Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has said Nigeria would have been much better and occupied a place of pride in the world if not for the self-centred leaders the country has.

Obasanjo said this while speaking at the 2024 edition of the Leadership Empowerment International Conference on Saturday, August 17.

“There is no end to leadership and service to your community until you breathe the last. And you can never be too old to be a leader and to give something to the community in which you lead and serve as a leader, to serve your state, your country, the continent and the world.

And if you asked me in one word, what is the bane of Nigeria today? I will not think about it twice. I will say it is leadership. Leadership that is self-centred, leadership that is a deficit in knowledge and understanding and leadership that does not see service as the centrepiece of what leadership is all about.

If we can get the leadership right, we will get all other things right. ” Obasanjo said

The Police Command in Katsina State on Wednesday said it has foiled a kidnapping attempt at Yan Shantuma village, in Danmusa Local Government Area and rescued seven victims.

The spokesman of the command, ASP Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu, disclosed this in a statement issued in Katsina on Wednesday.

He said, ”On Wednesday, at about 4:30 pm, a distress call was received at the Danmusa Divisional Police Headquarters that some suspected bandits attacked the village.

Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has inaugurated the six new commissioners whose appointments were confirmed by the state House of Assembly.

The new commissioners are Professor Ogbonnaya Uche, Mr David Kalu, Kingsley Chibueze Nwokocha, Dr Uwaoma Ukandu, Dr Queen Ijeoma Aghukwa and Ubochi Goodluck Chinedu.

Addressing the new appointees, Otti said they were chosen on merit and not through the traditional recruitment pattern of filling strategic government offices with cronies who do very little in terms of execution of the business of governance.

He promised to intensify efforts geared towards making life comfortable for Abia people and assured the new commissioner of his support.

The Abia Governor, who warned the new appointees to avoid infighting among their colleagues, also made it clear that his administration had zero tolerance for corrupt practices.

He further disclosed that a dynamic restructuring would be carried out in the ministries to rejig their operations.

Three former commissioners resigned their appointments from the cabinet.

Former Nigeria President, Olusegun Obasanjo on Friday, expressed disapproval at the current state of the country, saying that the majority of its leaders should be behind bars or gallows instead of public offices.

Obasanjo, who spoke while addressing six lawmakers from the House of Representatives, maintained that in choosing good leaders, characters must be considered and questioned.

The former president asserted that until leaders changed their mentality, the country would never see the change it desired.

“Our main problem is ourselves and until we take care of ourselves, we may have one term of four years, one term of six years, one term of seven years, if it’s the same people and same mentality and way we do things, then it won’t change.

“Yes system, yes democracy, we have to rethink democracy, we have to rethink the form of government, but what is the character of the people in government?

“With all due respect, most of them should be behind bars, some should even be in the gallows and that is the truth.

“Now if these are the people that are ruling us, then what do you expect? So, the point is the character of the people that are coming to the government. Their attributes, the sort of people they truly are.

“We need to really think about how we select leaders, what should be the character of a leader we select? What should be their track record ?

“Where should we find them? Are they role models? And I think those are the first things we have to think about,” he stated.

The lawmakers’ entourage included Abdulmalik Danga from Kogi, Dr Usman Midala from Borno, Matthew Nwogu from Imo, Peter Aniekwe from Anambra, Kama Nkemkanma from Ebonyi and Ugochinyere Ikenga from Imo.

President Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday, approved the appointment of some Nigerians onto the board of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund).

The list was contained in a statement signed by the presidential spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale.

The board has Alhaji Aminu Masari as the chairman and six others as members.

Tinubu expects the newly-appointed members of the TETFund board “to be dedicated and committed to driving TETFund’s objective of providing the needed support for tertiary education with a view to enhancing the productivity and quality of higher education.”

They include:

Alhaji Aminu Masari — Chairman

Senator Sani Danladi — Member

Mr. Sunday Adepoju — Member

Mr. Nurudeen Adeyemi — Member

Mrs. Esther Onyinyechukwu Ukachukwu — Member

Mr. Turaki Ibrahim — Member

Mr. Aboh Eduyok — Member

President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of seven persons to head agencies and programs under the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development.

Ajuei Ngelale, Tinubu’s spokesperson disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday.

The appointments include: Chief Executive Officers for the National Social Investment Programme Agency, Badamasi Lawal, National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, Lami Bello, Programme Manager, National Social Safety-Net Coordinating Office, Funmilola Olotu.

Others are Programme Manager, Grant for Vulnerable Groups, Aishat Alubankudi, Programme Manager, Home Grown School Feeding, Aderemi Adebowale, Programme Manager, National Cash Transfer Office, Abdullahi Imam and Executive Secretary, National Commission for People with Disabilities, Ayuba Gufwan.

The president tasked the new appointees to “facilitate the needed relief to Nigerians and ensure the effectiveness of humanitarian and social development programs.”

This comes after the suspension of Dr. Betta Edu as minister eight months ago over the scandal surrounding the transfer of N585.189 million to a private account.

Edu’s suspension came after Halima Shehu was also suspended as the National Coordinator of the National Social Investment Programme Agency over the alleged misappropriation of N40 billion.

Meanwhile, the public is yet to know the outcome of an investigation by the anti-graft agencies on Edu and Shehu.

Apex Igbo socio-cultural Organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has faulted the nationwide broadcast by President Bola Tinubu, saying that reversal of fuel price would have ended the nationwide #EndBadGovernance protests.

It, however, commended him for addressing the economic challenges facing Nigeria.

In a statement issued on Sunday by Ohanaeze’s factional Secretary-general, Okechukwu lsiguzoro, he said the economic policies outlined in the speech were promising and could potentially address the long-term economic hardship in the country.

The lgbo Organisation stated that Ndigbo were concerned about the ongoing hunger protests and the heightened tension across the country.

The statement reads in part, “The anticipation of the resumption of protests from August 5th to 10th, 2024, is a cause for worry, as the protesters are demanding immediate action from the government.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s speech had the potential to sway the protesters off the streets if there had been a pronouncement of the reversal of fuel prices or any of the demands put forward by the organizers of the protests.

“The economic policies outlined are commendable, but the immediate challenge is how to address the protesters’ demands and prevent further chaos.

“We are aware that there are local sponsors, in conjunction with international conspirators, who may be waiting for an opportunity to escalate the protests into violence.

“The Southeast region is not a target for protests, but the North, Southwest, and Niger Delta regions are vulnerable to further unrest.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has the opportunity to address the demands of the protesters through other means and prevent the situation from escalating.

“While the implementation of the economic policies may take time, immediate action is needed to quell the protests and prevent any further destabilization of the country.

“Ohanaeze Ndigbo calls on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to consider making a pronouncement, through his media aides, to address the demands of the protesters.

“A reversal of fuel prices or any other gesture of goodwill towards the protesters could go a long way in restoring peace and stability in the country.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has the chance to demonstrate his leadership and resolve in addressing the concerns of the people.

“It is not too late to act and prevent any further escalation of the protests. We urge him to take swift and decisive action to save our democracy and give the government the opportunity to implement the promising economic policies outlined in his speech.”

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump said late Friday he had agreed with Fox News to debate Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris on September 4.

“I have agreed with FoxNews to debate Kamala Harris on Wednesday, September 4th,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform, but it was not immediately clear if Harris had agreed to the debate.

Former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili has said only the Nigerian government and its supporters can turn the EndBadGovernance protest into a “bloody affair.”

Ezekwesili urged the Nigerian and the state governments to see the protest as an opportunity for deep introspection.

Posting on X, the former Minister called on the government to ensure the full protection of protesters expressing their grievances.

According to Ezekwesili: “As we can all already see, the only group that will turn the #EndBadGovernaceProtest into the ‘bloody affair’ that @NigeriaGov propagandists are predicting and prophesying is the Government and its supporters.

“The People are simply saying ‘We are Hungry and therefore Angry’. We want you to know this and ACT correctly to solve our problems.

“Simple. Again, I ask the Governments @NigeriaGov, State Governments and Governors, the Lawmakers, @nassnigeria
and State Assemblies to make this nationwide expression of dissatisfaction and disapproval of Citizens their opportunity for Deep Introspection.

“Consider your ways. Produce convincing evidence-backed Responses and Plans of Action to Citizens’ Demands.

“@NGRPresident has a Duty to ensure full protection of Citizens who wish to exercise their constitutional right to protest #BadGovernance across the country.

“@PoliceNG must do EVERYTHING right by the People.

“We must remind the @HQNigerianArmy that they cannot in any guise abuse the rights of Citizens. Nigerian Citizens will win. Ultimately.”

Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has appealed to Nigerians to be patient with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the administration continues to roll out programs to improve living standards.

Speaking in Ijagbo, Oyun local government area of the state, at the first coronation anniversary of the Onijagbo of Ijagbo land, Oba Sarafadeen Adeniyi Babalola, and the launch of the Ijagbo Palace Development Fund, AbdulRazaq acknowledged that President Tinubu assumed office amid a challenging economic downturn that required systemic reforms and public understanding.

“President Tinubu is gradually fixing things. So he needs our patience and support to get things done,” the governor said.

“For those who are planning protests, let them have patience with Mr President to fix things. It is an appeal. He has just spent one year in office. It is also too early for those who have political ambitions to start measuring his performance.”

He congratulated the monarch on his first anniversary on the throne, commending him for promoting peace and unity and supporting the government to succeed.

“We need the continued support of the people of the Ijagbo community and the entire state to succeed. Our success is your success. Both the Onijagbo of Ijagbo and the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice have spoken well. All that they have said is already being worked out. We are committed to improving access to basic infrastructure in Ijagbo land and across the state,” he said.

The anniversary was attended by various dignitaries, including Senator Lola Ashiru (Kwara South); AGF/Justice Minister Prince Lateef Fagbemi SAN; Chairman of KAM Holdings Alhaji Kamoru Yusuf; Ijagbo high chiefs; and President of Ijagbo Descendants’ Union (IDU) Chief Tunde Agboola Oyawoye.

It was also attended by the Olupo of Ajase Ipo, Oba Ismaila Yahaya Alebiosu; the Olofa of Offa, Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi Esuwoye II; the Olomu of Omu Aran, Oba Abdulraheem Olaoti; and the Olusin of Ijara Isin, Oba Solomon Olugbenga Oloyede, among others.

Fagbemi said the federal government is doing its best to salvage the present economic situation and called on people to shelve the planned protests.

He assured that Nigerians would soon begin to feel the ease of the transformative agenda of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration.

Oba Sarafadeen, in his remarks, thanked the governor for his support for the community and solicited more assistance, especially in the area of road infrastructure and schoolteachers.

Chinese leader President Xi Jinping has invited President Bola Tinubu to pay a state visit to China in September.

China’s Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chen Xiaodong delivered the invitation to Tinubu at the Aso Villa on Thursday.

The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, made this known in a statement issued via his official X handle on Friday.

According to the statement, Tinubu has accepted the invitation and hoped that it would strengthen Nigeria-China bilateral relations and the proposed currency swap agreement.

The statement added, “Chen, who came with a large entourage, said President Xi would also welcome First Lady Remi Tinubu during the visit.“

President Bola Tinubu is currently meeting with the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF) at the State House, Abuja.

Though the agenda of the meeting could not be confirmed officially, it may not be unconnected to the planned nationwide protest kicking off from 1st of August.

The Chairman of the PGF and the Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, led the team of governors to the President’s office, along with the Chairman of the Nigeria’s Governors Forum, Governor Abdulrazaq Abdulrahman of Kwara State.

Also sighted was the reinstated Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shuaibu; Bassey Otu of Cross River; Benue State Governor, Fr Hycinth Alia; Uba Sani of Kaduna State and Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi, amongst others.

The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu and the ministers of Finance and Budget & Economic Planning, Wale Edun and Abubakar Bagudu, respectively, were also seen arriving at the President’s office.

The ongoing meeting is coming after an earlier meeting of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), which held on Wednesday evening, and follows the cancellation of the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting, earlier scheduled for noon Thursday

The All Progressives Congress, APC, has suspended the party chairman in Emure Local Government, Mr. Bola Oluwole over alleged stealing, misconduct, rudeness and mis-appropriations of party funds.

In statement in Ikere Ekiti, the Chairman of APC in Ekiti North Senatorial District, High Chief Akindele Akinbobola and the Secretary, Mr. Afuye Oluwaseun noted that the suspension followed the recommendation of a seven-man disciplinary committee constituted to look into the matter.

The leadership of APC in the senatorial district therefore ordered Mr. Oluwole to hand over all properties belonging to the party to the Vice Chairman of the APC in Emure local government, Mr Gabriel Monday Omoniyi with immediate effect, who will henceforth act in acting capacity based on the constitution of APC.

The statement reads “You may wish to recall that on 1 July, 2024, the acting State Chairman met with the senatorial working committee of the party and has among other matters deliberated on the allegations of stealing, high-handedness, misconduct, rudeness and mis-appropriations of party fund labeled against you as the Local Government Party Chairman of APC. A seven man disciplinary committee was constituted to look into your matter and report to The State Acting Chairman and the senatorial excos.”

“Consequently, the committee has submitted its reports to the state acting Chairman and to the senatorial level with its recommendations in accordance with the party’s constitution.

“Therefore, be informed that all materials, documents and properties belonging to the APC should be handed over to the Vice Chairman of APC Emure local government with immediate effect, who will henceforth act in acting capacity based on article 9.5 of the APC constitution.”

Some members of the party had on Monday staged a peaceful protest to the party’s secretariat in Ado Ekiti calling for the suspension of Mr Bola Oluwole over alleged diversion of palliative, high-handedness and other offences.

When contacted on telephone, Mr Bola Oluwole said he has not been served any suspension letter.

President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Prof John Obafunwa as the new Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, NIMR.

According to a statement by Chief Ajuri Ngelale, the President’s spokesman, on Monday, Obafunwa will succeed Prof. Babatunde Salako, whose tenure expires on July 23.

The appointment takes effect from July 24.

“President Tinubu extends his gratitude to Professor Salako for his service to the nation,” said the statement.

The President expects the new Director-General to bring his immense wealth of experience and qualifications to bear in this role and to further drive the NIMR’s objective of leading research into diseases of public health importance in Nigeria.

He also expects him to develop structures for the dissemination of research findings while providing the enabling environment and facilities for health research and training in cooperation with the federal and state ministries of health.

Obafunwa qualified in medicine from the University of Lagos in 1980, following which he specialised in Anatomic Pathology (morphological study of diseases), graduating in May 1987.

He later sub-specialised in Forensic Pathology in Scotland in 1991 and obtained a law degree from England, in 2004.

He has several other academic qualifications and holds membership in various professional bodies in the UK, USA, and Nigeria.

He had worked in the Cayman Islands, Bermuda, and the UK before returning to Nigeria in November 2004 to take up an appointment as Professor of Forensic Pathology at the Lagos State University College of Medicine, LASUCOM.

President Joe Biden’s decision to pull out of the United States presidential race as Democratic nominee has sent shock waves through the political world.

In a Sunday statement on his X handle, Biden said, “I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term.”

Shortly after, the president declared his support for Vice President Kamala Harris to take on the bid.

“My fellow Democrats, I have decided not to accept the nomination and to focus all my energies on my duties as President for the remainder of my term. My very first decision as the party nominee in 2020 was to pick Kamala Harris as my Vice President. And it’s been the best decision I’ve made.

“Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year. Democrats — it’s time to come together and beat Trump. Let’s do this,” Biden wrote on X.

The developments followed a stumbling debate performance that widely alarmed Democrats about the 81-year-old president’s fitness for office and ability to defeat former president Donald Trump who recently escaped an assassination plot.

Biden’s withdrawal leaves the Democrats in an unprecedented position with months until the November election.

Apart from the new twist likely to shape political strategy in the Republican party where Trump is the face, it also creates a new battleground for Democrats eying the presidential ticket.

AFP reports that for years, Harris faced criticism that she was not up to the job of being a heartbeat away from the presidency. Now, she finds herself feted by Democrats as their best hope to stop Trump’s comeback.

Despite blazing a trail as the first woman, Black and South Asian vice president in US history, the 59-year-old Democrat long struggled with approval ratings as bad or worse than Biden’s.

The last 12 months, however, have revealed a transformed Harris. And with Biden’s endorsement of Harris after stunning the world by dropping his reelection bid, she’s suddenly on the cusp of history.

The two-term governor of Michigan, Gretchen Whitmer, is also an increasingly popular Midwest Democrat who many pundits speculate will run for president in 2028, a BBC report said.

She has campaigned for Biden in the past and has not been shy about her political aspirations. She told the New York Times she wants to see a Generation X president in 2028, but stopped short of suggesting that she might fill that role.

In 2022, she led a campaign that left Michigan Democrats in control of the state’s legislature and the governor’s mansion.

That political control allowed her to enact a number of progressive policies including protecting Michigan abortion access and the passage of gun safety measures.

Also, California Governor Gavin Newsom is one of the Biden administration’s fiercest surrogates. He frequently appears on cable news networks praising Biden.

But Newsom has political ambitions of his own. According to BBC, Newson is often listed as a possible 2028 candidate, but many Democratic pundits now say he could be a stand-in for Biden.

The report also states that it is no secret that Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg has presidential aspirations. He ran for president in 2020 and is often touted as one of the Biden administration’s best communicators.

Other top shots that may be gunning for the Democrat’s ticket include Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro who has seen high approval ratings since he was elected in 2022 in a swing state Trump narrowly carried in 2016, and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker who has raised his profile in recent years by going after Trump and defending Biden.

The list of potential nominees stretches beyond the Democrats listed above, as the party has developed a deep bench of possible future presidential candidates.

According to BBC, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, a two-term Democratic governor in a very conservative state, has earned growing national attention since his re-election last year.

Maryland Governor Wes Moore found himself in the spotlight in recent months following the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore.

Senators Amy Klobuchar and Cory Booker have run for president in the past and have some name recognition among Democrats.

The leadership of the House of Representatives, led by the Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, has visited the $ 20 billion Dangote Petroleum refinery in Lagos State.

The lawmakers arrived at the refinery located in the Lekki Free Trade Zone in Lagos around 11 am on Saturday and were received by the President of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, and top executives of the company.

The lawmakers are expected to take a tour of the 650,000 barrels per day refinery during the visit and have a conversation about the plan to start the supply of petrol next month.

The visit marks the second time federal lawmakers will visit the refinery this year following the visit of the Senate leadership, led by Senate President Godswill Akpaio, to the facility in June.

The lawmaker’s visit comes days after the Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Authority, Farouk Ahmed, claimed that the diesel produced by Dangote refinery contains a high sulphur content of about 1,000 parts per million.

Ahmed also stated that the Federal Government would not stop the importation of petroleum products, saying Nigeria cannot depend on one refinery to feed the nation.

He revealed that the refinery, which has been selling diesel and aviation fuel in Nigeria for months, has not been licensed, stating that it is still at the pre-commissioning stage.

“The claim by some media houses that there were steps to scuttle the Dangote refinery is not so. The Dangote refinery is still in the pre-commissioning stage. It has not been licensed yet; we haven’t licensed them yet. They are still in the pre-commissioning. I think they have about 45 per cent completion,” he declared.

The NMDPRA boss warned that Nigeria cannot rely heavily on the Dangote refinery for its fuel supply.

According to him, the refinery had requested the regulator to stop giving import licences to other marketers so as to be the only fuel supplier in Nigeria.

“We cannot rely heavily on one refinery to feed the nation, because Dangote is requesting that we should suspend or stop importation of all petroleum products, especially AGO and direct all marketers to the refinery; that is not good for the nation in terms of energy security. And that is not good for the market, because of monopoly,” he stressed.

Speaking about quality, he said, “So, in terms of quality, currently, the AGO quality in terms of sulphur is the lowest as far as the West African requirement of 50 ppm is concerned.

“Dangote refinery and some modular refineries, like Waltersmith refinery and Aradel refinery, are producing between 650 to 1,200ppm. So, in terms of quality, their product is much more inferior to the imported quality,” he alleged.

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, hosted a dinner at the State House on Tuesday to honour Noble Laurette, Prof Wole Soyinka, on his 90th birthday.

During the birthday dinner, Sanwo-Olu also unveiled a “special portrait” of the renowned playwright and novelist.

Sharing photos from the event on X.com, Sanwo-Olu wrote, “This evening, we had the honour of celebrating the 90th birthday of our esteemed Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka.

“It was a night of joy, memories, and inspiration as we celebrated his many contributions to literature and touched on how his humanity continues to inspire us all.

“The highlight of the evening was unveiling a special portrait of Prof., a true reflection of his enduring legacy.”

Sanwo-Olu further thanked Soyinka, saying, “We celebrate not just his 90 years of life but the countless lives he has inspired and continues to inspire.”

He added, “His Nobel Prize win many years ago opened the door for many to dream and believe that greatness is achievable. His works transcend time, touching hearts and minds across the globe.

“Thank you, Professor Wole Soyinka, for showing us that through resilience, creativity, and dedication, we can achieve greatness.”

The Nobel Laureate, who turned 90 years old on Saturday, July 13, was described as a shining light and national treasure by President Bola Tinubu.

The Presidency has announced the appointment of Dr. Mainasara Umar Kogo as the Chairman, Code of Conduct Tribunal.

According to the presidency, President Bola Tinubu approved the appointment of the seasoned lawyer.

Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, stated this in a statement on Sunday.

The presidency described Kogo as a seasoned lawyer and analyst in the fields of law, security, economy, politics, and international diplomacy.

Tinubu, according to the statement, expects professionalism, integrity, and fidelity to Nigeria from Kogo as he discharges his duty.

Yesterday the President appointed Silas Agara as the new Director-General of the National Directorate of Employment, NDE.

Ahead of the November 5 presidential election in the United States, Republican candidate Donald Trump has issued a challenge to incumbent President Joe Biden, calling for both men to undergo a cognitive test to demonstrate their fitness for office.

“Joe should immediately take a Cognitive Test, and I will go with him, and take one also,” Mr Trump declared in a post on Truth Social on Friday. “For the first time we’ll be a team, and do it for the good of the Country.”

Mr Trump, 78, is three years younger than Mr Biden, 81. The duo are currently the leading contenders in the race for the White House.

Mr Trump’s challenge emerges amid mounting scrutiny over Mr Biden’s mental and cognitive faculties, spurred by recent debate performances and public gaffes.

On Thursday, at the NATO summit, Mr Biden confused Mr Trump with his Vice President Kamala Harris and mistakenly identified Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Before this latest incident, Mr Biden’s performance in a debate against Mr Trump had already sparked concerns about his cognitive health, with critics suggesting that age might be taking its toll on him.

Since the debate, Democrats have pressured Mr Biden to consider stepping down in favour of a viable candidate.

The New York Times, in an editorial, also suggested Mr Biden withdrawing from the race to make way for a stronger contender.

Despite the growing calls for him to resign, Mr Biden has remained resolute, stating that only God could persuade him to abandon his campaign.

The Abuja Division of the Federal High Court, on Friday, admitted former power minister Saleh Mamman to a N10 billion bail with two sureties.

Justice James Omotosho, in a ruling on Mr Mamman’s bail application moved by his counsel, Femi Ate, held that alternatively, the former minister should enter into a bond or agreement of N10 billion with a bank.

The judge held that the sureties must have landed property within the jurisdiction of the court.

Justice Omotosho also held that the sureties’ property, which must have title registers, must be worth N750 million.

Moreover, the judge said the sureties must present an affidavit of means and three years of tax evidence, which the court registrar would verify. He ordered sureties to produce a passport photograph each while Mr Mamman submitted his international passport to the court registry.

Justice Omotosho, who ordered Mr Mamman to remain in Kuje Correctional Centre pending the perfection of his bail, adjourned the matter until September 25 for trial.

Justice Omotosho had, on Thursday, ordered the remand of the ex-minister in the correctional centre pending the hearing of his bail application.

The judge gave the order after Mamman pleaded not guilty to a 12-count amended charge bordering on money laundering offences.

Upon hearing the bail application on Friday, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s lawyer, A.O. Mohammed, did not oppose Mr Mamman’s bail plea.

Delivering the ruling, the judge said granting bail is the defendant’s constitutional right, which must be exercised judicially and judiciously.

He said the defendant is innocent until proven guilty by law.

EFCC had filed a 12-count money laundering charge against Mr Mamman.

He was alleged to have committed money laundering offences to N33 billion.

The former minister served under then-President Buhari from 2019 to 2021.

On May 10, 2021, he was arrested and detained at the headquarters of the anti-graft agency in Abuja.

Mr Buhari had, on September 1, 2021, sacked Mr Mamman and then-agric minister Sabo Nanono in what was called a cabinet restructuring.

Mr Mamman was accused of conspiring with the ministry staff in charge of the accounts of the Zungeru and Mambilla Hydro Electric Power projects to divert billions of naira.

The investigations uncovered property in Nigeria and overseas allegedly linked to the suspects, while millions of naira and dollars had reportedly been recovered.

President Bola Tinubu has appointed former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Attahiru Jega, as co-chairman of the Presidential Committee on Implementation of Livestock Reforms.

Tinubu disclosed Jega’s appointment during the inauguration of the committee on Tuesday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

The committee will address the obstacles to agricultural productivity and open up new opportunities which benefit farmers, herders, processors, and distributors in the livestock-farming value chain.

He noted that the implementation of the reforms would require the collective efforts of members, drawn from the public and private sectors, state governors, and all Nigerians.

According to Tinubu: “When we have great opportunities in our states, why should Nigerians continue to experience conflicts?

“With the calibre of people that are here, this presents a unique opportunity to also delineate and establish a centric ministry called the Ministry of Livestock Development.

“It will give us the opportunity so that our veterinary doctors can have the necessary access to research and cross-breed. We can stop the wanton killings.”

The President noted that the traditional method of livestock farming would need to be reviewed and repositioned with the support of stakeholders, which include state governments, to open up new opportunities for growth and prosperity.

He also thanked the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Abdullahi Ganduje for his efforts in “assembling experienced and reputable experts to ensure the activation of opportunities in the livestock sector.”

Tinubu said the “Ministry of Livestock Development will be created to further explore the potential in the area.”