IBile Radio & Tv TIwantiwa Uk, London (2024)

27/11/2024

Okpebholo restores statutory rights to Oba of Benin

The Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has restored the full statutory rights of the Benin Monarch, Oba Ewuare II, abolishing the new traditional councils in Edo South created by the last administration.

He also backed the Federal Government’s Gazette, which gave the ownership of the returned artefact to the Oba’s palace, which was looted during the 1897 Benin massacre by the British colonial forces.

Also, the state government is withdrawing the letter revoking the concession of the Oba Akenzua II Cultural Centre issued by the last administration to be used as a motor park.

These were contained in a statement released by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, on Sunday.

The statement further read, “This administration is restoring the Oba Akenzua centre to a suitable condition for its original purpose.

“This administration also hereby abolishes the new traditional councils in Edo South, created by the last administration.

“Accordingly, Okpebholo has restored the statutory financial entitlements of the Benin Traditional Council and has ordered that the status quo before the creation of the now abolished councils be maintained.

“The Okpebholo administration is backing the initial plan of the state Government to build the Benin Royal Museum that will house the returned artefacts and is distancing itself from the Museum of West Africa Art (MOWA) which the previous administration fronted as the museum to hold the returned Benin artefacts before the federal government intervention on the matter.

“The Federal Government has also issued a Gazette for the recognition of ownership and custody of the repatriated Benin artefacts to Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II. This was done through a Government Notice No.25 in the Federal Republic of Nigeria Official Gazette No.57, Volume 110.”

The statement added that Okpebholo respects the rights and privileges of the traditional ruler of the Benin Kingdom, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo Oba Ewuare ll, and pledges the support of his administration to ensure the Monarch plays his role as the custodian of the rich cultural heritage of the Benin people.

27/11/2024

2027: Seyi Tinubu’s Endorsements, Obasa’s Outburst Set Tone For Lagos Gov’ship

The endorsements of President Bola Tinubu’s son, Seyi Tinubu, ahead of the 2027 Lagos governorship election,have sparked widespread debate, with significant political players weighing in, Daily Trust reports.

On Tuesday, the Coalition of Nigerian Youth Leaders (CONYL), a body comprising youth groups from across the six geopolitical zones, endorsed Seyi Tinubu for Lagos governor. The endorsement was announced after an extensive meeting in Owerri.

CONYL’s leadership, including President General, Comrade Goodluck Ibem, Secretary, Comrade Junard Abubakar, Public Relations Officer, Comrade Iniobong Sampson, and Publicity Secretary, Comrade Adeyemo Adewale, attributed their decision to Seyi’s perceived leadership qualities and the legacy of his father’s transformational governance in Lagos.

This sparked a cascade of similar endorsements. On Thursday, the Lagos branch of the Middle Belt Youths joined the call during a press conference at Eko Hotel. Dr Stanley Augustine Kavwam, Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the Middle Belt Forum, and Capt. Brent Kane, the group’s National Youth Leader, urged Seyi to step up in 2027, describing him as the leader Lagos needs.

Similarly, the Friends of Seyi Tinubu (FOST) issued a statement backing his candidacy. FOST President, Comrade Adejorin Tai Manuel, cited Seyi’s philanthropic efforts and leadership skills as proof of his readiness to govern the state.

The endorsements have generated intense debate, particularly on social media, where critics have dismissed the possibility of Seyi Tinubu running for office.

Joe Igbokwe, a prominent APC member, voiced his opposition in a Facebook post, describing the endorsements as a ploy to undermine President Tinubu.

“Who are these faceless people pushing Seyi Tinubu for Lagos governor? This is a needless distraction. To pull PBAT down is their target. Ruling Lagos is not the job of boys,” Igbokwe wrote.

Amid the growing controversy, Lagos State Speaker Mudashiru Obasa addressed speculation about his own gubernatorial ambitions.

Click on the link in our bio to further.

24/11/2024

Supreme Court nullifies National Lottery Act
Court in Nigeria

The Supreme Court has nullified the National Lottery Act 2005 enacted by the National Assembly.

In a unanimous judgment on Friday, a seven-member of the apex court, held that the National Assembly lacked the powers to legislate on issues relating to lottery and games of chance.

The court held that such powers only reside with the state Houses of Assembly, which possess exclusive jurisdiction over lottery and games of chance.

In the lead judgment by Justice Mohammed Idris, ordered that the National Lottery Act 2005 should no longer be enforced in all states, except the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), in respect of which the National Assembly is empowered to make laws.

The judgment was on the suit filed in 2008 by Lagos and some other states.

24/11/2024

Please Caption…

21/11/2024

MC Oluomo: Reinstate Baruwa as NURTW President, Falana tells FG

Human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN, has called on the Nigerian Federal Government to reinstate Comrade Tajudeen Baruwa as the National President of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW).

In a statement issued, Falana urged the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, and the Inspector-General of Police, Dr. Kayode Egbetokun, to enforce the rulings and reinstate Baruwa without delay.

His demand follows the controversial election of Alhaji Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo, as the union’s president by its Southwest Zone on November 9, 2024.

The election of MC Oluomo has sparked division within the union, with many members condemning the process.

NURTW leadership, led by Comrade Baruwa, recently dismissed Oluomo’s inauguration as illegal, citing judgments from both the National Industrial Court and the Court of Appeal that affirmed Baruwa as the legitimate leader.

Recounting the series of events, Falana revealed that on August 28, 2023, armed thugs stormed the NURTW National Secretariat in Abuja.

The violent attack resulted in the death of a security officer and the arrest of Baruwa and his executive members. Although they were charged with murder, the case was later withdrawn after the illegal takeover of the Secretariat.

Seeking justice, Baruwa approached the National Industrial Court, which ruled in his favor on March 11, 2024, recognizing him as the union’s president.

Dissatisfied with the ruling, Baruwa’s opponents appealed the decision. However, on November 8, 2024, the Court of Appeal upheld the lower court’s judgment, reaffirming Baruwa’s leadership.

Falana stated, “In view of the foregoing, we call on the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, and the Inspector-General of Police, Dr. Kayode Egbetokun, to ensure that Comrade Baruwa is restored to his office in strict compliance with the judgments of the National Industrial Court and the Court of Appeal.”

21/11/2024

2027: “Stop keeping the company of alcoholics” – Atiku camp hits back at Makinde

A two-time Director of Youth Mobilisation in the Atiku Abubakar Presidential Campaign in 2019 and 2023, Hon. Dimeji Fabiyi, has said that age cannot stop the former vice president from contesting the 2027 presidential election.

Fabiyi was reacting to the remarks by Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State on the criteria for presidential candidates.

Governor Makinde had insinuated that age was a limiting factor for presidential hopefuls in the party.

Though Atiku’s name was not mentioned by Makinde, Atiku, who is still nursing presidential ambition in the next general election, will be 81 years old by 2027.

Fabiyi in his response to Makinde, admonished the Oyo State governor “to devote more time to reading good books and familiarise himself more with intellectuals, instead of keeping the company of alcoholics, so that when next he speaks, he won’t be mistaken for someone who prides himself for drinking 40 years old whiskey.”

FCT minister Nyesom Wike, who is a close ally of Makinde, had last year said he was drinking 40-year-old whiskey at the time Atiku lost the 2027 election.

Fabiyi also noted that ‘’Atiku is of sound mind and body, with the intellectual firmament that measures far ahead of Makinde.”

Fabiyi noted that while Atiku may be older than Makinde, he has the experience and a cosmopolitan ability to solve problems.

He said: “As a matter of fact, I challenge Seyi Makinde to an intellectual contest with Atiku, and we shall see how his arrogance and presumed youthfulness will be humbled.

“I have known Atiku for almost three decades, and I can tell you for free that he’s an avid reader. When Seyi Makinde is in town, he should seek out how resourceful and flourishing Atiku’s library is.

“Atiku is not a connoisseur of expensive wines and doesn’t keep the company of cringe drinkers. Rather, he’s a lover of books who reads widely."

21/11/2024

Dangote Refinery To Supply 60 Million Litres Of Petrol Weekly To IPMAN To Boost Crude Imports

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has reached an agreement to supply 60 million litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) to the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) on a weekly basis, which translates to 240 million litres per month.

This comes as the $20bn Lekki-based refinery seeks to raise billions of dollars to import crude oil and increase production to reach its full capacity of 650,000 barrels per day.

IPMAN National Publicity Secretary, Chinedu Ukadike, confirmed that the association is finalizing discussions with Dangote and expects to start lifting PMS from the refinery before the end of November. The agreement has already led to a drop in petrol prices by N10 to N15 due to increased competition in the downstream sector following deregulation.

In the past 42 days, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) and other marketers have imported over two billion litres of PMS, 414,018.764 metric tonnes of diesel, and 13,500 metric tonnes of jet fuel, worth approximately N3tn or $1.8bn. Despite the launch of the naira-for-crude deal with Dangote and other local refineries, fuel imports continue to surge.

IPMAN has appealed to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to pay their outstanding N10bn Petroleum Equalisation Fund, which was promised during a meeting with the Department of State Services and downstream sector stakeholders. The fund was set up to reimburse marketers for losses suffered from selling petroleum products at uniform prices nationwide before deregulation.

Dangote is reportedly in talks with various financial institutions to raise funds for crude supplies, with an estimated cost of $2bn every 90 days to secure a minimum supply of 300,000 b/d. Investors have expressed concerns over the refinery’s ability to secure a steady supply of crude and exposure to the devalued naira. The Africa Finance Corporation, a pan-African development lender, is among the institutions involved in the fundraising talks.

21/11/2024

INEC has declared Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the winner of the Ondo governorship election

APC: 366,781
PDP: 117,845
LP: 1,162
ZLP: 2,692
ADC: 4138

21/11/2024

: APC’s Governor Aiyedatiwa Wins All 18 Local Government Areas

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) trails behind in second place.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has made a clean sweep in Ondo State's governorship election, winning all 18 local government areas, according to the results announced at the state collation center.

This is a significant victory for the party, covering the entire state.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) released results from 13 LGAs on Saturday and added two more on Sunday morning. Then on Sunday afternoon, it announced results from the three remaining local government areas.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) trails behind in second place.

State Returning Officer, Professor Olayemi Durotimi Akinwunmi of the Federal University Lokoja, resumed from recess around 12.30 pm to commence the announcement of results from the remaining three local government areas – Odigbo, Ilaje and Ese Odo.

Earlier, it was noted that the temporary recess was necessary to await the arrival of results from the remaining LGAs, which are located farther away from Akure, the state capital.

The 15 LGAs earlier declared were Ifedore, Ondo East, Ileoluji Oke-Igbo, Idanre, Irele, Akoko South West, Owo, Ondo West, Akoko South East, Akoko North West, Ose, Akoko North East, Akure South, Akure North, and Okitipupa. The remaining three LGAs yet to be collated are Ilaje, Odigbo, and Ese Odo.

The PDP's agent for Idanre Local Government Area earlier raised serious concerns, alleging widespread irregularities, including vote buying and ballot box snatching.

Furthermore, the agent claimed that voting didn't take place in some areas of Idanre. Citing these grievances, the agent formally requested that the results from Idanre be nullified.

BREAKDOWN OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT RESULTS

IFEDORE LGA

Total registered voters - 83831

Total accredited voters - 21024

A- 13

AAC 16

ADC 174

ADP 54

APC - 14157

PDP - 5897

LP 19

SDP 21

Total valid votes cast - 20438

Rejected votes - 560

Total votes cast - 20998

ONDO EAST LGA

Total registered voters - 52274

Total accredited voters - 11864

AAC

17/11/2024

Supreme Court dismisses suit challenging EFCC legality

The Supreme Court has dismissed suits challenging the establishment and prosecutorial powers of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC).

The apex court described the suit as “selfish,” supporting not only the establishment of the anti-graft agencies but also their powers to investigate and prosecute financial crimes across the federation.

A seven-member panel of the apex court, led by Justice Uwani Abba-Aji, passed the judgment on Friday in cases filed by the Attorneys General of Kogi State and others against the Attorney General of the Federation.

reports that the EFCC was established by an Act of the National Assembly on December 12, 2002; however, the act was repealed and reenacted by lawmakers in 2004 and was signed into law on June 4, 2004, by President Olusegun Obasanjo, twenty years ago.

17/11/2024

NJC suspends 2 Judges, places them on ‘Watch List’, sanctions others

The National Judicial Council under the Chairmanship of the Hon. the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun, GCON, at its 107th Meeting of 13 and 14 November 2024, sanctioned 5 serving Judicial Officers for various acts of misconduct.

Specifically, the Council at its meeting yesterday, suspended Hon. Justice G. C. Aguma of High Court of Rivers State from performing judicial functions for a period of one year without pay and also placed him on “Watch-List” for two years thereafter.

Also, Hon. Justice A. O. Nwabunike of Anambra State High Court, has been suspended from performing judicial functions for one year without pay and placed on “Watch-List” for two years thereafter.

The Council also recommended two Heads of Court for compulsory retirement over falsification of age. The duo of the Chief Judge of Imo State, Hon. Justice T. E. Chukwuemeka Chikeka and the Grand Kadi of Yobe State, Hon. Kadi Babagana Mahdi, were recommended for compulsory retirement for falsification of their ages.

The Council equally considered the Report of its Preliminary Complaints Assessment Committee, which considered a total number of 30 petitions, empanelled 6 Committees for further investigation. While 22 were dismissed for lacking in merit, two were sub judice.

The Council also empanelled a Committee to investigate all complaints and petitions against Hon. Justice O. A. Ojo, Chief Judge, Osun State.

The Council’s findings revealed that Hon. Justice G. C. Aguma, committed acts of misconduct by aiding a litigant who obtained a judgment at the FCT High Court, Abuja, and filed a garnishee against judgement debtors in Bori Division of the High Court, Rivers State.

The Council finds that Justice Aguma failed to raise any query as to why the garnishee proceedings were brought to his Court in Bori for a money judgment that could effectively be enforced in Abuja.

That the judgment was delivered on 15 July 2020, at the High Court of the FCT, while the certificate of judgment was registered at Bori Division of the High Court of Rivers State on 16 July 2020.

17/11/2024

How God stopped naira from falling to ₦10,000 per dollar - Adeboye

The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor E.A. Adeboye, has said that without divine intervention, the exchange rate could have skyrocketed to ₦10,000 for $1.

Speaking at the Special Holy Ghost Congress in Abuja, Adeboye explained that Nigeria’s financial difficulties are largely linked to its reliance on fuel imports, despite the country having significant oil resources.

He noted that billions have been spent on refineries, many of which remain non-functional, resulting in a continued dependence on imported petrol.

Adeboye also addressed the controversy surrounding the government’s decision to eliminate costly fuel subsidies, a move that angered those who profited from the previous system and contributed to further economic challenges.

“We need help, and it’s not human help; it’s divine help,” he stated.

“Before our current president took office, we were aware that the root of our financial issues lay in the importation of petrol. Despite having oil, we continued to import petrol and waste billions on refineries that did not operate effectively.

“When the president cancelled the subsidy on petrol imports, those who benefited from it became upset and created more problems.”

As the naira continued to decline rapidly, Adeboye said that he prayed and was grateful that others joined him in prayer.

“If God hadn’t intervened, $1 could have been worth N10,000 by now. This illustrates how much we need prayers,” he said.

17/11/2024

Is it right for the University of Ibadan College Hospital to be disconnected from the national grid over an outstanding N400 million debt?

Thoughts on this!

14/11/2024

Abia State government has announced free and compulsory education for all children in the state irrespective of their state of origin.

14/11/2024

National President of NURTW, Mc Oluomo first day in Office.

10/11/2024

National Grid Collapses Yet Again

10/11/2024

Marketers sue Dangote, insist on petrol import, don’t allow Dangote takeover energy sector, oil marketers tell court

Three oil marketers, AYM Shafa Limited, A. A. Rano Limited, and Matrix Petroleum Services Limited, have asked the Federal High Court in Abuja to dismiss a suit filed by Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals.

The marketers, in a joint counter affidavit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1324/2024, and dated November 5, 2024, a response to an originating summon filed by Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals, argued that granting the application of refinery would spell doom for the country’s oil sector.

They emphasised that the plan to monopolise the oil sector is a recipe for disaster in the country.

Dangote refinery in its originating summon dated September 6, 2024, had sued Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority and Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited, AYM Shafa Limited, A. A. Rano Limited, T. Time Petroleum Limited, 2015 Petroleum Limited, and Matrix Petroleum Services Limited as 1st to 7th defendants respectively.

The refinery prayed the court to declare that NMDPRA was in violation of Sections 317(8) and (9) of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) by issuing licenses for the importation of petroleum products.

It stated that such licenses should only be issued in circumstances where there is a petroleum product shortfall.

It also urged the court to declare that NMDPRA is in violation of its statutory responsibilities under the PIA for not encouraging local refineries such as the company.

Shafa, A. A. Rano, and Matrix Petroleum, however, responded that Dangote refinery does not produce adequate petroleum products for the daily consumption of Nigerians.

They noted that the plaintiff had not placed anything before the court to prove the contrary.

They argued that they are well qualified and entitled to be issued an import licence by NMDPRA to import petroleum products in Nigeria within the meaning of Section 317(9) of the PIA.

10/11/2024

Harris calls Trump to congratulate him on 2024 election win, aide says

Vice President Kamala Harris has called Former President Donald Trump to congratulate him on winning the 2024 presidential election, a senior Harris aide tells CBS News.