Thirty Opposition Party Members Are Received By NNPP In Kano.

The Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has praised the decisions and convictions of the newly welcomed members of the ruling party, who, according to him, have recognized the truth despite the political maneuvers propagated by opposition parties. On Tuesday, the Governor expressed his satisfaction while receiving the defectors, who are prominent figures from other political parties, including the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) and the National Rescue Movement (NRM), all of whom contested various elective positions in the 2023 general elections within the state.

“I was delighted to welcome 30 prominent members of opposition parties who have joined the ruling New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) on Tuesday. “The new members include high-ranking individuals who ran for different elective positions in the 2023 general elections in Kano under the banners of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) and the National Rescue Movement (NRM). “While welcoming the new members, I commended their choice and conviction to embrace the truth amidst the political tactics employed by opposition parties.

“I also assured them that the NNPP administration remains steadfast in its commitment to socio-economic development, particularly across all vital sectors of the economy.” – AKY

At The UN Assembly, Vice President Shettima Begs World Leaders to Remove Debt For Nigeria and Other Developing Countries

Nigerian Vice President Kashim Shettima, representing President Bola Tinubu at the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, has called on global leaders to prioritize debt relief for Nigeria and other developing countries. During the General Debate at the UNGA, he highlighted the significant challenges faced by the Global South due to overwhelming debt, which hinders their capacity to address the needs of their populations.

Shettima urged the United Nations to embrace multilateralism, promoting inclusivity, equality, and enhanced collaboration among member states. Additionally, a statement from Stanley Nkwocha, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, noted the Nigerian presidency's concerns regarding trade barriers, protectionist measures, and intense competition that jeopardize global investments. Countries in the global South are unable to achieve significant economic advancement without specific concessions and a reassessment of their existing debt obligations, he remarked. He further emphasized the necessity of recovering assets obtained through corruption and illicit financial activities, asserting that the repatriation of such funds to their countries of origin is a core tenet of the United Nations Convention against Corruption. Consequently, he urged the international community to implement effective measures that enhance cooperation aimed at recovering and returning misappropriated assets, as well as eliminating safe havens that enable the illicit transfer of funds from developing nations to wealthier economies. He continued, stating, "Currently, the foundational principles of our organization are under threat. They are at risk of being compromised by the relentless focus on individual national interests, overshadowing the collective needs of the nations represented here today. "While a commitment to multilateralism provides the most reliable assurance for global action in addressing the pressing challenges we face, a focus on singularity and nationalism is eroding our collective aspirations for peaceful and collaborative solutions to these issues. "From last year's summit, as well as from previous gatherings, we have carried forward numerous challenges, including terrorism, armed conflict, inequality, poverty, racial discrimination, human rights violations, food insecurity, hunger, irregular migration, piracy, global pandemics, hyperinflation, nuclear proliferation, overwhelming debt burdens, climate change, and a myriad of other pressing concerns. "The persistent presence of these challenges reflects our shortcomings rather than any significant accomplishments on our part. Vast sums of money are being allocated to the continuation of wars and the exacerbation of conflicts," he stated.

EFCC: The $6 Billion Alleged Mambila Project Fraud and How Former Minister of Power and Steel Agunloye Earned N5.2 Million Says Witness.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has detailed the circumstances under which Olu Agunloye, the former Minister of Power and Steel, allegedly received N5.2 million in connection with the purported $6 billion Mambila Project fraud. During the trial on Monday, September 23, Adewale Agunbiade, a prosecuting witness, provided testimony before Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie at the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Apo, Abuja. He described how the defendant purportedly obtained N5.2 million from Jide Sotirin Abiodun, an employee of Sunrise Power and Transmission Ltd, through a series of transfers and Automated Teller Machine (ATM) withdrawals. The witness, who previously served as a Compliance Officer at Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) and is currently employed at Jaiz Bank Plc, explained during his examination-in-chief, led by prosecution counsel Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, that in October 2022, GTB received an inquiry from the EFCC regarding the accounts of two clients, Mr. Olu Agunloye and Mr. Jide Sotirin. He stated that his team handled the requests on behalf of the bank, which prompted him to generate the account statements using the system available to him at that time. Additionally, he prepared a Certificate of Identification after reviewing the statements against the bank's records and co-signed the cover letter for the responses. Upon the identification and verification of the correspondence from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) regarding the specified accounts, which are designated as Exhibit 1a and 2a, along with the responses from GTB labeled as Exhibit 2a and 2b, it was stated, “On the second page of Exhibit 2b, there is the account statement for Jide Sotirin Abiodun, accompanied by the Certificate of Identification that I prepared based on the account statement. On September 10, 2019, there were six transactions recorded. The final five transactions consisted of ATM cash withdrawals of N30,000 (Thirty Thousand Naira) each. The last transaction on August 10, 2019, involved a transfer of N3,600,000.00 (Three Million, Six Hundred Thousand Naira) from Sotirin Jide Abiodun to Olu Agunloy,” he elaborated. Additionally, he revealed that “As of October 22, 2019, a transfer of N500,000.00 (Five Hundred Thousand Naira) was made from Sotirin Jide Abiodun to Olu Agunloye. On November 13, 2019, a transfer of N1,121,000 (One Million One Hundred and Twenty-one Thousand Naira) was recorded from Leno in favor of Agunloye Olu from Jide Sotirin. Exhibit 1b pertains to the account opening documentation for Agunloye Olu. On August 10, 2019, there was an inward transfer of N3,600,000.00 (Three Million, Six Hundred Thousand Naira) from Sotirin Jide Abiodun. On October 22, 2019, an inflow of N500,000 (Five Hundred Thousand Naira) was noted from Sotirin Jide Abiodun. Furthermore, on November 13, 2019, an inflow of N1,121,000 (One Million One Hundred and Twenty-one Thousand Naira) was recorded in favor of Agunloye Olu from Jide Sotirin.” The proceedings have been postponed until October 21, 2024, for the purpose of cross-examination. Agunloye is facing prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on seven counts related to official corruption and the fraudulent awarding of the Mambilla Power Project contract, amounting to $6 billion (Six Billion US Dollars) to Sunrise Power and Transmission Ltd.

Media OMBUDSMAN Dismisses False Reports Regarding the SAMOA Agreement. Said Bayo Onanuga

Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Information and Strategy, has disclosed via his verified X account that the National Media Complaints Commission (NMCC) has ruled against Daily Trust newspapers following a complaint lodged by the Nigerian government concerning the newspaper's coverage of the Samoa Agreement. The NMCC has mandated the publication to issue a public apology for its inaccurate reporting on the agreement's content. This decision was reached after a thorough investigation by the commission, which involved all relevant parties. Onanuga stated, "The NMCC is dedicated to offering the public an independent platform for addressing media-related complaints, ensuring that all grievances are resolved promptly and equitably. This commitment aims to uphold high standards of journalistic practice and ethics while also safeguarding press freedom and the public's right to information."

INVESTIGATION DETAILS: The report indicated that the Daily Trust's assertion that the Samoa Agreement included clauses obligating underdeveloped and developing nations to endorse LGBTQ community demands was both inaccurate and misleading. Notably, the same report from July 4, 2024, mentioned that when the newspaper reached out to Mr. Bolaji Adebiyi, media assistant to the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Alhaji Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, it was explicitly stated that "nowhere in the documents (Agreement) were LGBTQ or same-sex marriage mentioned even remotely." Given this clarification, the Daily Trust should have acknowledged this contradiction in its reporting and referenced the pertinent sections of the Samoa Agreement to substantiate its claims. The Daily Trust deserves recognition for its engagement with a story of significant national and global relevance, as outlined in Articles 2.5 and 2.7 of the Code of Ethics. However, its adherence to other critical provisions of the Code, specifically Articles 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, and 2.8, is less commendable. Consequently, it is determined that the article in question lacked factual accuracy, balance, and fairness, thereby contravening Article 2.1 of the Revised Code of Ethics, 2022. Furthermore, the report published on July 4, 2024, was found to violate Article 2.2. The assertion of uncertainty regarding the version of the Samoa Agreement signed by the federal government does not absolve the Daily Trust, as it failed to demonstrate that it sought a copy of the signed agreement from the Complainant and was denied access. Additionally, the report did not indicate that the Daily Trust independently verified the information prior to its publication. The version of the Samoa Agreement submitted to the NMCC by the Daily Trust was identical to that provided by the Federal Government, which made no mention of LGBTQ issues. This indicates that the article was rushed, inaccurate, and misleading, in violation of the due diligence required by Article 2.2. Despite being alerted to the inaccuracies and misleading content of the report, the Daily Trust did not take timely action to issue a correction. It is concluded that the Daily Trust breached Article 2.3 of the Revised Code of Ethics, 2022, as it failed to fulfill its obligation to report with the utmost accuracy. Moreover, the lack of substantial effort to ascertain the relevant facts in its reporting, coupled with the apparent substitution of the opinions of its sources for factual information, constitutes a violation of Article 2.8 of the Revised Code of Ethics, 2022. The reporting provided by the Daily Trust did not meet the professional standards outlined in the 2022 Revised Code of Ethics for Nigerian Journalists. Furthermore, its coverage of a highly sensitive issue in Nigeria fell short of the professional reputation it claims to uphold. It is concerning that the Daily Trust took over two months to recognize its missteps and implement corrective measures as stipulated by the 2022 Revised Code of Conduct for Nigerian Journalists. The NMCC also emphasized to the government the importance of transparency and accountability as fundamental components of the democratic process, essential for fostering and maintaining public trust. The commission noted that making the Agreement publicly accessible at an earlier stage would have significantly aided in informing the public, allowing those interested to review the details. Such transparency would have mitigated the inevitable conjectures and speculations that arise when citizens feel deprived of their right to information. In this digital era, the key takeaway is that proactive information sharing by all government offices and levels regarding matters of public interest is essential for effective democratic governance. The government and its institutions must work to eliminate the existing culture of secrecy, which conveys a sense of contempt for citizens. Instead, the government should actively pursue the creation of a knowledgeable society, fostering an informed and engaged citizenry. Mr. Onanuga emphasized the commission's recommendations in light of the aforementioned context, indicating that the NMCC has instructed the Daily Trust newspaper to undertake appropriate remedial actions, specifically to: 1. Unambiguously acknowledge that its reporting on the matter was both inaccurate and misleading, as the handling of the report demonstrated a failure in news judgment and did not meet the standards outlined in the 2022 Revised Code of Ethics for Nigerian Journalists. 2. Issue a prominent apology in both the print and online versions of the Daily Trust. 3. Implement necessary internal editorial measures to avert similar incidents in the future. 4. Publish the NMCC's report regarding this issue within seven days of its receipt. Additionally, the NMCC praised both the Complainant and the Respondent for their willingness to engage with the co-regulatory framework provided by the National Media Complaints Commission.

Hezbollah Was Thrown Back 20 Years By The Israeli Air Assault, A US Official Said.

A source from the Biden administration has indicated that Israel's recent military operations have significantly weakened the Iran-supported terrorist organization. The Iranian president has not refuted Tehran's backing of its most powerful proxy. The recent wave of airstrikes in Lebanon, which came after a series of targeted killings of Hezbollah leaders in the preceding weeks, has prompted U.S. officials to conclude that Israel has inflicted considerable damage on Hezbollah's leadership structure. "They may have been set back by two decades," a U.S. official remarked to CNN on Tuesday.

BREAKING: Commotion In Courtroom As The Judge Backoff Nnamdi Kanu's Trial

Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja has withdrawn from the trial of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the banned Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), concerning the terrorism charges filed by the Federal Government. On Tuesday, the judge made the decision to step aside from the case after Kanu expressed his lack of confidence and trust in her ability to deliver justice. During the proceedings, Kanu abruptly rose from the dock, directed remarks at his attorney, Aloy Ejimakor, and took control of the court's proceedings.

In the ensuing commotion, Kanu declared that he no longer trusted Justice Binta Nyako and insisted that she withdraw from the case immediately. Despite Ejimakor's hesitance to comply, Kanu repeatedly commanded him to sit down, stating, “Sit down. I say sit down there. Sit down, it is my order.” At this point, a visibly embarrassed Ejimakor complied with his client's directive. Kanu, raising his voice, addressed the judge directly, asserting that he lacked confidence in receiving justice regarding the treason charges she was overseeing. Looking directly at the judge, Kanu stated, “Let me tell you right away, I do not have confidence in this court. I do not have trust in you. “I demand that you immediately recuse yourself from this matter. The Federal Government of Nigeria has no jurisdiction to bring terrorism charges against me. You are aware of the truth but choose not to acknowledge it. “You are pretending not to know that the Nigerian government lacks the authority to file these charges against me. You are biased against me,” he proclaimed loudly in the courtroom. The Biafra activist directed accusations towards the Federal Government's attorney, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, alleging that he was acting in accordance with the Federal Government's interests in a manner contrary to the law. He request that any criminal charges against him could only be pursued in the United Kingdom, where the alleged offense took place. In response, the Federal Government's attorney strongly opposed Kanu's request for the judge to recuse herself from the case. Awomolo requested the court's permission to present his first witness, emphasizing the need for the witness to be shielded from public view for security reasons. In turn, Kanu's attorney, Ejimakor, objected to the initiation of the trial, stating that Kanu had not been adequately prepared for it. Ejimakor expressed concerns regarding the lack of privacy provided by the Department of State Services (DSS) for discussions with his client, noting that the room designated for their meeting was unsanitary and that a foreign cleaner was barred from entering by the security agency. Additionally, he mentioned that he had submitted three separate appeals against previous high court rulings, two of which contested the court's jurisdiction, while the third pertained to bail. He requested that the trial be suspended until the Court of Appeal resolved the three pending appeals. However, this request was denied on the basis that the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, does not allow for such a postponement. In the meantime, Kanu has been remanded in DSS custody for the continuation of his detention until the Chief Judge assigns the case to a different judge.

Central Bank of Nigeria Increases Interest Rate to 27.25%

The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has increased the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR), which serves as the benchmark for interest rates, from 26.75 percent to 27.25 percent. Olayemi Cardoso, the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), disclosed this adjustment during a press conference held on Tuesday, following the committee's 297th meeting in Abuja. Cardoso indicated that this decision was made to further combat inflation.