By Rukayat Adeyemi

The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) says not less than 25 states in the country have passed the Fiscal Responsibility Law.

It also said that 30 state have passed the Debt Management law.

The Director-General, NGF, Mr Asishana Okauru, said this while delivering a goodwill message at the Fiscal Responsibility Commission’s ( FRCs) Stakeholders Dialogue on Implementation of Section 45 of the Fiscal Responsibility Act (FRA) in Lagos.

Okauru, represented by Mr Olanrewaju Ajogbasile, Senior Programme Manager, NGF, said that states were also domesticating core principles of the FRA, regarding fiscal planning and management.

He revealed that 15 states recorded an average monthly debt service that was less than 40 per cent of gross Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) for 2021 financial year and total debt stock at the end of December 2021.

According to him, although section 45 of the FRA is the premise of the deliberation, all sections of the Act or state’s FRL’s, are reinforcing of each other in terms of delivering fiscal sustainability across the tiers of government.

“Unfortunately, certain flexibilities and a weak consequence system, renders full compliance a choice.

“Likewise, fiscal planning has largely remained unrealistic due to paucity of requisite data, low Own Source Revenue (OSR), increase in permanent and development expenditures.

“As well as the susceptibility to volatiles in FAAC, crude oil, inflation rate and exchange rate parameters, among others,” he said.

According to him, the NGF Secretariat will continue to advocate as good practice the tenets and provision of the Act through its engagements, initiatives and discourse around fiscal transparency, accountability and sustainability.

In a keynote address, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Dr George Akume, said that the dialogue was organised to promote the need for subnational to borrow through the right channels and for the right reasons.

Akume, represented by Dr David Eze, Assistant Director, Finance and Account, OSGF, stated that the commission must adhere to laid down rules that ensure that government officials at all levels do not abuse the process of borrowing.

He noted that governments across the world grow faster and better through very good and strong institutions, rules and regulations, hence the implementation of the FRA 2007 is worthwhile.

The SGF stated that there was the need to urgently address some of the excesses and infractions of the FRA 2007, particularly with the banks.

Akume also demanded for adequate machineries to effectively control and properly manage public resources, as public debt lowers the future generation’s well-being.

He expressed worry that the private sector may be discouraged from investing in the states, if the government needs to service debt and also provide a satisfactory environment for investment in infrastructure.

“Although, it is believed that the efficiency and equity benefit of borrowing by subnational government outweighs associated macroeconomic risk, factors such as lack of institutional capacity.

“Also, quest to control subnational government impulse in running excessive deficit and the need to take their fiscal excesses in the area of borrowing cannot be overemphasised,” he said.

According to him, systemic subnational insolvency may impede the growth of the capital market, deter fiscal space for infrastructure investment, threaten financial stability and core public services.

Akume said that might create pressure on the Federal Government to provide financial assistance to ensure a continued provision of essential public services.

The SGF insisted that a disciplined borrowing processes was needed to avoid the potential long term consequences of subnational borrowings of fiscal sustainability and macroeconomic stability.

He stated that FRA 2007 was enacted to ensure the coordination of the national economy policy between various tiers of government.

The SGF expressed that the ACT also enables the monitoring of agencies that were off budget, but whose activities had significant impact on fiscal policies.

He lauded FRC for organising the meeting at a time when the Nigeria economy is faced with key challenges.

Akume said that the country needed to develop strategy on how to structurally reform the economy, move labour and economic resources from low productivity to high productivity sector.

“The dialogue is justified, as the government is damning to get things right from the beginning to avoid mistakes that have dragged the nation into huge domestic and foreign debt.

“Accordingly, this particular direction is to ensure that the nation follows the laid down rules and regulations, in order to ensure prudence, transparency and accountability in the management of public funds and also to depart from such practices that have left so much debt for successive government,”: he said.

Earlier, the Executive Chairman, FRC, Mr Victor Muruako, said that banks and financial institutions in the country must ensure that their lending practices consistently comply with provisions of the FRA.

Muruako, a lawyer, said that to eliminate ambiguity, Section 45(1) of the FRA, all banks and financial institutions shall request and obtain Proof of Compliance with the provision of the Act before lending to any government in the federation.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that stateholders at the dialogue included: representatives of NGF, Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation, Chief Compliance (NIDC) Officers, Chief Risk Officers, Chief Legal Officers and Chief Executive Officers of banks, among others. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

By Funmilayo Adeyemi

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has alerted Nigerians to expect flood in nine states as Cameroon began the release of water from its Lagdo Dam.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the states are: Adamawa, Taraba, Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi, Anambra, Edo, Delta and Bayelsa.

Mr Mustapha Ahmed, Director General, NEMA, disclosed this on Saturday in Abuja when he briefed newsmen on the release of water from the dam.

He said that the nine affected states which had communities along the banks of River Benue may be affected by the water release, which is expected to last till the end of October.

Ahmed said that the recent release had led to the displacement of communities and could lead to further destruction of crops and other infrastructure.

“NEMA has been alerted on sudden increased inundation of riverine communities and farmlands along the banks of River Niger in Adamawa, Taraba and Benue states in the past 48 hours.

“The sudden situation is attributed to the rapid release of water from Lagdo fam in the Republic of Cameroon and has resulted in the displacement of several inhabitants of the affected communities.

“Furthermore, crops, lands and valuable infrastructure are at risk of getting washed away by the flood waters.

“Situation reports from Adamawa State confirmed the upsurge of flood waters along the flood plains of River Benue.

“The situation is expected to be replicated in downstream states of Taraba, Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi, Anambra, Edo, Delta and Bayelsa as the River Benue joins River Niger and flows to the Atlantic Ocean through the Niger Delta,” he said.

The director general also cautioned states and local government areas along the River Niger and Benue Basins to immediately activate their emergency response plans to avert potential damage and losses that could arise due to the flooding of communities.

Ahmed added that, so far, 159,157 persons had been affected by this year’s flooding, as 28 persons had lost their lives and 48,168 individuals displaced in 13 states across the country.

He, however, added that the agency would continue to provide further updates as it received more situation reports from the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) as well as frontline states’ emergency management agencies.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

By Thompson Yamput

The Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar-Audu, on Saturday expressed confidence that the reign of the new Ejeh of Ankpa, Alhaji Abubakar Ahmed-Yakubu, will bring about peaceful coexistence and development in Ankpa local government Area (LGA) of Kogi.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the minister made the remark in Ankpa at the official presentation of the Staff of Office to Ahmed-Yakubu as the fourth Ejeh of Ankpa by Gov. Yahaya Bello.

Abubakar-Audu said: “I am very confident that with your educational background, wealth of experience in the public and private sectors, and in business development, you will, beyond your traditional and religious roles, attract great investments to the great Ankpa Kingdom, Kogi and Nigeria as a whole.”.

“The Ejeh of Ankpa is not novel to the throne. As one who was born into royalty and watched your father and grand father rule his people in peace, unity and prosperity, you would rule to exceed the accomplishments of your ancestors.

“It is a prayer that every child becomes greater than his father, and so, I wish the Ejeh of Ankpa success, and many years of greatness and accomplishments on the throne.

“My relationship with His Royal Highness dates back to the times of our fathers, who shared the same value of fostering the unity, growth and development of the Igala Kingdom.

“We remain grateful to God Almighty, that today, we are alive to preserve the legacies of our fathers in the Igala Kingdom, Kogi State and our dear country, Nigeria,” Abubakar-Audu said.

The Minister, who extended his warm wishes to the traditional ruler,
described the Ejeh as one who was capable of ruling his people in a peaceful and united way to bring notable development and prosperity to Ankpa, Igala Kingdom and the country at large.

He added: “I join the people of Ankpa, Kogi State, and millions of Nigerians to congratulate His Royal Highness, Alhaji Abubakar Ahmed-Yakubu, on the official presentation of Staff of Office to him as the fourth Ejeh of Ankpa.

“As he sits on the throne of his anscestors. I pray that Almighty Allah will guide and direct him to lead his people in peace, unity, love and harmony that will bring notable development and prosperity to Ankpa, the entire Igala Kingdom and Kogi State.

“I also thank the Governor of Kogi, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, for his respect to the sacred stool of the Ejeh of Ankpa and for ensuring that the right person wears the crown.

“i thank the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Bar. Salami Ozigi, for ensuring the success of the event,” Abubakar-Audu added.

He urged the people of Ankpa to live peacefully and united under the reign of his Royal Highness, irrespective of their religious and political affiliation.

The Honorable Minister attended the event alongside Gov. Yahaya Bello, the Kogi State APC Gubernatorial Candidate, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, His Royal Majesty Attah of Igala, Matthew Opaluwa, Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, and His Royal Highness Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar.

Also present at the event were the Governor of Kastina State, Dikko Umar Radda and the former Governor of Katsina, Ibrahim Shema, amongst others. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Vincent Obi

By Emmanuel Oloniruha

The Catholic Brothers United of St Agnes Catholic Church, Maryland, Lagos, has urged government and other relevant agencies to embark on strategic plans to make entrepreneurship an engine of employment generation.

The Chairman, Organising Committee of the church annual lecture series, Mr Gabriel Akhumegie, made the call in a statement in Abuja.

Akhumegie said that one of the ways to boost employment was to encourage the entrepreneurial spirit of the citizens.

He said that in the light of the above, the church was set to hold its Annual Lecture series with the theme, ” The topic of the lecture Is, “Entrepreneurship drive: Tool for mitigating unemployment for National growth.”

He said that the choice of the topic of the event slated for Oct. 22, in the church premises, was hinged on the fact that, for a country to grow and develop, employment plays a key role.

“It is believed that one of the ways to boost employment is to encourage the entrepreneural spirit of the citizens.

“So, government and other relevant agencies should embark on strategic plans to make entrepreneurship an engine of employment generation.”

He said that Gov. Hope Uzodinma of Imo State would be the Chief Guest of Honour of the day, while the former Managing Director of Eco Bank Plc, Mr Patrick Akinwuntan, would be the Chairman of the occasion.

Akhumegie added that three seasoned and experienced technocrats would be discussing the topic, with Rev. Fr. George Ehusani, the Director of Lux Terra Leadership Foundation, as the moderator.

He listed the three discussants to include Mr Nelson Akerele, the Chief Executive Director of Royal Exchange Prudential Life Assurance Plc.

Others are Dr Mrs Omotayo Omotosho, former Director General, Nigerian Tourism Development Commission ( NTDC); Mr Rotimi Oyekanmi, Partner, Apis Partner LLP & former Chairman, Renmoney MFB L.td.

Also expected in attendance according to him, is Sen. Emmanuel Agboti as the Father of the day.

According to him, Dame Emmanuella Fashola, wife of former governor of Lagos State, who also is a Patroness of Catholic Brothers United (CBU) would be the Mother of the day.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

By Collins Yakubu-Hammer

The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has given the operators of Arise Television final warning on alleged violation of Nigeria Broadcasting Code.

Director-General of NBC, Balarabe Shehu llelah, gave the warning in a letter to the Chief Executive Officer of Arise Global Limited and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria on Saturday in Abuja.

In the letter titled “Preponderance of derogatory and incendiary remarks: Final warning”, Ilelah said the commission had observed with concern, the preponderance of incendiary remarks allowed on Arise News.

“This letter once again seeks to underscore the tremendous responsibility put on the broadcaster to manage array of guests that may feature on the station from time to time.

“For the benefit of doubt, on Oct. 5 during the programme – ‘The Morning Show’, anchored by Reuben Abati, Rufai Useni and Ayo Mairo Ese, featured Oladotun Hassan and Dele Farotimi as guests.

“The programme contained unguarded incendiary remarks by Dele Farotimi against the legislature, executive, judiciary and Mr President.

“Similarly, On Oct. 6, during the programme “Newsday”, it featured Kenneth Okonkwo (Spokesperson for Labour Party) who used derogatory remarks on air.

“Your attention is therefore drawn to the relevant sections of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code for compliance please,” Ilelah said.

The NBC boss explained further that section 1.10.3 says the broadcaster shall ensure that its presenter does not express his or her opinion in the programme, as a matter of professional standard.

He said section 3.3.1 (a) stipulates that the broadcaster shall ensure that any information given in a programme, in whatever form, is accurate

Illelah said 3.3.3 (c) provided that the broadcaster shall be above inherent biases, prejudices and subjective mindsets

According to section 3.3.1(e), the Broadcaster shall not treat any individual or organisation in an unjust and unfair manner in any programme.

The NBC boss further explained that section 5.3.3(b) of the code stated that the broadcaster shall, in using political materials for news and current affairs programmes, avoid hate speech, inflammatory, derogatory, and divisive remarks of allusions.

“Section 5.5.6 says, the broadcaster shall have a delay mechanism to guard against possible undesirable content.

“Arise TV is advised to install a delay mechanism to guard against possible undesirable contents as prescribed in Section 5.5.6 of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code.

“Please note that henceforth, your station shall be held liable for any infraction on your platform and applicable sanctions shall be imposed as prescribed by Law,” Ilelah stressed. (NAN)

Edited by Idris Abdulrahman

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By Hogan Bassey

Nigeria Youth Futures Fund (NYFF) Advisory Board has congratulated Luminate, a CSO, for collaborating with it toward raising funding for the success empowering Nigerian youth.

A statement by Maimuna Sani, NYFF’s Head of Communications and Community Engagement, indicated that the collaboration is aimed at focusing attention on a shared commitment to empowering the Nigerian youth.

Sani added that the cooperation is to catalyse impactful transformation for the long-term developmental of the country.

She said that the youth fund project set in motion in 2021, “is a five-year initiative funded by the MacArthur Foundation and Ford Foundation, and implemented by LEAP Africa, a non-profit organisation committed to inspiring, empowering and equipping a new cadre of African leaders.

According to her, the project is dedicated to nurturing youth leadership and activism in Nigeria by fostering outcomes-driven policy engagements and inclusive resourcing for medium and long-term national development.

“The NYFF embodies the collective determination to invest in the potential of Nigerian youth. By facilitating policy engagements and providing a platform for their voices and ideas to thrive, NYFF continues to pave the way for a brighter and more inclusive Nigeria,’’ she said in the statement.

Executive Director of LEAP Africa, Kehinde Ayeni, who spoke further on the project, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Luminate Group as a funding partner for the Nigeria Youth Futures Fund.

“Their commitment to join this fund underscores the power of collective action in engendering citizen-led participation in good governance and nation building.

“This partnership will amplify the project’s local and grassroots impact and create a lasting positive change in Nigeria at all levels.”

LEAP’s Director of Programmes in Africa, Amabelle Nwakanma, said Luminate’s experience in supporting social change initiatives would be invaluable to NYFF.

She said, “This collaboration will enable us to expand our reach and engagement efforts, ensuring that youth voices not only resonate but also drive tangible changes in our nation’s long-term development plans.”

Luminate’s contribution to NYFF funding pool is expected to enhance the fund’s capacity to drive sustainable and inclusive development initiatives.

She stated that the partnership is also expected to further advance the youth fund’s outreach and engagement across its areas of coverage and ensure that the youth not only speak with one voice, but are heard and carried along in the country’s long-term development plans.

Vice President Africa of Luminate, Toyin Akinniyi, said that the organisation as a supporter of efforts at creating just and fair societies, “is proud to co-fund the Nigeria Youth Futures Fund alongside the Ford Foundation and MacArthur Foundation.

“The active participation of young Africans in civic and political processes is critical to ensuring more representative and inclusive governance.

“The Nigeria Youth Futures Fund will continue to play a huge role in facilitating young people’s active participation and engagement in the development of policies and strategies that will shape Nigeria’s future, and that is why we are supporting this.”

Speaking earlier, Chinenye Uwanaka, the Co-chair of NYFF Advisory Board, expressed the group’s happiness to have Luminate join in the project, saying: “their vision and values strongly align with ours, and they have a history of supporting youth-led organisations.

“I really look forward to working with them to increase meaningful civic and political participation in Nigeria, and help create an environment where independent media thrives, especially in the challenging times we live in as a nation.”

The Luminate’s involvement solidifies NYFF’s foundation of collaboration, innovation, and resilience. Together with LEAP Africa, the MacArthur Foundation, and the Ford Foundation, Luminate becomes an integral part of this transformative journey that places the youth at the forefront of nation-building.” (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

By Felicia Imohimi

The Environmental Health Council of Nigeria (EHCON), says it is partnering with 3DATX Africa, a US based organisation on vehicular emission testing.

Dr Yakubu Baba, Registrar of EHCON stated this at a media dialogue on de-carbonisation control measure on Friday in Abuja.

He said that the partnership would ensure an emission free society and safeguard the health of the populace.

Baba said the essence of the vehicular testing a technological device provided by 3DATX was to protect the health of humans.

According to him, the objective of the vehicular testing technology was to reduce emission to the barest minimum to mitigate the effect of climate change.

He said the project been piloted in Abuja has so far tested no fewer than 100 vehicles at no cost.

“This is a very important instrument and Nigeria is the first to start benefiting in the whole of Africa.

“The beauty of the technology is after identifying the problem the company, and council will also come up with a solution base to make all the Nigerian vehicles emission-free.

“This will enable the country meet global standard on emission free vehicles.

“We need to collaborate so that we can be able to face the issue of climate change squarely, because we have seen the effect.

“ We also want to make Nigeria to benefit from the incentive that is within the UN framework,” he said.

He described the vehicular testing technology as significant in the history of environmental health in the country.

Baba said EHCON had agreement with the company in four areas which included research and development.

“Another segment of our agreement with the company is to develop the capacity of our practitioners which are over 40,000 across the country so that the state government will follow suit.

“The last segment of our relationship is where we can be able to create advocacy to Nigerians on the importance of ensuring that they make their vehicle available for assessment and inspection through this technology, ” he said.

Earlier, Matthew Suleiman, General Manager, 3DATX Corporation identified the device as highly sophisticated for measuring emission gases coming out from vehicle.

He explained that it can be used on generator and has temperature adjustment that processes the gas.

“The whole system is controlled while it is connected to the laptop, so we have software that will show us real time the emissions coming out from the car.

“We are measuring particles, carbonmonoxide, sulphur among others coming out from the vehicle depending on the configuration of the devices, ” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Joseph Edeh

By Collins Yakubu-Hammer
The National Youth Assembly of Nigeria (NYAN), an independent youth-centric group, has called for urgent action by the Federal Government to address the prevailing insecurity in the country.
This is contained in a statement by the National Speaker of NYAN, Rt. Hon. Usman Bashir Shagari on Friday in Abuja.
He underscored the Assembly’s unwavering commitment to fostering a secured Nigeria for all citizens.
“The recent abduction of schoolgirls in Zamfara has brought renewed anguish and discontent among Nigerians.
“The NYAN stands united with the families affected by this heinous act and we urge immediate action from the government to ensure the safe return of these innocent girls.
“We express our utmost disappointment with the current outcome and call on the government to take swift and decisive measures to secure their release.
“However, in spite of our disappointment, we remain resolute in our commitment to constructive engagement with the government and respective parties.
NYAN has been actively engaging with CSOs and youth groups on various platforms to facilitate discussions, propose solutions, and advocate for stronger security measures,” Shagari said.
According to him, collaborations and consultations are crucial in addressing the multifaceted challenges our nation faces.
“Furthermore, we urge the government to prioritise safety and well-being of all Nigerians.
“We call for increased investment in security infrastructure, enhanced intelligence gathering, and the prompt reformation of the security agencies to ensure their effectiveness and accountability.
“NYAN lends its voice to millions of concerned Nigerian citizens who yearn for a secure and prosperous Nation.
“We implore the government to take immediate and decisive action to restore peace to our communities and safeguard the lives and future of our citizens,” Shagari said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Abdulfatai Beki/Sadiya Hamza

By Veronica Dariya

Justice Mohammed Madugu of the FCT High Court, siting in Bwari has ordered that one Cecil Osakwe, a defendant in a case of alleged criminal intimidation be arraigned before the court.

Madugu ordered that Osakwe should be arraigned in the court on Nov. 6.

The judge gave the order in his ruling on Friday, following a motion for preliminary objection filed earlier by Osakwe’s Counsel, Mr Victor Giwa, asking the court to disregard the suit before it, based on an earlier judgment in another court.

Madugu, however, said that the earlier case with suit no: FCT/C/2435/2021, whose judgment was delivered by Justice Usman Othman in an FCT High Court in Jabi, Abuja was distinctively different from the one before him.

While noting that the parties involved in the matter were not the same and that the issues raised were also not the same, the judge explained that one was a civil case and the other, a criminal case.

“The defendant here is charged with potential criminal liability for a separate alleged offence, based on inquiries of police investigation, which includes intimidation, threat to life, harassment and fraud.

“The court is guided by principles of law. Civil and criminal matters are different. Civil matters do not automatically exonerate an individual from a potential criminal charge.

“I must emphasise, the judgement in a civil case with suit no: FCT/CV/2435/2021, does not absolve Mr Cecil Osakwe from a potential criminal activity.

“It is in the interest of justice that the defendant determines his innocence with respect to the claimant’s charge.’’

According to Madugu, the defendant is to be arraigned and plea charges filed against him.

“The arraignment is to provide the prosecution an opportunity, to prove the case beyond reasonable doubt while the defendant stands in defence.”

The judge while refusing the defence notice of preliminary objection also adjourned the matter until Nov. 6 for arraignment of the suspect.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the defendant, Cecil Osakwe, a property developer, was charged with fraud and criminal intimidation of one Ms Asabe Waziri.

In the charge, with number CR/244/2022, dated June 9, 2022 and filed on June 14, 2022, Osakwe was accused of Advanced Fee Fraud, punishable under Section 3(1) of the Laws of the Federation, 2004.

Osakwe was accused of threatening Waziri with injury, and intent to cause her harm and even death.

The act was allegedly, to cause Waziri to stop requesting her receipt of payment for the purchase of a unit of two bedroom flat with a maid’s quarter at Abeh Signature Apartments in Maitama Abuja.

Maitama is a cozy suburb of Abuja.

The charge read: “That you Cecil Osakwe, male, adult of Abeh Signature Ltd., sometime in 2021 in Abuja, Nigeria within the jurisdiction of this honourable court obtained by false pretence and with intent to defraud, the sum of N130,000,000 00.

“The sum is payment for the purchase of a two-bedroom flat with a maid’s quarter at Abeh Signature Apartment, located at No. 1, Mekong Close, Maitama, Abuja from one Ms Asabe Waziri.

“You failed to deliver the property and you did not refund her money.

“You thereby committed an offence, contrary to Section 3 (1), and punishable under same Section of the Advance Fee Fraud, Cap. Ab, LFN, 2004.

“That you Cecil Osakwe, male, adult of Abeh Signature Limited, sometime in 2021 in Abuja, Nigeria within the jurisdiction of this honourable court threatened Ms Asabe Waziri with injury to her person and reputation.

“This you did with intent to cause harm and even death in order to cause her to stop requesting legitimately from you her receipt for payment for the purchase of a unit of two bedroom flat with a maid’s quarter at Abeh Signature Apartment, 1, Mekong Close, Abuja from you and the deeds of assignment thereof.

“You thereby committed an offence, contrary to Section 396 (2) and punishable under Section 397(a) of the Penal Code Law (Cap. 89).”

NAN also reports that the matter was re-assigned to Justice Mohammed Madugu after the defendant failed on three occasions, to appear before Justice Mohammed Idris of the FCT High Court, sitting in Jabi for arraignment.

The Defence Counsel, Mr Victor Giwa, had earlier, argued that the subject-matter before the court by the prosecuting counsel had previously been decided and settled by another court in a suit file: FCT/HC /CV/2435/ 2021 on March 17, 2022.

In a preliminary objection, Giwa submitted that the court should decline the prosecutor’s application to re-litigate the matter and dismiss it for lack of jurisdiction.

He argued that an appeal was already ongoing on the earlier judgment and that hearing the matter would only mean “a breach of Section 287(3) of the Constitution and a serious professional misconduct against any counsel to represent”.

Giwa also asked the court to charge the prosecuting counsel N100, 000 for re-litigating the matter, adding that the move was not only an abuse of the court but also intended to extort the defendant. (NAN)

Edited By Silas Nwoha

By Deborah Coker

The Minister of Defence, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru, has inaugurated a 23-member National Planning Committee to begin preparations for the 2024 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration (AFRDc).

This is contained in a statement in Abuja on Friday, by Mr Hope Attari, Acting Director of Press and Public Relations in the Ministry of Defence.

Badaru while inaugurating the committee charged them to put in their best contribution to the event.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event which holds annually on Jan. 15, is set aside to celebrate the fallen heroes and veterans who sacrifice much to the nation.

He said that the Federal Government remains grateful to the fallen heroes who laid their lives to guarantee the corporate existence of the country.

He therefore urged members to come up with laudable initiatives and events to celebrate the patriotism displayed by the nation’s fallen heroes.

According to him, Armed Forces Remembrance Day is an annual event marked on the Jan. 15 to commemorate the nation’s departed compatriots as well as to honour our living veterans.

“They have given their lives for the peace and security of our dear nation and are therefore worthy of being celebrated as a mark of appreciation.

“The events are specifically organised to honour and celebrate those that have laid down their lives in the defence of our territorial integrity and promotion of global peace”.

NAN also reports that members of the national planning committee were drawn from various ministries, departments and agencies. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Sadiya Hamza