News

By Uzair Adam

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has responded to legal challenges questioning its constitutionality, asserting that the individuals behind these lawsuits are reacting to the pressure of its anti-corruption drive.

Sixteen state attorneys-general have approached the Supreme Court, disputing the legality of the EFCC’s establishment.

They argue that the National Assembly failed to follow Section 12 of the 1999 Constitution, which outlines the procedure for incorporating international treaties into domestic law.

During an appearance on Channels Television’s Morning Show on Monday, Wilson Uwujaren, the EFCC’s Director of Public Affairs, emphasized the commission’s legitimacy.

He noted that the EFCC was created following due legislative process and expressed concern over the timing of the legal challenge amidst Nigeria’s ongoing corruption issues.

“I find it troubling that with the magnitude of corruption in this country, some individuals are choosing to challenge the legality of the EFCC. “What’s unfolding is simply an effort by those feeling the impact of our work to derail it. They perceive the EFCC as a threat,” Uwujaren said.

He further urged Nigerians to see through the actions of those opposing the commission, stressing that the EFCC has been vital in recovering stolen funds and prosecuting high-profile corruption cases.

“Nigeria cannot function without the EFCC, given the level of corruption we face. This is a distraction that we must resist,” he added.

The Supreme Court is set to hear the case on Tuesday, October 22.

While human rights lawyer Femi Falana and several civil society organizations have criticized the lawsuit, former Nigerian Bar Association President Olisa Agbakoba has backed the challenge, questioning the constitutional basis of the EFCC’s establishment.

By Uzair Adam

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has denied recent reports about the appointment of an acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS), dispelling speculation from certain media outlets.

The DHQ emphasized that no such appointment exists within the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN).

In a statement on Monday, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, Director Defence Information, clarified that the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, is currently on his 2024 annual leave.

The Daily Reality reports that the statement emphasized there are no changes in the military leadership.

“The AFN is professionally managed and all the Service Chiefs are performing their duties as stipulated in the Constitution of the FGN.

“Major General Abdulsalam Bagudu Ibrahim, the Chief of Policy and Plans, is providing routine briefs to the COAS in accordance with standard military procedures,” the statement read.

The DHQ urged individuals spreading rumors to stop immediately, clarifying that the COAS is “hale and hearty” and will resume duties at the end of his leave.

Media organizations were advised to verify information with the appropriate authorities before releasing “fake news.”

Gusau further noted that the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) had spoken with the COAS only a few minutes before the statement.

Additionally, Gusau warned that those advocating for a military takeover, as seen in a viral video, should note that “such actions are treasonable under the Constitution.”

“The AFN is steadfastly committed to the preservation and advancement of our democracy and are loyal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration,” Gusau added.

The Daily Reality gathered that the military remains focused on protecting the nation’s integrity. The relative peace being enjoyed is a result of the President’s support for the military and the dedication of AFN leadership.

“To this end, the AFN and relevant security agencies have been mandated to take necessary action against any individual or group advocating for unconstitutional changes in the country.

“The CDS appreciates Nigerians for their support and prayers. Victory is assured,” the statement concluded.

By Uzair Adam

A prosecution witness, Mr. Stephen Gana, testified on Monday before an Abuja High Court, stating that two companies linked to the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, received preferential treatment in vehicle procurement contract bids.

Gana, the tenth prosecution witness, explained that the contracts were awarded to Emefiele’s companies through selective processes, which bypassed regular competitive bidding.

Gana, who served as the Head of the Procurement Department at the CBN, disclosed this while being led in evidence by the prosecution counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN.

He confirmed that he was in office when contracts for vehicles, as highlighted in exhibits presented to the court, were approved.

The witness testified that Toyota vehicles valued at N99,900,000 were procured from April 1616 Company Ltd through direct procurement.

Referring to another exhibit, Gana stated that two Toyota Hilux vehicles, costing N23,100,000 each, were obtained through selective bidding.

The April 1616 Company was awarded the contract after offering the lowest bid and meeting the CBN’s in-house estimate.

Gana explained that at the CBN, contracts could be awarded through direct procurement or selective bidding, depending on the recommendations of the Director of Procurement, who worked alongside him and other officials in the department.

Following Gana’s testimony, the prosecution counsel requested an adjournment, citing his involvement in a Supreme Court case.

The defense counsel, Matthew Burkaa, did not oppose the request but raised concerns about the cost of transportation. Justice Hamza Muazu adjourned the case until November 13 for further hearings.

Earlier, Burkaa had challenged the prosecution’s move to introduce new witnesses, arguing that the defense was not informed about these additions during the initial charge.

Emefiele faces allegations of forgery, conspiracy, and breach of trust during his tenure as CBN Governor.

He is accused of using his position to favor two companies—April 1616 Nigeria Ltd and Architekon Nigeria Ltd—in a case filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The hearing will continue next month.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has received the prestigious Golden World Award (GWA) for Crisis Communication from the International Public Relations Association (IPRA), which recognised its outstanding public relations efforts.

The award was presented at a grand ceremony on October 18, 2024, at the Metropol Palace Hotel in Belgrade, Serbia, to Comptroller-General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi. 

The award honours the NCS’s “100 Days of Impactful PR at Customs Service” campaign, which effectively addressed critical challenges during Adeniyi’s first 100 days in office.

“The campaign was about crisis communication,” Adeniyi said.

“The entry submitted during this period was recognised as the best, from the perspective of addressing the campaign’s challenges, its impact, and the positive outcomes we have seen”. 

The campaign excelled in the Crisis Management category, demonstrating the NCS’s ability to navigate operational difficulties, foster vital stakeholder collaboration, enhance border security, and drive significant revenue growth.

Philip Sheppard, IPRA Secretary-General, praised Adeniyi’s leadership, noting that it significantly improved border security and revenue generation, instilling optimism within the organisation. 

Established in 1990, the Golden World Awards celebrate excellence in public relations across various categories.

This recognition underscores the NCS’s commitment to aligning its activities with international communication and governance standards.

By leveraging strategic public relations, the NCS has promoted customs reforms, national security, and economic development.

By Uzair Adam

The Awareness for Human Rights and Charity Foundation (AHRCF) has warned that Nigeria’s escalating food insecurity, hunger, and starvation are driving a surge in criminal activity.

At a press briefing in Kano on Saturday, AHRCF National Director Comrade Auwal Usman emphasized the dire consequences of the country’s deteriorating conditions.

He stated that, “The skyrocketing cost of living has left millions struggling to survive, with hunger ravaging households and pushing many into destitution.”

Usman urged Nigeria’s influential stakeholders, including former presidents Olusegun Obasanjo, Ibrahim Babangida, Yakubu Gowon, and Abdulsalami Abubakar, to intervene.

He was qouted as saying, “Their collective experience and influence can help address this crisis.

“The foundation linked the rise in banditry and insecurity to widespread poverty and hunger.

“Desperate individuals, including women, are turning to begging, prostitution, or kidnapping to survive,” Usman said.

He lamented the devastating impact on families and communities, stressing the need for immediate action.

“Stakeholders must come together to alleviate the suffering of impoverished Nigerians and safeguard our nation’s future.”

The AHRCF’s warning comes as Nigeria grapples with soaring food prices, conflict, and climate-related disasters, exacerbating hunger and malnutrition nationwide.

 By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) held a workshop promoting transparency and accountability in governance through technology in public project tracking. 

Held at Bauchi’s NUJ Secretariat Complex, key speakers included the Director of Planning, Ministry of Budget, Economic Planning, and Multilateral Coordination. 

CITAD launched its Office of the Citizens app, which enables citizens to track government-funded projects, monitor progress, and report discrepancies. 

In a statement it released on Thursdsy, CITAD said, “The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) successfully conducted a one day workshop aimed at promoting transparency and accountability in governance through the application of technology in public project tracking.

“The event, which took place at M.A Abdullahi Conference Hall, NUJ Secretariat Complex, Bauchi on Thursday 17/10/2024, highlighted the critical role of technology in ensuring that government projects are completed on time and within budget.

“The highlight of the program was the presentation of CITAD’s Office of the Citizens, an innovative Android mobile application designed to empower citizens by providing real-time updates on government-funded projects and enabling public oversight.

“The app allows users to track the allocation and expenditure of public funds, monitor project progress, and report any discrepancies.”

On his part, Mujahid Ibrahim, the Chief Officer of CITAD in Bauchi stated that, “Public project tracking is essential for transparency and accountability. With tools like the Office of the Citizens app, we give citizens a voice to engage governments and demand proper resource use.”

The event included hands-on training and discussions on challenges, solutions, and best practices. 

CITAD will promote the app, conduct trainings, collaborate with government bodies, establish feedback mechanisms, and foster partnerships.

By Sumayyah Auwal Ishaq

The Nigerian Army has reacted to the absence of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja and dismissed claims of a leadership vacuum in the NA at present.

It said such claims are mere speculation, as all routine and scheduled activities of the service are on course.

The Amry therefore assured the general public that the absence of the COAS has not created any leadership vacuum within the service.

In a statement released on Saturday by the Director of Army Public Relations, Maj. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, he explained that Lagbaja is on official leave, and necessary protocols have been put in place for the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), Major General Abdulsalami Ibrahim, to act on behalf of the COAS during his absence.

“There have even been insinuations that there is a leadership vacuum, with officers confused about what to do. Nothing could be further from the truth. To be very clear, the Nigerian Army is a highly structured establishment with well-laid-out procedures and processes for dealing with different circumstances.

“Before proceeding on leave, necessary protocols were put in place for the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), Major General Abdulsalami Bagudu Ibrahim, to act on behalf of the COAS while he was away.

“This is not peculiar to the NA, as there have been instances where unforeseen human frailty kept service chiefs away for about three months, and their Chiefs of Policy and Plans held sway in their absence.”

The statement further clarified that the COAS’s absence has not stalled promotions for officers.

It added that the results of the Captain-to-Major promotion exam had been released following the approval of the Chief of Policy and Plans.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini 

The Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, has led a delegation of Northern Governors to Jigawa State to express sympathy over the devastating petrol tanker explosion that claimed over 150 lives and left many injured. 

During the visit, Governor Inuwa Yahaya announced that each Northern Governor is donating N50 million to support the victims, their families, and survivors.  

He noted that the collective contribution is to help alleviate the suffering caused by the incident and assist the Jigawa State Government in managing the aftermath of the tragedy. 

“This tragedy affects us all. We therefore must support the Government and people of Jigawa State through these difficult times to help rebuild lives and overcome this challenge,” Governor Inuwa Yahaya stated. 

Describing the explosion as one of the most tragic incidents in recent memory, Governor Inuwa Yahaya underscored the shared responsibility of the Northern Governors to stand in solidarity with Jigawa.  

He expressed particular sorrow over the loss of young lives, acknowledging that many of the victims had the potential to contribute meaningfully to leadership and nation-building. 

“The loss is not just for Jigawa but for the entire region and the nation. It is painful to lose promising talents with bright futures,” the governor remarked. 

Governor Inuwa Yahaya urged the people of Jigawa to remain strong, steadfast and united during this challenging period, and place their trust in the Almighty’s will.  

He also prayed for the peaceful repose of the souls of the deceased and strength for their families to bear the immense loss. In his response, Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa State expressed profound gratitude to the Northern Governors for their solidarity and generous support. 

“We deeply appreciate the visit and the generous contributions from the Northern Governors led by His Excellency, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya.

Your compassion and solidarity during this tragic moment provide us with strength and hope,” Governor Namadi said. 

He further noted that the financial assistance would play a vital role in providing relief to the survivors and families of the victims.  

“This support will significantly aid our efforts in easing the burden on the affected families. We are grateful for your prayers and words of encouragement, and we remain committed to helping our people recover from this painful loss,” he added.

By Uzair Adam

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has addressed reports of a national grid breakdown on Saturday, describing the incident as a “temporary grid disturbance.”

The grid collapse, which occurred early Saturday morning, marks the third disruption this week, leaving many states in a total blackout.

According to data from the Nigerian System Operator’s portal (niggrid.org), the grid recorded zero Megawatts (MW) as of 8:16 a.m. on Saturday, with all 22 generation companies (GenCos) down.

This latest incident is the eighth grid disturbance recorded in 2024.TCN’s General Manager, Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, confirmed that power has since been restored, explaining that the disturbance was triggered by an explosion in the bus section of a current transformer at the 330kV Jebba Transmission Substation.

“The protection system responded immediately, opening the busbars to prevent further damage and the outbreak of fire,” Mbah said.

Engineers at the Jebba station were able to isolate the faulty transformer and reconfigure the busbar arrangement, restoring power to the station and other parts of the grid.

By Uzair Adam

Jigawa State Governor Malam Umar A. Namadi has ordered the immediate suspension of Auwalu Danladi Sankara, Commissioner for Special Duties, following serious allegations raised by the Kano State Hisbah Board.

The suspension, announced in a statement signed by Malam Bala Ibrahim, Secretary to the Government of Jigawa State, is intended to allow a thorough investigation into the matter.

Sankara is accused of engaging in an illicit relationship with a married woman, among other offenses.

The Kano Hisbah Board confirmed the arrest of Sankara on Friday after tracking his activities.

According to the board’s Director General, Dr. Abba Sufi, Sankara was caught in an uncompleted building with a married woman, following complaints from her husband’s younger brother.

“We have arrested Auwalu Danladi Sankara, the Jigawa Commissioner, with a married woman in an uncompleted building,” Dr. Sufi told reporters, adding that the arrest was part of a broader investigation into Sankara’s alleged immoral behavior.

The woman’s husband, Nasiru Bulama, had filed a formal complaint with the Kano Police, Department of State Services, and Hisbah Board, accusing the commissioner of having an affair with his wife, Tasleem Baba Nabegu, the mother of his two children.

In addition to the adultery accusations, Sankara is reportedly facing charges for allegedly operating illicit drug centers under names like Picklock and 360.

The Jigawa State Government emphasized that the suspension is a precautionary step to ensure transparency and integrity in the state’s administration, with Governor Namadi committed to upholding accountability in governance.

“The suspension is a precautionary measure intended to facilitate a fair investigation,” said Bala Ibrahim, underscoring the government’s dedication to ethical standards and its responsibility to the people of Jigawa.