Author: Val Kosi

  • Manufacturers’ unsold goods topped N1.4trn in 2024  — MAN

    Manufacturers’ unsold goods topped N1.4trn in 2024 — MAN

    High inflation and reduced purchasing power of consumers led to more than N1.4 trillion unsold goods by manufacturers in 2024, the President of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Francis Meshioye, has said.

    Meshioye disclosed this yesterday, in Lagos, at the 2025 Presidential Media Luncheon organized by the association.

    He stated: “In 2024, Nigeria’s manufacturing sector encountered a myriad of macroeconomic and infrastructural challenges that severely impacted its performance. The sector faced mounting pressure from high inflation, a depreciating Naira, rising interest rates, escalating electricity tariffs, record low sales, multiplicity of taxes and levies and militating security concerns. These factors collectively strained the sector’s profitability and curtailed its contribution to the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP).

    “Inflation in Nigeria reached an alarming 34.6% by November 2024, diminishing consumers’ purchasing power and causing a decline in demand for manufactured goods.

    “This inflationary burden also led to an accumulation of unsold inventory, which rose to N1.4 trillion across the manufacturing industries.”

    The MAN president reeled out other challenges confronted by the sector in the year. According to him, the floating of the exchange rate which resulted in a steep depreciation of the Naira, led to inflated costs of imported raw materials and machinery, worsening the already strained profitability of manufacturers.

    “Interest rates reached unprecedented levels, climbing to 27.7% by November 2024. This increase substantially raised borrowing costs, making it harder for manufacturers to access financing for expansion and modernization. The rising interest rates, combined with inflation, severely limited the potential for investment in the sector, impeding long-term growth prospects.

    “Additionally, menu

    facturers were hit hard with a drastic rise in electricity tariffs, with rates increasing by over 250%. This surge in energy costs became one of the highest operating expenses for businesses in the sector in 2024. As a result, many manufacturers sought alternative energy sources, further straining their financial resources and complicating their ability to remain competitive.

    “Consequently, it cannot be far-fetched that the sector’s struggles were reflected in its decreasing contribution to Nigeria’s GDP.

    “Manufacturing’s share of the economy dropped significantly from 16.04% in Q4 2023 to 12.68% in Q2 2024, indicating a contraction in economic activity within the sector. The combination of high operational costs, reduced consumer demand, and limited access to finance contributed majorly to this decline,” he added.

  • Bishop gets 20 years in jail for rape

    Bishop gets 20 years in jail for rape

    The Federal Capital Territory, FTC, High Court sitting at Gudu, presided over by Justice Adebiyi Osolo, has sentenced the founder and Bishop of a popular church in Abuja, Bishop Kenneth Duke, to 20 years’ imprisonment without an option of fine for rape.

    The 52-year-old convict, an indigene of Cross River State, was dragged to court by the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, NAPTIP, for allegedly raping a 12-year-old daughter of one of the church members, who was entrusted to the care of his family.

    NAPTIP, meanwhile, said it had rescued nine pregnant girls at a suspected baby factory located in one of the sprawling estates in the Ushafa area of Abuja.

    The convict was arraigned in court on November 2, 2023, on a two-count charge of rape and intentionally causing emotional and phycological abuse to the victim.

    According to the charge, in March 2023, the convict, who lives behind the Dantata Construction Company, Dakwa, Abuja, raped the victim, thereby committing an offence punishable under the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, 2015.

    The victim, an indigene of Ondo State, was living in Lagos before she was brought to Abuja to live with her mother.

    The Federal Capital Territory, FTC, High Court sitting at Gudu, presided over by Justice Adebiyi Osolo, has sentenced the founder and Bishop of a popular church in Abuja, Bishop Kenneth Duke, to 20 years’ imprisonment without an option of fine for rape.

    The 52-year-old convict, an indigene of Cross River State, was dragged to court by the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, NAPTIP, for allegedly raping a 12-year-old daughter of one of the church members, who was entrusted to the care of his family.

    NAPTIP, meanwhile, said it had rescued nine pregnant girls at a suspected baby factory located in one of the sprawling estates in the Ushafa area of Abuja.

    The convict was arraigned in court on November 2, 2023, on a two-count charge of rape and intentionally causing emotional and phycological abuse to the victim.

    According to the charge, in March 2023, the convict, who lives behind the Dantata Construction Company, Dakwa, Abuja, raped the victim, thereby committing an offence punishable under the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, 2015.

    The victim, an indigene of Ondo State, was living in Lagos before she was brought to Abuja to live with her mother.

    The charge narrated that on March 5, 2023, the victim’s mother took her to the church located at Dantata Zuba Expressway and that after the service, she was taken to the Bishop’s family house to stay with them to enable the Bishop’s wife take her to where she would learn a skill, following an agreement earlier reached by both families.

    However, the following day, being March 6, 2023, the father of five (bishop), according to the charge, sent his children on an errand, leaving him with the victim alone in the house. About 10a.m., the Bishop reportedly gave the victim some Mathematics work to solve, only to allegedly rape her as she was solving it.

    The court found the cleric guilty of a one-count charge of rape and sentenced him accordingly, to 20 years imprisonment without an option of fine.

    NAPTIP rescues 9 pregnant girls from baby factory

    In another development, NAPTIP has rescued nine pregnant girls from a suspected baby factory in the Ushafa area of Abuja.

    The victims, according to the agency’s National Public Relations Officer, Vincent Adekoya, “were locked up in a rented apartment inside the estate by a yet-to-be-identified human trafficking agent after recruiting them through an online platform.

    “The raid on the facility by operatives of NAPTIP followed a tip-off by a concerned citizen who noticed the unusual situation and movement around the area.”

  • What Donald Trump’s second presidency means for Nigeria, by Olu Fasan

    What Donald Trump’s second presidency means for Nigeria, by Olu Fasan

    Earlier this week, on Monday, January 20, Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th president of the US. Eight years ago, on January 20, 2017, Trump was inaugurated as America’s 45th president. His remarkable comeback, after a four-year interregnum, makes him the second US president, since Grover Cleveland in 1892, to return to office for a non-consecutive term after being defeated for re-election; he’s the first in 130 years! But Trump’s return is menacing. At home, he promised carpet-bombing change; abroad, he vowed aggressive expansionism.

    In his ultra-nationalist ‘America First’ inaugural speech, Trump vowed to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America, ignoring Mexico’s sensitivity, and seize the Panama Canal, brushing aside Panama’s sovereignty. Before his inauguration, Trump threatened to forcibly annex Greenland, a territory of Denmark, and turn Canada into America’s 51st state. President Trump’s first coming in 2017 sent shock waves across the world; his second presidency will unsettle many countries. But what might it mean for Nigeria?

    Well, the starting point is that Donald Trump is not enamoured of Nigeria. He once described Nigeria as a “shithole” country with “a reputation for massive corruption.” During his first term, President Trump’s relationship with Nigeria was transactional and condescending. Transactional, because it was based on Nigeria’s willingness to buy American agricultural products and weapons. Without that willingness, he didn’t give a hoot about Nigeria.

    For instance, under President Barack Obama, the US refused to sell weapons to Nigeria, citing human rights abuses. But not under Trump. In 2018, when President Buhari visited the White House, Trump announced the US would sell 12 A-Super Tucano aircrafts to Nigeria. “They [Nigeria] were not allowed to buy military helicopters in our country for various reasons,” Trump said. “I worked that out; now, they can get them and get them very quickly.” He added for good measure: “We make the best military equipment in the world.” At the same meeting, Trump complained about Nigeria’s import bans, saying it’s important that “we are able to sell out great agricultural products into Nigeria,” adding: “And that will happen, OK?”

    Truth is, for foreign countries, one way to Trump’s heart is economic; buying American products. In his inaugural speech, President Trump said America “will tariff and tax foreign countries to enrich our citizens.” He said he would establish “the External Revenue Service to collect all tariffs, duties and revenues,” adding: “It will be massive amounts of money pouring into our treasury coming from foreign sources.” The logic is trade reciprocity.

    The US stopped being the major buyer of Nigerian crude nearly a decade ago, after it moved from the largest importer in 2012 to the tenth largest in 2015. However, Nigeria still has a trade surplus over America on goods exports. Trump doesn’t like that. He said the US gave Nigeria huge aid – “it’s so large you wouldn’t even believe it” – and demanded America be treated in a “reciprocal fashion” on trade. In his second term, with a more radical mercantilist mindset, President Trump will revisit these issues, and Nigeria won’t find favour with him unless it panders to his demand for greater reciprocity in trade relations

    Then, there’s geopolitics. The closer Nigeria is to China, the further away it would be from America under Trump. In a recent interview with the Financial Times, Peter Pham, a senior Trump aide, tipped as a possible assistant secretary of state for Africa, said President Trump would be less indulgent with countries seen as antagonistic to US interests. He said Trump might extend the tariff-free access to the US under the Africa Opportunity Growth Act, AGOA, “only to countries that opened their own markets to the US exports and whose foreign policy was aligned with Washington’s.”

    Trump threatened to impose a 100 per cent tariff on BRICS countries if they abandoned U.S. dollar. Nigeria’s recent renewal of the 15-billion-yuan currency swap agreement with China, intended to reduce its reliance on dollar transactions, might enrage Trump if it deepens economic ties with China at the expense of the US. Being a close ally of China might not win Nigeria favours with Trump!

    So, economic and geo-strategic relations are two areas where Trump’s second presidency might adversely affect Nigeria. Furthermore, if Trump keeps his promise to “drill baby drill” and create glut in the oil market to bring down oil price and energy costs, then Nigeria could face headwinds with a N49.7 trillion budget predicated largely on high oil price. Add to that Trump’s mass deportations. According to the Office of Homeland Security, 2,725 Nigerians were deported from the US between 2017 and 2019, during Trump’s first term. Now, he wants to deport “millions and millions” of undocumented migrants. How many would be Nigerian? And is the government prepared to receive them?

    But beyond the above, how would President Trump and President Bola Tinubu relate? Truth be told, Tinubu and his party are not fans of Trump and his party. Being a “progressive” party, APC shares affinity with US Democrats, not the Republicans. Indeed, Tinubu is rumoured to have donated to Hillary Clinton’s presidential election campaign in 2016. When she lost to Trump, APC leaders were distraught. One Buhari minister said the Democrats “went to sleep” in the election; another said he was “in a bit of shock”.

    Recently, Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, a former external affairs minister, said: “If I were President Tinubu, I would steer clear of antagonising Trump.” But, in reality, Tinubu doesn’t like Trump. For instance, in September last year, President Tinubu’s Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Temitope Ajayi, who must be speaking for his boss, disparagingly described Peter Obi as “the Nigerian version” of Donald Trump, saying: “Like Obi, Trump will use the most negative epithets imaginable to describe a country he wants to lead again just to make a point and rile up his base.” Trump won’t forget such a slight easily!

    But the key event to watch is the 2027 presidential election. Why? Because APC won’t be able to count on a US Democratic president for support as Buhari did with Obama and Tinubu did with Biden. Former President Goodluck Jonathan believes Obama caused his re-election defeat in 2015, and many believe Biden rushed to congratulate Tinubu after the deeply flawed 2023 presidential election, prompting an angry open letter to President Biden by the acclaimed Nigerian writer Chimamanda Adichie. Well, Trump won’t keep silent if the 2027 presidential election is rigged, which would add fascinating dynamics to the poll.

    Taken the foregoing together, Trump’s second presidency points to an interesting relationship between Nigeria and America. How well or badly will Tinubu manage it?

  • Edo poll: Ighodalo calls 3 more witnesses against Okpebholo’s gov victory

    Edo poll: Ighodalo calls 3 more witnesses against Okpebholo’s gov victory

    BENIN CITY – THE Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and its governorship candidate in the September 21, 2024, governorship election, Asue Ighodalo, yesterday, called three more witnesses from three local government areas in the state to prove his allegation of winning the election before the election tribunal sitting in Benin City.

    At the continued hearing in the petition by Ighodalo and PDP, challenging the declaration of Monday Okpebholo of All Progressives Congress, APC, as the winner of the poll by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, the petitioners’ witnesses gave testimonies before the court, claiming that widespread irregularities marred the conduct of the poll in their local government areas.

    The witness, Destiny Enabulele, led in evidence by counsel to the petitioners, Abiodun Owonikoko, SAN, said in arriving at the averment on his witness statement on oath, he examined documents used in the election which included certified true copies of INEC’s summary of the Wards collation results.

    He said: “These are documents I examined carefully to arrive at my witness statement on oath. There was no prior recording of sensitive materials deployed by INEC to 19 polling Units in Ovia South West Local Government Area.”

    Asked by counsel to the respondents whether he participated in the making of the documents he used to arrive at his statement on oath, Enabulele said he only participated in the making of Form EC8C, which is the ward collation result.

    However, there was a mid-drama when the petitioners’ witness from Etsako West Local Government Area, Babah Idenobhe, told the court in his testimonies that there was over voting in three polling Units (units 021-023) in his local government area, but it was discovered that some of the documents the witness claimed to have relied on in arriving at his statement on oath were certified by INEC on January 8, 2025, while his statement on oath was deposed to October 10, 2024.

    “One of the materials I took into consideration in my deposition is the original certified true copies of polling units results, photographed with the BIVAS machines,” he posited.

    Also, Moses Agbukor, from Etsako East Local Government Area, who functioned in the exercise as Collation Agent for his party PDP in the LGA, in his testimonies claimed over voting and non prior recording of sensitive materials.

    In their reactions, Kanu Agabi, SAN, Onyechi Ikpeazu, SAN and Emmanuel Ukala, SAN, counsel to the INEC, Okpebholo and the APC respectively objected the admissibility of the tendered documents, but reserved their grounds to the final written addresses.

    The Chairman of the tribunal, Justice Wilfred Kpochi, in his ruling, said the documents were provisionally admitted in evidence and then adjourned the sitting till today for continuation of hearing.

     

  • Issues with access to justice in Nigeria —Adegboruwa, SAN

    Issues with access to justice in Nigeria —Adegboruwa, SAN

    In this report, Lagos lawyer and human rights crusader, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, SAN, explores the legal and socie

    tal frameworks guaranteeing access to justice and the challenges impeding its realisation in Nigeria. The report which also underscores the fact that access to justice ensures societal balance, promotes accountability, and prevents resorting to anarchy, argues that for justice to be meaningful, it must be accessible to all.

    Background

    Article 7 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act, 2004, states that “every individual shall have the right to have his cause heard.’ This is also echoed in Article 8 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights that ‘everyone has the right to an effective remedy by the competent national tribunals for acts violating the fundamental rights granted him by the constitution or by law.’

    The Supreme Court of Nigeria adopted this concept as its motto through the Latin: maxim ubi jus ibi remedium, meaning where there is a right, there is a remedy. The learned authors of A Dictionary of Law, define it in these terms: ‘the principle is that where one’s right is invaded or destroyed, the law gives a remedy to protect it or damages for its loss. Further, where one’s right is denied, the law affords the remedy of an action for its enforcement.

    This right to a remedy therefore includes more than is usually meant in English law by the term “remedy”, as it includes a right of action. Wherever, therefore, a right exists, there is also a remedy. Ashby v White (1703) 14 St Tr 695, 92 ER 126.

    This right is inherent in mankind itself as a way of preserving peace, law and order in the society thus avoiding resort to anarchy, lawlessness and all the ugly instances of self-help.

    The status quo ordinarily leans in favour of the rich, the mighty and those in authority, such that in many cases, policy formulation and implementation result in the breach of entrenched rights and privileges. The resort to justice by the victim is usually considered to be preferable and beneficial.

    In this regard, Article 2 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights provides that each party to the Covenant shall ‘ensure that any person whose rights or freedoms as herein recognised are violated shall have an effective remedy’

    Findings from 2023 Justice Needs and Satisfaction (JNS) Report

    A recent study by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of The Netherlands in collaboration with the Communication & Marketing Research Group (CMRG) Limited gave some detailed perspectives on the utility of the justice sector in Nigeria.

    According to the report: “The Justice Needs and Satisfaction (JNS) 2023 study presents the justice experiences of 6,573 randomly selected Nigerian adults. The data and findings outline the legal problems they encounter, their impact, and the steps people take to address their legal needs.

    “The 2023 JNS Report is an essential tool for understanding the needs of people in Nigeria, identifying areas that require improvement, and monitoring the progress of various justice initiatives currently underway.”

    Common legal problems

    Specifically, the study finds that approximately 81% of Nigerians experienced at least one legal problem in the past year, with many facing multiple problems while 55% of all legal problems were resolved either partially or completely, with about 82% of those resolutions deemed fair or very fair.

    The study also finds that most common legal problem categories experienced by Nigerians include disputes with neighbours, domestic violence, land disputes, crime, and housing problems while approximately 86% of Nigerians with a legal problem take some form of action to address their most serious problem.

    Sources of help to legal problems

    Besides, it was found out that when addressing their most pressing legal problems, people often rely on their inner circle, frequently seeking help from family and friends and that beyond one’s social network, the most frequent sources of help include the police (11%), community/traditional leaders (8%), religious authorities (6%), landlords (6%), local public authorities (5%), and lawyers (5%).”

    Stakeholders in the legal profession have always known about this alarming situation but they carry on as if it is normal.

    Need for access to justice

    The right of access to justice bears a universal meaning that should not be subject to the vagaries of territories which are hostile to its affirmation.

    The Legal Information Institute of the Cornell Law School, defines it as “the ethical, philosophical idea that people are to be treated impartially, fairly, properly, and reasonably by the law and by the arbiters of the law, that laws are to ensure that no harm befalls another, and that, where harm is alleged, a remedial action is taken – both the accuser and the accused receive a morally right consequence merited by their actions.

    Justice is a legal structure or system that is designed to judge in a general sense who should be accorded a benefit or burden when the law is applied to a person’s factual circumstances.”

    The idea of justice springs from the fact that human beings are created equal but by reason of personal strength, status, wealth or influence, one person may be placed in a position of advantage more than the other such that if they were to plead on any matter in dispute between them, the strong may lord it over the weak.

    The idea of justice is meant to create a balance for society, in order to avoid the rule of self, to abolish any preference for arbitrariness and the regime of might over reason. Justice creates the forum where persons who have grievances can table them for resolution, so that the wrong person can be corrected and the right person justified and appeased. Society thrives on the principle of justice because it gives a sense of assurance to everybody, be it the weak, the strong or the handicapped that given all variables, the system will work to correct all wrongs and offer a remedy to the aggrieved.

    Factors hindering access to justice in Nigeria

    Many factors contribute to denial of access to justice, depending on which perspective the issue is viewed.

    The focus of this discourse is to highlight the impact of the declining population of lawyers on justice administration, flowing from the JNS study.

    By conservative estimates, Nigeria’s population is said to be above 200 million while the number of lawyers is roughly around 200,000 to 250,000.

    Included are members of the judiciary, being Magistrates, Judges, Justices and Tribunal members. This group also includes lawyers who have ventured into politics, business and those who have travelled out of Nigeria. And I guess it also includes those who have passed on to glory.

    Effectively, therefore, the number of lawyers who are available to render legal services to those who desire it is declining every day. It is projected that Nigeria has about 3,000 active law firms with 6% increase per year.

    The standard law firms are mostly located in the urban areas of Lagos, Abuja, Port-Harcourt, Kaduna, Benin, Kano, etc.

    Given the poor state of infrastructure, especially power supply, it is very expensive to maintain a law firm.

    In contrast, the Body of Benchers admits an average of 4,000 students into the Nigerian Bar every year, with a growing population of unemployed lawyers who mostly crowd around these law firms.

    Other options available to access justice

    Although it is not totally abhorrent to have alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, resort to arbitrariness in these fora cannot be ruled out.

    In the local courts set up in religious places and in the villages, the absence of a written code of adjudication presents such options that are sometimes unenviable.

    Notwithstanding these reservations, the JNS study ranks the police as the top preference by those who seek remedy standing at 11%, followed by community/traditional leaders with 8%, religious authorities with 6%, landlords with 6%, local public authorities 5% and lawyers 5%.

    Why citizens boycott lawyers to resolve issues

    From the analysis above, it is pertinent to ask: Why do citizens boycott lawyers to have their matters resolved by traditional rulers and religious entities?

    First, the lawyer to citizen ratio is very low. Second, the cost of securing quality legal service is very high. Third, the uncertainty of redress is pushing potential litigants to unusual terrains.

    Fourth, the unreasonable delay associated with the administration of justice in Nigeria has no rival elsewhere in the globe. Fifth is the issue of corruption, through which a right cause is buried in absurd technical interpretations, judicial conflicts and legal abracadabra.

    There are of course cultural and religious factors which discourage access to justice, whereby the myth has been falsely planted in the minds of people that no one goes to court to become friends thereafter, forgetting that most legislations contain provisions that encourage settlement between warring parties.

    Issues with ADR mechanisms

    The right of access to justice as encapsulated in section 6 (6) (b) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended, gives the power of adjudication to the courts.

    This right is granted unfettered, subject in some cases, to certain legal limitations, whereas the sources listed in the JNS report lack the basic ingredients of justice administration, especially the right of appeal to competent organs.

    When the police judge you as guilty, to whom do you take your case? If you are not satisfied with the verdict of your pastor or imam, do you stop worshipping in that church or mosque?

    The point to note about the statutory guarantee of the right of access to justice is that it brings everybody and every person under the law such that the concept of justice cannot be meaningful without access as its denial is akin to absence of justice.

    Recommendations to improve access to justice

    Government Subsidies: Part of the solution is for the government to subsidize access to justice by way of reducing the cost of legal services and improve infrastructure.

    Expanded Legal Education: Furthermore, the issue of backlog of law students should be addressed urgently by way of encouraging more states to partner together to build more law schools so that the training institutions can liberalize the admission process for citizens who genuinely wish to study law and increase the number of trained lawyers

    Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR): Strengthen ADR mechanisms while ensuring they adhere to principles of justice, such as the right to appeal.

    Judicial Reforms: Tackle delays, corruption, and inefficiencies in the justice system.

  • Tinubu names former Lagos commissioner, Opeifa NRC MD

    Tinubu names former Lagos commissioner, Opeifa NRC MD

    President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Dr. Kayode Opeifa, as the substantive Managing Director of the Nigeria Railway Corporation, NRC.

    Opeifa was the former Commissioner for Transportation in Lagos State, under the administration of Governor Babatunde Fashola, before he was subsequently appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration to help tackle the perennial, intractable Apapa gridlock.

    He was also appointed vice- chairman, Presidential Task Team, PTT, to free Apapa of gridlock by the former Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, who chaired the task team then, charged with unbundling the ravaging traffic at the Lagos ports.

    By his new appointment, Dr. Opeifa succeeded Ben Iloanusi who was acting managing director that replaced former Managing Director, Fidet Okhiria, who exited on October 18, 2024 after completion of his second four-year tenure.

    The appointment of Opeifa has been described as well-deserved recognition of his exceptional contributions to the transportation sector in Lagos and Nigeria as whole.

    Friends and family have expressed confidence in his ability to revitalize the nation’s railway system, given his extensive expertise and track record of success.

    Dr. Opeifa gained prominence during his tenure as Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, where he spearheaded transformative initiatives that modernized the city’s transport sector.

    His policies and innovations not only improved traffic management but also established Lagos as a benchmark for urban transportation systems in Africa.

    Based on his laudable achievement in the sector, Opeifa was later appointed as Transport Secretary for the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, by former President Muhammadu Buhari.

    In this capacity, he demonstrated exceptional leadership and competence, ensuring efficient transportation systems in the nation’s capital.

    With a profound understanding of transportation systems, particularly railways, Dr. Opeifa is expected to bring a new vision to the NRC. His leadership is expected to drive the development of a more efficient, interconnected railway system that would boost economic growth and enhance the quality of life for Nigerians

  • Birthright citizenship: Nigerians in diaspora kick, say it’s illegal

    Birthright citizenship: Nigerians in diaspora kick, say it’s illegal

    Nigerians in diaspora have condemned the move by President Donald Trump to cancel citizens by birth as guaranteed in the American constitution, saying an executive order alone was not enough to amend a constitutional provision.

    They argued that in the end, it would be up to the US courts and the Supreme Court to decide on the legality or otherwise of Trump’s move.

    President Trump had signed an executive order on assumption of office, Monday, seeking to end the age-long citizenship by birth among many other orders that aimed to reverse the President Biden-policy era.

    The executive order seeks to stop automatic U.S. citizenship for children born on American soil to parents who are in the country unlawfully or on temporary stay.

    The Executive Order states that the federal government will no longer issue documents recognizing U.S. citizenship to children born to parents who are in the country unlawfully or temporarily. The order specifies that it will apply to children born in the U.S. after 30 days from the date of the order.

    The order has drawn immediate legal suits with 22 Democratic states and some civil rights groups filing court actions to stop the implementation.

    However, reacting to the development, Mr. Ralu Ajekwe, who resides in the USA, said though the move might have been contrived to protect the national interest, the key thing to be considered was the legality of the order.

    “Is it in line with extant laws? Is an executive order enough to amend a constitutional issue? One thing I will tell you though is that a government exists to protect the national interest of the state, both in local and international relations.

    ”This means that it has to take a stand that aligns with its goals, values, and objectives. If Trump has banned citizenship by birth, the questions should be: What are his goals and objectives?; Does it align with the interests and values of the American people?

    ” Are Americans happy with the policy? Does it lead to the greatest happiness of the greatest numbers?. If all the above is yes, then he is doing the right thing.  Another thing I think we should look at is the legality of the policy,” he stated.

    Speaking in the same vein, a diaspora Nigerian and a legal practitioner based in Canada, who declined to be named, dismissed the move, describing it simply as showmanship.

    “There are two things with Trump: One is grandstanding or showmanship for his base or supporters and another is what would be legal. There is a limit to executive orders,” he said.

    Citing a deviation from the 14th Amendment, he asserted that what Trump was trying to do was to introduce the concept of a parent’s temporary status or lack of permanent residency as qualification for US citizenship.

    He stated that the US constitution used the wording: “All persons born… in the United States and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside.”  Can children of temporary residents not be subject to the jurisdiction of the US?

    “There is an exception though. The children of people on the diplomatic mission are not usually citizens of the US (and Canada) due to their diplomatic immunity, privileges, conventions and practices.

    “I think that executive order will be challenged. It will be up to the US courts or Supreme Court to determine. If the court determines against Trump, those who lost their citizenship while the policy is in force will regain their citizenship.

    “Judiciary will have a final say and as such, there is no full details on that immigration policy till the legal challenges are decisively determined by the courts. Anything else would likely be posturing and grandstanding.

    “Now, as to the illegal migrants or undocumented migrants, which is also mentioned in the order, the constitution did not say their children can not be citizens. The overarching phrase: All persons born may work in their favour as well.

    “Come to think of it, most of the undocumented migrants are trying hard to be subject to the jurisdiction of the US through their action to or inaction to stay in the US albeit illegally. Most are pleading with the US to grant them a stay.  Can one safely argue that the undocumented migrants are not subject to the jurisdiction? He stated.

    Peter Obiora, online editor at InvestAdvocate, who lives in the United States, said: “It cannot work that way except they change the constitution on that. The constitution supersedes any other executive order. So, before that can happen, it has to be changed in the constitution.

    “There would be a barrage of lawsuits on this. He touted that idea the first time he came in and it was shot down, this time around, he’s back with it. But there’s no way Trump can stop birthright citizenship except through constitutional amendment.  I don’t see him actualising this until his tenure ends.”

    Johnpaul Nwafidelie, who is a resident in Canada, explained it was a way to control immigration into the United States.

    He explained that Canada was also working on a similar policy action but was going through the parliament.

    He advised Nigerians who want dual citizenship for their children to go through the right channel, given the current order in place.

    “My point is that Nigerians took advantage of birthright citizenship while it lasted. So, now that it has changed, people should follow the current policy to get it if they so desire.

    ”It worked good for foreign nationals but is no longer working because it gives citizenship to the wrong people who shouldn’t have been allowed to stay in the country due to crime and terrorism.

    “So, it’s a way they want to control the immigrants into the country. Like I always said, no door is shut, it’s just a change in process. So, whoever wants it should be patient enough to go through the right path and still get it,” he said.

     

  • Presidency proposes stricter sanctions on airlines over flight delays, cancellations

    Presidency proposes stricter sanctions on airlines over flight delays, cancellations

    The Central Results Delivery Coordination Unit, CRDCU, led by the Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination, Bala Usman, has proposed a review of the draft policy on sanctions for airlines to the ministry of aviation and aerospace development and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA.

    Usman argued that given the increasing number of flight delays and cancellations as well as its impact on affected passengers, revisiting the policy was necessary.

    She made this recommendation during the Q1–Q3 2024 performance assessment report on the implementation of presidential priorities and ministerial deliverables.

    Disclosing this via its Twitter handle yesterday, CRDCU stated that Usman also recommended a revision of the current target of 224 days for resolving customer complaints.

    According to her, it is unrealistic and in need of urgent amendment to align with global best practices.

    The statement read: “The CRDCU led by the Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination, Hadiza Bala Usman, this morning continued its engagement with Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, MDAs, to review the Q1–Q3 2024 Performance Assessment Report on the implementation of Presidential Priorities and Ministerial Deliverables.

    “The first engagement of the day was held at the ministry of aviation and aerospace development, where the special adviser met with the minister, Festus Keyamo; the permanent secretary of the ministry, Dr. Ibrahim Kana; Managing Director/CEO of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku; and other heads of departments and agencies under the ministry.

    “The special adviser commended the minister and leadership of the ministry for ensuring progress within the sector.

    ‘’However, she expressed concerns with the ministry and its agencies over their submission of incomplete information, which hinders the independent assessment of progress towards achieving certain deliverables.

    ‘’She also highlighted the ministry’s shortcomings in stakeholder and customer engagement, a key deliverable that also requires urgent improvement.

    “The special adviser recommended that the ministry and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, revisit the draft policy on sanctions for airlines.

    ‘’She described this as critical, given the increasing number of flight delays and cancellations and the impact on affected passengers.

    ‘’She further recommended a revision of the current target of 224 days for resolving customer complaints, describing it as unrealistic and in need of urgent recalibration to align with global best practices.”

    “Following the presentation of the ministry’s performance scorecard for Q1–Q3 2024, the minister expressed his appreciation to the special adviser for her diligent work and guidance.

    “He assured her that the ministry would address the highlighted challenges and intensify efforts to improve performance and service delivery in the aviation sector.”

    The Central Results

    Delivery Coordination Unit, CRDCU, led by the Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination, Bala Usman, has proposed a review of the draft policy on sanctions for airlines to the ministry of aviation and aerospace development and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA.

    Usman argued that given the increasing number of flight delays and cancellations as well as its impact on affected passengers, revisiting the policy was necessary.

    She made this recommendation during the Q1–Q3 2024 performance assessment report on the implementation of presidential priorities and ministerial deliverables.

    Disclosing this via its Twitter handle yesterday, CRDCU stated that Usman also recommended a revision of the current target of 224 days for resolving customer complaints.

    According to her, it is unrealistic and in need of urgent amendment to align with global best practices.

    The statement read: “The CRDCU led by the Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination, Hadiza Bala Usman, this morning continued its engagement with Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, MDAs, to review the Q1–Q3 2024 Performance Assessment Report on the implementation of Presidential Priorities and Ministerial Deliverables.

    “The first engagement of the day was held at the ministry of aviation and aerospace development, where the special adviser met with the minister, Festus Keyamo; the permanent secretary of the ministry, Dr. Ibrahim Kana; Managing Director/CEO of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku; and other heads of departments and agencies under the ministry.

    “The special adviser commended the minister and leadership of the ministry for ensuring progress within the sector.

    ‘’However, she expressed concerns with the ministry and its agencies over their submission of incomplete information, which hinders the independent assessment of progress towards achieving certain deliverables.

    ‘’She also highlighted the ministry’s shortcomings in stakeholder and customer engagement, a key deliverable that also requires urgent improvement.

    “The special adviser recommended that the ministry and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, revisit the draft policy on sanctions for airlines.

    ‘’She described this as critical, given the increasing number of flight delays and cancellations and the impact on affected passengers.

    ‘’She further recommended a revision of the current target of 224 days for resolving customer complaints, describing it as unrealistic and in need of urgent recalibration to align with global best practices.”

  • Edo State Governor Okpebholo Swears in Six Commissioners

    Edo State Governor Okpebholo Swears in Six Commissioners

    Monday Okpebholo, the governor of Edo State, has inaugurated six new commissioners into the state’s executive council, assigning them to various ministries.

    In a statement issued on Tuesday, Umar Ikhilor, Secretary to the State Government, confirmed the appointments and detailed the portfolios assigned to the newly sworn-in officials.

    According to Ikhilor, Paul Ohonbamu will oversee the Ministry of Information and Communications, while Washington Osifo has been tasked with managing the Ministry of Water Resources and Energy.

    Other assignments include:

    • Emmanuel Iyamu – Ministry of Education
    • Lucky Eseigbe – Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs
    • Andrew Ijegbai – Ministry of Mining

    The commissioners were directed to assume their duties immediately at their respective ministries.

    In addition to the new appointments, it was noted that last year, Governor Okpebholo nominated Cyril Oshiomhole, a medical doctor and the son of former Edo State governor and serving senator Adams Oshiomhole, as the Commissioner of Health.

    Similarly, Samson Osagie, a former member of the National Assembly, was nominated as the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice.

  • Speed Darlington Freed After Two Months in Detention

    Speed Darlington Freed After Two Months in Detention

    Nigerian singer Speed Darlington, popularly known as Akpi, has been released after spending two months in police custody.

    The singer was arrested on November 27, 2024, during a performance in Owerri, Imo State, over allegations of cyberstalking Burna Boy.

    Darlington had publicly taunted Burna Boy over his affiliation with US rapper Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs, who is facing multiple charges, including sexual exploitation and human trafficking.

    He had also questioned the legitimacy of Burna Boy’s Grammy win for his album Twice As Tall, alleging inappropriate relations between Burna Boy and Diddy, the album’s executive producer.

    On Tuesday evening, Darlington’s lawyer, Stan Alieke, announced the singer’s release via Instagram, sharing photos of him and vowing to seek justice for the alleged infringement of his rights.

    “Delighted to announce that our client, Mr. Darlington Achakpo, aka Speed Darlington (Akpi), has regained his freedom after two months of illegal incarceration,” Alieke wrote.

    He further stated, “For the record, as his team of lawyers, we will be exploring every angle of the law to ensure that he gets justice for his fundamental human rights, which were deprived of him by the Nigerian Police Force, and for the unfair and unjust treatment he was subjected to.”