News

Court Adjourns Nnamdi Kanu’s Case For Trial

Published

8 months ago

February 26, 2024

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday adjourned the trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), until 19 April.

Binta Nyako, the judge, before whom Mr Kanu is being tried by the Nigerian government for terrorism, fixed the date for the commencement of trial.

At the adjourned date, the prosecuting lawyer, Adegboyega Awolowo, promised to call at least two witnesses that day. Mr Awomolo’s appearance on Monday is an indication of the federal government’s drastic shake-up in its prosecution team. It’s the first time an external prosecutor will be leading the federal government’s team since the case started in 2015.

Mr Kanu’s trial resumed on Monday following the Supreme Court judgement on 15 December 2023.

The Supreme Court last December restored Mr Kanu’s trial after setting aside the judgement of the Court of Appeal freeing the IPOB leader.

IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu arrives Federal High Court in Abuja for his trial on Monday.

Mr Kanu is standing trial for terrorism before Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Fresh bail request

At the resumed proceedings on Monday, Mr Kanu’s lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, argued a fresh application for his client’s bail.

Mr Ejimakor hinged his client’s bail request on provisions of the Nigerian constitution that provide that a defendant is entitled to adequate time and resources to prepare for his defence

Also, the lawyer raised a plethora of issues hampering the effective preparation of the IPOB leader for his defence.

Mr Ejimakor decried the attitude of operatives of the State Security Service (SSS) who he said “eavesdrop” on confidential conversations between Mr Kanu and his legal team.

IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu arrives Federal High Court in Abuja for his trial on Monday.

He raised concerns about Mr Kanu’s deteriorating health condition, urging the judge to release the IPOB lead on bail.

But, the prosecuting lawyer, Mr Awolowo, disagreed with Mr Ejimakor.

Mr Awolowo told the judge to dismiss Mr Kanu’s bail application and the preliminary objection to the commencement of trial.

He said the requests were “irritating” as they lacked legal basis.

Mr Awomolo, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, brought on board by the new Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, was the external prosecutor that secured the conviction of a former federal lawmaker, Farouk Lawan, over the 2012 fuel subsidy probes bribery. Mr Lawan’s conviction was finally affirmed by the Supreme Court in January.

News

IFC, CBN Partner On Private Sector Growth Through Naira Financing

Published

58 mins ago

October 29, 2024

Austin Ojomah

The International Finance Corporation, IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, and the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, have signed an agreement to increase local currency financing to enable private businesses in Nigeria to grow and thrive.

The partnership will allow the IFC to manage currency risks and increase its investments in the Naira across priority sectors of the economy, including agriculture, housing, infrastructure, energy,
small and medium enterprises and the creative and youth economy.

A statement jointly issued by Hakama Sidi Ali, on behalf of the CBN in Abuja, and Hlazo Mkandawire for the IFC, said the global financial institution aims to significantly scale up its financing of critical sectors in Nigeria, with a goal of providing over $1billion in the coming years to shore up the Naira.

The statement added that many of the sectors of the economy to be impacted require local currency financing, and as such the IFC’s partnership with the CBN is a key tool in expanding access to finance.

“Ths pioneering initiative between the IFC and CBN will unlock the much-needed long-term local
currency fnancing for private businesses in Nigeria at economically viable rates,” stated Governor Yemi Cardoso of the Central Bank of Nigeria.

“This collaboration marks a significant progress in the CBN’s commitment to deliverng innovative development initatives through reputable third-party
service providers, moving beyond traditional intervention programs.

“It will serve as a catalyst for
economic growth and advance the Federal Government’s agenda for economic diversification”, the apex bank governor stated.

“Expanding access to affordable local currency financing for small businesses in Nigeria is essential for the IFC to address the increasing demand for diverse funding options and to better
manage currency risk,” said Makhtar Dop, the IFC managing director.

“Our partnership with the
Central Bank of Nigeria will enhance lending in Nigerian naira, fostering economic growth and
creating jobs across the country.”

With an active portfolio of investments in Nigeria of up to $2.13 billion—the second highest in Africa—local currency financing is a key priority for the IFC.

“We will continue to leverage innovative financial instruments and strengthen partnerships to meet the growing demand for more local currency financing in emerging markets”, he added.

The IFC, a member of the World Bank Group is the largest global development institution focused
on the private sector in emerging markets.

Operating in more than 100 countries worldwide, the IFC uses its capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities in developing countries.

In fiscal year 2024, the IFC committed a record $56billion to private companies and financial institutions in developing countries, leveraging private sector solutions and mobilizing private capital to create a world free of poverty on a livable planet.

News

EU Supports Dialogue On Increased Women’s Participation, Representation In Governance

Published

2 hours ago

October 29, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

As part of its continued efforts to increase women’s political participation in Nigeria, the European Union (EU) has supported a key dialogue focused on women’s inclusion and representation in governance.

The dialogue held in Abuja on Monday, was organised by the 10th House of Representatives in collaboration with the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC), created an opportunity for stakeholders to discuss critical challenges and the way forward for gender parity in Nigeria’s political landscape.

The EU highlighted that prioritising women’s political participation and representation is crucial for Nigeria’s growth, especially to fast-track the nation’s progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2023.

The event brought together legislators, policymakers, political leaders, traditional and faith leaders, women’s groups, civil society, and other relevant stakeholders, was aimed to address the barriers that hinder women’s political advancement and strategise for sustainable change.

The dialogue, being an international event with a view to learn from experiences from other countries, also had in attendance representatives from South Africa, Tanzania, and Rwanda.

Speaking at the event, Deputy Ambassador of the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Zissimos Vergos, underscored the importance of women’s representation in governance as both a fundamental right and a driver of inclusive growth.

“The active participation of women at all levels of decision-making and politics is essential to the achievement of equality, sustainable development, peace, and democracy.

“Women’s equal participation in power and decision-making roles is part of their fundamental right to participate in political life, and sits at the core of gender equality and women’s empowerment”, the envoy said

Vergos recognised that, despite global progress, women remain underrepresented in government, often facing significant barriers to accessing and exercising political power.

According to him, the ongoing constitutional reform process in Nigeria presents a timely opportunity to implement an inclusive legal framework that promotes equal political participation, regardless of gender, ethnicity, age, or disability status.

“Women’s participation in politics helps advance gender equality and affects both the range of policy issues that are considered and the types of solutions proposed. Whether a legislator is male or female has a distinct impact on their policy priorities,” he stated.

Vergos emphasised that women’s political leadership is not only a matter of equity but also a foundation for sustainable development.

“Women’s political leadership may not be the only answer to sustainable development, but it underscores the invaluable contributions women offer when given equal opportunities to men. We must strive for a society where every woman not only feels safe to survive but is empowered to thrive,” he said.

He therefore urged stakeholders to adopt special measures to foster a more inclusive governance process, asserting that Nigeria now has a unique opportunity to join progressive nations in promoting gender equality through constitutional reforms.

News

BREAKING: APC Suspends Rauf Aregbesola Over Anti-party Activities

Published

2 hours ago

October 29, 2024

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has suspended former Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, over alleged anti-party activities. According to Vanguard, in a resolution submitted to the APC National Secretariat and directed to National Chairman Dr. Umar Ganduje, Osun APC accused Aregbesola, who previously served as governor, of fostering divisions within the party by creating a rival faction. The APC claims that this act has disrupted party unity, especially during a sensitive time in Osun politics. Party leaders believe Aregbesola’s influence over certain groups has deepened internal rifts, which the state chapter sees as detrimental to the party’s unity. This suspension represents a bold step by the Osun APC to address internal issues and refocus leadership priorities as they prepare for upcoming elections. Responses from Aregbesola’s camp are expected as the situation develops.

Details later…