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Buhari launches Nigeria Agenda 2050 before jetting out for King Charles’ coronation

Oghenekevwe UCHECHUKWU
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Buhari launches Nigeria Agenda 2050 before jetting out for King Charles’ coronation

PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday launched the Nigeria Agenda 2050, developed in response to several ongoing development challenges in the country, before travelling to the Un to join other world leaders in attending the coronation of King Charles III.

The Agenda which was launched during the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, aims to address the identified challenges through six medium-term development plans such as basic healthcare, vocational skills development and education provisioning, as well as the North East Stabilisation and Development Master Plan (NESDMP).

According to the plan, the government will give more priority to programmes and projects which promote development and reduce poverty through the establishment of institutional frameworks, which will provide the enabling environment required for the private sector to take the lead role.

After launching the Agenda, Buhari left for the UK, accompanied by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation Boss Mustapha, Minister of Foreign Affairs Geoffrey Onyeama, Minister of Information and Culture Lai Mohammed and National Security Adviser Babagana Monguno.

Other officials expected to be in the president’s entourage are the Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) Ahmed Rufai Abubakar, and Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) Abike Dabiri-Erewa.

It would be recalled that following the demise of his mum, Queen Elizabeth II, King Charles III was proclaimed as Britain’s new monarch in September 2022.

Buhari will also take part in a summit for Presidents and Heads of Government of Commonwealth countries on Friday, May 5, according to a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina.

 Cross River judiciary workers strike stalls election tribunal sitting

Bankole ABE
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 Cross River judiciary workers strike stalls election tribunal sitting

THE strike embarked upon by judiciary workers in Cross Rivers State stalled the sitting of the state’s Election Petition Tribunal on Wednesday, May 3. 

The strike which commenced on Wednesday, has paralysed court activities in the State. 

The state chapter of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) had embarked on an indefinite strike over unmet demands.

The state chairman of JUSUN, Enyia Etorti, reportedly told PUNCH that the government had ignored their demands since 2015. 

He claims that one of the union’s main requests is the judiciary’s independence. 

“Then the most pertinent to us is the pending 66% which is CONJUSS. It’s paid all over the country. 

“The state only paid 34%, left with 66% and we have been begging the government to pay for years. Moreover, promotion has not been made for years in the state judiciary,” Etorti to Punch. 

The strike prevented the Elections Petition Tribunal from holding its first sitting because the courthouse was closed.  

The tribunal’s secretary Akawu Bambur said the sitting was postponed indefinitely due to the strike and told journalists that a new date would be revealed later.  

There are some major petitions before the tribunal, one of which is that of the state governor Ben Ayade, of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who is seeking to reverse his loss in the Cross River North Senatorial election to Jarigbe Agom of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). 

Also before the panel is the petition by the governorship candidate of the PDP, Sandy Onor, against the state governor-elect, APC candidate Senator Bassey Otu. 

Rivers will lobby me to get refund for money spent on federal roads — Tinubu

Marcus FATUNMOLE
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Rivers will lobby me to get refund for money spent on federal roads — Tinubu

THE President-elect, Bola Tinubu, has told Rivers State governor Nyesom Wike that the state would lobby the Federal Government he would head before getting a refund for money it spent on rehabilitation of federal roads. 

Tinubu stated this while commissioning Rumuokwuta-Rumuola Flyover in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State on Wednesday, April 3.

On Tuesday, May 2, The ICIR reported that Wike invitated Tinubu to inaugurate projects in the state today, May 3 and tomorrow, May 4, and consequently declared a public holiday for the state’s residents to welcome the President-elect.

In 2021, the governor confirmed to have received N78 billion refund from President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government for federal roads the state built.

He promised to use the money to execute more projects.

The flyover inaugurated by Tinubu was the 12th the Wike administration built in his eight years in office.

Speaking during the commissioning of the project on Wednesday, Wike appealed to Tinubu to refund the money he spent on Federal Government roads in the state when he assumes office as President.

He said the state amended its Procurement Act before getting funds for the flyovers his administration constructed. 

“These projects ought to be Federal Government projects because they are federal roads. If we had said because they are Federal Government roads and we won’t do it, who are those to suffer?

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“Since we have said we don’t want our people to suffer, I also believe that the Federal Government should say look, you have done well for us. These are projects we should be doing, can you bring your bill, let us refund you the money you have done these roads.

“That is what it is supposed to be for a partnership with a good Federal Government. I can assure you as you enter the office and you approve to pay this money back, other states will have the courage to also do the same thing.”

Responding, Tinubu said, “I owe you nothing. It is your road. You can’t chuckle at me and make a demand. You are the one living on this road. I commend your effort. You have to lobby me to collect it.”

Buhari inaugurates defence communications network for Armed Forces

Mustapha USMAN
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Buhari inaugurates defence communications network for Armed Forces

PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has inaugurated a defence communication network code maned ‘Giwa 2 Project’ for the operations of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

The project is a secured and dedicated communication domain that provides real-time audio and video communication for military operations, according to a report by the News Agency of Nigeria.

It is a defence communications networks coordinate project executed by Defence Headquarters.

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Speaking at the inauguration, Buhari said the communication infrastructure was designed to provide secure means of communication, real-time instant reporting as well as information exchange between the armed forces and other security agencies.

He added that the project would lead to enhanced collaboration between the defence, intelligence and security communities while also providing the platform for the denial of freedom of action to perpetrators of insecurity across Nigeria.

“Giwa 2 project initiative is in alliance with some of the main focus areas of the Federal Government in the areas of security, economic progression and technology development.

“These benefits of Giwa 2 project informed the timely support of the Federal Government through the Central Bank of Nigeria to ensure that the centre is commissioned as one of the proud landmarks and enduring achievements of the Armed Forces of Nigeria under this administration.

“It is evident from what we are witnessing here today that you have the infrastructure designed to stand the test of time and deliver on its mandate,” he said.

Buhari noted that the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy would support the Defence Headquarters in ensuring that the infrastructure available for rural telephony were fully deployed for the attainment of the project.

He further pledged that the government would support the full actualisation of other features of the project to ensure professional and vibrant Armed Forces with the capacity to protect the territorial integrity of the country.

According to him, the Armed Forces had continually demonstrated resolve to provide safe, secure and an enabling environment to promote national security.

Buhari also said his administration had made significant strides to enhance the capacity and capability of the Armed Forces to tackle multiple security challenges confronting the country.

He urged the Armed Forces to continue to break new ground and remain at the forefront of mainstreaming, technological and other cutting-edge initiatives to facilitate the provision of a safe, secure and peaceful environment for Nigerians.

Also speaking at the event, the Chief of Defence Staff, Lucky Irabor, said the project was borne out of the fact that the entire fields of electronic warfare, information warfare, and cyber warfare were inter-related.

According to him, every commander would wish to have both technical and operational control of his own communications, as well as the capacity to influence those of his adversaries.

He further added that the Armed Forces had over the years been desirous of having a dedicated and secure communication platform that could be deployed to enhance administrative, logistical, and operational activities.

“Consequently, the National Communications Commission allocated 20 megahertz bandwidth to the DHQ for the establishment of a secure nationwide defence communication network in 2013.

“Following years of planning and consideration of various funding and operating models, DHQ began establishing the secure nationwide communication network code named Giwa 2 Project infrastructure in May 2021.”

Also, the Minister of Defence, Bashir Magashi, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ibrahim Kana, commended the DHQ for the successful completion of the secure nationwide defence communication network infrastructure.

According to him, the project was a remarkable breakthrough in the technological advancement of communication systems in the armed forces of Nigeria.

He also stressed that the network had the capability of providing voice, data and video as well as other value-added services for the armed forces locations across the country.

While applauding the new development, the Minister of Communication and Digital Economy Isa Pantami, said the deployment of the new network would support the nation’s security institutions to build trust and enhance their reputation.

Pantami said the deployment would consolidate the achievements of the Buhari administration on security, adding that it will open new opportunities for addressing the security challenges in Nigeria.

“As we all know, all the systems that have been used today in security, need effective networks, including control systems, computer systems, communication systems, intelligence systems, information systems, surveillance systems, recognising systems, all of them.

“They need a very secure network to communicate and I believe with this project as part of the Giwa 2 project.

Presidential Election Tribunal holds pre-hearing sitting next week Monday

Vincent Ufuoma
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Presidential Election Tribunal holds pre-hearing sitting next week Monday

THE Presidential Election Petition Court (PETC) will hold a pre-hearing sitting on various petitions challenging the declaration of All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Bola Tinubu, as the winner of the presidential poll, on Monday, May 8.

According to Channels Television, Tinubu’s legal team confirmed the sitting on Wednesday, May 3.

The pre-hearing will allow pending applications to be resolved before setting a timetable for the hearing of substantive matters in the petitions.

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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had declared Tinubu as the winner of the 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 candidates have rejected the result. Both parties 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.

In addition, some other political parties have also filed petitions against the presidential election.

Petitioners and respondents, including INEC, have exchanged processes and filed replies.

The petitioners stopped submitting replies on April 23. The tribunal will now hear the arguments of all parties involved before rendering a judgment.

An election petition must be heard and judgment delivered within 180 days from the date of the filing of the petition.

At the tribunal level (Appeal Court in case of a presidential election), the timeframe is 180 days (6 months).

At the appeal level (Supreme Court in case of presidential election) it is 60 days (2 months).

In total, the petitions will last for 240 days (8 months).

Auto crash claims lives of three clergymen in Ekiti State

Vincent Ufuoma
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Auto crash claims lives of three clergymen in Ekiti State

THREE clerics from the Anglican Church in Ekiti State have been killed in an auto crash along Otun-Iro road in Moba Local Government Area of the state.

The state police spokesperson, Sunday Abutu, who confirmed this to newsmen said the clergymen were travelling from Ipere-Ekiti to Iro-Ekiti when their bus somersaulted, leading to their instant death.

He said the incident also left five others in the bus with injuries, and they were taken to the Federal Teaching Hospital in Ido Ekiti for treatment.

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The remains of the deceased were deposited in the morgue.

“We got the information, our men from the traffic section were deployed to the axis. The body of the deceased were recovered and moved to hospital,” he said.

“We are monitoring the situation, and investigation is still ongoing to ascertain the cause of the accident.”

According to Abutu, the deceased included Felix Okeowo, who was said to have been transferred from Saint Peters’ Anglican Church, Ipere Ekiti and was on his way to assume duty in his new station in Iro-Ekiti when the accident occurred.

Others were identified as Arije of Saint James’ Anglican Church, Eda Oniyo Ekiti, and Omotoso of Saint Mary’s Anglican Church, Ewu Ekiti.

Between January and September 2022, road crashes killed more than 69 persons in Ekiti, according to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).

FRSC Sector Command in the state, Olusola Joseph, blamed the incidents on over speeding by drivers and poor condition of the roads.

He called on drivers to prioritise safe driving and ensure that their vehicles, including their tyres, are in good condition.

The Nigerian Bureau of Statistics (NBS), said there were 6,627 road traffic accidents in the country during the first half of 2022.

These crashes involved a total of 10,579 vehicles between the months of January and June.

Editors decry attempts to criminalise journalism

Bankole ABE
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Editors decry attempts to criminalise journalism

THE Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has described what it described as attempts to criminalise journalism practice in the country.

The body of Editors said the freedom of the media is needed for the protection of all other human rights.

This was disclosed in a statement signed by NGE President, Mustapha Isah, and the General Secretary, Iyobosa Uwugiaren, on Tuesday, May 2.

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The statement was released to mark this year’s World Press Freedom Day, with the theme, ‘Shaping a Future of Rights: Freedom of Expression as a Driver for all Other Human Rights’.

“We share the popular notion that freedom of the media is indispensable for protecting all other human rights. Instances abound where inhuman treatment, torture, corruption, misuse of power, impunity and nepotism were exposed because of the reports by the media.

“Disturbing signs of repression, violations of media freedom and several cautious attempts to criminalise journalism practice have been observed in the past few years in our country. There have been different forms of control, censorship, and pressure over the content of mass media in Nigeria, especially the broadcast stations, which have hindered their independence and pluralism.

“Cases of journalists who are deprived of their inalienable rights due to their work continue to occur over and over again. Cases of harassment, intimidation, violence – and even murder – have been documented in the past eight years – by both local and international pro-media rights groups,” the NGE stated.

The NGE also gave the incoming administration the responsibility of launching purposeful, long-lasting policies and initiatives to support journalists’ safety, media freedom, and freedom of expression.

The Guild further stated that it had observed recent deliberate attempts by some National Assembly members, acting in tandem with representatives of the executive branch of government, to criminalise journalism practice in Nigeria.

The NGE promised to engage the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) Act and that NBC to discuss the Broadcast Code of Conduct with the incoming administration to update and reform the document per international best practices.

The editors asserted that Nigeria could not be an exception to the rule that pluralistic mass media based on freedom of expression, freedom of information, and freedom of the press are essential to any viable and functional democracy worldwide.

According to the NGE, two Nigerian journalists Gidado Shuaib and Alfred Olufemi, who were recently found guilty by a lower court in Kwara State, should not have even been charged with a crime, much less found guilty for writing a story on a factory.

According to the NGE, the conviction of the two journalists sent troubling signals to the media, highlighting the urgent need for legislative change and ensuring that journalism is not criminalised in Nigeria as anti-media forces intend.

The body advised members of the public to make use of the recently inaugurated nine-member board of the National Media Complaints Commission (NMCC), otherwise known as the National Ombudsman, to report cases of media misconduct.

Why we banned Indomie’s ‘Special Chicken Flavour’ noodles — NAFDAC

Beloved JOHN
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Why we banned Indomie’s ‘Special Chicken Flavour’ noodles — NAFDAC

THE National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) announced the ban on importation of Indomie’s ‘Special Chicken Flavour’ instant noodles to prevent the smuggling of the product into the country, according to the Director-General, Mojisola Adeyeye.

Adeyeye disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday, May 2.

She said the Special Chicken Flavour noodles was flagged in the country years ago and NAFDAC did not register the product. 

Adeyeye said the Agency is exercising extra caution to prevent unapproved importation of the product. She added that sampling of the product and other brands of instant noodles is ongoing. 

“The product is on the government’s prohibition list,” she said. 

“What we are doing is an extra caution to ensure that the product is not smuggled in, and if so, our post-marketing surveillance would detect it. We also want to be sure that the spices used for the Indomie and other noodles in Nigeria are tested.”

NAFDAC is set to commence clinical tests and random sampling of Indomie noodles and their seasoning from production facilities for the presence of ethylene oxide.

Adeyeye promised that once the tests are completed, the outcome of the sampling and analysis of the products would be available to the public. 

She assured Nigerians of a thorough investigation of the products both at factory and market levels.

“Indomie instant noodles products and other brands of noodles registered by NAFDAC for sale in the Nigerian market are manufactured in Nigeria and are only granted NAFDAC registration status following a strict regulatory regime covering all aspects of good manufacturing practice,” she said.

The move to conduct clinical tests on noodles was influenced by the decision of Malaysia and Taiwan to recall the sale of the Indomie Special Chicken Flavour noodle. 

The decision of the Asian countries raised some concerns about food safety in Nigeria and globally.

Regarding the development, Adeyeye said, “NAFDAC is aware of the ban on Indomie Instant Noodles’ Special Chicken Flavour’ by the Ministries of Health in Malaysia and Taiwan on account of the alleged presence of ethylene oxide, a compound associated with an increased risk of cancer.

“NAFDAC, as a responsible and responsive regulator, is taking swift actions to carry out random sampling and analysis of Indomie noodles (including the seasoning) for the presence of ethylene oxide, as well as extending the investigation to other brands of instant noodles offered for sale to Nigerians.”

Findings by Malaysia and Taiwan

Last week, health officials in Malaysia and Taiwan said they detected ethylene oxide in the “special chicken” flavour noodles.

Ethylene oxide is a colourless, odourless gas used to sterilize medical devices and spices. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the gas can contribute to increased cancer risk.

On Monday, April 24, the health department in Taipei, Taiwan’s capital, disclosed that it found the substance in the instant noodle variant following a random inspection of various brands available in the city. 

It said the detection of ethylene oxide in the product did not comply with standards.

“The Taipei City Health Bureau reminds the food industry that our country has not approved ethylene oxide as a pesticide, nor has it approved ethylene oxide gas for disinfection purposes. 

“The industry is sure to implement autonomous management and confirm that the raw materials and products should comply with food safety and health management,” the department said in a statement.

Two days later, the Ministry of Health in Malaysia also said it examined 36 instant noodles from different brands and found that 11 samples contained ethylene oxide.

“The detection of ethylene oxide in the product did not comply with standards and businesses have been ordered to immediately remove them from their shelves,” the Health Director-General, Muhammad Radzi Abu Hassan, said last Wednesday, April 26.

Buhari to attend King Charles’ coronation in UK

Ijeoma OPARA
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Buhari to attend King Charles’ coronation in UK

NIGERIAN President Muhammadu Buhari will leave for the United Kingdom (UK) on Wednesday, May 3, to attend the coronation ceremony of King Charles III and the Queen Consort Camilla in London.

In a statement released on Wednesday morning, Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to the President Femi Adesina disclosed that Buhari would be attending a Commonwealth Summit in London ahead of the coronation, slated for Saturday, May 6.

“Ahead of the coronation, the Commonwealth Secretariat will take advantage of the gathering of leaders in London to host a Commonwealth Summit for Presidents and Heads of Government of Commonwealth countries on Friday, May 5.

“President Buhari is billed to participate in the Summit, which will deliberate on the Future of the Commonwealth and the Role of the Youth,” Adesina noted.

Buhari would be accompanied by some of his ministers, including Minister of Foreign Affairs Geoffrey Onyeama, Minister of Information and Culture Lai Mohammed, and the National Security Adviser (NSA) Babagana Monguno.

Others on Buhari’s entourage include the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, Director General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ahmed Rufai Abubakar, and Chairperson/Chief Executive Officer of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa.

Charles III was proclaimed king after the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, in September 2022, and Buhari visited him at Buckingham Palace to foster bilateral relations between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.

Upon his return, Buhari said the king showed interest in improving relations with Nigeria.

Buhari recently embarked on an eight-day state visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, starting on Tuesday, April 11.

The primary purpose of the visit, according to a statement released on Monday, April 10, by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, is to perform Umrah, the Lesser Hajj Pilgrimage.

The Saudi trip was expected to be his last foreign trip as Nigerian President, before it was announced that he would be embarking on another trip journey to London.

Buhari has been known to travel frequently since he became President in 2015, making both official and private trips to various parts of the world.

Some of his foreign trips, which have cost the country billions of taxpayers money, include visits to countries such as the United States, China, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and South Africa, among others.

Between the last quarter of 2021 and the second quarter of 2022, Buhari visited Addis Ababa, Belgium, Gambia, Ghana, Cote D’Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, France, Kenya, Portugal, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Spain, Turkey, The United Arab Emirates (UAE) The United Kingdom (UK), among several others.

First batch of Nigerian evacuees from Sudan expected to arrive Abuja today

Oghenekevwe UCHECHUKWU
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0
First batch of Nigerian evacuees from Sudan expected to arrive Abuja today

BARRING any last-minute hitch, the first batch of Nigerian students returning from Sudan will arrive Abuja today, Wednesday, May 3.

The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, disclosed this in an update on Wednesday morning.

The processing of Nigerian evacuees from Sudan stranded in Egypt commenced on Tuesday, May 2, after an initial denial of passage by the Egyptian authorities.

However, the Egyptian border was opened, albeit with stringent conditions, after President Muhammadu Buhari’s intervention with the Egyptian President.

The approval paved the way for the deployment of a support team from the Nigerian Air Force to complement Air Peace, the airline that will be airlifting the evacuees.

“Nigeria Embassy in Egypt has moved all evacuees from the Sudan side to the Egypt side of the Arqeel border, with priority given to the females. They are now being prepared for their departure to Abuja through Aswan Airport,” Dabiri-Erewa said.

Part of the conditions given by Egypt for passage include details and schedules of the aircraft, capacity of the aircraft, and a strong pledge that once Nigerians depart the border, they would be conveyed to the designated airport.

Other conditions include a comprehensive list of the evacuees with passport numbers, valid travel documents, and the presence of Nigerian government officials at the point of embarkation.

The Nigerian students in Sudan had left Khartoum, the country’s capital, for Aswan, Egypt, on Wednesday, April 26, by road.

The journey had become necessary after numerous calls for a ceasefire between the warring parties had failed to yield results, frustrating efforts of the Nigerian and other governments to airlift citizens directly from Sudan.

Sudan eventually declared a ceasefire, although fighting had continued across the country.

The students arrived at the Egyptian border on Thursday, April 27, hoping to proceed to the Aswan airport, from where they would be airlifted to Abuja, Nigeria.

For several days, they were denied access to the country by the Egyptian authorities, who demanded visa processing fees before the borders could be opened.

However, they are set to return to Nigeria, after the Federal Government and the Egyptian authorities reached an agreement on the procedure for their movement through the North African country.

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