News Agency of Nigeria
NASS lauds Wike’s exceptional performance as FCT minister
Metro , Politics

NASS lauds Wike’s exceptional performance as FCT minister

By Philip Yatai

The leadership and members of the National Assembly have lauded the exceptional performance of Mr Nyesom Wike as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The lawmakers gave the commendation when Wike appeared before them to defend the N1.78 trillion FCT Statutory Budget proposal for the 2025 fiscal year.

The Chairman, Senate Committee on FCT, Sen. Ibrahim Bomai particularly commended Wike for the wonderful performance in just a short time as FCT minister along with the FCT Minister of State Dr Mariya Mahmoud.

Bomai also said he was impressed with the FCT’s 2025 revenue and fiscal framework saying, “this is the first time FCT is proposing to generate about N1.7 trillion.

“What FCT has presented is one of the best budgets so far.

“Also, the N608 billion projected Internally Generated Revenue for 2025 also shows a significant improvement,” he said.

Also, Sen. Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central, PDP), commended the minister for the comprehensive turnaround of Abuja as Nigeria’s capital city.

Ningi, who equates the current status of the FCT with Johannesburg and Cairo, however, urged the minister to do more in improving the security in the territory.

Similarly, Sen. Mohammed Ndume (Borno South APC) said: “Everybody that knows where Abuja was two years ago and what it is now, knows that you have done well.

“Even yesterday my friend told me that Wike is doing fine, and I said no, it is the Senate that is doing fine because without approving his budget, he cannot do anything”.

Ndume pledged the continued support of the Senate to enable him to succeed.

On his part, Sen. Osita Ozunaso (Imo West, APC) said that the FCT budget performance was commendable, particularly the reduction in personnel cost to allocate more funds to capital projects.

“Whenever we are sitting on budgets, people come here and they increase the personnel cost, but you have reduced the personnel cost in the 2025 proposed budget by N21 billion from the amount allocated in 2024.

“Secondly, you have more capital expenditure than recurrent. This is commendable,” Ozunaso said.

Sen. Adams Oshiomhole (Edo North, APC) described Wike as one of the best ministers under the APC administration.

Oshiomhole noted that too much money was being spent on overhead with very little available for infrastructure, “what Wike has done is worth noting and commending”.

He also commended the FCT minister for implementing specific programmes to bring life to rural communities in FCT.

This, he said, was the most potent statement to decongest the city, by taking development to the people where they live.

Also, Sen. Ireti Kingibe (FCT, LP), who had been very critical of Wike’s leadership style, also commended the minister for the visible performance which she said was undisputable.

Earlier, at the House of Representatives, the Chairman of the Committee on FCT, Rep. Muktar Betara, commended Wike for the ongoing transformation of the nation’s capital.

Other lawmakers took turns to applaud the exemplary performance and dedication of the FCT minister to deliver the dividend of democracy to FCT residents in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

Earlier, Wike appealed to the lawmakers to approve the N1.78 trillion FCT Statutory Budget proposal for the 2025 fiscal year.

He explained that out of the N1.78 trillion, N1.28 trillion was earmarked for capital projects, representing 72.3 per cent, while N494.1 billion was set aside for recurrent expenditure representing 27.7 per cent. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Gombe Govt. approves N1.12bn for faculty of agriculture
Education

Gombe Govt. approves N1.12bn for faculty of agriculture

By Peter Uwumarogie

The Gombe State Government has approved N1.12 billion to fasttrack take-off of the Faculty of Agriculture in the Gombe State University.

Mr Muhammad Shettima, Commissioner for Higher Education, said this at the end of the State Executive Council (SEC) meeting, on Wednesday in Gombe.

He said the council approved the take-over of Government Secondary School, Malam-Sidi in Kwami Local Government Area, as the structure for the newly established faculty.

Shettima said the gesture aligned with Gov. Inuwa Yahaya administration’s commitment to advance educational research and sustainable development.

He said the state and its neighbours were facing agricultural challenges that necessitated the establishment of the faculty to help contribute towards addressing agriculture-related issues.

“The council approved N1.12 billion as first year operational expenses for the establishment and commencement of academic programmes in key agriculture disciplines,’’ he said.

According to Shettima, the new faculty will have four departments and 10 programmes including Agricultural and Animal Sciences, Agric-economics and Extension, Crop and Soil Sciences, Fisheries and Wildlife Management. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Nkiru Ifeajuna/Rabiu Sani-Ali

Bill to establish Medical Sciences varsity, Funtua, scales 2nd reading in Senate
Politics

Bill to establish Medical Sciences varsity, Funtua, scales 2nd reading in Senate

By Naomi Sharang

A bill to establish Federal University of Medical and Health Sciences, Funtua, Katsina State, has scaled second reading in the Senate.

This followed the presentation of the lead debate by the sponsor of the bill, Sen. Muntari Dandutse, during plenary on Wednesday.

Leading the debate, Dandutse said that the bill was read for the first time on Feb. 6.

He said that the bill sought to, among other things, establish the university as a hub for inclusive learning, with particular focus on medical and health sciences.

“The university, when established, is to be located in Funtua, Katsina State.

“The choice of Funtua as the proposed site of the university is deliberate, as it is central and more accessible to neighbouring states like Zamfara, Sokoto and others.

“It is instructive to also note that among the three senatorial districts in Katsina State, Funtua senatorial zone is yet to have a tertiary institution established in it,” he said.

The senator further stated that the establishment of the specialised university would provide opportunities for Nigerians in the North-West zone and other parts of the country to acquire the requisite knowledge and skills in the medical field.

In his remarks, President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, said that the financial support for the institution had already been provided by the governor of Katsina State.

“It means they won’t have issues of facilities and all that. Medical sciences, medical studies can be very costly and medical equipment can also be costly.

“But of course, judging from the preparation, we look forward to the outcome of the training of these children.

“And we pray that they will come out to assist Nigeria and Nigerians and the global community,” Akpabio said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Editted by Abdulfatai Beki/’Wale Sadeeq

Road Safety International Film Festival set for debut – FRSC Official
Entertainment

Road Safety International Film Festival set for debut – FRSC Official

Festival

By Ibironke Ariyo and Joshua Olomu

The Road Safety International Film Festival (RSIFF), a film fiesta geared towards using cinematic platforms for road safety campaign, is set for debut in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The festival is to be staged by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and I Am the Future of Nigeria Youth Initiative (IFON) in collaboration with the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that FRSC Corps Marshal, Malam Shehu Mohammed, made the disclosure in a joint news conference by the organisations on Wednesday in Abuja.

According to Mohammed, the festival slated for the third quarter of the year, is part of a strategic partnership between the corps and IFON, targeted at creating a unique entertainment-based education project that will complement existing efforts of the corps.

He said the film festival tagged “Drive Right, Drive Smart”, was a unique initiative designed to complement FRSC’s existing road safety programmes through visual storytelling.

“This initiative leverages the power of film and celebrity influence to educate Nigerians on road safety rules and responsible driving behaviour.

“It intends to present a unique and innovative approach to improving road safety awareness in Nigeria.

“By integrating entertainment with education, the festival proposes to effectively engage the public and promote responsible road use in a memorable and impactful manner.

“This proposed Road Safety Film Festival, which is first of its kind in Nigeria, has been happening across the globe.

“A list of few countries it has taken place include, India National Road Safety Short Film Festival, Kolkata, European Festival of Road Safety Film, France and Chile Global Road Safety Film Festival.

“Others include Morocco Global Road Safety Film Festival, Ethiopia Global Road Safety Film Festival and Congo European Festival of Road Safety Film.

“The corps is convinced that the objectives of this festival will help the re-education and re-orientation of road users through dramatising real life scenarios using short films, skits and interactive media contents.

“To this end, we call on all entertainers, skit makers, content creators, actors, movie producers and youths to join hands with FRSC in promoting Safer Roads in Nigeria through this novel initiative,” he said.

According to the Corps Marshal, the proposed film fiesta will improve understanding of road safety laws in a relatable and entertaining manner, and drive behavioural change by demonstrating real life traffic situations.

He further said that the event would offer an opportunity to increase public awareness and compliance with road safety regulations and improve visibility and engagements with younger demographics.

He added that the festival would also provide easier access to engaging and educational contents on multiple media platforms, reduce crashes through improved driver education and achieve compliance with traffic regulations.

Earlier in her speech, Mrs Noni Okocha, Chief Executive Officer of IFON, said the ‘Drive Right, Drive Smart’ campaign was a ground-breaking national road safety initiative, that would impact greatly on road users.

“This campaign is not just another programme; it is Nigeria’s first-ever road safety movement powered by film, media and celebrity advocacy, under the umbrella of the Road Safety International Film Festival (RSIFF),

“In collaboration with the Actors Guild of Nigeria and other key partners, we are harnessing the power of Nollywood storytelling and youth engagement to make road safety education more relatable, impactful, and far-reaching.

“Road traffic crashes remain one of the leading causes of death in Nigeria, especially among our youth, and this makes the campaign not just timely, but urgent.

“When we come together, government agencies, communities, schools, media, and celebrities—we cultivate a culture where safety becomes our second nature.

“Together, we can save lives, we can protect families, we can build a future where every road user gets home safely,” she said.

In his remarks, AGN National President, Emeka Rollas, pledged the support of Nigerian actors to the initiative, adding that actors were influencers of culture, mirrors of society, and agents of change.

“The Actors Guild of Nigeria is proud to collaborate with ‘I Am the Future of Nigeria Youth Initiative’ (IFON) and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) on this historic journey.

“Many of our actors have already signed on as Road Safety Ambassadors., and they are lending their voices, faces, and influence to this noble cause as we call on many more to join.

“To my colleagues in Nollywood, this is our opportunity to give back to society by using our art for advocacy; let us create stories that matter, stories that save lives.

“When film meets purpose, magic happens; let us make that magic count, let us make Nigeria’s roads safer one story at a time,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi

L-PRES engages stakeholders on livestock infrastructure sustainability
Agriculture

L-PRES engages stakeholders on livestock infrastructure sustainability

By Felicia Imohimi

The Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES) has commenced stakeholder engagement towards developing a sustainability plan for livestock infrastructure constructed across 20 states.

Speaking at a workshop on Wednesday in Abuja, Dr Sanusi Abubakar, National Project Coordinator of L-PRES, expressed concern over the number of development projects abandoned following the withdrawal of funding partners.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the workshop, themed “Beyond L-PRES: What Next?”, focused on ensuring the sustainability of animal health and husbandry infrastructure established under the project.

Abubakar stated that the primary aim of the workshop was to develop a comprehensive and actionable sustainability plan that would serve as an effective exit strategy for L-PRES, while ensuring the lasting impact of its investments.

According to him, the forum brought together key stakeholders from both the public and private sectors, including development partners.

“It is to deliberate on strategies for ensuring the long-term sustainability, optimal use, and effective maintenance of critical livestock infrastructure after the project’s conclusion.

“The workshop seeks to address common challenges such as poor maintenance, underutilisation, and the frequent abandonment of donor-funded infrastructure projects in Nigeria,” he said.

Abubakar outlined the workshop’s objectives, which include formulating a robust sustainability plan to ensure the continuity and long-term viability of all animal health and livestock infrastructure developed under L-PRES.

Other objectives, he noted, are the development of sustainable economic strategies through Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models to support the ongoing operation of the infrastructure.

He added that the workshop also aims to create incentive frameworks to encourage suppliers and industry practitioners to adopt and support existing livestock infrastructure for mutual benefit.

“Further goals include promoting private sector involvement in animal health services and encouraging community participation in safeguarding livestock infrastructure.

“The workshop is also intended to harness expert insights, best practices, and innovative approaches from key industry players to guide the implementation of sustainable infrastructure practices,” he added.

Abubakar identified L-PRES as a $500 million World Bank-funded project aimed at transforming animal health services, improving livestock productivity, strengthening value chains, and enhancing the resilience of livestock-reliant communities nationwide.

He noted that the project had made strategic investments in critical animal health and husbandry infrastructure across the country, including model veterinary hospitals, veterinary diagnostic laboratories, solar-powered cold storage facilities, and modern abattoirs.

“These investments are designed to strengthen animal health delivery systems, improve food safety and security, protect public health, and stimulate economic development within the livestock sector,” he said.

Also, Dr Chidozie Anyiro, World Bank Co-Task Team Leader for L-PRES, revealed that livestock infrastructure under the project is valued at over $200 million.

He stressed the importance of ensuring the sustainability and effective management of the facilities constructed, in order to avoid the common pitfall of post-project neglect.

“Effective management and long-term functionality of livestock infrastructure are critical to achieving sustainability, enhancing efficiency, improving animal welfare, and increasing livestock production.

“By exploring best practices, innovative solutions, and addressing prevailing challenges, we can collectively improve the performance and longevity of livestock infrastructure in Nigeria,” Anyiro said. (NAN)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

U.S./Africa diplomacy now investment-led, not assistance-led- Envoy
Foreign

U.S./Africa diplomacy now investment-led, not assistance-led- Envoy

By Mark Longyen

Amb. Troy Fitrell, U.S. Department of State’s acting Head of Africa Bureau, says the country has now shifted its diplomacy in Sub-Saharan Africa from an ‘assistant-led’ to an ‘investment-led’ strategy.

The envoy, who disclosed this in a digital news conference during an official visit to West Africa, explained that going forward, commercial diplomacy would be the core focus of U.S./African engagement.

He said that the Donald Trump administration had adopted new commercial diplomacy strategy, and expressed the hope that the policy would attract private sector actors and galvanise local economies.

Fitrell said that was why earlier in February, President Donald Trump rescinded more than 90 per cent of foreign assistance contracts by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).

According to him, the decision has resulted to U.S. overall aid cut of about 60 billion dollars, affecting many sectors, including Africa’s health funding, war-affected populations, humanitarian and development assistance programmes.

He said “we have for decades been defined by an assistance-led paradigm, and we are directly and intentionally shifting that toward an investment-led strategy.

“For too long, we’ve prioritised development assistance over promoting U.S. commercial engagement in Africa but the focus, going forward, will be trade, not aid.

“U.S. ambassadors are now being evaluated on how effectively they advocate for U.S. business and the number of deals they facilitate.”

The envoy explained that in line with the new policy, U.S. ambassadors serving in Africa were mandated to explore commercial opportunities and to advocate for the country’s companies.

He said the envoys were also expected to identify market reforms needed to enhance the business environment and engage with African governments on implementation.

He added that “with focus on commercial diplomacy, we must do more to connect a greater number of U.S. companies to opportunities in Africa, especially those that have yet to do business on the continent.

“With that, we can connect a greater share of the nearly 300,000 export-ready U.S. companies and the 120 trillion dollars U.S. capital market to the African continent.”

Fitrell said the Lobito Corridor, a multi-billion dollar railroad project connecting DR Congo, Zambia, and Angola with its Lobito Port for the transportation of essential goods and minerals, was the kind of project that would attract U.S. investment.

He said the future of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), the cornerstone of U.S. economic relations with dozens of African nations, rested with the U.S. Congress, adding that he was AGOA’s fan.

“My expectation is if there’s going to be a renewal of AGOA, it will probably reflect the modern world, rather than the one from 25 years ago when it was first founded,” he added.

The envoy said that the U.S. engagement with Africa would lead to more jobs and the development of Africa’s middle class.

“Just in the first 100 days of the Donal Trump administration, we’ve had 33 new deals worth more than six billion dollars, including several that were concluded last week in Abidjan,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Fitrell also took part in an event, the Africa CEO Forum, organised by the U.S. embassy in Abidjan and the U.S Chamber of Commerce.

He also laid out a six-pronged action plan and addressed the American Chambers of Commerce Business Summit 2025 at the forum, which was co-hosted by Jeune Afrique Media Group and the International Finance Corporation.(NAN)

Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

NOGOF 2025: Indigenous oil coys seek enabling environment, patronage
Oil & Gas

NOGOF 2025: Indigenous oil coys seek enabling environment, patronage

By Emmanuella Anokam and Nathan Nwakamma

Digital institute to train 5m workers on AI in 3 years
Science & Tech

Digital institute to train 5m workers on AI in 3 years

By Jessica Dogo

The Digital Bridge Institute (DBI) says that it will train five million Nigerian workers on Artificial Intelligence (AI) over the next three years.

The President of DBI, Mr David Daser, said this at the 21st anniversary celebration of the institute in Abuja with the theme: “Preparing Today’s Workforce for Tomorrow’s Market.”

Daser urged Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of federal, state and local governments to support and partner with DBI on the mission.

He said that DBI aimed to position Nigeria as a hub for AI innovation and training by working together with partners to ensure that the country did not lag behind in the AI revolution.

He expressed optimism that DBI, with its global network of partners and commitment to excellence, would achieve its goal of training millions of Nigerians in AI.

He said the initiative had the potential to drive economic growth, improve productivity, and enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global economy.

“To this end, we call on all Nigerians, leaders of MDAs, governors, and local government authorities to support and partner with DBI in this critical mission.

“Nigeria must not lag behind in the Al revolution. Nigeria is poised to become a hub for Al Innovation and training and DBI is fully committed to making this a reality,” he said.

In his keynote address, the Managing Director, Galaxy Backbone (GBB), Prof. Ibrahim Adeyanju, said that ICT firms were not only expected to deliver but to shape the workforce in harnessing and securing innovations for tomorrow’s social realities.

Adeyanju, represented by GBB’s Group Lead, Research Innovation and Skills, Mr Akintayo Bamise said the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2020, projected that by 2025, 50 per cent of all employees would need re-skilling.

“They will need re-skilling due to the adoption of new technologies and the evolving nature of work.

“In the ICT sector, this figure will even be higher due to the rapid automation and emerging cybersecurity threats.

“Thus, if we fail to act, we risk a scenario where innovation outpaces implementation, and talent becomes a bottleneck rather than a bridge,’’ he said.

He recalled that the 4th industrial revolution had fundamentally altered the definition of being qualified for the modern workplace.

“Today, it has demonstrated competencies that matter most.

“The reality is that we are at a pivotal moment in history, and the global economy is evolving at an unprecedented pace driven by technological innovation, and digital transformation.

“Technical skills must be complemented by critical thinking and adaptability.

“The reality is that we live in a world where the pace of technological revolution is not just accelerating, it is exponential.

“Global certifications are emerging as the new standard of competence. Also, lifelong learning is replacing one-time education, so we all need to sign up with lifelong learners,” Adeyanju said.

He said that digital literacy was not just an advantage but also the baseline requirement for participation in the digital economy.

In a goodwill message, Mr Evelyn Lewis, the Chief Executive Officer of SBTS Group LLC, a U.S-based software firm, commended DBI’s growth and transformation, saying the institute had shown resilience and tenacity.

Lewis said that the relationship between DBI and its partners aimed to provide digital training and skills development to Nigerians.

“We have now put together over an 800-course platform with DBI and fully equipped to provide modern and relevant training to its students,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Uche Anunne

Abuja enterprise agency seeks collaborations for conducive business environment for MSMEs
Economy/Business

Abuja enterprise agency seeks collaborations for conducive business environment for MSMEs

By Vivian Emoni

The Abuja Enterprises Agency (AEA) says it is collaborating with local and international organisations to support Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) for a conducive business environment.

said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

Ugwuada-Ezirigwe said that the agency was partnering with Japan International Agency (JICA) and Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) to support Nigerian MSMEs to be more productive in their business.

“We have collaboration, not only with JICA, but also with other international and national organisations who actually provide us with needed manpower training.

“We collaborated with KOICA to establish a Startup Digital Innovation Academy (SDIA) in the agency`s complex,’’ he said.

Ugwuada-Ezirigwe said that the initiative was part of KOICA’s broader Abuja Centre for Entrepreneur (ACE) project, which is aimed at supporting the growth of MSMEs in Abuja and beyond.

He said that SDIA served as a digital hub for SMEs, providing them with training, resources, and opportunities to improve their digital capabilities.

According to him, the agency is also partnering with the National Information Technology Agency (NITDA) to enhance investment for job creation.

“The collaboration aims to empower youth, attract investment, and create jobs, potentially through initiatives like the Abuja Start-up Hub.

“The agency is working with the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) to revolutionise the shea butter industry in Nigeria.

“The objective of the partnership is to enhance production, processing and commercialisation of shea butter, thereby promoting sustainable development and empowering local communities.

“Beyond all these engagements, the agency is also partnering with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

“The programme has gone a long way in supporting the agency for easy access in technology to help leverage and enhance businesses for our SMEs,” he said.

The AEA boss said that collaboration was crucial in the process of developing MSMEs.

“As a matter of fact, most of our activities are purely based on partnerships because the SMEs sector is so huge that we really cannot do the job alone.

“We require support, partnership and collaboration, not just from the public sector alone, but from the private sector as well,’’ he said.

Ugwuada-Ezirigwe said that the AEA was planning to host Abuja Farmers Food Fair (AFFF), adding that the agency was working with Global Learning Hub to ensure the success of the programme.

He said that the global learning hub was a platform that would facilitate access to training and knowledge-sharing, thereby, attracting people across the city.

“It aims to showcase agricultural innovations, connecting farmers with access markets and promoting economic growth in Abuja.

“The AFFF is a significant event for the agricultural sector in Abuja, offering opportunities for networking, market access, and economic growth.

“It is also a chance to explore groundbreaking innovations, connecting and interacting with industry leaders.

“The fair is expected to play a role in transforming Abuja into a leading agro-commerce and innovation hub in Nigeria,” he said.

He said that the AEA was the FCT’s vehicle for wealth creation, employment generation and poverty eradication. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrhahman

“Shadow Govt.”: Court to hear DSS suit against Pat Utomi June 25
Judiciary

“Shadow Govt.”: Court to hear DSS suit against Pat Utomi June 25

By Taiye Agbaje
The Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday, fixed June 25 for the hearing of a suit filed by the Department of State Services (DSS) against Prof. Pat Utomi over his alleged plan to establish what he called, “a shadow government” in the country.
Justice James Omotosho fixed the date after DSS’ counsel, Akinlolu Kehinde, SAN, moved a motion ex-parte to serve court documents on Utomi in his Lagos address by means of courier service.
The development followed the inability of the plaintiff to effect the service of the court papers on Utomi, a Professor of Political Economy and Management Expert.
The security agency gave Utomi’s Lagos address as, “No. 6, Balarabe Musa Crescent, off Samuel Manuwa Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, State.”
After Kehinde argued the motion, Justice Omotosho granted the application and ordered Utomi to be served by substituted means.
 The judge adjourned the matter until June 25 for hearing.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the DSS, in the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/937/2025, prayed the court to declare the planned shadow government as an attack on the constitution.
In the suit, Utomi, the 2007 Presidential Candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), is sued as sole defendant.
The security outfit, in the suit filed on May 13 by Kehinde, contended that the move by Utomi was intended to create chaos and destabilise the country.
The DSS argued that not only was the planned shadow government an aberration, it constituted a grave attack on the constitution and a threat to the democratically elected government that is currently in place.
It expressed concern that such a structure, styled as a “shadow government,” if left unchecked, may incite political unrest, cause inter-group tensions, and embolden other unlawful actors or separatist entities to replicate similar parallel arrangements, all of which would pose a grave threat to national security.
The plaintiff, therefore, urged the court to declare the purported “shadow government” or “shadow cabinet” being planned by Utomi and his associates as “unconstitutional and amounts to an attempt to create a parallel authority not recognised by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).”
The department also sought a declaration that “under Sections 1(1), 1(2) and 14(2)(a) of the Constitution, the establishment or operation of any governmental authority or structure outside the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) is unconstitutional, null, and void.”
The plaintiff prayed the court to issue an order of perpetual injunction, restraining Utomi, his agents and associates “from further taking any steps towards the establishment or operation of a ‘shadow government,’ ‘shadow cabinet’ or any similar entity not recognised by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).”
The plaintiff, in its grounds of argument, hinged its prayers on the fact that Section 1(1) of the Constitution declares its supremacy and binding force on all persons and authorities in Nigeria.
It added that Section 1(2) prohibits the governance of Nigeria or any part thereof except in accordance with the provisions of the constitution.
According to the DSS, Section 14(2Xa) states that sovereignty belongs to the people of Nigeria, from whom government through the constitution derives all its powers and authority.
It contended that Utomi’s proposed shadow government lacked constitutional recognition and authority, thereby contravening the aforementioned provisions.
The plaintiff further stated in a supporting affidavit that it is the principal domestic intelligence and security agency of the Federal Republic of Nigeria statutorily mandated to detect and prevent threats to the internal security of Nigeria, including subversive activities capable of undermining national unity, peace and constitutional order.
The DSS added that it is statutorily empowered to safeguard the internal security of Nigeria and prevent any threats to the lawful authority of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and its constituent institutions.
It stated that it has monitored, “through intelligence reports and open source material, public statements and interviews granted by the defendant, Prof. Patrick Utomi, in which he announced the purported establishment of what he termed a ‘shadow government’ or ‘shadow cabinet’, comprising of several persons that make up its ‘Minister.’
“The ‘shadow government’ or ‘shadow cabinet’ is an unregistered and unrecognised body claiming to operate as an alternative government. contrary to the provision of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).
“The defendant (Utomi), through public statements, social media, and other platforms, has announced the formation of this body with the intent to challenge the legitimacy of the democratically elected government of Nigeria.
“While inaugurating the ‘shadow cabinet’, the defendant stated that it is made up of the Ombudsman and Good Governance portfolio to be manned by Dele Farotimi; the Policy Delivery Unit Team consisting of Oghene Momoh, Cheta Nwanze, Daniel Ikuonobe, Halima Ahmed, David Okonkwo and Obi Ajuga: and the council of economic advisers.
“Based on the intelligence gathered by the plaintiff, the activities and statements made by the defendant and his associates are capable of misleading segments of the Nigerian public, weakening confidence in the legitimacy of the elected government, and fuelling public disaffection,” it said.
The DSS said in the discharge of its statutory duties, it had gathered intelligence confirming that the defendant’s actions pose a clear and present danger to Nigeria’s constitutional democracy.
“The defendant’s actions amount to an attempt to usurp or mimic executive authority, contrary to Sections 1(1), 1{2), and 14(2Xa) of the 1999 Constitution (As Amended), which exclusively vests governance in institutions duly created under the constitution and through democratic elections.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria has made several efforts to engage the defendant to dissuade him from this unconstitutional path, including statements made by the Minister of Information, but the defendant has remained defiant.”
The agency said that it would be in the interest of justice, national security and the rule of law for the court to declare the existence and operations of the defendant unconstitutional and illegal. (NAN)(www.namnews.ng)
Edited by Sadiya Hamza
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