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Subsidy removal: Buhari asks Senate to approve $800m loan

Vincent Ufuoma
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Subsidy removal: Buhari asks Senate to approve $800m loan

PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has submitted a letter to the Nigerian Senate requesting approval to borrow $800 million from the World Bank to help alleviate the negative impacts of fuel subsidy removal.

Buhari’s letter was read by the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, at the plenary session on Wednesday, May 10.

Buhari claimed the loan facility is intended to be used to support poor Nigerians and will be disbursed to poor households across the country.

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He also claimed that the facility is an extension of the unconditional cash transfer being implemented by the Federal Government.

The President stated that the funds, when approved, will be sent to the bank accounts of the identified beneficiaries.

He also said the Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved his request for obtaining the loan, noting that he is waiting for the approval of the Senate before going ahead with processing the loan.

The Nigerian government’s had announced in April that it had secured an $800 million World Bank grant to support 10 million households, or 50 million vulnerable Nigerians, as part of its subsidy palliative measures.

The Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed, who made the announcement, noted that the loan was intended to assist with the planned removal of subsidies in June 2023.

She said the government was working closely with the Presidential Transition Council and the incoming administration to execute the palliative program, which includes several considerations such as the provision of buses.

The President’s loan request contradicts an earlier position of the National Economic Council (NEC) which suspended the planned removal of subsidy on petroleum products by the end of the Buhari administration.

The NEC, which comprises the 36 state governors, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and other co-opted government officials, had announced in April that subsidy cannot be removed for now.

The Council equally agreed on the need to continue discussions on the matter and the necessary preparatory work in conjunction with states and representatives of the incoming administration.

The Debt Management Office (DMO) recently announced that Nigeria’s debt profile as of December 31 is N46.25 trillion or $103.1 billion.

The DMO while giving the breakdown stated that there was an increase of over N7 trillion from what the country owned in 2021.

Court bars NBC from imposing fines on TV, radio stations

Beloved JOHN
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Court bars NBC from imposing fines on TV, radio stations

A Federal High Court in Abuja has restrained the National Broadcast Commission (NBC) from issuing fines to broadcast stations nationwide.

The presiding judge, Justice James Omotosho, in a ruling on Wednesday, May 10, declared that NBC does not have judicial powers to impose penalties.

The judge held that the NBC Code, which gives the Commission the power to impose sanctions, conflicts with Section 6 of the Constitution, which vested the authority in the law courts.

The judge also set aside fines imposed on 45 broadcast stations by NBC.

In 2019, NBC fined 45 broadcast stations the sum of N500,000 each over alleged ethical infractions in the year’s general elections. The Commission said the stations had to be sanctioned for allowing politicians to utter abusive, inciting and provocative statements during broadcast programmes.

Displeased, the Incorporated Trustees of Media Rights Agenda filed a suit against NBC in 2020.

The group asked the court to declare the sanctions procedure applied by NBC in imposing the fine on the broadcast stations a violation of the right to a fair hearing under Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Articles 7 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act (Cap AQ) Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

Ruling on the N500,0000 fine, Justice Omotosho said the Commission acted as the complainant, court and judge when it acted on the alleged infractions.

The judge noted that the Nigerian Broadcasting Code cannot confer judicial powers on NBC to impose criminal sanctions or penalties.

He pointed out that NBC has no power to conduct a criminal investigation that would lead to a criminal trial and imposition of sanctions.

“This will go against the doctrine of separation of powers. The action of the respondent qualifies as excessiveness as it had ascribed to itself the judicial and executive powers,” he said. 

Justice Omotoso held that the doctrine sought to prevent tyranny by concentrating too much power in one organ.

 

Tinubu embarks on fresh foreign trip, 19 days to swearing-in

Theophilus ADEDOKUN
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Tinubu embarks on fresh foreign trip, 19 days to swearing-in

PRESIDENT-ELECT Bola Tinubu, on Wednesday, May 10, embarked on a fresh foreign trip, 19 days to his inauguration as Nigeria’s President.

This is coming 16 days after he returned from a trip to London, Saudi Arabia and Paris.

A statement released on Wednesday by the media aide to the President-elect, Tunde Rahman said Tinubu had travelled to Europe on a working visit.

Rahman stated that Tinubu would utilise the opportunity to make arrangements on his transition plans and programmes for his administration.

“The President-elect has hitherto promised to hit the ground running and the visit is reflective of his commitment to the promise as he has already begun talks with global actors in the important areas of the economy and security.”

Rahman stressed that the visit would enable Tinubu to engage with investors and other relevant stakeholders to market investment opportunities in the country.

“Tinubu hopes to convince them of Nigeria’s readiness to do business under his leadership through mutually-beneficial partnerships premised on jobs creation and skills acquisition.

“Reviving the country’s economy forms a major plank of Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the meeting is part of his efforts to re-establish Nigeria’s importance in the global economic chain and create empowering opportunities for the country’s huge youth population.

“Already, meetings with multi-sectoral actors in Europe’s business community including manufacturing, agriculture, tech and energy have been lined up.”

During Tinubu’s last foreign trip, The ICIR reported that Nigerians, including stalwarts of the All Progressives Congress (APC), were worried over his whereabouts, before he returned to the country on April 24.

Tinubu travelled to Europe in late March after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared him the winner of the presidential election conducted on February 25.

While Nigerians speculated on the reasons for the President-elect’s trip, Rahman argued that Tinubu needed rest after touring the 36 states and working hard for his victory at the presidential poll.

Rumours spread that Tinubu jetted out to Europe to attend to a medical emergency. Rahman, however, debunked the claims.

Fire guts Air Force base in Abuja

Ijeoma OPARA
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Fire guts Air Force base in Abuja

FIRE gutted some buildings at the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Base along Airport Road in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Wednesday, May 10.

Two cars were also burnt in the fire outbreak.

As at the time of filing this report, operatives of the FCT Fire Service are still at the scene.

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Speaking with The ICIR, Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the FCT Fire Service Paul Abraham said the cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained.

He could not disclose if there were any casualties from the outbreak, as men of the Fire Service were still working to put out the fire.

“It hasn’t been ascertained. Our men are still working on it,” he said.

Head of Operations, FCT Fire Service Amiola Adebayo said a statement would be released once the cause of the fire was ascertained.

“The fire gutted part of the NAF Base, and our men are here putting out the fire, and we’re working hard to completely quench the fire.

“However, I can’t confirm the cause of the fire outbreak yet, but we’ll put out a statement once our findings are concluded,” he said.

According to a report, the fire was caused by the explosion of aviation fuel stored in underground tankers.

In December 2022, three fire incidents were recorded in a week, one of which affected the Defence Headquarters in Abuja, FCT.

Another party withdraws petition against Tinubu

Vincent Ufuoma
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Another party withdraws petition against Tinubu

THE Action Peoples Party (APP) had withdrawn its petition that sought to nullify the declaration of All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Bola Tinubu, as the winner of the 2023 presidential election.

The APP had in a petition filed on March 19, alleged that the results of the presidential election were manipulated to favor Tinubu in 11 states of the Federation.

The party also accused the President-elect of “corruptly inducing” electoral officers to falsify results at local government and state collation centers in Rivers and 10 other states.

However, during the ongoing pre-hearing of the petition on Wednesday, May 11, the party’s counsel, Obed Agu, requested an order from the court to withdraw the petition.

Agu, who cited paragraph 29(1)(2) and (3) of the Schedule for election petitions as the basis for the withdrawal notice, also asked the tribunal to strike out or dismiss the petition since it had been withdrawn.

“My Lords, we are seeking an order of this court for leave to withdraw this petition filed on March 19,” he said.

“As well as an order striking out or dismissing the petition, same having been withdrawn.”

The five-member panel of the court led by Justice Haruna Tsammani, did not oppose the application, including Tinubu’s lead counsel, Wole Olanipenkun, who commended the APP for its decision.

Lead counsel for the APC, Lateef Fagemi, also commended the APP for its decision, urging other parties whose petitions against the outcome of the presidential election are still pending before the court to emulate the party’s decision.

“We commend the petitioners for doing the right thing. Let those who have not done so, do so immediately,” he said.

“The flight is moving. We want to let them know that we commend them and we are not asking for cost.”

The Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) lawyer, A. B. Mahmood, did not oppose the application either.

On Monday, May 8, during the first pre-hearing sitting of the tribunal, the Action Alliance (AA) also withdrew its petition against Tinubu’s election victory without giving any reasons for the decision.

The main ground of AA’s petition was the claim of wrongful exclusion of David Okanigbuan, the party’s candidate, by INEC.

INEC had declared Tinubu as the winner of the controversial February 25 presidential election.

According to INEC, Tinubu secured 8,794,726 votes, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Atiku Abubakar had 6,984,520, while the Labour Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, polled 6,101,533.

The PDP and LP candidate rejected the result and have approached the tribunal with separate petitions to challenge Tinubu’s victory.

They alleged that Tinubu was not qualified to contest the election and that he failed to secure the majority of lawful votes cast at the poll.

They are also contesting that Tinubu’s running mate, Kashim Shettima, had a double nomination contrary to the Electoral Act.

Meanwhile, the tribunal which is hearing Obi’s case today, have warned all parties in the petition to avoid unnecessary technicalities and address the substance of their petitions.

Justice Tsammani, who gave the warning, said the tribunal is “determined to look at the matter dispassionately and give justice to whoever deserves justice.”

He warned parties against unnecessary applications that could delay proceedings, adding that the tribunal would consider the substance of each case over technicalities so that “whoever leaves here will be satisfied that justice has been done.

“Election is time-bound; let us not waste unnecessary time. Let us cooperate with each other so that everyone will leave here satisfied. Avoid unnecessary technicalities. We are determined to look at all the matters brought before us. Let us look at what is good for our country and avoid time-wasting applications,” he said.

Oyetola congratulates Adeleke on Supreme Court victory

Ijeoma OPARA
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Oyetola congratulates Adeleke on Supreme Court victory

FORMER Governor of Osun State Gboyega Oyetola has congratulated his successor Ademola Adeleke over his victory at the Supreme Court on Tuesday, May 9.

In a statement on Wednesday, May 10, Oyetola said he had accepted the Supreme Court ruling in the interest of peace.

“I accept the court’s verdict, which upheld Adeleke’s election. While I pray for your tenure to be prosperous for our people and the state and I urged you to focus on delivery of good governance.

“Politics aside, time has come to let you know that the interest of the masses must be most paramount without any restriction or discrimination, whether based on political persuasion, creed or religion. Whatever personal differences we have must give way to the advancement of our great state,” he said in the statement.

Oyetola also urged his supporters and members of his political party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), to accept the judgment and move ahead.

“The present situation is a win-win for us. It is both a loss and victory rolled into one. While we lost Osun technically, we gained Nigeria,” he said.

The former governor also said he remains committed to the growth and development of the state and urged residents to do the same.

Oyetola and Adeleke had been involved in a long legal battle over the governorship election in Osun State.

Following the conclusion of the Osun gubernatorial poll, during which Adeleke emerged winner, the election petition tribunal ordered the withdrawal of his Certificate of Return, and declared Oyetola as governor on the grounds that the Adeleke’s election was marred by over-voting.

Reacting to the verdict by the tribunal, Adeleke described the judgment as “a miscarriage of justice” and “an unfair interpretation against the will of majority of voters.”

The verdict was followed by a series of appeals, and on Tuesday, May 9, the Supreme Court declared Adeleke winner of the election, noting that Oyetola failed to establish the allegation of over-voting.

After ICIR report, NBBF says women’s basketball league will resume June 1

Dotun OMISAKIN
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After ICIR report, NBBF says women’s basketball league will resume June 1

THE Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) has announced that the Nigerian Women Basketball League will dunk off on Thursday, June 1.

The NBBF disclosed this to The ICIR on Tuesday, May 9. The NBBF made the disclosure in response to a report titled, ‘Three years after, Nigeria’s women’s basketball league yet to dunk-off, triggers talent drain‘ published on Tuesday by The ICIR.

The ICIR reported that the suspension of Nigeria’s women’s basketball league has left a sour taste in the mouths of the coaches, players and other stakeholders of the league since it was held last in 2019.

Reacting to the story published by The ICIR, an NBBF official forwarded the poster of the next edition of the women’s basketball league to The ICIR reporter.

In a chat with The ICIR, a member of the NBBF Media team, Maxwell Kumoye, said the Federation has concluded plans to resume the league, adding that the plan was to start the women league after the completion of the ongoing NBBF Division 2 Atlantic Conference in Abuja.

“After the NBBF National Division 2 Atlantic Conference, we will head to the female basketball league,” he said.

He assured the participating teams that “all the necessary logistics have been made available for the effective take-off of the league”.

“We don’t just want to run a league, we want to run a league that will be meaningful,” he added.

The poster sent to The ICIR indicated that the women’s basketball league will start with qualifiers among the teams divided into two groups – Atlantic and Savannah Conference.

The Atlantic Conference, which has 18 teams, is billed to dunk off on June 1 and end on June 11 and it would be held in Benin, Edo State. The Savannah Conference, with 16 teams, is slated to start on June 7 and end on June 17, at Zaria, Kaduna State.

Nigeria’s women’s basketball league is sponsored by Zenith Bank.

VII Academy offers seminar for narrative, documentary practice

Blessing OTOIBHI
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VII Academy offers seminar for narrative, documentary practice

THE VII Academy is inviting applications for its seminar on Narrative and Documentary Practice.

The program will equip participants with the tools to produce photo essays suitable for publication in an editorial context.

The seminar has two six-week modules. The first module covers basic concepts to ensure a strong practical and theoretical foundation and concludes with a short photo essay. The second module advances to a higher level and includes business concepts relevant to freelance journalists, multimedia training, and presentation skills.

Participants will benefit from lectures, group discussions and critiques, and assignments.

This free seminar is slated for June 16, 2023, to September 26, 2023.

Photojournalists and documentarians from Anglophone African countries can register for a seminar.

The deadline for the submission of applications is May 19, 2023. Interested applicants can register here.

Registration open for Bucha journalism conference

Blessing OTOIBHI
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Registration open for Bucha journalism conference

THE Media Development Foundation and Ukrainska Pravda are inviting applications for the Bucha Journalism Conference.

The programme is slated for May 19, 2023, in Bucha, Ukraine.

The conference will honour the memory of the victims of the Bucha mass killings and reflect on the role of the media in times of war.

Through panel discussions on topics such as documenting war crimes, ethical aspects of war coverage, and challenges faced by both local and international media bureaus in Ukraine, the conference will foster a deeper understanding of the complexities and responsibilities associated with reporting in conflict zones.

Journalists, media experts and scholars worldwide can attend this event.

Registration is ongoing and interested applicants can apply here.

E-motive reduces severe bleeding after childbirth — Study

Mustapha USMAN
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E-motive reduces severe bleeding after childbirth — Study

POSTPARTUM haemorrhage (PPH) remains a leading cause of maternal mortality globally as it affects an estimated 14 million women each year, resulting in around 70,000 deaths – mostly in low and middle-income countries. 

This figure is equivalent to one death every six minutes.

However, a study published on Tuesday, May 9, evaluated a series of interventions aimed at controlling postpartum hemorrhage and found a significant 60 per cent decrease in excessive bleeding.

The study which brought a new solution, known as E-MOTIVE, could provide a major solution in reducing deaths from childbirth-related bleeding, according to the study published by researchers from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the University of Birmingham. 

According to WHO, Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) is the loss of more than 500 mL of blood within 24 hours after birth.

The Director of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research at WHO, Pascale Allotey, said the impact of Postpartum haemorrhage around the world is tragic.

“Postpartum haemorrhage is scary, not always predictable, but absolutely treatable. Nonetheless, its impacts around the world are tragic.

“No woman should fear for her life when giving birth. Effective solutions to tackle postpartum bleeding need to be available and accessible so that all women can experience a safe birth and a healthy future with their families.”

The study involved over 200,000 women in four countries, of which Nigeria is inclusive.

A total of 80 secondary-level hospitals across the four countries Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, and Tanzania, in which the patients underwent vaginal delivery, were randomly assigned to the intervention group or the usual-care group.

The WHO researchers highlighted three key challenges that contributed to maternal complications across the world.

“The first challenge is that postpartum hemorrhage is often undetected or detected late; thus lifesaving treatment is not promptly initiated. 

“The second challenge is delayed or inconsistent use of interventions for the management of postpartum hemorrhage. 

“The third challenge is that despite the availability of clear recommendations regarding postpartum hemorrhage and their wide dissemination, uptake is poor at the point of care.”

The researchers found that objectively measuring blood loss using a simple, low-cost collection device called a ‘drape’ and bundling together WHO-recommended treatments – rather than offering them sequentially – resulted in dramatic improvements in outcomes for women. 

The incidence of severe postpartum hemorrhage, defined as losing over a liter of blood after childbirth, decreased by 60 per cent, significantly reducing the risk of maternal mortality.

Additionally, there was a significant decrease in the frequency of blood transfusions required for managing bleeding, which is of particular importance in low-income countries where the availability and cost of blood are limited.

A researcher, Arri Coomarasamy, who led the trial said, “The new approach to treating postpartum haemorrhage could radically improve women’s chances of surviving childbirth globally, helping them get the treatment they need when they need it.

“Time is of the essence when responding to postpartum bleeding, so interventions that eliminate delays in diagnosis or treatment should be game-changers for maternal health.”

The recommended E-MOTIVE package includes early and accurate detection of PPH using a blood-collection drape and an immediate treatment bundle which includes uterine massage, medicines to contract the womb and stop the bleeding, intravenous fluid administration, an examination and, when needed, escalation to advanced care.

The research, according to WHO, responds to one of the top research priorities identified by more than 130 experts from over 50 countries at the first Global Summit on PPH convened by WHO and HRP in March 2023.

What does data say about Maternal Mortality in Nigeria?

According to a report by the World Health Organization, Nigeria’s estimated maternal mortality ratio was over 800 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births, with approximately 58,000 maternal deaths, in 2015.

The report stressed that a Nigerian woman has a one in 22 lifetime risk of dying during pregnancy, childbirth or postpartum/post-abortion; whereas in the most developed countries, the lifetime risk is one in 4,900.

READ ALSO:

In a recent 2023 news report, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) said a new global maternal mortality report showed that 82,000 women in Nigeria die from pregnancy and childbirth-related complications every year.

UNICEF health chief in Nigeria Eduardo Celades disclosed the figure while presenting a report titled, ‘Trends in maternal mortality 2000 to 2020,’ during a media dialogue on COVID-19 and routine immunisation organised by the UNICEF Nigeria Office.

He said the figure translated to 225 deaths from maternal mortality every day, noting that the number of women dying from pregnancy-related causes in the country was very high.

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