President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will depart France today for South Africa to co-chair the 11th session of the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC) with President Cyril Ramaphosa.

Scheduled for tomorrow, the session will be preceded by a ministerial meeting today at the South African Parliament Building in Cape Town.

The session is expected to build on commitments made during the two leaders’ last engagement on June 20, 2024, in Johannesburg.

Deliberations at the event will be conducted through eight working groups focusing on critical sectors, including trade, defence, banking, energy, and migration.

Special Adviser to the President, Information and Strategy Bayo Onanuga said in a statement yesterday that Tinubu and Ramaphosa will engage in substantive talks on a wide range of issues of mutual interest, including bilateral, regional, and international matters.

President Tinubu, who is currently wrapping up a state visit to France, will lead a high-powered delegation comprising governors, ministers, and senior government officials to the conference.

The two presidents will assess the progress made since the 10th BNC session in Abuja in late 2021 and chart a roadmap for further collaboration.

The BNC, established in 1999, has been pivotal in fostering diplomatic and economic ties between Nigeria and South Africa.

Officials of both nations are expected to sign a Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) during the session.

Tinubu will return to Nigeria after the conclusion of the BNC.

The statement by Onanuga reads: “President Bola Tinubu will leave France on Monday for Cape Town, South Africa, to co-chair the 11th session of the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission alongside President Cyril Ramaphosa.

“The presidential BNC, scheduled for Tuesday, December 3, will be preceded by a ministerial meeting on December 2, 2024, at the South African Parliament Building in Cape Town.

“Presidents Tinubu and Ramaphosa will engage in substantive talks on a wide range of issues of mutual interest, including bilateral, regional, and international matters.

“Building on the commitments from their June 20, 2024, meeting in Johannesburg shortly after President Ramaphosa’s inauguration for a second term in office, the two leaders will review the progress achieved since the 10th session of the BNC held in Abuja from November 29 to December 1, 2021.

“The 11th session of the BNC will feature deliberations across eight working groups, each focusing on a specific area of mutual interest.

“These include political consultations, consular and migration, banking and finance, defence and security, manufacturing, social sector, mines and energy, and trade and investments.

“At the high-level meeting, officials of both countries will sign several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and agreements.

“The Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission was established in 1999 to further strengthen the ties of friendship and cooperation between the two nations.

“The first session at the Heads of State level was held in October 2019 in Pretoria.

“The BNC provides a platform for sustaining high-level dialogue and promoting cooperation in critical areas such as diplomacy, economy, trade, security, and other areas of mutual interest.

“This year’s meeting is particularly significant as it coincides with the 25th anniversary of the commission, a testament to the enduring friendship and cooperation between Nigeria and South Africa.

“President Tinubu will be accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising state governors, ministers, and senior government officials.

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Ali Pate, has said the Federal Government will today roll out a malaria vaccine initiative to combat the disease in states with its high prevalence.

The minister restated the Federal Government’s commitment to addressing antimicrobial resistance (AMR), an emerging global health threat.

Pate said this in a video media briefing uploaded on the ministry’s X (formerly Twitter).

The minister emphasised the pressing need for the intervention, considering that Nigeria accounts for 27 per cent of global malaria cases and 31 per cent of malaria-related deaths.

He said: “This week marks another important step forward for our country as Nigeria, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, begins to roll out the malaria vaccines, starting with all local governments in Bayelsa and Kebbi states. Our determination to end malaria is not predicated on the mobilisation of this important vaccine alone.

“We are aligning all levels of government to adopt preventative measures to safeguard lives and ensure treatment is available for those who need it.” Pate highlighted key initiatives aimed at tackling malaria, including collaboration with the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) and the establishment of the Advisory Group on Malaria Elimination in Nigeria (AMEN).

“Earlier this year, we identified strategic actions to combat malaria and accelerate its elimination, including the development of a costed plan that explicitly details trade-offs,” he said.

The minister explained that the reforms are meant to improve malaria case management and ensure the affordability and availability of treatments through partnerships with global initiatives, like the Affordable Medicines for Malaria venture.

“In addition, we are retraining Nigeria’s frontline health workforce to enhance testing, treatment, and community awareness,” he said.

Pate lauded the support of development partners, including the World Health Organisation (WHO), the Global Fund, and the Gavi Alliance.

The minister recalled that AMEN recently held its inaugural meeting in Abuja, chaired by Emeritus Professor Rosa Leki.

He described AMR as a significant threat to global health security, adding: “AMR occurs when microorganisms evolve and become resistant to antimicrobial medicines, posing a serious challenge to life-saving treatments.”

In a testament to Nigeria’s progress, the minister also announced that the country had been selected to host the fifth Global High-Level Ministerial meeting on AMR in 2026.

“Nigeria will welcome member-states as the host nation of this biannual meeting, taking a global leadership role in advancing the One Health approach to AMR prevention and research.

“The real work now begins. With the commitment of all stakeholders, I am confident that under the bold leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, we will make significant strides in building a healthier, safer Nigeria that plays its part in African and global health security,” he said.

The Lagos State government has announced traffic diversion on Marina bridge for repair work from December 4, 2024, to February 25, 2025.

The Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, said this in a statement on Sunday in Lagos.

Mr Osiyemi urged motorists to use alternative routes during the repair works.

“Motorists from Apapa inward Lagos Island are advised to go through Costain roundabout to link Eko Bridge and connect Lagos Island for their desired destinations.

“Alternatively, from Apapa, motorists may link Ijora 7up through Marina Bridge to access the ramp to connect Ijora Causeway Access Road through Ijora Oloye to Ijora Causeway to link Eko Bridge and connect Lagos Island for their desired destinations.

“Motorists from Apapa, inward Ijora Causeway/Iddo, inward Ijora Causeway/Iddo are advised to link Costain Roundabout to Eko Bridge and connect Ijora Causeway to access the ramp through the U-turn to link Iddo for their desired destinations.

“Alternatively, from Apapa, motorists can also link Ijora 7up through Marina Bridge to access the ramp to link Ijora Causeway Access Road through Ijora Oloye to connect Ijora Causeway to Iddo for their desired destinations,” he said.

He said that for this period, motorists on the other side from the Costain roundabout would have to navigate through traffic inbound Apapa.

Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State, in a major cabinet reshuffle, has sacked the pioneer Commissioner for Internal Security, Samuel Aruwan.

This was contained in a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Ibrahim Musa, on Saturday in Kaduna.

DAILY POST reports that the immediate past governor of the state, Nasir El-Rufai, appointed Aruwan in 2019 as the first Commissioner for Internal Security when the ministry was created.

Before his deployment to the security ministry, Aruwan was the Senior Special Assistant to the governor on media from 2015 to 2019.

Earlier in October, the Code of Conduct Tribunal, CCT, asked the state government to suspend Aruwan and three others for alleged breach of trust.

According to PR Nigeria, on November 8, Mr. Aruwan’s trial involved six charges centred on alleged false asset declaration involving omission and refusal to declare his accounts with certain Nigerian banks prior to his deployment to the security ministry.

In his place was appointed James Atung Kanyip as the new Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs.

Other commissioners appointed by the governor are Ibrahim Mohammed as the new Commissioner for Finance; Ibrahim Tanko Mohammed as Commissioner for Finance; Barde Yunana Markus as Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs; Farida Abubakar Ahmed as Executive Director (Radio), Kaduna State Media Corporation (KSMC); and Vitus Azuka Ewuzie as Senior Special Assistant, Legal Matters.

Others are Francis Damina as Senior Special Assistant, Research and Documentation; Victor Mathew Bobai as Senior Special Assistant, Public Affairs; Abdulmutallib Isah as Senior Special Assistant, Special Duties; and Abdulhaleem Ishaq Ringim as Special Assistant, Economic Matters.

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has paid a working visit to the Lagos Central Food Security Systems and Logistics Hub at Ketu-Ereyun, Epe axis of the State.

The hub which is still under construction is said to be the largest of its kind in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Sanwo-Olu’s visit was disclosed via a post he shared on his X handle on Saturday, November 30.

The post reads: “Today, I paid a working visit to the ongoing Lagos Central Food Security Systems and Logistics Hub at Ketu-Ereyun, Epe, Lagos.

“This hub will be the largest of its kind in Sub-Saharan Africa, aimed at regulating food production, providing massive storage, ensuring food preservation, controlling food prices, and so much more.”

An Israeli air strike in southern Gaza has reportedly killed five people, including members of the humanitarian organization World Central Kitchen, WCK.

The Israel Defense Forces, IDF, stated that the attack targeted an individual allegedly involved in the October 7 attacks on Israel.

The incident occurred in the city of Khan Younis, where a white vehicle carrying WCK staff was struck.

Images from the scene show the car partially burned-out with its roof caved in and windows shattered.

Inside a nearby mortuary, charred belongings, including a laptop, clothing, and an ID badge bearing the WCK logo, were displayed.

The Palestinian news agency, Wafa, identified the five killed as Palestinians, three of whom were WCK employees, including the charity’s Gaza kitchen director.

However, IDF claimed the strike targeted a “terrorist” linked to the October 7 attack on Nir Oz kibbutz but acknowledged no direct evidence tying him to a specific abduction attempt.

IDF described the vehicle as “unmarked” and not involved in transporting humanitarian aid. It has called for an investigation by WCK and international organizations into the hiring of workers allegedly connected to terrorist activities.

World Central Kitchen expressed profound sorrow, confirming its staff’s deaths and announcing a pause in its Gaza operations.

“At this time, we are working with incomplete information and urgently seeking details,” the organization said, adding it had “no knowledge” of any staff’s ties to the October 7 attacks.

This marks the second fatal incident involving WCK workers this year.

In April, seven WCK staff were killed in an Israeli strike on an aid convoy, leading to widespread criticism and subsequent IDF accountability measures.

The Sokoto State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has suspended its planned strike over the implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage.

The state NLC chairman, Comrade Abdullahi Aliyu Jungle, disclosed this during a press briefing over the weekend.

He revealed that the new wage, set to take effect in January 2024, will benefit genuine council workers and teachers across the state.

Speaking after a meeting with the union’s executives at the NLC Secretariat in Sokoto, Jungle expressed the branch’s support for the agreement reached with the state government.

He emphasized that the implementation of the minimum wage aligns with the broader goal of fostering development in the state.

“The state branch of the NLC support the implementation of N70,000 announced by the state government effective January 2025.

“We will also assist the state government in the process of implementing the minimum wage even it means conducting screening and verification to ensure only genuinely employed workers benefit from the new minimum wage of N70, 000 “, Aliyu Jungle stressed.

The Chairman further urged workers in the state to exercise patience while expressing confidence in the state government commitment to unveiling more beneficial welfare packages for its workforce .

“We are optimistic that more other welfare packages are coming to workers in the state”, he added.

It will be recalled that governor Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto had at the presentation of the state proposed budget for the 2025 fiscal year to the state Assembly, announced January 2025 as the effective date for the implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage for workers in the state.

In a gesture of goodwill and support, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu congratulated Alhassan Yahaya on his election as the President of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ).

Yahaya emerged victorious during the 8th Triennial National Delegates Conference held in Owerri on November 27, 2024.

In a statement issued on Saturday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President also commended the Union for conducting a peaceful and orderly election, which saw Yahaya assume leadership alongside other newly elected executives.

In his message, President Tinubu described Yahaya’s overwhelming victory as a reflection of the confidence NUJ members have in his leadership abilities.

Highlighting Yahaya’s extensive experience, particularly his tenure as Deputy President of the NUJ, the President expressed optimism about the positive impact the new leadership would have on the nation’s media landscape.

President Tinubu underscored the vital role of the press in national development, urging the NUJ to approach its constitutional responsibilities with a renewed sense of patriotism.

He called on the new leadership to prioritize addressing malpractices in the industry while upholding the ethics and principles that define responsible journalism.

Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to a free and independent media, President Tinubu emphasized the importance of collaboration between the government and the press in fostering democracy and achieving social equity.

The President expressed hope that Yahaya’s tenure would mark a period of ethical growth and constructive engagement within the media sector, ultimately strengthening its role as the Fourth Estate of the Realm.

Concluding his message, President Tinubu wished Yahaya and his team success in their mission to advance journalism and contribute to building a just and equitable society.

Former Minister of Aviation, Osita Chidoka, has announced his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), citing a shift towards nonpartisan endeavors.

His decision was detailed in a letter dated Friday, November 29, and addressed to the PDP Ward Chairman in Obosi, Anambra State.

In his resignation letter, Chidoka reflected on his journey within the PDP, highlighting his role as a founding member and his contributions to shaping the party’s ideological and strategic direction.

He expressed gratitude for the opportunities to serve as the Federal Road Safety Corps Marshal and as a senior cabinet minister, roles through which he contributed to national development.

However, Chidoka stated that his current focus is on the Athena Centre for Policy and Leadership, a nonpartisan think tank committed to evidence-based policy recommendations.

He explained that the Centre’s mission necessitates a neutral stance, prompting his decision to step away from partisan politics.

Chidoka reiterated his commitment to good governance, national unity, and evidence-driven public service while leaving the PDP with respect and gratitude.

Recall that Chidoka recently criticized the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over alleged irregularities in the conduct of the Edo election.

Speaking on “Politics Today” on Channels Television, he described the election process as a “sham,” accusing INEC of inflating voter numbers and tampering with results in favour of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

According to Chidoka, accredited voter numbers were artificially increased, while PDP votes were reduced during collation, alleging that APC votes were illegally augmented.

He claimed that the true results indicated the PDP candidate, Barrister Asue Ighodalo, as the rightful winner.

A herbalist identified as Ismail Usman has sustained a life-threatening injury while testing a self-made ‘bulletproof’ charm.

The incident occurred at the
Kuchibuyi village in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja on November 23.

Usman was said to have picked a locally fabricated gun after he had fortified himself with the charm he had prepared and shot himself in the stomach.

Unfortunately, the charm failed to protect him, leaving him severely injured.

Confirming this in a statement on Saturday, the FCT police command spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, said the police received a distress call from a resident on the incident.

She said officers from the Byazhin Division arrived at the scene and rushed Usman to Kubwa General Hospital.

Adeh added that due to the severity of his injuries, he was later transferred to Gwagwalada Specialist Hospital, where doctors are working tirelessly to save his life.

She said, “A distress call from Shandam Michael reported a shocking event involving Ismail Usman, a local herbalist known for his unconventional methods. In a misguided attempt to test the effectiveness of a self-made ‘bulletproof’ charm, Usman shot himself in the stomach with a shotgun.

“Unfortunately, the charm failed to protect him, resulting in life-threatening injuries. Officers from the Byazhin Division responded swiftly, arriving at the scene to find Usman in critical condition. He was quickly transported to Kubwa General Hospital for emergency treatment and later transferred to Gwagwalada Specialist Hospital for further care.

“In the aftermath, police conducted a thorough search of Usman’s home, recovering the homemade gun and an array of charms used in his reckless experiment. ”

Adeh said Usman would face charges for unlawful possession of firearms and attempted suicide, which violates Section 231 of the Penal Code Law of Northern Nigeria.

She said, “Investigations are ongoing, and Usman is expected to face charges for unlawful possession of firearms and attempted suicide under Section 231 of the Penal Code Law of Northern Nigeria.

“Commissioner of Police FCT, CP Olatunji Disu, condemned the incident, highlighting the dangers associated with illegal firearms.”

The Katsina State Government and labour unions in the state reached a consensus in the early hours of Saturday after a series of negotiations on the new minimum wage.

The government agreed to commence the payment of the new N70,000 minimum wage in December 2024.

Speaking to newsmen at the end of the meeting, the Secretary to the State Government, Abdullahi Faskari, said, “This landmark decision followed nine hours of intense deliberations between representatives of the state government and labour unions.”

He explained that the discussions focused on reconciling workers’ demands with the government’s financial capacity, ensuring that the new wage policy is sustainable while addressing the economic realities faced by the workforce.

“The decision is a testament to Governor Dikko Umar Radda’s administration’s dedication to prioritising the needs of civil servants and fostering harmonious labour relations,” Faskari added.

Acknowledging the financial implications of the decision, Faskari said that the government thoroughly assessed its fiscal position and was confident in its ability to implement the new wage structure without compromising other developmental projects or essential services.

He said plans were underway to streamline the payroll system to ensure a smooth transition and prompt payment of the adjusted salaries.

Earlier on Friday, deliberations between the parties hit the rocks, with representatives of the labour unions staging a walk-out following seeming “irreconcilable differences”.

According to reports, the deadlock arose following the government’s insistence that payment of the new minimum wage should begin in January 2025, while labour stood its ground that it should start with the December 2024 salaries.

The parties reconvened later, and the talks dragged on, ending at about 1.30 am on Saturday.

Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State says no money was paid to bandits for them to surrender their arms.

He affirmed that the state government would not enter into any form of dialogue or negotiations with some repentant bandits.

Mr Sani made this disclosure on Channels Television’s Politics Today, a day after the government received some repentant bandits in the state.

Asked if the state government made a financial bargain for the bandits to lay down their arms, the governor said, “We did not give them one naira.”

“There was no monetary issue at all. Most of them are tired, so we sat down with them and asked them, ‘why do you continue to remain in the bush just attacking our people, kidnapping them,” he asked.

On Thursday, the state government received the first set of repentant bandits in Birnin-Gwari and reopened the cattle market, which was closed for about 10 years due to insecurity in the area.

Governor Sani pointed out that it took his administration six months to broker peace with the bandits.

“It is a process that took almost six months precisely to reach this position. Birnin Gwari is one of the most critical local governments in terms of banditry, kidnapping and insurgency in the North-West.

“We also partner with the federal security agencies, the office of the National Security Adviser. So it is a collective effort,” Sani added.

According to him, the disarmament, mobilisation and integration of the repentant bandits are in process.

The Lagos State Task Force said it dismissed two of its personnel, Fatai Yusuf, 42, and Hammed Garuba, 38, following their involvement in theft during a recent raid.

The Task Force’s spokesperson, Abdulraheem Gbadeyan, disclosed this in a statement on Friday.

Mr Gbadeyan said that the officials stole phones during the operation conducted at a hotel in Gowon Estate, known for harbouring drug users and traffickers, which resulted in numerous arrests.

He said that the integrity of the raid was compromised by the actions of the two officials whose misconduct was captured on Closed Circuit Television.

He noted that the officials were found guilty of stealing mobile phones from the scene.

He added, “Both individuals, serving as paramilitary officers within the agency, were subjected to a meticulous investigation by the agency’s disciplinary committee. Upon confirmation of their guilt, they were summarily dismissed from service and will face immediate prosecution for theft.’’

The spokesperson said that the chairman of the agency, CSP Adetayo Akerele, denounced their actions and reaffirmed the agency’s unwavering commitment to integrity and accountability.

He said, “Akerele issued a stern admonition to personnel, emphasising that any breach of ethical conduct would attract severe consequences.’’

Mr Gbadeyan said that the task force was guided by principles of discipline, equity, and justice and any act that compromised the agency’s credibility or eroded public trust would be addressed decisively and without hesitation.

He said that those apprehended during the raid had been arraigned.

He stated, “The first group of 53 drug peddlers and users apprehended during earlier operations have been remanded at the Badagry Correctional Centre, after being charged in court. This week, in a subsequent raid targeting drug hotspots and illicit structures within Gowon Estate, Ipaja, Lagos, the task force apprehended 43 additional suspects. The operation led to the demolition of identified drug hideouts and shanties, to deter recurring criminal activities in the area. All apprehended individuals have been promptly arraigned, underscoring the agency’s relentless commitment to eradicating drug-related crimes and ensuring public safety.’’

He added that the actions highlighted the task force’s uncompromising stance on unethical conduct and its dedication to maintaining law and order, in line with the Lagos State THEMES Plus agenda.

The task force in Lagos on Thursday arrested 43 suspected drug dealers and users, including nearby shop owners suspected of concealing illicit substances.

The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, in a statement on Friday, said the cleanup took place in the Alimosho Local Government Area of the state days after raiding drug peddlers’ hideouts in Gowon Estate.

Mr Wahab said, “Forty-eight hours after carrying out coordinated raids of drug gangs perpetrating drug deals and related crimes in Gowon Estate, the task force returned to 31 Road and the adjoining streets of Wole Omo Osho, Bless Jah, Adenle Crescent and Okunola Road in Mosan-Okunola LCDA in the Alimosho LGA in a mop up for the most extensive cleanup to end the activities of drug peddling and use in the entire area. The operation which commenced at about 1800hrs of Thursday 28th November, 2024, led to the arrest of 43 suspected sellers of illicit substances and criminal elements who have converted the entire area into a safe haven for unlawful drug activities.’’

Significant mix of illicit drugs and other substances were confiscated from the suspects during the raid which included Canadian loud hemp, prescription drugs, codeine syrups, several weighing scales of illicit substances, Indian hemp crushers and knives.

He stated, “Neighbouring shop owners who conspires and conceal the illicit drugs for the peddlers and same recovered in their shops were arrested while those in whose shops nothing incriminating was found were warned to concentrate on what is displayed for sales at their various shops and never to join in such illegal act.”

Mr Wahab said that the task force officials during the operation demolished makeshift shanties used for drug activities in the area and operatives deployed with Black Maria and stationed at the area to enforce compliance.

The commissioner said the suspects would be charged to court.

The Nigeria Weightlifting Federation, (NWF) has announced dates for the Engr. Habu Gumel National Open Weightlifting Championship.

According to a release by the federation, the three-day championship named after the President, Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), Eng. Habu Gumel will commence on Sunday, December 1st through Tuesday, December 3rd .

The open championship which is open to all the 36 states in the federation including the Federal Capital Territory will hold at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.

Each State is expected to present athletes in all the weightlifting categories in both male and female classics.

Athletes and officials are expected to arrive today ahead of the opening ceremony tomorrow. There will presentation of medals to winners in Snatch, Clean and Jerk and Total on the final day on Tuesday

Speaking with journalists in Abuja on the open championship, the President, Nigeria Weightlifting Federation (NWF) Dr Ibrahim Abdul (FCISM, OCP, CMC), said the championship which is open to all categories of lifters, is aimed at discovering new talents as well as preparing them for future engagements.

“It’s important that we start looking behind to pick and nurture talented lifters who will take over from the current ones. That is the essence of the national open championship. We want to discover new talents and incubate them for national glory. We have athletes right now who are in their prime, doing exceptionally well for the country but we felt that as a federation, there is the need for us to have a reservoir where we can nurture and groom the younger ones.”

The Osun State Executive Council has approved the appointment of Prince Jokotola Olayinka Tunde as the new Olujudo of Ido Osun in Egbedore local government of the state.

He will succeed the late Oba Aderemi Adedapo.

The appointment of the new monarch was disclosed in a statement by the State’ Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi, on Friday, November 29.

The statement reads: “The Osun State Executive Council has approved the appointment of Prince Jokotola Olayinka Tunde as the new Olujudo of Ido Osun in Egbedore local government of Osun state

“He succeeded the late Oba Aderemi Adedapo.

“The stool of Olojodo of Ido osun is regulated by the 1956 registered declaration which shows that it was the turn of the Adenko ruling house to occupy the stool.

“The selection process followed due process and comply with extant laws.

“The Council enjoins the new traditional ruler to work for the peace and progress of the town and the state at large.

“Governor Ademola Adeleke had earlier tasked members of the Council not to relent on delivery of democratic dividends as the price for hard work is more hard work.

“ ‘We are witnessing the praises and accolades for our government from far and near. The public has delivered a strong positive verdict on our government.

“ ‘But we must all know that the price for hard work is more hard work. All those high praises are for us to further intensify our drive to deliver on the five point agenda.

“ ‘We must not slow down. We have a duty to sustain and even increase the tempo of our delivery. We must continue to innovate and expand our policy ideas.

“ ‘All eyes are on us. We must not fail thousands and even millions of our admirers out there”, the Governor told Council members.

“Governor Ademola Adeleke presided over the Council meeting alongside the Deputy Governor, Prince Kola Adewusi, the Secretary to the State Government, Hon Teslim Igbalaye, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon Kazeem Akinleye and Commissioners and cabinet advisers to the State Governor.”

Vice President Kashim Shettima was present at the funeral of Akwa Ibom State Governor’s wife, Patience Eno, in Ikot Ekpene Udo, Nsit Ubium Local Government Area of the State.

Shettima attended the funeral representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu who is currently on a state visit to France.

Amongst those present at the burial was the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, and Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, and others.

Shettima’s attendance at the funeral was disclosed via a post shared on the X handle of his Spokesperson, Stanley Nkwocha, on Friday, November 29.

The post reads: “Vice President Kashim Shettima attended the funeral of Mrs. Patience Eno, wife of Governor Umo Bassey Eno, in Ikot Ekpene Udo, Nsit Ubium Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.

“The funeral service was also attended by the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, a former governor of Akwa Ibom State, and Deputy Senate President, Senator Jibrin Barau.

“Accompanied by dignitaries, including the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu; Hon. Unyime Idem of Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency; and the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, VP Shettima joined other mourners in paying tribute to Mrs. Eno.”

The Abuja Division of the Federal High Court on Friday turned down the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)’s application to arraign ex-Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi in the absence of his lawyers.

Justice Emeka Nwite, while delivering a ruling on the oral application by the EFCC’s counsel, Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), held that such a request could not be granted in the interest of a fair hearing.

Mr Nwite agreed with Mr Pinheiro that though a bench warrant was issued against the former governor, “fair hearing cannot be sacrificed on the altar of a bench warrant.”

The judge held that it was not in doubt that the matter was initially adjourned until January 21, 2025, before the anti-graft agency brought a motion for the abridgement of time to prosecute Mr Bello.

When the matter was called on Friday, although the former governor was in court, he was not represented by any lawyer.

The judge then asked the EFCC’s counsel why the defendant was not represented in court.

Mr Pinheiro said the defendant would be in a better position to answer the question.

However, when the ex-governor was asked why his lawyers were not in court, he said he was only informed of the sitting late Thursday night at about 11:00 p.m., and so could not contact his lawyers.

Mr Pinheiro then made an application for Mr Bello’s arraignment.

“What the law requires is the presence of the defendant, not the presence of his lawyers,” he argued, citing sections 271 and 396 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015.

“I respectfully apply that the charge be ready to this defendant and his plea be taken. Then this matter can be adjourned,” he said.

But the judge said the instant case was peculiar.

“It is peculiar in the sense that we have already agreed on a date, which is in January,” Mr Nwite said. “It would be a different thing if the defendant had no counsel.”

Mr Pinheiro insisted that the defendant’s plea be taken, citing a previous case.

“I rely on the authority of Joseph Vs State, 2014, to the effect that what the court requires for arraignment is the physical presence of the defendant and not the presence of his counsel,” the EFCC’s counsel said.

Delivering the ruling, Mr Nwite turned down Mr Pinheiro’s application.

“I have listened to the submission of counsel to the prosecution and also heard from the defendant. It is not in dispute that on October 30, this matter came up. And it is not in dispute that the defendant was not in court.

“It is also not in dispute that the court ordered the parties to address the court on whether the defendant can be tried in absentia. It is also not in dispute that the matter has been adjourned till the 21st day of January 2024 for a ruling.

“It will be unfair if the matter is taken without the defendant’s counsel. It would be a different thing if the defendant had no counsel. Therefore, I am of the view that the defendant’s counsel be put on notice,” he ruled.

Justice Nwite consequently adjourned the matter until December 13 for the hearing of the EFCC’s motion for the abridgement of time for the arraignment of the former governor.

The judge, who ordered that the hearing notice be issued and served on the defendant’s lawyers, directed that the ex-governor remain in the anti-graft agency’s custody pending the adjourned date.

The World Trade Organisation has confirmed the reappointment of Nigeria’s Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as its director-general for a second term.

“The General Council of the World Trade Organization (WTO) has agreed by consensus to reappoint Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as Director-General for a second four-year term, set to begin on 1 September 2025,” the WTO said in a statement on Friday.

Accepting her reappointment, Mrs Okonjo-Iweala commended the council for backing her, promising to improve lives, promote trade and ensure global economic growth that will be beneficial to all.

“It is a privilege to continue serving as Director-General for a second four-year term. As we look ahead, I remain firmly committed to delivering results that matter—results that ultimately improve the lives of people around the world,” said Mr Okonjo-Iweala.

She added, “By promoting trade as a driver of economic growth and resilience, the WTO will continue to provide a collaborative platform for Members to address shared global challenges.

“I am deeply committed to working alongside the talented and dedicated staff of the WTO to build a more inclusive, equitable, and rules-based multilateral trading system that benefits all.”

The WTO, which approved her reappointment during a special General Council meeting on November 28 and 29, 2024, said the decision reflects the broad recognition of her exceptional leadership and strategic vision for the future.

Governor Uba Sani on Thursday in Birnin Gwari received the first set of repentant bandits and opened the cattle market, which had been closed for about 10 years due to insecurity.

The governor also said his administration would be fair and just to all.

“I will be fair to everyone, be they farmers, herders and traders, in order to achieve lasting peace and development,” Mr Sani stated.

Mr Sani added, ‘’Through numerous meetings and extensive discussions, we have built bridges of trust. Several senior bandit leaders had laid their arms and embraced peace, along with their followers.”

According to him, the so-called repentant bandits are enrolled in a rehabilitation programme designed by his government in partnership with the federal government.

‘’This programme adheres to international standards of disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration, ensuring that these individuals can return to society as productive citizens,’’ he stated.

The governor warned that the rehabilitation of the repent bandits was based on the principle of carrot and stick.

“While we welcome those who choose peace, we will not hesitate to take decisive action against anyone who continues to perpetuate violence. The security, law enforcement and intelligence agencies have already achieved significant results, neutralising bandits’ kingpins, dismantling criminal networks and rescuing kidnapped victims,’’ the governor stressed.

Mr Sani announced that his government was developing a ‘Kaduna Model,’ a comprehensive framework for sustainable peace and security.

The governor said his administration operates an open-door policy and encourages dialogue as the foundation of lasting peace.

“My message to anyone considering taking up arms is simple: talk to us instead. Let us resolve disputes through dialogue, not violence. To the bandits who have yet to embrace peace, I urge you to reconsider. Enough is enough.

“The days of kidnapping, cattle rustling, force levies and other criminal activities are over.

”Those who genuinely seek to change will find a government ready to support them, protect them and help them rebuild their lives,” said Mr Sani.