By Gloria Ikibah

The House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions has directed the Comptroller General of the Nigerian Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi, to appear before it on  Tuesday February 18, 2025, and respond to allegations regarding the continued service of certain senior officers beyond their retirement dates.

The Obasi-Pherson Help Foundation had petitioned the 10th House, claiming that some Assistant Comptrollers and Comptrollers—identified as Imam, Umar, and Egwu, as well as Awe, Fatia, and Faith had reached their mandatory retirement dates but refused to step down.

In issuing the summons, the Committee Chairman, Rep. Mike Etaba stressed the importance of transparency in public service.

He said: “Nigerians deserve to know the true situation, and only the Customs Comptroller General can provide clarity.

“With many young Nigerians seeking employment, it is unacceptable for those due for retirement to hold onto positions meant for fresh recruits”.

Rep. Etaba emphasised that the Committee remains impartial, committed to ensuring justice based on the merits of each case.

In a related matter, the Committee has warned that it may issue an arrest order for the Director General of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) if she fails to appear in person to respond to allegations of a breached software agreement.

Truid Limited, a private firm, claims that NIMC failed to honour a license agreement for a tokenization system it developed and deployed at no initial cost to the commission.

The agreement, signed in 2021, allowed Truid to recoup its investment through service provider transactions, with revenue shared between both parties over a ten-year period.

However, the petition alleged that the new NIMC DG has been attempting to terminate the arrangement, leading to a dispute.

Chairman Etaba expressed dissatisfaction over the DG’s repeated absence despite multiple invitations.

“If she fails to appear at the next hearing, we will have no choice but to request the Inspector General of Police to compel her attendance.

“Government officials cannot continue to disregard constituted authority”, he stated.

By Gloria Ikibah

A bill seeking to establish a regulatory body for organ harvesting, transplantation, and donations in Nigeria, has passed through second reading in the House of Representatives on Tuesday at plenary.

Titled A Bill for an Act to Make Provisions for a Regulatory Body for Organ Harvesting, Transplanting, and Donations and for Related Matters, the proposed legislation aims to create a structured system for organ transplants nationwide.

Leading the debate, sponsor of the bill, Rep. Sada Soli (APC, Katsina), highlighted its primary goal: establishing a framework to govern organ harvesting, transplants, and donations.

“This legislation is intended to save lives by facilitating organ transplants while also supporting individuals with organ failure,” Soli stated.

Beyond medical procedures, the bill also seeks to promote research and education in organ donation and transplantation.

Under its provisions, the proposed regulatory committee will be chaired by the Minister of Health, with the Minister of Justice, the President of the Nigerian Medical Association, and two other medical experts as members.

The committee will be responsible for setting policies to regulate organ transplants, providing guidance on donation procedures, and promoting educational programs to encourage organ donation.

The bill specifies that individuals aged 21 and above can donate their organs. In cases where a donor is unable to consent, close family members, including a spouse, child, parent, or sibling may do so, provided there is no objection from the family.

According to its explanatory memorandum, the legislation is designed to ensure ethical and legal compliance in organ harvesting and transplantation across Nigeria.

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The Anambra State government has finally sealed Okija Shrine to crackdown on fake native doctors and criminal activities.

The shrine, allegedly operated by Ekene Igboegbueze, a self-proclaimed native doctor who promises unsuspecting individuals super wealth, was shut down following numerous complaints from Okija residents.

Special Adviser to the Governor on Community Security, Prince Ken Emeakai, stated that the government took action based on reports from the local community.

“Igboegbueze’s business is illegal under Anambra State Homeland Security Laws,” Emeakai said, adding that properties acquired through the illicit trade have also been sealed.

“All items found in the shrine will undergo forensic examination, and the results will determine further government action,” he added.

Director of Operations for Agunechemba Security Outfit, Chinenye Ihenko, cautioned youths against patronizing fake native doctors and pastors.

“The activities of fake spiritual leaders are fueling a get-rich-quick mentality in the state,” he said.

“Our mandate is to sanitize Anambra, and we are committed to that. Anything contributing to the desecration of the state or aiding criminal activities will be eradicated. That, we can assure the people.”

He urged the youth to engage in legitimate ventures to avoid falling foul of the law.