On July 11, 2024, the supreme court of Nigeria delivered a judgement, ruling that all the 774 local government areas across the federation shall henceforth be financially autonomous.

The apex court, in a landmark judgement, ruled that it is unconstitutional for governors to hold onto funds meant for local governments.

The Supreme Court, in a unanimous decision by a seven-member panel of justices, barred governors of the 36 states of the federation from receiving, withholding, tampering or utilizing funds that stand to the credit of the local government areas.

The ruling, however, generated mixed reactions.

WITHIN NIGERIA gathered that while President Bola Tinubu, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the National Union of Local Government Employees, NULGE, Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, SERAP, Labour Party, LP, and Coalition of United Political Parties, CUPP hailed the Supreme Court judgement, former governor of Delta State, Chief James Ibori, said the verdict has dealt a severe setback to the principle of federalism in the country.

Recall that the Federal Government had in a suit marked SC/CV/343/2024, filed on May 24, 2024, prayed to the Supreme Court to give full autonomy to local governments.

It also urged the court to issue an order prohibiting state governors from embarking on unilateral, arbitrary and unlawful dissolution of democratically elected local government leaders.

Besides, the Federal Government prayed to the Supreme Court for an order, stopping governors from further constituting caretaker committees to run the affairs of local governments, against the constitutionally recognised and guaranteed democratic system.

It equally applied for an order of injunction, restraining the governors, their agents and privies, from receiving, spending or tampering with funds released from the Federation Account for the benefit of local governments when no democratically elected local government system is put in place in the states.

It argued that Nigeria, as a federation, is a creation of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, with the President, as Head of the Federal Executive Arm, swearing on oath to uphold and give effects to provisions of the Constitution.

The details of the Supreme Court ruling giving 774 local councils financial autonomy includes;

“The Supreme Court ruled on Thursday that all federal funds for local government councils should be paid directly into their accounts.

“Justice Emmanuel Agim, who led a seven-member panel of justices, delivered the judgment in a suit filed by the federal government against the 36 state governors.

“According to the judgment, henceforth, no more payments of local government area allocations will be made to state government accounts. The court also prohibited the governors from receiving, tampering with, or withholding funds meant for local governments.

“Furthermore, the court barred the governors from dissolving democratically elected officials for local governments and deemed such actions a breach of the 1999 Constitution.

“The federal government had approached the Supreme Court with a suit seeking to compel the governors of the 36 federating states to grant full autonomy to local governments in their domains. The suit, marked SC/CV/343/2024, was filed by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), on behalf of the Federal Government.

“The Federal Government accused the state governors of gross misconduct and abuse of power in its suit, which was based on 27 grounds. In the originating summons, the FG prayed the Supreme Court to make an order stating that funds standing to the credit of local governments from the Federation Account should be paid directly to the local governments rather than through the state governments.

“The justice minister also requested an order restraining governors, their agents, and privies from receiving, spending, or tampering with funds released from the Federation Account for the benefit of local governments when no democratically elected local government system is in place in the states.

“Finally, the Federal Government sought an order stopping governors from constituting caretaker committees to run the affairs of local governments, contrary to the constitutionally recognized and guaranteed democratic system.”

However, nearly six months after the Supreme Court ruled that local governments’ monthly allocations be paid into the individual accounts of the 774 local government councils; the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) is still paying the funds to joint states/LG accounts.

WITHIN NIGERIA local government councils’ allocations for November 2024 were paid into the states/Local Governments Joint accounts by the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) contrary to what Nigerians were made to believe that the funds would go directly into the local governments’ individual accounts as ordered more than five months ago by the Supreme Court.

Findings showed that the sum of N1.727 trillion was shared by the federal, states and local government councils as revenue for the month of November 2024 by the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) – the highest in the history of the country.

By and large, an analysis of communiqués released after the monthly meeting of Federation Accounts Allocation Committee by our reporter showed that from July to December 2024, the total distributable revenue amounted to N8.351 trillion, which was shared among the federal government, states, and local government councils.

Further analysis showed that the total amount allocated to the local government councils was N2.075tn.

The said amount, despite being allocated to the 774 local government areas in the country, are still being held and managed by their respective states.

How governors plan to thwart the judgment

Since the judgement was passed by the apex court some state governors have resorted to both covert and overt action to thwart the full implementation of the judgment.

In Anambra state for instance, the governor, Prof. Charles Soludo on October 15, 2024 passed into law, Local Government Law after the bill was read three times in the state House of Assembly Chambers.

The Anambra state local government law

The bill, submitted to the Anambra State House of Assembly on aThursday, was signed into law despite stiff opposition by some state lawmakers.

The law compels local governments in the state to remit a portion of their federal allocations into a consolidated account controlled by the state government.

Observers said the law was at variance with the Supreme Court ruling which affirmed the financial autonomy of the country’s local governments.

WITHIN NIGERIA gathered that Mr Soludo, after signing the bill into law, stressed that local governments are not usually considered as federal units.

The governor said that although the Supreme Court ruling affirming local government autonomy was intended for transparency, granting absolute autonomy to the local governments would breed chaos.

According to Prof. Soludo, “absolute autonomy would mean that each LG would have its own primary education policy, employ its own teachers, and pay them whatever it can afford and whenever it can do so, etc.

“This would be a recipe for humongous chaos, not only for the administration of local government and pensions but more so in the primary education and primary health sectors,” he said.

He argued that the new local government law in Anambra was not at variance with the Supreme Court ruling.

Soludo explained that Section 7 of the Nigerian Constitution empowers the State legislatures to make laws for the management of local government finances.

“The new law by Anambra House of Assembly is therefore consequential to give operational life to the Supreme Court judgment and not to undermine it,” he argued.

The governor suggested that the new law was intended to prevent local government chairpersons from mismanaging their finances.

“The law seeks to create a framework to ensure that the basic functions mandated by the (Nigerian) Constitution for the local governments are discharged as a matter of first-line charge or the irreducible minimum.

“With these laws, workers and retirees from the local government system in Anambra, such as primary school teachers, primary health workers, workers in the local government system under the local government service commission, can sleep with their two eyes closed,” he said.

Continuing in his justification for the new bill, the governor posited that  “No tier of government can function without the collaboration of others. The three tiers have the objective of the people.

“The federal government is not completely autonomous of the state. It is a collaborative arrangement to achieve the same objective,” he said.

ALGON kicks

The Secretary-General of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Mohammed Abubakar, while speaking on the delay in the direct payment of federal allocation to local governments, lamented the non-implementation of the Supreme Court ruling.

He said, “Sincerely, we are all in the dark as we stand now. People who don’t want this local government autonomy to work are having a field day.

“Ordinarily, the Supreme Court judgment should not be left unattended. We are in the dark, to the extent that we cannot pinpoint what the government is trying to achieve by not enforcing the Supreme Court judgment allowing allocation to be paid directly to local government accounts.

“We had made our submissions that the local government accounts should be opened across board and submitted to the Office of The Accountant-General for the allocation to be disbursed directly, but the governors are claiming that they already utilised funds for the interest of the local governments. They also argued that the local governments’ money is not enough to take care of all the health and the primary school teachers. But we are saying they should allow the implementation first, and then we can make a case for whatever deficiencies we have.”

He said further that, “But in a situation where you don’t act but worry about some issues raised by the governors which include that they have incurred a lot of loans on behalf of the local government, then we may not have a way forward.

“So, these are the bottlenecks that we understand are causing these delays, but again, there can be a way out of these issues and we have proffered some solutions to the committee. It is best known to the committee why it has not carried out the advice we gave to them.”

Similarly, a former local government chairman of Igbo-Eze North in Enugu state, Tony Ugwu, said “if Nigeria is talking about local government autonomy without the councils getting allocations directly from the federal government,” the essence of the much-talked about autonomy would have been defeated.

He said, “Many local government chairmen in Nigeria are new in the seat, and have not received any allocation from the federal government. Until that is done, one will be able to know if they are going to match their words with action.

“As far as I am concerned, talking about LG autonomy without the councils receiving allocations directly from the federal government will negate that good intention.

“If the new found autonomy for local governments is religiously implemented, the positive multiplier effect will be much. The important impact it will have is to ensure development of the rural communities which hitherto had suffered serious neglect.”

NULGE reacts to the delay, calls on President Tinubu

Reacting to the delay, the National President of the National Union of Local Government Employee, NULGE Mr. Hakeem Ambali said the delay is not necessary.

In an interview with newsmen recently, on Thursday, NULGE  Ambali, decried the delay and called on President Bola Tinubu to urgently enforce the directive.

“We are surprised that up till now, this has not been implemented. However, we received encouraging news during the Yuletide that it would take effect in January. It is disheartening that after six months, we are still discussing this issue.

The court judgment left no room for delays in implementation, and we believe this should have started since October. That is why we are urging Mr. President to act now,” Ambali said.

He highlighted assurances from the President and recent developments indicating that direct allocations to LGAs would commence by the end of January.

“I also recall that the Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum paid a visit to Mr. President during the Yuletide, and the President reiterated his commitment to implementing this directive. Our expectation is that by the end of January, local governments will have their funds credited directly. We do not want the practice of routing local government funds through intermediaries anymore—enough is enough. The court’s judgment is final and must be respected.”

Ambali also criticised the actions of certain governors, including Prof. Charles Soludo of Anambra State and Dr Alex Otti of Abia State, who allegedly passed laws that conflicted with the Supreme Court’s ruling.

“Governors like Soludo and Otti rushed to pass laws that conflicted with the Supreme Court’s judgment. Such laws are null and void because they cannot override the court’s decision. The Attorney General has already clarified that their actions are illegal and cannot stand in the face of the law,” he stated.

To safeguard the integrity of the allocation process, Ambali explained that a technical committee had submitted key recommendations, including increased transparency and oversight mechanisms.

“The technical committee has submitted recommendations to the presidency to safeguard the process. For example, we have proposed that the Federation Account Allocation Committee publish local government allocations in national newspapers monthly.

“We also recommended the establishment of a monitoring committee to track disbursements. Furthermore, the Minister of Special Duties should organise capacity-building conferences for councilors tasked with oversight functions. Let us not forget that the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit is now operational at the local government level.

“Once local governments receive direct allocations, we will see a significant difference. It’s one thing for someone to take your money and give you a fraction; it’s another for you to control your own funds. With direct allocations, local governments will finally be in charge of their finances.”

Ambali warned governors against attempts to derail local government autonomy, emphasising that LGA officials would also be held accountable for any lapses.

“The apprehensive actions by Governors Soludo and Otti will not succeed. Unlike governors, local government chairmen and officials do not enjoy immunity. Anyone who violates the law will face the full wrath of the law,” he added.

Confusion in the local government system

Also, some top officials in some local government councils in Enugu state, who spoke under anonymity told WITHIN NIGERIA that while they were looking forward to the new dispensation, there were still no sufficient and clear indications that their financial autonomy would be without encumbrances from the governors.

One of them said, “It remains to be seen if the newly found financial autonomy by local governments in the country would be allowed by the state governments to thrive.

“The body language of the governors in response to the new arrangement is eloquent and audible enough. It is not only in this state, but all over the country. But as things stand now, no one can categorically state how the whole arrangement will pan out. We are only waiting to see how things will unfold.”

Another anonymous official told our reporter that “Elected Council chairmen are under severe pressure to perform. They are yet to begin work because no kobo has been released directly to the council’s treasury.

“They were hoping that the November allocations from the federation account would be given directly to the local governments, but their hope was dashed.”

He also disclosed that all eyes were “now on the elected chairmen and members of the legislative councils to deliver,” adding that if they got the money he was certain that they would do well.

“Honestly, we are under enormous pressure from the people to deliver and the people also know how much that comes to the councils from the federation account every month because it is usually published on the national dailies. Now, the people from my local government already know that the council receives approximately N300 million every month and sometimes slightly higher.

“From September to this November the council would have received close to a billion naira and the people know that. But as it is now we have not resumed work because there is no fund yet. Initially, we had hoped that the governor would have given us the November allocations, but it was not so. As I speak nothing is happening right now because the funds are not available. Hopefully, if we get this December allocations directly then work will start, “he said further.

Citizens, civil servants react to the delay

A cross-section of citizens, who spoke with this reporter, said it would be nice for local government chairmen to receive their allocations directly.

A primary school who gave her name as Georgina said  that “this is the time for the newly elected Council chairmen to account for why they were elected.

“Let them prove to us why they were elected; they have a lot on their shoulders, let them provide good governance in the rural areas. They should strictly detach themselves from the state government and usher in true local autonomy,” he said.

According to Mrs. Georgina “ if the state governors should allow these elected local government chairmen to operate, perhaps all these unpaid local government gratuities and pensions would be liquidated in no distant time.

Mrs. Stella Afolabi, an Ibadan-based fashion designer, urged governors to allow local government chairmen to be truly independent. She wants the Council chairmen to look at the rural roads in her community and address the menace of herdsmen infiltrating into their farms.

“It’s a welcome development, but we don’t want a situation where the chairmen are controlled by the governor, they should truly be independent and provide good roads in the rural areas, our farmers need protection too, they should address the problem of herdsmen destroying our crops in our villages,” she said.

A civil servant, Nanjul Marcus, from Edo state, said, “It is sad that the federal government itself has not started implementation of the direct remittance of allocations to local government councils.

“I heard local council chairmen in other states complaining of financial strangulation by their governors. The story is not different in Edo state.

It would be a welcome development for local councils to receive FAAC allocations directly.”

The post LG Autonomy: Six Months After, FG Yet To Allocate Funds Directly To LG Accounts appeared first on WITHIN NIGERIA.

For the people of Enugu state, nay south east zone of the country, travelling from Nsukka to Enugu metropolis is like making a journey from Jericho to Damascus. Whether one is making the journey in the morning, afternoon or night, the story still remains the same; the road is hot bed of kidnappers, hoodlums and other criminal elements in the area.

WITHIN NIGERIA findings revealed that for over two decades now, many lives have been lost to these criminal activities in the area, with each successive government promising to improve the security of motorists and passengers plying the road.

Stretched with about 55km from Opi junction, Nsukka to Abakpa Nike in Enugu metropolis, Ugwuogo Nike/Opi Nsukka road, a single carriage way is arguably one of the most notorious roads in the south East zone.

On October 27, 2022 a former Secretary to the Enugu State Government, Dr. Dan Shere was abducted on the road.

WITHIN NIGERIA  gathered that he is among several other commuters kidnapped along the Enugu-Ugwuogo Nike-Nsukka Road that fateful Thursday.

Shere, a medical doctor, served under the administration of former Governor, Chimaroke Nnamani.

A source told our reporter that the Enugu politician was travelling to Nsukka for a meeting when the gunmen attacked him alongside other travelers.

One of the survivors, who shared a video of the attack, said the gunmen were about eight in number.

According to the source, “they shot severally at our vehicle; one of us was hit by the bullets. But our driver managed to move on. We succeeded in taking the victim to the hospital,” he narrated while thanking God for saving him and four others from the same community.

Another source WITHIN NIGERIA that few hours after finding out the status of who they kidnapped, the abductors increased their ransom to N30m.

“They earlier demanded the sum of N2m on one of the victims but they have now increased it to N30m. They search the phones of the victims to know their status,” the source said.

The kidnap of the former state scribe and the University of Nigeria, Nsukka students carried a lot of outcry, leading to the beefing up of the security out posts in the area.

In any case, when our reporter travelled to Enugu metropolis through Ugwuogo Nike/Opi Nsukka road, it was gathered that for a journey of just about 55kms, there were more than thirty security check points on the road.

Even with the said huge number of security outposts, it does not deter kidnappers, hoodlums and other criminal elements from operating freely and undisturbed on the road. What are the secrets behind their evil operations?

WITHIN NIGERIA gathered that what has kept motorists, passengers and other road users terrified is that more often than not, such criminal activities happen a few metres away from the security posts like police check points or Army security post. More confusing is the fact that at each moment of the attack, police usually feel unconcerned and continue with their stop and search work while a life threatening operation is going right under their nose.

As the security of the road worsened, on September 2, 2023, Dr. Godwin Abonyi, the former chairman of Udenu local government area of the state was attacked by these men of underworld on his way to Enugu metropolis.

An Eye witness told our reporter that his car was riddled with bullets, though he sustained minor injuries during the said attack.

Motorists, passengers lament the situation

Speaking with one of the motorists who ply the road frequently, Mr. Gerald Ugwu, a bus driver told our reporter that the road is increasingly becoming dangerous to ply every day.

“I started plying the road in 2017 when I came back from Jos, Plateau state after series of killings by bandits and hoodlums in the area.

“That time, there was no security threat on the road that time. But since, as the year goes by, the road becomes so dangerous to ply. Last year was better than this year and last two years was better than last year.

“As a matter of fact, right now, the most terrifying thing is that these kidnappers, hoodlums and bandits wear police uniforms to confuse the road users that they are security agents.

“Few weeks ago, I was going from Nsukka to Enugu at about 2pm. Unfortunately, my front tyre burst immediately after Maduka University, Ekwegbe. I had to fix it so as to be able to continue the journey with my passengers. Few metres away, we saw some security agents on police uniforms erecting check point. We were relieved because that spot is usually lonely.

“However, we were surprised when these people we assumed to be security agents stopped a sienna car, filled with passengers and started shooting sporadically in the air. They abducted all the passengers and took them inside the bush. Few hours later, they started demanding for ransom.

“So, my brother, that is the dimension of criminalities along Ugwuogo Nike/ Opi/Nsukka road.”

Another driver told our reporter that “on December 1, 2024, I was coming with some passengers from Enugu metropolis to Nsukka. Immediately after Maduka University, a black Tacoma jeep overtook us. Few minutes later, we heard gunshots at the direction of the Tacoma. We were surprised because we know so well that particular spot is police check point. I had to match the break and alight from the bus with my passengers. Within a twinkle of eyes, we saw these hoodlums in school uniforms drag the occupants of the jeep out and into the bus.”

Narrating further, the driver said that “we were very much terrified and thankful to God because we could have been the victims of the attack if not that the jeep overtook us. We thought they were policemen, not knowing that these are kidnappers.”

Gov. Mbah awards the road for dualization

WITHIN NIGERIA gathered that on October 28, 2024, Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, flagged-off the construction and dualisation of the 43.7km Penoks-Abakpa Nike-Ugwogo-Nike-Opi Nsukka Road with streetlights and 18-month completion timeframe.

Speaking during the flag-off ceremony at Opi attended by political heavy weights and leaders of Nsukka Zone, Gov. Mbah stressed that the the project, which includes straightening the of many bends, would drastically reduce accidents and criminality on the road.

“In the build-up to the election and in my acceptance speech after my election, we made a pledge that we are going to dualise the Penoks-Abakpa-Ugwogo-Opi-Nsukka Road because . we realised from the outset that if we had to grow this economy to an exponential height, no section of this state should be left behind, more so an economic hub like Nsukka Zone. So, all we are doing here today is connecting those dots,” he said.

Mbah regretted that a trip from Enugu to Nsukka presently takes over an hour, hence the decision to do the 3.6km from the Penoks Junction all the way to the T-Junction flyover in addition to the 41km Abakpa Nike-Opi Nsukka Road to reduce travel time to about 30 minutes and make it possible for the people to comfortably live and work in Enugu and vice versa.

He also noted that his administration’s grassroot-based development and economic model placed the Enugu North Zone at an advantage.

“We are doing projects based on electoral wards. Guess who are the greatest beneficiaries of this model? It is the Nsukka zone. You have 102 electoral wards. That means you will end up with 102 smart schools, 102 Type 2 Primary Healthcare Centres, over 1,000km of roads based since we are additionally going to do at least 10km of roads per ward,” he remarked.

However, all the efforts by our reporter to get the reaction of Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO Enugu state police command, Daniel Ndukwe on the ugly development proved abortive as he could not pick his calls.

The post Ugwuogo Nike/Opi Nsukka road: Untold story of Enugu highway where kidnappers, wear police uniforms appeared first on WITHIN NIGERIA.

Ariyo, who later broke the trash can, triggered a harsh retaliation from the teacher. The teacher flogged him 24 times and ordered him to perform 162 frog jumps. He collapsed during the punishment and tragically took his last breath while being rushed to multiple hospitals. Reports indicated that he allegedly died from complications arising from the punishment.

Ariyo’s story stands as a haunting reminder of how a teacher’s whip, intended to discipline, can devastatingly end a young life. His name joins the growing list of students whose futures were cruelly cut short by misguided and excessive punishment.

In May 2022, 12-year-old Emmanuel Amidu suffered a similar fate. The Junior Secondary School 2 pupil at Simple Faith Schools, Agbara, Lagos State, died at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Surulere, after being flogged by his mathematics teacher. Emmanuel began vomiting in the classroom shortly after the beating and was rushed to the hospital, where he later passed away.

In a more extreme case, in 2020, Boluwatife Omelaja, a student at Elihans College, Ikorodu, Lagos State, met a tragic end. His teacher, Emmanuel, reportedly beat him to death over his inability to answer a classroom question correctly.

Yet, corporal punishment continues to be a common culture in Nigeria. In 2022, UNICEF estimated that 85% of Nigerian children under the age of 14 experienced beatings at school, with nearly one in three children experiencing severe physical punishment. 

Similarly, a World Health Organisation (WHO) global report revealed that in some countries, almost all students report being physically punished by school staff.

According to Saadhna Panday-Soobrayan, UNICEF’s chief of education, “Much of this violent discipline takes place in the very institutions that are entrusted to keep children safe.”

Implications of corporal punishment on students

Research shows that corporal punishment is linked to a range of negative outcomes for children across countries and cultures, including physical and mental ill health, impaired cognitive and socio-emotional development, poor educational outcomes, and increased aggression and perpetration of violence.

“All corporal punishment, however mild or light, carries an inbuilt risk of escalation,” a part of the report reads. 

This view aligns with that of Blessing Ahmodu, an Early Years Educator and Curriculum Coordinator, who shared that corporal punishment teaches students that violent reaction is an acceptable form of discipline, leading to the rise of bullying and aggression in schools.

Drawing from her experience, Blessing said that she was beaten in school as a child by a senior student who was encouraged by a teacher, which made her resent both the teacher and the subject they taught.

“This situation became a norm, where any mistake would result in the senior being called to punish me. It made me resent my teacher and the subject, and I developed a stubborn attitude,” she said.

Phillips Blessing, a secondary school teacher, also believes that beating students makes them feel less important, ultimately affecting their academics. According to her, students who face corporal punishment become less receptive to learning or correction.

A mental health advocate, Favour Emezana, weighed in on the psychological impact of corporal punishments on students. She told Within Nigeria that minors who suffered corporal punishment could develop low self-esteem.

“Children who are repeatedly punished this way may struggle to trust adults or believe in their abilities, which can have a long-term impact on their sense of self-worth,” she said.

Emphasising further, Favour said the scars left by corporal punishment aren’t just physical but also emotional, adding that many children carry the weight of these experiences into adulthood, with some struggling with confidence and difficulty building healthy relationships. She further explained that students might also end up associating fear with learning.

Curbing the trend of corporal punishment in Nigeria

Favour advised that parents collaborate with other guardians to advocate for school reform and encouraged them to adopt positive discipline methods. She also noted signs that could signal to parents that their children might be victims of corporal punishment.

“Changes in behaviour, mood, or even a reluctance to go to school can be indicators that something is wrong. Once you have the details from your child, approach the school calmly but firmly. Speak with teachers or administrators to understand their side and advocate for non-violent ways to handle discipline. No child should have to endure physical punishment to learn a lesson,” Favour said.

However, the educationalist Blessing recommended that teachers be properly trained to understand the psychological and physical harm caused by whipping and learn non-violent methods of discipline.

Offering alternative measures for correcting students, she said teachers should address student misbehaviour by considering individual needs and collaborating with parents to find constructive solutions.

“This approach is effective across all age groups, particularly with secondary school students, who often fear specific consequences like parental involvement or public accountability,” she noted.

Blessing added that students who face corporal punishment from teachers should be protected, adding, “Their rights are being violated, and we need to make sure there’s a system in place where they can speak up without fear of being punished for speaking out.”

What the law says about corporal punishment in Nigeria

Enacted in 2003, the Child Rights Act is Nigeria’s most comprehensive law on children’s rights. It guarantees the rights of all children and explicitly prohibits corporal punishment. Additionally, the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act (VAPP ACT), enacted in 2015, ensures the protection of citizens, including children, from all forms of violence in Nigeria.

Human rights activist Gladys Emmanuel further noted that the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), which Nigeria ratified in 1991, provides an international standard for child protection. She explained that Article 28(2) of the Convention stipulates that school discipline must be administered in a manner consistent with the child’s human dignity. 

However, legal practitioner Sandra Ezoke noted challenges in adopting the Child Rights Act to protect students from corporal punishment.

“Section 221(1)(b) of the Act specifically speaks about this issue, but there is a lack of political will to implement it fully,” said Sandra.

Gladys added that despite the strong legal framework provided by the Child Rights Act (CRA) and the UNCRC, several limitations hinder their effective implementation and enforcement in Nigeria. Cultural and religious beliefs remain significant barriers, as many communities regard corporal punishment as a legitimate form of discipline within families and schools. 

“These deeply rooted norms often conflict with the principles of the CRA and the UNCRC, making it challenging to enforce the laws effectively.”

Gladys highlights that many parents seeking justice for their children face difficulty accessing affordable legal services, legal aid, and child-friendly complaint mechanisms. These barriers prevent many cases of corporal punishment from being addressed.

In addition, she points out that “enforcement and accountability mechanisms are often inadequate. Corruption, poor training of law enforcement officials, and the perception of corporal punishment as a ‘family matter’ lead to inaction by authorities, school administrators, and community leaders.

“Furthermore, the lack of Family Courts in many states compounds the problem. While the CRA mandates the establishment of such courts to handle child-related cases, their absence means children cannot access justice through child-friendly procedures.”

A ray of hope 

Gladys explained that despite the challenges, parents whose children have faced corporal punishment in schools can still seek legal redress. She noted that parents can report the case to law enforcement (e.g., NAPTIP or the Police), engage a lawyer, or report to the State Ministry of Women Affairs.

According to her, in communities with active community-based child protection committees (CPCs), parents can report the abuse to these local bodies, which often have direct connections with local authorities and child protection agencies.

Gladys further explained that parents can report violations through available child protection hotlines, such as the UNICEF-supported Child Helpline or the NAPTIP hotline 627. 

“These hotlines provide access to child protection services and rapid response from authorities,” she added.

The post Students Continue to be Victims of Teachers’ Harsh Whip in Nigeria Despite Existing Laws appeared first on WITHIN NIGERIA.

Recall that the late Oba Aromolaran died after a brief illness at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, Ile-Ife, on 11 September 2024, at the age of 86.

AFTER THE DEMISE OF OWA-OBOKUN, WHO IS IN CHARGE?

According to Ijesa customs, six Agba Ijesas, known as Eta Ile and Eta Oko, must take leadership of Ijesaland’s affairs immediately upon the death of Owa-Obokun.

The Eta Ile consists of Obaala, Ogboni Ilesa, and Oba Odo. The Eta Oko is made up of Ogboni Ipole, Ogboni Ijebu-Ijesa, and Ogboni Ibokun. Obaala leads the Eta Ile, while Ogboni leads Esa-Oko. However, Obaala is said to be the ultimate head of the Agba Ijesas.

HOW TO CHOOSE THE NEXT OWA?

WITHIN NIGERIA gathered that it is the duty of 13 high chiefs and kingmakers fondly called Afobajes to choose the new Owa-Obokun of Ijesaland.

The 13 high chiefs include six Agba Ijesas (Ọbaala of Ilesa, Ogboni of Ipole, Ogboni Ijebu Jesa, Ogboni of Ibokun, Ogboni of Ilesa, Obaodo of Ilesa), four AARE Council members (Ọdole of Ilesa, Risawe of Ilesa, Saloro of Ilesa, Arapate of Ilesa), and three Elegbe military commanders (Lejoka of Ilesa).

The high chiefs and Afobajes are empowered to collaborate with the next Ruling House to select the next Owa Obokun of Ijesaland under the guidance of Ifa, the divinity and all-knower.

ROYAL HOUSES?

WITHIN NIGERIA gathered that Ilesa had four ruling houses: Bilayi Arere, Bilaro Olu-Odo, Biladu, and Bilagbayo, respectively. The late Owa-Obokun of Ijesaland came from the Bilayi Arere Ruling House, which included the Aromolaran and Bepo lineages.

The ruling house that will produce the next Owa is the Bilaro Olu-Odo, which includes Arimoro, Ajimoko, Folowosele, and Ofukutu royal families. Bilagbayo Ruling House consists of Atayerọ, Agunlejika, and Lufadeju, whereas Biladu Ruling House includes Ogunmokun and others.

THE CROWN OR THRONE HUSTLE?

Following the death of late Aromolaran, who ruled for 42 years, interested crown princes from royal families, including Arimoro, Ofukutu, and Ajimoko (Hastrup), in the Bilaro Olu-Odo Ruling House quietly began jostling for the vacant throne, causing a sharp division among chiefs and prominent indigenes in the town.

When WITHIN NIGERIA visited the Ajimoko and Ofokutu families’ homes, the reporter saw that renovations such as painting, boreholes, new roofing sheets, and structural adjustments to the buildings had been completed and still ongoing in preparation for the kingship tussle.

It was also gathered that more than 30 crown princes from the Bilaro Olu-Odo Ruling House have entered the contest, with the Ajimoko (Hastrup family) royal line appearing to have the majority.

The contest is strictly between the Arimoro royal family, the Ofukutu royal family, and the Ajimoko (Hastrup) royal family. The mandatory 90-day mourning of the late Oba Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran had not been completed when an unconfirmed story surfaced on social media that the state government had chosen a former deputy governor, Prince Clement Adesuyi Hastrup, in collaboration with some high chiefs.

This incident, including the N10 million application form for Owa chieftaincy aspirants, sparked controversy, but it was quickly dispelled when the Agba Ijesas said that all royal jostling for the throne would be halted till the final burial of late Oba Aromolaran.

THE COURT?

WITHIN NIGERIA obtained a court summons against the Agba Ijesas, high chiefs, Ilesa West Local Government, Governor Adeleke Adeleke, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Titles, Attorney General, and Commissioner for Justice filed by 11 crown princes on behalf of the Ofukutu royal family of the Bilaro Ruling House.

The summons also included Prince Adeleke Hastrup, Prince Clement Adesuyi Hastrup, Bilaro Oluodo Ruling House’s Chairman, Vice Chairman, and Secretary, the Ijesa Central Traditional Council, and the Arapate of Ilesa.

Until the substantive suit is heard and decided, the plaintiffs requested an order of interim injunction prohibiting Ilesa West Local Government, the Governor of Osun State, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Titles, the Attorney General, and the Commissioner for Justice from taking any action pertaining to the presentation, nomination, selection, election, or appointment of Prince Clement Adesuyi Hastrup or any other individual as the Owa of Ijesaland or Owa Obokun Adimula of Ijesaland.

THE ISSUES?

According to a source, the Ofokutu family went to court to seek an injunction because they have reliable information that the Osun State Government, in collaboration with the Agba Ijesas, has decided to appoint Prince Clement Adesuyi Hastrup as the Owa of Ijesaland, also known as Owa-Obokun Adimula of Ijesaland.

The source further said that the Ajimoko (Hastrup) royal family of the Bilaro Oluodo Ruling House had presented more Owa of Ijesaland or Owa Obokun Adimula of Ijesaland than any other royal family in the house, making her a big benefit.

“It’s cheating. “Ajimoko (Hastrup) cannot continue to present more Owa of Ijesaland at the expense of other royal families in the Bilaro Oluodo Ruling House,” the source said.

OFUKUTU’S SUIT, A PREMATURE EJACULATION –

Edmund Z. Biriomoni, an Osun-based lawyer, told WITHIN NIGERIA in a phone interview that the claim filed by Ofokutu’s crown princes is premature and lacks a cause of action, which means that there is no dispute between the parties that the court can resolve.

Biriomoni argued that Prince Clement Adesuyi Hastrup had not been selected, elected, appointed, or announced as the Owa-Obokun elect through any recognized process or by any person or authority, therefore his concern over the aforementioned action.

Biriomoni who disclosed that court is a court of law and not of sentiment, morality or public opinion, further argued that the court of law acts on facts and not on presumption.

He added that the Ofukutu royal family have not established an actionable case because the court acts on facts not on rumors or roadside talks.

“Prince Clement Adesuyi Hastrup is a real royal born. He is descended from the Ajimoko royal dynasty, one of Bilaro Oluodo’s ruling lineages. He has not been denied by his relatives. No other ruling house is arguing that it is not Bilaro Oluodo’s turn to rule. There is no law that says the Ajimoko cannot contest or must step aside for other royal families in the Bilaro Oluodo Ruling House, he continued.

According to Biriomoni, the Ofokutu Royal family’s lawsuit lacks a cause of action, and the court would be stripped of the necessary jurisdiction to hear the case.

The post Anxiety as battle for Owa-Obokun of Ijesaland tears Ruling House apart appeared first on WITHIN NIGERIA.

For the people of Ebe, Nsude, Nachi and Umulumgbe, all in Udi Local Government Council of Enugu State they are currently living with a ticking time bomb.

For close to a decade now, they have been living in palpable fear due to frequent collapse of abandoned coal mines in their communities, thereby leading to loss of expanse of land and huge economic trees.

WITHIN NIGERIA gathered that the worst hit community is Nsude, where residents have been living in trepidation, even as many youths have continued to express fear of further collapse of their farmlands.

How it all started

Investigation by WITHIN NIGERIA revealed that coal mining started in Enugu State, particularly in the Nsude area, as early as in the 1920s following the coal discovery in 1909.

However, the Nsude drift opened six years later. The Enugu mine’s operations and others in the country were merged into a new corporation in 1950: the Nigerian Coal Corporation. The NCC was tasked with exploiting coal resources, and held a monopoly on coal mining, production, and sales until 1999.

Further checks showed that Nigeria’s coal industry suffered a blow in the 1950s when oil was discovered. Up until this point, the Nigerian Railway Corporation was the largest consumer of coal in the country.

However, after the discovery of oil, the railway corporation began to replace its coal burning trains with diesel-powered engines. An additional negative impact came when the Electricity Corporation of Nigeria began converting its power generation equipment from coal to diesel and gas as well.

The Nigeria Civil War also negatively impacted coal production; many mines were abandoned during the war. Following the war, production never completely recovered and coal production levels were erratic.

It was discovered that attempts at mechanising production ended badly, as both the implementation and maintenance of imported mining equipment proved troublesome, and hurt production. After the civil war, the Nigerian coal industry has not been able to return to its peak production in the 1950s and even as the demand for the coal has continued to take a nose dive.

Further investigation showed that in 1999, the NCC lost its monopoly over the Nigerian coal industry as the Obasanjo government allowed private companies to begin operating coal fields in joint ventures with the NCC, with an eventual goal of completely selling off the NCC’s assets to private investors. The Nigerian government planned to sell 40 per cent to private investors and 20 per cent to the Nigerian public, while retaining 40 per cent.

Consequent upon this, in 2002, work stopped at the NCC-operated mines. In 2003, the Nigerian government announced plans to create a technical advisory committee that would be tasked with reviving Nigeria’s coal industry.

By 2004, the technical committee had still not issued their report, and the NCC found itself almost bankrupt. To raise funds, it began to sell off some of its assets in an attempt to pay off its mounting debts, including salaries owed to its employees, which WITHIN NIGERIA findings showed ran into billions of naira.

As the situation continued to become worse, the Enugu State Government protested the planned NCC privatisation and demanded the ability to consult with the Federal Government on any planned sale.

Following the above development, the coal mine sites were abandoned and subsequently deteriorated to the point of sliding, with mounting debt and environmental degradation.

Nsude community in palpable fear

In any case, following the reported case of collapse of the farmlands in the area, people of the area have become despondent. And according to one of the citizens of the community, they cannot help themselves.

In a chat with WITHIN NIGERIA, Chairman, Umuaka Community, Nsude in Udi, Chief Anthony Ude told our reporter that it has been a trying and difficult moment for his community as the ugly situation had drastically affected the agricultural output of the community, thereby forcing many families into abject poverty.

According to Chief Ude, though his community is the worst hit, the people are yet to get any solution and help from the state and federal governments.

Speaking further he said, “each time we go to the farm, you will discover that a large chunk has been swallowed up. The last one happened last year. Though there was no casualty, it is usually a challenge for our people during the rainy season. This is because the soil has become so weak.

“We have lost our cashew plantations, palm tree plantations and other economic trees to this ugly situation. The most disturbing part of it is that it is becoming worse every year.”

Estimating the financial damage caused by the destruction, Chief Ude put the loss experienced by the community at over a billion naira.

Expressing his worry, he said: “Because the distance between where we live and the areas that have been taken over are not far, we are so much worried that one day we may wake up to see that our land has caved into the abandoned underground.

“Again, the collapsed areas have turned into very big erosion sites threatening the existence of our community.”

One of the farmers in the community, Mr. Kenneth Eze told our reporter that he has lost over N5m worth of corn to the ecological disaster.

In his words, “Last year, I cultivated corn worth about N5m using tractors. The corn was on the verge of harvest when the farmland caved in and destroyed my farm. I nearly committed suicide. In fact, I didn’t know I would recover from the shock of the loss. Unfortunately for me, I never got any relief from anybody since the incident.”

Eze called on the federal and state governments to expedite action to see that the coal mine channels are properly closed to avoid subsequent collapse of the land in the area.

Another young man living in the area, Mr. Philip Akogwu told our reporter that life has been uncertain for the people since the frequent collapse of the land.

According to Akogwu, “we are currently living in fear in this community. As I am talking to you, some of our brothers have lost considerable number of hectares of land to this landslide. These things are happening in the place where our own generation is supposed to move in, settle down and build houses. But they have become a no-go area. Few years ago when one of my brother wanted to build a house, after erecting and roofing the house, the land collapsed and the entire building caved into the earth. That’s how he lost his new building and resources there.

“You can see here in our community that there are not many new buildings. This is not because we don’t have resources to build houses but because you don’t know where the mine has eaten up the earth.”

He appealed to both the state and federal governments to come to the aid of the people to forestall further occurrence. He urged the governments to help ameliorate the lives of the people.

“Nsude is our community. We don’t have any other place to go. We are appealing to the authorities to come to our aid. If things should continue like this, then this community will go into ecological disaster. We call on them to come and properly close the mines in all the areas concerned.”

WITHIN NIGERIA gathered that the area so affected covered many hectares of land, covering both farm and residential land.

Few months ago while speaking to newsmen on the situation while inspecting the affected areas, a former Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo, who incidentally is  also the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Agbaja Leaders of Thought (a socio-cultural group, made up of prominent and intellectual people from Udi, Ezeagu and Enugu North Local Government Areas), noted that from the geological survey, the underground mines were more than 500 metres on normal routes and sometimes 1000 metres at intersections.

Prof. Nebo who was accompanied to the community by Prof. Agu Gab Agu, Secretary of the BOT of Agbaja Leaders of Thought, expressed concern that the affected communities could be buried alive suddenly, due to the poor closure of the mines.

“Agbaja people are building on the surface of the earth and carrying on other developmental activities while their underbelly is open. There is no proper marking or caution signs to show that a certain area was mined underground.”

Nebo, who was also the former Vice Chancellor of University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) said that his group would make a formal case to the Federal Ministry of Mines and Solid Minerals and the Ministry of Environment, as well as Enugu State Government. He said the attention of the relevant authorities would be sought on the predicament of the community, damages on their economic trees and farmlands and the degradation of their environment.

Enugu government moves to revitalize the coal industry

By and large, in a move to revive the coal industry, in October 2023, Milhouse Energy Services Ltd, a coal mining firm at Awhum, Enugu State reached an agreement with the state government to pay the sum of N1billion into the Enugu State Environmental Remediation Trust Fund, while also paying a N100,000 tax on every truckload of coal evacuated from a mining site at Awhum in Udi Local Government Area of the state.

According to our source, the Fund will be transparently managed by an independent committee of professionals specifically for the remediation and healing of the affected environment.0 / 0:00

Recall that the mining site was one of the many sealed by the Enugu State Committee on Review of Mining Activities headed by the Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Prof. Sam Ugwu, following a crackdown by the Governor Peter Mbah administration on illegal mining sites in the state, including those without environmental impact certification and remediation plans.

In addition, an Enugu State High Court also granted an interim injunction restraining Milhouse Energy Services and African Pits & Quarries Ltd, their agents, servants, privies, workers, among others, from “carrying on further activities, environmental degradation, damaging and interfering in whatsoever manner with the large expanse of land situate at Ibite Awhum”

However, following discussions with the state government, Milhouse Energy Services Ltd may return to site in earnest following an agreement with the Enugu State Government, which will see the company pay the sum of N1 billion for environmental remediation while also paying the sum of N100,000 as tax per truckload of coal evacuated from the site.

WITHIN NIGERIA gathered that the company had mined and evacuated coal from the site since February 2022 without any payments or recourse whatsoever to the Government of Enugu State.

Sealing the site in September, Chairman of the Committee, Prof. Ugwu said: “while the state is not contesting the fact that solid minerals are on the Exclusive Legislative List, we will not accept indiscriminate mining activities and degradation of our environment. We will not accept that people will enter our state and start carting away our resources without recourse to the Enugu State Government.

“So, we want to see the veracity of the license, which they claim they have from the Federal Government, and we have given them a letter inviting them to a meeting.

“We also want to find out how they have been remitting environmental fees to the Enugu State Ministry of Environment because we will not fold our hands and watch our environment destroyed and lives endangered”.

Nevertheless, with the current arrangement, there is no much work on the abandoned sites even as the affected communities have continued to grapple with landslide and other environmental impacts associated with the coal mining.

Stakeholders seek discontinuation of coal mining

Nevertheless, in August 2024, stakeholders in the mining industry in the state demanded the decommissioning of all the moribund coal mining sites in Enugu State.

These stakeholders, made up of environmental rights activists, retired miners, their family members and the media, took the stand during a media interactive and town hall on coal mining held in Enugu over the week.

WITHIN NIGERIA gathered that the town hall meeting was organized by the Renevlyn Development Initiative, RDI, in collaboration with other partners – New Life Community Care Initiative, NELCCI; Neighborhood Environmental Watch, NEW, Foundation; the Community Development Advocacy Foundation, CODAF, and Environmental Defenders Network, EDEN.

Various speakers at the forum harped that the 70 years of coal mining in the State had not been of any tangible benefit to the miners, their family members or the state in general.

They said it has, however, been years of pains, tales of woes and environmental degradation.

The stakeholders resolved to write the Enugu State drawing its attention on the need to be in the vanguard for calls for a just energy transition that respects the people and the environment.

Mr Philip Jakpor, the Executive Director of RDI, while delivering his opening remarks, maintained that coal mining was not of any economic benefit to the state, adding that it was a disinvestment to the communities.

Jakpor, who observed that the Enugu State government banned illegali mining activities in 2023, was of the opinion that, “While this action was good, we had anticipated that the state government would work with the Federal government to carry out an environmental audit to ascertain the true health of the bed rocks to continue to sustain life in Enugu.

“There are fears that Enugu may be sitting on a time bomb due to the underground mining that happened during the mining periods.

“But instead, it would seem the state government embarked on a re-certification exercise of miners.

“The announcement last month by the Enugu State Government of December as the deadline for mineral title holders to commence coal mining operations in the state lends credence to our argument.

“There are many cases of the earth collapsing when locals are farming. There are open pits, ground water polluted and the communities overrun by herdsmen who have practically scared and chased away the original land owners.

“Locals allege that trucks laden with coal are leaving Enugu every day and no proper documentation to know if it is illegally done or with the full support of the state government.

“If it is with the support of the state we should know how much revenue is now coming in. We do not want to believe that a few individuals are now reaping what is the commonwealth of Enugu citizens.”

The stakeholders, therefore, demanded that “The Federal government should commence full and detailed audit of the post coal mining in Enugu.

“Decommissioning of the moribund mines to avoid further environment degradation and loss of human life.

“Profiling of former miners and adequate compensation paid to them. If they are now dead, their families should be identified and compensated.

“Inform and regularly update citizens of Enugu on what’s going on in regards to coal mining.

“Make public the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) conducted by the selected firms.

“Make public any agreements the companies have with the coal mining communities.

“Properly explain the role of the Enugu state government in the extraction of coal. Is it a spectator, a collaborator or only some officials of government are running the show?

“Explore potentials in renewable energy sources.

“Support mining communities to form a network to share ideas, monitor their environment and report unsustainable practices by firms engaging in coal extraction in their communities.

In their separate remarks, Afulike Okezie, Project Officer of NEW Foundation, Barrister Chima Williams, ED of EDEN, Ubrei Joe-Mariere, Director, Campaigns and Administration, CODAF, as well as Mrs Florence Aneke, the Executive Director of NELCCI, all threw their weight behind the decommissioning of coal mining in the state.

Meanwhile, retired miners and family members of some late miners bemoaned years of neglect by the government.

However, all efforts by our reporter to get the reaction of Enugu state Commissioner for Environment and climate, Mr. Sam Ugwu proved abortive as he could not pick his calls when our reporter called.

The post Living with time bomb: Untold story of abandoned Enugu coal mines appeared first on WITHIN NIGERIA.

Sheikh Muideen, a paragon of piety, has left this corrupt world. His death was unexpected, startling, and distasteful. Some of his devoted fans seem not to have agreed to the passage of their role model to the great beyond. Such is life. We only live on the ground, yet we do not understand the language of the Grim Reaper, the land, or the ground. Everyone, no matter how wealthy, influential, pious, religious, or generous, must die. Baba Ajani Bello was also aware of how death serves God’s purpose for everyone. He witnessed the tragic death of his loving wife and one of his children.

On a Friday morning, the garment of his life tore in two. The soul and the body got separated. Muslims understand the grace, privilege, and mercy that come with dying on a Friday. Indeed, every Muslim wants to die on Friday. For Muslims, Friday is an important day. It is the day of Jummah, one of the most revered Islamic ceremonies and a certified required act.

According to Prophet Muhammad, Friday is the best day on which the sun rises, and taking advantage of this uncommon opportunity will result in a lot of goodness and obedience, and Muslims will receive the huge prize that Allah has provided for them. It is a day of congregational worship, forgiveness of sins, and the possibility of great reward. According to Prophet Muhammad, Friday is the ideal day for the sun to rise; Allah created Adam on that day.

Even though Baba Ajani Bello passed away, he left behind a legacy and a wealth of memories. The best remedy for death is legacy; if you live with a purpose, you won’t die and be forgotten. Fortunately, Sheikh Ajani Bello lived a life of service, beginning the spread of Islam at the age of 14, and he spent 70 years spreading Islam throughout Nigerian towns and states as well as some African nations. His journey from the streets of Ibadan to Kano to the global stage is worth mentioning and is highly inspirational.

Sheikh Muideen Ajani Bello was also am advocate of good governance and a social activist for growth and constructive development. He was a fierce critic who urged the wealthy and powerful to always pity the poor and make life more worthwhile for them. He was also an accommodating scholar who was available and approachable to young people who saw him as a role model. As Sheikh Muideen Ajani Bello concludes a chapter, his lifestyles remain invaluable.

EARLY LIFE

Sheikh Muhyideen Ajani Bello, was born in 1940. He was born into the family of Bello Ajani and Ubaidat Bello in Ibadan, Oyo State. His father was an Islamic cleric while his mother was a trader.

EDUCATION

He finished his primary and secondary education at D.C Primary School in Elekuro, Ibadan, before pursuing his Islamic studies at Mahdul Arabiy, where he spent four years learning Arabic and Islamic principles. He combined formal instruction with religious education, making him a favorite of many. According to unconfirmed sources, Sheikh Muideen Ajani Bello attended Bayero University and studied Arabic and religion.

MARITAL LIFE

Sheikh Muideen Ajani Bello had a spouse. His marriage was blessed with children. But while he was living, his wife and one of his children passed away.

CAREER

He taught Arabic for many years. He taught Arabic in both private and government-run schools. The findings revealed that Sheikh Muideen Ajani Bello had retired as principal of a government-owned secondary school. He taught at several secondary schools in Oyo, Ogun, and Kano states. He worked as a Missioner for the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria. He began Islamic propagation at the age of ten. Bello, noted for his bold preaching, preached in countries such as the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, and neighboring African countries.

DEATH

He died on a Friday morning, at the age of 84. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, governors, senators, and business leaders all expressed their condolences and sadness at the death of the cerebral Islamic preacher.

The post Sheikh Muideen Ajani Bello: Remembering Ibadan-born Islamic scholar and friend of the masses who made Kano his home appeared first on WITHIN NIGERIA.

For close to six decades the people of south east  Nigeria which now comprises Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo states, now referred to as Biafrans have been struggling for the actualization of the sovereign state of Biafra.

Before the creation of states by the successive military regimes in Nigeria, the seemingly elusive Biafran state was made of up of other states like Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, Edo, Kogi, Benue and others.

However, following the creation of states in 1976 by the military regime of Gen. Yakubu Gowon, followed by other regimes, these areas were split into states which now came to what we know them to be today.

In any case, since the aforementioned struggle started in 1967, there were individuals that have made put their life on the line for the actualization of the dream.

Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu

Chukwuemeka “Emeka” Odumegwu Ojukwu (4 November 1933 – 26 November 2011 was a Nigerian military officer and politician who served as President of the Republic of Biafra from 1967 to 1970 during the Nigerian Civil War. He previously served as military governor of the Eastern Region of Nigeria, which he declared as the independent state of Biafra.

Ojukwu was born in Zungeru, Nigeria during British colonial rule. He was the son of Louis Odumegwu Ojukwu, a wealthy and successful Igbo businessman. Ojukwu was educated at King’s College, Lagos in Nigeria and Epsom College in Surrey, England. He graduated from Oxford University in 1955 with a master’s degree in history and returned to Nigeria to serve as an administrative officer.

In response to Igbo demands for secession, Ojukwu reorganised the Eastern Region as the Republic of Biafra, and he declared independence from Nigeria. Nigeria invaded Biafra, sparking the Nigerian Civil War. The Nigerian military, with support from the United Kingdom and the Soviet Union, blockaded Biafra and cut food supplies, which created a mass famine. Ojukwu made use of foreign media to highlight the plight of Biafran civilians and depict the war as genocide against Igbos. The shocking images of starving Biafran civilians turned the war into an international media sensation, as this was one of the first globally televised wars alongside the Vietnam War. Biafra received international humanitarian relief during the Biafran airlift.

However, he later joined the Nigerian army and was rapidly promoted. Following Nigerian independence in 1960, a group of mostly Igbo junior army officers overthrew Nigeria’s civilian government in the 1966 Nigerian coup d’état. Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi, another Igbo, became the new Nigerian head of state, and he appointed Ojukwu as military governor of the predominately Igbo Eastern Region. However, Hausa and Yoruba army officers feared an Igbo-dominated government, resulting in the 1966 Nigerian counter-coup and the subsequent 1966 anti-Igbo pogrom.

Following the tidal wave of military hardware mainly supplied by the UK and Russia, Biafra eventually capitulated to Nigerian forces in 1970 after millions of Biafran civilians died. Ojukwu subsequently fled to Ivory Coast in exile, where President Félix Houphouët-Boigny, who recognised Biafra as a sovereign and independent state, granted him political asylum.

In 1981, newly democratically elected Nigerian president Shehu Shagari granted amnesty to Ojukwu, allowing him to return to Nigeria without facing political or legal consequences from the war. Ojukwu spent the remainder of his life unsuccessfully attempting to return to Nigerian politics as a democratically elected politician rather than a military ruler.

He died in 2011 at the age of 78 in London, England. His body was returned to Nigeria, where Nigerian president Goodluck Jonathan arranged a state funeral. He was buried with full military honours, including a 21-gun salute from the Nigerian Army, and thousands of people attended his funeral. Ojukwu remains a contentious figure in the history of Nigeria. Many Igbo people regard him as a hero and a messianic figure who did what was necessary to ensure the survival of Nigeria’s Eastern population while facing the possibility of a genocide after the 1966 coup. Other Nigerians have deemed Biafra’s secession unnecessary, blaming Ojukwu for the events of the war and accusing him of oppressing Biafra’s non-Igbo ethnic minorities.

Ralph Uwazuruike 

Another leader of the agitators is Ralph Uwazuruike . He is the leader of the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB); a group canvassing for the secession and sovereignty of Eastern Nigeria.

Uwazuruike  holds degrees in Political Science from Punjab University, India, and Law from Bombay University, India. Uwazuruike adopts the principle of nonviolence as propagated by Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr., as the philosophy of the struggle.  He was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1991.

He has been detained several times and charged with treason in Nigerian courts. On 28 April 2010, he was visited in prison by Chukwuemeka Odimegwu Ojukwu and his wife, Bianca.

Following Ojukwu’s death in 2011, Uwazuruike was named his successor and crowned ‘Ezeigbo’. He has since embarked on several regional projects including the erection of a library in honour of Ojukwu and building residential houses for displaced Biafran War veterans.

Uwazuruike condemns the killing of Igbos in northern states of the country by the Boko Haram group and continually calls on Igbos to return home in order to avoid the massacre.

Ralph Uwazuruike was born in Okwe, Imo State. Having experienced the horror of the Biafran war as a kid, Uwazuruike nursed hopes of resuscitating the defunct republic albeit through peaceful means.

Uwazuruike’s longest spell in detention was to come in 2005 when he was arrested in his Okwe hometown by men of the Nigerian Police. He alleges to have been flown to Abuja aboard a private jet and remanded in an underground SSS facility. He remained in prison detention for two years after a protracted bail hearing at the Federal High Court, Abuja. Justice Binta Nyako eventually granted him three-month bail to enable him bury his mother who had died during his incarceration.

In 2011, Uwazuruike and 280 MASSOB members were arrested in Enugu at an event in honour of Ojukwu. He was released on orders of Nigerian President, Goodluck Jonathan.

Benjamin Onwuka

Benjamin Onwuka is the leader of the Biafra Zionist Front (BZF), formerly known as the Biafra Zionist Movement and also known as the Biafra Zionists Federation. It is a group agitating for the restoration of Biafra and its independence from Nigeria. The movement’s purpose is the actualization of the sovereign state of Biafra along precolonial lines.

The group claims to be supported by Israel and the United States and explicitly relates its cause to the Zionist movement.

The group was formerly part of the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB but was split off in 2010 by British-Nigerian lawyer Benjamin Onwuka.

The group “re-declared the independence of Biafra” on 5 November 2012, for which Onwuka and 100 others were arrested and charged with treason but granted bail; the charges against Onwuka were later dismissed for lack of evidence. The group was responsible for the 2014 Enugu Government House attack on March 7, 2014, and was behind an attack on a State Broadcasting Service office a few months later.

Onwuka was arrested in 2014 but was released three years later. He immediately returned to leading the BZF.

In June 2017 the group proclaimed the independence of Biafra with Onwuka as president.

On 20 March 2018, Benjamin Onwuka was again arrested along with 20 other BZF members after they publicly announced their intention to occupy the Enugu Government House, raise the Biafran flag, and declare the independence of Biafra.

Fifty-two members of the Biafra Zionist Front, including Onwuka, were arrested on 30 May 2023 in Enugu, allegedly while marching to raise the flag of Biafra inside the Enugu Government House. One member was shot and killed by police during the demonstration.

Nnamdi Okwu Kanu

Nnamdi Okwu Kanu  (born 25 September 1967) is a British political activist known for advocating for the secession and independence of Biafra from Nigeria. He is the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), which he founded in 2012. The main aim of IPOB is to restore the defunct Republic of Biafra which existed in Nigeria’s Eastern Region during the Nigerian Civil War of 1967–1970.

As the director of a United Kingdom-registered radio station named Radio Biafra, Kanu propagated Biafran separatism. He was arrested on treason charges in Lagos, Nigeria on 14 October 2015 and was detained for more than a year, despite various court orders that ruled for his release. When in court, Kanu appeared regularly wearing a Jewish prayer shawl and head covering. He said in court, that he “believes in Judaism” and considers himself a Jew. He has led his Biafran people to various Jewish prayers and religious observations on different occasions. On 28 April 2017, Kanu was released from prison on bail.

Nigerian security forces attempted to quash IPOB’s armed wing, the Eastern Security Network, which culminated in a low-level conflict in early 2021. Despite the fighting, Kanu maintained that IPOB was interested in a peaceful solution and achieving Biafran independence without violence or harm. In June 2021, he was widely reported to have been allegedly re-arrested by Interpol in Kenya and handed over to Nigeria but in April 2024, Interpol denied any involvement in the arrest and consequent rendition to Nigeria.

Kanu was born 25 September 1967 in Isiama Afara Ukwu, Umuahia — within the claimed territory of the Republic of Biafra a few months after it had declared independence from Nigeria. His father, Eze Israel Okwu Kanu (JP), and his mother, Ugoeze Nnenne Kanu, were Nigerian traditional monarchs. He attended Library Avenue Primary School and went to Government College Umuahia for his secondary education. He studied at University of Nigeria, Nsukka and moved to the UK before graduating.

Kanu began his activism for the freedom of Biafra as a Radio Biafra director and anchor of Biafra awareness under Ralph Uwazuruike, leader of the Movement for the Actualisation of Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), who said while in a meeting in Kaduna, Nigeria on 12 June 2014, that he handed over Radio Biafra to Nnamdi Kanu, leader of IPOB but Kanu disappointed him. Radio Biafra however, was established by the defunct Biafran government in 1967 with the aim of championing the Biafran cause.

Kanu was a relatively obscure figure until 2009 when he started Radio Biafra, a station that called for an independent state for the Igbo people and broadcast to Nigeria from London. In 2014, he founded IPOB. On 5 September 2015, Nnamdi Kanu was a guest speaker at the World Igbo Congress which was held in Los Angeles, where he told his audience “we need guns and we need bullets”.

On 18 October 2015, it was reported that Kanu had been arrested in Lagos State by Nigeria’s secret police, the Department of State Services (DSS). Kanu had told his solicitors that on 14 October 2015, he was arrested by the agents of the Federal Government of Nigeria, the State Security Service (SSS), in his hotel room at the Golden Tulip Essential Hotel Ikeja, Lagos State. The solicitors in a press briefing said, between 14 and 17 October 2015 their client’s whereabouts were unknown until 18 October 2015, when the press media broke the news of his arrest and detention by the SSS in Abuja. The news of the arrest of Kanu generated protests across Delta State, Enugu State, Rivers State, Cross River State, Abia State, Imo State, Akwa Ibom State, Bayelsa State and Anambra State.

On 19 October 2015, it was reported that Nnamdi Kanu had been granted bail after a secret arraignment at Magistrate Court, Wuse 11. However, the bail seemed “controversial” and there were claims the DSS announced the bail only “to calm the angry people of Biafra”.

Since his arrest and subsequent incarceration in 2021, the South East zone has not known any peace.

Though the Supreme has passed judgment in his favour, the federal government is yet to effect his unconditional release as demanded by the law thereby fueling high level of insecurity in the zone.

Simon Ekpa

Ekpa Simon Njoku (born 21 March 1985), generally known as Simon Ekpa, is a Finnish politician and Biafran political activist. In 2022, while in Finland, he declared the activation of the Biafra Government In Exile (BGIE), and in 2023 declared himself the leader (titled “Prime Minister”) of the Biafra Republic Government in Exile (BRGIE).

Ekpa was born on 21 March 1985, in Ohaukwu, Ebonyi State, in  Nigeria. Ebonyi State had previously been part of Biafra, a partially recognized state that declared independence from Nigeria and existed from 1967 until 1970.

He won the 100 meters silver medal for Nigeria at the 2003 African Junior Athletics Championships in Cameroon. He left athletics because of a knee problem. In September 2021, Ekpa denounced Nigeria and vowed to return the medal he won for the country at the 2003 African Junior Athletics Championships, and renounced his Nigerian citizenship the following year. In July 2024, he said he had returned the medals to the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Ekpa was the Chairman of the Igbo Union Finland from 2015 until 2019. He has also served as the Chairman of the Playground Board, in the City Lahti, a position he held between 2017 until 2021.

Since 2007, he has lived with his family in Lahti, Finland. He learned Finnish, became a citizen and did military service in the Finnish military at the Häme Regiment in Hennala in 2013 as well as a reservist in the Finnish Army. Ekpa joined the Finnish politics in 2012 and has been active since then. He ran as a candidate in the 2017 Finnish municipal elections and was also a candidate in the 2022 Finnish county elections under the National Coalition Party of Finland. As of 2023, he serves as a public transport officer for the Lahti region. Yle has referred to him as a businessman.

According to Ekpa, IPOB was dissolved in a vote, renamed “Autopilot”, and he became its spokesman. In August 2022, Ekpa declared “full activation” of the Biafran Government in Exile. He said: “we also wish to officially announce an alliance and activation of Biafra Government In Exile (BGIE) with the IPOB-Autopilot.”

In April 2023, he announced that he had been appointed as the prime minister of the Biafra Republic Government in Exile (BRGIE). Nigerian news media have variously referred to him as “prime minister” or “self-acclaimed prime minister” of the government-in-exile. Ekpa stated in 2023 that “Biafra Republic Government In-Exile is registered, approved and legal. Agent of Nigeria, take note!” As of 2024, it has a main office in Maryland, US.

IPOB called the BRGIE “double agents sponsored by the Nigerian government to ridicule the IPOB movement”. Suomen Kuvalehti said in 2024 that “Be it as it may, Ekpa is now at least the prime minister by some.”

In December 2022, Ekpa declared a five-day sit at home civil disobedience campaign in the southeast and parts of southern Nigeria from 9 to 14 December 2022. On 14 June 2023, Ekpa announced a week-long sit at home campaign from 3 to 10 July 2023, which according to The Whistler recorded 70% compliance. The sit-at-homes have been enforced by gunmen. Ekpa has continued Kanu’s sit-at-home orders, to protest the imprisonment of Kanu. In July 2023, he threatened that oil exploitations in the Biafra region would be stopped if Kanu wasn’t to be released. However, Ekpa exonerated Kanu from the activities of the Biafra agitations. He said Kanu wasn’t responsible for the actions taken to free him. The head of ACLED’s Nigerian branch criticizes ‘Ekpa’s faction’ for attacking those not following this curfew. Ekpa denies violence against civilians, by stating “After the creation of the defensive forces, government forces no longer encroach on our area, because we have manpower all over, that protect”.

Ekpa became active in the “Biafra independence movement” in 2019. He was noticed by the Nigerian media after he posted a video claiming that Nigerian soldiers had been killed by Boko Haram. According to a Nigerian rights attorney, the purpose was to “disillusion Nigerians especially soldiers to resign from the Army”.

In July 2021, Ekpa was announced the lead broadcaster for Radio Biafra, associated with the separatist organisation Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) after the arrest of its leader, Nnamdi Kanu. However, Ekpa was not allowed to broadcast for violation of the rules of the organisation. In 2022, IPOB accused Ekpa of illegal activities and stated that IPOB was a peaceful organization. In July 2023, the Daily Post said that Ekpa led a faction of IPOB, as did Premium Times in May 2024.

Zubairu Dada, Nigerian minister, said the same year that “When [Ekpa] gives instructions, destruction follows. They cause killing, maiming, fires, whatever.”  Nigerian general Christopher Gwabin Musa said “In the South-east, Simon Ekpa has become a menace to this country. The country must act on it diplomatically. [Ekpa] is having a freeway because [Finland] are encouraging him to do what he is doing. His utterances and actions are affecting what is happening in Nigeria.” Ekpa said in 2024 that he is in daily contact with Kanu.

In March 2024, the Nigerian Defence Headquarters (DHQ) declared Ekpa and more than 90 others “wanted” for “terrorism, kidnapping and other crimes.” Ekpa responded that he had nothing to do with Nigeria, and declared other people “wanted” in his turn.

In May 2024, the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights in Banjul, the judicial arm of the African Union (AU), acknowledged a petition by the BRGIE regarding Kanu and a declaration of the restoration of independent state of Biafra.

In May 2024, Ekpa urged the Nigerian government to engage the Finnish government to mediate in the conflict between BLA and the Nigerian army. In June 2024, a former director of the Nigerian State Security Service called for the extradition of Ekpa to Nigeria. He urged the Nigerian government to initiate negotiations with Finnish authorities to repatriate Ekpa. Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff Musa also reiterated call for the arrest and prosecution of Ekpa. He accused the Finnish government and the European union of shielding Ekpa, thereby preventing his arrest.

On 30 July 2024, the Biafra Defence Forces killed four Nigerian police operatives. Ekpa classified them as “terrorists” and declared that they should be withdrawn from the Biafran region.

In August 2024, Simon Ekpa and the Biafra Republic Government in Exile ordered 30 days lockdown of the Nigerian government institutions in the South East region, from 28 August to 26 September, excluding private businesses. This action responds to the continued detention of Nnamdi Kanu and alleged killings of Christians and Biafrans. Ekpa demands Kanu’s release and the withdrawal of Nigerian security forces from the region.

On 20 August 2024, Ekpa unveiled the map of a proposed 40 “United States of Biafra” and announced 2 December 2024 as the date for its official presentation and issuance of a declaration of independence. Declaration happened on 29th November. The Nigerian government, while reacting to the development through the Defence Headquarters (DHQ), stated that it is engaging with the European Union to extradite Ekpa from Finland. In response, the Biafra Republic Government in Exile says it is inviting the Nigerian government to the Biafra restoration declaration convention in Finland for possible dialogue.

On 25 May 2023, the Universal Peace Federation awarded Ekpa Ambassador for Peace at the African Day Celebration in Helsinki, Finland.

On 21 November 2024, Ekpa was detained by the Finnish National Bureau of Investigation, (NBI) on accusations of alleged terrorist activities in Nigeria. Finnish police said the accusations are under investigation and it involves international cooperation. It said, the Nigerian government was reached out to for their comments. The NBI also arrested four others over alleged terrorist offenses.

Ekpa was remanded into custody by the District Court of Päijät-Häme on suspicion of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent. This marks his second arrest in Finland; he was previously detained in 2023 on suspicion of illegal fundraising but was released shortly after.

The post From Ojukwu to Ekpa: Biafra activists, leaders that have suffered humiliation, incarceration appeared first on WITHIN NIGERIA.

In recent times, the activities of the iron scavengers in the south East Nigeria have become worrisome.

Some decades ago, these scavengers were seen as the economically disadvantaged in the society who wanted to eke out a living through picking of scrap metals.

However, with the advancement of the business, many business-minded persons in the zone saw the hidden treasury in the trade, leading to all sorts of criminal tendencies in the business.

Nevertheless, in the last decade, there has been sordid stories of how these scavengers have turned nightmare by breaking into building at broad day light, carting belongings in the name of “iron condemn.”

Many of such alleged criminal elements are mainly hired and equipped with carts by the scrap yard owners to scavenge for metals but they end up stealing by breaking into new buildings, removing burglar proofs, carting away with motorbikes and depositing same to their paymasters.

Residents recount their ugly experiences

In any case, narrating his ugly experience, Mr. Marcel Okafor told WITHIN NIGERIA that iron scavengers have literally dealt with him financially.

“Two years ago, I packed my spoilt motorbike in my compound in Eha-Alumona, Nsukka local government area of Enugu state. After about three weeks, I noticed that one of the wheels has been removed. The next week, the motorbike together with some scrap iron drums have been carted away by these scavengers.”

Speaking further, Okafor told our reporter that, “I was pained by this loss, so I had to go to some scrap yards around our area, yet I could see my motorbike. That’s when I began to see these scavengers as criminals.”

Joseph Mgbada, a native of Ikwo, Ebonyi state also narrated that “about three years ago, these iron scavengers entered my building site and stole some rods worth over N100,000 in the name of scrap metal. It was with the help of the community vigilante that they were able to catch them and recover the rods from these criminals. Few months later, another group of scavengers came to the same site and removed my burglar proofs in the name of scraps.”

Anambra state bans scrap scavengers

By and large, as the activities of these scavengers become more predatory, many states in the zone became fed up with them and so banned them from scavenging for irons openly.

On September 13, 2024, the Anambra government issued a statement, prohibiting the operations of condemned iron scavengers otherwise known as “ndi akpakara” or “iron kwandem” in the state.s

The government said the activities of the scavengers are now tantamount to robbery.

Paul Nwosu, commissioner for information, said traders doing legitimate scrap metal business should go to the ministry of environment for recertification.

In his words, “the nuisance value of the ubiquitous ‘Iron Kwandem’ scavengers can no longer be tolerated for they now constitute a pain in the neck of society as their activities are adversely affecting the economy of the state and the country at large,” the statement reads.

“They steal the metal coverings of gutters, the iron medians on the highways and the steel railings on the sides of the motorways.

“They have become so brazen in dismantling and wrecking public utilities that you begin to wonder if they have special licenses to do what they are doing because they dare where nobody with conscience will risk.

“They removed and carted away most of the iron components of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, fence facing the ever busy Enugu-Awka expressway.

“Shortly after the celebrated second Niger Bridge was commissioned, the side-bars, beams and the heavy steel sheets interlocking segments of the bridge were yanked off by these devil-may-care ‘Iron Kwandem’ scavengers.

“No responsible government will stand by and watch this sheer act of lawlessness persist. They cannot be allowed to continue in the evil act of stealing private and public metal objects across the board.

“Anybody doing business with them will be equally arrested and prosecuted because it amounts to receiving stolen property.

“Ndi-Anambra should see it as a patriotic duty to report the activities of the Condemned Iron scavengers to SASA or OCHA Brigade for immediate arrest and prosecution.”

The statement added that the Anambra government has delineated the difference between “the illegal condemned iron scavengers and the traders doing legitimate scrap metal business”.

Enugu government bans scavengers

Earlier in January, having been concerned about the growing security threats posed by the activities of these scavengers and cart pushers, the Enugu State government placed ban on their operations, warning that scavengers and cart pushers caught would be prosecuted.

The affirmation of the proscription of the scavengers and their activities popularly called, “Iron Condemn” in local parlance, was disclosed by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Chidiebere Onyia,  after an elaborate meeting with the leadership and representatives of the Hausa/Fulani Community and their Igbo and Yoruba counterparts at the Government House, Enugu.

Lamenting that hundreds of petitions had been received from members of the public protesting against the activities of the illegal waste pickers, the SSG said enforcement of the ban, arrest and prosecution of violators would commence on Monday, 29 January, 2024.

Prof. Onyia observed that scavengers with evil motives were infiltrating the state, breaking into people’s homes and stealing their valuables,  while adding that the state is determined to protect life of the citizens and safeguard their properties against intruders.

Citing section 20 of Enugu State Environmental Law, Prof. Onyia said anyone caught scavenging within the state risks 2 years imprisonment, calling on residents to be on the lookout for would-be-violators and report the to the nearest police station or the taskforce set up for that purpose.

“Enugu State Government is determined to protect every life and property of our citizens. That is our primary responsibility. We will ensure that every threat to the security and peace of the state is eliminated.

“The government will no longer condone the activities of scavengers in the state. We have to rid of the state of every vestige of crimes by restoring sanity. We want to assure all residents in the state who are into genuine business that we will continue to work towards making the environment safer for them.

“You will recall that sometime in November 2023, after reports from residents complaining about harassment and theft from scavengers and illegal waste pickers, the government set up a committee to assess the extent of the threats scavengers posed to the wellbeing of our law-abiding citizens.

“It was established that criminals are now roaming the streets posing as scavengers. Following this establishment, the government activated the law that provides against scavenging activities by outlawing these illegal operators.

“However, as government with empathy and humane face, we allowed for time to communicate the order. During the period, it was observed that more of the scavengers had infiltrated the state.

“So, we are now determined to enforce the law. This should serve as a warning to scavengers in the state. By Monday, the state taskforce will be out to give full effect to the proscription,” he added.

The state government further called on the law enforcement agencies to arrest and prosecute unrepentant scavengers and make examples of them.

WITHIN NIGERIA gathered that residents in the state have been appealing to the government to tackle the menace of the scavengers and rid them out of the streets.

Findings showed that a few weeks before the ban, security operatives recovered a set of dangerous arms, including guns and machetes from scavengers arrested at Agbani Road, Gariki and Ogbete Market areas of the state.

Imo state abrogates activities of iron scavengers

On September 18, 2024 the Imo state government state government followed suit and banned activities of the iron scavengers in the state.

WITHIN NIGERIA gathered that in a bid to foster a more secure environment and curb insecurity in the state, the Imo State House Of Assembly has moved to restrict and regulate the activities of scavengers who indulge in scrap metal scavenging, otherwise known as “Iron Condemn”.

This was as a result of the Motion Chiefly sponsored by the Member Representing Ngor/Okpala State Constituency, Hon Obinna Egu, during plenary on Wednesday, 18/09/2024, and titled : MOTION TO URGE THE IMO STATE GOVERNMENT THROUGH THE MINISTRY OF HOMELAND SECURITY AND VIGILANTE AFFAIRS AND OTHER SECURITY RELATED AGENCIES TO CHECKMATE THE UGLY ACTIVITIES OF SCRAP METAL SCAVENGERS.

Moving the Motion, the Ngor/Okpala Representative observed that many metal scrappers (scavengers) indulge in illegal activities such as theft, vandalism of major components of electricity transformers, spying and releasing of vital security information to kidnappers and hoodlums, which according to him has caused serious security threat within and around communities and neighbourhoods, both in the rural areas and in the urban areas of the state. Hon Obinna Egu further argued that the Motion was not aimed at discouraging scavengers from earning decent living, but insisted that what ordinarily should have been a legitimate business in recycling materials from waste to wealth has, regrettably, become a huge source of security threat in Imo State.

In his words, the only voice from Ngor/Okpala said, “I have heard stories, and it has become regular, of how these scavengers jump into people’s compounds, making away with their properties, such as generators, car batteries, washed clothes, television sets, just anything on sight. They have become criminal elements but chose to hide under the cover of “Iron Condemn” to carry out their criminal acts. They are everywhere in the state. Now that Nigeria is seriously facing security threats, there is therefore the urgent need to know who these people are. We need to curtail their activities”.

The vibrant and ebullient lawmaker thereafter called on his Honourable Colleagues to lend their voices in support of the Motion, so as to ensure that the source of security threat in the state is minimized.

The Motion which received popular support from Honourable Members present at plenary, was seconded by Hon Engr Innocent Ikechukwu Ikpamezie, Member Representing Mbaitoli State Constituency and was co-sponsored by the following 10 Honourable Members :

Showing support to the Chief Sponsor, Hon Obinna Egu, six Honourable Members made commendable contributions to the Motion.

In their respective submissions, they commended Hon Obinna Egu for coming up with the Motion, which was rightly described as a Save-Our-Soul Motion. According to them, the Motion came at the right time, insisting that most of the scrap metal scavengers are security threats in the state, going by the litany of woes and criminal acts associated with them, such as even cutting iron railings of walkways provided by the State Government, stealing goats and putting them in sack bags, abduction of little children etc. The Honourable Members therefore called for urgent measures to be put in place to check the worrisome activities of “Iron Condemn” Scavengers before it snowballs into what may no longer be controlled by government.

In his remark, the Speaker of the Imo State House Of Assembly, Rt Honourable Chike Olemgbe, noted that the activities of these scrap metal scavengers have not only become worrisome but have called for urgent attention.

Satisfied with contributions from Honourable Members, Rt Honourable Olemgbe put it to vote and it was unanimously adopted. Thereafter, he Ruled as follows :

Be It Resolved By This Honourable House To Urge The Imo State Government Through The Ministry Of Homeland Security And Vigilante Affairs And Other Security Related Agencies To Checkmate The Ugly Activities Of Scrap Metal Scavengers In Imo State, To Guarantee A More Peaceful Environment Within The State.

The Clerk was directed to communicate the Resolution of the House to His Excellency the Governor.

Abia community bans scrap scavengers

On October 29, 2024 Deputy Governor of Abia State, Ikechukwu Emetu, has commended his Ohafia kinsmen for banning metal scrap scavengers from operating in the community following their alleged link with incidents of theft and other criminal activities in the area.

The Deputy Governor spoke at Amaekpu Ohafia  during Ohafia Dialogue organised by Mben Political Assembly to advance the development of Ohafia nation.

He lamented the vandalism of Ohafia electricity installation along Itu-Ututu-Ihie-Ohafia 33KVA line by hoodlums, which many alleged to be the handiwork of scrap metal scavengers, saying it had stalled socio-economic development in the area.

He decried the activities of vandals  popularly known as Ndi Akpakara in the area.

The Deputy Governor recalled his personal efforts to actualise the Ohafia electricity project only for it to be vandalised by hoodlums.

Emetu saluted the courage of Ohafia Council of Monarchs, saying the ban will help restore sanity in the area.

The Deputy Governor, however, commended the member representing Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal constituency, Hon. Ibe Okwara Osonwa, for drawing the attention of the National Assembly to the electricity challenges of his constituents.

WITHIN NIGERIA gathered that in Ebonyi state, there has not been pronounced ban on the scrap metal scavengers by the state government but residents are said to not be happy with their criminal activities.

Our source revealed that many communities have written to the state government, requesting for their outright; a request which seemed to have being falling on the deaf ears of the state government.

The post From Scavenging To Stealing: Sordid Tales Of Metal Scrap Scavengers In S/E appeared first on WITHIN NIGERIA.

This report not only shows how some individuals dubiously lure desperate job seekers to a ‘drug networking business’ but it also shows how these job seekers are manipulated, exploited in cash, and emotionally and mentally harassed to submit for a specific purpose.

In the first of a two-part series, WITHIN NIGERIA JOURNALIST, SODIQ LAWAL who went undercover as a desperate job seeker narrated his experience in the hands of ‘new life agents’ who want to lure him into drug-networking business.

In this second of a two-part series, the reporter narrated how a group of people identified as ‘new life agents’ use deception, manipulation and mental coercion to capture and rework their victims – secondary school leavers, fresh college intakes, job seekers and struggling Nigerians.

When I entered the Owa Odundun Royal Hall, I spotted a number of individuals, including two elderly men, malnourished looking housewives, and naive young girls and boys who had already taken up the wooden benches within. The man who invited me to the hall for prosperity, Mr. Segun, was not there as I looked around the hall. A 7-foot man in business attire, who was most likely in his mid-thirties, told me to take up a vacant seat in the third row. Please pay close attention and don’t bother people who are here to improve their life, he advised.

I was unable to initiate an eye-searching quest for my sponsor, Mr. Segun, because of a young woman wearing a white hijab, fading silver shoes, and an Ankara gown. They had begun the process by the time I walked into the hall. With a little bit of arrogance and terrible English, the woman on the podium was observed speaking to the audience in Yoruba. She was annoying and too loud, but I had no choice. They say the head who will wear the crown will face difficulties.

“You’ve come here to learn from us. You cannot make my life better. I am the person who can make your life better. Drop your shoulder pad, relax your muscles, and pay close attention to what I’m saying. “If you don’t listen to me, you will die poor,” the young lady warned attendees as I stepped in.

While rebuking the audience, she asked that any polytechnic or university graduates should raise their hands. I had scarcely sat down when I became engaged. I suspected Segun had alerted them of my arrival ahead of time. I indicated to identify as a graduate, and I observed that there were two of us in the hall. She directed that I sit in the front seat while the other individual sat in the middle of the women.

The engagement

The young lady revealed that she is also a graduate, but she is not arrogant or pompous. I was able to learn from my mentors in this hall because I was humble. She went on to say that if we could use our degree to achieve something big in life, we wouldn’t be in the hall. She described how she gave up her hard-earned certificate in order to pursue success.

“I feel better now. I am OK now. I am financially stable and self-sufficient. I don’t rely on a wage or any employer. At my age, I am now the CEO. You can become like me if you don’t let ego or pride consume your life. If you are willing to learn, my mentors can assist you. Look at the way I dressed. “Look at my shoes. Don’t you want to be like me? She inquired. We all chorused that No, we want to be like you.

The attack on education, NYSC and job

She reminded listeners that no siblings or relatives would help them achieve success in life, and she also urged them not to hunt for work or start enterprises, but rather to come and join them in achieving economic prosperity.

“If your ambition as a lady is to wake up and look good, then you’re done. If you’re a guy who only wants to wear nice clothes, you’re finished. If you’re seeking a job or wondering how to work in a company put up by anyone, you’re done. You must be your own boss. Do not work for anyone. “Your job steals your time, happiness, freedom, and enjoyment,” the lady admonished.

She approached my seat and instructed me to stand up. I stood up without reluctance. She asked me to explain the full meaning of NYSC as an abbreviation. I did – (National Youth Service Corps). She laughed suspiciously and asked the audience to clap for me. She felt sorry for me and stated that I had been confined by the system. She added that I needed mental release from the system since it prevented me from thinking and growing constructively. I maintained complete composure and did not allow her words to anger me. I felt embarrassed but I must not lose focus

She moved from my row to the podium. She informed attendees that the meaning I provided was irrelevant and did not convey real-life events. “NYSC means Now Your Struggle Continues,” she explained. In an attempt to support her assertion, the lady stated that there are many areas where people are unemployed and continue to suffer after serving their country. She added that if NYSC does not imply that the struggle will continue, corps members should not suffer after their service.

She pointed at a man in his mid-fifties. She humbly instructed the man to stand up and face the audience. What type of a job do you have? She asked. Before being relieved of my duties, I worked in the paint industry as a factory worker. How much money do you earn per month? He responded with a sum of N35,000. Does it pay your bills and keep you comfortable? she inquired. “No,” he said.

Real-life meanings of job, salary as abbreviations

The lady told the participants that the man would never be able to live well since he worked for the benefit of a small group of people: the factory owners. Do you understand the definition of salary? She asked. “Owo osu,” some women said in unison. She explained that SALARY denotes “something that is always low and reduces you”. You were given a salary to live and work for another month, she explained.

Were you financially stable while you were working? She further asked. No, I borrow money from friends and family to pay my bills, he said. “You will always borrow as a worker since the system is designed in such a way. The definition of JOB is ‘Journey of Borrowers’. You will always borrow to exist in order to do your job,” she explained.

She told the man to sit down and was going to bring up another issue when a man in his mid-thirties Iater identified as Busuyi Oluwafemi interjected. He praised the lady and asked everyone to cheer for her. He also asked them to greet her in their traditional slogans. They saluted her as she departed the podium to join her colleagues at a corner in the hall. Busuyi and some attendees – regular customers, including his colleagues, engaged in fun banter by making statements and responding as a group. I saw that all of the statements were purposefully made to belittle schooling, job hunting and encourage people not to waste their time in becoming civil servants.

Meeting team members who ‘appear’ seemingly rich on ‘cheap’ clothes

Busuyi invited all team members to the podium and asked people to greet them. A squad of seven people, four men and three women. They dressed corporately. I noticed that they dressed differently on purpose to indicate their position in the team structure.

The first person to speak was a woman named Joy. Listening to the manner she spoke, it was clear that she was an illiterate who had only crammed normal slang or words during meetings. The Ondo native described how her old employment as a bartender made her unhappy. She also explained how she was unable to complete her secondary education due to a lack of funds and financial support. Joy claims that her life story altered once she met someone who introduced her to this business.

Joy described how she progressed from selling drugs for little money to becoming a manager and now a senior manager. She boasted that she is now financially independent and cannot be a slave or employee of anyone because she is now a CEO. She thanked the facilitator and sponsor. As Joy recounted her incident, I couldn’t take my gaze away from her appearance, particularly her damaged shoes. Is she truly a millionaire? If I had argued loudly, they would have dragged me out of the hall.

Another team member stepped out and boasted, much like Joy. Other members of the squad emerged and addressed the audience in turn. I watched and listened to each team member brag about their fortune while telling their sorrowful past, particularly how they were impoverished until being introduced to a new life – a networking business. They were attempting to sell themselves to the naïve and frustrated participants, presenting the business as a better alternative. The only thing they didn’t promise was heaven.

Do you recall Segun showing me a diary or jotter with images of a mansion and two luxury vehicles supposedly owned by one, King Alhaji Diamond Afeez Adekunle Amoo Tijani, in the first part of this two-part report? They also reminded participants that Tijani started off as a nobody in the business they are introducing us to and worked his way up to his current position via dedication and determination. Do you want to be like Alhaji Tijani or not? Another team member inquired, and everyone said ‘Yes’.

Busuyi walked the podium and began singing their team leader’s praises. He told the audience to keep clapping while he used strong adjectives to highlight the man’s wealth, generosity, and intelligence. Busuyi and other members greeted the team leader while the audience clapped. He entered the hall in grand style. He was dressed in a blue long-sleeved shirt and black trousers, with a black suede shoe. He wore two necklaces around his neck and wrapped wrist watches and bangles around his hands. As he walked his way to the podium, he waved to the audience to greet them. He danced for a few minutes with his team members before instructing them to sit.

The team leader, identified as Sheriff, told participants that he is from Ede. He said that he is illiterate, but he is the richest member of their family. He boasted of feeding educated individuals in his extended family. He claimed that his siblings would always wait for his advice or command before doing anything in the household. He also claimed that he provided funding for his siblings’ enterprises. He introduced his younger brother who is now a senior manager in the networking firm. He asserted that his younger brother is wealthy, but not richer than him. As he pointed to his brother, I looked at his appearance. Two buttons were missing from the shirt and trousers that had been stitched together with needle and thread. In his narration, he revealed that he was introduced to the networking business some years ago.

“I’ve accomplished a lot since then. My friend, who ignored the advice, now relies on me to support his family. I get my monthly salary in dollars. I don’t care whether the Naira improves or not. I am wealthy since I did not turn down the offer to join this business “I earn close to N1 million per month, and they will still raise my salary,” he boasted.

Do you remember the young lady who left her job as a private school teacher to join the company? Sheriff told guests that he was the one who suggested her retire and join the firm. Sheriff boasted, “She is now richer than the school owner, despite the fact that I earn more than her.”

He told one of the senior managers to bring a file containing some documents. He took out a notepad and summoned two people: an elderly guy and a young lady. He pointed to a portion and asked the elderly man to read it aloud. ‘Dear Sheriff, you have been paid the sum of N650,000 as June salary,’ the old man announced. He asked them to return to their seats.

The business

A young adult, presumably in his early thirties, raised his hand, and the team leader called on him. He asked the team leader, Sheriff, to go into depth about what they would do to earn money like him from the business because they had places to go. What have you accomplished thus far in your job? A rather enraged Sheriff enquired.

He rebuked the man and advised participants to submit and learn from successful people like him.

After rebuking the young adult, he revealed that it is a drug networking company called New Life.

According to Sheriff, drugs would be distributed to interested attendees for sale, but these drugs are expensive and scarce.

“They are supplements and may not be used by any distributor. You will go to public places to sell these drugs and there will be a commission for each drug sold,” he said.

Sheriff added that they will also try to attract people into the business.

“The more people you bring, the higher your earnings or commission. If you bring 20 individuals at once, you can become a senior manager and outperform those you met on the ground. “You will sell drugs and recruit people to join the business,” he explained.

How to become a member

According to Sheriff, forms are not free, but we have lowered the cost to a reasonable and significant amount.

“The form is worth one million naira, but we genuinely need to help people. I spoke with our mentors, and they agreed that we should distribute a form for N50,000,” he revealed.

He also mentioned that there is a rare opportunity to pay in installments if you are unable to pay in full.

“If you can afford N5000, pay it now and bring the balance to our next meeting on Saturday. You can roam with us if you pay a part of the cost, but we cannot give you medications to sell at this time. Do not let your siblings or friends influence your decision. They can abuse you for selling drugs, but don’t worry about it. “You, too, can achieve success,” he concluded.

The breach

I requested permission from the team leader to ease myself. He denied me. I insisted, and he eventually let me. I looked back and saw Mr Segun, my sponsor. He followed me outside to get my thoughts on the entire episode. I accused him of lying and deceiving me. Is this a company? I questioned him.

Segun told me that income would not address my situation as a deportee, so he decided to lure me into the networking company, promising that I would recover what I had lost in one month. I informed him that I wasn’t furious with him because I’d learned a lot.

How much do you plan to pay for the form now? A concerned Segun enquired. I didn’t have much cash here, but I’ll deposit N500 or N1000 till the next meeting or transmit the money to any account I can access, I replied. Segun was unhappy, but he had no choice. He told me to go and deposit any cash I had on hand to demonstrate my commitment.

The dispute

I proceeded to empty my bladder. I collected the sum of N2000 from the nearest POS operator and walked to a corner inside the hall. I met one of the senior managers who handed me a paper to fill in my details and the amount I intend to deposit. When I told him N1000, he was dumbfounded. Are you serious? He asked. I told him about bank issues I’ve been battling with and he allowed me to enter my details and collected the N1000 from me. I made moves to join others but the team leader did not allow me. He said I have gone out and I can only join them next Saturday.

But I just left the hall to urinate now, I explained. He looked away and resumed addressing those who had paid nicely. While I was trying to voice my concerns to one of the senior managers, I overheard him chastising and using me as an example to others, warning them that if they don’t follow simple instructions, they will end up like meAs I was trying to persuade another senior manager, I noticed a 3kg gas cylinder, buckets, used pots and plates in one of the hall’s corners. I also noticed three Hausa mats and three Ghana must-go bags, which were probably full of clothes. They didn’t properly cover them. The senior manager who caught my glimpse, requested me to follow him outside the hall, where he asked me to return next Saturday.

The call

I contacted Mr. Segun and informed him that I had exited the hallway. I conveyed my dissatisfaction with the way I was treated, and he begged me. He said that the team leader was most likely under pressure, which is why he was treating me so poorly. I informed him that I would reevaluate my position and look for a job where I would be treated with dignity. He persuaded me, but I persisted on going and looking for work. I had trekked for 10 minutes when an odd number contacted me. I answered the phone, and the person described himself as Segun’s mentor, who lives in Osogbo.

He told me that he is a successful man by all criteria, but he had to stop what he was doing when Segun informed him that I was insulted during the event, prompting my choice to depart the hall. He tried to persuade me for 15 minutes that the job would simply exacerbate my problem rather than solve it. I appreciated him and vowed to call him back when I got home. He thanked me sincerely and informed me that he would be on my case to ensure that I quickly reach prosperity under his supervision.

The mobile phone disturbance

Segun and his boss did not allow my phone to rest. They will call me in the morning, afternoon and at night. Segun became a serial caller. He would call me countless times until I picked his call. He would beg and assure me that things would get better. He told me on a particular day that the team leader who insulted me has been suspended by the council of mentors in the business.

Segun was capable of speaking for several minutes without interruption. Sometimes I’d attach him to my deck so that I could do other things. He was tireless, tenacious, and had a tremendous desire to capture me as his objective. The findings revealed that Segun would receive a certain sum if I completed the payment of the N50,000 form fee.

When Segun calls, he always asks about my current situation. Have you got a job? Is your employer treating you well? Is your new work not overly stressful? Do your bosses respect you? Can you eat and pay your rent with your salary? Segun would ask me a variety of questions, including these. I’d also offer him incriminating responses.

He informed me that if I hadn’t backed out, I’d start selling drugs. He went on to say that if I hadn’t left, I would have brought people into the business and begun making money from them. He asked me to return and ignore what happened between the team leader and me.

When I narrated my experience with Segun to a friend, he said if Segun could apply his determination and efforts in networking to genuine enterprises, he would undoubtedly become successful and better.

Not yet a bad bye?

I didn’t block Segun. I would put my phone on airplane mode anytime I wasn’t ready to talk to him. If Gbenga phones me today, he will be begging or advising me to join the drug networking company. Who begs or forces someone to run a profitable business? Is Gbenga truly a wonderful man who encourages me to pursue the same business that did not bring him success? Is I merely a target that he didn’t want to miss? Hopefully, I will receive answers one day.

The post ‘Appeal, dispute, N50000 form, deception, …’: Undercover as a job seeker (II) appeared first on WITHIN NIGERIA.

A funeral invitation obtained by WITHIN NIGERIA showed that the Bepo-Aromolaran royal family, in collaboration with the Ijesa Traditional Council, has planned a celebration of the late Oba Adekunle Aromolaran‘s life of service on November 23 and 24, 2024.

In a press statement issued by the Owa-in-Council and Agba Ijesas as seen on TheNation, it was revealed that the late Oba Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran II will be laid to rest on December 14 and 15, 2024.

Findings by WITHIN NIGERIA, Prince Adeola Aromolaran, the first son of the late Owa-Obokun of Ijesaland, supports the dates of December 14 and 15, 2024 picked by the Owa-in-Council and Agba Ijesa.

It was also gathered that the late Oba Aromolaran’s third wife, some sons and daughters of the late king, such as Prince Adebiyi Aromolaran, Prince Adegoke Aromolaran, Princess Adetayo Aluko nee Aromolaran, and others, as well as other prominent members of the Bepo-Aromolaran royal family, support November 23 and 24, 2024.

However, additional findings by WITHIN NIGERIA disclosed that the Agba Ijesas, who number 28, are badly divided into two caucuses: one caucus supports November 24 and 25, 2024, while the other supports December 14 and 15, 2024.

When contacted by WITHIN NIGERIA, a renowned Ijesa chief who prefers anonymity revealed that tradition requires the entire Ijesaland to observe a mandatory 90-day mourning period before determining the date of final burial.

A check by WITHIN NIGERIA also revealed that the late Oba Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran was declared dead on September 12, 2024.

As of November 23, a date chosen by the Bepo-Aromolaran royal family in collaboration with Owa-in-Council, the days of mourning totaled 72, 18 days less than the customary 90 days of mourning.

Some Ijesa chiefs tagged the family’s decision to choose November 23 and 24, 2024 for final burial as a gross violation of tradition and cultural procedure.

However, the actual 90 days of mourning would end on Wednesday, December 11, 2024.

“The decision of Prince Adeola and some Agba Ijesas to pick December 14 and 15, 2024 is accurate and in tandem with the traditions” , an Ilesa chief stated.

When asked if Ijesa chiefs and some kings from neighboring towns in Ijesaland who would attend the November 23 and 24, 2024 ceremony were unaware of the mandatory 90 days of mourning before final burial for any deceased Owa, the chief responded that all attendees who are traditional chiefs in Ilesa or kings from neighboring towns within Ijesaland are fully aware of the 90 mourning days.

“The situation is more of a family issue than a community concern. The family’s disagreements could not help the community achieve an accord. The first son not really known or publicly associated with late Owa and the rest of the family do not get along well, which is why the dates differ. However, the real date for the final burial of Late Oba Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran should be after December 11, 2024, when the 90-day period of mourning is over,” the chief noted.

The post One king, two dates, two funerals: How Ijesas will bid farewell to Oba Aromolaran appeared first on WITHIN NIGERIA.

When you revere your ori (head), you allow it to boost spiritual forces and protect you from dangers and external invasion. ‘Ori’ is worshipped to deliver one from peril and profound trouble. We also worship ‘ori’ to hasten our route to greatness. Ori serves as a go-between for a man or woman and the divinity they worship. Ori also represents the physical body in the spiritual realm. Your ‘ori’ is your own divinity who governs your life in accordance with the wants of the divinities who exist to serve the broad public benefit.

Ori serves as God’s primary means of communication with people. Ori depicts the fate selected by everyone of us at birth. We should not rush to give names to newborns. The name is the label of destiny or identity stapler. We must use our knowledge of Ifa to provide suitable names for possible intercession.

Ori is simply destiny. Oruko is a label for or to one’s destiny. Ori is more than just a chamber for the brain; it also houses one’s spiritual intuition. It is more than just a reflection of human consciousness; it also indicates one’s reward system. If you use all of the energy that your ori is against, you will suffer differently. If you perform anything with little or no energy that your ori supports, you will have a different experience.

Ori ni eja fi n labu, ori eku ni fi la igbo – I hold my head and pray that it would not work against me. Ori, I ask you to constantly bring me blessings. Ori, as a divinity notion, is essential to men’s activity. When I look at Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa and how he became Ondo governor, I see a guy whose success was echoed by his ori (head) and oruko (name). Since the creation of the state in 1976, 19 people have served as governor, 12 military governors and 7 civilian governors. Ayedatiwa has joined the list of privilege persons who served the Sunshine state.

Aiyedatiwa, a native boy from Obe Nla, an Ilaje community, is now Ondo State’s governor. Lucky denotes fortune. Orimisan translates to “my head is good.” Aiyedatiwa means “we inherited the world.” He did not only bear these names, but they also reflected in his life. When you read about his early life and how he began his profession as a shop officer and teacher, you will realize that there are truly exceptional people who have experienced and continue to enjoy privileges.

He attended Saint Peter’s UNA Primary School, Obe Nla/Obe Adun, in Ilaje, Ondo State. He traveled to Lagos and completed his secondary education at Ikosi High School in Ketu. From 1982 to 1983, he worked as an Inventory/Store Officer at Scoa Assembly Plant Plc in Apapa, Lagos. He later attended Lagos State College of Education (now Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education) at Ijanikin, where he earned a Nigeria Certificate of Education (NCE) in Economics and Government. In 1987, he was Assistant Head Teacher at Reliance International Schools in Ijokodo, Ibadan.

He became Marketing Officer at Universal Pharmaceutical Supply Co. Ltd, Ikeja, Lagos in the year 1990. In 1992, he was an Assistant Investment Analyst. Global Trust Limited, Gbagada, Lagos, he was General Merchandise Manager, Biz Mart Nigeria Limited, Lagos Island, Lagos, 1994.

He became the MD/CEO of Blue Wall Group of Companies which he established in 1996 which includes; Blue Wall Nigeria Ltd, a Trading Company, Blue Wall BDC Nigeria Ltd, a Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) licensed foreign exchange trading company and Blue Wall Safety Travels and Tours, an IATA licensed Travel Agency and Logistic Company.

He later attended University of Ibadan for Advanced Diploma in Business Administration in the year 2001. He also obtained Post Graduate Certification in Chief Executive Education (CEP) in Business Management at Lagos Business School – Pan Atlantic University, Lekki, Lagos. In 2013, he obtained a Master’s Degree in Business Administration (MBA) from University of Liverpool, United Kingdom.

In 2011, Ayedatiwa entered active politics as a member of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), which later combined with other political organizations to become the All Progressive Congress (APC). He was one of Ondo State’s National Delegates at the 2014 All Progressive Congress (APC) National Convention in Abuja. He ran for the federal House of Representatives for the Ilaje / Ese-Odo Federal Constituency in the 2015 Presidential and National Assembly General Elections. From 2018 to 2019, Aiyedatiwa was the federal commissioner representing Ondo State on the Niger Delta Development Commission’s Board.

Late Akeredolu and his deputy, Agboola Ajayi, had a disagreement that turned into a power struggle. Ajayi confronted the late Akeredolu. He informed Akeredolu that he was elected in the same election as the late governor. He told late Akeredolu that as a lawyer, he must not violate the constitution. After a protracted battle, Agboola completed his time as deputy governor. He confronted the man he calls boss and eventually left the APC for the PDP. Ayedatiwa filled the vacuum created by his exit.

The late Akeredolu did not miss Agboola Ajayi. He swiftly chose Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa as his campaign mate for the 2020 Ondo State governorship election. The Independent National Electoral Commission confirmed on October 11, 2020, that Akeredolu and Aiyedatiwa were elected governor and deputy governor of Ondo State respectively. He was entirely devoted to him. He allowed the late Akeredolu to act like the boss he is. He didn’t question his decision. He warmed late Akeredolu’s heart by revealing that the latter was unaware that he had hoped for Ayedatiwa to succeed him as governor.

On February 25, 2021, they were sworn in as governor and deputy governor of Ondo State, respectively. They both enjoyed working together until illness undermined their skills and capacity. Akeredolu grew so ill that he had to manage Ondo State from his home in Ibadan. Unfortunately, Akeredolu passed away. The brave hunter did not return from his hunting trip. Following Akeredolu’s death, Aiyedatiwa became the acting governor of Ondo State.

He finished Akeredolu’s second term in office. He also tossed his hat into the ring. According to Ayedatiwa, he contested because he wants to fulfill the late Akeredolu’s aspirations and succeed him. He competed against major APC hopefuls before being elected flagbearer. Despite how difficult the APC primary was, all disgruntled parties, including Jimoh Ibrahim, Akeredolu’s close confidant, were able to reconcile difficulties. They banded together to form a cohesive entity.

Agboola Ajayi, a former deputy governor and late Akeredolu’s running mate in the 2016 Ondo governorship election, also entered the race. He ran for the Peoples Democratic Party’s ticket and defeated other aspirants in the party. Olusegun Mimiko, the state’s previous governor, among others, left the party, while others decided not to contribute. Ajayi was unable to mobilize enough resources to unseat Ayedatiwa, a sitting governor, and, more importantly, he was unable to overcome the internal conflict raging within the Peoples Democratic Party, or PDP.

On 17th of November, 2024, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, declared the candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC), Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa as the winner of Saturday’s governorship election in the state. Aiyedatiwa polled 366,781 votes while his closest rival, Ajayi Agboola polled 117,845 votes. He defeated his closest rival, Ajayi with 248,936 votes. Ayedatiwa will be the first politician or gubernatorial candidate to defeat his closest rival with 248,936 votes since 1999.

If you comprehend the significance and spiritual interpretation of his names, you won’t be astonished by the political game that took place in Ondo state. There are some people with whom you cannot compete and win. It is divinely scripted in this manner. If you marry them, they will take the lead. If you give them work, they may take over. If you are ahead of them in terms of career or status, they will eventually replace or lead you. Like Aiyedatiwa, Like Good luck Jonathan.

May the people of Ondo enjoy themselves and Orimisan Aiyedatiwa succeed.

Sodiq Lawal Chocomilo writes from Osogbo, the capital of Osun State.

The post From teacher to shop officer to Ondo Governor: Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa’s long road to Alagbaka House appeared first on WITHIN NIGERIA.

On Thursday, November 7, the Nigerian Defence Headquarters confirmed that a new terror group named Lakurawa also know as Mujahidin has emerged in Nigeria and is operating in the Northwest region of the country.

According to the Spokesman of  Defence Media Operation (DMO), Major General Edward Buba, who broke the news during a press briefing in Abuja, the terrorists are not of Nigerian origin but have majorly been operating in Northen Sokoto and Kebbi States.

General Buba also assured Nigerians that the military has intensified its operations and will flush out the terrorists to ensure the safety of the people.

Since the press briefing by the Defence Headquarters, there has palpable fear in the country over the current security challenges palpitated by the new terror group.

WITHIN NIGERIA findings showed that for close to five years now, Nigeria and indeed the West African Sub-region has grappling with security challenges in the form of kidnapping, banditry and killings across the region.

Nigeria rating in the Global Terrorism Index(GTI)

In March 2024, Nigeria finds itself once again in an uncomfortable position with the ongoing battle against terrorism with its recent ranking in the Global Terrorism Index (GTI) underscoring the persistent challenges the nation faces in combating extremism.

The GTI, published annually by the Institute for Economics and Peace, serves as a comprehensive analysis of the impact of terrorism worldwide, assessing factors such as terrorist incidents, fatalities, injuries, and property damage.

However, with a score of 7.575, Nigeria’s placement in the index signals a continuing struggle against terrorism within its borders raising concerns both domestically and internationally.

Nigeria’s ranking among countries such as Afghanistan, Syria, and Somalia – all known for their protracted conflicts – highlights the severity of the situation within the nation.

According to GTI, “Nigeria recorded its first increase in terrorism in three years in 2023, with total deaths rising by 34 percent to 524. This year marks Nigeria’s highest death toll since 2020, driven by a surge in conflict between ISWA and Boko Haram. If the conflict between these two groups was excluded, terrorism deaths would have declined by 18 percent”.

Findings showed that one of the most alarming aspects of Nigeria’s position in the GTI is the longevity of its struggle against terrorism. Despite concerted efforts by the government and security forces, the threat of extremist groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa (ISWA) continues to loom large over the country.

The report highlighted “deaths from terrorism rose to 8,352 in 2023, a 22 percent increase from the prior year”.

Also, Nigeria is one of ten countries responsible for 87 percent of global terrorism-related deaths, with its share amounting to 6 percent.

While Burkina Faso, Israel, Mali, Pakistan, Syria, Niger, Somalia, Myanmar, and Cameroon account for 23 percent, 14 percent, 9 percent, 8 percent, 8 percent, 6 percent, 5 percent, 4 percent, and 3 percent of global terrorism-related deaths respectively, the rest of the world collectively represents 13 percent.

According to the Global Terrorism Index report, (GTI), the following eight countries rank high in terms of terrorism.

Burkina Faso’s score of 8.571 indicates escalating terrorism in the Sahel.
Israel’s high ranking of 8.143 showcases global terrorism’s complex dynamics.
Mali’s score of 7.998 reflects ongoing instability post-rebellion.
Pakistan’s score of 7.916 shows an entrenched fight against terrorism.
Syria’s ranking of 7.890 mirrors multifaceted conflict.
Afghanistan’s score of 7.825 signifies persistent post-conflict challenges.
Somalia’s ranking of 7.814 highlights security fragility amid civil war.
Nigeria’s placement at 7.575 reaffirms its status as a terrorism epicenter in sub-Saharan Africa.

Nevertheless, with the Boko Haram, ISWA and banditry activities still very much active in the country and spreading across the sub-region, the emergency of new terror group, lukawaras is a inexplicable security set back in the region.

Where did Lukarawas come from?

By and large, as noted by Buba, the terrorists are not from Nigeria. They are a cross-border terror group whose members come from Mali, Libya, and Niger. They gained entrance into Nigeria through the borders it shared with the two mentioned countries, and this was only possible due to weakened border security, caused by the coup in Niger Republic. With this explanation, it could be deduced that the new terror group was imported into the country through insecurity in other neighbouring countries.

How did Niger coup contribute to the emergency of Lakurawas?

The Niger coup might have come and gone but the security impacts have continued to rear their ugly heads in the sub-region.

Before now, Niger, along with other countries in the Lake Chad Basin (Cameroon, Chad, and Nigeria) were part of a Multinational Joint Task Force (MJTF) that worked closely to fight terrorism in the area, but a coup affected their operations.

In July 2023, factions in Niger’s military overthrew the government of the country and suspended its constitution. To pressure the military to back down and restore democratic government, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) which Niger belongs, imposed some sanctions on the country and suspended it from the regional bloc. As a result of this, Niger pulled out of the MJTF, and this led to weakened border security which gave the Lakurawa terrorists a way in.

Motives of the Lukarawas terror group

Lakurawa is a faith-based terrorist group which shares similar beliefs with Boko Haram, and just like the dreadful group that has terrorised Nigeria’s Northeast for years, Lakurawa seeks to uphold the teachings of Islam wherever it is. Since they set up base, they have tried to impose Sharia law in the communities where they operate.

When did the terrorists enter Nigeria?

WITHIN NIGERIA gathered that the terror group has been in Nigeria before now; As far back as 2018, they were reportedly invited by some communities to help with their bandit problem. Lakurawas came in, fought off the bandits and restored some calm in the communities but settled down and attempted to impose Sharia law on the locals instead of returning to their countries– things remained that way until the Nigerian military and the Department of State Services (DSS) conducted a joint operation in 2019 that sent them packing.

There is no consensus as to when Lakurawa re-entered Nigeria again, but the earliest mention of the group by the media can be traced back to July 2023 thanks to a complaint by Sani Yakubu, a lawmaker representing Tangaza/Gudu Federal Constituency of Sokoto State in the House of Representatives.

During a plenary session, Yakubu complained that both local bandits and the Lakurawa terrorist group were terrorising his constituency and that swift intervention was needed. “The Lakurawa who claimed to be jihadists from Niger, Mali and Libya and the local Bandits terrorising the area. The two used to be sworn enemies, but have now joined forces, making it more difficult for the deployed security operatives to address the insecurity in the general area,” Yakubu said.

Their level of terrorism in communities in Sokoto and Kebbi

The terrorist group has caused harm in the communities they penetrated. According to reports,  the Lakurawa terrorist group has done the following since they began their operations:

They have beat up young people who shave their beards, have on a different hairstyle, or listen to music.

They fought, defeated and indoctrinated local bandits and have become one with them

They collect religious taxes from locals and punish those who refuse to pay by seizing their cows

They have robbed locals of their money and some other belongings

They have offered some young people the sum of 1 million to join their operation.

How dangerous are they?

According to eyewitness accounts of locals in Sokoto suggest that they have sophisticated weapons, use drones, and conduct coordinated attacks against government officials.

The Nigerian Defence Headquarters say they were only able to gain grounds in the communities because they started off by defending communities against bandits and were, as a result, accommodated by locals who assumed the group had good intentions for them. Locals initially accommodated them, thinking they had good intentions for them, only reporting their presence when the group started terrorising the

Where is the terror group?

The Lukarawas terrorist group is currently hiding out in Tsauni forest, a large area spanning across Kebbi and Sokoto; however, the Nigerian military is actively conducting operations to flush the terrorists out. It has also declared nine people believed to be members of the terror group wanted. Their names are Abu Khadijah, Abdurrahman, Dadi Gumba (also known as  Abu Muhammed), Usman Shehu, Abu Yusuf, Musa Wa’a, Idris Taklakse, Ibrahim Suyeka, and Ba Sulhu.

Recent activities of the group

On November 9, 2024, at least fifteen people were killed and several others wounded when new terror group Lukarawas attacked a rural community in northwest Kebbi state after stealing livestock, residents said.

Witnesses said the insurgents arrived on motorbikes in the village of Mera in Kebbi’s Augie local government area on Friday and attempted to seize cattle from the villagers.

When residents resisted, gunfire erupted, leaving fifteen dead and forcing others to flee. Two insurgents also died, the witnesses said.

A local traditional ruler Samaila Mera said this was the first attack by the group in the area.

State deputy governor Abubakar Tafida, who attended a funeral for the victims on Saturday, said the government was working closely with the security agencies to prevent further attacks.

Implications on the sub-region

Nigeria and indeed West Africa sub-region have been grappling with a long-running insurgency.  In the northeast Nigeria, these terrorists group are very much active and primarily driven by the Islamist armed group Boko Haram and its offshoot Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). The emergence of the new terrorists group will no doubt worsen the security situation in the sub-region.

For almost two decades now, Boko Haram insurgents have held the region in the jugular and killed over thirty thousand persons.

Again, the economic impacts of the new terrorists group stems from the fact that it will further contrast the free movement of goods and services in the region.

Furthermore, as indicated before, the activities of the new terror group which involves keeping for ransom will incite more fear in the already beleaguered sub-region.

WITHIN NIGERIA findings showed that when Boko Haram insurgents emerged in 2007, nobody took them serious until they escalated their attacks so much so that thousands have gone to their early grave as a result of their suicide bombing and nefarious acts.

The post Emergence Of Lukarawas Terrorists Group And Security Implications On West Africa Sub-Region appeared first on WITHIN NIGERIA.

On May 26, 2023 Nigeria’s President, Muhammadu Buhari Commissioned the Ebonyi State International Airport in Southeast Nigeria.

It was gathered that flight operation was carried out in April, few weeks to the commissioning with about two airlines landing in the facility.

The Airport which was named after Nigeria’s President but later renamed after former Senate President Chuba Okadigbo is situated in Onueke, Abakaliki, the State Capital.

According to the economic plans of the project, the Airport will boost the Economy of the State in particular and Nigeria at large.

During the commissioning, President Buhari Commended Governor Umahi’s prudence in the management of the State resources.

Speaking during the commissioning of the multimillion naira project President Buhari stated that “am delighted with the level of Development in Ebonyi State under the watch of Governor David Umahi. Umahi has done tremendously well in the development of the State.”

The Governor of the State, Engr David  Umahi also thanked President Mohammadu Buhari for all he has done in Nigeria and Ebonyi State in particular.

“Let me thank President Muhammadu Buhari for all the support he has given to the Ebonyi people. There has never been a time I run to him to help Ebonyi State that he  declined.”

However, more than eighteen months after the commissioning of the project, no single flight, both local and international has landed in the gigantic airport.

It was also gathered that the airport has been turned into a church of some sort as some churches use the facility for their Sunday worship.

WITHIN NIGERIA gathered that though the newly commissioned airport, which was expected to boost the state’s economy and connectivity, has instead become a gathering ground for worship services as no airlines or passengers have yet utilized its facilities.

Further findings by our reporter showed that nearly two years after its grand opening, the airport remains devoid of commercial flights, leaving its expansive halls and open spaces largely empty.

With the anticipated influx of travelers still unfulfilled, some residents have repurposed sections of the airport as a venue for religious gatherings.

It was gathered that the ugly development has raised questions regarding the planning and operational readiness of the project, which was initially hailed as a transformative infrastructural advancement for the state.

In response to the lack of airline presence, community members and stakeholders have expressed mixed reactions. While some view the religious use of the facility as a practical way to utilize an otherwise empty space, others question the allocation of state resources to a project that has yet to deliver on its promise of economic growth and accessibility for Ebonyi State.

The government has yet to provide a statement regarding timelines for commercial flights to begin operations, leaving the future of Ebonyi State’s airport in uncertainty.

One of the community, Friday Ogodo told WITHIN NIGERIA that “it is very unfortunate that such gigantic project which gulped huge state resources is being used just as a worship centre. I am not happy with the situation but what can I do.”

In a telephone chat, Mr. Ogodo stated that “if the state government cannot use it now let the facility be a joint partnership other firm or firms who may be of help to give maximum use it deserves.”

Another indigene of the state Mr. James Nwagu told our reporter that “ the people of Ebonyi state are not quite happy with the state over the abandonment of this project. Though initially when the project was being conceived, majority of the indigenes of the state kicked against it on the ground that it seemed like white elephant project.”

Explaining, further, Mr. Nwagu said “how can you build such project when majority of our graduates in the state are jobless? How can you build such project when there is high level of poverty and illiteracy in the state?  Our hospitals are empty, our teachers and civil servants are being owed their salaries. Honestly speaking, that fund would have been channeled towards other developmental projects other than this white elephant project.”

Ebonyi state government reacts to the alleged abandonment

As the disaffection over the alleged abandonment of the facility continues to grow, Ebonyi State Government has said that flight operations at the Airport is expected to begin in November.

The State Commissioner for Aviation, Mrs Ngozi Obichukwu, made this known while briefing Governor Francis Nwifuru during his inspection of the facility.

The inspection was as part of activities to mark the state’s 28th anniversary.

Obichukwu said that the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, had inspected the airport’s runway which, she said, was the only aspect delaying the commencement of flight operations.

According to the commissioner, “The 3.1kilometre runway which can accommodate five aircrafts at a time was asphalted by the present administration in the state.

“The airport had earlier commenced operations but most aircraft could not cope with the runway due to non-asphalting of the concrete basement used in constructing it.

“We, however, commenced the asphalting of the runway in October 2023 and completed it on July 8, 2024,” she said.

Explaining further, she said that NCAA had inspected the runway and was expected to give approval for flight operations by November.

The post 2 Years After, Ebonyi State Airport Turned To Worship Centre appeared first on WITHIN NIGERIA.

Recently, President Bola Tinubu transmitted four tax reform bills to the National Assembly to streamline tax collection, ensure compliance, and optimise revenue.

In a letter to the Senate and House of Representatives that Thursday, the president said the bills will provide a clear and concise framework for the efficient administration of all tax laws, ensuring compliance and reducing tax disputes.

The bill is entitled, “An Act to Repeal Certain Acts on Taxation and Consolidate the Legal Frameworks Relating to Taxation and Enact the Nigeria Tax Act to Provide for Taxation of Income, Transactions and Instruments, and for Related Matters.”

The president transmitted the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill which seeks to repeal the Federal Inland Revenue Service Bill N0. 13 of 2007 and establish the Nigeria Revenue Service, to access, collect and account for revenue accrued to the federation.

The president also transmitted the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill which seeks to establish the Joint Revenue Board, the Tax Appeal Tribunal, and the Office of the Tax Ombudsman for the harmonisation and coordination and settlement of disputes arising from revenue administration in Nigeria.

The other bills are the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024 which is expected to provide the fiscal work for tax in the country, and the Tax Administration Bill which will provide a clear and concise legal framework for all taxes in the country.

In his words, President stated that “I write to forward herewith the Fiscal and Tax Reform Bills by the Federal Inland Revenue Service for consideration and passage by the Senate.

“The proposed tax bills present substantial benefits to align with my government’s objectives on fiscal reform and economic growth by enhancing taxpayer compliance, strengthening our fiscal institutions, and fostering a more effective and transparent fiscal regime.”

The president urged the Senate to give the bills expeditious consideration.

Godswill Akpabio, the Senate president, referred the bills to the Senate committee on finance and mandated the committee to report back in three weeks.

Key provisions in the new proposed tax bill

Expectedly, since its transmission, the bill has sparked significant controversies and protests among Nigerians.

By and large, Governors and traditional rulers of Northern Nigerian states convened have convened and unanimously rejected the bill. They said the contents of the proposed tax bill do not align with the interests of the North and other sub-national entities.

Facts to know about the proposed bill

In any case, there are salient issues, clauses that are attached to the proposed tax bill, which have led to the oppositions and punches the bill has continued to receive from some sections of the country.

Increase in VAT

WITHIN NIGERIA gathered that according to Section 146 of the bill, it proposes to raise the value added tax (VAT) from 7.5 percent to 10 percent by 2025, with further increases to 12.5 percent from 2026 to 2029, and 15 percent from 2030 onwards.

Our findings also revealed that the value of taxable supplies includes the total consideration plus VAT for monetary transactions or the market value for non-monetary transactions. In cases where the transaction is part of a larger arrangement, only the relevant portion will be taxable.

For transactions between related parties or those involving non-monetary exchanges, the taxable value is determined by the equivalent market value.

More so, VAT collected by a taxable person will be called output VAT. Government bodies (federal, state, and local), their ministries, departments, agencies, and other designated agents are required to collect or withhold VAT and remit it to the tax authority as prescribed.

VAT Exemptions

The bill also explained that certain supplies will be exempted from the proposed VAT. These categories include oil and gas exports, crude petroleum oil, and feed gas. Other exempt items include: goods purchased for humanitarian projects (where the donor pays VAT upfront), baby products, locally manufactured sanitary products, military hardware, arms, and ammunition supplied to security agencies.

Additionally, electricity generated by generation companies (GENCOs) and supplied to the national grid or to the Nigeria Bulk Electricity Trading Company (NBET) will be exempt, along with electricity transmitted by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) to electricity distribution companies (DISCOs).

27.5% Company Tax

According to Section 56 of the bill, it  outlines tax rates to be imposed on the total profits of companies, with small firms taxed at 0 percent. All other companies will face a tax rate of 27.5 percent in 2025, which will reduce to 25 percent from 2026. If a company’s effective tax rate is less than 15 percent in any assessment year, it must recompute and pay an additional tax to bring it up to the 15 percent threshold.

This provision applies to companies within multinational enterprise groups and any company with an aggregate turnover exceeding N20 billion in the relevant year.

4% Development Levy on Companies

Also Section 59 stipulates a development levy on the assessable profits of companies, excluding small and non-resident companies. The levy will be four percent for 2025 and 2026, three percent from 2027 to 2029, and two percent from 2030 onwards. The levy will fund the Student Education Loan Fund.

The revenue distribution is as follows: The Tertiary Education Trust Fund will receive 50 percent in 2025 and 2026, 66 percent from 2027 to 2029, and zero percent from 2030 onwards. The Student Education Loan Fund will receive 25 percent in 2025 and 2026, 33 percent from 2027 to 2029, and 100 percent from 2030 onwards.

The National Information Technology Development Fund will receive 20 percent in 2025 and 2026, and zero percent from 2027 onwards. The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure will receive 5 percent in 2025 and 2026, and zero percent from 2027 onwards.

5% Excise Tax on Lottery and Gaming Income

Section 62 and Schedule 10 of the law propose 5 percent excise duty on revenue of lottery and gaming trade or business. In determining the assessable profits of lottery and gaming trade or business, the following deductions shall be allowed, in addition to others permitted under Chapter Two of the Act: Any amount paid as winnings, prizes or similar payments from the relevant Prize Fund; statutory contributions to the Lottery Trust Fund; agency commission expenses incurred; and levies paid to relevant regulatory and government authorities as contained in relevant federal or state laws.

‘Gaming’ includes gambling, wagering, video poker, roulette, craps, bingo, slot or gaming machine, drawings or other games of chance conducted by any person;

‘Lottery’ or ‘Lotteries’ includes any betting, game, scheme, arrangement, system, plan, promotional competition or device for the distribution of prizes by lot or chance, or as a result of the exercise of skill and chance, or based on the outcome of real or virtual sporting events, or any other game, scheme, arrangement, system, plan, competition or device.

5% Telecoms Tax

The bill proposes a five percent excise duty on telecommunications services, including postpaid and prepaid services regulated by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

National Assembly adjourns plenary till November 19

In the midst of the growing opposition against the bill, the Senate and House of Representatives on Thursday adjourned plenary sittings till November 19, 2024.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker Tajudeen Abass, made the announcement during plenary in both Chambers respectively.

The lawmakers said the two weeks would afford their relevant committees to carry out oversight functions on ongoing projects to determine the level of performance of the 2024 capital budget.

The oversight function by the lawmakers is coming ahead of the expected presentation of the Medium Term Expenditure Framework ans Fiscal Strategy Paper (MTEF/FSP) and the 2025 Appropriation Bill to the National Assembly.

The Speaker Tajudeen had announced at plenary on Wednesday that the House will adjourn plenary for a few days while asking members to actively participate in the oversight activities.

He said the oversight is part of the constitutional obligation of the House to the Nigerian people and requested for cooperation from all MDAs to ensure the success of the oversight.

Northern governors forum reject the bill

However, in what could be a setback for the proposed law,  governors of 19 states under the aegis of Northern States Governors Forum (NSGF), on Monday, rejected the proposed tax amendment bill.

In a communique issued at the end of a joint meeting with Northern Traditional Rulers Council at Government House, Kaduna, the governors urged the National Assembly to “oppose any bill that can jeopardise the well-being of our people”.

Governor of Gombe State/Chairman of NSGF, Mohammadu Yahaya, who read the group’s communique, called for equity and fairness in the implementation of all national policies and programmes to ensure that no geopolitical zone was short-changed or marginalised.

Nonetheless, Yahaya said, “Forum notes with dismay the content of the recent Tax Reform Bill that was forwarded to the National Assembly. The contents of the bill against the interests of the north and other sub-nationals, especially the proposed amendment to the distribution of Value Added Tax (VAT) to Derivation-based Model.

“This is because companies remit VAT using location of their headquarters and tax office and not where the services and goods are consumed.

“In view of the foregoing, the forum unanimously rejects the proposed Tax Amendments and calls on members of National Assembly to oppose any bill that can jeopardise the well-being of our people.”

The governor added, “For the avoidance of doubt, the Northern Governor’ Forum is not averse to any policies or programmes that will ensure the growth and development of the country.

“However, the forum calls for equity and farness in the implementation of all national policies and programmes so as to ensure that no geopolitical zone is short-changed or marginalised.”

On the present economic hardship in the country, the northern governors appealed to all citizens to remain calm, saying the states and the federal government are working hard to implement measures that will cushion effects of the hardship.

The forum emphasised that the traditional institutions were critical in the quest for lasting peace and security in the north and urged them to cooperate with security agencies in the fight against banditry, cattle rustling, communal clashes, farmers/herder clashes, and other forms of criminality.

The communique further stated, “With the recent ‘End Bad Governance’ protests that took place in August, it has resolved to scale up efforts to tackle the root causes of youth restiveness by investing in education, skills development, job creation and pathways for the youth to channel their energy into productive ventures, thereby reducing their vulnerability to crime and social vices.”

The forum also decried the current electricity blackouts in most parts of the northern states and called on the federal government and relevant agencies to urgently address the situation, caused by vandalisation of electricity transmission infrastructure.

“This matter not only underscores the vulnerability of critical infrastructure, but also the need to build additional transmission lines and diversify our energy supply so as to better connect our region and improve our energy resilience,” the communique said.

It stated that the north held immense agricultural potential, which, if fully harnessed, could significantly alleviate hunger and boost economic growth.

It said, “To achieve this, we resolved to provide adequate support to our farmers, including access to financing, modern farming techniques and infrastructure, such as roads and irrigation systems.

“Agriculture should not only be seen as a means to feed our people but also as a catalyst for industrialisation and job creation across the region.

“That can be achieved through re-industrialisation of the north, especially by reviving the textile value chain and development of other agro-allied industries.”

Yahaya said, “Forum commends His Excellency, the President and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for the reform initiative in the livestock sub-sector and agreed to provide the necessary political will and commitment to ensure the success of the Federal Government livestock development initiatives.

“The forum also agreed to sustain engagement and cross-fertilisation of ideas with the Presidential Livestock Reforms Implementation Committee to achieve greater results.

“Forum acknowledges the fact that climate change has greatly affected our environment resulting in the recent flood incidents in many parts of the north and, therefore, resolved to partner with the federal government and other stakeholders to build irrigation infrastructure like canals and waterways to divert excess water and channel them towards irrigation activities, thus, enhancing rural livelihoods and safeguarding food security.”

The meeting was attended by the governors of Zamfara, Borno, Bauchi, Adamawa, Kogi, Yobe, Gombe, Kaduna, Nasarawa and Kwara states.

The governors of Plateau, Benue, Katsina, Kano, Jigawa, Sokoto, Kebbi, Taraba and Niger were represented by their deputies and secretaries to the state governments.

Ndume opposes the bill

Meanwhile the lawmaker representing Borno South Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Ali Ndume, has  also criticized the bill, stating they are “dead on arrival”.

His remarks come amid widespread opposition to the proposed increases in Value Added Tax and other tax measures.

Ndume, who spoke on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme on Tuesday, expressed the strong sentiment among Nigerians against new tax initiatives, particularly in light of the ongoing economic challenges facing the nation.

“The governors and traditional rulers have said that the bill is not good. So, the best course of action is to withdraw it immediately.

“Right now, our people don’t want the VAT bill; they don’t even want to hear about it. That is why we are going to make it dead on arrival,” he stated.

Ndume also highlighted that while Nigerians are willing to pay taxes, they must first be able to afford to do so.

“People are struggling to survive. Let people live first before you start asking them for taxes,” he said.

Ndume noted that he has begun rallying support among his colleagues to reject the tax proposals.

He called for a focus on self-reform within the government rather than imposing additional financial burdens on citizens.

NEC asks President Tinubu to withdraw tax bill

The National Economic Council, asked President Bola Tinubu to withdraw the Tax Reforms Bills from the National Assembly to allow for wider consultations and consensus building.

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, said this formed part of resolutions reached at the 144th meeting of the National Economic Council at the State House, Abuja.

Makinde told journalists that the council members agreed that it was necessary to allow for consensus building and understanding of the bills among Nigerians.

“NEC noted the need for sufficient alignment on the proposed reforms and recommended the withdrawal of the tax reform bills,” he stated.

Makinde stated that this decision was made for the benefit of the country and emphasized the need for further consultations regarding the bills.

“We saw the gap and decided that there is a need for a wider consultation,” he added.

By and large, NEC’s decision came days after the Northern Governors kicked against the reform bills.

However, despite the mounting opposition against the bill, President Bola Tinubu has remained resolute on the bill, saying he will not back down on the introduction and lobbying to make the bill come to reality.

Sen. Shehu Sani on the Reform Tax Bill

In any case, the former Senator who represented Kaduna Central Senatorial District, Shehu Sani has stated that the tax reform bill which was  not against or inimical to the interest of the North.

Sani gave his opinion in light of insinuations trailing the bill since it was brought to the National Assembly as an executive bill, saying that northerners or anyone whosoever should move beyond sentiments and look at the benefits that are inherent in the bill.

In a statement with newsmen recently, the former lawmaker in the 8th National Assembly described the bill as one of President Bola Tinubu’s bold moves to strengthen tax administration in Nigeria, in which its operations and enforcement are simplified.

According to him “The Tax reform Bill is not inimical to the North or any part of this country.

“It is in fact economically beneficial and fair to all parts. People should keep aside sentiments and read the Bill carefully.

“It’s a comprehensive and bold move to harmonise and simplify tax administration and streamline its operations and enforcement. The Bill will actually generate and safeguard more revenue for the country and the States.

“It will also combat the corruption in the so-called tax waivers granted to business cabals. There is nowhere in the document where any region will be shortchanged or taxes will be increased or jobs will be lost.

“Northern Governors should rescind their decision to reject the Bill and take time to read it and make inputs where necessary. NASS must treat this important Bill with all seriousness.”

The post Senators Ndume, Sani Differ As Controversy Over Reform Tax Bill Rages appeared first on WITHIN NIGERIA.

As many tributes and condolence messages as there were, they could not match the spirit of the grieving people of Ilobu, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja’s hometown. They only desired their son. I saw a video where relatives of the late COAS were interviewed. If you don’t become emotional while watching the video, you can watch the killing of humans without being moved. It was a public outpouring of anguish.

I felt absolutely dejected after watching the video. I felt bitter and sad. His relatives did not help matters either. They cried scorching tears. They may have heard that tears bring relief, yet the more they cry, the deeper their anguish grows. They were utterly overcome by the heartbreaking and enormous loss.

When it was time for the Lagbajas’ family head to speak, he looked down as if he had lost everything and apologized profusely for collecting army recruits for Taoreed Lagbaja. A man who died while serving as Chief of Army Staff, the highest military position in the country. That is how death affects human thoughts. It occasionally denies humans the right to celebrate their lifetime achievements.

They didn’t let anything soothe them. The tributes, condolence notes, including Yoruba elders’ comments, and scriptures were ineffective in comforting them. Trees of value rarely stay in the forest for long, and the holy often pass away before their time. [Igi tó tọ́ kì í pẹ́ n’ígbó / a ti mú àwọn olódodo lọ láti yọ wọ́n kúrò nínú ibi]. Yorubas use powerful words to encourage bereaved people to come out of their corners. Unfortunately, none worked for the Lagbaja family.

Who would want a son of motor seller who ascended from captain to commander of Africa’s strongest army to die? I understand the anguish of Lagbaja’s relatives. Losing someone you admire or love is a pain that does not go away. We should allow them to mourn their loved one, but I’ve never read that tears mend damaged souls. Tears weakened the body, completing the soul’s destruction. The tragic death of Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja is a great loss for everyone.

As we grieve the loss of Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, one of the best soldiers to ever live, we must acknowledge his contributions to the Nigerian military. He valiantly served his beloved country until his death. He was an outstanding army chief who fought terrorism, insurgency, and banditry. During his term as Chief of Army Staff, the country experienced the lowest number of casualties in its war against insecurity. He was a gracious man who respected loyalty, commitment, and discipline. For Taoreed Lagbaja, service is a call he can not ignore. 

As the body of Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja is lowered into the earth where we will all die, I remove my cap and salute the great general who was a loving husband, a responsible father, a good son, a prominent Ilobu native, and the ever-valiant COAS of the greatest army in Africa. Rest in power, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja. 

The post Taoreed Lagbaja: Remembering Ilobu-born son of a motor dealer who became the 23rd Chief of Army Staff in Nigeria appeared first on WITHIN NIGERIA.

Born on Feb. 28, 1968, in Ilobu, Irepodun Local Government Area, Osun State, Lagbaja was admitted to the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1987 as part of the 39th Regular Course.

Lagbaja held command positions in several military operations, including Operation Harmony IV in the Bakassi Peninsula, the United Nations Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Operation ZAKI, before being appointed COAS by President Bola Tinubu on June 19, 2023.

The COAS, the highest office in the Nigerian Army and held by an appointed high-ranking officer, is responsible for formulating and executing national security policies in direct collaboration with the Defence Minister. Lagbaja spent 499 days in office before his demise.

His death followed weeks of controversy over his absence from office and the Nigerian Army’s refusal to provide specific details about his whereabouts. Sahara Reporters had earlier reported on Oct. 15 that Lagbaja’s prolonged absence from official duties sparked concern among top generals in the Army, emphasising that he was sick and had been secretly flown abroad by family members for medical attention.

The report, made three weeks earlier, cited multiple undisclosed sources and revealed his absence from notable events, including the combined passing-out parade of the 71 Regular Course of the Army, Navy, and Air Force on September 28 from Army headquarters. 

Lagbaja was also said to have missed the Army War College Nigeria Course 8/2024 graduation dinner and award night in Abuja on Oct. 2, 2024, where he was supposed to be the chief host.

After facing intense criticism following the Sahara Reporters report, which also highlighted a suspected leadership vacuum, the Army disclosed on Oct. 19 that Lagbaja was abroad on an annual leave and medical checkup and refuted claims of a leadership vacuum. 

However, on Oct. 20, social media was flooded with claims that the COAS had died of cancer and that his death was being kept a secret due to “intense lobbying by some generals who want the position.” The Army dismissed these claims as fake news.

On Oct. 31, President Tinubu appointed Lagbaja’s coursemate, Olufemi Oluyede, as acting COAS. Confirming reports of Lagbaja’s incapacitation, Tinubu officially promoted Oluyede to lieutenant-general on November 5.

The following day, headlines reported Lagbaja’s death, relying on a statement by Bayo Onanuga, the special adviser on information and strategy to the president, stating that Lagbaja “passed away on Tuesday night in Lagos after a period of illness.”

“Lagbaja’s Death Is Human-Influenced”— Family Speculates

Pa Tajudeen Lagbaja, head of the Lagbaja family and the younger brother of the late COAS’s father, was quick to suggest that the COAS death may have been caused by diabolical means. He mentioned that the COAS could have fallen victim due to a lingering land dispute in the family’s hometown.

Speaking to The Nation, Pa Tajudeen said the dispute began in 2023 and involved the Nigerian Army’s plans to establish a hospital in Ilobu, the headquarters of Irepodun Local Government Area in Osun State.

Regretting that he was the one who obtained the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) form for the late COAS, Pa Tajudeen lamented, “The death that took Taoreed Lagbaja ought to have taken me. I took him as one of my children.” He added, “His passing has left us deeply bereaved.”

Cancer, Poison, What Exactly?

While the death of Lagbaja Taoreed was announced on November 6th by Bayo Onanuga, the statement noted that the COAS passed away after a period of illness, avoiding any specific details. Social media users, not entirely trusting the statement, especially due to the Army’s initial denial that Lagbaja was ill, speculate he may have died of cancer or poisoning.

In a post he made on Facebook on November 7th, Babajide Kolade-Otitoju, the Group Head of Current & Public Affairs of News (TVC News) at TVC Communications, indicated he knows the late COAS, suggesting he died of pancreatic cancer. Also, one Jackson Ude on X, in an unconfirmed claim, said the late COAS died from poison.

The Army is still yet to disclose the exact cause of his death and might not, as the late COAS burial has been scheduled for Friday, November 15th, at the military cemetery in Abuja.

Nigerians Mourn His Passing

To many, Lagbaja’s passing may seem like just another loss of a high-ranking military officer, prompting the usual wave of public condolences. But for his family, this loss is a bitter pill, far too painful to swallow. Pa Tajudeen noted that the late COAS had given the family hope, with many promises that were left unfulfilled. However, his only consolation was the reports of Lagbaja’s good deeds before his demise. 

Still grieving the COAS death, some traditionalists in Osun State described it as unnatural. According to Tribune, one of the traditionalists, Awopegba Ifagbemi, said the town’s residents are still mourning the loss and urged the Federal Government to release Lagbaja’s corpse to them to conduct necessary spiritual exercises.

More waves of condolences also greeted Lagbaja’s demise, from government officials to political leaders and the entire country. 

Peter Obi, former governor of Anambra State and 2023 presidential candidate, called Lagbaja’s death a painful loss that has created a significant vacuum in the country. Reflecting on the loss, Obi extended prayers and heartfelt sympathy to Lagbaja’s family, Nigeria’s military, and government, describing the COAS’s passing as irreplaceable.

“General Taoreed Lagbaja is a patriot,” former President Muhammadu Buhari declared, praising the late COAS as one of Nigeria’s finest soldiers.

National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, too, hailed him as among Nigeria’s most exemplary military officers.

Adding to the tributes, Minister of Women Affairs Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim led a delegation of women leaders to offer their condolences to Mariya Lagbaja, the COAS’s widow, encouraging her to find strength in the country’s support. 

Acting COAS Olufemi Oluyede, accompanied by high-ranking officers, also visited to offer sympathies and support, honouring the late COAS’s dedication and praising him as a “gallant and extremely dedicated leader” who will surely be missed.

In tribute, the Nigerian Army flag flies at half-mast, honouring the legacy of the late COAS.

Like Lagbaja, Others Have Died in Office

Just like Lagbaja, other high-ranking military officers have been defeated by death. Joseph Akahan, appointed COAS in May 1967 under General Yakubu Gowon shortly before the Nigerian Civil War, was among them.

Akahan was reportedly the strategist behind the sea-borne operations led by Lt. Colonel Benjamin Adekunle, which resulted in the capture of Bonny in July 1967. Tragically, he died in a helicopter crash in May 1968, after which General Hassan Katsina succeeded him as COAS.

More recently, on May 21, 2021, a plane crash claimed the life of Ibrahim Attahiru, the COAS appointed by former President Muhammadu Buhari in January 2021. Attahiru, along with ten others on board, lost his life while travelling on a Nigerian Air Force Beechcraft King Air 350. He was heading to Kaduna on May 22, 2021, for an official visit to attend the 80RRI’s Passing Out Parade at Depot Nigerian Army.

The memories of all the deceased COAS, however, live on in the heart of the country they served and their loved ones.

The post How Controversies Surrounded the Death of COAS, Lagbaja Taoreed appeared first on WITHIN NIGERIA.

 These road projects are namely; construction of Oke-Iyin-Bepo-Oke-Ese-Akata-Ayeso 1.1km road and construction of INEC-Osogbo/Ilesa road with spur to Alhaji Olasupo/Bonke-Coca-Cola road 1.5km.

Residents and stakeholders in these communities have also complained about the neglect of these roads, stating that contractors have abandoned them and that they haven’t seen workers on site for over two weeks.

A resident, simply identified as Afolabi, expressed his concern over the neglect of Oke-Iyin-Bepo-Oke-Ese-Akata-Ayeso 1.1km road.

He told WITHIN NIGERIA that the government should order the contractor to finish the job. 

According to Afolabi, the contractor’s abandonment of the road project has had a significant impact on local businesses.

People are unable to move freely. Traders and kiosk owners would not be patronized as expected by their customers because it would require more effort to travel the route, said a concerned Afolabi.

Findings by WITHIN NIGERIA revealed that the 1.5km and 1.1km roads were commissioned in June 2024. 

When this reporter visited one of the abandoned road projects in Ayeso, he noticed a signpost with information about the client, contractor, and supervising agency for the 1.1-kilometer road project.

According to the signpost, the 1.1km road was awarded to a construction firm, F. OTOT COY Limited, located at No.1 Motigbenajo Crescent, Oroki Housing Estate, Osogbo, with supervision provided by the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, Osogbo, and the Works Department of Ilesa West Local Government.

The reporter noticed that only the drainage for the 1.1km road had been completed, while the main road had not been graded or tarred. Some parts of the road appear ‘hilly’ due to the failure to level extra sand during gutter digging.

Bimbo, a petty trader grumbled vehemently to the reporter about the 1.1 km road construction delay.

She explained how her sales had plummeted dramatically as a result of the road work. 

Bimbo, who agreed that the completion of the road would undoubtedly increase her market sales, wondered why it is taking the construction firm so long to complete the project.

They have not graded the roadway. They haven’t tarred it. Some of the drainage needs to be repaired. They began working on the road five months ago and it has yet to be completed. Bimbo exclaimed fiercely, “A 1.1-kilometer road.” 

When this reporter visited an expansion of a 1.5-kilometer road project in Bonke Quarters, he discovered that it had also been abandoned too. He spotted a signpost indicating that the project had been granted to BENLAD MULTILINKS LTD, which is located at No. 33, Oduola Street, Ayetoro, Osogbo, and that the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, as well as the Works Department of Ilesa West Local Government, were supervisory agencies.

Some of the road had been graded when this reporter visited Bonke quarters. There were no site workers present, but a road grader could be seen parked in front of a building not far from Hylte Hotel.

The reporter discovered that the road grader had been sitting at the site for weeks. Culverts that had been demolished during drainage work were also completely abandoned.

Sanya, a medical practitioner, encouraged the lawmaker representing Ilesa East State Constituency, who lives in Bonke Quarters, to utilize his authority to compel the contractor to finish the road construction.

According to Sanya, any culverts leading to adjacent residential areas that were damaged during construction should be fixed once the road has been tarred.

“Harmattan is already around the corner. We are pleading with the Governor and contractor to assist us in completing this road for the sake of petty traders whose stores are located beside the abandoned road, as well as their children who would be playing in the dust,” Sanya stated.

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This is certainly not the best of time for both commercial and private vehicle owners in Nigeria as the high cost of petrol has literally fuelled the skyrocketing cost of living in the country.

Recall that on May 29, 2023, the new Nigerian President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, during his swearing-in speech removed fuel subsidy, thereby throwing the entire country’s economy into hyperinflation. Since then, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd, has consistently continued to make an upward adjustment in the pump price of the Premium Motor Spirit, PMS popularly known as petrol.

However, WITHIN NIGERIA gathered that most vehicle owners have resorted to use of motorbike instead of car due largely to the high cost of petrol. In the same vein, most parents have also adopted cost-effective method of transportation on their children who go to far-from-home schools, during the resumption of the 2024/2025 academic year in September 2024.

Such parents have changed their children’s schools to near-home schools to save cost of transportation which has doubled in recent time.

In any case, when our reporter visited Nsukka mechanic village, Enugu state on Saturday, most of the car repairers were seen idling away their time.

One of them, Mr. Frederick Ujah who spoke to our reporter lamented low level of work in recent time.

“Since this year, I have not seen this kind of hardship in my life. I have been in this work for close to twelve years but I have not experienced this kind of low patronage of business in my life.”

Lamenting further, Mr. Ujah told WITHIN NIGERIA that “imagine a situation whereby so many car owners abandon their car for motorbike. Some of them even abandon their cars in my workshop, telling me that they cannot maintain those cars. This is because their spare parts are now out of reach just as petroleum price has skyrocketed.”

In any case, our reporter visited a spare parts dealer at Nsukka market village, it was discovered that none of the spare parts has a specific price tag. One of the dealers who spoke to WITHIN NIGERIA explained that “right now, all these spare parts have no price. Before we tell you the price, we must consult our supplier or suppliers in Nnewi or Onitsha to tell us the current price. We don’t just sell goods like that so as to avoid selling before cost price.”

Explaining further, the dealer narrated that “price changes every hour these days. For instance, you can buy something at N5,000 this afternoon, but before 5pm, the price has changed to say N5300. It keeps on changing like that every day. The worst is that there is no hope of the situation getting better. We are living in a situation of uncertainty. You may sell an item at say N20,000 today. When you want to buy it back by next, the price will be N22,000. So, this is the situation in which we have unfortunately found ourselves in.”

By and large, another seller told our reporter that “right now, we are confused as to either to sell our wares or to wait a bit before selling them. This is because when you finish selling your wares say at N15,000 each, you can never buy them at N17,000. This has been the lot of Nigerians for months now.”

Petroleum sellers experience low sale

In November 2024, it was reported that the latest data from the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMPDRA) put nationwide fuel consumption at 4.5 million litres per day in August 2024.

The figure represents a significant drop from 60 million litres per day in May 2023, a staggering 92% decline.

According to the data, only 16 out of the 36 states received fuel from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited in August, leading to widespread shortage.

The report further explained that fuel prices have been rising at an exponential rate since President Bola Tinubu came to office in 2023.

The continuous price increases have further stifled the already battered economy, driving up the cost of food and transportation, and fuelling inflation to a three-decade high.

The situation has plunged many Nigerians into chronic hardship as lamentation becomes the order of the day.

However, a report by a French news agency also detailed how Nigerians have been forced to abandon their vehicles, opting instead for public transportation as the hardship permeates every strata of the nation.

Oil marketers raise the alarm

The national leadership of the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) lamented that the drop in petrol consumption had caused its members huge losses, adding that 10,000 of them were on the verge of closing shop.

The PETROAN National Public Relations Officer, Dr Joseph Obele, said the cost of loading a truck of fuel had risen from ₦7m to ₦47m in the last 16 months.

“Three days ago, there was a meeting at the national headquarters of PETROAN. At the meeting, there was, an indication that about 10,000 of our members would quit the business in the next 45 days because their trading capital had been severely affected,” Obele told newsmen.

He also warned of the potential job losses as the affected marketers had a combined total staff strength of about one million.

“That was why we wrote a letter to Mr President, dated October 21, requesting a grant of N100bn to save the affected marketers’ businesses from shutting down in the next few weeks,” the PETROAN spokesman added.

For his part, the President of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Abubakar Maigandi, also confirmed the massive reduction in fuel consumption, adding that members of the union were equally affected.

“There is a drop in consumption and the price of a truckload is higher now. So, we have reduced the quantity of fuel we buy. For instance, someone who bought 10 trucks before can only buy eight now. So, we haven’t been getting the right quantity that we are supposed to get. We sell only the little quantities we get,” he said.

PENGASSAN reacts to the ugly situation

Meanwhile, the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (PENGASSAN) stated that the inability of the oil marketers to buy products had resulted in job losses for truck drivers and petrol station workers in the country.

“The economy is not smiling at all. Many petrol station owners cannot even buy a single truckload, and this has affected our members. Those of them that are truck drivers hardly get loads to carry anymore. Many petrol stations have closed down and our members who are petrol station workers have lost their jobs,” NUPENG Secretary-General, Afolabi Olawale told the platform.

Asked to state the actual number of NUPENG members affected, Olawale said, “This is an unfolding situation. It’s evolving, so I may not be able to give you the actual number of people affected now because we have those in the informal and formal sectors. We have people in the upstream, downstream, and midstream. But I don’t have the statistics right here with me to give you.

“Though everybody is affected, those in the downstream are the most affected. It affects those in the downstream sector directly because they are truck drivers, station workers, and the representatives of the marketers at different depots.”

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The army chief’s death was officially revealed on Wednesday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, in a press statement titled ‘Announcement of the Passing of Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja.

According to Onanuga, Lagbaja died on Tuesday night in a hospital in Lagos.

Onanuga’s statement further revealed that Lagbaja displayed expected leadership and devotion during his service as a platoon commander in the 93 and 72 Special Forces Battalions.

He further stated that Lagbaja was instrumental in a number of internal security operations, including Operation ZAKI in Benue State, Lafiya Dole in Borno, Udoka in Southeast Nigeria, and Operation Forest Sanity in Kaduna and Niger States.

According to findings by WITHIN NIGERIA, Lt. Lagbaja’s untimely death would mark the third time in history that a Chief of Army Staff would die while in office.

Here are brief details of ex-Chiefs of Army Staff who died in office:

JOSEPH AKAHAN

Joseph Akahan, born on April 12, 1937, was a Nigerian military officer who served as the Chief of Army Staff from May 1967 until May 1968. Akahan was named Chief of Army Staff in May 1967, shortly before the Nigerian Civil War began. He was killed in a helicopter crash during Nigeria’s civil war. He was succeeded as COAS by General Hassan Katsina.

Akahan was an indigene of Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State. He attended Government College Keffi where he obtained his Cambridge School Certificate (1952–1956). He trained as an officer cadet at the RWAFF Training School Teshi, Ghana (1957–1958) and the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, United Kingdom (1958–1960). He was commissed on 23 July 1960.

He was said to be the brain behind the concept of the sea-borne operations led by Lt. Colonel Benjamin Adekunle that captured Bonny in July 1967. The popular Joe Akahan Barracks is named after him. The Barrack is located in Makurdi, capital of his home state, Benue. [Wikipedia].

ATTAHIRU IBRAHIM

Attahiru Ibrahim, a Nigerian military commander born on August 10, 1966, served as Chief of Army Staff from January 28, 2021 to May 21, 2021. He was killed along with ten others in the 2021 NAF Beechcraft B300 King Air 350, which crashed near Kaduna International Airport while attending the Passing out Parade of 80RRI in Depot Nigerian Army on May 22, 2021.

The Doka [Kaduna] native was a graduate of the Nigerian Defence Academy, Armed Forces Command and Staff College, and Nigerian Army School of Infantry. He commenced officer cadet training in January 1984 and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in December 1986 as an Infantry Officer.

He held a master’s degree in Strategic Management and Policy Studies from the Nigerian Defence Academy. He also attained a Masters of Science in Human Resources Management and Development from Salford University in the United Kingdom and a Graduate Diploma in International Studies from the University of Nairobi.

TAOREED LAGBAJA

Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, born February 28, 1968, was a Nigerian military commander who served as the Chief of Army Staff of Nigeria from June 2023 until November 2024. He assumed control from Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya.

Lagbaja was born in the town of Ilobu in Irepodun, present day Osun State on 28 February 1968. He spent his early life in Osogbo where he attended the St Charles Grammar School and Local Authority Teachers College.

He was admitted into the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1987 as a member of the 39th Regular Course. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant on 19 September 1992 into the Nigerian Infantry Corps. Between 1992 and 1995, Lagbaja was platoon commander of the 93 Battalion.

From 1995 to 2001, he was platoon commander of 72 Special Forces Battalion. In 2001, Lagbaja obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Geography from the Nigerian Defence Academy. He studied Strategic Studies at the US Army War College at the Master’s level.

Lagbaja participated in Operation HARMONY IV in Bakassi Peninsula; United Nations Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUC); Operation ZAKI Internal Security Operation in Benue State; Operation “Lafiya Dole”; Operation MESA/Operation UDO KA – March 2021 – August 2022 – Internal Security Operation in South-east Nigeria (Anambra/Abia/Ebonyi/Enugu and Imo States); and Operation “Forest Sanity” – Aug 2022 to 2023 – Internal Security Operation in Kaduna/Niger states.

The post From Akahan to Taoreed Lagbaja: Chiefs of Army Staff Who Died in Office Since 1960 appeared first on WITHIN NIGERIA.

The Yoruba cinema industry has suffered a great blow. Abdulsalam Sanyaolu, also known as ‘Charles Olumo’ or ‘Agbako, has taken his final bow. Agbako, a living icon in Nollywood who worked towards the survival and significance of the industry, died on October 31st, 2024, at the age of 101. The Nollywood celebrity, who had survived numerous missiles from the grim reaper, was lowered to the ground, signaling the end of an era.

As we grieve the loss of Charles Olumo, we must remember that he earned his reputation as one of Nollywood’s most enduring figures. His life and legacy are exceptional, and they serve as a source of inspiration and resonance for aspiring actors as they strive for excellence. The story of Charles Olumo, a young underprivileged boy from Owode village in Ogun State who rose to stardom was inspiring.

Charles Olumo paid the price for stardom. His path through adversity as a poor village boy who learnt repairing of cars in a city where he knew no one and refused to be discouraged was a fantastic example of tenacity. He regarded hurdles and adversity as fuels for success, which turned him into a wonderful actor that has graced our screens for years.

From stage plays to home videos, Olumo was a superb actor who worked hard to portray his character. He became well-known for his unusual portrayals of strong, often severe characters in Yoruba films, garnering him the nickname “Agbako”. Olumo’s dedication to his art and the genuineness with which he approached his roles earned him acclaim and served as an inspiration to young actors.

He earned the nickname ‘Agbako’ for his nasty parts in films. He was better renowned as an evil henchman in films, a role he played with style, grace, and grit. Oluomo was unquestionably the bad man of the Nigerian film business, rising to prominence as the most identifiable antagonist in Yoruba cinema and the most sought-after. If Charles Olumo weren’t portraying a witch doctor, he’d be a henchman known for mischievous and aggressive performances.

Charles Olumo emerged as the principal antagonist in almost every Yoruba film. He was at the height of his career in the 1990s and early 2000s, playing nasty roles with sinister characters and gaining acclaim for his performances. Olumo was a kind-hearted and friendly man in real life, while being demanding and severe, but the character he portrayed in movies prevented people from getting close to him. 

EARLY LIFE

Abdulsalam Sanyaolu better known as Charles Olumo was born in Egba-Owode, a village in Ogun State. 

EDUCATION LIFE

He attended a public school for his primary education in Egba-Owode, Ogun. He also attended Lisabi Grammar School in Abeokuta, Ogun State for his secondary education. 

MARITAL LIFE

Charles Olumo was married to several women. He also has a lots of children. He was also rumored to have dated mother of popular Fuji musician, Wasiu Alabi Pasuma. 

CAREER

He did not pursue his education at his dream university, the University of Ibadan. He learned mechanics and practiced at Lagos‘ Tinubu Square for a period. According to reports, he befriended a bunch of performers and quickly became a popular with them due to his lively and hilarious demeanor.

He was an unintentional actor who replaced a lead actor after falling out with the director. This unforeseen opportunity launched his acting career, and he never looked back. He later created the Charles Olumo Theatre, which was filled with Ogun State people. With this company, he participated in a variety of plays and performances, launching a career that would last nearly seven decades.

However, some accounts reported that Charles Olumo became interested in acting after visiting the Apostolic Church in Mushin. He saw a theatrical rehearsal and realized he has a strong urge to act. He began his acting career, and his inherent charisma and ability to entertain swiftly gained him a spot among the performers.

DEATH

Salam Sanyaolu better known as Charles Olumo died on the morning of Thursday, 31st October 2024, at the age of 101. 

According to reports, Olumo felt slightly tired, took a nap and never woke up.

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