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NASACOF describes Obaseki’s Claim as unscrupulous mischief 

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By Yaseer Ahmad

A joint of non governmental organisations popularly known as Non-State Actors Consultative Forum (NOSACOF) Comprising
Kano,Katsina,Zamfara,Imo,Kaduna,Niger and Sokoto State Chapters have described the claims of printing N60 billion made by the Edo state governor Godwin Obaseki as unscrupulous mischief.

This was contained in a statement signed and issued to news men by NOSACOF join coordinator Omaru Ibrahim adding that is a deliberate Attack on Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning.

The statement said, NOSACOF are deeply troubled by the increasing use of disinformation and tainted truth by some politicians to misguide and misinform public about government policies for mischief political agenda.

According to the statement, over the last 6 – 7 years, Nigeria was faced with challenging financial and economic problems characterised by a series of increased inflation, unemployment and Naira depreciation. This is because; Nigeria is a mono economy, dependent on crude oil exportation for its survival and importation of virtually everything.

It said, Unfortunately previous administrations lead by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) failed to use the crude oil earnings to diversify the economy nor save for rainy days. Instead most of these earning were stolen through unscrupulous contract awards as well extravagant spending by government officials.

The statement maintained that, the incoming President and his administration had to embark on numerous fiscal and economic policies that will increase government revenues, reduce unemployment rate and cut down on imports.

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According to the statement, Unfortunately, members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) whose administrations were responsible for Nigeria’s economic woes have been nothing but a nuisances and Sometimes they sort into blackmailing government officials, just to deter them from implementing the needed economic policies.

Nigeria Union Of Pensioners Honours Gov.Ganduje

“Recent happening regarding the unscrupulous claims by the Governor of Edo State Mr Godwin Obaseki that the Central Bank of Nigeria printed N60 Billion which was shared as federation allocations was nothing but to gain cheap political points against the APC led administration.

“And as usual members of his party have jumped on this opportunity to politically harass and blackmail the Honourable Minister of Finance, Mr Zainab.Facts and figures of the revenues shared as federal allocations in March 2021 shows that, all revenues were listed accordingly.

“VAT – N157.327 billion, Petroleum Profit Tax (PPT) – N137.583 billion, remittances by the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) – N133.583 billion, Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) – N89.350 billion, Company Income Tax (CIT) and related taxes – N66.356 billion, remittance by Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) remitted – N64.161 billion, remittance by the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development (MMSD) – N976 million.

The statement maintained that, the Overall a gross income of N649.336 billion was recorded, however, after 13 percent derivation payment to oil-producing states were netted off, the total revenue to be shared reduced to N596.944 billion. After N8.645 billion withdrawn from the forex equalisation fund account is added, a grand total of N605.589 was shared by the three tiers of government.

The breakdown shows that the federal government receive N205.160 billion as its share, while the 36 states received N166.085 billion and the 774 councils N122.853 billion and oil-producing states shared an additional N37.143 billion as derivation payment.

According to the statement, it is common practice in both developed and developing countries to print money during difficult economic times, the responsibility mostly lies on the advice and suggestions made by the Central Bank.

The statement maintained that, the Nigeria’s CBN governor Mr Godwin Emefiele has personally addressed the issue of printing and have made it clear that printing money is a responsibility of the Central Bank and it is mainly done for intervention measure.

The statement then, called on the public to disregard the media campaign of calumny against the person the Honourable Minister Mrs Zainab Ahmad and urged the minister to keep giving her best for the betterment of our beloved country.

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76 Detained Children: Northwest Youth-Students Forum hails Senator Barau, AGF’s prompt intervention

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The Northwest Youth and Students Forum (NWYSF) has expressed its heartfelt appreciation to the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin and the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, for their prompt intervention in the detention of minors by the Nigeria Police Force, following the End Bad Governance Protest.

The forum in a statement signed by its National Chairman, Abubakar Isyaku Balan said the swift action by the leaders will brings hope to the affected families and demonstrates a commitment to protecting the rights of vulnerable citizens nationwide.

He said “The giant move of the Deputy President of the Senate and the Attorney General of the Federal is no doubt a commendable one. We are proud of this and look forward to the release of the children courtesy of this movement.”

According to the statement, the NWYSF, as a forum comprising of talented youth and students, deemed it necessary to protectively initiate awareness programs that will enlighten the teeming youth on human rights and activism.

“We acknowledge that the minors actions were driven by ignorance and a lack of proper orientation, underscoring the need for civic education and sensitization in the Northwest region. Addressing the underlying issues that led to this situation is crucial, rather than simply punishing the minors. This approach will foster a more informed and empowered youth.

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“Considering the economic situation in the North, we urge the Federal Government to show compassion and release the detained minors, taking into account their age and circumstances. We also call on the government to provide support for their rehabilitation and education.

“In partnership with government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and community leaders, NWYSF will develop sensitization initiatives focusing on empowering youths with knowledge of their rights and responsibilities, promoting understanding and respect for human rights and teaching alternative dispute resolution methods.

“In view of the above, by working together, we can prevent similar incidents and foster a more informed, peaceful, and inclusive society,” the statement added.

 

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ICPC Arraigns Provost, Lecturer for Certificate Forgery in Sokoto

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Dr Musa Adamu Aliyu ,ICPC Chairman

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arraigned Hauwau Gimbiya Mukhtar Abdulkarim, the serving Provost of the Federal College of Education (Technical) (FCET), Gusau, alongside Abdullahi Boyi, a lecturer with the Sokoto State College of Education (SSCE), on alleged certificate forgery.

The duo were arraigned on a six-count charge, registered as charge No. SS/213c/2024, before Hon. Justice Muhammad Aliyu Sambo at the Sokoto State High Court. ICPC accused the two defendants of forging an appointment letter and using it to apply for the position of Provost at the Federal College of Education (Technical) Gusau, Zamfara State.

The defendants were also accused of making false statements to ICPC officers during the investigation, which is an offence under Section 25(1)(a) and punishable under Section 25(ii)(b) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000. “Both defendants, however, pleaded ‘not guilty’ to all six charges when read to them by the Court’s Registrar,” the ICPC revealed in a statement.

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Counsel for the defendants, Dr. Muhammad Mansur Aliyu and Mr. M.S. Diri SAN, moved for bail applications on behalf of their clients. They requested the court to consider reasonable bail terms, citing the defendants’ “established positions and cooperation during the investigation.”

Counsel to the ICPC, Mr. Suleiman Ahmad, did not oppose the bail applications. Following the consideration of the applications, Hon. Justice Sambo granted bail under specific conditions designed to ensure the defendants’ continued presence throughout the trial proceedings.

The bail conditions require each defendant to provide two sureties who are permanent residents of Sokoto State, with each surety signing a bond of one million naira (₦1,000,000). After granting bail, the ICPC prosecutor requested a date for the trial to commence, emphasizing the Commission’s preparedness to present witnesses and evidence in support of the charges.

Hon. Justice Sambo adjourned the matter to November 21, 2024, when the hearing is set to begin. The prosecution is expected to call witnesses and introduce material evidence to substantiate the allegations.

The ICPC press release was signed by Demola Bakare, Acting Director of Public Enlightenment and Education, and Spokesperson for the Commission.

 

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HRC-RFT Decries Violation of Minors’ Rights in Protest Detentions

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The International Human Rights Commission – RFT Nigeria Chapter (IHRC-RFT), accredited by the United Nations ECOSOC, has issued an urgent plea to the Nigerian judiciary to protect the rights of minors unjustly detained following the #EndBadGovernance protests.

The press release was signed by Amb. Abdullahi Bakoji Adamu, Country Director, IHRC-RFT Nigeria Chapter.

The call comes after distressing images of malnourished children were seen in court today, raising concerns that many detainees may not even meet the age threshold required by law for formal arraignment.

Bakoji said the IHRC-RFT highlighted that it appears ages have been exaggerated to bring these youths within judicial scope, thereby undermining their fundamental rights and violating national and international child protection standards. “The faces of these young detainees bear the weight of a systemic failure that has left Nigeria’s children vulnerable at home, in school, and in society,” the commission stated.

Deprived of proper guidance and support, children are exposed to exploitation and abuse. Instead of addressing the root causes of their plight, the government is seen as punishing them for attempting to survive in a challenging environment. “Article 25 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and Section 14(2)(b) of the Nigerian Constitution both affirm the government’s duty to safeguard the welfare and security of all citizens, especially vulnerable children,” IHRC-RFT emphasized.

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The commission called on the judiciary to reflect deeply on these standards, recognizing the ethical implications of allowing such harmful practices to persist. IHRC-RFT urged the judiciary to thoroughly verify the ages of detainees, protect minors from inhumane treatment, and reject executive overreach. “Ensure no child below the legal age is subjected to undue criminalization due to manipulated documentation or other forms of coercion,” the commission urged.

IHRC-RFT appealed to global partners and Nigeria’s human rights community to speak out against these injustices. “The exploitation of children, especially under the guise of legal proceedings, demands a collective response,” the commission said.

The IHRC-RFT Nigeria Chapter stands resolute in its commitment to protect and defend the rights of all individuals, especially children. “We implore the Nigerian judiciary to rise to its duty by rejecting harmful executive actions that put minors at risk,” the statement concluded.

 

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