IJAW NATIONAL CONGRESS WARNS AGAINST REMOVAL OF 13% DERIVATION
The Ijaw National Congress (INC) has warned against alleged attempts to remove Section 162, Sub-section 2 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) concerning derivation.
The Sub-section states: ’The President, upon the receipt of advice from the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission,
shall table before the National Assembly proposals for revenue allocation from the Federation Account, and in
determining the formula, the National Assembly shall take into account, the allocation principles especially those of
population, equality of States, internal revenue generation, land mass, terrain as well as population density;
Provided that the principle of derivation shall be constantly reflected in any approved formula as being not less than
thirteen per cent of the revenue accruing to the Federation Account directly from any natural resources.’
In a media statement, the INC National President, Prof. Benjamin Okaba, made reference to a story which he said was circulating in the social media, of a purported bill sponsored by 59 members of the House of Representatives, who are allegedly of northern extraction with an intent to delete section 162 sub section 2 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
Admonishing law makers who might be planning to engage in what he described as ” embarking on a voyage which pathway is too thorny for them to navigate”, he urged them to refrain from any action to delete the said Sub-section adding, “If we must live together as one, we must strive to do those things that unite us and shun the ones that divide us; . rather than needlessly stoking the fire of discord”
HEARING AGAINST IPOB LEADER, NNAMDI KANU ADJOURNED TO NOVEMBER 10
Hearing on charges against the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, arraigned before the Justice Binta federal high court in Abuja has been adjourned to November 10.
The amended seven count charges brought against Kanu by the federal government bordered on alleged treasonable felony and acts of terrorism.
There was heavy security presence at the court premises and reporters were denied access into the court to monitor proceedings.
It was, however, gathered that Nnamdi Kanu pleaded not guilty to the seven-count amended charges preferred against him by the Federal Government.
NSA: (ISWAP) Al-Barnawi’s Successor and other eliminated
The National Security Adviser (NSA) to the President, Major General Babagana Monguno (rtd), confirmed that Nigerian troops have killed the man who succeeded Abu Musab Al-Barnawi as the leader of the Islamic State of West African Province (ISWAP).
He stated this at a media briefing with State House correspondents on Thursday in Abuja after a security meeting
with President Muhammadu Buhari, the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, service chiefs and senior government officials.
He stated that earlier on Tuesday, the man who succeeded him, one Malam Bako, one of the prominent leaders of the Shura Council of the Islamic State of West African Province, was also killed adding that the terroristThe National Security Adviser (NSA) to the President, Major General Babagana Monguno (rtd), confirmed that Nigerian troopshave killed the man who succeeded Abu Musab Al-Barnawi as the leader of the Islamic State of West African Province (ISWAP).He stated this at a media briefing with State House correspondents on Thursday in Abuja after a security meetingwith President Muhammadu Buhari, the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, service chiefs and senior government officials.He stated that earlier on Tuesday, the man who succeeded him, one Malam Bako, one of the prominent leaders of the Shura Council of the Islamic State of West African Province, was also killed adding that the terrorists are also contending with a leadership crisis.
MURIC REACTS TO TURKISH PRESIDENT ERDOGAN, ASKS FG TO IGNORE ALLEGATIONS OF TERRORISTS IN NIGERIA
Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has reacted to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s allegations that
members of the Fetullah Terrorist Organisation (FETO) that attempted to overthrow his government on July 15, 2016 through a failed coup are currently in Nigeria.
President Erdogan, who was on a four-day official tour of three African countries (Nigeria, Togo and Angola), made the allegation at a joint press conference with President Muhammadu Buhari in Abuja.
However, reacting to the allegation, MURIC Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, advised the Federal Government thi the Turkish president’s allegation that there are Turkish terrorists in Nigeria should be taken ‘with a pinch of salt’ adding that it is false, baseless and of no consequence whatsoever.
While acknowledging Erdogan’s role as a leading mouthpiece of the Muslim world and a stout defender of Islam particularly against Western stigmatization, he reiterated that it does not confer on him the right to label the opposition in his country as terrorists.
No Cover Up on EndSars Panel Report – Governor Sanwo-olu
The Lagos State Judicial Panel on Restitution for Victims of Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS Related Abuses and Other Matters, and the October 20, 2020, Lekki Tollgate shootings, set up by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and
chaired by Justice Doris Okuwobi, concluded its sittings on Monday, one year after it was constituted.
The panel Panel which received 255 petitions out of which 252 were considered for hearing, was able to decide on 182 petitions and awarded N148.2million as compensation to 24 petitioners, bringing the total amount awarded since the panel started sitting on October 26, 2020, to N410million to 71 petitioners.
Despite the conclusion of sittings by the panel, the long-awaited report on the October 20, 2020, Lekki Tollgate alleged shootings was not read as Justice Okuwobi said it was being prepared, noting that the investigation of the incident, including taking of evidence and exhibits, had however been completed.
Reacting to the conclusion of the EndSars Panel assignment,
Governor Sanwo-Olu, speaking at the 10th Meeting of the National Council on Lands, Housing and Urban Development in Lagos, assured that the state government will not make any attempt to cover up the recommendations of the panel, whether it is in the government’s favour or not.
How we truncated Third Term Agenda – Former Senate President, Ken Nnamani
On Thursday, in Abuja, at the official launch of his book titled “Standing Strong: Legislative Reforms, Third Term and Other Issues of the 5th Senate”, the former Senate President, Ken Nnamani, revealed how the planned amendment of the 1999 constitution to allow for a third term in office during former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration, was truncated.
He said but for the vigilance and courage of the National Assembly leaders who supported the due process and opposed an invasion of self-serving politicians, the agenda would have been a disaster for the nation’s developing democracy but for the Senate decision to televise law makers deliberations which instigated public attention making legislators to be more responsible in respect of their law-making duties in the fledgling democracy.
President Muhammadu Buhari, who was represented by the Minister of Science and Technology, Ogbonaya Onu, commended Nnamani for his contribution to nation building while former Chief Army Staff, who chaired the occasion, General Theophilus Y. Danjuma recommended the book for all upcoming leaders.
A former Senate President, Adolphus Wabara urged Nnamani to ensure that the country remains democratic and thanked Buhari for not nursing ambition for a third term adding that if President Buhari wants an amendment of the constitution to extend his tenure, ‘this current National Assembly will grant it.’ He urged Nnamani to ‘Keep standing strong”.