Legal Nigeria

From Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa

President Bola Tinubu has defended the economic policies of his administration declaring that it is yielding the desired fruits.

He spoke at the All Nigeria Editors Conference (ANEC) of the Nigeria Guild of Editors (NGE) with the theme: “Economic growth and development strategies in resource-rich country” at the DSP Alamieyeseigha Banquet Hall, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

No fewer than 300 editors were in attendance to search for sustainable media financing practices.

Represented by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, President Tinubu said his administration took a bold step to end the ruinous fuel subsidy regime that deprives Nigeria from investing in critical physical and social infrastructure and the foreign exchange regime that was prone to unimaginable levels of arbitrage and abuse.

“While oil remains a significant source of revenue for Nigeria, we are investing heavily in other sectors to diversify our economy for sustainable growth.

“The launch of the Presidential Initiative on CNG is a deliberate strategy to harness our abundant gas resources.

“This is to bring down the high cost of transportation by about 60 per cent and also foster a clean and healthy environment for our citizens.

“This initiative has unlocked close to $200 million in private sector investments in the last one year,” he said.

He gave the assurance  that his administration  prioritised development of roads and railways as well as  upgrading of the ports to unlock economic opportunities.

Tinubu said the infrastructure projects would not only create jobs but would also lower the cost of doing business, enhancing Nigeria’s attractiveness as an investment destination.

He said the media industry  was expected to take advantage of opportunities provided by his administration.

“You can also access funds from the Bank of Industry at a single-digit interest rate for the development and expansion of your business.

“Our goal is to ensure that the benefits of growth reach every Nigerian, especially those who have been marginalised.

“The Social Investment Programme has been retooled to ensure economic relief is provided for our most vulnerable groups systematically and transparently. At the last count, 25 million Nigerians received N25,000 under the Conditional Cash Transfer.”

According to him,  the interventions are all open and accessible, requiring only genuine need and qualification, rather than connections to government or influence.

He said the Federal Government remained committed to ensuring that the programmes would reach those who would need them most.

Source: Daily Sun

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) says the troops of Operation Delta Safe destroyed 216 illegal refining sites across the Niger Delta region in October.

The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, made this known while briefing newsmen on the operations of the military on Thursday in Abuja.

Buba said the troops also destroyed 195 wooden boats as well as recovered 30 vehicles and 429 assorted ammunition during the period.

He said that the troops also impounded 3.2 million litres of crude oil, 763,860 litres of Automated Gas Oil (AGO), and 12,690 litres of Premium Motor Spirits (PMS).

According to him, troop operations have progressively increased the nation’s daily crude oil production to over 1.5 million barrels per day.

“During October, troops arrested 126 persons involved in crude oil theft and recovered 429 assorted ammunition,” he said.

Buba said the troops of Operation UDO KA in the South East conducted offensive operations against IPOB/ESN terror group in several states, killing 40 terrorists, apprehending 55 suspects, and rescuing 35 kidnapped hostages.

According to him, IPOB/ESN incidents were recorded in Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Imo, and Enugu States.

“Troops recovered 21 AK47 rifles, 24 pump action guns, 19 assorted arms, 177 live cartridges, and 191 assorted ammunition,” he added. (NAN)

Source: Vanguard

From Stanley Uzoaru, Owerri

An Improvised Explosive Device (IED) that  allegedly detonated at the Orlu International Market in Imo State on Tuesday has killed two  persons and leaving several others injured.

A witness said: “We were at the market when we heard an explosion. There was confusion everywhere as people ran for their lives. Some persons were killed in the explosion.

“We don’t know how it happened but some people said it exploded two times”.

However ,Imo State Police Public Relations Officer ( PPRO) Henry Okoye, confirmed the incident , adding that the culprits were the victims setting up the IED when it exploded.

“It was an IED that exploded.The Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, has deployed Anti-Bomb operatives to the scene.

“Two persons who incidentally were the hoodlums were killed in the process of setting up an IED and in the process, it exploded.”

Okoye has appealed for calm, saying,“We have deployed operatives to the area. No cause for alarm. We ask all Imolites to report suspicious activities in their areas and remain vigilant”.

Source: Daily Sun

By Adewale Sanyaolu

Nigeria, Libya and Angola have been tipped as countries to drive fresh $58 billion investments into the region’s oil and gas upstream sectors. The investment boom forecast formed major highlights  of discussions at the opening panel of the African Energy Week (AEW) 2024 conference, holding in Cape Town, South Africa, from November 4-8, 2024.

The event, themed “Making Energy Poverty History by 2030,” focused on the critical role African energy resources play in driving global energy security.

According to the experts, the growth is expected to be driven by Nigeria’s robust exploration and production activities, including the upcoming 2024 licensing bid round, alongside ongoing regulatory reforms, including President Bola Tinubu’s executive orders aimed at strengthening the energy business environment.

In addition to Nigeria’s effort, energy majors have also resumed exploration in Libya and Angola preparatory to the launch of its next offshore bid round. Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, in his keynote address, emphasised the need for Africa to take charge of its energy development. “We are the only ones who can truly harness and direct our resources to solve Africa’s unique energy needs,”.Lokpobiri highlighted Africa’s vast energy potential, noting that the continent holds 12 per cent of the world’s oil reserves and 7 per cent of its natural gas reserves.

However, despite this wealth of resources, the continent faces significant energy poverty, with over 600 million Africans lacking access to electricity and 900 million without clean cooking facilities.

The Minister reiterated the importance of energy security for Africa and stressed the need for collaborative efforts to secure the financing necessary to address these challenges.

He noted that, the establishment of the Africa Energy Bank (AEB) by the African Petroleum Producers’ Organization (APPO) remained a crucial step towards securing sustainable funding for the continent’s energy sector. “Africa must advance at its own pace, rather than be rushed by global pressures,” he said, underscoring the importance of a strategic, self-driven energy transition.

Senior Vice President and Chief Energy Strategist at S&P Global, Atul Arya, explained that Africa’s energy transition will be “multidimensional and multi-fueled,” underscoring the continent’s vast untapped potential.

“Africa’s energy future is bright. In 2019, $58 billion was invested in upstream activities, but the figure fell to $20 billion in 2020. However, we expect it to rebound to $58 billion again,”.

Angola’s Minister of Mineral Resources and Petroleum, Diamantino Pedro Azevedo,  said: “We began by changing the governance model of the sector, introducing two new regulators—one for upstream and one for midstream and downstream.

We’ve also implemented changes in laws and fiscal regimes to enhance production capacity and strengthen export potential. These reforms are expected to boost Angola’s position as a key player in regional petroleum trade,’’. Gabon’s Minister of Petroleum,  Marcel Abeke, urged investors to explore the country’s deep offshore reserves, which are expected to become critical for Africa’s gas production.

“The majority of Africa’s gas reserves are in deep waters. We don’t yet have the means to fully utilize these resources, but we’re calling on major investors to come to Africa and help unlock this potential,”. Tom Alweendo, Minister of Mines and Energy, Namibia, Tom Alweendo, said, “Emerging producers such as Namibia are focusing on accelerated field development. With offshore discoveries in the Orange Basin since 2023, Namibia plans to begin first oil production by 2029, positioning the country as a significant frontier play in global oil exploration. We made great discoveries over the last years, and we continue to have more interest coming in terms of exploration. Now, we are putting more emphasis on local content issues. Through local content, we will generate other economic activities within economy. When you have an alignment, whether its projects or local content or regulations, everything is possible,”. Vice President of Global Exploration at Chevron, Liz Schwareze, emphasised that the company is driving a multi-energy approach to unlock new sources of sustainable energy for Africa.

“Oil and gas will remain part of the future energy mix for much longer. Chevron sees tremendous potential in Africa, from geology to a welcoming environment, and we’re focused on delivering energy where it’s most needed, while also reducing the carbon intensity of our operations,” she said.

Source: Daily Sun

From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja

President Bola Tinubu, former vice president, Atiku Abubakar and the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general election, Mr. Peter Obi, have joined other world leaders, in congratulating the United States President-Elect, Donald Trump.

Trump, the Republican standard-bearer, defeated Vice-President Kamala Harris of the Democratic Party to become the 47th president.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the United Kingdom’s Prime Minister, Keir Starmer were among the first world leaders to congratulate him.

Tinubu in a statement by his spokesman, Mr Bayo Onanuga said that he looked forward to strengthening the ties between Nigeria and the United States amid the complex challenges and opportunities of the contemporary world.

Tinubu said Nigeria and the US can foster economic cooperation, promote peace, and address global challenges that affect our citizens.

The President said Trump’s victory reflects the trust and confidence the American people have placed on his leadership.

Tinubu, therefore, congratulated them on their commitment to democracy.

He said given Trump’s experience, his return would usher in an era of earnest, beneficial and reciprocal economic as well as development partnerships between Africa and the United States.

Acknowledging the United States’ influence, power and position in determining the trend and course of global events, the Nigerian leader trusts that President Trump will bring the world closer to peace and prosperity,” President Tinubu added.

In his goodwill message, former vice-president, Atiku, said Trump will stand as an enduring testament to the resilience and vitality of the democratic process.

In a statement on his X handle, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said there was a lesson to learn from the integrity of the US election, adding that Trump should ensure Nigeria conduct credible polls in the future.

“The narrative of President Trump’s political journey, marked by his struggles and triumphs, shall serve as an inspiring parable of courage in the face of adversity — a lesson in the art of rising after every fall, and ultimately, emerging victorious.

“As the world rejoices in the euphoria of his remarkable comeback, it is to be hoped that President Trump will continue his resolute advocacy for credible elections worldwide and remain steadfast in dismantling anti-democratic forces wherever they may lurk.

“The lesson for us in Nigeria is the integrity of the process that ensures a credible outcome. It is the expectation of every Nigerian that the Trump administration will stand resolute in ensuring free and fair elections in Nigeria and other places in the world,” he said.

Like Atiku, Mr.. Obi expressed the hope that Trump’s victory will help to deepen democracy globally and engender much-needed peace in the World. The former Anambra State governor commended the US electoral officials as well as the people of America for conducting a successful poll.

In his statement, Netanyahu who has had a difficult relationship with President Joe Biden spoke of “history’s greatest comeback”, adding that Trump’s return to office offered a “new beginning for America, a powerful recommitment to the great alliance between Israel and America”.

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: “I look forward to working with Trump in the years ahead.”

He added: “From growth and security to innovation and tech, I know that the UK-US special relationship will continue to prosper on both sides of the Atlantic for years to come.”

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, a close Trump ally said his election was “a much-needed victory for the world”.

Source: Daily Sun

Press Release

Bamofin Adetunji Akinyemi, MHRIR, Announces Scholarship and Microfinance Bank Initiative in Honour of Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa’s Birthday

As a tribute to Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa’s enduring leadership and in celebration of his upcoming birthday on November 11, Bamofin Adetunji Akinyemi, MHRIR, has pledged to sponsor ten undergraduates from Agege with ₦100,000 each, providing much-needed financial support for their educational journeys. This initiative is Akinyemi’s way of expressing gratitude for God’s protection over the esteemed Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly and his significant contributions to the Agege community.

In addition to this educational sponsorship, Bamofin Akinyemi is launching another transformative project: a partnership with private individuals to establish a Microfinance Bank in Orile Agege Local Government. This new financial institution aims to provide accessible, low-interest loans to community members, empowering them to start or expand small businesses. Through this initiative, Akinyemi seeks to foster economic growth and reduce financial barriers for residents eager to pursue entrepreneurial ventures.

Commenting on these efforts, Bamofin Akinyemi stated, “This is not just about celebrating a leader, but also about making tangible investments in the people of Agege. Rt. Hon. Obasa has shown exemplary leadership, and this is our way of supporting his vision for a prosperous, empowered community.”

Together, these initiatives reflect Akinyemi’s commitment to advancing education and economic development in Agege, ensuring the legacy of positive community impact lives on.

In commemoration of 15 years since the passing of renowned human rights advocate, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, the 21st Gani Fawehinmi Annual Lecture is scheduled for January 15, 2025. The theme, “Bretton Woods and the African Economies: Can Nigeria Survive Another Structural Adjustment Program?” promises a compelling discussion on Nigeria’s economic stability in the face of global financial challenges.

The event is expected to draw notable economists, legal experts, and activists who will examine whether Nigeria and similar economies can withstand the pressures of potential structural adjustments. Mark your calendars and join this important dialogue celebrating Gani’s legacy of truth and justice.

Save the Date: January 15, 2025!

By Adanna Nnamani, Abuja

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has eulogised the late Dr. Ogbonaya Onu, former Minister of Science and Technology, describing him as a man of great integrity.

Jonathan said that the country would undoubtedly be a better place if it had more individuals like Onu.

Speaking during the Night of Tribute held in honour of the former Abia State governor, Jonathan praised Onu’s selflessness and unwavering commitment to Nigeria, stating, “If we had one million people like him, Nigeria would be a much better place.”

He reflected on how Onu’s dedication to the country often surpassed his personal interests, lamenting that many Nigerians prioritise personal gain when given the opportunity to serve, which hinders progress.

He said: “Onu is someone that all we are saying about him are true. Just like his daughter said, the man thought about Nigeria more than he thought about his family. What I see with most Nigerians is that once you give them small opportunity to serve, they want to get money for their great grandchildren and that makes them do things that they should not. We hardly see people who are selfless.”
Minister of Works, David Umahi, also paid a heartfelt tribute to Onu, describing him as a “trailblazer” and a shining light for both his community and the state of Ebonyi.

“He was not just a mentor to me; he was a kinsman whose integrity, intellect, and passion for excellence inspired many, particularly in Uburu Community,” Umahi said.

He highlighted Onu’s leadership as crucial to the political balance in the community, which had produced two governors and two ministers in Nigeria’s history. Umahi further reflected on Onu’s deep connection to the Ebonyi South region, calling him a man “so loved by his entire community” that his loss was profoundly felt. “He was a blood brother to me and my wife, and a great leader whose legacy will continue to inspire generations,” Umahi added.

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, took a moment during the tribute to challenge those present to reflect on their own lives. “This is a night to question our conscience and ask if we are truly on the right path,” Kalu remarked. “Onu’s life was defined by humility, integrity, and selflessness. How many of us in this room can say we are as selfless as he was?”
Kalu recounted how Onu, despite not being the wealthiest of politicians, generously supported younger leaders, sharing from his modest salary to help fund campaigns and resolve conflicts quietly.

“Onu was not the richest, but he had the heart of a giver. At the time when many politicians will see the younger ones as a competition, Onu would take out of his meager salary and say, “take this, use it to support your campaign,” I was a beneficiary too. He was very supportive of the new generation of leaders. He resolved many conflicts without making noise. It is not easy to be powerful and humble, but that was what he represented. That is the man we are talking about.

You know, traditionally, we come here, we talk and we go home, but this should be an opportunity for us to reflect on our character. He should inspire us to do better,” Kalu said.
National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, also expressed deep respect for Onu’s legacy. Ganduje described Onu as a kind and respected politician whose contributions were significant in sustaining Nigeria’s democracy.

“Dr was a man of many firsts. He was a respected politician, a kind man. He will be remembered for his contributions to the sustenance of democracy in the country,” Ganduje said.

Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Geoffrey Nnaji, spoke on behalf of the scientific community, mourning the loss of Onu, whom he described as a pillar in the sector. “His death was a national shock, particularly for those of us in science and technology,” Nnaji said.

He specifically praised Onu for spearheading Executive Order No. 5, which prioritises local content in the nation’s technological and industrial development.

Source: Daily Sun

By Oluwapelumi Oluwayemi

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, has announced the death of Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff, at the age of 56.

He died on Tuesday night in Lagos after a period of illness.

In a statement, President Tinubu extended his condolences to the family and the Nigerian Armed Forces. He paid tribute to the late chief’s great contributions to the nation’s security and expressed his deep gratitude for his service.

“The nation has lost a true patriot and leader,” President Tinubu said. “May his soul rest in eternal peace.”

Born on February 28, 1968, in Ilobu, Osun State, Lt. General Lagbaja’s career spanned over three decades of distinguished service to the Nigerian Army.

He was appointed Chief of Army Staff on June 19, 2023, by President Tinubu.
Prior to his elevation, Lagbaja held various key military positions, including General Officer Commanding (GOC) of both the 82 and 1 Divisions, overseeing critical operations and security efforts across the country.

A product of the Nigerian Defence Academy, where he enlisted in 1987, Lt. General Lagbaja was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Nigerian Infantry Corps in 1992. Over the years, his leadership skill saw him rise through the ranks, contributing significantly to major internal security operations such as Operation ZAKI in Benue State, Operation Lafiya Dole in Borno, Operation Udoka in the Southeast, and Operation Forest Sanity in Kaduna and Niger States.

Adding to his remarkable military career, Lagbaja earned a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies from the prestigious U.S. Army War College, further enhancing his expertise in military leadership. He was also a holder of a Bachelor’s degree in Geography from the Nigerian Defence Academy and attended various specialized military training programs both locally and abroad, including the ECOWAS Standby Force Battalion Command Post Course in Mali and the Military Observers Course on Peacekeeping.


A highly decorated officer, Lt. General Lagbaja’s list of honours includes the Nigerian Army Medal, Grand Service Star, and Field Command Medal of Honour, among numerous others.

The late Chief of Army Staff is survived by his wife, Mariya, and their two children.

Source: PM News

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

Donald Trump has officially reclaimed the U.S. presidency, securing a sweeping victory over Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 election.

Trump surpassed the required 270 electoral votes with a total of 276, compared to Harris’s 219, with only a few states yet to finalise their results.

In the popular vote, Trump achieved 51%, amounting to 70,823,936 votes, while Harris captured 47.4%, translating to 65,764,997 votes.

This win marks Trump’s return to the Oval Office four years after his controversial exit following the January 6th Capitol riot, where he was accused of attempting to overturn the 2020 election results, which he lost to President Joe Biden.

Trump’s victory introduces an extraordinary legal scenario, as he awaits sentencing in New York on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records.

Additionally, he faces other criminal charges in a federal election subversion case led by special counsel Jack Smith.
Trump, 78, has used these legal battles as a central theme of his campaign, asserting that he is being targeted and pledging to pursue “retribution.”

Trump’s re-election makes him the second president in U.S. history to return to office after a defeat, following Grover Cleveland’s precedent.

He now holds a unique place as the same age as Biden was at his own inauguration, setting another record as one of the oldest U.S. presidents.
Trump’s latest victory underscores his firm control over the Republican Party, which has reshaped itself in his image since his initial election in 2016, despite previous moves to distance the party from him after the Capitol incident.

His re-election comes just months after surviving two assassination attempts, further intensifying his remarkable journey back to power.

Source: PM News