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Former NSDC Executive Secretary Faces Legal Challenge for Violating Rules and Regulations”

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ABUJA, Nigeria – Former NSDC Executive Secretary Faces Legal Challenge for Violating Rules and Regulations” a developing legal matter, Legal Option Solicitors, representing Mr. Audu Karimu, a concerned Nigerian citizen, has issued a stern reminder to the Head of Service of the Federation regarding an alleged violation of Public Service Rules (PSR) and the Sugar Regulation Council (Amendment) Act, 2015. The focus of this reminder is the conduct of Mr. Zaccheus Adedeji, the former Executive Secretary of the National Sugar Development Council (NSDC), and Mr. Auwal Abubakar Shira.

Background and Introduction: 1.1 The solicitors maintain their representation of Mr. Audu Karimu, a Nigerian patriot, and client. They draw attention to their client’s previous petition regarding the actions of Mr. Zaccheus Adedeji, the former Executive Secretary of the NSDC, and Mr. Auwal Abubakar Shira, who, despite reaching his retirement date on 11th September 2021, continues to serve in the capacity of Director Finance and Administration in the Council.

1.2 The NSDC, established through Decree No. 88, later NSDC (Amendment) Act, 2015, is subject to the Public Service Rules (PSR) in the administration of its personnel. Under these rules, staff members are to retire upon reaching thirty-five (35) years in service or sixty (60) years of age, whichever comes earlier. The Executive Secretary of the Council does not possess the authority to lawfully extend the service years of any staff unless specifically authorized by the NSDC Act and the PSR, a condition not met in this instance.

Facts of the Petition: 2.1 Mr. Zaccheus Adedeji assumed the role of Executive Secretary of the NSDC on or around 10th March 2021. However, on 15th June 2023, he was appointed Senior Special Adviser to the President on Revenue, necessitating his resignation from the NSDC position due to the prohibition of holding two public offices concurrently. Subsequently, on 15th September 2023, he was appointed Acting Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).

2.2 On the other hand, Mr. Auwal Abubakar Shira, who held the position of Director of Finance and Administration (DFA) at the NSDC in 2021, was due to retire on 11th September 2021. However, the former Executive Secretary extended his service years without lawful authority, granting a one-year extension from 11th September 2021 to 10th September 2022. Upon this extension’s expiration, the former Executive Secretary further extended the retirement date to 10th September 2023.

2.3 Despite these extensions, the DFA has remained in office without further extension since the second extension unlawfully granted to him expired on 11th September 2023. Furthermore, the former Executive Secretary, who was supposed to vacate his position on 15th June 2023 when appointed as SA to the President, is allegedly involved in planning the further unlawful extension of the DFA’s service years or his appointment as the new Executive Secretary.

2.4 The petition alleges that both the former Executive Secretary and the DFA are scheming to further extend the DFA’s tenure in blatant violation of the NSDC Act and the PSR, which dictate the tenure of the Council’s staff. Additionally, they are doing so without obtaining relevant approvals from the appropriate authorities. This conduct not only contravenes established rules and regulations but also hinders the career growth and development of other qualified Council staff.

2.5 In addition to the alleged illegal extension of the Director’s tenure, both individuals are accused of failing to comply with basic Public Service Rules regulating the re-engagement of retired public servants through contract, particularly on grade levels below that on which they retired. If the Council deemed it necessary to re-engage the retired DFA on contract, it should have been in compliance with these rules, engaging him as a Deputy Director, not in the manner employed, extending his service for twenty-four (24) months by the former Executive Secretary.

Prayers and Request for Intervention: 3.1 Mr. Audu Karimu, through his solicitors, seeks the following interventions: a. The immediate vacation of the position of Director of Finance and Administration by Mr. Auwal Abubakar Shira.

Attachments:

The solicitors refer to their client’s earlier petition for additional context and detail.

This legal challenge underscores the importance of adhering to established rules and regulations within the public service, ensuring fairness and equity in personnel decisions.

 

 

 

 

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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.

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.

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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