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June 23, 2024 50 Reps Urge Tinubu to Release Nnamdi Kanu

50 Reps Urge Tinubu to Release Nnamdi Kanu

A group of fifty House of Representatives members from various regions and political parties in Nigeria, known as the Concerned Federal Lawmakers for Peace and Security in the South East, has urged President Bola Tinubu to release Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra. They requested that the President invoke Section 174 of the Nigerian Constitution and Section 107(1) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, to facilitate this release.

In a three-page letter dated June 19, 2024, the lawmakers also called on the President to initiate a peace initiative to address the ongoing issues in the southeast region. The signatories include representatives from diverse states, such as Hon Obi Aguocha (Abia), Hon Ikenga Ugochinyere (Imo), and Hon Aliyu Mustapha (Kaduna), among others.

They urged the President to direct the Attorney-General of the Federation, Prince Lateef Fagbemi SAN, to use his powers of nolle prosequi to discontinue Kanu’s trial. The lawmakers believe that Kanu's release is long overdue and would promote essential dialogue for peace and inclusivity.

The legislators highlighted past instances where similar gestures were extended, citing the cases of Omoyele Sowore and Sunday Igboho. They expressed concern over the deteriorating security, economic decline, and displacement of families in the South-East, arguing that addressing these issues would demonstrate the President’s commitment to the rule of law and justice.

The letter emphasized that releasing Kanu could dismantle the violence and unrest in the region, fostering economic growth and national unity. The lawmakers believe this action would set a precedent for resolving conflicts through dialogue rather than prolonged legal battles.

They concluded by expressing optimism about a positive response from the President, believing it would enhance his administration’s legacy of prioritizing national unity, peace, and progress.

June 23, 2024 Lagos Fire Service: Cause of Christ Embassy Church Fire Still Unknown

Lagos Fire Service: Cause of Christ Embassy Church Fire Still Unknown

The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service has announced that the cause of the fire at the Christ Embassy headquarters on Sunday is still under investigation.

In a statement, the Service's Director mentioned that efforts are ongoing to determine the origin of the fire. The fire was reported at 07:27hrs, and firefighting units from Alausa and Ikeja fire stations were dispatched, arriving at the scene by 07:36hrs.

The church auditorium in the Oregun area of Ikeja, Lagos State, was found engulfed in flames. The fire is currently under control, and excavators are being used to pull down parts of the building to ensure complete extinguishment and prevent further structural collapse.

“No casualties have been reported at this time, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available,” the statement read.

The fire service director also reassured Lagosians that the situation is under control and confirmed that no lives were lost in the incident.

“We urge Lagosians to remain calm. The fire outbreak at Christ Embassy headquarters in Ikeja is under control, and as of now, no lives have been lost,” she stated.

June 23, 2024 State House Report: FG Spent N14.77bn on Presidential Jets in 11 Months

State House Report: FG Spent N14.77bn on Presidential Jets in 11 Months

Under President Bola Tinubu, the Federal Government allocated N14.77bn for the repair and maintenance of the presidential air fleet over 11 months. These expenditures, processed through the State House headquarters transit account designated as ‘Presidential Air Fleet Transit Funds’, occurred in 11 installments from July 16, 2023, to May 25, 2024.

This development arises as the National Assembly considers approving the purchase of two new aircraft. This decision follows the discovery that the President's 19-year-old Boeing 737 and other aircraft in the fleet were not fully operational. According to experts, this purchase might cost over $623.4m or N918.7bn.

The House of Representatives Committee on National Security and Intelligence recommended the procurement of two new aircraft to ensure the safety and operational efficiency of the Presidential Air Fleet. The committee argued that this move would be cost-effective and provide a suitable and safe carrier for the President and Vice President.

Despite significant spending on the air fleet during previous administrations, there have been ongoing issues with the aircraft's availability. President Tinubu has had to charter private jets, and Vice President Shettima has had to cancel international trips due to technical problems with the official aircraft. On May 6, 2024, Shettima abandoned a trip to the US-Africa Business Summit because of such issues. President Tinubu also had to take a commercial flight to Saudi Arabia after experiencing similar problems.

The current fleet includes a Boeing 737, a Gulfstream G550, a Gulfstream GV, two Falcon 7Xs, a Challenger CL605, and six helicopters (two Agusta 139s and four Agusta 189s). Former President Buhari's administration spent N62.47bn on the fleet's operation and maintenance over eight years, despite a pledge to reduce its size. Budget allocations for the fleet increased significantly during Buhari's tenure, peaking at N12.55bn in 2021 and N12.48bn in 2022.

Using GovSpend, a civic tech platform, it was found that Tinubu approved the N14.77bn disbursement within his first year in office. This sum is separate from travel expenses incurred by the President, Vice President, and other officials. Payments included N1.52bn in July 2023, N3.1bn in August, N1.26bn in November, N2.54bn in March 2024, N6.35bn in April 2024, and N1.27bn in May 2024.

Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, defended the need for new aircraft, stating it was essential for the President's welfare and safety. He criticized opponents, questioning if they wanted the President to risk flying in unsafe planes.

June 21, 2024 Produce Evidence of Corruption, PSC Challenges IG Amid Recruitment Controversy

Produce Evidence of Corruption, PSC Challenges IG Amid Recruitment Controversy

The Police Service Commission (PSC) has challenged the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) to provide verifiable evidence supporting the allegations against it concerning the recruitment of constables. In a statement issued by Ikechukwu Ani, the PSC’s Head of Press and Public Relations, the commission accused the NPF of attempting to tarnish its reputation.

Ani stated, "The Commission has continually faced indignities while performing its constitutionally assigned duties, despite the Supreme Court ruling in its favor. The recent acts of intimidation and inducements by the Police to discredit the Commission in the media are a serious affront to its mandate."

He emphasized that the PSC had carefully reviewed the issues surrounding the recruitment process and concluded that the Police were reluctant to allow the Commission to fulfill its constitutional role even after the Supreme Court judgment.

"The Commission demands that the Police provide verifiable evidence to substantiate the allegations, as it is clear they are trying to undermine the Commission," Ani said.

In a statement on Saturday, Police spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi rejected the names of recruits provided by the PSC, claiming the PSC portal contained names of individuals who had not applied or participated in the recruitment exercise. The Joint Union Congress of the PSC vehemently denied these allegations and called for the removal of Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.

Egbetokun denied any conflict with the PSC, stating his actions were aimed at ensuring the recruitment of qualified candidates. In response, the PSC asserted that it had followed due process and called for a forensic audit of the recruitment lists using the Joint Admission Matriculation Board (JAMB) computer-based test results.

Ani highlighted that the Supreme Court judgment delivered on July 11, 2023, affirmed the PSC's authority to recruit without assigning any role to the Police. This contradicted Egbetokun's claim that the Police were not excluded from the recruitment process.

READ ALSO: Recruitment Controversy: PSC Urges Tinubu to Dismiss IGP

Ani criticized the Police for attributing their failures to poor recruitment practices, noting that previous recruitment exercises overseen by the Police were now affecting their ability to perform effectively. He called on President Bola Tinubu to ensure Egbetokun respects the PSC's constitutional mandate.

"It is the Commission's opinion that the successful candidates should proceed with their training without delay. We appeal to Mr. President to protect the Commission and ensure the Nigeria Police Force respects its constitutional mandate to recruit," Ani concluded.

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