Category: Latest

The Economic Community of West African States, also known as ECOWAS, has given the go-ahead for standby Force to be sent to the Niger Republic.

This was part of the Communique that was read at the end of the second Extraordinary Summit that was held in the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Nigeria. Omar Alieu Touray, the President of the ECOWAS Commission, was the one who read it.

The Communique issued the following directive: “the Committee of the chief of defense staff is hereby directed to activate the ECOWAS standby force with all of its elements immediately.”

In addition to this directive, it specifically ordered “the deployment of the ECOWAS standby force to restore constitutional order in the Republic of Niger.”

The following is an excerpt from the communique: “The Authority having studied the memorandum provided by the President of the ECOWAS commission on the current situation in the Republic of Niger, as well as ECOWAS engagement since the last special summit;

“And having studied the reports of the chair’s envoys to Niger as well as many other areas;”

“carefully studied the report and recommendations of the ECOWAS committee of chiefs of defense staff;

“addressed at length the most recent happenings in Niger since the previous extraordinary summit, which took place on the 30th of July 2023.”

“Noting that all diplomatic efforts made by ECOWAS, in resolving the crisis, have been defiantly repelled by the military leadership of the Republic of Niger; “taking note of the expiration of the one week ultimatum given for the restoration of constitutional order in the Republic of Niger decide as follows:” “Noting that all diplomatic efforts made by ECOWAS, in resolving the crisis, have been defiantly repelled by the military leadership of the

“A. Restates its strong disapproval of the attempted coup d’etat and the prolonged illegal detention of President Mohammed Bazoam, his family, and members of his government.

“B. Further condemns the condition in which President Bazoum is being detained and holds the CNSP totally and solely responsible for the safety, security, and bodily integrity of President Bazoum, members of his family, and members of the government.

“C. Uphold all of the measures and principles that were agreed upon at the extraordinary Summit that took place in Niger on July 30th, 2023.”

“D. Emphasize the firm resolve of the ECOWAS authorities to continue exploring all possibilities for a peaceful resolution to the problem.”

“E. Put into effect all measures, including but not limited to border closures, stringent travel bans, and asset freezes against any and all persons or groups of individuals whose acts obstruct any and all peaceful efforts aimed at guaranteeing the smooth and complete restoration of constitutional order.

“F. Warn member states that have, either directly or indirectly, hampered efforts to find a peaceful resolution to the problem in Niger of the implications that will result from their actions in front of the community.”

“G. Request that the African Union give its approval to all of the decisions that the ECOWAS authority has made on the situation in Niger.

“H. Further call on all partner nations and institutions including the United Nations to support ECOWAS, in its attempt to secure a speedy restoration of constitutional order, in accordance with its normative instruments.

“I. Give the President of the Commission the directive to keep an eye on how the sanctions are being carried out.

“J. Issue an order to the Committee of the Chief of Defense Staff to promptly put the ECOWAS Standby Force and all of its elements into operation.

“K. Issue orders for the deployment of the ECOWAS standby force to the Republic of Niger in order to restore constitutional order there.

“L. Reiterate its unwavering dedication to the pursuit of constitutional order by democratic and peaceful means.” – #LeadStories #News

On Thursday, the Nigeria Labour Congress, often known as the NLC, expressed its displeasure over the fact that pensions and other benefits owed to its members by various organizations were not transferred in accordance with the requirements of the law.

The organized labor accused several airlines of withholding pensions and other benefits from pilots and engineers working in the aviation industry. The organized labor further emphasized that the deductions were not appropriately reimbursed by operators.

The workers’ welfare and pension payments were made in accordance with the union’s announcement that it would initiate action to rectify the issue and ensure that workers receive their benefits.

During his speech at the symposium held in Port Harcourt by the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers, NAAPE, with the theme: ‘Effective Economic Regulation of the Aviation Industry As An Imperative For Safety And Workers Welfare,’ the President of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, stated that some airline operators are not respectful to their pilots and engineers.

His exact statements were as follows: “While the operators denied the pilots and engineers the rights to join any unions or organisations of their choice, the operators of the airline formed and belong to several bodies locally and globally.”

The fact that some of these pilots and engineers are owed several months’ worth of salary has a negative impact on both their mental health and their work performance. This could have a detrimental effect on the technical personnel’s professional judgment as well as their sense of safety.

“Going ahead, the NLC would collaborate on changing the narration with sector groups, unions, and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).

“The character and type of the different capabilities and dispositions of the personnel have a significant impact on the results that an organization achieves.” It is also common knowledge that whatever transpires in a worker’s place of employment either motivates him to continue working or causes him to quit his job.

“There is consequently a significant functional relationship between the sensitivity of workers at any given point in time and the quantity of organizational outcomes, one of which is Safety. This is the case because there is a strong functional relationship between these two factors. A healthy staff ensures that the bottom line will be healthy as well.

It is unacceptable for some companies in the sector to continue using union-busting and union-resisting tactics in their workplaces. It is paradoxical that aviation businesses will hastily register with the various unions and associations of Airline Operators of Nigeria, AON, which is a positive development, but at the same time they will refuse their workers’ rights to belong to unions that bring together workers in the industry.

In addition to this, he advocated for a healthy workforce by advocating for fast attention to welfare issues in order to guarantee safety in the industry.

He issued a challenge to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to make it essential for all pilots and engineers working in the Nigerian airspace to join to NAAPE for the welfare of the industry. He also said that all international pilots and engineers must also be required to comply with this instruction as a prerequisite for operating in the country. He said that this was for the benefit of the industry.

Additionally, Engr. Roland Ahmed of 7 Star Hangar, in his presentation, lamented the precarious state of Nigerian airlines in their current state.

Ahmed stated that the NCAA’s policy of requiring start-up airline operators to purchase six aircraft was not well-thought-out and that it could be detrimental to the business.

He stated that the reason the strategy was effective in the banking business may be the reason it is unsuccessful in the sector, and he urged the government to look internally in order to address the matter.

He continued by saying, “The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) will not give you the minimum aircraft you have to start with; however, individual aviation countries would look at their economy, purchasing power, strength, and their Gross Domestic Products (GDPs) before coming out with any law or policy for operators.”

“Under the circumstances we find ourselves in right now, the possibility seems remote. We are putting the regulations through their paces. Let’s see where it takes us, but I think at some times we might want to have a rethink and see how we could go about it. ”

Ahmed also noted that working together would make the airlines more profitable; nevertheless, he dreaded the fact that the owner-manager syndrome and the existing unfavorable environment condition had persisted to make cooperation unsuccessful in the country.

During his address of welcome, the President of NAAPE, Engr. Abednego Galadima, indicated that the association selected the topic in order to encourage increased levels of safety in the industry.

In addition to this, he made the observation that the majority of the operators did not pay their employees’ salaries on time, and that problems with staff insurance, pensions, and gratuities were a significant obstacle in the industry.

He had high hopes that the topic would compel both employers and employees to work toward bettering their relationship in the workplace.

He emphasized that the workers should not receive less compensation than the employers deserved.

Aside from that, he urged the government of Rivers State to follow the route of the government of Akwa Ibom State and establish an airline and a Maintenance, Repair Overhaul (MRO) facility. He argued that doing so would result in increased earnings for the state and would also boost tourism.

In addition to this, he was against the requirement that new airlines begin with a minimum of six aircraft, which he called anti-business.

Galadima noted that the new law did not differentiate between general aviation and commercial airlines in any way, and he demanded that the NCAA change their stance in order to advance the aviation industry as a whole.

The takeoff location for six airplanes is enormous and impractical. The National Collegiate Athletic Association ought to keep a minimum of three planes available for operators. Nobody has a large beginning, not even life itself; everyone has to start somewhere. According to him, the NCAA need to continue to mandate a minimum of three planes for its operators. – #LeadStories #News

The Tertiary Education Trust Fund and the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission announced on Thursday that the University of Ibadan had secured the sum of N1 billion for the funding of a diaspora research center.

According to the two organizations, funding education centers and facilities for Nigerians living abroad is part of the plans to promote international collaboration, fellowship, and research.

“TETFund followed through with the commitment by earmarking 1 billion naira for the establishment of Diaspora Research Centre in University of Ibadan, one of Nigeria’s most prestigious tertiary institutions,” the Chairman of NIDCOM, Abike Dabiri, said in the statement. The Diaspora Research Center, which will be the first of its kind in Africa, has a significant impact on how research and development are conducted there.

She informed the TETFund management that NIDCOM was in touch with the University of Ibadan, where the Diaspora Research Centre will be located, to discuss the project’s foundational elements, models, and implementation strategies.

Sonny Echono, the TETFund’s executive secretary, praised the Commission for its work in fostering national development and promoting research collaboration. The TETFund Boss claimed that the Diaspora Research Centre, which will be based at the University of Ibadan, followed NIDCOM’s advice.

The Executive Secretary continued, “Under the Special Intervention Initiative of the Fund, an allocation of one billion naira was provided in the Fund’s 2023 budgetary allocation for the establishment of Diaspora Center for Research and Development.

The recommendation that the institution submit an implementation plan for the timely start of activities was included in the allocation letter that was given to the University of Ibadan in May 2023.

Echono reiterated the TETFund’s commitment to research and development while also announcing that the University of Ibadan had also received an additional $250,000,000 Naira under the 2023 budgetary allocation (Designated Projects) as financial support for the institution’s Global Research Centre.

The Executive Secretary stated that “The Centre is proposed to house a rich collection of African Diaspora and Transnational Studies resources, including textbooks, archival documents, audio and video tapes, online resources, microfilms, and other related materials” while highlighting the significance of the facility to the international research community. It is also intended to act as a premier academic center for diaspora and transnational studies research, teaching, and other academic pursuits.

“According to the proposal, the proposed facility will serve as an incubator for hosting experts, practitioners, and policy professionals who are interested in and have experience conducting research, including hosting fellowship and exchange programs to create truly transnational knowledge with a global impact.”

He emphasized the goal of the research center once more and expressed his confidence that the facility would foster interactions and partnerships with organizations that formulate domestic and international policy.

The University of Ibadan is currently perfecting plans for signing the MOU with NIDCOM, which is the collaborating institution that has been interacting with TETFund on Diaspora Center of Excellence project together with NIDCOM, Echono stated explicitly when briefing on the implementation plan from the host Institution. The University has also started looking for a TETFund-accredited company to design the building in accordance with the grant’s value while working with the University of Ibadan. – #Editors’Pick

Even if the Senate eventually approves him for the ministerial position, the former governor of Kaduna Nasir El-Rufai is planning to reject it.

El-Rufai was reportedly one of three lawmakers whose confirmations the Senate withheld on Monday.

The Senate did not exactly state why El-Rufai was delayed, other than to mention that he had not yet gotten security clearance. The other two nominees, Abubakar Danladi of Taraba and Stella Okotete of Delta, were turned down for reasons that were purportedly documented.

There are rumors that El-Rufai’s delay is the result of how he handled ethnic and sectarian conflicts when serving as governor. Additionally, there are accusations that he allegedly betrayed his allies and committed acts of corruption.

According to People’s Gazette, El-Rufai has stated that he will not meet with National Security Advisor Nuhu Ribadu to request a security clearance. He thinks Ribadu lacks the political clout to refuse a government position outright.

El-Rufai has additionally stated that he will hold off on declaring his rejection of the nomination until he has been formally confirmed by the Senate. He wants to demonstrate to Nigerians that there was no legitimate reason for the hold-up.

According to a source, “His Excellency Nasir El-Rufai is a man of conviction and he has made it clear that he would not be seeing Nuhu Ribadu to argue for security clearance.” He actually had a meeting with the NSA scheduled for Wednesday in Abuja, but he vehemently declined to attend.

This publication has gathered that before being asked to advance to the Senate, El-Rufai and the other nominations had received the State Security Service’s approval. The screening procedure involved questioning each of them for more than a week. The National Security Advisor, Nuhu Ribadu, reportedly objected to the confirmation of El-Rufai and two other individuals.

The source echoed El-Rufai’s assertion, saying that Nuhu Ribadu “won’t be able to do it without the president’s prior knowledge.” Therefore, he would hold off on leaving the cabinet until he was finally confirmed. – #Politics

The APC has selected new candidates to fill the roles of Deputy National Chairman, Legal Adviser, and Others.

Pictures show Ganduje presiding over the first meeting of the NWC as APC Chairman.
Following nominations from zonal and state chapters, the All Progressives Congress (APC) is prepared to announce the names of those who would fill open posts in the National Working Committee (NWC), barring any last-minute modifications.

According to Naija News, former Kano State Governor Abdullahi Ganduje took over as national chairman of the party last week, and Senator Ajibola Basiru took over as national secretary. This followed the resignations of their predecessors, Senator Abdullahi Adamu and Senator Iyiola Omisore.

In addition to Saliu Lukman, who served as the Vice Chairman (Northwest), and Ahmad El-Marzup, who served as the Legal Adviser, both of whom resigned from their positions, two members of the NWC, Senator Abubakar Kyari and Dr. Beta Edu, were nominated by President Bola Tinubu to serve as ministers, and a third member passed away.

According to The Nation, the new officers who are awaiting ratification by the National Executive Committee (NEC) are the following: the former Cross River State Commissioner for Local Government, Dr. Stella Odey-Ekpo (Women Leader); the Borno State APC Chairman Ali Dalori (Deputy National Chairman, North); the former Nasarawa State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice Prof. Abdulkarim Kana (Legal Adviser); the former Abia, State House of Assembly Speaker Martins

Yesterday, it came to our attention that the decision to fill the positions is in accordance with the instruction of the National Executive Committee (NEC).

A party source commented on the move, saying that following the transfer of power from the NEC to the NWC at its meeting on August 3, the NWC issued a directive to the administrative organ to fill the vacant positions. In accordance with the directive, the States Executive Committee, which was responsible for producing the former officers, nominated candidates for the vacant positions.

Article 31.5 of the APC Constitution, which outlines the procedures, was used to zone the seats, as the source claims, before the April 2022 National Convention. This was done in accordance with the constitution of the APC.

The following is an excerpt from Article 31.5(i): “In the event of a National/Zonal Officer, the State Executive Committee shall propose a replacement to the State Congress and Zonal Executive Committee for endorsement. After that, the name will be submitted for consideration to the National Working Committee, which will then transmit it on to the National Executive Committee for final approval.

According to some sources, the Borno State chapter and the Northeast Executive Committee therefore chose Dalori as Deputy National Chairman (North), replacing Kyari in the position.

The nomination of Odey-Ekpo to succeed Edu as the National Women’s Leader came from the chapter representing the state of Cross Rivers.

It was learned that following extensive deliberations with the six states in the region, it was decided that Nasarawa State would be given preference to select a replacement for El-Marzuq, who quit the previous week. This comes as the job of National Legal Adviser has now been assigned to the North Central region.

Also, Azubuike will take the place of Friday Nwosu, who served as the National Welfare Secretary but passed away in March.

Before reversing his decision, the newly appointed Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Ajaka, had resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC) in order to run for governor under the banner of the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

However, according to the source, the Northwest has not yet decided who would take Lukman’s place in the position.

“Since NEC directed NWC to fill the remaining vacant six positions after the emergence of the new National Chairman, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, and Senator Ajibola Basiru as National Secretary, concerned state chapters and zones have been forwarding names for the new officers to fill the vacant positions,” said a member of the NWC who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

“As of today (Wednesday), names for the replacement of five of the six vacant positions have been forwarded to the party for consideration and approval by NWC. There are a total of twelve positions that are now unfilled. It is envisaged that the committee (NWC) would soon reveal the names of the individuals who will occupy the open posts very soon.” – #Politics

According to the findings, the administration of President Bola Tinubu will most likely spend around N341.23 billion on the settlement of judgment debts between the years 2023 and 2027.

In a document titled “Schedule of Promissory Notes Issued by Category as of September 30, 2022,” which was created by the Debt Management Office, the judgment debts were presented in the form of promissory notes.

Investopedia.com defines a promissory note as a debt instrument that contains a written commitment by one party (the note’s issuer or maker) to pay another party (the note’s payee) a certain sum of money, either on demand or at a defined future date. In other words, a promissory note is a form of a loan.

According to Section 4 of the Act Relating to Government Promissory Notes, the repayment of government promissory notes is to come from the general revenue and assets of the federation.

 

A portion of what it said was as follows: “The principal sums and interest represented or secured by any government promissory notes are hereby charged upon and shall be payed out of the general revenue and assets of the federation.”

The current administration plans to settle 12 of the 21 judgment creditors’ promissory notes during its current term in office, which will last for four years.

While the naira is the primary currency for two of them, dollars will be used to settle the remaining ones.

The two judgment debts that are predominantly denominated in naira would cost around N39.07 billion, while the remainder, denominated in dollars, would cost $393.89 million (approximately N302.61 billion when using the currency rate provided by the Central Bank of Nigeria of N768.27 per dollar).

It was predicted that the incoming administration will pay off a judgment obligation of $1.58 million by August 11, 2023, making this the first debt that they would settle.

The remaining matters are scheduled to be resolved between October 15, 2023 and February 15, 2027.

Earlier reports suggested that the administration of outgoing President Muhammadu Buhari might potentially pass on judgment debts of at least 715.86 million dollars to the succeeding administration.

The United States Federal Government was a defendant in multiple court proceedings that involved allegations of breaching contracts. If Nigeria is unsuccessful in all of the lawsuits that have been brought against the country’s administration over the past two years by both domestic and international organizations, the country could be forced to pay out a total of nearly N7.58 trillion to settle the claims made in the lawsuits.

Abubakar Malami, who had just left his positions as Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, revealed in September of the previous year that the Federal Government had reached an agreement to pay a foreign investor $496 million in order to resolve a decades-long contractual dispute that was worth $5.26 billion.

According to statements made by the administration, the mediation sessions were carried out under the alternative dispute resolution framework of the International Chamber of Commerce and were presided over by Phillip Howell-Richardson.

Olu Daramola (SAN), an attorney working for Afe Babalola’s Chambers, stated that the government did not make a practice of defending legal disputes.

He added, “The majority of lawsuits against the government are due to negligence and poor handling, resulting to judgment against the government even where there might have been no judgment since it has been inadequately defended.” He was referring to the fact that the government had a weak defense. But the truth is that when you bring a case against the government, they might not bother until you win a decision in your favor. This is an awful reality.

“Negotiations get difficult when you already have a judgment because if you win your case in court and the person is now negotiating with you to take a smaller sum than the one that was granted in court, surely you won’t be willing to do so,” says the man. “When you already have a ruling.”

The reckless signing of contracts, the SAN explained further, was causing issues for the government.

Prof. Sam Erugo (SAN), for his part, stated that the fact that the Federal Government is regularly facing threats and imminent penalties or liabilities for purported breaches of construction contracts ought to be concerning to the residents of the country.

Matthew Burkaa, an experienced legal practitioner, was quoted as saying that “Nobody will be delighted to discover that money that are supposed to be used for other purposes are being spent for the settlement of litigation expenditures.” – #Business&Economy