Legal Nigeria

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

The Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, has assured Nigeria of support in its economic reform programmes.

The assurance came when the Crown Prince and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu met on Monday in Riyadh on the sidelines of the joint Arab-Islamic Summit.

The two leaders explored potential areas for cooperation, particularly oil and gas, agriculture, infrastructure and the constitution of the Saudi-Nigeria Business Council.

Nigeria wants an agreement with the Saudi government over a proposed $5 billion bilateral trade facility between the two countries.

The Saudi Agricultural and Livestock Investment Company (SALIC) invested $1.24 billion in 2022 to acquire a 35.43% stake in Olam Agri, one of Nigeria’s leading agricultural firms.

Talks are being held so that SALIC can have more stake in the company.

The Saudis hoped the investment would make Olam one of the biggest agro-alliedbusinesses in the world.

The Crown Prince commended President Tinubu’s economic reforms, noting similarities to his steps to strengthen Saudi Arabia’s stability and development when he became Prime Minister.

He also assured Nigeria of his support and promised to motivate his team to realise the various areas of partnerships discussed at the meeting.

At the meeting with the Crown Prince were the Saudi Minister of National Guard, Prince Abdullah bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz, the Minister of Defense, Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, and several senior officials.

Meanwhile, the Joint Arab-Islamic Summit has renewed the mandate of Nigeria and other member states on the Ministerial Committee assigned to engage with global leaders in seeking an end to the ongoing war in Gaza and Lebanon.

This decision was part of the resolution issued after the extraordinary Joint Arab-Islamic Summit, which took place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on November 11, 2024.

President Bola Tinubu and other leaders from the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the League of Arab States were in attendance.

The Joint Arab-Islamic Ministerial Committee, led by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, was formed by a resolution at the First Joint Arab-Islamic Summit in Riyadh on November 11, 2023.

The group includes the foreign ministers of Nigeria, Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, Indonesia, Palestine, and Jordan.

In its final resolution, the summit urged the Ministerial Committee to “intensify its efforts and expand them to include working on ending the aggression on Lebanon.”

The committee will submit periodic reports, which the secretariats of the OIC and the League of Arab States will circulate to member states.

The Committee has also been tasked with further engaging actors across the Global South in the efforts to strengthen international support towards ending the war and Israeli occupation.

The resolution stressed the importance of protecting sea lanes by rules of international law and welcomed the signing of the tripartite mechanism by the League of Arab States, OIC, and the African Union to support the Palestinian cause.

The summit praised the African Union’s steadfast support of Palestine.

The leaders condemned recent Israeli military actions in northern Gaza, describing them as “crimes of genocide,” including allegations of torture, executions, disappearances, and “ethnic cleansing.”

They also criticised ongoing efforts to solidify Israel’s presence in occupied East Jerusalem, reaffirming it as the “eternal capital” of Palestine and calling for the unification of the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem under a sovereign Palestinian state.

The resolution reiterated “the full sovereignty of the State of Palestine over occupied East [Jerusalem], the eternal capital of Palestine”. It rejected any Israeli actions aimed at altering the city’s identity or consolidating its occupation.

The summit also expressed unwavering support for Lebanon’s security, stability, sovereignty, and the safety of its citizens.

Source: PM News

A prominent community leader and businessman, Chief Nnanna Ukaegbu, says Abia State flourished from 1999 to 2007 because then-Governor Orji Uzor Kalu was loyal to those who elected him.

He praised Senator Kalu for consistently working for the people, both as a governor and a senator.

Chief Ukaegbu noted that Orji Uzor Kalu enjoys unprecedented popularity among Abians due to his accomplishments in education, health, agriculture, sports, infrastructure, and workers’ welfare.

“I remember how farm settlements and agricultural plantations were established, while existing ones were maintained for food sufficiency. It’s sad that some of our people easily forget. Abia achieved food sufficiency under Kalu. Rice, cassava, yam, pineapple, and other crops were produced in large quantities during the Orji Uzor Kalu era. Abia flourished because he was with the people. It wasn’t about gathering elites and feeding them with state resources; he worked for the people, just as he is doing today.

“Education was free for all. Today, he is building schools across communities in Abia North, distributing educational materials, and offering scholarships for the training of medical doctors. Don’t forget that Abia State University flourished under him. He built the Abia State University Teaching Hospital, 15 general hospitals, and schools across the state for our children. He has always been with the people, and today he is repeating the same commitment as a lawmaker. It’s about the consistency of always being with the people.”

Chief Ukaegbu emphasized that Kalu remains the only leader to have offered Abia State purposeful and transformational leadership both as a governor and as a lawmaker.

“He initiated the construction of Cameroun Road, Ojike Lane, Ehere, Ehere Road Extension, Umuola, and All Saints’ Academy—all handled by Grandstar Construction Company Limited.

“He also constructed roads in Igbere, Aguiyi-Ironsi Layout, four roads in Government Station Layout, Okigwe Park, Aba Park, Agulu, Olokoro, Awkuzu, Cameroun, Orlu, Nkwerre, Timber, Afara, Niger/Asaba, as well as the asphalt overlay at Mater Dei Cathedral, Okigwe Park Link Road, Nkwoegwu to Express, Umuobasi, Oba, Car Park, and the extension of Arochukwu Street, Ohuhu, Olokoro Street with a spur to Olokoro Crescent, Eze Ogbulafor, and Nsukka.

“He constructed the Owaza-Obehie-Azumini Road in Ukwa East (over 40 kilometers), Ekenta Igbere, Asaga-Ndibe-Amuma-Okon-Amangwu Road in Ohafia, Nkwoegwu Ring Road in Umuahia North, Abiriba Ring Road, Umuikea-Omoba Road in Isiala Ngwa South, Ndiro-Irunta Road in Ikwuano, Umuchieze-Leru-Lomara-Nneato Road in Umunneochi (over 20 kilometers), and the Ururuka Road to Acho Nwakanma’s residence in Obingwa Local Government (the Acho Nwakanma stretch was over 10 kilometers). All the roads in Ikwuano were constructed under his administration.”

“As a lawmaker, I’ve heard he has facilitated the construction of over 80 roads. He has initiated the reconstruction of over 150 schools, which is unprecedented in the history of Abia State. He has also initiated youth and women empowerment programs, provided cash and educational support, and promoted agricultural empowerment through mechanized equipment and improved seedlings for food sufficiency. I’m pleased and proud to have someone like Senator Orji Uzor Kalu representing Abia North Senatorial District.”

Source: Daily Sun

Monday Okpebholo and Dennis Idahosa have been sworn in as the Governor and Deputy Governor of Edo State.

The swearing-in took place on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City.

The oath was administered by Daniel Okungbowa, the state’s Chief Justice, with Okpebholo and his deputy promising to uphold the constitution, work within its dictates, and ensure the well-being of the state’s residents.

The event was attended by party supporters who cheered as the Governor and Deputy Governor begin a new administration.

Daily Sun reported that the former Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu had expressed his eagerness to hand over to his successor.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Tuesday, Shaibu said he would hand over whether or not the former Governor Godwin Obaseki was present.

“I am deeply happy that today has come, and I am going to be handing over to a new deputy governor.

“Normally, if the governor is not there, the deputy governor will hand over. So whether he is there or not, I am ready to hand over”, he disclosed.

Source: Daily Sun

Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu has said he will hand over to his successor with or without the presence of the outgoing governor, Godwin Obaseki.

While making an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Tuesday, Shaibu responded to rumours that Obaseki was presently not in the state.

He also shed light on his relationship with the outgoing governor, saying there has not been communication.

“I am deeply happy that today has come, and I am going to be handing over to a new deputy governor. Normally, if the governor is not there, the deputy governor will hand over. So whether he is there or not, I am ready to hand over.

“The governor and I have been apart. He does not communicate with me, and we don’t talk. It is very unfortunate.

“This is the first time in Edo State that a governor and his deputy will have to part without talking to each other. I made an effort. I have not been seeing him at the government house in the last four days,” Shaibu stated.

Speaking further, he said that despite the challenges he faced while being loyal to Obaseki, he is back at the All Progressives Congress (APC).

“Yes. I am back in APC. I am one of the very young guys that started the APC in Edo State. Because of loyalty, I went with my governor. I decamped from APC to PDP not because I wanted to, but because I wanted to but because I was loyal to Obeseki. I left APC because of him, and I am back to APC because of him.

“I thank him for the opportunity to be able to reunite with my father, Oshimole who I quarrelled with because of Obaseki.”

Source: Daily Sun

By Uche Usim

Amid rising concerns over President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s proposed tax reform bill, Abdulmumin Jibrin, a federal lawmaker representing Kiru/Bebeji federal constituency in Kano State, has come forward to address misconceptions around it.

He called on the public and stakeholders alike to approach the bill with patience and an open mind, encouraging thoughtful dialogue to understand its broader implications.

Jibrin, a former Chairman, House Committee on Finance, strongly supported the bill during a televised interview, noting that opposition within his region often stems from misunderstandings and hasty judgements rather than a unified stance.

He said: “There’s a crisis of perception here. People hear ‘tax reform’ and immediately assume it will negatively impact them, without ever taking the time actually to review the details of the bill. Many of the critics haven’t even looked at the bill closely.

“President Tinubu is seen as a tax and revenue-focused person and because of that, when you hear discussions about the bill, people jump to conclusions. I urge everyone, including lawmakers, the media, and the public, to engage with the actual content of the bill before making judgements.

It’s easy to assume, but if you look at the bill, you’ll see that it’s not about imposing new taxes on the common man. Instead, it addresses systemic issues and proposes reforms that benefit the broader society.”

The lawmaker argued that the bill includes protective measures, or “buffers,” designed to prevent any negative impact on Northern states.

He emphasised that these provisions ensure the North would not be disproportionately affected, adding: “These buffers are important in safeguarding the interests of the Northern region. They ensure that, even as the tax system is reformed, the North will not face any adverse consequences.

It’s important for us to understand that these measures are specifically aimed at protecting our region while we engage in this necessary reform.”

He stressed the importance of understanding the broader vision of the reforms.

“The reform is not just about addressing immediate concerns; it’s about setting a solid foundation for long-term growth.

“We have to look beyond now and understand that the adjustments being made are necessary for a more sustainable and equitable future. If we approach this with a unified mindset, we can create a tax system that truly benefits all Nigerians, regardless of their region or income.”

He expressed optimism about the benefits the tax reform could bring to Northern Nigeria.

“The North has untapped potential, with our land, population, and consumption power. This bill presents a chance to strengthen our economic autonomy.

“While the process is still in its early stages, I encourage a collaborative approach, assuring Northerners that this reform is intended to benefit all regions, not to undermine any. The legislative process will allow for thorough debate and necessary adjustments, ensuring the outcome is a fair, balanced tax policy for everyone.”

He also emphasised the long-term benefit of the reforms, asserting that they present an opportunity for collective action towards the prosperity of the North and the entire country.

He further urged that politics should not cloud the nation’s judgement, encouraging all parties to focus on the broader objective of national progress.

Source: Daily Sun

Edo Governor-Elect Senator Monday Okpebholo has named Fred Itua as his Chief Press Secretary, making it the first appointment made by the incoming administration.

Itua’s appointment came ahead of the inauguration of the new administration in Benin tomorrow.

Itua, an accomplished writer, journalist, and communications consultant with over 13 years of experience, is recognised for expertise in covering diverse and critical issues, from humanitarian crises to national governance.

Known for his strategic and resourceful approach, Itua excels in crafting compelling narratives and breaking down complex topics for wide audiences. With extensive experience covering the National Assembly, migration issues, health, anti-corruption, and environmental concerns, Fred possesses deep insight into national and international affairs.

With a strong foundation in public relations and communication strategy, Itua effectively builds and maintains relationships across government, media, and public spheres.

Itua demonstrates resilience, diligence, and professionalism in fast-paced environments, making him adept at both live and pre-recorded broadcasting, news writing, and editorial roles.

Skilled in content development, social media management, and comprehensive media strategies, Itua is committed to delivering accurate, high-impact journalism.

Itua holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, a Masters degree in Media Arts from the University of Abuja and is in the final stages of his Ph.D. thesis in Development Communication at Veritas University, Abuja. (The Nation)

Nigeria is backing a two-state solution to the long-running Israel- Palestine crisis.

The country is also in support of an immediate cease fire in the ongoing Israli-Gaza crisis, attacks andcounter-attacks in the Middle East.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will make these positions known at the Joint Arab-Islamic summit which opens today in Saudi Arabia,

The President arrived Riyadh yesterday for the summit, which is being held at the invitation of King Salman and Crown Price Muhammed Salnab.

According to Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, President TInubu is expected to address the ongoing Israel-Palestinian conflict, emphasising Nigeria’s strong call for an immediate ceasefire and the urgent need for a peaceful resolution.

Key officials, including the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, accompanied the President. Other members of the entourage are the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris; and the Director General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ambassador Mohammed Mohammed.
Source: The Nation

The Nigeria Labour Congress at the end of its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State on Sunday issued an ultimatum of Dec. 1 to state governments to implement the new minimum wage.

The NLC made this known on Sunday in a communique signed by its President, Mr Joe Ajaero..

Ajaero, who expressed dissatisfaction over the delay by some states to implement the new wage, said workers in affected states were finding it difficult to sustain themselves given the worsening state of the economy.

“The NEC notes with deep frustration the persistent delay and outright refusal by some state governments to implement the 2024 National Minimum Wage Act.

“This betrayal by certain governors and government officials across the country flies in the face of both legality and morality, as workers continue to be denied their rightful wages amidst rising economic hardship.

“It is a blatant disregard for the law and the lives of millions of Nigerian workers, who are being exploited by the very leaders sworn to protect them.

“The NEC therefore resolved to set up a National Minimum Wage Implementation Committee that will commence a nationwide assessment, mobilisation and campaign to educate citizens on the need to resist this assault on their dignity and rights.

“Furthermore, the NLC shall initiate a series of industrial actions in all non-compliant states and shall not relent until the minimum wage is fully implemented across Nigeria.

“To this end, all state Councils where the National Minimum Wage has not been fully implemented by the last day of Nov., 2024 have been directed to proceed on strike beginning from Dec. 1,” he said.

He called on government to embark on a wage review and immediately implement concrete interventions that would relieve the sufferings of Nigerians.

Furthermore, he said the NLC would initiate a series of industrial actions in all non-compliant states and would not relent until the minimum wage is fully implemented across Nigeria.

“Inflation continues to rise unchecked, with the costs of basic necessities spiralling beyond the reach of the average worker.

“Access to energy has become a mirage while workers become increasingly poorer even as they work longer hours to meet their other basic needs.

“As a result, nutritional diseases like Kwashiorkor and Marasmus have resurfaced in Nigeria,” he said.

The NLC president, while calling for immediate, concrete interventions from the Federal Government, called for the implementation of comprehensive social protection policies to shield Nigerians from poverty and ensure a living wage.

He decried the fact that the current price of fuel is significantly higher than the real market price.

“NLC demands appropriate pricing of petrol and calls for the public domestic refineries in Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna to quickly come back on stream to break-up the monopolistic stranglehold the big players have on the industry.

“The NLC stands in solidarity with the workers and people of Rivers State. We demand an immediate resolution that allows the state to continue to have unfettered access to its rightful revenue allocations,” he said.

He called on President Bola Tinubu to release the remaining protesters in various jails across the nation as NLC had severally demanded earlier and creating adequate safeguards to avert future occurrence.

“NEC -in- session expressed its appreciation to the federal Government for providing Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses to the Congress but noted that they are grossly inadequate to address the huge gap in transportation.

“It also noted the apparent CNG infrastructure deficits around the country which may scuttle the entire CNG objectives.

“Inflation continues to rise unchecked, with the costs of basic necessities spiralling beyond the reach of the average worker.

“The Nigeria Labour Congress remains unwavering in its commitment to the wellbeing and dignity of Nigerian workers.” he said. (NaN)

By Paul Iyoghojie

Operatives of the Force Intelligence Unit of the Force Headquarters Annex, Obalende, Lagos have dragged Alfred Emmanuel of the United Bank For Africa, UBA, before a Lagos Magistrates’ Court for allegedly conniving with other staffers still at large to fraudulently withdraw the sum of N356,730,000 from the account of a customer of the bank, Professor Abiodun Johnson.

Alfred and his accomplices allegedly withdrew the sum without the customer’s consent, converted it to their use and fled.

Police alleged that Alfred, 39, attached to the University of Lagos, UNILAG branch of the bank allegedly connived with others still at large to forge the withdrawal booklet on an account belonging to the professor.

According to the police, the accused withdrew the money at different times to various accounts from where they withdrew and shared it.

Police further alleged that the secret became open when the Intelligence operatives at the Force Headquarters received a tip-off of the alleged fraudulent act and swiftly swung into action.

After days of intelligence gathering, Alfred was arrested at a hideout in Lagos.

A Police source, however, informed PMNEWS that operatives were intensifying efforts to arrest other suspects involved in the fraud.

Alfred was charged before the Igbosere Magistrates’ Court sitting at the Tinubu Magistrates’ Court, Lagos Island on a six-count bordering on conspiracy, fraudulent withdrawal, stealing and forgery, after an investigation by SUPOL Hyginus Idoko and his team.

Police prosecuting Counsel, Friday Mammeh told the Court in the charge marked W/25/2024 that the defendant and others still at large committed the offence between October 2023 and January 2024 at UBA bank UNILAG branch, Lagos.

Mammeh informed the court that the defendant betrayed the trust reposed in him by his employer and connived with others to forge the withdrawal booklet belonging to a customer of the bank, Professor Abiodun Johnson to withdraw the sum of N356,73,000 from his account without his consent and escaped.

He said the offences, the defendant committed were contrary to and punishable under sections 325, 333, 287, 335, 322,363 and 365 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

Alfred, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges and his Counsel, Barr. Austine Okeh prayed the Court to grant him bail in the most liberal terms insisting that the defendant is a first-time offender and would not jump bail if granted.

Magistrate, A.O. Alogba granted him N1m bail with two sureties in like sum, adjourned the case and ordered that the defendant be detained at the Ikoyi correctional facility till he perfected the bail conditions.

Source: PM News

Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has called on residents of Banana Island to continue obeying the building and environmental laws of the state, in order to mitigate the effects of flooding in the area.

Sanwo-Olu made the call on Saturday at the inauguration of some projects undertaken by Banana Island Property Owners and Residents Association, Lagos (BIPORAL).

The projects inaugurated include the Banana Island Administrative Office, a recreational park, Banana Island Club House, a fire fighting truck, a tennis court and an astroturf five-a-side football pitch.

Sanwo-Olu decried the lack of maintenance culture and urged the residents to maintain the facilities for the benefit of the public and future generations.

He, however, commended them for compliance with the state environmental and building laws, urging continuity.

The governor also lauded the efforts of the outgoing executives of the association, led by Mr Frank Aigbogun, and the new executive of Mr Abidemi Sonoiki for a good working relationship with government officials.

Residents had earlier appealed to the governor for immediate intervention over persistent flooding of the area, particularly whenever it rains, apparently due to drainage challenges, especially on the road leading to the estate.

Sanwo-Olu pledged that the Ministry of Environment would inspect the road to find lasting solutions.

He noted that the flood is caused by houses built on the water channel around the area, adding that the government would not hesitate to demolish such houses after inspecting the area.

“Somebody has built a house on a channel of water that is supposed to be flowing to the sea.

” I plead with you to work with us. I don’t have an interest in demolishing people’s houses or making life uncomfortable for them, but we have to do what we have to do.

“Meanwhile, I will direct the Commissioner, Ministry of the Environment, and Office of Drainage, as well as Waterfront Infrastructure to look at what the issues are and come up with possible and permanent solutions to the problem.

“I know that the challenge on that road is a major outfall. It needs to be able to discharge that water, right, onto the canal out on the right and see how we can also navigate some canal and get it on the left,” he said.

NAN

Source: PM News