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Suspected cultists on Wednesday, stormed an examination hall at the Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED), Ijagun, Ogun State, dragging out a final-year student, Ahmed Ayinla Fabiyi and brutally murdered him, according to a platform times report.
Fabiyi, a student of the History and Diplomatic Studies department, was set to take his final paper and celebrate his birthday on the same day.
The tragic event occured around 3pm, just as the exam was about to commence.
Eyewitnesses reported that the gang disguised themselves as friends, ostensibly there to surprise Fabiyi for his birthday, and “carried” him out of the hall under this pretence.
According to Mrs. Ayotunde Odubela, the institution’s Public Relations Officer, the gang’s true intentions became apparent only when they began dragging Fabiyi towards a bushy area near the university’s technical workshop.
There, they viciously beat and macheted him.
“Everyone thought they were celebrating his birthday until he was dragged to the bushy part of the institution’s technical workshop and attacked,” Odubela said.
It was gathered that despite immediate intervention by the school’s security and medical teams, Fabiyi’s injuries proved fatal.
Odubela said “the student was actually carried out of the examination hall as if they were celebrating because today (Wednesday) was actually his birthday.
“That did not make people feel that there was anything happening. They took him out of the hall and it was later they started dragging him to the ground around technical workshop.
“That was when the school security unit was contacted but by the time they would get to the place of the incident, he had been actually beaten and macheted. So, when they saw the security men coming, they dropped him and left.
“When the security men picked him up, they took him to the school medical center where he was immediately attended to and referred to the General Hospital Ijebu Ode, immediately.
The General Hospital also referred him to Babcock University Teaching Hospital. Unfortunately, he gave up the ghost before he got to the hospital.”
Odubela confirmed the school has reported the matter to the police and handed over the case to the state command.
Efforts to reach the Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, Omolola Odutola, for a statement were unsuccessful as calls went unanswered, at the time of filing the report.
Meanwhile, a video has gone viral on social media and multiple student-sources established that the students of the institution were having one of the mandatory papers of their second semester examination when a group of unknown men stormed the unnamed examination hall premises and dragged the student out.
The affected student was also identified as one of the student-leaders under the aegis of Student Union Government (SUG) in the institution.
Some clerics, rights activists, and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Nigeria are furious following the decision of the federal government to sign the controversial Samoa Agreement.
The agreement reportedly has some clauses that compel underdeveloped and developing nations to support the agitations by Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) community for recognition, as condition for getting financial and other supports from advanced societies.
Named after the Pacific Island Samoa, where it was signed on November 15, 2023, the agreement is gradually gaining traction, despite opposition by many countries that cherish Islamic and Christianity values, in addition to the sensitivity of their cultures.
Information about the ratification of the deal by Nigeria came to public knowledge on Monday, July 1, when the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu confirmed the development at a reception organised by the European Union (EU) in Abuja.
But when contacted yesterday, Bagudu’s media assistant, Bolaji Adebiyi, said the documents signed by the federal government, which the Minister of Budget made reference to during the reception by the EU, were strictly for economic development of Nigeria.
He said nowhere in the documents were LGBT or same sex marriage mentioned even remotely, and emphatically stating that it would be wrong for anyone to imply that Nigeria had accepted those tendencies.
He insisted that what Bagudu signed was in relation to $150 billion trade component.
When contacted yesterday to know whether they were aware of recent controversies surrounding the Samoa Agreement, Kamarudeen Ogundele, who is the spokesman of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, said he had to make some findings.
He did not call our reporter back to share the information requested up to press last night.
A Lagos State based lawyer and Chairman, Human and Constitutional Rights Committee, African Bar Association (AfBA), Sonnie Ekwowusi, had raised an alarm on the development on Wednesday, in an article on the matter.
He said that the development was nauseating, occurring despite several meetings held with Nigerian officials, and memoranda sent to them. He questioned the judgement of the Nigerian officials in proceeding to sign the Samoa Agreement.
“The Samoa Agreement, named after the Pacific Island, Samoa, where it was signed on November 15, 2023 is a celebration of perversity. Certain Articles of the Agreement especially Articles 2.5 and 29.5 legalise LGBT, transgenderism, abortion, teen sexual abuse, and perversity in African countries. The signing of the Agreement by Nigeria constitutes a threat to the sovereignty of Nigeria and Africa. It further debases our democracy.
“I can wager that neither Bagudu nor the Nigerian officials or diplomats who signed the Samoa Agreement on our behalf, understand the import of the agreement to Nigeria’s sovereignty, let alone the destructive impact of the Agreement in Nigeria. This explains why many African bodies including the AfBA have condemned the agreement and respectfully urged African countries not to sign it.
“Not infrequently, Nigerian officials in Geneva, New York, and other places sign international agreements or treaties over a cup of coffee or a glass of wine with little or no knowledge of their contents,” Ekwowusi said.
He further queried: “Were the Nigerian officials who signed the offensive Samoa Agreement representing their own interests or the interests of the Nigerian people? Having refused to sign the Agreement earlier, why did Nigeria change its mind and proceed to sign the Agreement?”
He recalled that on November 15, 2023, Nigeria, to the bewilderment of the EU, refused to sign the “offensive” deal.
He also said that apart from Nigeria, 34 other African, Caribbean, and Pacific (ACP) countries, including the Republic of Benin, Senegal, Liberia, Botswana, Burundi, Jamaica, Mali, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, Somalia, Namibia, Grenada, Eritrea, Malawi, Guinea-Bissau, Madagascar, Antigua and Barbuda, the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, the Central African Republic, the Republic of Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Equatorial Guinea, the Kingdom of Eswatini, the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, the Republic of Maldives, Mauritania, the Republic of Nauru, the Republic of Palau, Saint Lucia, the Republic of Saint Kitts and Nevis, the Kingdom of Tonga, the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, and Tuvalu, also refused to sign the LGBT Agreement.
“In fact, on that fateful November 15, 2023, Nigeria not only refused to sign the LGBT Agreement but was conspicuously absent in Samoa on the day of the signing. Frustrated by the refusal of these 35 countries to sign the Agreement, the European Union issued a significant threat dated November 24, 2023,” he said.
He said that the signing of the Samoa Agreement was completely unacceptable and Nigeria must undo the damage, by immediately withdrawing from the LGBT agreement.
He also urged the National Assembly to invite the Nigerian officials who signed the agreement to explain why they did so.
It won’t stand –NSCIA
When contacted Wednesday night, an official of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), said that the council’s stance on same sex marriage or LGBT remained unchanged.
Abubakar Akande, who is the Administrative Secretary of the council, said that though they were invited and attended the meeting in March this year, it was not for them to ratify or oppose the draft shared with them.
He said that the 403-page document containing 104 articles was given to the Legal Director of the NSCIA, and that there was no same sex marriage in the draft.
“We (NSCIA) would not welcome such agreement. Our stance remains the same since the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan. We cannot agree to what is against the injunction of our Creator, Allah, on this matter, and which also disrespects Nigeria’s sovereignty,” he said.
On his part, the Ameer (leader), Abuja Muslim Forum (AMF), Abdulrazaq Ajani, said that the African civil society organisations (CSOs), which the AMF is a part of, had met top government officials and members of the two chambers of the National Assembly yesterday, especially the chairmen of the relevant committees in the House of Representatives, and also the administrative leadership of the legislators.
He said they rejected the move completely.
N/Assembly didn’t consider Samoa Agreement – Rep Yusuf
When contacted yesterday, Rabiu Yusuf, the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Treaties, Protocols, and Agreements, said that the Samoa Agreement had not been brought before the National Assembly for consideration.
“To the best of my knowledge, nothing has happened in the National Assembly regarding the Samoa Agreement,” he said.
It’s a disgrace, if true-African CSOs
Speaking with Daily Trust Wednesday night, a coalition of some African CSOs said that it will be a huge disappointment for Nigeria and its citizens, if it turns out to be true that the deal was signed, and that it is toxic to the moral standing of the citizens of Nigeria.
Richard Kakeeto, a Kenyan lawyer with Family Watch International, Africa Region, told Daily Trust that Africa was counting on Nigeria when it decided not to sign the Samoa Agreement, initially.
“Many African countries, people of goodwill, were hoping that Nigeria will remain in that situation of not signing and probably even withdrawing from the Samoa Agreement totally.
“However, we have received information that on the 28th day of June 2024, the Ambassador of Nigeria in Brussels was given a go-ahead but we don’t know who signed the Samoa Agreement.
“As a result, Nigeria has committed itself to the human rights agenda of the European Union that involves the mainstreaming of sexual and reproductive health and rights, a term or a euphemism that is used to talk about abortion on demand, the sexualization of our children through comprehensive sexuality education, and the proliferation of reproductive sexual and reproductive health services, including hormones to sustain the homosexual lifestyle and transgender practices.
“The word LGBTQ++ that Nigerians have been contesting is now part of our law because Nigeria has decided to sign it. So, Nigerians should be very bitter with what is going on. They should challenge their legislators and policy makers to explain why they chose to commit to this dangerous agreement,” Kakeeto said.
On her part, Mrs. Omoye Olaye, Media Coordinator, World Council for Health (WCH) International and Foundation for African Cultural Heritage (FACH), said the federal government must rescind the deal.
“Our stand is very clear. Whoever signed on behalf of Nigerians needs to apologise to Nigerians. But we need more than the apology. We need President Bola Tinubu, to rescind that signature.
“All he (Tinubu) needs to do is to apologise on Nigeria’s behalf very nicely and tell them that the truth is we have not signed. We are withdrawing from the ACP EU Treaty. That is all we ask the President to do. That is all we will accept. Anything less than that will not be accepted,” she said.
Minister’s speech wrongly interpreted – Spokesman
Speaking more on what the budget minister said, Adebiyi said Ekwowusi’s article was misleading.
“The article does not represent the content of the Samoa Agreement signed by Nigeria. The Articles 2.5 and 29.5 cited made no mention of LGBT rights but rather 29.5 guarantees “support [for] universal access to sexual and reproductive health commodities and health care services, including family planning, information and education, and the integration of reproductive health into national strategies and programmes”, he said.
“Article 2.5 states that: “The parties shall systematically promote a gender perspective and ensure that gender equality is mainstreamed across all policies.
“I fail to see how these articles imply the protection of LGBT rights. Please, note that this is a negotiated agreement among the 27 EU countries and 79 OACPS, which is subject to domestic laws. All 27 EU countries and 74 of the 79 OACPS have signed. Nigeria was the 73rd to sign last Friday, 28th June, in Brussels.
“Following the controversy around the agreement, the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning organised a stakeholders meeting in March in Abuja, comprising NGOs and religious bodies during which concerns were addressed.
“Meanwhile, the EU reception the Minister attended was for the 9th Nigeria-EU Business Forum. It was held in Abuja (not Enugu) on July 1,” he said.
Ex-President Jonathan signed anti-gay law in 2014
Former President Jonathan in January 2014, signed into law a bill that criminalises same sex relationships, defying western pressure over gay rights and provoking United States criticism.
The law contains penalties of up to 14 years in prison and bans gay marriage, same sex ‘amorous relationships’ and membership of gay rights groups.
Various religious bodies across Nigeria have reiterated their commendations to past administrations for maintaining Nigeria’s strong objection to the LGBT tendencies.
Four electricity distribution companies have announced a tariff increase from N206.80 per kilowatt to N209.5 per kilowatt-hour (kwh) for premium customers under the Band A category, effective July 1, 2024.
This change applies to both prepaid and postpaid customers.
Kaduna, Port Harcourt, Kano, and Ikeja DisCos all confirmed the increase in separate statements, assuring Band A customers of continued 20-24 hours of daily power supply as stipulated in the service-based tariff regime.
The companies emphasized that tariffs for Bands B, C, D, and E remain unchanged.
Ikeja Electric stated that the increase aligns with the service-based tariff regime and will "further sustain the improved service delivery currently being experienced across all feeder bands within its network."
This latest adjustment comes just two months after a previous tariff modification.
On May 6, DisCos had reduced the tariff for Band A customers to N206.80 per kwh, following an increase to N225 per kwh approved by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) in April.
As electricity prices continue to fluctuate, consumers are left wondering if these frequent changes will lead to more stable and reliable power supply in the long run.
The impact of these tariff adjustments on both customers and the overall electricity sector remains to be seen, as Nigeria struggles to balance the need for affordable power with the challenges of maintaining and improving its energy infrastructure.
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has deployed drones in massive manhunt for the perpetrators of Sunday night abduction of travellers off Ilisan – Ikenne corridor Lagos – Ore expressway.
Nigerian Newstrack had earlier reported that gunmen attacked travellers along the Ilisan – Sagamu corridor of Lagos Ore expressway, shooting one in the leg and allegedly abducting others.
Security sources said the kidnapping was an insider’s job as all the victims were foreign nationals, who arrived the country the same day the incident occurred, adding that they were probably trailed to the location where the kidnapping took place.
The gunmen riding in an unmarked Toyota Venza car first attacked a traveller in his Toyota RAV4 Jeep, grey colour with license number plate– Lagos – AGL-16-JE after they had trailed him to a failed portion of the Ilisan – Sagamu corridor near Ikenne along the expressway, riddling parts of the RAV4 Toyota with bullets before abducting him.
The assailants also attacked another fear – stricken traveller ridding in a Toyota Camry car marked AAA-04-JB while trying to make a hurried U – turn to escape the troubled spot, leaving him with gunshot wounds on his leg.
The wounded man, it was learnt, was evacuated to the Babcock University Teaching Hospital (BUTH), Ilisan where he is currently receiving treatment, even as two vehicles believed to belong to the travellers were abandoned at the scene in the ensuing commotion.
The Police Public Relations Officer in Ogun State, Superintendent of Police (SP) Omolola Odutola, confirming it to our reporter, said the gunmen fired about five rounds of ammunition from AK – 47 riffle into the vehicle of the first victim.
SP Odutola said no life was lost and that the two vehicles damaged by the attackers have been recovered.
“The Divisional Police Officer of Ikenne, Division has responded to a suspected Armed robbery incident, which occured at about 1910 hours of 30th June, 2024.
“Following information gathered, an abduction incident occurred near Delabo Junction along the Sagamu/Ijebu-Ode Expressway.
“A group of unknown armed individuals, without definite number, in their unregistered Venza Toyota car, trailed a man in his Toyota RAV4 Jeep, grey colour with license number plate– Lagos – AGL-16-JE, to a rough patch of the road, and blocked the victim’s vehicle.
“The criminals fired four rounds of ammunition believed to be from an AK-47 into the driver’s back tyre and another shot into the front tyre.
Immediately, the hoodlums alighted from their vehicle, and forced the driver of the Toyota Rav 4 into their waiting Venza Jeep, and speed off towards Ijebu-Ode.
“During the incident, the hoodlums also shot at a driver , of a Toyota Camry car, black colour, whose name is yet unknown,with license number plate– Lagos – AAA-04-JB, inflicting injury on his left leg as he attempted a U-turn.
“Additionally, a bus driver traveling from Abuja to Lagos in the Ilishan area was stopped by the criminals, and smashed his bus windscreen and collected his mobile phone after warning him to be cautious as he was not their target.
“Other injured driver has been promptly taken to Babcock University Teaching Hospital in Ilisan for treatment and he is currently responding to treatment.
“No lives were lost but the two vehicles damaged by the fleeing suspects have been recovered and towed to the police station.
“Further updates will be communicated to members of the public, as the identity of the kidnapped victim is yet unknown.
“The Commissioner of Police CP Alamutu Abiodun Mustapha psc has been briefed and he has detailed the Anti Kidnapping unit to take up the investigation.”
But reacting to the development on Tuesday, Governor Abiodun ordered security agents to launch a massive manhunt for perpetrators.
Security sources said the kidnapping was an insider’s job as all the victims were foreign nationals who arrived the country the same day the incident occurred, adding that they were probably trailed to the location where the kidnapping took place.
Governor Abiodun, in a statement on Tuesday, said Ogun State will not be allowed to become a den for kidnappers, even as he promised that the perpetrators would be smoked out and punished.
He said all the security agencies, including the police, army, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corp (NSCDC), Amotekun, So Safe Corps and local hunters are on the trail of the kidnappers with arrays of security gadgets, including drones.
He assured the people that their security is guaranteed as the present administration has committed so much to secure the state.
“Following Sunday’s kidnapping incident that occurred in Ilishan, we want to reassure all residents that decisive action is being taken to apprehend the perpetrators and ensure the safe return of the victims.
“The security forces have launched a comprehensive manhunt and are working tirelessly to track down the kidnappers. Additional security measures and patrols have also been deployed to the affected area and across the state to prevent any further incidents.
“We understand the concerns and anxiety this incident has caused, but we want to emphasize that Ogun State remains a safe place to live, work, and visit. The government is committed to maintaining law and order and will not relent in its efforts to protect the lives and property of all citizens,” Abiodun said.
An Ikeja High Court on Monday ordered the release of a man, Kazeen Adeshina, after spending 15 years in a correctional facility without charge or trial.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Justice Oyindamola Ogala, while ruling in a fundamental rights enforcement suit marked No: D/16997MFHR/24 filed by Adeshina’s counsel, Mr Ben Okeke, held that detaining of Adeshina in prison without charge or trial was unjustifiable.
Ogala, in her ruling, said the arrest and continued detention of Adeshina in the custody of the Medium Correctional Centre, Kirikiri, Lagos without a trial was wrong, illegal and unjustifiable.
She added that it was a gross violation of the applicant’s fundamental human rights as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights.
(Ratification Enforcement Act, Cap.10.
“As afore-stated, there is unchallenged fact that this applicant has remained in custody for about 15 years and is yet to be arraigned before a court of competent jurisdiction.
“The presumption of innocence enshrined in our constitution remains sacrosanct and it is indeed a travesty of justice for this to occur withou administration of criminal justice, no matter where the delay emanates from.
“Counsel to the first respondent has exhibited correspondence to the police to transfer the suspect for arraignment since 2003 which has remained unattended to and it appears that this applicant has fallen through the cracks and thus remained in custody for such years without trial.
“The presumption of innocence in our constitution remains sacrosanct and it is clear to this court that no good cause has been exhibited necessitating the continued remand of the applicant and therefore this court finds that the applicant is entitled to the declaratory order sought,” she said.
The judge, thereafter, ordered the immediate and unconditional release of the applicant from the custody of the Kirikiri Medium Correctional Centre.
The applicant’s counsel, Okeke, had filed the suit against the Lagos State Attorney-General, the Commissioner of Police and the Controller, Nigerian Correctional Service, Lagos State as first to third respondent respectively.
The applicant had prayed the court for a declaration that the arrest and continued detention of Adeshina in custody without a a formal charge or trial was wrongful, illegal, unjustifiable and a gross violation of the applicant’s fundamental human rights.
The applicant’s counsel said: “An order directing the immediate and unconditional release of the applicant from the custody of the third respondent, Medium Correctional Centre, Kirikiri Lagos.
“An injunction restraining the respondents, their agents or privies from further breach of the applicants’ fundamental human rights as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria as amended.
“An order admitting the applicant to bail pending his arraignment in court and for such further or other orders as this Honourable Court may deem fit to make in the circumstances.
“The applicant filed in support of the application, the affidavit of urgency of six paragraphs as well as a supporting affidavit of 15 paragraphs deposed to by Joe Ameh, the Executive Coordinator in the office of Zarephath Aid dated the March 8.”
The applicant’s counsel referred the court to the provisions of Section 35 (1) of the Constitution and submitted that it was inferable that whenever a deprivation of right to personal liberty is sought pursuant thereto, such deprivation must satisfy two conditions to satisfy the approval of the constitution.
Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited has alleged that oil companies purchase refined Automotive Gas Oil, commonly known as diesel, from illegal refineries in various host communities in the Niger Delta region.
This claim was made on Monday during the Nigeria Oil and Gas Energy Week Conference in Abuja.
Tantita Security Services, headquartered in Warri, Delta State, specializes in providing security solutions for the oil and gas sector, including services for the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited.
Speaking at a session titled “Exploring Nigerian Content Solutions to Meet Energy Demand,” Warredi Enisuoh, the Executive Director of Operations and Technical at Tantita Security Services, stated that illegal refineries produce large volumes of diesel, which are bought by many downstream operators, including oil companies.
He emphasized that the crackdown on these refineries by Tantita and other security agencies has led to an increase in diesel prices.
“Why is there no scarcity of diesel while there is scarcity of PMS (Premium Motor Spirit, commonly known as petrol)? The story is simple: most of the diesel you buy is produced by the communities. About 90 percent of the diesel in the fuel stations is produced by the communities. It will also interest you to know that even the oil companies patronize the local communities. Don’t let anybody deceive you; they (oil companies) also patronize the local communities,” Enisuoh declared.
Enisuoh explained that addressing energy demand with Nigerian content solutions requires focusing on local communities. He insisted that without the intervention of security agencies like Tantita, the production of illegal diesel would continue to rise.
“The reason why the price of diesel is high today is because of the work of private security companies like my company, Tantita Security Services. This is because we have been able to cut down on a lot of the businesses of the illegal refineries. This is why you see the cost of diesel going up,” he stated.
Gunmen, suspected to be kidnappers on Sunday night abducted no fewer than 20 travellers along Sagamu-Ijebu-Ode expressway, the news frontier has reported.
The dare devil gang, who were said to have ambushed the travellers between Sagamu Area Command of the Nigeria Police and Ilisan township, shot one of their victims in the knee.
The Chairman of Ilisan Development Council, Otunba Wemmy Osude, who confirmed this to newsmen, said one of the victims of the attack who is a resident of Ilisan Remo was already receiving medical attention at the Babcock University Teaching Hospital.
He said, "Information reaching me right now confirmed a kidnapping incident between the Area Command and Ilisan City Gate (formerly Delabo).
"A resident of Ilisan was reportedly shot in the knee and is receiving medical attention at Babcock Teaching Hospital.
"Other victims were taken into the bush. While waiting for additional information, please contact your loved ones who may be plying the road at about this time to be cautious"
Osude said that he had spoken to the resident of the town who is currently receiving treatment at Babcock University Teaching Hospital and he is in a stable condition.
He said "I have spoken to the Sagamu Area Commander about this incident and hopefully we trust that all the security agents will go after these criminals and rescue these people".
It will be recalled that about two months ago, one person was killed while about six others were abudcted around this same axis of Sagamu-Ijebu-Ode expressway.
This unfortunate incident was preceded with the abduction of two other and the gruesome murder of Prof Yinka Olomojobi of Babcock University, Ilisan Remo.
at the Ajadeh Event Centre, along Iperu-Sagamu Road, Iperu Remo, in the Ikenne Local Government area.
Olomojobi, was a professor of human rights and gender law.
Efforts to get the reaction of Spokesperson of Ogun State police command, SP Omolola Odutola was unsuccessful as calls put across to her line wasn't connecting.
As part of measures to relief the people due to the prevailing economic hardship caused by various government policies in the Country, a Cash support of a million naira has been given out to 100 residents of Oke-Ona Community, in Abeokuta North Local government area of Ogun State.
A stalwart of the All Progressives Congress, APC and an aspirant of the party, who contested for the position of House of Assembly in Abeokuta North Local Government, in the 2023 elections, Sanni Sulaimon gave out this donation in Abeokuta.
Sulaimon who was represented by Shuaib Arowona said the gesture was to support the people at this trying times and give them hope of a better future.
He said the cash donation in Oke-Ona community which consists of Ago-Oko, Ilugun, Iberekodo, Elega, Ikereku and Ikija was targeted to reach artisans, the aged, party members and other beneficiaries to cut across the community.
Hon Sulaimon in his message assured the people of his support at various times.
The beneficiaries thanked the donor for remembering them at this hard time and prayed for him.
The Presidency has dismissed allegations of a planned 2024 supplementary budget, calling the claims “false” and “misinformation.”
In a statement released on Saturday by Temitope Ajayi, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, the Presidency clarified that there is no intention to operate four budgets within a single fiscal year, as alleged.
The statement emphasized that the National Assembly only approved the extension of the capital components of the 2023 budget and the 2023 supplementary budget to December 2024.
"Our country cannot achieve sustainable development if Federal, State, and Local governments focus solely on consumptive expenditures, which primarily represent recurrent expenditures," the statement read.
"It is the capital expenditures that drive economic growth, strengthen private sector output, and create employment opportunities for citizens."
The Presidency criticized BudgIT, a civic organization, for raising what it described as a “false alarm” based on rumors. It also accused Peter Obi, a former presidential candidate, of leveraging these unfounded claims to spread further misinformation.
The statement urged BudgIT to adopt a more responsible and accurate approach to its reporting, stating, “BudgIT cannot afford to be flippant and unduly sensational.”
Earlier, BudgIT had issued a statement on Friday, warning against the extension of the implementation period for the 2023 approved budget and the 2023 supplementary budget from the original end date of December 31, 2023, to December 31, 2024.
The 2023 approved budget of N21.83 trillion, signed into law by President Muhammadu Buhari in January 2023, was intended to run for 12 months, following global practice. Additionally, the 2023 supplementary budget of N2.17 trillion was passed by the National Assembly and assented to by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu shortly before the end of the 2023 fiscal year.
Reacting to these developments, Peter Obi accused the federal government of running four national budgets simultaneously, describing it as a “betrayal of democracy.”
Peter Obi, former presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 election, has sharply criticized the federal government for concurrently operating multiple budgets.
In a post on X on Saturday, Obi decried this practice as a blatant violation of fiscal responsibility, transparency, and accountability. Presently, the federal government is executing the 2023 budget, 2023 supplementary budget, and the 2024 budget. Additionally, President Bola Tinubu announced on May 29 that a 2024 supplementary appropriation bill would soon be presented to the national assembly.
Obi warned that this approach is a recipe for chaos, confusion, and catastrophe. "All available evidence has confirmed that the Nigerian government is implementing four national budgets concurrently," he stated. "This is in blatant disregard for fiscal responsibility, transparency, and accountability. It is also a recipe for chaos, confusion, and catastrophe."
He added that such recklessness would lead to unnecessary expenditures in approved budgets, competing with essential projects for limited resources, thereby worsening the plight of the Nigerian populace.
Obi criticized Nigerian leaders for being disconnected from reality and lacking the competence to manage the nation’s finances effectively. He said, "It indicates that the leaders are out of touch with reality and lack the competence to manage our nation’s finances effectively. Unfortunately, this deliberate act of fiscal recklessness is being undertaken by elected representatives of the people, thereby betraying one of the cardinal pillars of democracy. Leaders are elected to responsibly manage public resources in an organized way."
He called for an immediate reversal of the situation in favour of a more responsible and transparent approach to budgeting. "We must prioritize the needs of the Nigerian people, not the selfish interests of a few. This is a call to action for all leaders to desist from actions that will further drive the country into economic chaos."
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At least 18 people were killed and 30 others injured after a series of attacks by suspected female suicide bombers in Nigeria's Northeastern Borno state on Saturday, the head of the local state emergency management agency said.
Borno is at the centre of a 15-year Islamist insurgency that has killed thousands of people and displaced millions more. Although the Nigerian military has degraded the capabilities of the militants, they still carry out deadly attacks against civilians and security targets.
Barkindo Saidu, director general of the Borno State Emergency Management Agency, said suspected suicide bombers separately attacked a wedding, funeral and hospital, killing and injuring several people in the town of Gwoza.
Saidu said 18 deaths had been confirmed, a toll that included children, adults and pregnant women. "The degree of injuries ranges from abdominal ruptures, scull fractures, and limb fractures," he said.
No one has claimed responsibility for the attacks.
Borno state police were not immediately available for comment.
Boko Haram and its splinter group, Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), are the most active militant groups in Borno, a large swathe of rural hinterland the size of Ireland.
..maintain it's a family crisis, not religious
..cite tradition of monarchy appointing chief imams since 1818
Muslim leaders in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, under the aegis of the Ogbomoso Committee on Islamic Affairs have warned those speaking against the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Afolabi Ghandi Olaoye, to desist from doing so in a Sahara reporters news story.
There is a rift between the monarch and the Chief Imam of the town, which was escalated following a query issued by the Soun of Ogbomoso to the Islamic cleric.
Last week, the monarch queried the Chief Imam of Ogbomoso, Sheikh Taliat Yunus Olusina Ayilara, for failing to notify him before embarking on the recent Hajj pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia.
But the Islamic cleric in his response to the query said his office was not under the control of the monarch.
However, the Ogbomoso Committee on Islamic Affairs in a statement on Sunday said since 1818 that the first Chief Imam was appointed, “appointment and removal of Chief Imam of Ogbomoso has been at the discretion of the Soun".
The Muslim leaders disclosed that the Soun of Ogbomoso who appointed the first Chief Imam, Muhammed Nafiu from Abogunde Compound in Laka Area of the town in 1818 was not a Muslim, and that the tradition had remained since then.
The Muslim Leaders, led by the Aare Musulumi of Ogbomoso, Alhaji Abdulganiyu Atanda Owodunni, said like other Chief Imams before now, the embattled Chief Imam Toliat Yunus Olusina, was appointed by the Soun of Ogbomoso.
The Aare Musulumi of Ogbomoso, who addressed the press in Ogbomoso on Saturday, in company with the Bashorun Musulumi of Ogbomoso, Alhaji Alimi Amole Shittu Sarumi; Asoju Musulumi, Alhaji Mikhail Muhammed Bello and Parakoyi Adini, Sirajudeen Alimi, said there had been controversies on the appointment of the Chief Imam before the incumbent Soun was enthroned.
He disclosed that the Imam Ayilara family had been kicking against the candidacy of Toliat Yunus Olushina, even before his presentation and appointment by the immediate past Soun, Oba Oladunni Oyewumi.
The Aare Musulumi of Ogbomoso said, "Unknown to many, the Imam Ayilara family had been kicking against the candidacy of Toliat Yunus Olushina, even, before his presentation to the Kabiyesi but were allegedly prevented from seeing the Kabiyesi.
“A letter written to the Kabiyesi rejecting Toliat Yunus Olushina was never allowed to reach him. Despite his controversial turbaning, the Imam Ayilara family continued their agitation to His Imperial Majesty, Ajagungbade III who however joined his ancestors on the 12th December, 2021, exactly twenty–three days after Toliat Yunus Olusina was turbaned.
"Traditionally, at the demise of a Soun, the Soun-in-Council automatically assumes the administration of the town until a new Soun is installed. Unrelenting, the Imam Ayilara family took their agitation to the Soun – in – Council, which after hearing their claim conducted investigations into the matter to know the fact. The Soun–in–Council was led by the Areago of Ogbomosoland. Their findings confirmed that Imam Toliat Yunus Olusina has a doubtful relationship with the Ayilara family.
"The Soun-in-Council thereby wrote a letter to Imam Toliat Yunus Olusina to step aside and go back to the Imam Ayilara family to sort out the issue with the family. But on receiving the step-aside letter from the Soun-in-Council, Imam Toliat Yunus Olushina immediately proceeded to a High Court in Ogbomoso, rejecting the said letter. However, he later withdrew the court case he instituted against the Soun –ini–Council. But he defiantly stayed put as the imam. An uneasy calm now pervaded the atmosphere amongst the Ogbomoso Muslims.
"When a new Soun of Ogbomosoland was installed in September 2023, the Imam Ayilara family immediately took their complaint to the new Soun, who also instituted a fact-finding committee. He has the authority to do so since it is a mosque built and owned by his ancestors.
“He is eminently qualified to intervene as the traditional ruler of the ancient town. The committee that was set up in the palace was headed by High Chief Alhaji Kasali Oladipo, the Abese of Ogbomosoland. The report submitted by the Abese-led panel also confirmed the findings of the Soun –in–Council.
"At an elaborate meeting convened at the instance of His Imperial Majesty, Oba Afolabi Ghandi Olaoye, involving all the Muslim groups in Ogbomosoland, the Abese again delivered his report to the hearings of all and sundry.
“A decision was then taken by His Majesty that Imam Toliat Yunus Olushina in the light of the report of the Abese, should step aside and go back to the Imam Ayilara family to sort out the contentious issue with them, after which the Imam Ayilara family could re-present him to the palace if they eventually reached a compromise.
"To the surprise of all, instead of Imam Toliat Yunus to go back to the family, he headed to a High Court in Ogbomoso to challenge the decision of the palace based on the findings of the Abese panel of investigation. This step taken by Imam Toliat Yunus Olushina has polarized and has caused a deep division amongst the Ogbomoso Muslims.
“The social media is awash with various derogatory, abusive, insultive and defamatory remarks against the Soun, hurled by him and his cohorts, and we have witnessed reprehensible insubordination to the exalted throne of the Soun of Ogbomosoland."
Going memory lane on the appointment and installation of the Chief Imam of Ogbomoso, the Ogbomoso Committee on Islamic Affairs said the first Chief Imam, Muhammed Nafiu, was appointed in 1818 by the Soun.
The Muslim leaders called on the public to discountenance false accusations being made against Oba Ghandi Olaoye, adding, "We shall not allow some extraneous forces to cause disaffection amongst us in Ogbomoso."
They said, "In every family compound in Ogbomoso, there are Christians, Muslims and traditional worshippers enjoying strong bonds, and banded in harmonious relationship that has ensured we never had any division amongst us.
“We intermarry and celebrate every festival together as one united family. Any ruling house in Ogbomosoland whose turn it is to produce a candidate for the throne of Soun can present any candidate of their choice, be it a Christian, Muslim, or traditional worshipper. That is how we are made. But some people are attempting to destroy this foundation of harmony but this will fail."
Earlier reports have it on Saturday that Justice K.B. Olawoyin of the Oyo State High Court in Ogbomoso had barred the Soun of Ogbomoso and kingmakers from removing Ayilara as the Chief Imam.
Nigerians are bracing up for the most expensive Sallah holidays in over 30 years as prices of essential food items such as rice, tomatoes and ram hit record highs, as highlighted in a Nairametrics report.
Nigeria is currently experiencing its highest inflation rate in over 30 years with food inflation notching a near 40-year high.
The country has not had things this bad in decades.
For most Nigerians, the Muslim Eid-el-Kabir (Sallah) festive period is a time of vibrant celebrations, hearty food sharing, and generous gift-giving within their neighbourhoods.
The homes of the Muslim faithful and local mosques come alive with the traditional slaughtering of the Ileya ram, a cherished part of the festivities.
This year, however, Sallah might be remembered as one of the most expensive ever, thanks to a severe economic downturn and soaring inflation, which have driven up the prices of rams, tomatoes, rice and other food items across the country.
For instance, Bakare Akinyele, speaking to Nairametrics, highlighted the challenges he faces in purchasing the Ileya ram this year.
Akinyele, who supports two wives and six children, usually buys both a ram and a cow to celebrate with extended family and friends.
“It’s going to take a miracle to get my hands on the traditional Ileya ram,” he lamented, noting that prices have surged past N300,000 in Lagos.
Bakare considered sourcing a ram from the far north or north-central regions, but the cost of transporting the livestock—now exacerbated by the removal of fuel subsidies—would match or even exceed the prices in Lagos.
For him, the dream of having both a cow and a ram for Sallah is no longer feasible. This year, he’s settling for just the essential ram, scaling back his usual grand celebration and limiting the guest list.
“I’ve managed to save enough for the ram, but the cow is out of reach now, priced at over N1 million. We simply can’t afford that,” he said.
A recent market survey
The troubling story of Akinyele is far from an isolated case; it echoes the harsh realities of today’s market.
A recent survey by Nairametrics in Lagos and Abuja revealed a staggering 200% increase in livestock prices over the past year, fueled by food inflation, subsidy removal, and other economic pressures.
In Lagos’ bustling Agege abattoir, vendors and butchers paint a grim picture. Rams that once sold for N100,000 to N150,000 now command prices between N300,000 and N400,000, marking a sharp 150% surge.
Dare, a seasoned seller, gestures towards a medium-sized ram. “Last year, this would have gone for N100,000. Now, I can’t sell it for less than N300,000. It just doesn’t pay,” he tells Nairametrics. “Everything has gone up.”
The story is much the same for tomatoes and bags of rice.
In an Abuja market, a basket of tomatoes goes as high as N120,000 to 150,000.
Ibrahim, a dealer in the pepper and tomato business, told our correspondent that a basket of tomatoes in this season can go as high as N200,000 “Most people can’t afford these things anymore,” he admits.
Last month, the same basket would have gone for N40,000 or even less.
Similar trends were observed in Lagos’ Mile 12, Igando, Iyana Iba, and Ayobo markets when it comes to the price of other foodstuffs.
A bag of rice now sells between N79,000 and N90,000, depending on the type of rice one is purchasing.
The same was observed when it comes to a paint bucket of garri which was sold for around N600 last year but is now selling between N3,800 and N4,200, with an increase of over 400%.
Low Patronage Deflate Market Morale
Meanwhile, Nairametrics found that not only buyers but also sellers are feeling the pinch this festive season.
Typically, ram sellers eagerly anticipate this period as a peak time for business.
However, this year, enthusiasm and morale seem markedly low.
Ridwan, a seller in Lagos, shared his concerns with Nairametrics. “By now, customers ought to have been flooding this place. You should have seen them in numbers. But I guess the economy is touching everyone,” he lamented. “We hardly sell four or six rams per day here now. Believe me, it’s like the season is not yet upon us.”
When asked about the reasons behind the spike in livestock prices, Ayodeji, another livestock dealer, pointed to the soaring cost of feed. “First, it’s the feeds. In 2023, a bag of feed for cows and rams was just N7,000. Ask anybody—they’ll tell you. But now, we buy it for about N20,000 to N22,000,” he explained.
The combination of higher costs and decreased customer spending is creating a challenging environment for both buyers and sellers as the festive season approaches.
High Food Inflation Dampens Festive Celebration
According to the Nigeria Bureau of Statistics (NBS), food inflation in Nigeria is above 40%,making it extra difficult for many to purchase food items.
In a recent survey done by Nairametrics, a price of basket of tomatoes was priced as high as N150,000 in May while it sold for N40,000 in April.
“Inflation is malignant to any economy,” Olufemi Idris, a Lagos-based economist said. “Until something is done about the high cost of food production, the malignancy will eat deep into the pocket of anyone, whether you’re celebrating Sallah or not.”
For the president of All Farmers Association, Ibrahim Kabir, who spoke to our correspondent in a phone conversation, the problems are multifaceted. But more specifically, government interventions particularly for farmers have been remarkably low.
“The federal government needs to invest more in farming. Whether it’s livestock or crops, the most important thing is capital. Once farmers start getting low-interest loans, they will have more money, more resources to grow their farms,” Kabir said.
Seplat Energy is pursuing a swift conclusion to its $1.28 billion acquisition of ExxonMobil's Nigerian shallow water oil assets, it said on Friday after being notified that NNPC had halted a legal challenge to the deal.
State oil company NNPC had challenged Exxon's sale of the assets to Seplat, saying it had first right of refusal. The deal was further held up by regulatory issues.
"Seplat Energy commends the open cooperation and progress achieved by all stakeholders, and will diligently engage (with) all key stakeholders, including the government, in progressing towards a swift completion of the acquisition," a Seplat statement said.
An NNPC spokesperson was unable to provide immediate comment.
Analysts have said that the Exxon-Seplat deal would inject much-needed capital into Nigeria's oil industry, potentially leading to improved output. It would also signal to investors that similar deals, such as Shell's asset saleto Renaissance in January, are likely to gain regulatory approval.
Nigeria, Africa's biggest oil producer, relies on crude oil for more than 90% of its foreign exchange and half its budget. However, output has declined in recent years owing to underinvestment and theft.
Oil majors operating in Nigeria, including Shell and TotalEnergies, have been exiting their onshore shallow water operations to focus on deepwater drilling operations.