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Afenifere demands for unconditional release of Farotimi
The pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has intervened in the ongoing face-off between legal luminary, Chief Afe Babalola and activist, Dele Farotimi, calling for unconditional release of the activist.
The organisation at a World Press Conference held at the residence of its leader, Chief Ayo Adebanjo in Lagos said while it was not talking about the merit or demerit of the case, the procedure and manner of arrest of the activist was condemnable.
Deputy Leader of the Group, Oba Oladipo Olaitan who addressed the press conference expressed concern over the continued incarceration of Farotimi over a bailable offence.
Farotimi, a member of the National Caucus of Afenifere, was arrested on Tuesday December 3, 2024 in his office in Lekki Lagos by plain-clothed police officers from Ekiti State Police Command over a petition by Babalola.
Babalola had claimed he was defamed in the book written by Farotimi titled, “Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System.”
The Chief Magistrate Court in Ekiti has reserved a ruling on his bail application until December 20.
But Afenifere Deputy Leader criticised the chief magistrate, Abayomi Adeosun, for denying bail, describing the charges as bailable.
He stated that what is happening to Farotimi represented a script playing out as the charges are bailable and should have been granted bail on self-recognisance.
“It is Dele Farotimi today, it could be you tomorrow,” the Deputy Leader added.
“Afenifere believes that Chief Afe Babalola, like every citizen, has a right to defend his reputation if injured to the full extent of the law but not outside the strictures of the law. Therefore, Dele Farotimi must have his day in court. He cannot be unjustly incarcerated. His rights must be similarly protected,” he said.
The group called for an end to using the police from other states to arrest citizens, saying, “The increasing practice of arresting people in a state and transporting (rendering) them out of state often without the knowledge of the relatives of those arrested and also charged in a state other than the state of normal residence of the suspect need to be stopped.
“The practice exerts undue mental agony and expense on the accused person and their families who are often left wondering for hours or days about the safety and whereabouts of their loved ones. The Police must stop this practice.
“It is a loophole that can be exploited by criminals who may be tempted to disguise their crimes by acting out their nefarious activities by imitating the rogue police operations.”
Oba Olaitan added that the delay in granting bail to Mr. Farotimi “has confirmed the fears of well-meaning people all over the world that these processes are driven by extraneous considerations outside the facts and laws in respect of the petition on which the Police and the Chief Magistrate in Ekiti are hinging their actions.”
…commend his leadership qualities, contribution to national development
By Gloria Ikibah
The Chairman House of Representatives’ Committee onthe Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Rep. Muktar Betara has congratulated Governor of Niger State, Mohammed Bago on his 51st birthday.
Rep. Betara who represents Biu/Bayo/Shani/Kwaya Kusar Federal Constituency of Borno State, in a congratulatory message admitted Governor Bago’s relentless advocacy for Nigerites as well as the meaningful contributions to legislative processes that shaped national development while serving as Member of the House of Representatives.
Thrilled by the leadership qualities of Governor Bago, he applauded various unprecedented developmental projects initiated since his assumption of office in 2023.
He said: “Your Excellency, on this special occasion of your 51st birthday, I extend my heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to you.
“This milestone is a testament to a life dedicated to public service, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the progress of Niger State and Nigeria at large.
“As the Governor of Niger State, your visionary leadership has continued to inspire hope and transformation across various sectors.
“Your dedication to infrastructural development, education, healthcare, and especially, agriculture, and security has significantly improved the lives of the people, reinforcing your reputation as a leader who prioritises the welfare of his people.
“Your efforts in fostering economic growth and good governance have set a solid foundation for sustainable development in the state.
“Before assuming office as Governor, your impactful tenure as a Member of the House of Representatives was marked by your relentless advocacy for your constituents and meaningful contributions to legislative processes that shaped national development.
“As you celebrate this new chapter of your life, may you continue to be blessed with wisdom, strength, and good health to steer Niger State toward greater heights. Happy birthday !”
…as currency swap boosting bilateral trade
By Gloria Ikibah
The Nigerian government is deepening economic collaboration with China to drive industrialisation and economic diversification.
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, made this known when she received the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, in Abuja.
The Minister emphasised that Nigeria’s longstanding ties with China, spanning over five decades, align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises economic expansion and resilience.
Outlining key areas where Nigeria seeks Chinese support, including electric vehicle production, digital technology, renewable energy, and agriculture, Amb. Odumegwu-Ojukwu acknowledged China’s significant role in Nigeria’s road and rail infrastructure development and noted that the country is taking concrete steps to modernize its ports and power sector to attract more investment.
She also highlighted the importance of cultural ties, and noted the growing interest among Nigerian youths in learning the Chinese language.
The minister reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening its economic partnership with China, highlighting that the ongoing currency swap agreement is already enhancing trade relations between both nations.
“It’s quite interesting that a large population of Nigeria youth is inching towards Chinese Language. A lot of Nigerian Universities are desirous to offer Chinese Language. Chinese had become the language of trade in the world.
“Nigeria-China will continue to relate not just bilaterally but multilaterally.
“We expect that we will continue to get the support of China but we will always reciprocate that multilaterally.
“In line with President Tinubu’s plan to industrialise Nigeria, we expect Chinese cooperation in establishing assembly plants of electric vehicles; digital communication, renewable energy, all aspects of digital technology, agriculture because of food insecurity as the government is interested in seeing that food gets to the poorest of the poor. Government is not just talking about food but has established a separate Ministry of Livestock,” the minister stated.
She urged China to extend trade tariff exemptions to its exports, similar to the concessions already granted to 33 other African nations, emphasising that the Renewed Hope Agenda prioritizes stronger ties between citizens and deeper country-to-country partnerships.
In response, Chinese Ambassador Yu Dunhai reaffirmed China’s commitment to strengthening its relationship with Nigeria, describing the country as a key strategic partner. He noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s visit to China and participation in the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) had elevated diplomatic and economic engagements between both nations.
Amb. Yu highlighted ongoing collaborations in infrastructure, including roads, railway modernization, power, industrial parks, and the Lekki Deep Sea Port. He disclosed that trade volume between the two nations exceeded $21 billion last year, with Nigeria’s exports to China accounting for over 25% of this figure.
He further underscored the role of manufacturing in industrialization, pointing to the recently renewed $2 billion currency swap agreement as a tool to enhance financial cooperation, boost bilateral trade, and attract more investment.
Expressing optimism about the future, the envoy stated that these efforts would ultimately yield tangible benefits for ordinary citizens in both countries.
He said: “We have a comprehensive strategic partnership with Nigeria. China would want Nigeria to play a big role in the international scene. We want Nigeria to become a member of G-20. These will all provide opportunity for China and Nigeria to further work together closely.
“For China, we have been very consistent. We give grant to any African countries; we don’t give any conditions.”
He further acknowledged that it was important that the two countries met to review how far they have performed in their bilateral cooperation.
Speaker Abbas Hails Governor Bago @51
Betara Celebrates Governor Bago @51
Nigeria Seeks Stronger Economic Ties with China
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