The United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres has said the UN will keep rallying the world for peace, sustainable development and human rights in 2024, calling on everyone to make the new year, “a year of building trust and hope in all that we can accomplish together.”

Guterres, in a video message released on the eve of 2024, reflected on the tumultuous events of the past year while urgently calling for unity and concerted efforts to overcome the pressing challenges that lie ahead.

He noted that the year 2023 was marked by unprecedented suffering, escalating violence, and climate-related crises, and left humanity in a state of profound distress.

He said: “2023 has been a year of enormous suffering, violence, and climate chaos. Humanity is in pain. Our planet is in peril.

“2023 is the hottest year on record. People are getting crushed by growing poverty and hunger. Wars are growing in number and ferocity. And trust is in short supply. But pointing fingers and pointing guns lead nowhere.”

He however noted that: “Humanity is strongest when we stand together,” insisting that: “2024 must be a year for rebuilding trust and restoring hope.”

He said: “We must come together across divides for shared solutions. For climate action. For economic opportunity and a fairer global financial system that delivers for all.”

Guterres added that: “Together, we must stand up against the discrimination and hatred that are poisoning relations between countries and communities.

“And we must make sure new technologies such as artificial intelligence are a force for good.”

He promised that: “The United Nations will keep rallying the world for peace, sustainable development and human rights.

“Let’s resolve to make 2024 a year of building trust and hope in all that we can accomplish together.”

The UN Scribe which everyone on the planet a happy and peaceful New Year.
Qatar-based businessman in NDLEA Custody Over Drug Trafficking

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have intercepted at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, a Qatar-based businessman, Agu Amobi, and one other, Uchegbu Obi with consignments of psychoactive substances.

A statement on Sunday by the spokesman of the anti-narcotics agency, Femi Babafemi said while Amobi was arrested last Saturday at the departure point of Terminal 2 of the MMIA on his way to Doha, Qatar on a Qatar Airways flight, Obi was taken into custody same day following the seizure of a consignment of 72,000 pills of tramadol 225mg, which he attempted shipping to Kano on a local flight.

According to Babafemi, Amobi who claimed he has been living and working in Doha, Qatar for over 10 years was caught with 1.3 kilogrammes cannabis sativa concealed in a bag of foodstuff. He claimed he bought the substance in Enugu to deliver in Doha to enable him raise enough funds to pay his rents in Doha and Nigeria and school fees of his three children.

In the same vein, NDLEA operatives at the domestic wing of the airport intercepted
a carton containing a total of 72,000 pills of tramadol 250mg with a gross weight of 38.5 kilogrammes. This was closely followed with the arrest of Uchegbu Obi who brought the consignment to the airport for shipment to Kano.

On Christmas day 25th December in Yobe state, NDLEA officers on patrol along Nguru-Gashua road intercepted the trio of Musa Sani, Mohammed Ibrahim and Adamu Usman in a truck conveying 39 blocks of cannabis sativa weighing 15.7 kilogrammes and 128,500 pills of opioids.

According to Babafemi, follow up operations the following day 26th December led to the arrest of the actual owner of the cannabis consignment, Ali Ibrahim (a.k.a Ramos) in Geidam where additional 208 blocks of the same substance were recovered from his house, bringing the total to 247 blocks weighing 94.74 kilogrammes, while the owner of the seized opioids, Mustapha Goni (a.k.a Lolo) was equally arrested.

In Imo state, NDLEA operatives on Christmas eve, while on patrol along Owerri – Onitsha expressway intercepted a commercial bus driven by Peter Orji, 42, with 400 bottles of codeine syrup; 7,590 pills of opioids including tramadol 225mg heading to Port-Harcourt, Rivers State.
While David Michael, 52, was arrested at Unguwa Ukku area of Kano on Sunday 24th December with 49 blocks of cannabis weighing 42.6 kilogrammes, Umar Abdullahi, 27, was nabbed with 27,350 pills of opioids at Gadar Tamburawa area of the city same day.

A 45-year-old Yusuf Yahaya was arrested same Christmas eve along Lagos-Ilorin expressway with 31 kilogrammes of compressed cannabis in a commercial bus coming from Ibadan, Oyo state to Kebbi State. Preliminary investigation revealed that he supplies illicit drugs to bandits in Kebbi and Zamfara axis.

Babafemi said the NDLEA Commands across the country balanced their drug supply reduction operations with War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) advocacy campaigns to schools, markets, worship centres and communities.

Meanwhile, the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Retd) has tasked officers and men of the agency nationwide not to rest on the achievements of 2023 but continue to raise the bar in their offensive action against drug barons and cartels with an equal intensive WADA advocacy campaigns in the new year.

He took the occasion to wish all officers and men as well as their families, stakeholders and the general public a rewarding and fulfilling new year.

Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Olusola Odumosu has said the only way for a newly promoted officer to justify his or her promotion is by displaying more commitment and loyalty to duty, insisting that a drop in productivity would be a betrayal of trust of promoting body.

Odumosu, therefore charged newly promoted and decorated officers and men of the Abuja Command of the Corps at a decoration ceremony on Friday to display more loyalty and committed to service as justification for their promotion.

About 1,000 personnel of the Command were among the 21,000 officers and men of the NSCDC that were recently promoted in the recent promotion exercise by the Ministry of Interior.

Odumosu, while reminding the officers that for every promotion, there is requisite responsibility, said that for being found worthy to be promoted, officers must show uncommon loyalty in serving their fatherland and ensure not to disappoint the Commandant General, Dr. Ahmed Audi who is working hard toward clearing backlog promotions in the agency.

He said: “Your promotion is a testament of your hardwork but you should also know that you are expected to do more through your service and loyalty to justify this promotion.

“Our father, the Commandant General is working tirelessly to ensure that those who should be promoted get their promotion and we can only show our appreciation to the government by rededicating ourselves to service of our fatherland.”

The Commandant appreciated support of the Kwali Area Council Chairman, Danladi Chiya to the Corps, as well as the support of royal fathers in the FCT whom he said have been strong allies of the NSCDC in carrying out it’s mandate in area, among others

On his part, the Commandant General, NSCDC, Dr. Ahmed Audi who was represented by Commandant Peter Obiora, said that the agency fought so hard to ensure that available promotion ensure the promotion of 28, 0000 officers who sat for the promotion examination and so far 21,000 made it, this he said is a record breaker.

He said: “When we came on board, some of our priority areas were promotion and staff welfare because we discovered that there is a lot of promotion backlog and we have since been doing that. This promotion is outstanding for us as a Corps.”

The monumental impact of Bini boys on the dynamic landscape of the Nigerian music industry is a testament to the rich tapestry of talent, creativity, and cultural influence that emanates from this vibrant community. These talented individuals have not only shaped the musical landscape of Nigeria but have also played a pivotal role in celebrating and preserving the heritage of Benin culture.

From the pioneers of Afrobeat to the current crop of contemporary stars, the journey of Bini talents in the music industry has been nothing short of remarkable. Their melodies, rhythms, and lyrics resonate across generations, providing a soundtrack to the evolving narrative of Nigerian society. Bini boys have not merely entertained; they have become torchbearers, guiding the nation through different eras with their music.

The cultural significance of Bini music extends beyond mere entertainment; it serves as a powerful platform for celebrating Benin culture and heritage. Through their art, Bini musicians have become ambassadors, fostering awareness and appreciation for the traditions and language of their people. They’ve used their creative expression to address social issues, providing a voice to the Bini language and contributing to a broader cultural dialogue.

A shining example of this commitment to tradition and culture is the fast-rising Nigerian singer, Crown Uzama, popularly known as Shallipopi. His upcoming homecoming music concert is not just a musical event; it’s a cultural extravaganza that promises to showcase the traditional way of life intertwined with the contemporary. Shallipopi’s dedication to his roots reflects a broader trend among Bini boys who see their success as a means to uplift and celebrate their cultural heritage.

In the grand mosaic of Bini talents, figures like Divine Ikubor (Rema), Santan Dave, Johnny Drille, and Harry Carter stand out as beacons of versatility and creativity. Rema’s international acclaim with his hit song ‘Calm Down remix’ on the American Billboard Hot 100 is a testament to the global appeal of Bini talent. Santan Dave, with his distinctive rap style, and Johnny Drille, with his melodious singles, have added diverse Flavors to the Bini musical legacy.

The commitment of the Edo State Government to support creative talents is a welcome development. The assurance of continued support not only fosters the growth of individual artists but also lays the foundation for the evolution of the state’s cultural identity. The suggestion to transform Shallipopi’s homecoming music concert into an annual state music event is a brilliant initiative. This will not only provide a sustainable source of income for artists but also serves as a powerful platform to promote the rich cultural heritage of the Benin people to a global audience.

In essence, the story of Bini boys in the Nigerian music industry is not just about melodies and rhythms; it’s a narrative of resilience, cultural pride, and the unwavering commitment to shaping a future where the echoes of their music reverberate through generations to come.

●Augustine Osayande, PhD, contributed this article through austinelande@yahoo.com

ActionAid Nigeria has laid the blame of the massacre in Bokkos and Barkin-Ladi Local Government Areas of Plateau State, which claimed the lives of over 150 innocent individuals and left thousands displaced, at the doorstep of state and federal governments, insisting that governments at both levels are glaringly incompetent and insensitivity.

The non-governmental agency in a statement on Thursday signed by its country director, Andrew Mamedu while
vehemently condemning the brutal massacre, said: “This horrific incident lays bare the glaring incompetence and insensitivity of both the federal and state governments, as well as security agencies in responding to human rights violations swiftly.”

Mamedu said: “The security agencies have failed woefully in their fundamental duty to protect citizens and the tardiness in responding to critical situations must be promptly addressed and rectified.”

ActionAid Nigeria called for the following immediate, resolute action from the Federal and State governments, security agents, and relevant ministries, departments, and agencies: “The security agencies must ensure that the perpetrators behind this heinous crime are promptly identified, apprehended, and subjected to the full extent of the law. The government’s duty is to demonstrate that such atrocities will be met with unwavering justice.

“The federal government must urgently deploy a substantial military presence in vulnerable areas to prevent further bloodshed, reprisal attacks and guarantee the safety of citizens.

“The Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and state emergency management agency (SEMA) must expedite the delivery of humanitarian aid to the displaced, addressing their immediate needs for safe shelter, quality food, and accessible medical care. A lackadaisical approach to this humanitarian crisis will not be tolerated as this will exacerbates the suffering of already traumatised families.

“The State government must confront and resolve the longstanding causes of ethno-religious conflicts in Plateau State through comprehensive community engagement, dialogue, and reconciliation efforts. The recurrence of the same tragic events is a damning indictment of governmental failure.”

Action Aid also added that: “The state government must also coordinate with FEMA and SEMA to address the persisting issue of discrepancies in the numbers reported dead during the incidents. The lack of accurate and consistent data poses a significant challenge, hindering effective response and accountability. The provision of accurate information is crucial for providing justice to the victims and their families, as well as maintaining public confidence in crisis management.”

It warned that it would not hesitate to engage citizens to vehemently demand an end to the government’s apathy and the tardiness of security agencies that blatantly disregard human rights, adding that: “We demand a paradigm shift in all tiers of government from a reactive stance to a proactive approach in addressing security challenges. It is imperative to prioritize preventive measures over reactionary responses to ensure the safety and well-being of citizens, fostering the creation of a resilient and secure nation.”

BY SUNNY A. DAVID

Nigerian Oil Magnate Prince Arthur Eze has reconciled with his two nephews, Prince Olisa Eze and Prince Onyeka Eze, whom he claimed had offended him for an extended period.

He announced that he had forgiven his nephews at the 40th memorial service of his late father, Prince Michael Anekwe Eze at St. Mary’s Anglican Church, Oranto, Ukpo, Dunukofia Local Government Area, Anambra State.

The billionaire had accused his nephews of fraudulently diverting money from his business for their personal use.

It was gathered that Prince Arthur used the occasion to extend an olive branch to his nephews and they made peace.

Pictures obtained show Arthur blessing Prince Olisa and Prince Onyeka who are on their knees before him at the event.

Prince Olisa and Prince Onyeka described Prince Arthur as a “monumental institution which can be forever emulated due to his large heart.

“He is a lover of peace, downtrodden, helper of the needy and his wealth has no boundaries. Indeed, he’s a unifier of this generation and astute billionaire for many decades,” they said.

According to them, the billionaire showed that he is a lover of peace and unity. They noted that Prince Arthur had been a symbol of peace and unity over the years. They therefore prayed to God to sustain him with good health, sound mind, long life and prosperity.

The event was attended by members of the family including Igwe Dr. Robert Eze, Okofia the 6th of the clan, their elder sister, Princess (Mrs.) Dorathy Okeke, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Other dignitaries in attendance include a delegation from President Bola Tinubu comprising the All Progressives Congress National Chairman, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje; Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; Imo Governor, Hope Uzodimma; Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin; Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu and others.

By Austen Akhagbeme

A foremost philanthropist and Labour Party ( LP) governorship aspirant in Edo state, Dr. Azemhe Azena, has sent a goodwill message to the Oba of the ancient Benin Kingdom, Oba Ewuare 11, on the occasion of the celebration of the popular Igue Festival, in Benin city, the Edo state capital.

In a message signed by his media team, Dr. Azemhe extols the rich culture of the Edo people and the leadership quality of the revered monarch as he marks yet another milestone with the celebration of the Igue festival.

The seven-day festival which takes place yearly between Christmas and the New year, includes the Oba’s blessing of the land and his people while sacrifices are offered as the chiefs files out for the Ugie dance.

The popular Televangelist whose wife hails from the Bini ethnic group, wish the monarch and the entire Edo people a happy celebration.

The board chairman of OML30 Community Development Board (CDB), high Chief Iduh Amadhe has urged youths from area B clusters in OML30 to desist from promoting crisis in Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited (HEOSL), JV Partner (NPDC) and Shoreline

Amadhe gave the advice while reacting to protest by youths of the area over infield surveillance contract allegedly awarded to two Isoko contractors by Heritage oil Company, operators of OML30.

He stated that his role as leader in the CDB Board of OML30 in the infield surveillance contract, is to recommend contractors, adding that the recommendation was done in June 2023.

Amadhe maintained that 15 contractors were recommended, 7 from Isoko area B and 8 from Urhobo area A, stressing that the board has no power to determine the contractor who should be awarded contract as it goes through so many processes.

“The due process is that after Heritage has finished their own part of the process, they prepare reports and send to Joint Venture partners (NPDC) and Shoreline who then give concurrence. The CDB board don’t have powers to give contract to anybody”.

Amadhe emphasize that the work of the board is to appropriate funds made available from the Gmou for projects into various clusters in OML30 communities, adding that the board inspects and evaluate projects in each cluster.

He noted that Community Development Board (CDB) cannot award infield surveillance contract except Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited.

Amadhe said, let the protesters bring evidence of contract awarded to Henry Ojogho which he hajacked for Zino Onaemor, noting that if they cannot provide evidence of witch hunt against anyone, it means campaign of calumny and destruction of character, a situation that may lead to litigation.

The CDB Board chairman urged Youths in area B Isoko, to toe the part of peace as threat to disrupt crude oil production in the area is economic sabotage that can lead to security agency and government intervention.

Operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corp (NSCDC) have arrested two vandals of railway infrastructure and 11 illegal miners in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja and environs.

According to the FCT Commandant of the NSCDC, Olusola Odumosu, whose men clampdown on the criminal elements, the two railway vandals were arrested by the Operatives of the Critical National Assets and Infrastructure unit of the command for willfully vandalizing rail tracks and traffic lights in Wuye Area of the territory.

He said the Command in collaboration with the Nigerian Army arrested 11 suspects involved in illegal mining activities at Izom, a community located at the boundary of FCT and Niger State.

Parading the suspects the FCT Commandant, Olusola Odumosu informed that the proactive measures taken by the Command would serve as a deterrence to other criminals within the territory.

Odumosu stated that: “Our effort is geared towards combating various forms of criminality, particularly vandalism of Critical National Assets and other public infrastructure, illegal mining activities and among others within the FCT.

“We will continue to demonstrate zero tolerance to vandalism and there is no plan to retreat on this mission as they must all be brought to book.

“I have vowed that there is no hiding place for evil perpetrators, so in this vein, active efforts are underway to apprehend their masterminds who are still at large.”

He reiterated that economic sabotage through illegal exploitation of the nation’s mineral resources not only poses serious threats to the ecosystem, and the well-being of the host communities, the nation also loses billions of naira to these illegal operators.

He noted that the apprehended suspects are being investigated and would be subsequently charged to court as they are currently assisting with useful information that would determine their level of culpability or affiliation with other criminal syndicates notorious for illegal mining operations within the FCT.

The Commandant used the occasion to warn vandals of critical national assets such as the railways, illegal miners, one chance syndicate, scavengers, and kidnappers that such crimes activities will not be tolerated within the FCT jurisdiction again.

He said: “We remains committed and dedicated to ridding FCT of criminalities and we are working tirelessly to identify and apprehend individuals or groups engaged in criminal activities that undermine the safety and prosperity of the citizens.”

By Austen Akhagbeme

To have hope at all is good. But to anchor such hope on something or someone that is undeniably reliable is most soothing and comforting.

Dr Azemhe Azena, among so many of his contemporaries, is a unique hope that must be leveraged. Here is a homeboy, a pure breed, brought up, schooled, worked and lived in Edo state all his life.

He not only understands the problems of the people and the needed solutions to curb them, but he’s equally humble and readily approachable and available to serve the people in the most altruistic manner you can ever wish for.

This ebullient philanthropist and Televangelist is not coming to learn the ropes but to continue what he has been doing to make our society a better place to stay and be glad.

For over a decade, Dr Azemhe Azena has been a packaged answer to the cry of many distressed widows, students, prison inmates, ex-prisoners, hospital patients and indigent communities, especially in Edo state.

Giving him the mandate to govern Edo state will be nothing else but an amplified continuation of the many and countless humanitarian gestures and community development that have become his daily goals and aspirations. Let us all aspire to his inspiration. With him, a better Edo state is possible!

United Nations Women has called for prioritization of investment by all stakeholders in financing development plans towards ending violence against women and girls, even as it pleaded for strategic policy development aimed at putting a stop to the scourge.

The call was made at the weekend by the UN Women Deputy Country Represntative to Nigeria. Mr. Lansana Wonneh at a Joint Symposium on Prevention of Violence Against Special Need Groups in Nigeria; with the theme: “Tackling Multi-forms of Vulnerability and Violence through Improved Policies, Programmatic and Funding Mechanisms”.

Wonneh, who was represented by the National Programme Officer UN Women, Mrs. Patience Ekeoba, said that despite many countries passing laws to combat violence against women, weak enforcement and discriminatory social norms remain a significant problems.

He said: “Being able to stop violence from occurring in the first place is critical to achieving the goal of ending violence against women and girls (VAWG) because if violence does not occur all the other GBV responses will not be necessary. VAWG is preventable; we need to continue to invest in transforming social norms, addressing unequal gender power relations, strengthening essential services for survivors, and enabling safer environments. I call for more attention to gender responsive budgeting, ensuring that budget circulars have definite allocations to gender equality and women empowerment including budget for addressing violence against women and girls.”

Wonneh explained that women with special needs and other groups experience violence differently because of their vulnerability and special needs, hence the need for stakeholders engagements to mobilize support and raise awareness to end the menace.

He added that: “The symposium provides opportunity for ASWHAN and the other special need groups to share their experiences of violences, their survivor stories and make demand for increased prevention interventions and response. It will also allow all relevant government agencies, the UN System, development partners, civil society gather here today to listen, discuss and advance prevention strategies and funding mechanism to enhance prevention and mitigation services and actions for the targets groups. So I call on you to participate actively so that at the end of today’s interactions we will all come up with practical strategies towards reducing and eliminating violence that affect this critical groups in our society.”

Also speaking, the Acting Director, Policy Planning and Coordination, Nation Agency for the Control Aids (NACA), Dr. Yinka Anoemuah, noted that the agency will continue to work with partners to achieve the desired goal of ending all forms of violence.

“We have so many vulnerable population that experience vulnerabilities and that is why we will continue to partner with the UN system and partners to find ways to bring an end to all the challenges that people are facing in the communities. We recognize very much the relationships between Gender Based Violence (GBV) and HIV, and that is why to the key area of strategic engagement that we have over the years, because if we want to control the virus, and end the epidemy by 2030, we need to bring to a stop all forms of violence, be it emotional, psychological, physical, then we have to work together to make that happen. Without resources, without people, without investment we will not be able to do it, but with collaborations and partnerships we will achieve a lot”. She noted

On behalf of people with disabilities, the President Women With Disabilities, Lois Auta, called for an increase in budget allocation on disabilities issues.
“Women with disabilities are much more vulnerable to issues of GBV, these violence could be in different forms such as issues of economic empowerment, issues of health, issues of institutional barriers and infrastructural Barriers. We have legal frameworks and these frame works are not implemented. The big issues is lack of funding, with need to come together and collaborate and activate the goal 17 of SDG, by working together. We need to insert a budget plan in all the MDAs for issues of women and girls with disabilities.
She said: “We need to talk to National Assembly to increase the budgets allocation on issues of disability as well as increase awareness on GBV in the rural areas.”

According to the Head Health Desk, Ministry of Women Affairs, Mrs Marian Shuaibu, the ministry takes priority in the wellbeing of all women. Noting that approval to establish a mobile court to deal with the perpetrators of GBV has been gotten, as well as development of a policy on mental health.

This year theme, “UNiTE!; Invest to Prevent Violence Against Women & Girls” is apt as it focusses on investment and financing of strategies and programmes that will help prevent violence from happening in the first place against women and girls.

The symposium was put together by UN Women, NACA, UNAIDS, Association of Women with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria, (ASWHAN) and the Ministry of Women Affairs.

United Kingdom has appointed Mrs Gill Lever OBE as the British Deputy High Commissioner (DHC) in Abuja, Nigeria. She takes over from Ms Gill Atkinson who recently concluded four years as Deputy High Commissioner in Abuja.

According to a statement on Thursday from the British High Commissioner,
Gill Lever is an experienced career diplomat who has worked in different parts of the world including Romania, India and Japan, and prior to becoming the British Deputy High Commissioner (DHC) in Abuja had served as the UK Deputy Head of Mission to Juba, South Sudan from 2022 – 2023.

The statement also added that before then, she served as the Head of Overseas Health and Welfare at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) in London. In the UK, and worked in a diverse range of roles including as Head of the Peacekeeping Team in the UN Department, Deputy Head of Southeast Asia Department and as a Human Resources Business Partner.

Gill was awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) by HM Queen Elizabeth II in 2021 for services to Health and Welfare and British Nationals while working on the front line of the Covid-19 pandemic response.

She has also worked in the voluntary sector, establishing child drowning prevention programmes, and raising funds for women’s and children’s projects in Vietnam.

Gill is married to Giles and together they have two children, according to the statement.

To mark her arrival, Gill Lever said:
“I am delighted to be back in Nigeria. I was posted to Abuja 10 years ago with my husband and son and have such fond memories. I always knew I’d be back! I am excited about my new role as Deputy High Commissioner. I look forward to working with the talented High Commission team in Abuja, with colleagues in Lagos and in our other smaller posts across our Nigeria network, to deepen the special relationship between our two proud countries.”

The ECOWAS Court of Justice has declared it lacks jurisdiction and dismissed all the requests made by one Richard Ugbah, a Nigerian who asked the Court to order his transfer from the United States, where he is serving a 12-year imprisonment for wire fraud, in order to complete the remainder of his sentence in his home country.

In the suit No: ECW/CCJ/ APP/ 18/21, filed in the Court, the Applicant, Richard Ugbah, who was sentenced to 12 years imprisonment having been found guilty of wire fraud by a US Court on 14/2/2017 asked the ECOWAS Court to order for his transfer to Nigeria, having satisfied the requirements for such a transfer.

In its judgment delivered on Thursday by Justice Sengu Mohamed Koroma, Judge Rapporteur, the Court declared that it lacks jurisdiction to hear the matter.

In dispensing with the issues, the Court held as to admissibility, that the Second Respondent, the Ministry of justice of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is not a proper party before this Court. However, it upheld the Preliminary Objection raised by the First Respondent, the Federal Republic of Nigeria and declared the claims before it as unfounded and without legal basis. Consequently, it dismissed all the reliefs sought by the Applicant.

In the Initiating Application, the Applicant averred that he is Nigerian citizen resident in the US who was convicted by District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin after he pleaded guilty on one count of wire fraud on 14/2/17 and was sentenced to twelve (12) years imprisonment.

He had also pleaded guilty on 15th November 2017 on another count of conspiracy to commit fraud and judgment was entered on 22/11/17.

The Applicant further stated that having served eight years of the sentence, he is due for release on 8th May, 2026.

He urged the Court to issue the orders having satisfied the conditions for transfer to complete the term in Nigeria in line with the provision of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime Handbook on the International Transfer of Sentenced Persons.

He also averred that the transfer of sentenced persons is seen to be an important means of co-operation to prevent and combat crimes, which is the purpose of the United Nations convention against illicit traffic in Narcotic drugs and psychotic substances of 1998, the United Nations Convention against corruption and the United Nations Convention against Transnational organized crime.

The Applicant further asserted that all three conventions mentioned above, refer to the possibility of concluding agreements to facilitate the transfer of persons convicted abroad for the offences covered by the conventions to another state to complete their sentence.

The Respondent, Federal Republic of Nigeria, filed a Preliminary Objection contending that the Applicant’s Initiating Application is incompetent having regard to Article 9 and 10 of the Supplementary Protocol (A/SP./01/05). They added that the 2nd Respondent, the Ministry of Justice is neither a Community Institution nor a signatory to the Economic Community of the West African States Treaty.

The Respondent further claimed that the Honourable Court lacks the Jurisdiction to entertain the suit, and therefore urged the Court to strike out the notice of registration for want of jurisdiction and lack of cause of action.

In its decision, the Court recognized that both parties wanted to remove the Second Respondent from the case, arguing that it was an improper party. The Court struck out the Second Respondent on this basis.
The Court also stated that the Applicant hasn’t shown a valid reason for their complaint against the Respondent.

The Court also found that the matter of competence is a legal issue and the argument presented by the Applicant has no legal basis vesting the Court with the authority to hear and determine the case. As a result, it dismissed the claim and upheld the Respondent’s Preliminary Objection.

The other judges on the panel were Justices Dupe Atoki (Presiding) and Ricardo Claúdio Monteiro Gonçalves (Member).
Gill Lever Appointed New British Deputy High Commissioner

United Kingdom has appointed Mrs Gill Lever OBE as the British Deputy High Commissioner (DHC) in Abuja, Nigeria. She takes over from Ms Gill Atkinson who recently concluded four years as Deputy High Commissioner in Abuja.

According to a statement on Thursday from the British High Commissioner,
Gill Lever is an experienced career diplomat who has worked in different parts of the world including Romania, India and Japan, and prior to becoming the British Deputy High Commissioner (DHC) in Abuja had served as the UK Deputy Head of Mission to Juba, South Sudan from 2022 – 2023.

The statement also added that before then, she served as the Head of Overseas Health and Welfare at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) in London. In the UK, and worked in a diverse range of roles including as Head of the Peacekeeping Team in the UN Department, Deputy Head of Southeast Asia Department and as a Human Resources Business Partner.

Gill was awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) by HM Queen Elizabeth II in 2021 for services to Health and Welfare and British Nationals while working on the front line of the Covid-19 pandemic response.

She has also worked in the voluntary sector, establishing child drowning prevention programmes, and raising funds for women’s and children’s projects in Vietnam.

Gill is married to Giles and together they have two children, according to the statement.

To mark her arrival, Gill Lever said:
“I am delighted to be back in Nigeria. I was posted to Abuja 10 years ago with my husband and son and have such fond memories. I always knew I’d be back! I am excited about my new role as Deputy High Commissioner. I look forward to working with the talented High Commission team in Abuja, with colleagues in Lagos and in our other smaller posts across our Nigeria network, to deepen the special relationship between our two proud countries.”
KACRAN Commends Buni for Fairness to All

The Kulen Allah Cattle Rearers Association of Nigeria (KACRAN) has said that ensuring justice and fairness for every citizen, irrespective of their tribe, occupation, religion, political beliefs, or geographical background, is the cornerstone for promoting peace, mutual understanding, unity, brotherhood, genuine affection, and progress in any society.

The group said this is important at all level, whether at the community, local government, state, or federal level, even as they commended the Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni for imbibing this virtues.

The group in a statement on Thursday by its National President, Khalil Bello said:
“It is this understanding of the importance of this principle that has led to Governor Mai Mala Buni’s exceptional performance in governance and his relationships with the people of his state and Nigerians as a whole.”

Bello said: “KACRAN expresses its appreciation and highest commendation for the Governor’s consistent support towards addressing the issues affecting our members, particularly the pastoralists in the state. This commendation is especially heartfelt during this critical time when pastoralists in some states are neglected and marginalized, deprived of their rights and access to social amenities.

“We have solid evidence to support our stance and highlight the following points:

“Due to Governor Mai Mala Buni’s kindness and compassion, he directed the hardworking and dedicated Executive Secretary of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Dr. Mohammed Goje, to immediately provide palliative materials to the pastoralists in the state. Dr. Goje promptly executed this directive, ensuring that the relief materials were delivered to the doorstep of the pastoralists.

“We are immensely grateful for His Excellency’s magnanimous gesture, especially since Nigerians are currently enduring the hardships caused by the Federal government’s sudden removal of oil subsidy, which has led to soaring prices of essential commodities.

“Governor Mai Mala Buni, in his commitment to fostering peace and harmony between herders and farmers in Yobe State, firmly directed all 17 local government chairmen to establish Farmers/Herders peace-making committees in their respective areas. The primary objective of these committees is to resolve conflicts arising from reckless cattle rearing and the destruction of farmlands, particularly at a time when farmers are busy with harvest activities.

“Governor Buni also cautioned herders against encroaching on farmlands or facing consequences. Farmers, on the other hand, were urged to refrain from encroaching on grazing reserves or obstructing cattle routes. These directives are currently on the process of implementation across the state’s local governments.

“This strong warning/directive by His Excellency, to the state Local Government Chairmen underscores his sincere commitment to maintaining peace and unity in his beloved state.

“For pastoralists, nothing is more concerning than the massive encroachment or complete blockage of cattle routes across the country. Such encroachment has become a major cause of insecurity in the nation. Preventing this encroachment is crucial for fostering lasting peace between farmers and herders, who are partners in progress.

“Governor Buni’s stern warning to herders to allow farmers to access their farmlands is another significant step towards maintaining peace in the state. Peace and understanding can only be achieved when herders stop destroying farmers’ lands and farmers refrain from encroaching on grazing reserves dedicated to cattle rearing and livestock movement between grazing areas and water points.

“Considering Governor Mai Mala Buni’s noteworthy efforts, which have brought joy to both farmers and herders in Yobe State, we, the Kulen Allah Cattle Rearers Association of Nigeria (KACRAN), as direct beneficiaries of these positive actions, earnestly implore all Northern Governors and the Federal Government to learn from his leadership. It is our sincere belief that by doing so, justice and fairness will prevail for all Nigerians. This will greatly contribute to the nation’s security and development, as every Nigerian will be motivated to actively participate in nation-building.”