per cent in July and August, respectively.

Furthermore, the late President Umaru Yar’Adua assumed office on May 29 2007, with an inflation rate of 4.6 per cent. The rate grew to 6.4 per cent but dropped to 4.8 per cent and 4.2 per cent in June and July, respectively.

Similarly, former President Goodluck Jonathan assumed office on May 29, 2011, with an inflation rate of 12.4 per cent. The rate dropped consecutively to 10.2 per cent, 9.4 per cent and 9.3 per cent in June, July and August, respectively.

Meanwhile, when former President Muhamadu Buhari assumed power on May 29, 2015, the inflation rate was 9 per cent. The rate grew and stood at 9.2 per cent in June and July and later increased to 9.3 per cent in August 2015. 

Buhari was later re-elected in 2019 for a second time and sworn into office on May 29, 2019. At that time, the inflation rate was 11.4 per cent. It dropped to 11.22 per cent in June, 11.08 per cent in July and 11.02 per cent in August of the same year. The ICIR reported how the inflation rate grew 59 times under Buhari’s administration.

However, in the case of Tinubu, the inflation, which was 22.41 per cent when he assumed office on May 29 2023, had grown by 3.39 per cent to 25.80 in August 2023.

NBS stated in its report, “Due to the deregulation of the sector and the removal of the fuel subsidy, all the items that constitute energy are now determined by market forces, and hence their prices are termed volatiles. Therefore, core inflation is referred to as all items index less farm produces and energy.” 

In a report, The ICIR reviewed the impact of Tinubu’s policies on Nigerians and the Nigerian economy 100 days into office.

Gunmen attack security operatives in Imo, many feared killed

Bankole ABE
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Gunmen attack security operatives in Imo, many feared killed

GUNMEN have reportedly killed some security personnel, including soldiers, police officers, and members of the Nigeria Security And Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Imo state.

The tragedy occurred on Tuesday, September 19, in the Umualumaku neighbourhood of the state’s Ehime Mbano Local Government Area.

Reports say two security trucks carrying the joint security taskforce team were attacked and set on fire by their assailants. The affected officials were all burned alive inside their official vehicles.

According to Punch Newspaper, a security agent who wished to remain unnamed said reinforcement teams had been dispatched to the crime scene to apprehend the suspects and recover the bodies of the deceased.

He said that the community had been thrown into confusion, and the issue has raised concern in the area.

In a chat with The ICIR on the matter, the police spokesperson in the state, Henry Okoye, who said he was on the spot assessment of the scene, confirmed the development but promised to get back to the reporter on the matter.

The state’s security situation has recently been an issue of concern. In August, gunmen in Owerri, the state capital, assassinated a retired police officer, Sampson Owobo, and his wife.

The thugs shot the man and his wife to death when they tried to take their money bag from them.

The gunmen, who were about three in number, shot the retired officer in the forehead when they could not take the bag.

The assailants also shot the wife close to her chest.

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