News

My relationship with Kwankwaso is perfect, Kano Gov reacts to alleged feud

Published

3 months ago

November 8, 2024

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf has denied having any form of rift between him and his political leader, Rafiu Kwankwaso.

Responding to the rising tensions within the party, the NNPP’s state leadership recently suspended Abdullahi Baffa Bichi, Secretary to the State Government, and Muhammad Diggol, Commissioner of Transportation, accusing them of involvement in the “Abba Tsaya da Kafarka” campaign. Both officials have denied these allegations.

As support for this faction grows, other prominent members of the Kwankwasiyya movement, including House representatives Aliyu Sani Madakin Gini and Alhassan Rurum, have publicly distanced themselves from Kwankwaso, encouraging Yusuf to assert his independence.

Governor Yusuf, however, stood firm in his loyalty.

“It’s as if people do not understand the role Kwankwaso has played. Where were these critics when he was laying the foundation for what we are doing now?” he questioned.

Yusuf also expressed frustration with media reports suggesting that he had ignored multiple calls from Kwankwaso. “They said Kwankwaso called me more than 30 times, and I refused to answer. Where did they get this from?” Yusuf asked. “If not for my respect for journalists, I would have taken the person who wrote that to court. But I know, and Kwankwaso knows, that it’s all lies. There is no rift.”

Finally, he appealed to his supporters to reject divisive slogans, urging respect and unity within the party. “As of today, I don’t want to hear ‘stand on your own’ in Kano State or anywhere in Nigeria,” he said. “We were raised to respect elders, not to insult them.”

News

Nigeria Backs Olufemi Elias for ICJ Seat – Ambassador Ojukwu

Published

52 minutes ago

February 7, 2025

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

Nigeria is fully committed to securing a position on the 15-member International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague, with Dr. Olufemi Elias as the country’s candidate for the upcoming election in November 2026.

Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu, reaffirmed this commitment during a courtesy visit by Elias to the ministry’s headquarters at Tafawa Balewa House, Abuja. During the visit, he formally sought the government’s support for his candidacy.

Dr. Elias, a distinguished legal scholar, brings extensive experience in international law. His late father, Taslim Olawale Elias, made history as the first African to serve as President of the ICJ in 1982 and later as a judge at the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague.

Ambassador Ojukwu emphasized that Elias’ expertise in the United Nations system and international legal affairs makes him a strong contender for the role. She noted that his candidacy aligns with Nigeria’s longstanding commitment to global justice, human rights, and the rule of law.

Congratulating him on his achievements, Ojukwu acknowledged the significance of Nigeria’s representation at the ICJ, stressing that Africa remains a key constituency in international legal affairs. Given Nigeria’s prominent role on the continent, she affirmed that the country must have a voice in the ICJ.

She said: “With your background, your history within the institution and the UN system, your years of experience, even though it will be keenly contested, I don’t see the feasibility of you not emerging.

“On behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs whose officers have been your major campaigners, I congratulate you. Be rest assured that we will keep pushing until you get there and we have absolute confidence that not only will you make Nigeria proud but Africa. And you will leave your footprint on the global map. Be assured that between now and the election, we will keep pushing. The ICJ must be made fit-for-purpose. Seeing what is happening now with DRC and Rwanda, it means you have something already on your plate”.

Dr. Olufemi Elias expressed to the minister that his career has been dedicated entirely to public international law, with most of his experience gained as an international civil servant.

He extended his gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for endorsing his candidacy, assuring that if elected as a judge of the ICJ, he would serve with dedication and integrity.

Elias further emphasized that he possesses the necessary qualifications for the position and pledged to uphold Nigeria’s reputation with honor and distinction.

“I can do the work because I am there. That’s a big boost for me. So, I have received Nigerian President’s endorsement. I have come to see you to please have my matter on your card whenever you meet.

“The election is November 2026- that’s almost two years away. What this means is that we are starting on time,” Elias said.

Dr. Olufemi Elias has built a distinguished career spanning over 25 years in international organizations, holding key judicial and administrative positions. He has served as a Judge and Vice-Chairman of the Islamic Development Bank Administrative Tribunal, a Judge for Staff Appeals at the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, and the Executive Secretary of the World Bank Administrative Tribunal.

His expertise includes developing and implementing policies for resolving employment disputes, and he recently contributed as a member of the Independent Panel of Experts reviewing the Dispute Resolution System at the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Dr. Elias has also held significant leadership roles within the United Nations, including serving as the Registrar of the UN International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals, with the rank of Assistant Secretary-General. Additionally, he was the Legal Adviser (Director) at the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons and worked with the UN Compensation Commission as both a legal adviser in its Governing Council Secretariat and as Special Assistant to the Executive Secretary.

Beyond his international service, he has an extensive academic background. Earlier in his career, he lectured in law at the University of Buckingham and King’s College, University of London. Since 2006, he has been a visiting Professor of International Law at Queen Mary, University of London, and has taught at several prestigious institutions, including the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna, the University of Amsterdam, and Tufts University’s Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy.

A respected legal scholar, Dr. Elias is a member of the Institut de Droit International and was honored with the American Society of International Law’s Honorary Member Award in 2018 for his outstanding contributions to international law. He is also a member of the Nigerian Bar.

News

Proposal for creation of 31 states demands critical examination, outright condemnation -DG, CCLCA, Dr Nwambu

Published

3 hours ago

February 7, 2025

Naijablitznews

…says zoning arrangements clearly favoured a section of Nigeria

By Emmanuel Agaji

The Director General of Centre for Credible Leadership and Citizens Awareness, CCLCA Dr Gabriel Nwambu has called for critical examination and outright condemnation of the move to create 31 additional states in Nigeria.

Dr Nwambu disclosed on Friday in a position paper entitled: ‘Position Paper: Condemnation of the Proposal for New State Creation in Nigeria’ declaring that:

“The recent proposals for the creation of 31 new states by the House of Representatives Committee warrant critical examination and, ultimately, outright condemnation.

“As Nigeria navigates through significant economic challenges, it is essential we approach governance reforms with an understanding of current realities.

“It is clear that the creation of additional states is not a viable solution to our nation’s pressing issues and, in fact, could exacerbate the situations we are working hard to overcome.

Current Viability of Existing States

“As it stands, Nigeria is currently composed of 36 states, including the Federal Capital Territory. A disconcerting number of these states are not financially viable. Many states are unable to meet basic obligations, such as paying the minimum wage of ₦70,000.

He explained that: “The crux of the matter is that some states have reached a point of insolvency, making the idea of creating new states—a process that demands additional financial resources—even more untenable.

” Rather than resolving existing state-level inefficiencies, the introduction of new states would only compound financial burdens on an already strained federation.

Zoning and Geopolitical Implications

“The proposed new states raise critical concerns regarding zoning and geopolitical distribution, particularly highlighting an imbalance favoring northern regions.

“The potential increase in Local Government Areas in the North signifies not just a concentration of political resources but also increased financial allocations to that region. This further marginalizes regions like the South East, where the new proposals result in fewer states. Such an approach fails to foster national cohesion and equity among the disparate regions of Nigeria, risking further discord rather than unity.

Cost of Governance Concerns

“The timing of these proposals is troubling, especially as we engage in discussions aimed at reducing the cost of governance in Nigeria.

” The addition of 31 new states would inherently lead to an increase in legislative assemblies, senators, and representatives, thereby inflating the political structure rather than streamlining it. Rather than focusing on mechanisms to enhance governance efficiency, we would instead be entrenching a model that is financially unsustainable.

Imminent National Challenges

“Moreover, the pressing issues that Nigeria faces—ranging from rampant insecurity, widespread unemployment, inadequate healthcare, and dwindling infrastructure—demand our immediate attention and resources. At this pivotal moment, the creation of new states distracts from tackling these fundamental concerns.

” It is crucial to consider how we can strengthen existing governance structures, enhance service delivery, and ensure that government revenues transparently address the needs of our citizens, rather than atrophying under the weight of new state establishments.

Conclusion

“In conclusion, the Centre for Credible Leadership and Citizens Awareness strongly condemns any proposals for the creation of new states in Nigeria.

“Such actions would not only worsen our current economic quagmire but would also lead to heightened regional disparities, escalating governance costs, and distract from the critical reforms and policies necessary to improve the lives of Nigerians across the country.

“We urge policymakers, opinion leaders, and the general public to prioritize pressing developmental needs over cosmetic political restructuring.

“The focus should remain on enhancing the efficiency and viability of existing states, tackling economic challenges head-on, and fostering true national unity. The call for new states is neither a panacea for our problems nor a justifiable use of national resources at this time.

“Thank you for considering this position paper. We hope it contributes to the necessary dialogue surrounding the governance challenges we face in Nigeria.

News

BREAKING ! IGP Egbetokun sacks 197 officers for bypassing regulations, forgery

Published

4 hours ago

February 7, 2025

Naijablitznews

The Nigerian Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun has ordered the immediate retirement of senior police officers who are either over 60 years old or have served for more than 35 years.

These include Simon Lough, SAN, the Head of the NPF Legal Section and Benneth Igweh, a former Federal Capital Territory Police Commissioner.

These police officers have been implicated in forgery, falsification, and bypassing service regulations.

The directive is disclosed in a letter dated February 1, 2025, signed by CP Bode Akinbamilowo, Deputy Force Secretary, on behalf of the Inspector General of Police, and addressed to the Deputy Inspectors-General of Police, Assistant Inspectors General of Police, Commandants of Police Staff Colleges at Jos and Kano, Commissioners of Police and Commandants of Police Colleges across the country.

The letter is titled ‘Re: Police Service Commission Decision At Its 1stt Extra Ordinary Meeting Of The 6thh Management Board On The Regularisation Of Date Of First Appointment Of Cadet ASPs/Inspectors Force Entrants.’

It reads, “Attached letter No. CH: 8400.IGP.SEC/ABJ/VOL.17/90 dates 31st January, 2025 with its attachments received from the Inspector General of Police, Force Headquarters Abuja in respect of the above underlined subject refers.

“I am to convey the directive of the Inspector General of Police that you ensure comprehensive implementation of the decision with emphasis on paragraphs 3 and 4 of the attachment letter under reference.”

The decision of the PSC refereed to in the letter was earlier communicated to the IGP in a letter dated January 31, 2025 and signed by Nnamani Onyemuche, Secretary to the PSC.

Paragraphs 3 and 4 to be given emphasis read: “Accordingly, the Commission at its 1st extraordinary meeting of the 6th Management Board held on Friday 31st January 2025 has approved the immediate retirement of those officers who have spent 35 years in service and those above 60 years of age.

“Any omission discovered subsequently on this issue also falls within this approval.”

Paragraph 5 reads: Please implement, inform the affected officers and make replacement for the vacancies thereafter immediately and forward to the commission for its consideration and approval.”

On the list of those who should have retired but still in service going by their dates of enlistment are: Simon Asamber Lough who should have retired on January 8, 2022 going by his date of enlistment.

Others listed include Benneth Chinedu Igweh (January 5, 2023), Akinbayo Olasukami Olasoji, Louis Chike Nwabuwa, Mukar Sule, Adamu Danjuma, Ajao Olusegun, and Iriemi Solomon.