Prominent human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, asserted yesterday that Nigerian police and other security agencies are not authorized to arrest, detain, or prosecute individuals for cyberstalking.

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He called for the immediate discontinuation of all ongoing cases under Section 24 of the Cybercrime Act 2015, emphasizing that the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Court has declared this section unlawful.

Falana highlighted that the ECOWAS Court has directed the Nigerian government to amend Section 24 to align with Nigerians’ rights to freedom of expression.

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He noted, “It is now illegal to arrest journalists for offenses such as cyberstalking, insult, causing annoyance, sending offensive messages, and criminal intimidation.”

Section 24 of the Cybercrime Act, 2015, criminalized actions including sending messages deemed grossly offensive, obscene, or menacing, and those that cause annoyance, inconvenience, or intimidation, with penalties of up to N7 million in fines or three years in prison.

However, Falana cited two ECOWAS Court cases – Laws and Rights Awareness Initiative (Suit No. ECW/CCJ/APP/53/18) and Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (Suit No. ECW/CCJ/APP/09/19) which ruled this section illegal, mandating amendments to protect freedom of expression under Nigerian and international law.

Following these judgments, the Nigerian government has repealed the contentious section and introduced Section 5 of the Cybercrime Amendment Act, refining the law to ensure compliance with fundamental rights.

HADO Nigeria Limited, a civil and steel engineering construction firm, has issued an urgent plea to Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State for the settlement of an outstanding N467 million debt owed for road projects completed during the tenure of former Governor Nyesom Wike.

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In a letter dated March 7 and received by the governor’s office on May 2, 2024, HADO Nigeria outlined the specifics of the projects completed in 2016 and 2017, which remain unpaid.

The letter, referenced HNL-ADM-CONT-2024-L530 and signed by Paul Doumit, detailed the work done and requested Governor Fubara’s intervention to facilitate the payment.

The letter titled, “Request For Payment Of Outstanding Payments For: Ogbunabali Internal Roads And Ozuoba-Rumuosi And Ozuoba-Rumuokparaeli-Choba Roads,” described the completed projects and the financial obligations yet to be met.

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The Ogbunabali Internal Roads Project, completed in 2017, has an outstanding balance of N264,742,965.40, while the Ozuoba-Rumuosi and Rumuokparaeli Road Projects, completed in December 2016, have an outstanding balance of N202,330,955.76.

The total amount due for both projects is N467,073,921.16.

“Contractor humbly solicits His Excellency’s intervention for the outstanding payments of the above-mentioned completed road projects,” the letter read. It further urged Governor Fubara to consider and address the payment request.

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On Tuesday, Governor Fubara revealed that his administration inherited significant debt from projects initiated by the previous administration under Nyesom Wike.

He disclosed that numerous contractors, who completed various projects under Wike, were seeking payment for their work, with outstanding balances running into billions.

This situation has intensified the tension between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Wike, who was renowned for his extensive project initiatives, including the construction of 12 flyovers.

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Wike had often claimed that these projects were fully funded, attributing the payments to the arrears of the 13 percent allocation to Niger Delta states, paid by former President Muhammadu Buhari.

Governor Fubara, who served as the state’s Accountant-General during Wike’s administration, announced his intention to probe Wike’s eight-year tenure, a move that coincides with his revelations about the substantial debts inherited from Wike’s projects.

The ongoing financial disputes and the looming investigation signal a deepening crisis between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, casting a shadow over the former governor’s legacy as “Mr. Projects.”

The Senate has urged the Federal Government to cease further allocation of funds to local government councils led by caretaker committees across the country.

This decision came following the adoption of a motion presented by Senator Suleiman Kawu (NNPP-Kano) during Wednesday’s plenary session, titled “Urgent Call on the President to Resuscitate Local Government System in Nigeria.”

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Senator Kawu emphasized the need for decisive action in addressing the challenges facing local government areas, including security threats, rural-urban migration, deteriorating infrastructure, and widespread unemployment.

He asserted that empowering local government areas is essential for unlocking a brighter future for all Nigerians.

Highlighting the erosion of local autonomy over the years, Senator Kawu lamented the limited financial resources and decision-making control afforded to local governments.

He also pointed out the negative impact of corruption scandals and mismanagement on the credibility of some local government administrations, which has fueled public skepticism.

Expressing concern over the role of some governors in hindering local government autonomy through constitutional alterations, Senator Kawu stressed the importance of providing local governments with adequate financial and operational autonomy to address security challenges effectively.

In their contributions, Senators Ahmad Lawan (APC-Yobe), Orji Uzor Kalu (APC-Abia), and Ifeanyi Ubah (APC-Anambra) emphasized the need to guarantee local government effectiveness through constitutional provisions.

They called for the full return of local government funds and the enhancement of the capacity of those governing the councils.

Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, presiding over the session, commended the motion, stating that it aligns with the Senate’s determination to bring accountability and effectiveness to the local government system.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has highlighted the urgent need to revise the laws establishing the Bureau of Public Procurements (BPP) to curb corruption associated with contract awards.

EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede made this statement at the EFCC headquarters in Jabi, Abuja, during a meeting with the BPP management team led by Director General Mamman Ahmadu.

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Olukoyede pointed out that the current legal framework has not effectively supported the prosecution or conviction of corrupt individuals involved in public procurement.

He emphasized that significant changes are required to prevent corruption before contracts are awarded and funds misappropriated.

“Over the years, the BPP has defined scopes that guide our contract and procurement processes, but there is still much more to be done,”

“The law has not been fully operationalized and has not aided prosecution significantly. I cannot recall any case where we secured a conviction using the BPP Act. To truly sanitize our contract and procurement processes, we must review the BPP Act.”

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He further criticized the BPP’s issuance of “Certificates of No Objection,” expressing concerns about the procedure’s susceptibility to corruption.

Olukoyede noted that the majority of corruption cases in the public sector are related to contracts and procurement.

“The issue of ‘Certificate of No Objection’ is concerning. We urge the BPP to review its processes and procedures for issuing these certificates,” he said.

“Having worked in regulatory compliance and enforcement, I have observed that corruption is most prevalent in contract and procurement activities.
The problem lies not with Nigerians but with the weak systems that people exploit. Strengthening our institutions is crucial.”

Olukoyede called for collaborative efforts between the EFCC and BPP to enhance the integrity of the procurement process, stressing the importance of preventative measures to stop corruption before it begins.

Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, has urged President Bola Tinubu to establish a clear communication channel with Nigerians regarding the timeline for the positive outcomes of his policies.

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Speaking to State House reporters on Wednesday at the Presidential Villa after meeting with President Tinubu, Bishop Kukah emphasized that while the current hardships are unintended, they result from necessary policy decisions that are expected to benefit the populace in the long run.

Despite the difficult times, Bishop Kukah stressed the importance of perseverance and renewal, noting that building a good society is a lengthy process.

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“We must brace ourselves because building a good society takes a lot of time,” he said.

During the meeting, Bishop Kukah, accompanied by the Director of the Kukah Centre, discussed an invitation for President Tinubu to attend a conference on National cohesion.

He highlighted the need for improved communication from the government to reassure Nigerians about the expected timeline for relief from current hardships.

When asked to evaluate President Tinubu’s first year in office, Bishop Kukah acknowledged the challenging circumstances but emphasized the necessity of patience and ongoing efforts to enhance the welfare and security of citizens.

He stated, “Nigerians are in various levels of pain due to policy decisions, but with time, these can be amended to better serve the people.”

Regarding the political crisis in Rivers State, Bishop Kukah downplayed the severity of political disputes, expressing confidence that politicians have the capacity to resolve their conflicts.

He urged Nigerians not to be overly concerned about political quarrels, noting that Rivers State holds significant importance and will find its way to stability.

Bishop Kukah reiterated the need for government transparency and effective communication to help Nigerians understand and endure the current difficulties as part of the journey toward a better future.